REFRESHING SUMMERTIME DRINKS

Summer is meant for lounging by the pool, bbqs that continue into the night, spending time with great friends and just enjoying the hot weather. Every time we have a party my mom makes her special punch that is always a favorite (it's her secret recipe).  A tasty signature drink is a must have at any gathering to spark conversation, receive tons of compliments and cool down your guest on a hot day.

Strawberry Mint Soda

1large limes, quartered

1 1/2 teaspoons of lime juice

0.5 bunch mint leaves

14 strawberries, quartered

200 g white sugar

710 ml carbonated water

optional ingredient -- cream soda instead of carbonated water

Squeeze the lime quarters into a sturdy glass pitcher. Toss the juiced limes into the pitcher along with the mint, strawberries and sugar then add the lime juice. Crush the fruits together in a blender to release the juices from the strawberries and the oil from the mint leaves. Stir in the club soda until the sugar has dissolved. Pour into the sugared glasses over ice cubes to serve. 

Watermelon Slushie

 
6 ice cubes

2 cups cubed watermelon

1 teaspoon honey or 3 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon lime juice

1/2 cup 7up or Sprite

Place the ice cubes into a blender. Cover, and pulse until crushed. Add the watermelon and blend for about 1 minute, until slushy. Add the 7up, honey or sugar, and blend for about 10 seconds. Serves in 4 glasses and enjoy!

Kiwi Watermelon Lemonade

 
 1½ oz. kiwi syrup (available at most liquor stores
5 oz. lemonade
3 oz. watermelon juice
1½ oz. vodka
Garnish: watermelon wedge

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass. Garnish with a watermelon wedge.

Flirtini

8 pieces fresh pineapples

2 oz Cointreau® orange liqueur

2 oz vodka

4 oz pineapple juice

12 oz Champagne

Muddle the pineapple pieces and cointreau in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add vodka and pineapple juice and stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and top with champagne. Garnish with a cherry, serves 8.

Plum Saketini

½ plum
1 tsp. sugar
1 oz. vodka
1 oz. sake
½ oz. lemon juice
Garnish: plum slice
 

Muddle plum and sugar in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, sake, and lemon juice. Shake and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a plum slice.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE SUMMERTIME DRINK? 

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HOW TO SHARE A ROOM WITH YOUR BABY

Sharing a room with a newborn is a decision every parent has to make.  The factors affecting this decision really come down to two things - I don't have the space to have a separate nursery or I feel more comfortable sharing a room with my baby until he/she is older. In some countries a mother wouldn't even consider having her baby sleep in another room and many mothers who were a little apprehensive at first agreed it was much easier having their baby in the room with them for night time feedings. Studies also show that having your baby sleep in the same room for the first 6 to 12 months reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Regardless of your decision to share a room with your baby space and storage will always be a big concern. When I first started thinking about sharing a room with my baby space that was also my most pressing concern. I worried how I would share my room with a newborn, keep my identity and still have room to walk. However what I discovered is your room decor doesn't have to suffer and you'll realize living with your baby is not only possible but an enjoyable experience as well. All it takes is a little planning, rearranging and space-saving storage ideas to share your room successfully with your baby.

1.  CREATE A ROOM LAYOUT

The best way to do this is to make a floor plan of your room and a rough estimate of how you'd like your furniture laid out. I did this step in my head and then I measured the items I wanted moved and where I wanted it to go to see if they matched up. Then I rearranged everything around in my room - about six times - to see how it'd all look. After going through this experience I would suggest saving yourself the time and energy and not do the trail-and-error method. The best and most effective way is to measure your entire room draw out a mini floor plan and lay out the furniture; then when you're happy with the results re-arrange. If you're good with computers a good program to use would be Google SketchUp where you can create your floor plan in a 3D program. 

2. FINDING A PLACE FOR THE CRIB

The hardest part at least for me was where I would put the crib because there were so many don’ts that had to be considered. 

Some of these don't include:

-You can't place the crib close to or against a window

-You can't place the crib against a wall that faces outside

-You shouldn't place the crib near any doors

So that's two potential walls gone that you cannot place the crib. Also the general rule is that the crib should either be beside or facing your bed so you have to arrange the furniture to make this possible as well. All of these rules might leave you frustrated as your space issues become more apparent. Start by finding an interior wall that fits these guidelines then if you have space left place the dresser/change table close by and a comfortable chair.

3. WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH ROOM?

The most important thing is making sure you have a crib that fits comfortably into your room everything else doesn't matter. I purchased a crib set that included a dual dresser and change table but decided to remove the changing pad and use that area to store her toiletries, extra diapers and anything I will need to keep handy. I bought an extra changing pad that I can just put on the bed and change her, it's  more convenient because I can take it with me to any room in the house. If you don't have enough space to fit a dresser do not stress! Make some room in your closet for the baby's clothes or even a storage or hallway closet will do. You can also purchase plastic drawer containers to store her blankets and some clothes in.

You don't need to get fancy if you don't have enough space.  They’re so many storage solutions fit for any room and lifestyle that make sharing a room with your child easy. Don't get me wrong all the cute little nursery items they sell in store are adorable and nice to have but it is more for the parents benefit. Your newborn will not know or care if there are decorations on the wall or if you rock him/her in a rocking chair or sit on your bed for a feeding or where you store their clothes. All that matter is that you and your baby are happy and bonding :)

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR SHARING A ROOM WITH YOUR BABY?

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