So this year, I decide to get healthy… well healthish. Having a dessert blog is probably not the best start. I haven’t attended any 5 am bootcamp classes or become a militant raw food vegan (and probably never will), but I do attend the occasional yoga class and one time I googled what was involved in doing a juice cleanse. I also decided to eliminate soda from my diet and drink more water. Ouch. In all seriousness soda/pop/coke/soft drink (whatever you call it) is pretty terrible for you. Numerous studies have found that soda can increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, stroke, kidney damage, cancer, etc. etc. etc. And don’t even get me started on diet soda. So I switched to water, which is healthier and as a result I feel better, but sometimes old-fashioned H2O can be a little bit lackluster. So I started adding little things to make it feel and taste more exciting.
I am also very excited because by little herb garden is thriving, so I can add a sprig of this and that to bump up the flavor. Of course you should try your own concoctions but these are my three favorites. They are all obvious, but refreshing.
I have lived in the southern United States for years now, and yet I am never used to the stifling heat and humidity that rears its miserable head in the summer. The heat has just begun (as well as the 97% humidity!!!!) and I am already over it.
My go-to refreshing drink is water with slices of cucumber, springs of mint and LOTS of ice. It is reminiscent of a mojito.
If I am really missing soda I like to drink seltzer water with fruit. This drink is just strawberries and chopped basil in carbonated water.
I also love lavender which reminds me of relaxing vacations to France rather than the suffocated heat that is trying to kill me. I put slices of lemon and springs of lavender in still water and relax.
Also for those of you interested in photography here is a pulled back shot of my set. Very rustic. You don’t need a fancy studio!
And lastly, the gnomes are enjoying sunnier weather after their winter culinary adventures. If you want to see their snowy shenanigans here is the link.
Stay cool out there this summer!
May 28, 2014 at 12:52 am
Brilliant Violet, everything the drinks I totally love, perfect summer thirst quenchers and yes much healthier than soda. I really think your props and set for the photo are great. I should try that. My house has terrible light, and the only place to shoot and get a decent shot is outside.
May 28, 2014 at 4:32 pm
It was my first time to shoot outdoors and it went surprisingly well. You should try it. I have one room that has great light, but my kitchen is terrible so I have to get creative. I buy most of my props at a thrift store (or make). All the glasses cost me $1.50 and the window was $4. What a deal!
May 28, 2014 at 1:00 am
I have a pitcher with an infuser in it and just keep refilling it. My favorite is watermelon and cilantro together. LOVED the pull back of your studio. Amazing! I was thinking, when did Sarah move to a farmhouse??? before you showed me the pull-back. Awesome.
May 28, 2014 at 4:26 pm
ha ha! Thanks Mandy. SO trying the watermelon and cilantro, that sounds amazing. I wish we had moved to a farmhouse, but no, I just purchased a $4 window. The illusion of photography.
May 28, 2014 at 4:29 am
I love your outdoor “studio” set. Mine is of similar size but sadly it’s indoors as the UK weather is not reliable enough for anything else.
May 28, 2014 at 4:24 pm
Thanks! This is the first time I’ve tried an outdoor studio, usually I’m indoors as well. I love seeing how photographers jerry-rigg sets to make little scenes.
May 28, 2014 at 11:21 am
good on you for giving up soda – I reckon it is the devil’s work :) I’ve never been a big fan but I am a fan of soda water [I think it is seltzer in America?]. Anyway, served with some lime wedges it is the bee’s knees :) Pretty pix, BTW.
May 28, 2014 at 4:16 pm
I love soda water too! I’ll have to try it with lime. I’m not sure which is the most American term, I’ve heard it both ways. Thanks!
May 28, 2014 at 8:14 pm
These look oh-so-refreshing!! I’ll keep these in mind when the temperatures start to soar this summer – I can’t even imagine living in the South (the Midwest is more than warm and sticky enough for me!)!
May 29, 2014 at 3:46 pm
The Midwest can get pretty steamy. I also start thinking about moving back to New England in the summertime, but in the winter (when it is 20 below zero) I’m happy.