This recipe has become my new obsession. I discovered it while doing Whole30, and it quickly became my salvation from grilled chicken on a basic salad. Now I can enjoy a yummy batch of chicken salad and pretend I am eating at my favorite local cafe…instead of feeling like I am depriving myself.
Read MoreMoscow Mule Recipe
Happy National Moscow Mule Day! If you want a vodka drink with a little bit of a kick, then the mule is your drink. Here’s our favorite mule recipe from kitchn:
Ingredients
1 standard tray ice cubes
1 medium lime
1/2 cup vodka (4 ounces)
1 (12-ounce) bottle or can ginger beer, preferably chilled
2 lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
Make crushed ice, if desired. Crack the ice from 1 standard tray ice cubes into a clean kitchen towel. Wrap the ice up in the towel, then beat with a mallet or rolling pin into smaller, uneven pieces.
Fill mugs or glasses with the ice. Transfer the ice into 2 Moscow mule mugs or highball glasses.
Add the lime juice. Juice 1 medium lime to get about 2 tablespoons juice. Pour 1 tablespoon lime juice into each glass.
Add the vodka. Pour 1/4 cup vodka (2 ounces) into each glass.
Pour in the ginger beer. Divide 1 (12-ounce) bottle or can of ginger beer between the glasses, pouring about 3/4 cup into each.
Stir and garnish. Stir gently to combine and serve each garnished with 1 lime wedge.
Mocktail Modifications:
Despite the name, ginger beer is actually non-alcoholic. So all you need to do is sub out the vodka with 1 1/2 ounces (1/4 cup) - 3 ounces of sparkling water, club soda, or even Sprite.
Photo by: kitchn
Balloon Trends
With drive-by showers, parties, and weddings being all the rage these days, balloon “art” has become even more popular. Not going to lie, arches in particular can be a little daunting at first, but here are a few quick tips + tricks to make a big statement without breaking the bank!
Electric Balloon Pump
This is a GAME CHANGER!! If you stop reading after this point, you will have read the most important thing. I’ve made balloon arches in the past where we blew up each individual balloon and it took forever. However. if you order an electric balloon pump, your lungs will thank you! Plus, this one in particular comes with two nozzles, so you can tag team with a friend and get it done in half the time.
Balloon Tape
You will affix the balloons to a balloon tape. This can be found at your local party store or online. You can order a roll that has single holes or double holes. What this means is how many balloons you can fit in each hole. You will simply pull the end of the balloon through the hole(s) after you knot it off.
Sizing
I typically like to use an assortment of balloon sizes ranging from the standard 12 inches, with a smaller 5 inches, and the occasional larger one around 24 inches. If you are incorporating a larger size, make sure to include one near the base to “ground” the arch.
Other Balloon Options
Not ready to take on a balloon arch? No worries! There are other ways to make a statement with balloons with a lot less work. I love ordering oversized balloons, filling with helium, then tying them to a twine or floral garden so they look a little more fancy.
There you have it! Have an upcoming party that you’re going to deck out with balloons? Be sure to tag me on Instagram @openingstatementlifestyle - would love to see what you create!
Red, White + Blue Wine Spritzer
4th of July is here! Whether you’re hanging in your backyard or on the river, lake, or beach, you need to have something delicious to sip on all day long!
I love a good wine spritzer because you can enjoy it throughout the day. This recipe from Fox and Briar is just what we’ve all been looking for. Plus, I’ve never seen a more patriotic drink! A spritzer is a little lighter than a sangria, but still can be dressed up with beautiful fruit floating in the pitcher + your glass.
God bless America and CHEERS! Recipe below.
Red, White, + Blue Wine Spritzer
Ingredients
One 750 ml bottle white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
1 liter sparkling water
1 pound strawberries sliced
1 cup blueberries
1-2 apples
Instructions
Slice the apple into thin rounds and cut out stars using a small star cookie cutter.
Add the apple stars, blueberries and strawberries to a pitcher and pour in the wine. Refrigerate overnight.
When ready to serve, add ice to the pitcher and top with sparkling water to taste (start with half of my sparkling water to top off the pitcher). Alternately you could top each glass off with the sparkling water individually to make sure each glass is extra fizzy.
To serve, spoon some fruit into a glass filled with ice, top with wine spritzer.
Notes:
You can add more or less sparkling water to your preferred taste.
Keep in mind this only uses one bottle of wine, so if you are having more than a few guests you might want to multiply the recipe.
Fruit Pizza Recipe
This is my all time favorite summer dessert and it’s perfect for the 4th of July because it’s one of the most patriotic dishes I’ve ever seen!
I usually make a fruit pizza using pre-made sugar cookie dough then top with cream cheese icing + fruit of your choice. However, this lil beauty in the picture was actually made with a brownie crust! I might have to switch things up this year and try something new. But in the meantime, below is my recipe for a sugar cookie fruit pizza recipe:
Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
Recipe courtesy of KraftHeinz
Ingredients
1 pkg. (16.5 oz.) refrigerated sliceable sugar cookies, sliced
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup sliced strawberries
2/3 cup blueberries
2/3 cup raspberries
1/2 cup blackberries
Instructions
Heat oven to 375°F.
Line 12-inch pizza pan with aluminum foil; spray with cooking spray. Place cookie dough slices in single layer on bottom of prepared pan; press to completely cover bottom of pan. Bake 14 min. or until edge is lightly browned; cool completely.
Invert cookie crust onto plate; carefully remove foil. Turn crust over on plate.
Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with mixer until blended; spread onto crust. Top with berries. Refrigerate 2 hours.
Watermelon Cocktails + Mocktails
Nothing says summer more to me than a fresh cut, juicy watermelon! And while although there’s nothing like sinking your teeth into one, who says you have to stop there? Why not get the most out of it to the very last drop and make watermelon cocktails and/or mocktails this summer!
Not only do they taste great, but because watermelons are made up of about 92% water they are hydrating and low in calories. I especially love to drink watermelon juice when I’m out on the lake, beach, or river all day because I don’t feel as dehydrated by the end of my fun in the sun.
So if you have been dropping the leftover juices down the drain from the bottom of the bowl you stored your cut watermelon in, STOP!! That is liquid gold!
Below is my go-to watermelon cocktail recipe from Kim’s Cravings. I have also made notes on how you can modify it to make a delicious mocktail instead!
Vodka Watermelon Cocktails
Less than 120 calories a serving!
Ingredients
2 ounces (1/4 cup) chilled watermelon juice
1 1/2 - 2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka use more or less depending on how strong you like your cocktail
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice about 1/2 lime
1 teaspoon agave nectar, honey or maple syrup for added sweetness (optional)
Fresh mint, lime wedges and small watermelon wedges, optional for garnish
Instructions
Add watermelon juice, vodka, lime juice, and your choice of sweetener syrup to a rocks or cocktail glass then stir to combine.
Fill glass to the top with ice then serve with fresh mint and garnish with a lime wedge or watermelon wedge. Alternatively, you could add the ingredients into a shaker, fill it halfway up with ice, then shake to chill.
If you like your drink bubbly, top it off with about 2 ounces of club soda, sparkling water or even Sprite.
Mocktail Modifications:
Sub out vodka with 1 1/2 ounces (1/4 cup) - 3 ounces of sparkling water, club soda, or even Sprite.
Cheers!
Lemon Jello Cake
I have officially found my new favorite summer dessert! I was introduced to it by a friend who is not a big icing fan, but this cake is still so incredibly moist because the cake is punctured and the icing is poured over to seep in…almost like a tres leches cake.
There are a lot of “from scratch” recipes out there, but my friend shared with me this recipe from Oh, Sweet Basil that has a few simple solutions to make the process easier! They also share some valuable tips on their post of how to avoid a cake fail, so check it out if you get a chance! In the meantime, here’s the recipe:
Lemon Jello Cake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 12-16
Ingredients
Cake
1 box lemon cake mix (regular size)
4 large eggs
1 1/3 cups water
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 package lemon jello (small box — 3 oz)*
Icing
2 lemons , juiced
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Make the Jello Cake:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and sprinkle with flour.
Tip and tap the edges of the cake pan to coat it with flour.
In the bowl of a mixer, mix the cake mix, eggs, water, oil and jello together.
Pour into the greased and floured pan.
Bake for 27-30 minutes. While the cake is in the oven, prep the icing (see instructions below).
When cake is done, prick with a fork while still hot.
Immediately pour lemon icing over top.
Make the Lemon Icing:
In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth.
Notes
*Note that You must use regular Jello (i.e. not sugar-free or another alternative).
A Rug-alicious Renovation
We’ve all spent a little more time than we would probably prefer in our homes recently, which might have you thinking about what you would change or wishing for an update to your space. What’s the quickest way to make a big statement in a room without breaking the bank? A new rug! So I’ve put together a list of rugs that are all under $150 that could spruce up your home.
Overstock Newton Moroccan Beige Shag Area Rug - $119
This beautiful rug is perfect for a space that you want to make cozy and relaxing. Its colors are neutral, but the patterns are unique that it still brings a touch of fun to the room.
I love that they paired it with other textures in the room including a woven pouf ottoman and furry throw pillow.
IKEA VONSBAK Rug - $99
We actually purchased this rug to furnish our Airbnb and I cannot speak more highly of it! It is a good pop of color, but still subtle that it’s not overpowering.
It has an oriental pattern with a hint of vintage that gives it character that most new rugs don’t have. This is the larger size, but you can choose from a few other sizes that are less expensive.
Wayfair Patterson Square Red Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug - $139
Rugs don’t have to be just for inside! I bought my first outdoor rug a few years ago and it makes my back porch feel all fancy like I’m at a high-end resort! (which we could all use an escape right now, am I right??)
This one is a bright color and exciting pattern which pairs well with any summer cookout or playdate outside.
Amazon Artistic Weavers Odelia Updated Traditional rug - $112
This rug is another colorful option for inside your home. I like that it has a nice fade so you still see the bursts of color but they’re not overpowering. Pair with a neutral color couch and rich throw pillows like they did in the picture or with bold pieces of furniture if that’s you’re style!
Nature Craft Activity Sheet
As the days warm up and we are looking for more things to do with our littles outside, I’m a big fan of nature crafts. I was so excited when the San Antonio Botanical Gardens shared their Nature Craft Activity Sheets.
Can I be honest? My toddler loved it, but I think I was an even bigger fan! It was so interesting looking for materials to use around our backyard. It made me so much more aware of different textures and items I had not noticed before. Plus, it was therapeutic getting to create something.
There are two sheets: a bunny & a butterfly. You get to use your imagination on what they will look like!
Click this link to download and print the sheets. Enjoy exploring and crafting then post a picture of it + tag @openingstatementlifestyle so we can see your creations!
Toilet Paper Roll Crafts
With all of this extra time at home, there is no limit to the amount of crafts you may be trying to pull off! Well we have put together a list of our favorite toilet paper roll crafts for you to tackle with your kids. Start saving your rolls and get to crafting!
Simply click on the photo to head to the tutorial!
