Cocktail Hour: Blueberry Vodka Spritzer

I'm starting to accept that summer is winding down.

We will soon be saying goodbye to our sprawling summer garden (insert intense sarcasm here), our many hours clocked at the park and pool - and will be saying hello to a sure-t0-be gorgeous Colorado fall. Hopefully followed SLOWLY by winter. IE: more fall, less winter. Got it Denver?

I'm getting all sentimental about savoring the last of summer. So I say, let's go out with a cheers!

Lately I've been craving not wine, but a refreshing, fruity, light, spritzer-like  blueberry vodka cocktail.

I think it's been years since I've actually bought a bottle of vodka, and it felt a little...scandalous with a toddler in tow. Alas, it was time!

When it comes to making cocktails, I like simple and low-calorie. There were a lot of homemade simple syrup recipes on Pinterest, but REALLY, who has time for that?! I threw this together over the weekend it was so delicious. Whoever invented flavored vodka is a genius.

Blueberry Mint Vodka Spritzer Cocktail

Ice in glass

1 ounce blueberry vodka

Sparkling lime water to taste

(Very picky on this. Finally settled on our Safeway brand.)

1 slice lemon halved and squeezed in glass

Few leaves mint

Handful blueberries

Blueberry Mint Vodka Spritzer Mock-tail

Replace the vodka with a splash of grenadine or cranberry juice

Voila! Isn't it pretty?

Yum! If it wasn't 9 o'clock in the morning I'd totally be down for one of these.

Cheers!

xo

Lauren

Happy half-birthday Coop!

Today is Cooper's half-birthday!

I took some snap shots of this sweet boy today to commemorate the occasion:

18-months ago:

Celebrating his first half birthday:

Nowadays he has MUCH more hair and teeth, thank goodness, runs fast and prefers his dad, his grandparents, his golf clubs, and your purse over his mom. I'm now considering therapy.

He has a touch of a temper, looks super cute in red and blue and gets really frustrated when he trips and falls.

He likes to brush his teeth, steal tissue and hide it in our decorative objects, and put things in bags and carry them around the house over his shoulder. He likes to wave but won't do it on command, and he secretly swats at the dogs but when I catch him he acts like he's hugging them.

He has my heart.

Happy 18-months little buddy!

South Pearl's blog site...

South Pearl Living's web address is:
www.southpearlliving.com

Thanks for stopping by!
-L

Five-on-Friday

Friday is here! Friday is HERE!

I am excited to be linking up with other bloggers this week again for 5 on Friday! 

There are several things I am loving this week. And y'all, SORRY, a lot of it revolves around the 20 pounder in diapers running around this house.

{one}

Ralph Lauren Navy Heath Sweatshirt.

I snagged this bad boy at the outlets for the winter, and I mean, seriously? Seriously.

It feels just like a sweatshirt but looks like a handsome sweater.  I die.

I can't wait to see Coop wear this once the temps start dropping again. My husband keeps telling me that the Kauffman boys aren't preppy, and I say? Do you KNOW who you married? Hush now.

{two}

Spinach/Kale Smoothies.

My 17 month old won't go near vegetables. I have to hide them in things to sneak 'em in. But this bad boy? He is always wanting more.

 

Relaxing with my veggie smoothie in my chair. The life.

It's full of SO much good stuff that I can't help but pat myself on the back as I see him guzzle it down.

Here's my recipe (serves 2, we split):

Two generous hand-fulls of fresh spinach (not out of the bag)

One handful kale

1 1/4 cup almond milk (unsweetened, unflavored)

1 1/4 cup frozen berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)

1 scoop of protein powder (this is safe for the little one)

The smoothie is a little runnier than the average smoothie but this works great because he is able to sip it easily through his little straw.

{three}

Morning Sun.

For those that don't know we live in an adorable Victorian Style house built in 1914. So much beautiful character, but  a very different layout than your typical house. Our living room, eating space and kitchen share a long, narrow space.

Yesterday morning (and often, really) I walked downstairs and saw the sunlight pouring in the room and lighting up the space. It made my morning.

{four}

A finished entryway table!

Speaking of that particular space I finally finished an entryway table re-do. It makes me happy.

Table - Weirs Furniture, Dallas (old)

Sconces - World Market

Mirror - Hobby Lobby

Vase and plant - Home Goods

I also spray painted a wooden K block chrome colored spray paint from Home Depot. I like the way it turned out!

 

The shoe collector.

And this gem, also from Home Goods, might be my favorite new addition. It's where all the flip flops that collect on the floor throughout the week go. Glorious! (This could all be changed next month, P.S.)

{five}

Francesca's.

Now, I'll be honest, it's been years since I've shopped at a Francesca's, but they recently opened a store in one of my favorite areas in Denver. I popped in and found a couple of items I love.

I've been looking for a mint necklace and just couldn't find one I liked. This one is simple and pretty. I also grabbed a mint and navy chevron shirt- it's super comfortable, airy, and goes great with the necklace.

Francesca's is a fun spot, and I feel like some of their necklaces are very Bauble Bar-ish sans the price. Cheap way to accessorize an outfit.

Happy weekend y'all!

-L