1. Soda Stream
I've been intrigued by Soda Streams for several years, and I was given one as a housewarming gift two weeks ago that I am LOVING!
The pink grapefruit above was the only time I flavored an entire bottle. Now I just add a splash of syrup or more to the bottom of my glass if I want. As far as I know, besides the little travel tubes of Crystal Light, the concentrated flavored syrups of Europe haven't made it to the States. They make it easy to add a little or a lot of flavor to your water according to your taste. I want to try this recipe for Lavender Lemon sparkling water, but until then my favorite flavor of the moment is Mojito, which leads me to my second favorite thing.
2. Mojito Flavored Anything
I found these delightful popsicles that taste of cucumber, lime, and mint, and they are so refreshing. The syrup I've been using is just the lime and mint, and it makes beating the heat fun.
3. Short Hair
I got my hair cut in our new small town last week, and not to overuse a phrase, but it's helping me beat the heat, keep cool, etc. When I caught sight of my short ponytail in a mirror this week it made me feel so happy not to have the weight of all my long hair there anymore.
4. Reading Unbroken
I know I'm several years behind in reading this book, but oh, my goodness. It is so intense. I have so many thoughts. I haven't finished yet, because it was too good not to read out loud to K.J., so my reading is relegated to after the kids are in bed now. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to put it down yesterday. My very first takeaway from early in the book as Hillenbrand describes what a holy terror Zamperini was as a child and teenager was that it could be such an encouragement to parents. Without that strong rebellious, fighting spirit, he probably wouldn't have survived what he did on that raft.
5. Reading my first of Noreen's novels
Since I had to find something else to read during the day I picked up the first in a series written by our gracious hostess. There's been an added enjoyment in reading Katharine because I've now heard her tell several of the stories that make an appearance in the book. It makes the book a much more personal World War II novel since it was written by someone who lived in this world. Included in the back of the book is a glossary, and she explains what phrases like in the field and their cover was blown mean. These are such familiar terms to us now, and we all know what they mean, but it struck me that in the '40s, this was new slang.
That's it for this week, friends. What have you been drinking or eating to beat the heat? What are you reading by the pool? Any good WWII novels to add to my list?
Like your hair. Just read "A Long Way Home" a young boy of five gets lost and survived many obstacles, returns home after 25 years. True story.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow!
DeleteFun! I love learning about new products that I can actually get here. :) As for me, I have been enjoying taking my big insulated cup and filling it with ice (we only have 1 tray but I keep filling it up and keeping a baggie in the freezer) and then adding a little bit of whatever kind of tea I want that day. To this, I add a splash of cream and a splash of flavoring that goes with the tea (I have found unsweetened vanilla, violet, peach, lemon, etc.) I've been adding stevia, but it's good unsweetened too! This has saved me so much money from not even being tempted to buy Starbucks. :) But the other day I did realize that it would be cheaper to just buy the syrup! I've been trying to reduce my sugar intake though.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds REALLY good! And I understand about the sugar...I've wondered how much it was though since most of the time I probably use about a tablespoon, maybe 2? That's why I was eager to try making my own simple syrup, too, which I can now because I have a working stove!!!
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