summer

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Tue
11 ^th

So, This is What the Present Feels Like

Posted by Erin — No Comments

You guys, I am so in denial.

If I wasn’t so hot all the time, I would cover my head with the blankets and hide until Halloween.

Here is the thing, I love the start of school. New teachers, new friends, the smell of a new box of crayons all with so much potential for a wonderful and productive school year. There will be learning happening. There will be growth. There will be fun. There will be reading logs, journals, flashcards, and math. There will be field trips and lunches and school bus stories. There will be cooler weather. There will be autumn leaves and soccer practice and hot chocolate and snuggles. There will be organization and normalcy.

This is one of my favorite times of year.

However, didn’t summer just get here? Didn’t I just make the summer bucket list? Didn’t I just build a fire at 8:00 a.m. to have s’mores for breakfast? Didn’t we just have swim lessons? Didn’t we just spray the grass off our feet with the hose before coming into the house? Didn’t we just watch the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup? Didn’t we just bunk your beds, hang twinkle lights, read Harry Potter, go on day trips, watch movies, drink floats, go to car shows, and laze about? Didn’t we just get back from vacation?

The seasons are passing more quickly now it seems, which is why I am firmly planted in denial.

In a world where school supplies are next to pool toys, Halloween is discussed in July, and Christmas decor is already making an appearance it is hard for me not to feel guilty about my lack of over the top school preparation this year. Typically, I am in a organizational frenzy, cleaning every nook and cranny of the house and purchasing every possible back to school supply needed.

This year however, it’s the bare minimum.

The more I think about it, though, the more I realize I am not in denial, really. I am just firmly planted in the present. Living in the moment. Something, I must say, I am not used to. One foot in summer, one foot in autumn. Still waking up late and not grocery shopping while at the same time making lists for the upcoming year and faxing allergy forms to school. I am excited for autumn’s arrival while enjoying the last remaining days of our summer. Soaking up every ounce of sunshine, sprinklers, and popsicles while making sure my little ducks are in a row and have everything they need in due time. Autumn will be waiting for me. Summer will not.

So, this is what living in the moment feels like. I like it. I think I will stay.

Thu
14 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Cherry Amaretto Sours

Posted by Erin — No Comments

Every time I walk into the store or roam around the famers’ market this time of year, I cannot resist heading straight for the cherries. They are in season, on sale, and going fast. I was trying to think of a way that I could make a THIRSTY THURSDAY recipe with them. Sure, I could add them to a classic vanilla milkshake for the kids, but that wouldn’t have quite the kick I was looking for to get me through the school supply shopping I have yet to tackle (yes, I know, time’s a tickin’ and I am clearly in denial).

One of my favorite cocktails is an amaretto sour, and everyone knows cherries and almonds are a good mix, so I thought why not mix up some sweet and sour cherries with some amaretto and see what happens. It was hard finding a recipe with amaretto and fresh cherries, but I was glad to see I wasn’t the only one with the idea, and saw this recipe from The Pet Lamb Girls. I, of course, doctored it up a bit, and when I did this is what happened and it was awesome:

Cherry Amaretto Sours (makes two)

1/2 cup fresh pitted cherries
1 lemon cut into wedges
2 Tbs light brown sugar
4 oz amaretto liqueur
4 oz lemon lime soda

Add ice to two small glasses to chill, and set aside. In a large glass, muddle together cherries, sugar, and lemon wedges until lemon is fully juiced and sugar is dissolved and cherries are juicy Divide this mixture among glasses. Then top with divided amaretto and soda. Garnish with a cherry.

Enjoy and think about school supply shopping another day.

If you like cherry drinks, check out these cherry rum and cokes. 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.

Mon
04 ^th

Hi Honey, We’re Home!

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

The saying, “I need a vacation from my vacation,” most definitely was created by a parent. I would be willing to bet it was more specifically coined by a parent who had just taken a road trip. While I could use a good nap and a foot massage from all the walking we did, I have to say I am already looking forward to another family vacation, but not for the reasons you may think.

We drove to Washington D.C. with a stopover in Columbus, Ohio as it is about halfway. Breaking up the drive into two days was perfect for the little ones and for us parents too. Also, there were some tips and tricks I learned along the way that really helped keep everyone happy on such a long car ride. I will share all our tips and tricks (like headphones) in an upcoming post.

Once we were in the D.C. area we stayed in Bethesda, MD and were easily able to navigate our way around the area using DC’s public transit, The Metro. Also, with a little help from some locals and our GPS systems on our phones we managed to see some amazing sites.

On our first day in DC we headed out to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum near the Dulles Airport. Washington D.C. has two air and space museums, one is in the downtown area, and then there is the one near the Dulles Airport. Brian and I had seen the one downtown when we were younger, and had done a little research about them both ahead of time, and after reading about all the planes, the control tower, and that the space shuttle, Discovery, was there, we decided the kids might have more to see here.

On our second day, we took the Metro to The National Zoo. We love visiting the zoo in our own hometown and are frequent visitors, so we were excited to see a new one in a new city. The kids were thrilled to see the Pandas. Our favorite animals to see the new lion cubs, and the otters.

On our third day, we packed in a lot of sightseeing, but we were able to do it easily via a bus tour of Washington D.C. The kids were able to take in all of the sights and learn so much.

Day four we headed to Baltimore for a tour of Oriole Park and Camden Yards, a stop at Charm City Cakes (for me), and to take a picture of Pimlico Racecourse where the Preakness is run (my kids have a thing for horses).

While we are glad to be home, the memories made on this trip are going to last us all a lifetime. Watching the kids so filled with wonder and awe the entire trip was, as a parent, amazing to see. Yes, I am exhausted and I would love another vacation, but not because I’m tired, because we had so much fun!If you like this post and would like 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.

Thu
17 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Peach Iced Tea

Posted by Erin — No Comments

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!

Wed
05 ^th

Unofficial End of Summer: Fall Fest

Posted by Erin — No Comments

This past weekend, was our town’s annual Fall Fest. It includes, food, live music, parade, and HUGE craft fair. It is the perfect way to end summer and kick off the school year. We live walking distance to “The Fest,” so we usually invite friends over to come park in our driveway (saves them $20), and we walk up and enjoy.

Sara (my friend from college who I talked about here), took some pictures of the kids enjoying their favorite part of Fall Fest, which was the carnival rides.

Now that Fall Fest has come and gone, I guess it is time to plant some mums and get some pumpkins.