Rhubarb Soda and a Rhub-tini

Rhubarb season was drawing to an end and I had tons left in my garden.  I came across THIS recipe from a local Minnesota website.  Rhubarb soda!  I recently purchased a Soda Stream machine and thought this would be a delicious addition to my usual sparkling water.

Here's how you can try out this refreshing summer drink!

1 cup rhubarb, chopped
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until rhubarb falls apart. Strain in a mesh strainer and let cool.

Once cool, stir with sparkling water.  Add syrup to taste.  

Fruit "Soda" is delicious but I was in the mood for something stronger.  A Rhub-tini was sounding pretty awesome!

I mixed together vodka and some rhubarb soda. Shake with ice, strain into a chilled glass.  Then I poured rhubarb syrup in the glass, adding to taste. 

I'm thinking this could be a good idea for raspberries too soon!

Inspired Monday: Dreamy Garden Path

I've been working a lot in my yard this season. I'm beginning to cultivate some beautiful perennial gardens and I cant wait to see how they change and grow in the coming years.  I was also inspired by this gorgeous garden path.  I may have to recreate something like this in my gardens!

Source: gardenofsimple.tumblr.com via Jessy @ on Pinterest

Are any of you gardeners? What is your favorite plant or flower?

Inspired Monday: Perfect Dog House

I came across this dog house while cruising backyard landscaping ideas.  The article I was reading had reccomendations for landscaping a dog friendly yard.  They suggested creating a shady place for your dogs by having one of these:

Source: realestate.msn.com via Jessy @ on Pinterest

Dog owner or not, you have to admit the details on this house are adorable! The window box, the sun medallion, and the house numbers! Its so stinkin cute! I may have to consider this idea for my pups!

Green Chile Burgers

I love summer grilling, but sometimes brats and burgers get a little blah. Spice up your burger with this simple recipe!

Green Chile Burgers (adapted from Betty Crocker)

Makes 4 burgers

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 can chopped green chiles (4 oz)

Pepper Jack Cheese Slices

1 ripe avocado

Hamburger buns

Lettuce

Tomato (sliced)

Sour Cream

Directions:

In a bowl mix can of green chiles and ground beef until well incorporated.  Form burger patties.  Grill to desired "doneness" (I like mine medium!) and top with pepper jack cheese.  Assemble your burger by spreading ripe avocado on bottom bun, top with burger, lettuce, tomato, and spread sour cream on your top bun.  Enjoy the new twist on a classic grilled burger!

Don't forget, I just joined Twitter! Come show me some Twitter love!

Left Overs

I had some left over cookie dough so I cut a few extra to practice on.  I tried out some brushed embroidery techniques on these.

This one was supposed to be a "J" but I got a little out of control with the swirls so its more like a "T".

I love this effect!

Fairytale Frosting Meets Twitter

OK its official. I've joined Twitter.  I have hesitated for so long, feeling a little overwhelmed with the whole social media thing...I mean its always something new right?  However I decided to jump on board, so come join me!

 You can follow me HERE

In honor of my new Twitter, I also whipped up a few blue bird cookies!

I hope you'll come check out my Twitter account, I need some Twitter love! Ha ha!

Craft Tip: Vinegar

Happy Independence Day! Did any other craft geeks spend their day working on projects? No? Oh. Well, I didn't have any BBQ's to go to, my boyfriend worked, so I did one of my favorite things intead...Craft!

Here is a tip I learned...use vinegar to remove labels!

Check this out....

 I needed to remove some stubborn labels. I sprayed paper towel with vinegar, and wrapped it over the labels. Let it sit about 5 minutes or so. Then scrub off under warm water.  I used a steel wool pad, but a scrubber sponge would work too.

See, labels are gone, no sticky residue! Way quicker and easier than Goo Gone.  

Hope you enjoyed celebrating your freedom in whatever way made you most happy today!