Fall Watermelon Agua Fresca

The beginning of Fall in California is confusing.

There a days when there is a slight crisp chill in the air and the next day it's 88 degrees.

We still have tons of Summer fruit and vegetables in the stores.

For instance today,  

I grabbed a pumpkin along with a watermelon.

We are gearing up for warm week ahead, 

so I decided to put a twist on the classic Agua Fresca...

because you've got to stay hydrated in the Autumn too, right?

I keep my Agua Fresca simple with just 

watermelon, lime, water, sugar and salt...

and as it chills in the refrigerator, 

I grab a handful of mint...

then "Autumn-ize" them.

A quick cut with a clean paper punch...

and you have an instant Fall drink garnish!

Fall Watermelon Agua Fresca, 

it was "mint" to be...

Fall Watermelon Agua Fresca
makes about 6 glasses

4 cups cubed watermelon
2 cups of cold water
juice of one lime (about 1/4 cup)
2 teaspoons lime zest
1 Tablespoon course salt

Combine all ingredients in blender until smooth and chill at least 2 hours in refrigerator.  Serve on ice and top with Fall mint leaves and enjoy.

Festive Fall Breakfast

I feel like our breakfasts need a slight makeover.
Nothing drastic or too elaborate, just a touch of fall foliage...

Leaf topped yogurts are festive and fast, two of my favorite adjectives!

Quickly prepped the night before, 

pineapple, granola bars and mint are magically transformed 

into autumnal adornments...

A chewy granola bar easily cut with a pie crust cutter, 

atops strawberry yogurt...

it's the perfect punch of crunch.

Fresh and bright green mint leaves sliced by a paper punch, 

beautifully float on top of blueberry yogurt...

And pretty pineapple, again using a pie cutter

(and I love how it "leaves" an impression!), 

with coconut yogurt is a tropical taste sensation...

I love leaves you get to eat instead of rake...

linkpartypalooza

Chocolate Mint Pi Day Pies

Pi Day is March 14th...

A day to celebrate that long crazy number and its delicious homophone, 

PIE.

Well, these mini chocolate mint treats we made have a 

"surPIEze", that is only revealed after you devour your dessert...

an embossed pie tin bottom.

They are so simple to make and you can customize with any shape or message.

I started with mini graham cracker crust pie shells from the grocery store...

Then carefully turned the pie tin upside down, put a heart sticker on the bottom 

 and traced around it with a ball point pen.

Use enough force when tracing to etch into the aluminum, but not go all the way through...

After they eat their pie,

they will find the love...

Once I etched the tins, 

I filled them with slightly softened chocolate ice cream...

and topped with a fresh mint heart.
(DIY here)
What a great way to say,
Pie love you!

linkpartypalooza

The Hangover Arrangement for Super Bowl Monday

For some, yesterday's Super Bowl festivities

may have made Monday morning not so merry.

But, I have an arrangement for that.

A post-bowl bouquet, 

to make your ailments go away!

After all that football manliness, you need a little something pretty,
that smells amazing.

A lovely, simple mixture of lavender and mint is just what the doctor ordered.

The calming, smoothing scent of lavender has been known to help with
fatigue, headaches, nausea, stress and depression
(so sorry Carolina fans for your loss).
The refreshing aroma of mint can aid your concentration, boost energy,
elevate mood and even aid in digestion
(in case you are regretting that last chicken wing).

And we all know the benefits of staying hydrated,
so the only appropriate vase is a box of water.
(after you've guzzled it down, of course)

Cheers to a great Super Bowl 50 in the books.

Hats off Bay Area, you made us proud!

skiptomylou

What a Croc of Mint! Baby Shower centerpieces

Every toddler's favorite shoe, 

filled with baby's breath and mint-
 the perfect centerpieces for a casual outdoor baby shower...

Because who doesn't love...

a "Croc of Mint"?

the holes in the top are perfect for arranging the flowers, 

just put a little Oasis inside the shoe!

homework, Ginger Jamboree, Whimsy Wednesday, bloom designs, shabby nest, party bunch, link party palozza, monday fun day, skip to my lou,  project inspired