Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Creating Memories With Simple Pleasures


Remember summers of the past, when the chores were done and there was time to sit on the porch and talk with friends? Remember when the homemade lemonade and iced tea were staples in the refrigerator? My prayer this summer is to take times for friendships, for conversations without rushing onto the next thing. Life is full, at times stressful, and so fast paced, that often times seasons come and seasons go, without our taking time to enjoy them. Today I am sharing a few of the light snacks that we enjoy in our home. Quick, easy to assemble, and low in calories. Yes, I prefer delicious homemade lemonade and mint tea but, I do not always have it on hand or want the calories that go with it. "Clear Choice" comes in many flavors, and has zero calories. I think it is a refreshing drink. I add slices of lemons, limes and oranges to add some pizazz when serving. If you want to take it up a notch, try taking a long stemmed, washed and dried pansey, and tucking the stem into the sliced cut lemon on the side of the glass. Pansies are edible, so it does not hurt to add them. I add pansies to desserts and drinks many times in the Spring of the year. Try it, you might like the look.


Recently, I was in the home of a good friend. She had a glass bowl of this combination sitting on the table in our afternoon visit. It was a new snack combination to me, but the sweet and salty taste was one I knew I would copy.



Mixing these two beverages together is another low calorie, refreshing drink that my family enjoys. An 8 oz. glass of the Welch's has only 50 calories. Since I use half and half of each beverage, that creates a summer drink with only 25-30 calories per glass. Snacking on the 100-calories packs of Ritz bits with cheese can't hurt either(unless of course, you consume 5 or 6 packs in one sitting). At one time I purchased a large pack of bambo skewers at the grocery store. I use them for many things, but this time I lined fresh blueberries on it and stuck it in the beverage glass. I try to keep ice cubes made with this Welch's drink, on hand in a tupperware container in my freezer.


Three friends leisurely enjoying a warm summer evening together. A good reminder to me to make time for friends and memories this summer. Time to sit on the porch or in the backyard, relax, share and enjoy life. It does not just happen most times...it needs to be planned.

13 comments:

Stacey said...

Great ideas! We get together with friends almost every weekend. It's just natural to us. I'm always looking for something yummy and easy to put out. Thanks!

Shelley said...

Judy - you keep posting these ideas and these wonderful things that you do, i'm going to hop in my car and come visit you!! :-)
Thank you for sharing this! You've given me so many lovely ideas for entertaining at our log home!

lindsey said...

These snacks sound great....how I would love to join you for some!And what beautiful lilac blooms, we had a pretty lilac tree outside our kitchen at our last house, the smell was lovely first thing in the morning when the dew was on it. I shall miss that this year.

LisaShaw said...

Thanks for the tips sweetie. I enjoyed the photos too. I need to comprise a book of all of your ideas. mmm maybe you should comprise a book of all of your tips and ideas for us (smile). It would be a HOT SELLER!

Love you.

Tracy said...

Great post! What wonderful ideas! You're so right...in order for us to enjoy those special times with friends, we have to make the plans to do so.

This goes along with what you shared in your comment to me...hospitality is so important in the Christian life. Here's anticipating a summer filled with wonderful moments with friends and family. = )

Have a wonderful day, sweet one!

Happy@Home said...

Great timing on this post. I was just thinking that I needed to have some beverages and snacks on hand so I would be ready for some impromptu entertaining. I have never heard of Clear Choice, but it looks like something I would enjoy and looks so pretty with the fruit you added. Thanks for all of these great ideas.

Lovella ♥ said...

Judy. . oh I wonder if those drinks can be purchased up in Canada. . it always is a bit sad when I can't find those goodies. .but I'll take a look.
We have enjoyed nuts and raisins together for years. ..and now and then I throw a few dark m and m's in for dessert. . .

Anonymous said...

These are such good ideas! I think your right. We don't take the time to enjoy our friendships like we used to. I think as a society we have become very busy people. It's a shame really. It's one of the things I have been truly enjoying about my retirement. I love how you used the blueberries and grape juice. Blueberries are one of my favorite fruits and so healthy. Charli and I will be over :>) I hope you have a lovely day ♥ Thank you for sharing your ideas with us.

Melanie said...

Blueberries on the skewer...great idea and cute, too!
Melanie@Bella~Mella

Judy said...

Good suggestions all around! I am not so sure we have Clear Choice up here...but I am off to check it out. I love icy-citrussy drinks...even water with citus slices is wonderful. I bought new summer placemats today....and napkins...add a nice drink...I'm ready for friends!

Brenda Pruitt said...

There's some popcorn I've been eating of late that is like that. Kind of sweet and kind of salty. Really a wonderful combination!
Brenda

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Beautiful and refreshing drink ideas! Simple ideas to share with friends...love it.

Stay Cozy, Carrie

C. C. said...

Hi!

Nice to meet you! I just found you over at Beehive Cottage and thought I would stop in and say hello. You have very pretty pictures!

Have a nice day!

C. C.

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