Summer is "Officially" Here - Time for something Cool...

Good Morning!! This morning I'm writing to wish you all a Happy, Healthy, fun-filled Summer!  

That being said, I am not much of a Summer person, myself. I'd pretty much prefer any other Season, actually!  I don't know if it is because I live in California and we get some very hot days here!! Eeeks! High 90's -100's Hot, or if it's just because I, So enjoy the other seasons so much. Hmmm. Point for me to personally ponder, I guess. I had Happy Summer Childhood memories, so nothing there. Oh well! I will not complain, as I know many people would love to trade places with me, and I probably wouldn't Love all of their seasons either! Aren't we funny creatures?!

One thing is for sure, I LOVE the time spent with the kids, the family gatherings and the celebrations, that we could not have any other time of the year!  So, on that note I wanted to share with you one of my new favorite recipes, that really is something to be enjoyed in the Summer!!  Do you like Lemonade? I have never been a real big fan.  However, now that i have discovered this new (well, new to me, anyway) infusion of raspberries, it has quickly become one of my all time faves! Odd, isn't it, how our tastes change over the years? :) 

   Have you tried it yet?! If you are new to this wonderful drink, like me, may I highly recommend that this is a recipe best made with the fresh ingredients?! It is very easy to make, as well...I also, highly suggest, you make a double batch while you're at it.

We just recently celebrated 3 of my family's Birthdays and Father's Day all together! I made this for the celebrations, and it was the first thing gone for both adults and kids

And, as you can see, you can dress it up and make it lots of fun! Like this beautiful shot of it in a pretty little mason jar or something a little fancier, in a cocktail glass. The sky's the limit! Use your imagination on how you want to include it at your next event, or just make a nice big batch to have in your fridge!

The recipe couldn't be easier!!

5-6 Large Lemons

6 ounces Fresh Raspberries

1 cup Hot water 

1 cup of sugar 

3-4 cups of cold water

That's IT!!

Simmer the sugar in 1 cup of water, until dissolved. Halve your Lemons and extract juice. Either, manually or with a juicer, you should end up with around 1 cup of fresh Lemon juice. Blend or pop your Raspberries in the food processor until smooth (Don't forget to save 6-8 berries for garnish! They look so pretty in your pitcher!) Ok, are you 

ready for the hardest part of this recipe? Strain out your seeds.. Pour the juice through a colander or sieve, so that your don't have any seeds in your lemonade. You will find that the raspberry pulp with seeds doesn't really want to go through, so here's a good trick: combine your Lemon juice and simple syrup (the sugar and water you just warmed) and pour it over the raspberries that you are straining, this should help the wonderful raspberry goodness come right through! If you don't think you got all the raspberry goodness go ahead and pour one more of your cups of water through,  That should do it!  Then finish by adding your last 2-3 cups of water. Serve over Ice with a coupe fresh berries floating around! If you want to get really fancy, you can always add a sprig of mint and a pink or red striped straw...Just have fun with it. Isn't it amazing how when we take a little extra time to make things pretty, we feel that much more spoiled? And, you know it always tastes better, when it looks pretty!

I hope that the weather is as you like it, where you are and that you get to enjoy your time with your Family and Friends.

Blessings Always,

~Theresa.

I'll be sharing this recipe with:

Tweak It Tuesday @ Cozy Little House

Life With the Crust Cut Off Lovely Ladies Linky

The Ultimately Linky @Wonderful Wednesdays Blog Hop 

Creative K Kids Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party

Ivy & Elephants What's It Wednesdays

Katherine's Corner Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

The Brambleberry Cottage Time Travel Thursday

Feathered Nest Friday  @ French Country Cottage

Nancherrow Fridays Unfolded

DIY Vintage Chic Friday's Five Features

The Charm of Home Home Sweet Home

A Delightsome Life's Home and Garden Thursday

The Ultimate Pinterest Party

Natasha In Oz Say G'Day Saturday

Colorado Springs  Friday Favorite

How Sweet The Sound: Pink Saturday