It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Did Christmas swoop in earlier this year? Although 2012 was filled with it’s share of challenges, it seemed to have sped by rather quickly. Christmas is the favorite holiday for many (including me). Unlike other holidays, it’s not just a day, it’s an entire season filled with good cheer, fun, festivities & some snow if you’re lucky. I’ve researched all the professional light displays in town, Christmas tree lighting & even found a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink. It’s uplifting to drive thru the neighborhoods and see the twinkling light wrapped trees & icicle lights draped along the roofs. Then there’s the shopping, Christmas parties & shows – The non stop fun continues right until New Years day. If you’re entertaining this year or have surprise visitors pop by, here’s a quick easy punch to serve up.

Kid friendly Sparkling Pomegranate Punch

2 oranges, thinly sliced crosswise

1/4 cup pomegranate seeds or raspberries

1 (2)liter bottle of sprite or ginger ale (substitute for white wine or champagne)

two bottles sparkling grape juice

3 tablespoons sugar

1 cup diced fresh pineapple (1/2 inch)

1 cup pomegranate juice

Kid friendly holiday punch – add in Champagne or Sparkling White Wine for cocktails

In a punch bowl, dissolve the sugar in the pomegranate juice. Add the sparkling white grape juice & sprite or ginger ale, then add the orange slices, diced pineapple and pomegranate seeds or raspberries. Serve the sparkling pomegranate punch over ice cubes.

Fathers pave the way and inspire greatness.

Happy Father’s day! to all the men who show up daily and contribute to a child’s development and growth. Raising and mentoring a child isn’t an easy job, especially after a hard days work, but the rewards are great. Great and supportive fathers inspire children to do great things and become great people. They’re upfront and center in a child’s life regardless of biology, being the role model that makes the world of difference. My dad choose to be apart of my life and raise me as his own, during my formulate years. Encouraging me to reach for the stars and color outside the lines. He was the first great storyteller in my life, weaving magical tales that sparked the imagination and transported me to mythical lands. Thanks Dad!

Dad’s day treats:

Twisted Cherry Limeade-Refreshing drink on a hot day
Photo by M. Anaya- Property of Blue Sandpiper Imprints

Twisted Cherry Limeade

3 Fresh squeezed limes

2 Oz of strawberry or Raspberry Syrup

1/2 Gallon of water, Sugar (sweeten to taste)

2 shots of cherry Vodka (optional)

1 can of sprite

Garnish with lime slices and cherries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fathers Day with my wonderful husband and son at the Denton Air Show- Pilots showed off arial maneuvers, with planes from the present and the past.

Photo by E. Anaya- Property of Blue Sandpiper Imprints

Photo by E. Anaya- Property of Blue Sandpiper Imprints

A little bit of history at the Denton Air Show

Photo by E. Anaya- Property of Blue Sandpiper Imprints

Photo by E. Anaya- Property of Blue Sandpiper Imprints

MONDAYS!

There’s nothing like a Monday put an end to a perfectly good week-end.  Many people just don’t do Monday’s well, myself included. Unfortunately, hitting the snooze button indefinitely isn’t usually an option.  Getting yourself and the kids ready to tackle the day can be quite the challenge, tack on walking the dog and dealing with traffic or public transportation….it’s just exhausting. It helps to get things prepared the night before, clothes, lunch, snacks, pocketbook, keys etc. A partner who’s a ‘Morning person’ is a plus, then you can divide and conquer.  Caffeine is often a necessity just to get out the door.  Wouldn’t it be great if Corporations avoided Monday morning staff or sales meetings, why do they do that?  Breakfast to go is a given, and a smoothie is not only healthy, it leaves you with a free hand to do a balancing act with the keys, pocketbook, tote, baby, holding your child’s hand etc.                                                                                                                                                                        Energy-Boosting Smoothies

Mocha Smoothie

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These easy to make smoothies are more than just delicious drinks. Sip one to revitalize your energy level. These refreshing drinks are the perfect way to start off your day.

Cappuccino Smoothie – Healthy smoothie recipe for coffee drinkers.

2 cups brewed strong coffee
1 pint coffee ice cream
6 cups ice
1 1/2 cups milk
whipped cream, optional
cinnamon or mint for garnish

Place coffee, ice cream, ice and milk in blender. Mix well until smooth. Top with whipped cream (if desired) and cinnamon.   277 Calories

Frozen Fruit Smoothie – Healthy smoothie recipe for fruit lovers.

-Greek yogurt will improve the taste  and will add more protein and calcium.

1/2 cup frozen bananas
1/2 cup frozen peaches
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons honey or a hand full of grapes to sweeten                                                                                                                                   1 cup ice

In a blender, combine and mix all the ingredients until smooth. Pour smoothie into a glass, and enjoy! This recipe is great on those hot summer days.  488 Calories