Homemade Peach Soda

Homemade Peach Soda Syrup is perfect for a lightly sweetened fizzy refreshment on a summer day. Made with 3 ingredients, this easy recipe might become your go to all summer long!

We have a nifty drink mate machine in the kitchen. But, the prepackaged syrups are not my favorite. I don't really like the flavors available, so I decided to make my own.

Last summer I made a homemade cherry orange soda syrup that was pretty amazing.  This year, I made peach for my daughter Harper, who loves soda. She adored the light color and the flavor. I loved that I knew exactly what she was drinking and had no concerns about caffeine. Plus, with this syrup you can control how much sugar the kids consume. 

Homemade Peach Soda Syrup
Ingredients:

2 cups of sugar

2 pounds of peaches

2 cups of water

Directions:

Slice the peaches in quarters. You can peel them OR leave the skin on, it doesn't matter.

Add sugar, water and peaches to a medium sauce pan.

Heat over medium heat, for about 30 minutes.

Stir often to prevent boiling.

Allow to cool and store in mason jars in the fridge.

Add to carbonated water or club soda to create a refreshing drink. For my kids, I think 1/2 ounce is adequate to properly flavor and sweeten the drink. You might prefer a sweeter soda and use 1 to .5 ounces of syrup.

Find all of my homemade soda recipes here:

Reader favorites include:

Homemade Strawberry Peach Soda

Strawberry Shortcake Floats

Summer Home Bar Guide

Summer is here, and there is no better time to kick back and sip something wonderful! Here are a few of my favorites for your home bar. I know you are going to want to lift your glass and say cheers to all of these summer home bar must haves! 

This year has been interesting to say the least. We are now 4 months into the pandemic. I have been wondering... Who ordered 2020 from wish?

It seems that every day is the same, except one thing that changes. It just keeps getting hotter outside! Cocktail hour is the only thing getting me by, so let's check out some of my favorite products of the summer for the home bar.

Samples have been provided, and affiliate links may be used below.

Papo J Lambanog's Vodka is a must have for any home bar, this vodka is made with the nectar of coconut flowers to create a smooth, decadent, distinctly south pacific vibe.  Mix it in a margarita, or add it to cold brew coffee for a an afternoon pick me up. Order online or locate a store on the Papo J's website for about $29.

Summer is the time to take the drinks outside, but who wants to break a great glass? Halo Vino has you covered with these durable little glasses that unbreakable, stack-able, and dishwasher safe. They even float, so if you want to drink a bottle of wine while floating the day away, like I do, you can. Oder online starting at $13 a 6 pack.

Spark by The Hemp Division is a must have for your home bar this summer. It is like a great seltzer with a hefty dose of cbd. Add it to a vodka soda, or just sip it ice cold to take the edge off.I love the Orange Mango flavor! Order a 12 pack for $40 online.

This is the summer of the spiked seltzers for good reason; they are fantastic! Mighty Swell Spiked Seltzer has some amazing flavors that hit the spot on a hit day. I love that they are so much lighter than other cocktail options. I am crazy about  the cherry lime variety. It is so good! Find your favorite spiked spritzer and where to order online.

Cocktail 2 Go Kits let you take all of the essentials for a great crafted cocktail with you in a convenient tin. All you need to add is the booze and ice. Take these in the air, or to the hotel, or keep a few in your home bar for a perfectly mixed cocktail anytime. Shop their impressive line of kits online starting at about $15.

We might not be able to travel to all of the awesome places we wanted this summer, so instead of pining away for Mexico, why not bring the flavors of a great Michelada to your  home with these convenient bottles by Thirsty Bartender .Add the rimming salt to your cart too for an easy and super authentic flavor.

Every home bar needs excellent glasses, so why not order some of these uber unique ones from Well Told and show your patriotic side? The Constitution Rocks glasses start at $14.50.

Take the guesswork out of finding great wine with a subscription from The Wine Insider Club. Single bottles are available for purchase starting at $10 a bottle, or you can get a 12 bottle assortment shipped to your door every 12 weeks for about $90.

On the hottest of days, there are few things that are better than an ice cold craft beer. With a subscription to the Craft Beer Club, you can try excellent new varieties, selected by people who know fine beer. For about $43 you can get a 12 pack shipped to your door that includes 3 bottles of 4 varieties. This is an excellent way to keep the party going all summer long without needing to hit the store yourself!

Mixed drinks seem so much fancier at home with some great rimming sugar or salt. Find a great assortment of options like Zesty Orange Sugar and Bloody Mary Salt Rimmers from Creative Mixology starting at about $15 for all of your at home drink mixing.

A great set of Whisky Stones is a must have for those who don't want to dilute their drink with ice. Get a great set from the Irish Whisky Company starting at about $25 for a set of 8.

#BringIt With BodyArmor

As a mom of a couple of busy kids, I have learned to always be prepared for what life is going to offer. From play dates to practices; from defeats to game-winning runs, and of course, the art of keeping the kids fueled for fun!

Keeping a great sports drink on hand is important for not only the comfort of my hot and thirsty little athletes but also to keep them on their A game! That is why I turn to BODYARMOR when it comes to my kids. BODYARMOR is a premium sports drink with potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins – and has no artificial flavors or sweeteners. That is super important to me as a mother. I want to offer my kids healthier alternatives to popular sports drinks because they have practically no nutritional values to benefit growing bodies.

This post is sponsored by BODYARMOR. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

BODYARMOR is really handy for moms; I love that I can pick up 15 packs at Sam's Club and keep my kids hydrated and satisfied all summer long, no matter what sport they are headed out for! From a practice or tournament, or even a pick up game with neighborhood kids, BODYARMOR helps me to offer a healthy snack to my busy kids. I consider that the win for this mom! Healthy snacks and happy kids are a combination like a game winning hit!

When I grab a 15 pack of BODYARMOR, I can share the flavor and fun with our teammates and friends, which always earns a smile. BODYARMOR is on sale $12.98 (save $3.00) till July 16th, making it a deal you won't want to miss!

Is your young athlete working to be the best? Check out how your athlete can become the next BODYARMOR athlete here: https://goo.gl/hRK7tC.

If you want to stock your cooler with BODYARMOR this summer. You are in luck! Someone is going to win an awesome cooler and a one year Sam's Club membership!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Coffee Lovers Favorites of Summer

Over the last few months, nothing has been better for my soul than my coffee time. I love to sneak away to the kitchen and watch the squirrels and birds come visit the feeder with a cup in hand. If quiet coffee time in the morning can make one feel so good, adding a little bit of the bean to the rest of the day is a recipe for success! Here are a few of the best ways to bring coffee to all parts of the day!

Samples may have been provided, or affiliate links may have been used.

Nothing smells quite as lovely as coffee. Once Upon a Candle captures the fragrance with mouth watering perfection! Check out their wonderful assortment of fragrances and they also offer fresh coffee bath bombs that are wonderful for the skin and the spirit.Order online for a special gift, or an indulgence for your self care routine. Candles are about $18. 

Getting a great blend of coffee is easier than ever. You can get whole bean, or freshly ground options delivered right to your door starting at about $17 a bag, with Yes Plz Weekly. Set your delivery preference and get ready for the best brew in town to happen in your kitchen.

I could sip those wonderful little bottles of coffee all day long, but they have so many calories. Milkadamia makes really great dairy free creamer that has like 10 calories a serving. Add it to your favorite coffee and enjoy a creamy, low cal way to get your fix without milk. Locate a store near you to stock up on this creamer.

Kickbar is one of my new favorite things ever. These little coffee bean bars are so easy to eat on the go, and they are really good too! You can get all of the flavor and benefits of a cup of coffee, anytime, anywhere. I love to toss them in my bag and take a tasty pick me up along on all of my adventures. Get a 20 pack of Kickbar in latte, coffee, or mixed for $40. Order online.

This summer, I have been skipping the coffee shop and making my own drinks at home, adding a splash of Torani puremade syrup to your cold brew for a summery kick to your coffee. I love the smoked black cherry with a dark roast coffee. Explore the extensive line of syrups and locate a store near you on the Torani website.

Cowffee is a unique coffee drink that you will want to try ice cold. It is a premium blend of coffee and milk with CLA protein to create a thick and delicious drink that is filling and has all the kick you want from coffee with a hint of sweetness.

I have been avoiding retail enviroments as much as possible since March. With the avoidance of my beloved Tim Horton's, I have a surplus in my coffee budget. I have been loving the indulgence of whole beans, roasted to perfection. If you too want to sip on some stellar brew, check out the offerings from Unrest coffee. You can get a monthly subscription for under $12 and the bags of beans are generously sized. Order online.

Wouldn't it be great if you could get all the good stuff like caffeine, on the go, in a portable little package? With a Viter Mint,  your get up and go got up and mint. With 5 tasty flavors, you are bound to find a few to love. Order online for about $18 a 5 pack. These are perfect for an afternoon pick me up without the cup of coffee.

Good beans make a good brew, and a good brew can give anyone a good brain. Rube's Good Brain Coffee makes for a great way to get that indulgence we discussed earlier delivered to your door. Get a subscription starting at about $13 a month for those times when great coffee is required.

If you want a coffee service that delivers fresh roasted and flavorful beans, you will want to check out Rave Coffee. This UK based subscription service is one of the best coffees I have tried. The beans are roasted to perfection, and provide a robust flavorful brew. I highly recommend! Get info on ordering, with international shipping options online.

If you liked this coffee lovers favorites of summer post, please share it on social media!

Find more of my best of 2020 posts here

18 Treats for the 4th of July

The 4th of July is here, but have no fear! I have you covered for all treats Red, White and Blue! I rounded up 18 fun recipes that I thought you would love!  From kid made to downright Patriotic, this list of treats are perfect for your 4th of July party!

Patriotic Pudding Pops from We Made That
Red, White and Blue Patriotic Pops from Oh My! Creative
Red, White and Blue Layered Jello from Coffee Cups and Crayons
Patriotic Jello from We Made That
Patriotic Popcorn from Life with Moore Babies
Patriotic Dipped Pretzels from Mama Miss
Patriotic S'mores  from Club Chica Circle
4th of July Drink from We Made That
4th of July Layered Kids Drink from Artsy Mama
Berry Sparkler from Bitz n Giggles
Exploding Cookie Bars from Life with Moore Babies
Red, White and Blue Marshmallow Decorating from Stella 123
4th of July Fruit Kabobs from School Time Snippets
4th of July Homemade Gummi Candy from Mama Miss
4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars from Kids Activities Blog
Red, White and Blue Cake from Just Enza
Patriotic Mini Cheesecakes from KleinWorth & Co
Summer Velvet Parfaits from Bitz n Giggles


Which of these patriotic treats will you be making for Independence Day? Do you have a favorite festive recipe to add to this list? Tell me about it in a comment!

This easy patriotic parfait is perfect for a last minute dessert!

Save Your Way To Family Fun

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Family time is precious and irreplaceable – you can’t put a price on it. Or can you? Priceless as the
memories may be, the cost of a family day out rises and rises each year. With travel, entry tickets,
overpriced food and drink and the unavoidable stop at the gift shop on the way out, take a few days
out in a year and you can find the cost slowly mounting. And for those families who are struggling to
meet savings goals or working through debt consolidation programs, every penny counts.
But there are ways to both cut the cost of your outing and find something fun for the family to
do together.

It’s All About Timing

Many theme parks and family attractions like zoos and the theatre practice ‘dynamic pricing’.
This means that the cost of entry will vary across a year and even a week, rising when there’s peak
demand and dropping right down when they need to fill seats. So do a little detective work
and use this to your advantage. Monitor the prices over a set period of time to see how they alter,
and make sure you’re signed up to the newsletter of the attraction, as many will email out discount
codes and special deals. It may mean waiting a little longer to get there, but you can make major
savings.

Round Up The Gang

A lot of attractions will also offer a discount for group bookings, so make sure you call up and speak
to them about what can be done. Who could you invite to go with you? Children will love for their
friends or neighbors to come along, and if you pool money, hiring a small minibus may be a more
cost-effective way to travel there as well. So time your trip with another family or two and see how
much you can save.

Claim Your Cashback

Using cashback sites and loyalty cards are a great idea if you know you’re planning to go somewhere.
Lots of them offer access to family attraction or ticketing sites. If you’ve saved up loyalty card points
all year, see what you can swap them in for, and use supermarket cards to purchase discounted
snacks and food for the road trip.

Keep The Snacks DIY

Overpriced food and drink at family attractions are one of the main budget-busters on a day out,
especially if you have several little ones. So save big by packing a cool bag with treats and drinks
before you go. Make the food prep a part of the excitement of the day out. Kids love a picnic, and
if you think outside the box and make some exciting picnic food rather than the standard sandwiches,
they’ll be super excited.

Days out are all about making memories – and you don’t have to spend a fortune to do that.
There are also lots of fun things to do at home from going on a bug safari to building a pillow fort,
having kids produce their own movie or play or even doing a campout in the backyard underneath
the stars. The only limit is your imagination.

Turn Your Summer Dinner Party Into The Best Foodie Event Of The Year

 While there are several foodie events that people can attend throughout the year, there is nothing quite as wholesome as hosting your own food event. 

Food events are most popular during the warmer months thanks to being able to spend more time outside. From home barbeques to food festivals, there is always a lot that happens during the summer to satisfy those foodies among us.

Should you be someone that loves to host people and cook good food, then why not host your own summer dinner party and turn it into the foodie event of the year? Whether you want to cook a barbeque or an inside dinner party, here are all of the tips that you need to host the best foodie event of the year.

Wine Glasses Vino - Free photo on Pixabay

Make homemade dips and sauces

Although you might think that cooking all of your ingredients from scratch is enough, it will enhance your dishes if you make your own sauces and dips. 

Store-bought dips and sauces are nice. But, they aren’t the same as a homemade concoction. The great thing about homemade dips and sauces is that you can add more flavor or diverse ingredients to make them unique. You might be able to throw something together that your friends and family ask you to make them time and time again because it was just so yummy.

For example, you could make a homemade tzatziki for your crudite platter and a sticky orange sauce for your barbecued chicken. 

It can take a lot of time to make all of your sauces and dips from scratch, so you might want to get started way ahead of the party so that you can enjoy cooking the main ingredients on the day.

Have a range of drinks on offer

The best parties are those that have a wide range of drinks on offer. You might only host adults, however, some guests might want a soft drink. 

Therefore, having a range of soft and alcoholic drinks will ensure that every guest is satisfied. 

To make your soft drinks extra special, you could throw together some mocktails and hand out your drinks in fancy glassware. 

Allow guests to bring their own recipes

Whether your friend wants to bring their fantastic summer sauteed corn and squash or lentil curry, let them. The more food, the merrier the party will be. 

When a guest asks to bring a dish with them, it isn’t because they don’t trust your cooking. Instead, it will likely be because they want to show off a new recipe that they have mastered. 

Sharing recipes and allowing people to bring their own food will also ensure that there is plenty to go around. If your food is that good, your guests might demolish it. Hence, having some extra food will make sure that guests never go hungry. 

Set the atmosphere

Like a professional food event, you should set the atmosphere. To do so, you could:

• Add decorations. Having your home and garden fully decorated will make the summer dinner party feel like an expert summer foodie event. Making your interior look the part will not go unnoticed and you will look like a host that really cares about their guests. 

• Create a theme. To make your foodie event unique and memorable, you could create a theme. This theme could run into the food choices, drink options, decorations, and dress code. For instance, you could create a Mexican-themed dinner party and make tacos, and margarita cocktails, and ask guests to dress in red, white, and green. 

• Don’t forget the music. Any ultimate summer party (food-based or not) will have music playing in the background. This will set the mood and get people in the party spirit. Again, this could align with your theme and further enhance the fun of your foodie event. 

Small and picky snacks and desserts

Before and after your guests eat, you will want to give them a little something to satisfy them. They might have not eaten all day to save themselves for your feast. Therefore, don’t forget to put out some pre-dinner snacks. This could be fancy canapes or a simple table of crisps, vegetable sticks, homemade dips, and nuts. 

Likewise, don’t forget to offer your guests a sweet treat to finish off their meals with. If you have prepared a large meal, then it is often best to make small and picky desserts. Something like bite-sized brownies, cookies, or homemade chocolate is perfect so that guests can balance out their palates. 

Cocktail Hour Must Haves for the Holidays

 Cocktail hour is my favorite hour of the day for sure. Bless my husbands heart, he never bats an eye at me at 4 pm when I slip into the liquor cabinet and take the edge off. This season, why not make the drinks as festive and fun as possible with some new additions to your home bar? From mimosas to salt shooters, this list has something for every adult on it!

Samples were provided for inclusion and photography. Be sure to click thru to my partners and find a few new favorites for your own cocktail hour!

2020 has been quite a year, so why not take the holiday cheer to the next level with Ohza Cranberry Mimosa. These are perfect, and they bring the classic Sunday sip to anytime you want a mimosa. Get a 12 pack for about $40 and raise a glass to the season!

Keel+Curley Wines make the perfect holiday gift to share. This wine started with a desire to use the end of the season fruit for a blueberry farmer and it has blossomed into a wine that is delightful, fruity and practically made for sharing! Prices start at about $15 a bottle. 

Take the guess work out of mixology this holiday season with a box or two of Craft Stirs. These are awesome because all you need to do is pour a pouch into alcohol and mix it. Then like magic, you have a great drink at your fingertips. Order a box for $10 for holiday entertaining made easy.

Travel has been restricted for so many long months. For all of those trips to Mexico that have been canceled this year, raise a glass of Recuerdo Mezca, and sip to the trips that will be made in the future, and the memories that will be made. Prices start at about $36 a bottle.

A pack of Soak It Up Cloths makes for a must have at cocktail hour, where spills have been known to happen. These are so handy and very eco friendly. Order some starting at about $7 a pack and greatly reduce your paper towel use.

Serving hot toddy's to a crowd has never been easier than it is with a box of Aunt Lucy's Hot Toddy Mix. Add hot water, and a splash of booze, if you choose for a delicious way to warm up. Order for about $13 a box.

Serving shots has never been so intriguing as it is with a set of Creative Mixology Salt Shooters. This set has a tray, the shot glasses which are made of real salt and a lime dish for the perfect shot. This set will set you back $40 and will help make this holiday season a memorable one!

No judgments here if you need a cocktail to get thru the festivities with family. We all have that one relative that makes us want to drink a little. These little buzzbox cocktails are like a juice box for grownups. They have a great assortment to choose from so you will for sure find one you love. You can get a case of 24 for about $97.

GH Mumm Champagne is perfect for toasting with this holiday season. Pop the top and savor the delectable flavors. Prices start at about $30 for a bottle of a really good champagne.

Serve refreshing cocktails without spending any time at the bar mixing this season with Joia Spirits.These pre blended cocktails are awesome. Made with premium ingredients for a flavor that is just as good as it would be if a bartender blended it. Check out the line and find your favorite at a store near you.

I hope these ideas help you keep cocktail hour a jolly event! 

While you are here why not check out some of my favorite Christmas ideas?

6 Tips to Improve Your Health and Transform Your Life

 Transforming your life begins with prioritizing your health. Whether you're looking to shed those extra pounds, boost your energy levels, or feel better, taking steps to improve your health can have a profound impact. 

However, it's important to remember that this journey is not about quick fixes or temporary solutions. It's about making sustainable lifestyle changes that will benefit you in the long run. In this article, we'll provide six valuable tips to help you achieve optimal health and transform your life. By incorporating these practical strategies into your daily routine, you'll be well on your way to unlocking a happier, healthier you. 

Get ready to embark on a journey of self-improvement that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired!

Tip 1: Nourish Your Body with Nutrient-Dense Foods

Proper nutrition is the foundation of good health. Focus on consuming various nutrient-dense foods to fuel your body and provide it with essential nutrients. Include a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 

Opt for organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible to maximize the nutritional value of your meals.

Tip 2: Stay Hydrated for Optimal Health

Water is essential for maintaining the proper functioning of your body. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily to stay adequately hydrated. 

Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, and promotes healthy skin. If you struggle to drink enough water, try infusing it with fruits or herbs to add natural flavor and make it more enjoyable.

According to this expert dentist in Richmond Hill NY, drinking water regularly is also good for your teeth as it neutralizes the acid in your mouth.

Tip 3: Practice Stress Management Techniques

Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our health. To counteract stress, incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine.

This can include meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. Experiment with different techniques to discover what brings you the most pleasure and relaxation. For instance, by incorporating self-pleasure techniques with real whizzinator xxx, you'll reduce stress and cultivate a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. But remember, to find what works best for you and make it a priority to practice these techniques regularly to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.

Tip 4: Prioritize Regular Physical Exercise

Physical exercise is crucial for improving both your physical and mental well-being. Find an exercise routine that suits your preferences and fits into your schedule. 

Whether running, yoga, swimming, or dancing, regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, boost your mood, and increase your energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Tip 5: Get Sufficient Quality Sleep

Adequate sleep is essential for our bodies to recover and regenerate. Create a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and ensures you get enough restful sleep. 

Establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid electronic devices before bed, and create a comfortable sleep environment. Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to optimize your overall health and well-being.

Tip 6: Cultivate Healthy Relationships and Social Connections

Human connections are vital for your emotional well-being. Nurture meaningful relationships with family, friends, and your community. Engage in social activities that bring you joy and allow you to connect with others. Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals who uplift and inspire you. 

Cultivating healthy relationships can significantly enhance your mental and emotional health, improving your quality of life.

Last Words

Improving your health and transforming your life requires dedication and a commitment to making positive changes. By implementing these six tips into your daily routine, you can take significant strides toward achieving optimal health and well-being. 

Remember, small steps can lead to significant transformations. Start today and embrace a healthier lifestyle for a better tomorrow.

Homemade Cherry Orange Soda Pop Syrup

Homemade Cherry Orange Soda is light, refreshing and perfect for sipping. It comes together with only a few ingredients to make a gourmet soda that you won't be able to get enough of.

This post contains affiliate links.

We have a  Drink Mate in the kitchen and I vowed to put it to use this summer. I made a delicious Strawberry Peach Soda recipe a few weeks ago and I couldn't wait to make more fizzy drinks.  The neighborhood kids were more than happy to be my taste testers, so I started experimenting.

This is such an easy homemade soda pop recipe. If you are not using a soda machine like the drink mate or soda stream, you can make this work with club soda.

Supplies:

1 orange

1/2 pound of pitted fresh cherries

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of water

Mesh Strainer

Directions:

Combine fruit, water and sugar in a saucepan.

Over medium heat bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and allow the fruit syrup to simmer for 20 minutes.

Pour through a mesh strainer.

Allow the syrup to cool.

Discard fruit (This is wonderful over ice cream if you are so inclined.)

Soda directions:

Carbonate filtered water.
Add 2 ounces of cherry orange syrup per 8 ounces of carbonated water (or club soda) to ice.

If you want a stronger, sweeter soda increase the syrup from 2 to 3 ounces.

My family loved this. The kids liked the sweet, juicy, bubbly flavor. I loved that it was a caffeine free option and that I know what is in it, and that I can control the sweetness of this soda.

I served this on a hot day, with lots of ice. My husband mixed a little vodka into his and declared it to taste like summer should.

If your family loves this, next time double or triple the batch for the syrup. You can store it in a mason jar in the fridge for a few weeks.

When pitting your cherries, a cherry pitter is a handy tool to have. If not you can find other ways to get the job done. I sliced mine in half to make smashing the fruit even easier.

If you liked this cherry orange soda recipe you won't want to miss my Homemade Strawberry Peach Soda.

You might also like 12 Homemade Soda recipes.