Strawberry-Watermelon Infused Water

We're slowly adjusting to our new school routine but I refuse to toss summer aside. This strawberry watermelon infused water was just the ticket to lift my spirits and hold onto the season a little longer. One sip of this drink and I knew summer was here to stay for a little while longer. And the sweet watermelon and tart strawberries balance each other perfectly!

Infused waters are a great way to consume beneficial vitamins without a ton of extra calories.  Watermelon is full of antioxidants and amino acids while strawberries are a Vitamin C powerhouse. Did you know watermelon may even assist with soothing sore muscles? With most of my infused water recipes, I try to squeeze a little lemon in for the detoxifying effects. Feel free to get creative with your infused waters and use whatever you have laying around or growing in your summer garden!

***** Strawberry Watermelon Infused Water *****

// Ingredients //

1 cup strawberries, stems removed

1 cup watermelon, cubed

Juice of half a lemon

32 oz. water

// Instructions //

1. In a blender, combine strawberries, watermelon and lemon juice. Puree until smoother. Then, pour juice through fine mesh strainer to remove pulp and seeds. (You may have to use the back of a spoon to work it through.) You should have about 1/2 cup of fruit juice.

2. Add fruit juice to 32 ounces of water and chill. When ready to serve, pour over ice and leftover fresh fruit.

*Photography and styling by Amy Mikkelsen

Weekend Cheers: Spring Slim Down

Happy Friday! I know I was quiet here on the blog this week, but do not let that fool you. On Wednesday, I celebrated another birthday and am still hard at work on the Home Depot style challenge. The boys started baseball so that is consuming a lot of our Saturdays. I've also decided I must shut down my computer at a decent hour each night. It's difficult for me because I'm naturally a night owl but I'm realizing (with age) how important sleep really is when it comes to my daytime productivity. I also see a HUGE difference in my skin when I get more rest. It's not called beauty rest for nothing!

I mixed up the above elixir in an effort to brighten my skin and boost my metabolism for spring. I've always loved infusing my water but I specifically chose the ingredients for this recipe to be healing and detoxifying. Did you know cinnamon is believed to curb sugar cravings and lemon is a well known detoxifier, which means less swelling! For me personally, mint is a natural mood lifter and great for my sinuses and since allergy and pollen season is in full force here in Georgia, you better bet I'm stocking my garden with this stuff. For best results with this all-natural slim down drink, mix up a large batch each morning and sip it throughout the day. I recommend repeating this for 2-3 days in a row or until you feel the benefits. Three cheers for spring and feeling our best!

****Cinnamon-Lemon Slim Down Drink*****

//Ingredients//

32 oz. filtered cold water
1 lemon
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon*
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Mint leaves for garnish

//Instructions//

In a large pitcher, combine water, the juice of one lemon, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Stir well until cinnamon is combined. Pour over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Refrigerate as necessary.

*Photos and styling by Amy Mikkelsen