Month

July 2014

Thirsty Thursday: National Tequila Day & Not Your Mom’s Tequila Cocktail

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Today is National Tequila Day! When most people think tequila they think of their salt and lime shooter days in college (just me? ok then.) or blended up in a margarita. However,  whether you decide to sip over ice or mix it up in a cocktail, tequila can be enjoyed in a number of ways.

 

There are several different kinds of tequila, and when shopping for tequila it can be hard to know what you want for your mixology bar. Tequila is made from agave and like most liquors has a very unique and distinctive taste. For me, I typically use silver tequilas which is tequila that is clear and is extremely pure in taste and has no additives. It is great for mixing in cocktails. If you are a tequila sipper you can try tequilas that have been aged anywhere from 2 months to more than three years. These tequilas are like whiskey and have been aged in barrels where the flavor has been enriched and become much more complex and even more smooth.

While I have always been a fan of margaritas both on the rocks and blended, made with every fruit under the sun including mangos. I wanted something a little different for today. When looking for a cocktail recipe for today, I wanted something where I could really taste the tequila, use some herbs in my garden, and have a nonalcoholic option for my non drinking friends. Thanks to Martha Stewart, I found this recipe and doctored it up a bit.

 

Thyme & Tequila Lemonade (makes one cocktail)
3 lemon wedges
3 sprigs of thyme
2 tsp granulated sugar
2 oz tequila (optional)
3 or 4 oz sparkling water or club soda
extra thyme for garnish
1/2 cup ice

 

In a small cocktail glass add ice, and let the glass chill. In a large cocktail shaker or glass, muddle together lemon wedges, thyme and sugar until thyme leaves have fallen off and sugar is almost dissolved in lemon juice.

 

Strain mixture over ice into cocktail glass. Top with tequila and sparkling water. Add thyme sprigs and give a little stir. Enjoy immediately.

 

Be ready for good times, because let’s face it, where there’s tequila or lemonade, there’s fun!

If you like summertime drinks that can be virgin or alcoholic check out this peach iced tea or these watermelon slushies or these two version of mint juleps. For all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Want to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor? Become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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Thirsty Thursday: Peach Iced Tea

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Tea is my drink of choice, and when I get the chance to drink it I do. Whether it be hot or cold, it is the perfect drink for any time of day. However, there are times when the same old iced tea isn’t cutting it for me, and I like to jazz it up. Especially, when soaking in a beautiful evening.

 

For the middle of July, the weather has been a little cooler than usual. In fact, it has been perfect for sitting outside and watching the world go by. So while the kids eat popsicles or ice cream outside, I have been joining them with a glass PEACH ICED TEA. Peaches are still in season, and you can add some Absolut Apeach for a little adult zing, or leave it out.

 

PEACH ICED TEA (makes 2 servings)
2 tea bags (I used TAZO Peachy Green Tea)
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp granulated sugar
1/2 peach sliced
2 cups ice
2 shots Absolut Apeach (optional)
mint sprigs for garnish

 

In a heat safe pitcher, pour boiling water over tea bags. Allow to steep for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in two glasses add ice, peaches, mint, and vodka. Once tea is steeped, add sugar to tea and sir until dissolved. Pour mixture over ice, and serve immediately.

 

Be careful, relaxing and good conversation may take place.

 

If you like summertime drinks like iced tea, lemonade or slushies, try this recipe for fresh pink lemonade. Or for all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Want to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor? Become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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Filling Nail Holes and Painting Trim

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About a year ago, we got a new front door. We absolutely love it, but in that time we had to replace it and get a repair because there was a nick in it upon delivery. By the time that was all said and done, many more months went by.

Now, that everything is installed properly and finally ready to go, I was able to fill in the nail holes and paint the trim around the door to make everything seem more finished. This seems like a project that would take awhile, but honestly I was able to do it in two nap times.
Ah! That’s better!
To fill the nail holes, I used Elmer’s Wood Filler. There are several different kinds, but this one a.) seemed easiest to use and b.) changed color when it was completely dry. Both of these features seemed like it would cause less issues when it came to user error.
Using some gloves, I actually used my fingers to filled the holes with the wood filler. I started by using a putty knife, but found I wasn’t truly filling some of the deeper nail holes. Also, knowing I would be sanding everything smooth once it was dry, I was ok if things were a little messy.
In the past, when filling nail holes, I would wait 24 hours before painting anything to make sure it was dry. However, this product lets you know it is try by turning from purple to white. However, just to be safe, I waited another hour before I began sanding.
Once all the nail holes were filled with wood filler and sanded smooth. I was ready to paint. I used the same white semi-gloss paint that I have been using for all the other trim in the house so I was happy to have some on hand. Armed with my angled short handled brush I got to work. I carefully painted the trim, and then let it try over night, and gave it a second coat the next day at nap time.
I am so happy this little project is finally finished, because now that the paint supplies are out, I can begin another paint project soon.
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Surviving Busy

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Summertime is in full swing. When people talk about the lazy days of summer, I scoff. As much as I really tried to preserve one last summer of care free days, I still cannot believe how busy we are! Does anyone else need a summer vacation from their summer vacation?

The kids being in a few organized activities along with Brian and I having a few things going on (like my Writing Show at Second City opening), all seemed to converge at the same time, and two weekends ago, we were in a pattern of non-stop go mode for 5 days straight. This summer was supposed to be “the summer of easy” but in order to survive the the busy, I knew I would have to do some serious planning ahead. Here is my list of ways to SURVIVE when you have a busy time going on.

 

Last run through before show!

1.) Clean your house (and keep it tidy): Don’t get me wrong, there are days when I let making the bed or picking up toys slide. However, there is nothing worse than when you are running from one activity to the next and you have to change clothes or pack a bag quickly, and you are tripping over shoes in the hallway or legos on the floor. Do a thorough cleaning of the house ahead of time, and keep up with the daily small chores throughout the busy surge. You’ll be glad you did when you can get through simple tasks quickly because the house is clean. You’ll also be glad when you collapse on the couch when its all done and you don’t have anything to do but relax!

 

2.) Do all the laundry (ALL OF IT): A few days before the busyness started I was insane about making sure every piece of clothing and every towel in the house was clean. We were going to be so busy,  that I knew it was going to be a couple days before I could get to do any laundry. I wanted to make sure the kids bathing suits, and my favorite summer outfits were clean, and ready to go for the weekend.

 

Basking in the glow of our favorite band, Guster!

3.) Stock up the fridge and cabinets: When there is a lot going on it is a perfect excuse to eat out, however, I am the type of person that can only do that so much in a short period of time before I start feeling yucky and my wallet starts feeling too light. I stocked up on lots of convenience foods like cut up veggies, fruit, home made hummus, flavored waters, mason jar salads, and a few frozen pizzas, so that we could eat on the go. The kids had to have a babysitter a few nights of this busy time too, and it was nice for her to have a lot of things at the ready for hungry kids.

 

4.) Communicate: We kept a detailed plan on the side of the fridge where we would be and when for the entire weekend so everyone would know. We also kept reminding the kids what was coming up each day and in what order so they knew what to expect and would transition nicely from activity to activity. Also, Brian and I were in constant communication with each other when we weren’t together via texts. Finally, our babysitter knew every detail of what was going on and besides texting us an update at bedtime, we have a sheet that we print off with all kinds of information for her. My favorite babysitter sheet is this one from Balancing Acts of Motherhood.

 

5.) Take care of yourself: This is advice I should have followed better myself during that time, but if you know sleep is going to be limited, try and sleep when you can. Also, stay hydrated and try to eat healthy foods throughout the day. This will help you try and keep up your energy and have more fun!

 

What are your tips for surviving busy?

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Your Choice Herb and Lemon Hummus

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Tired of the same old bland store bought hummus? I was too!

Hummus is one of the easiest things you can make, and it can be customized so many ways to appease anyone’s palate. I wasn’t always a hummus fan, and then I started making it myself. Once I did that, I was addicted to this healthy and delicious snack (so was everyone else in my house). There is now always some in the fridge.

 

I have found, the keys to a good hummus, are flavor and texture.

Hummus is made with chick peas. However, I realized that one of the main reasons I didn’t like hummus in the past was because I prefer a smoother texture so I wondered if I could use something else. Also, while there are some excellent brands of hummus that can be bought in the store, I found that many of the flavors were much too strong for me. So, after doing a bit of research, I have come up with the perfect formula to creating my own hummus recipes.

I made a small graph below: basically first you choose your beans (choose 1), then your acid (choose 1), then your flavorings (any combo you like), add olive oil, salt and pepper, and zip in in a food processor and you will have the perfect hummus that is customized to your taste.

 

With summertime here and my garden flourishing, I have been using all the herbs growing. My favorite combination right now is either Thyme or Basil and Lemon with Cannellini Beans.

 

 

Herb and Lemon Hummus
1 15.5 ounce can of Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 lemon zested and juiced
1 clove of garlic
1 large handful of basil leaves OR 2 sprigs of thyme
1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
Salt and Pepper to Taste

 

In a food processor, add all the ingredients.

 

Blend until desired texture. You can serve with pita chips, vegetable, or on a veggie wrap.

 

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