Peach Mojito Cocktail

I've been on a little blogging break (more about that in another post) and I've returned to offer you sweet nectar for these hot summer days.

I went to the Farmers Market last weekend - Saturday and Sunday - I was so excited to be done swim meets and basketball tournaments (I love my kids, I do, but summer gets jam-packed with sports) that I chose both mornings to wander through fresh fruit and veggies and flowers and crafts and stuff at DC's Eastern Market and Takoma Park's Sunday farmers' market.  One of the things I got a lot of was peaches because they were everywhere and their sweet scent filled every aisle.  My husband had brought me some peaches and I bought some more.  Peaches are a funny thing to get a lot of because if you do not eat them soon, they'll get too soft and go bad. But I bought a lot anyway.  Too busy to bake them in a pie. What else to do with these?

As luck would have it, I came across a drink recipe for a Peach Basil Whiskey Cocktail. Interesting. But I didn't want to use basil (which I had also bought, along with some  mint) and I don't drink whiskey and I don't like club soda.  But I liked where this was going. So here's what I came up with.

Peach Mojito Cocktail

Peach puree
White Rum (Bacardi)
Fresh Mint
Agave
Sprite

• Blanch peaches (I used 3 which was enough for several drinks), then puree skinned peaches in a blender.
• Muddle mint and agave
• Mix peach puree and rum (to your taste) with wire whisk
• Pour peach puree & rum into glass with mint & agave and ice. Top off with Sprite (to your taste.)
• Find your favorite spot out in the sun & enjoy.

Let me know what you think! Or if you change it up, too!

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Currently: Thinking about Colleges, Hybrid cars, Rest & Food

It's Monday and I'm back home. I went to the National PTA Convention this weekend and my daughters tagged along with me. Yes, it takes special kids to come along to a convention and actually attend some of the sessions.  During the convention, I was the featured blogger for the Family Reading Challenge launch and our family inspiration videos were posted.

Along the way, we stopped by Wake Forest University for a college tour (how did we get to this point already?!)  When I was in high school, I didn't do any college visits, I fully picked my school site-unseen.  Nowadays, however, college visits are expected and encouraged - and lots of them. I know folks who have visited ten, fifteen and more colleges with their soon-to-be-grad.  I don't think we'll do that many, we'll have to find a reasonable number.  If you've got a high schooler or recent grad, how many college visits did you all go on?

I drove a Ford Fusion hybrid for the trip.  Somewhere around 400 miles into the trip, the "E" light finally came on, I pulled over to fill up and with about 11 gallons, $30-some it was full and ready for another 500 miles.  Wow!  I usually drive an SUV (because we have to fit a family of six) so you can imagine the comparative cost and gas-savings.  I've got a while until my next car purchase, but this hybrid movement is something to think about.

When we checked in the hotel, I recalled again, my desire to one day check in to a hotel with no agenda but to get my full money's worth of the room rate. I want to sleep late in the comfy bed under the overstuffed comforters, have lunch on the pool deck, sip a drink during Happy Hour at the bar, sit on my room balcony reading a book.  Generally, I'm at a hotel for a convention or on vacation. Obviously, a convention schedule is crazy packed. And vacation, sometime is not as leisurely as we expect because we've got to get to the thing today before the lines get long.  One of these days, I'm going to stay in a hotel for no reason at all.

I'm recommitting to my workout plan that has sadly fallen to the wayside for no real apparent reason. But after a few days of grits, biscuits and sweet tea, I need to get back on it.  (More on what to eat in Charlotte coming up in separate post.)

I'm ready to cook. After a few days away, it's time to clean out the fridge and cook a meal, gather around the table with my full family and catch up.  Admittedly, it may take a few days for all that to come together with swim practice, PTA meetings, and basketball practice, but we'll get there.

What are you currently up to?

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#WIP Crochet: Sunset Summer Shawl

Task 1 - find another word other than "shawl" for the large swatch of fabric to wrap around yourself when you are out on a summer evening and feeling chilly.  "Shawl" sounds like something your grandmother would carry around to church.

In the meantime, while we're working on that etymology project, here's my new shawl project. I explained last week that it started out as poncho (also an article of clothing that needs a new name), but didn't like it and was debating pulling it all out and starting it as a whole new thing.  I'm continuing with that plan.  I've got it packed in my cute little 31 Totes pouch and am carrying it around, trying to get it done before summer kicks in.

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*or check out more crochet at ilove2crochet on Ravelry

Currently... Exhausted by my Calendar

If I was rich and famous, I think I could be hospitalized with a press release saying I was suffering from exhaustion.  And people would check on me and I'd be given some time to rest.  Instead, I'm a regular mom of 4 and this is my regular state of being. Pass the coffee and the water, because according to my primary care expert, WebMD, I may also be dehydrated.

Why, oh, why would I be tired?  Here's a few ideas. Maybe some look familiar.

I've put stuff on our summer calendar.  My mind is already boggled looking at the grid of sports schedules, possible championship/next level events if kid/team qualifies, pre-college activities (still grappling with that), conventions.... all during the restful summer.

I'm looking at the end-of-school calendar. Exams, concerts, award ceremonies, summer registrations. Oh, and graduation! My oldest/first niece is graduating from high school!  We're so proud of the beautiful, talented young lady she has become and wishing her the most success as she ventures off! But - how did we get to this point? It seems like not too long ago that I went to her pre-school graduation. Her next big step is the first domino of a succession to fall, with my other nieces and nephew and own children in line, one after another. So understand, this isn't just my niece graduating and moving on with her new adult-ish life - this is all the blood-related children in my life leaving me.

I'm thinking about getting back to a real exercise plan. You know how bad it is when the thought of exercising makes you tired? Yeah. That's bad.

There's still a stack of to-do's on my desk and in my email box.  Even with the strategy of ignore it long enough and it will be too late to do it anyway, there's still a bunch of stuff to do. The trick, of course, is figuring out what must be done and what would be nice to do if there was time, because a lot of us get bogged down with getting it all done, even the stuff we don't even care about or someone else put on our list.  The list needs to be triaged to: must do, want to do, don't care to do.

Whew. I think I need a nap.

How do you carve out vacation and fun and relaxation on your calendar?

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Currently... Appreciating The Change of Seasons

It's May already! I know, it seems every month we're in wonder that oh-my-gosh, another month has gone by.  I'm excited in knowing that the winter is really really over now. Maybe there could be chance of a cold wind or late late snow in April, but May we're clearly moving on to open shoes and sun hats.  As I'm embracing this meteorological change of seasons, I'm looking forward to more sunny days in other ways, too.

Watching Baltimore.  Last week, Baltimore erupted into protests, looting, and rioting. The match that sparked the unrest was the death of a young man named Freddie Gray as a result of a spinal injury he suffered when arrested.  However, I believe that the protests are about more than the death of one person and any sociologist or politician would examine the events further. In a deeper sense, it’s the manifestation of years and years of frustration that are difficult to put into words. If we look at the socio-economics of Baltimore in general, but particularly, as highlighted this week, the conditions in the blocks of the city called Sandtown, where Gray was from, we notice an alarming rate of unemployment, high school dropouts, and imprisonment.  The unrest may have been quite surprising to those who have never ventured beyond the Inner Harbor, M&T Stadium and Cambden Yards.  But perhaps, this past week has shed a spotlight on the Baltimore blocks beyond the tourist area and will bring some kind of resolve to this great city.

Raising my son to be chivalrous. Yesterday at my daughter's tennis match, there were no seats for the spectators so my son and I dragged seats from the nearby outdoor tables, about the length of 4 tennis courts. When my son got up and wandered off, a lady made a move to sit in his seat and I let her know, that he'd be back. So question moms -in rules of chivalry, a guy should give up his seat for a lady. But does that count when the guy dragged the seat to that spot for his specific use?

Being appreciative of supportive voices. Every now and then, we need someone to say “good job” and “I’ve got your back.”  Someone outside of your family and small circle of friends who are supposed to say that anyway. When that voice comes from someone outside of that normal circle, it’s comforting, inspiring and refreshing.

Making no plans for Mother’s Day.  I’m perplexed by the get ready for Mother’s Day hoopla in women-oriented venues. For instance, mom blogs, women’s publications, and Michael’s storefront are filled with ideas of what to get mom for Mother’s Day.  Other than tearing out the article or buying the supplies for a hand-painted #1 Mom flower pot and slipping it to my husband and kids, I’m not so sure why this is being directed at me.  (And I admit, I might’ve left a Pandora ad on my husband’s desk at some time.)  I take no ownership in the planning of Mother’s Day festivities. Each year, my sister-in-law will try to get me to weigh in on family plans or make a reservation somewhere. Nope. For one day, I don’t want to make any decision other than which hat am I wearing.  Everything else is on those folks who define my motherhood.

Hats I decorated to welcome spring (and a day at the races)!

Enjoying the sunshine. On the lighter side, today I’m soaking in a little bit of the sun, writing this blogpost sitting outside in our little town square. Often in the spring and summer, I will take my computer and sweet tea outside. It’s so much more pleasant getting work done while feeling the warmth of the sun on your face.

Any changes coming your way this month?

Happy May!

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Getting Back into the School Routine (for Moms)

It's going to take a couple days to get back into the school routine.  Waking up, getting out the door - with lunch and homework. Doing homework.

Yesterday was the first day of school and we did well getting going in the morning. But the first day usually is a good one - the excitement of the new year, the new outfit, seeing friends again. Even getting up early is kinda easy for one day.  But, getting through that day and having to do it all over again the next day? How exhausting.  Even for the kids.

Back-to-school is a mom adjustment, too. At least it is for me. After months of only having to get two kids to the pool in the morning and one kid to basketball in the afternoon, each for a couple hours, and then a relatively open (lazy) schedule after that, the school year routine takes getting used to again.  Now, I have to return to - or reinvent - a productive day schedule.  While the kids are gone and the house is relatively empty (just me and the dog, sometimes my work-at-home husband), I like to get some writing done in the quiet.  But I also need to do my housekeeping, get some groceries, follow up on my sorority and PTA tasks, and - oh, yeah - that dinner before 7:30 p.m. thing. And back to an exercise routine (read about our vacation ice cream tour on to understand why.)

I estimate it will take me this week to get myself settled.  Catch up on laundry. Restock the pantry and fridge with lunch stuff.  Dust off the crock-pot. Clean the house without people in it.  Then next week, I'll be ready to get back into a productive routine.

How do you readjust to the school year?

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Make Your Own College Tour

On our summer to-do list was “find the turtles and dairy at College Park.”  It sounds like some environmental adventure, but it’s not.  My kids, specifically my oldest daughter, Elle, had decided that they wanted to go on their own scavenger hunt across the UM College Park campus, in search of the Terrapin (“Terp”) painted statues across the campus and get a scoop of ice cream.  You’ve seen these painted statues, often a public works/arts/public fundraising project in various cities – an animal decorated in all kinds of themes and scattered through the streets.  Wandering through DC, you may spot a multi-color panda, donkey, or elephant on the street.

The flagship campus has their school mascot, a terrapin, painted and waving at passers-by around the university.  We had no map and the kids basically relied on their memory of where they thought they had seen them on previous trips to campus (basketball games, school trips, and alum activities with my husband, the proud Terp) and where it seemed reasonable (to my kids) that they should be.  We wandered fromm the Comcast Center to the main library, looking for these decorated turtles.

 

My favorite terp was the Kermit the Frog, in honor of UM alum, Jim Henson

Maryland also makes it’s own ice cream in the creamery operated by the College of Agriculture.  Somehow, we’ve missed getting a scoop on other visits, except Breeze who had some during a summer camp.  The Dairy's ice cream was really good – just sweet enough, full of mix-in ingredients – you know, the s’mores ice cream had lots of chocolate, graham, and marshmallow; the birthday cake flavor had good chunks of cake with frosting blended in.  I had “Fear the Turtle” – vanilla ice cream with white chocolate, pecans, caramel, crème de cacao, and triple sec.  We each had one scoop, which I have to say, was more than the normal commercial scoop – and about half the price.  A pretty good deal.

While in the student union, we came upon a small art installation which attracted the kids with its headphones hanging below video screens.  The exhibit was "Juke" by the artist Jefferson Pinder, a series of videos of African-American persons lip-syncing to a song not typically sang by an African-American person.  According to the accompanying placard, the exhibit "questions the perceived racial categories in music and asks...'is there black music?'"  One art exhibit, the kids can handle that.

We generally wait until kids are ready to fill out college applications before taking them on a college tour, but these mini-towns can be a fun place to wander around even when the kids are younger.  Of course, we first think of the sports teams and their games, but also consider all the majors and their related buildings and exhibits – music performances, art exhibits, farms, libraries, chapels, and athletic facilities.  And if there’s an agriculture college – ice cream or other agriculture products. My alma mater, UDelaware sells Blue Hen wool yarn, shorn from the sheep on the farm.  Many of these buildings and exhibits are open to the public and offer affordable options for a family outing.  And shhh… don’t let the kids in on this part – they might even learn something along the way.

So for your next close to home day out, check out your local university.

UPDATE:
After our road trip vacation, summer 2014, I am adding the MIT Museum and Harvard Square to the list of great college visits.  If your family enjoys science museums - MIT has to be on your list if you're ever in Boston.

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10 Things to Do on the Longest Days of the Summer

We’re heading into the for-real official, according to the sun, first day of summer marked by the longest day of the year.  According to the weather folks, the days around June 21 will also be relatively long, too. And hot.  So what to do with all these extra hours of sunlight?  A few ideas.

Cook early.  Don’t spend the mid-day in the kitchen.  Plan an easy meal that you can prep and cook early.  Pull out the crock-pot in the morning, try my Asian chicken.  I also like pasta salads for this reason - they’re easy and versatile.  You can change up the ingredients, but also tweak it a little bit for the picky eaters in the house.  

My basic recipe for pasta salad

• Cooked, cooled pasta – I prefer short pastas like rotini or bow-tie, but spaghetti and angel hair work well, too
• Cherry tomatoes
• Green veggie – spinach and asparagus work well
• Crumbled/shredded cheese – mozzarella and feta are tasty choices
• Italian/Caesar salad dressing – this is a cheat to save figuring out extra seasoning
• Protein options (great use of leftovers): chopped chicken, cold salmon, tuna
• Toss it all in a bowl. Chill.
• Pour a glass of sangria.  Lunch and/or dinner is ready. Ta da!

Cook late. Wait til the sun’s gone done a little bit and toss a few burgers or fish on the grill.  Throw some veggies and corn on the cob on there, too. And then finish it off with dessert, like our Campfire Banana S’mores.

Take an early evening walk. Alone, with the family or just the dog, depending on what kind of day you’ve had.  When the sun starts it’s descent, enjoy the little bit of warmth left and the quiet of the settling day.

Catch fireflies. This, and catching crayfish during the day time, were two of me and my brother’s favorite summertime activities.  Watching the little bugs light up never seemed to get old. Be sure to punch holes in the top of whatever container your kids are catching them in, and of course, some grass for them to live off of (I don’t really know that that’s what fireflies eat.)  And then, before going in for the evening be sure to let them all go.

Eat ice cream.  In a cone.  The more fresh from the cow, the better. Or at least, not from a box and big name. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got a pint of Ben & Jerry’s somewhere in the freezer, but there’s nothing like fresh-made, from somebody’s personal recipe ice cream. Better yet, make some of your own. I’ve got my ice cream maker in the freezer now.

Enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables.  Stop by a farm stand or farmer’s market.  Or take a basket to a pick-your-own farm for whatever’s in season now. Eat your berries and veggies as is or bake them into a pie or coffee cake or something delicious.  And you’d be surprised what your kids can learn. I’m almost embarrassed to admit one of my kids was perplexed by the fuzzy skin and big pit in the middle of a peach we bought at a road-side fruit stand.

Drink cold, sweet tea.  One of the things I love about living below the Mason-Dixon line is I never had to preface “tea” with “sweet.”  What other way would you drink cold tea?  It’s the simplest thing and I make it by the gallon (which, lasts maybe two days)

• Tea bags: I like Luzianne for iced tea and experiment with some of the flavored teas for a different flavor.  2 or 3 large tea bags per kettle of water (Luzianne tea bags are larger, made for pitchers of tea; use about 4-6 regular size tea bags)
• Pour almost boiling water over tea bags in a plastic pitcher (not glass!)
• Let tea bags seep about 10 minutes
• Add sugar (to taste, I use a lot) while the water is still hot *this is key!
• Add ice, if needed, to fill the pitcher.
• Pour over ice. Enjoy.

Enjoy discounted movies and bowling.  Maybe the heat is too much, after all, so head indoors for a few hours.  We don't go to the movies a lot because, well, because there's six of us.  Same for bowling.  But in the summer, some theaters offer discount movies and it's a great chance to catch up on movies.  Regal Cinemas offer $1 fun kid movies.  A number of bowling alleys, like AMF Bowling, offer either free or discounted games, but you do have to signup for the passes or card.  These are also great rainy summer day activities, too.

Hydrate. In as many ways as possible. Be sure to drink enough water on hot days. But also cool off in the watering hole of your choice – swim at the local community pool, jump in a nearby lake, run through your lawn sprinkler, or dip your feet in the baby pool still sitting in the garage.

Lay in the grass and watch the sky.  That’s all.

Happy summer!

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