Now don't go throwing fists just yet, it's not that kind of punch day. Today we celebrate the kind of punch you drink! Whether you take your punch in a juice box or with a ladle and a splash of rum, today is the day to bust out the straws and ladles and enjoy!
Here are a few ways to help you celebrate this party-perfect drink.
- Make an original! If you're a purist, the original recipe was actually quite simple, composed of only five ingredients: sugar, water, citrus, spice and alcohol. Follow this recipe for a true taste of punch.
- The temps may be falling, but we can still pretend we're soaking up the rays in paradise with this tropical punch recipe.
- Invite the kids to join the party! With a non-alcoholic version, of course. Save $0.75 on Minute Maid Juice Boxes.
- For adults who have graduated from their Hi-C and Everclear days of college, this recipe is a far less dangerous, but still gives you that extra kick if you choose to use lemon-lime spirit instead of soda.
- Go gummy with this coupon for $0.50 off 2 boxes of Betty Crocker Punch flavored fruit snacks.
In the next month, there will be a synchronized frenzy among family members as kids head back to school. Commence the early morning alarm, the struggle with homework and the dreaded bag lunch. Every morning I find myself blankly scanning the refrigerator for something to pack my kids for lunch, and no
matter how many different ways you can pair bread with cheese and meat, I always end up in the same rut - PB&Js, carrot sticks and a fruit cup. And I know I'm not alone on this one...
So, with the new school year right around the corner, I'm challenging us moms to make a unique, well-rounded lunch every day of the week. Since more than half the battle is just thinking of ideas, I've come up with a week's worth of quick and delicious lunches I know my kids will love. See below!
Oh, and while you're at it, visit my Lunchbox board on Pintrest for tons of inspiring ideas and lunchbox-worthy coupons :)
Monday:
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Before motherhood, my husband and I spent many happy hours sipping on some old-timey cocktails at our favorite vintage cocktail bar in the city. I would order a Blueberry French 75. He would order a dirty martini. Looking back, those first few dating years are now starting to feel a little vintage, too. Oh, how time flies!
These days, my "happy hours" are usually spent with my kids because, well, they make me so very happy. I have a glass of wine, my husband has a cold beer and my kids
sip on some grape juice and we have a good old time watching movies and playing board games. Tonight, though, I'm feeling a bit nostalgic. Perhaps I'll shake things up a bit by bringing back the ol' Blueberry French 75 for the whole family to enjoy - with a non-alcoholic twist, of course! Although maybe I'll make myself just on glass of the real thing... for old times sake :)
Blueberry French 75
Makes 1 drink
- 12-15 blueberries
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz gin
- 3 oz sparkling wine or Champagne
- ice
In a large shaker, muddle the blueberries just enough to make them juicy without turning them to mush. Add lemon juice, gin and a handful of ice. Stir or shake gently. Add the sparkling wine, and then pour the whole thing into a champagne glass.
Non-alcoholic version
Swap out the sparkling wine with Ocean Spray Sparkling Pomegranate Blueberry Juice Drink (save $1 with this coupon). Swap out a champagne glass with a sippy cup - because blueberries stain!
Can't what for 5 o'clock :)
If you suffer from the same condition as my family - your eyes are bigger than your appetite - then chances are you're still trying to get rid of all your 4th of July leftovers. What's my solution? Hold an Ultimate Leftover Cook-off! This is an awesome idea for many reasons. One, you get to eat a lot of great food. Two, everyone helps out in the kitchen which means less work for you! Three, none of that delicious food will go to waste.
The rules are pretty simple: Split up into two teams and have each team takes turns pulling stuff out of the refrigerator. Once both teams have enough ingredients, set the timer for one hour and start cooking! Each team is responsible for three dishes by the end of the hour, and everyone gets to taste everyone's dish. A winning team is chosen based on the dish with the most votes.
We ended up with everything from BBQ brisket to veggie paninis. It all tasted amazing but, oddly enough, my favorite dish came from my six year old son. Left to his own devices, he 
came up with a pickle, cream cheese, bacon concoction. I know, that sounds like something only a six year old can appreciate, but everyone ended up loving it! Who knew we has such an inventive little chef on our hands. If you're brave enough it give it a try, read on. You won't be disappointed.
Pickle Roll-Ups
Spread cream cheese over tortillas. Sprinkle on bacon bits (save $1 on HORMEL Bacon Toppings products). Place pickle at one end of the tortilla and roll up. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cut horizontally into 1/2 inch pieces. Stick each piece with a toothpick to secure. Enjoy!
