Happy Friday!

It’s almost the weekend and that means we get to shift gears and center our schedule around something other than school.

We center it around the other 8 kabillion things that we pack into two swift, precious days.

I really think we need to revisit this whole 5 days on, 2 days off concept.  It feels lopsided.

Anyway, I thought my second blog post should focus on another reason why I wanted to start blogging: trying something new.  In my conversations with people, the topic will almost always find its way around to food.  It really stays on my brain a LOT.  But in these conversations, I find there are usually a few things that remain consistent, no matter who I talk to.  1) We all get stuck in a rut and find ourselves falling back on our personal standbys, 2) We are all pretty busy and can’t devote a ton of time to cooking and creating, and 3) We aren’t opposed to trying new things, but sometimes we aren’t sure where to start.

That’s where this recipe comes in.  It really isn’t so much of a recipe as it is a “Life Hack”.  It’s a way to perk up lemonade while trying something new and making it a little more special and treat-like.  Just look at it…doesn’t it look refreshing?

It’s a win-win.  Or maybe a win-win-win, since it does three things.  Either way, it’s easy, delicious and gives you a new product to add to your arsenal of yummy. It involves Rose Water.  That’s right, Rose Water.  Okay, before everyone gets up to leave, hear me out.  It adds a fresh, delicate note to your drink and no, it won’t taste like perfume.  Unless you’re like my Husband who unknowingly took a big swig of the stuff straight up and still shudders when he thinks about it.  Don’t do that.  That was your Public Service Announcement for the day.

So back to the Rose Water.  It is usually used in Middle Eastern cuisine, but it is finding itself in all kinds of things such as cookies, ice cream and this lemonade.  You can buy it in a Middle Eastern market, A well-stocked Asian market and you can even find it in the World Market stores (Cost Plus, depending on what part of the country you’re in) and of course here from the old trusty standby, Amazon.

Okay, now that I’ve talked your ear off and you’ve bought some Rose Water, you’re probably thirsty.  I have an idea! Make yourself some lemonade!  Here’s a great recipe and it makes enough to share with a friend or two:

Honey Rose Sparkling Lemonade

2 quarts Cold water

2/3 c. Powdered lemonade mix (such as Country Time)

6 T. Honey (use local if you can- good health benefits!)

1 1/2- 2 t. Rose water

12 oz. Sparkling water

1 lemon, sliced

Mix the water and lemonade mix in a pitcher.

In a bowl, mix rose water and honey until well combined.

Pour honey mixture into lemonade and stir well.

When you are ready to serve, pour in the sparkling water, and add a few lemon slices.

Pour over ice, garnish with the lemon slices and keep the rose water handy, in case you want to boost the flavor.  Just add a few more drops to taste.

Serve with a flourish.  Flourishing really helps you feel fancy.

Enjoy this lemonade and stay tuned for the first blog post about a cute little tray I found and its quick, easy update!  Don’t we all love a good makeover story?