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Strawberry Shortcake Adult Milkshake

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — I’m not big on Valentine’s Day. But that doesn’t mean I don’t make it super cutesy for my kids with treats and activities. But this year I’m making a conscious effort to reconnect with my husband. Our kids are getting a tiny bit older (at ages 10, 7, and 4). And it’s time to get back to regular-ish date nights. This February our at-home date night is going to include a Strawberry Shortcake adult milkshake — made with Little Debbie strawberry shortcakes!

Strawberry Shortcake Adult Milkshake

What you’ll need

First and foremost, you’re going to need a food processor or a blender. If you have one, or have the funds, I highly, highly recommend the Vitamix. Not only can you use the Vitamix for blending up frozen desserts, but you can use it to make all sorts of other things — like soup!

Strawberry Shortcake Adult Milkshake

But here are the must-have ingredients:

That’s all you’ll need. And I will tell you, these are absolutely addicting. But be sure that you enjoy responsibly!

HOW TO MAKE A STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ADULT MILKSHAKE

Strawberry Shortcake Adult Milkshake

Strawberry Shortcake Adult Milkshake
Prep Time 1 minute
Total Time 1 minute

Ingredients

  • 2 Scoops of Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Roll Ice Cream
  • 2 ounces of Baileys Strawberries & Cream
  • 2 ounces of Strawberry Milk
  • 1 Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Roll
  • Whipped Cream

Instructions

  1. Place 2 scoops of ice cream, strawberry milk & Baileys into a blender.
  2. Blend for 60 seconds.
  3. Transfer to a glass.
  4. Garnish with whipped cream & a Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Roll.
  5. Enjoy responsibly!
© Rachel

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Easy Jalapeño Margarita Recipe

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I have a confession. I am more of a red wine and craft beer aficionado than I am of anything with liquor in it. Funny enough, I haven’t had some horrendous ‘straight liquor’ story or situation; but I just couldn’t seem to perfect a good mixed drink to save my life. But I do actually love a good margarita. A little sweet, a little spicy, and the perfect amount of tequila? Yes please! And that’s exactly what this easy jalapeño margarita recipe calls for!

Easy Jalapeño Margarita Recipe

What you’ll need to make these spicy margaritas

There are only a few ingredients in these delicious margaritas. I haven’t (yet) tried making my own simple syrup. That’s the next goal! And you don’t necessarily need simple syrup for this recipe, but if you want to add it, I recommend this one.

Easy Jalapeño Margarita Recipe

Here’s what else you’ll need:

  • 2 jalapeño peppers
  • a few limes
  • 8 ounces of your favorite tequila
  • honey (agave or simple syrup can be substituted)
  • kosher salt
  • Cilantro, lime, and or jalapeños can be used to garnish

Technically, you only need one jalapeño. But I like to slice up a second jalapeño for garnish. A wooden spoon and a cutting board will work to break down the juice of the jalapeño. However, if you’re in the market for a mortar and pestle, this one won’t break the bank; and it has tremendous reviews.

Easy Jalapeño Margarita Recipe

Easy Jalapeño Margarita Recipe

Yield: 2 drinks

Easy Jalapeño Margaritas

Easy Jalapeño Margaritas

Ingredients

  • 2 jalapeño peppers
  • 2-3 limes
  • 8 ounces of tequila (your favorite brand)
  • 3 tablespoons of honey (agave or simple syrup can be substituted)
  • 3 tablespoons of kosher salt
  • Cilantro, lime, and or jalapeños can be used to garnish

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. De-seed the first jalapeño by cutting it in half and scraping the seeds and white parts. Rinse the peppers and wash your hands thoroughly.
  2. Slice the pepper thinly. Thickness similar to a penny.
  3. Place the slices in a mortar and bring to a pulp with the pestle.

    If you don’t have a mortar, you can use a bowl or the cutting board with a wooden spoon back. You just want the juice to be extracted.
  4. Add juice and pulp to a pitcher.
  5. Squeeze the lime juice from your lime and add to the pitcher.
  6. Add tequila to the pitcher.
  7. Stir in honey until dissolved.
  8. Add your salt to a bowl.
  9. Rim the glasses with a lime wedge and place in salt to adhere to the rim.
  10. Add ice, margarita, and garnish (slice second pepper for garnish, if desired).
  11. ENJOY!
    Easy Jalapeño Margarita Recipe
© Rachel

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Backyard Bliss Rosemary Citrus Spritzer

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I don’t think I’m alone in saying that the Summer of 2020 may go down in history as one of the weirdest ever. We cancelled our big family vacation at the beginning of the pandemic. And, shortly thereafter, I managed to convince my husband that we should just put that money into making our backyard a little paradise. Complete with a backyard bliss Rosemary Citrus Spritzer.

We started with putting up a huge privacy fence. We hired a local contractor off of a Facebook recommendation. Also, we immediately ordered raised garden beds. And then we set into motion a plan to build a deck, complete with a hot tub. If we were going to be home, I might as well make the most of it, right?

Backyard Bliss Rosemary Citrus Spritzer

Speaking of enjoying it, this Rosemary Citrus Spritzer is the perfect nightcap to be enjoyed on our blissful deck. It’s super refreshing and equally delicious.

First, start with simple syrup.

You start making this Rosemary Citrus Spritzer by preparing your own simple syrup. Sure, you could always purchase simple syrup. But it’s SO easy to make it yourself — and way more delicious!

simple syrup rosemary citrus spritzer

All you need to make simple syrup is one whole orange, one whole lemon, sugar, a sprig of rosemary, and a sauce pan.

Then, add the spirits — Prosecco, Vodka, and Limoncello

The other thing you need is prosecco. My favorite prosecco is Riondo Prosecco. It’s affordable and you don’t need to use the whole bottle (because it’s a screw cap!). So you can enjoy this one glass at a time — no pressure.

backyard bliss rosemary citrus spritzer

In addition to the perfect prosecco, you’ll need vodka and limoncello. My favorite vodka is a local company, Buckeye Vodka. But you can use any good vodka.

Check out the full recipe!

Yield: 8 ounces

Rosemary Citrus Spritzer

rosemary citrus spritzer

Ingredients

  • Fresh Rosemary
  • 2 Tablespoons of sugar
  • Juice from one orange
  • Juice from one lemon
  • 1 teaspoon of orange zest
  • 1 ounce of vodka
  • 1 ounce of limoncello
  • 1 ounce of coconut water
  • 2 ounces of Riondo Prosecco

Instructions

For the simple syrup:

  1. Add 1 sprig rosemary, sugar, orange and lemon juice, and orange zest to a sauce pan and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce to a simmer, stir, and cover for 5 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and strain, let cool 5-10 min. 


Mixing:

  1. Pour 1 ounce simple syrup into a glass with ice.
  2. Add all remaining ingredients. Stir & enjoy!
  3. Garnish with rosemary and an orange!

© Rachel

This is the perfect drink for your staycation, don’t you think?

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PIN ME - Rosemary Citrus Spritzer
PIN ME - Rosemary Citrus Spritzer
PIN ME - Rosemary Citrus Spritzer

Boozy Red, White, and Blue Popsicles Recipe

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Is it even the 4th of July if you’re not donning red, white, and blue and eating an array of themed foods? No — no it definitely isn’t! If I’m being honest, I am a tad bit obsessed with themed foods. For my eldest child’s first birthday party I used puns and themed foods for literally every. single. thing. While it’s been increasingly difficult to be that ‘extra’ with each subsequent child, I still go all-out for the important parties!

And, even though we’ll be homebound for this Independence Day, we’ll be holding our own little backyard celebration. Complete with mocktails, cocktails, and snacks of all kinds!

Boozy 4th of July Popsicles

My favorite part, by far, is my delicious Boozy 4th of July Popsicles. Patriotic and the perfect adult frozen treat! Sure, there will be other goodies — like red, white, and blue kabobs! And even other adult beverages (helloooo, red wine!). But these “Adult Bomb Pops” are just too perfect.

Boozy 4th of July Popsicles

But the best part of this recipe? Is it’s EASY! No blender required and nothing over the top. Just simple, straightforward fun!

Boozy 4th of July Popsicles

I’m OBSESSED! And you will be, too! If you need a recommendation for freeze pop ziploc bags, check these out here.

Yield: 3 pops

Boozy 4th of July Popsicles

Boozy 4th of July Popsicles

An adult version of the kid-favorite, BOMB POPS! Easy, unique, and FUN!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle of Red, White & Berry Smirnoff Ice
  • 3 ounces of Vodka
  • 3 teaspoons of patriotic sprinkles
  • 3 ziploc popsicle bags

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 ounce of vodka into each of the Ziploc Popsicle Bags.
  2. Pour Red, White, and Berry Smirnoff Ice into bag until fill line.
  3. Add a teaspoon of patriotic sprinkles.
  4. Seal the bag and shake before freezing overnight.
  5. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY!
Category: brews + food

Tell me — what’s your favorite boozy beverage?!

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PIN ME - Boozy 4th of July Bomb Pops Popsicles
PIN ME - Boozy 4th of July Bomb Pops Popsicles

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Prepping for Company with Big Lots — Tips + Tricks

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Oh, hi, October! And hellooooo, Fall! In our house, this season is very exciting because it’s the start of all things fun. This also means that it’s the start of all things busy. Am I right?!

Personally, I try to prep for the upcoming holidays as much as possible now so that I have less to do later. At crunch time — you know, just before company is coming over — I don’t want to be worrying about things that could have been taken care of.

Lucky for me, this year we’re starting with a blank slate. When we moved into our forever home last year, it was a week before Christmas. I threw the tree up and that was that. So this year I’m excited to decorate on our (literally) blank walls.

Here’s how I’m prepping for the holidays now.

A blank slate doesn’t have to mean spending a ton of money. I’ve turned to Big Lots to get all of our holiday dining, decor, and baking goods without breaking the bank!

The Perfect Holiday Tablescape

I chose a neutral setting that allows me to easily use the same table settings for both Thanksgiving and Christmas (and every little party in between). The chargers, plates, and table runner were all super affordable and incredibly on-trend.

plates and chargers with welcome sign
plate and charger with wine decanter

Food Prep Essentials

As I mentioned earlier, I try to make as much food ahead of time as possible. Big Lots has all of the items I need to make my favorite cookies, breads, and bars. They carry all of my favorite baking mixes and other staples like sugar, flour, and vanilla extract so I can make big batches and freeze them. Pro-tip: Wrap the loaves and cookies in plastic before putting them into freezer bags!

Food Prep mixer

The day before hosting, I’ll take my baked goods out of the freezer and put them into these adorable takeaway containers for my guests. That way no one leaves empty-handed!

I can’t wait to host friends and family this Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Setting The Bar

There’s so much merriment surrounding the holidays that I want every person that steps into our home to be welcome to celebrate. Part of my hosting-prep includes setting the bar. I want all things cocktail-related to be ready for guests because no one wants to have to run out last minute for sugar or garnish!

Big Lots has everything I need to have a fantastic array of beverage and cocktail options — and the barware to serve them in!

Champagne flutes and coffee maker

Whatever you do, don’t wait! Get that holiday prepping done now so that you can enjoy these moments with your loved ones later.

Tell me — what is your best way to prepare for having company?

the perfect holiday tablescape

The Perfect Date Night (Cook)Out // PLUS Party-Perfect Potato Salad RECIPE

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GrillNGear #CollectiveBias

Summer has officially arrived in Northeast Ohio, and one thing that my husband and I love to do in the summer, is use our grill and entertain friends. Well, since Remy was born (yes, 16.5 months ago…), we’ve fallen a tad bit short on the date nights and having friends over for barbecues. In fact, most Summer nights we find ourselves eating the kids leftovers and falling asleep before dark. It’s true!

But last week I decided to change that. Sure, our schedules are mostly determined by two small people; but we can still enjoy an impromptu cookout/date night at home, right!?

I was determined — determined, ya’ll! But I still had to remain optimistic. I mean, I was taking two kids with me to shop for this date night, so getting in, finding my items, and getting out were of top priority! So I stopped by Giant Eagle on my way home from work. It’s close, it’s convenient, and they always have exactly what I’m looking for.

And what I was looking for were their amazing Bacon Cheddar Patties. A friend from work turned me onto these bad boys and they do not disappoint!

Found in the butcher section, these patties are ground fresh daily, mixed with thick-cut bacon and chunks of sharp cheddar. Amazing!

I also picked up some Hellmann’s Mayonnaise for my delicious potato salad (keep reading for the recipe!), cookies for dessert, and some fizzy lemonade for a mocktail!

In and out in 15-minutes, flat! That’s what I like to call the perfect one-stop shopping trip! PS. Had I planned my date night cookout sooner, I would have just used the Giant Eagle Curbside Express to order online and pickup from my car! Silly me…

That was the easy part. The difficult part was actually getting our date night dinner together while wrangling two toddlers. Luckily, I kinda know my go-to potato salad recipe like the back of my hand. And I was able to chop and dice all the veggies while Remy was napping (thank goodness she takes long naps!).

Although I am no grill-master, I can actually operate a grill (I know, I know… it’s a surprise, right!?). Well my hidden ‘secret’ of grilling is to actually throw the burger toppings on the grill, too! That’s right — I throw those sliced mushrooms and onions into a foil packet and let them get all grilled before serving them right alongside my burger! No buns even necessary on a burger that’s this good! 🙂

And, since we were squeezing in this date night cookout just after the kids went to sleep, I figured a mocktail was in order. I made a delicious frozen blueberry sparkling lemonade with Nature’s Basket frozen blueberries and Lemon Lemon Sparkling Lemonade! It was perfect! It just so happened to be a 90+ degree night, so the chill from the frozen blueberries was honestly the perfect touch.

We rounded out our date night with a couple of Farmhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies and called it a night. Okay, we called it an 8:30PM 😛 😛 But seriously, it was much-needed, both the company of each other and the delicious meal. In fact, we even reminded ourselves to slow it down and chew our food! You know, because the kids weren’t there to distract us! 🙂

Okay, now for that Party-Perfect Potato Salad recipe!

[gmc_recipe 11447]
All in all, I’m grateful that we did this. I’m grateful that we spent some time together and reconnected — even if this version of a ‘date night’ is a tad bit different than it used to be!

 

So tell me — what’s your favorite grilling tip!?