Sangria

My first attempt at making sangria turned out AMAZING! It was sweet without being too sweet and wasn't dry (which is great because dry is why I don't like wine in general). Here's the recipe: 1 bottle of Moscato- (I did NOT use an Asti as I was afraid it would be overpowering but may try it next time) 3 shots of gold rum - I used Bacardi gold 2 shots of orange liqueur ( if you have it Cointreau would be nice but as a budget saver I used Triple Sec) Then cut up fruit- I used half a can of pineapple and used all of the juice from the can ,1 pear,1 nectarine,an apple -( green or pink variety). You can really use whatever you like Pour over ice and I added a splash of sprite but u can use pelligrino too. ENJOY!

Summer Summer Summertime!

By the middle of June in Southeast Texas, we are already tired of the heat and know that the worst is yet to come. The only consistent weather pattern we have is HEAT- heat with rain, heat without rain, heat with a hurr....(I think it is bad luck to even say that 8-lettered 'H' word). But even if we have one, it will still be destruction with a side of heat. Besides staying in the a/c, I like to surround myself with cool colors and cooler drinks. My new obsession is sangria. I am on a quest to make some this week. I am not extremely knowledgeable about wine in general. I just drink what I like, something light and fruity and not dry at all. Moscato is at the top of my list. Now that I think about it, that describes how I order most drinks.....margaritas, vodka and cranberry or pineapple juice, wedding cake martini etc. Back to the sangria, I have begun researching different recipes and the best fruits to use. And the best part ....drinking any mistakes. I will let you know how it turns out.

Bedtime Brain Drain

Do you have trouble sleeping? Then you and I are in the same boat. 
I have tried teas, mood lighting, sound machines (which I just LOVE)...and even some over the counter sleep aid. Finally, I was prescribed something to help sleep.  
Overall, I CAN sleep. My problem is turning my brain off at night. Take right now for instance, I should be sleeping, but instead, this time of night has turned in to 'How to save the world and all it's problems and still try to get 6 hours."
As I try to settle down and get ready to sleep, I have already come up with ways to improve my job, fix the budget crisis, and be super mom. Don't we all wear those shoes everyday????
Mom, wife, friend, employee, mentor, daughter, and it keeps going on and on.  
So, I wear myself out as I doze off hoping that some of the grand ideas which wander through my dreams will be fresh on my mind the next morning.
At night I really do have clues to the great solutions I want to put into place. 
I don't know if the morning clarity hides my key to implementation or if they appear different in the light of day.

First Baseball Game

I love going to games with Gabe....yes am a huge sports fan, but if I want to spend anytime with him, then I make the decision to join him at the game or sit at home. I have been introduced to some amazing people and have fallen in love with Orange County. (Being a Nederland girl at heart, it is nice to know that I CAN support other teams) but still bleed BLACK and GOLD. We traveled far into the playoffs last year with Orangefield and Bridge City. After that emotional end to the season, it was nice to take a break for a while, but the spring time weather just screams baseball season along with the smell of fresh-cut grass. So tonight I ventured out to my first game of the season. The weather was slightly cooler than I expected but once we were sitiuated in our box we didn't notice . The sounds and smells of the ballpark were what I came for. The clanging of the bats, the concession stand food, and the cheering and jeering of the fans just adds to the experience. Ahhh, it was a great first night of baseball.