made at home: raspberry lemonade cocktail

Raspberry Lemonade Honey Cocktail 

• 2 oz. of gin
• 1 1/2 oz. of  fresh raspberry lemonade*
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 oz. of club soda

   Combine all ingredients into a medium sized glass, or cocktail shaker, and shake until combined. Stir after shaking to make sure the honey is mixed with the rest of the mixture. Fill after glass half-way with ice, pour the mixed drink in, and garnish with lemon slices and raspberries. 

*Raspberry Lemonade 

• 2 cups of cold water
• 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup of pureed raspberries 
• 2/3 cup of sugar 

   In a medium-large pitcher, stir together the water, lemon juice, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. After pureeing (I used my blender) and straining the raspberry puree, add to the pitcher and stir. Keep chilled. 

  I'll be the first to admit, I've been on this lemonade obsession kick lately. I am usually trying to add some sort of "unusual" herb or ingredient to the lemonade recipes I create, but I decided to keep it simple to be paired for this cocktail recipe. Also I'll admit, I am not the biggest fan of cocktails (I usually am found drinking an ale, I suppose I take after my dad on that note), but since it's summer time I felt the need to experiment. I mean, you cannot make beer look cute. These drinks are perfect for porch sits and a weekend afternoon when you want something fruity and you can drink through a little paper straw. 

blueberry hill

(evening drinks with gin and lots of fruity sweetness, recipe up soon!) 

(homemade roasted red pepper pasta for dinner.) 

(everything I am wearing here is either vintage or thrifted.) 

    The summer weekends go by so swiftly, one after the next and now so close to July. I heard the fireworks from nearby houses, the smell of bbq's cooking, and the voices from the neighborhood being outside on porches... indicating the warm mist of the season. My house is in boxes and waiting to be moved to the next location. I am a constant mover, and I am okay with that. I actually somewhat enjoy it. 

  Today is father's day. We enjoyed a huge amount of Mediterranean food at Jerusalem Cafe, and then coffee at Broadway Cafe for a "dessert". My dad is a home-brewer, scone baker, computer engineer, small business owner, motorcycle obsesser, app creator, coffee lover, stain-glass artist.. the list goes on. I look up to him so much for always creating new business ideas and paving your own path. I can't wait to see the new hobbies he comes up with next. 

made at home: peanut butter banana bread

Peanut Butter Banana Bread

• 3 mashed ripe bananas 
• 1/4 cup of oil
• 1/2 cup of peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2/3 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of non-dairy milk (I used coconut) 
• 2 cups of flour
• 1/2 cup of oats
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2/3 vegan chocolate chips 

   In a medium bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients, along with bananas, sugar, and peanut butter. After all combined, mix together dry ingredients (except for chocolate chips) and slowly add wet mixture until fully mixed. Fold in chocolate chips and be sure not to over stir batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes.  

  Baking banana bread is always the go-to with extra ripe bananas for me, and I decided to spice this recipe up a bit with adding some peanut butter into the batter. With adding the peanut butter, the bread can become a tad bit dryer, so I suggest adding some Earth Balance and honey to top it off while enjoying a slice. Breads like this for perfect for little gifts, where they can be wrapped up nicely and dropped off to friends or family, and I plan to make more breads during the later fall months. 

act naturally

(blouse/belt/shoes: thrifted, skirt: buffalo exchange, tights: target, lace shorts: american apparel) 

    The bustle of summer time changes is currently surrounding me. The weather has been sticky, rather hot, and  has made me spend most days in the shade or in the rooms with window units (also hints why my hair is all pulled back, it's insane what a difference that makes). My household is preparing for a move into a different area in the city, I quit my part-time job this week, and I am taking a giant test this weekend for school. *Deep breath*.

 I have also been baking quite a bit lately, which does not help my household being so heated and using an oven, and trying out many new recipes. Although many of which did not turn out as well as planned, I have discovered a few new ones I like and will be sharing too. Baking of one of those things that calms me, and I do not even have the desire to eat what I am making to want to prepare it. Readers, what have you been baking lately?

build me up buttercup

(dress/blouse/hat/shoes: thrifted, tights: target, flower pin: re-run's) 

   Summer is finally starting to settle in. I believe the rain is starting to die down, the sun rays are in full blast, and the parks are packed of noises. Currently being a nanny means many trips to parks, many walks to parks, and many picnics at parks. A goal, as of now, is three different parks in one day within a very small mile radius, which makes me thankful there are so many of these within the area I live. Being up in a household for a long while makes for unentertained children, and I couldn't be happier when our days are filled with new locations outside. 

   I feel as if I am updating this blog more frequently, which is the hint of being "summer break" (well, with summer courses), and I have been documenting more of my daily life. I am seeing this blog as more of a journal, a place to showcase my personal style and lifestyle as of now. I am not sure if I have ever come across and said this here, but I am really thankful for the people who read along with me and the ones I have met. Life is meant to be shared.