Citrus Cranberry Tea Punch and Holiday Ice Ring

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Milo’s Tea Company, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PassTheMilos http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I wouldn’t be the southern woman I am today without gallons of sweet tea and gumption as a dominant gene. Groomed to be refined yet resourceful in every way, my holiday parties always include a pretty-as-punch bowl filled with my favorite Milo’s Tea concoction and show-stopping ice ring made with a few simple ingredients from the icebox and herb garden. And, unlike many libations served this time of year, sweet tea is a drink that the entire family can enjoy. Citrus Cranberry Tea with Holiday Ice Ring is a festive addition to your holiday celebration. A non alcoholic libation that's suitable for the entire family. Three ingredient punch an super easy to make ice ring with lemonade, ginger ale, lemons, limes, cranberries and mint.

You absolutely MUST make my Citrus Cranberry Tea Punch and Holiday Ice Ring this Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years or whenever! Not only is it a beverage, but can double up as a stunning. simple and super budget-friendly centerpiece for any celebration: Continue reading

Fall for Holiday Smoothies at Red Mango

This post is sponsored by Red Mango, however the opinions about my experience are totally my own.

When I searched directions to Red Mango, a yogurt and smoothie franchise I’d been hearing great things about, the “popular times” chart next to the Google map indicated that a surprising amount of people are there around 6pm. Yay, I knew smoothies and/or frozen yogurt before (or in lieu of) dinner was a legit thing!  Red Mango austin

Hey, I’m always starving post workout, so I don’t care who knows I’m that girl who likes to be first in line to get her food. The way I see it is that I earned my smoothie with sweat equity and, in fact, if I don’t refuel with some healthy carbs and protein pronto, I’m going to lose my hard-earned investment. Finding out Red Mango was offering fall-flavored smoothies for the holiday season was the pumpkin-spiced cherry on top of the day – read on to find out: Continue reading

A Dozen Zero-ABV Drinks & Sippers for Summer

When the thermometer breaks 90, it’s official – a round or two of refreshing, chilled beverages are in order.  Not only will an icy-cold concoction help lower your core temperature and replace essential fluids and nutrients lost through sweat, it can be as flavorful and festive as the occasion calls for. 12 Virgin Zero-ABV Drinks for Summer - these mocktails and alcohol-free alternatives rock warm weather pool parties picnics and entertaining!

Except for a birthday margarita or New Year’s toast, I prefer to pass over alcoholic beverages – they just don’t make me feel my best! Food & Wine reports that Zero-ABV (zero alcohol by volume) drinks are rising in popularity 2017 and that’s a trend I can toast to!  I’ve rounded up 12 of my favorite “virgin” drinks to share . . . along with another one of my favorite treats (POPSUGAR Must Have Box). Read on to find more! Continue reading

Sleepy Tart Cherry Hot “Chocolate” – Caffeine Free

Today (January 31st) is National Hot Chocolate Day. I love me a hot beverage any time of day during colder weather, but tea, coffee and even a classic mug of cocoa can keep me up at night thanks to caffeine. Even though regular hot chocolate only has about 1/8 the caffeine of a cup of coffee, that little bit can still make a difference if you struggle with sensitivities, insomnia or other sleep issues. Plus, it’s so sugary – who wants that sugar buzz at night? Not me.Sleepy Cherry Hot Chocolate features tart cherry juice and almond milk that both help to promote sleep. Additionally, carob powder instead of cocoa power keeps it caffeine free

So, I made a few swaps to a rich and chocolaty recipe I make often for the kids. This homemade hot beverage will nutritiously satisfy your sweet tooth while helping you drift off into dreamland. Plus, it’s free of caffeine thanks to carob powder and also added sugars – only a bit of the natural sugars you get in the cherry juice.

Continue reading

Lemongrass-Mint Matcha Chai Latte

Tea is . . . my cup of tea! I love that there are so many varieties available that meet me my body where it is for the day, whether that’s requiring an instant pick-me-up, desperately craving better sleep, or feeling bloated and in need a diet detox. Plus, the world’s most popular beverage, is packed with an abundance of antioxidants (varies on the type of tea) to help boost immunity and optimize overall health and well-being.Preparing Lemongrass Mint Matcha Chia  This month, I’ve been jump-starting my mornings with Lemongrass-Mint Matcha Chai Latte, it’s a exponentially more wholesome, herbal alternative the carbonated sugar-free energy drinks I sometimes guzzle prebreakfast (we all have vices, people). After just a few sips of this steaming green goodness, I know that the cold weather, shortened daylight levels, and lengthy to-do list are going to be so much more bearable.

Continue reading