If You Were At Our Table...

For the first time in months the girls and I reunited at our weekly Why Not Wednesday hub. We sat down over drinks to catch up on all our summer shenanigans and celebrate Annie's birthday. We do this every Wednesday solely for the fact that it's Wednesday. So, why not?

If you had been at our table I would have told you that...

I love summer, I'm dreading winter and yet I'm over this whole non-air-conditioned summer thing. Would it really cause Northerners that much trouble to install air conditioning? The heat is fine, and even expected when you're outside, but when you're in a classroom full of children it's a little much. I keep hearing teachers say, "Bring on winter!" and as much as that makes me want to curl up into the fetal position I am slowly starting to see why Canadians enjoy winter. You probably would too if your only escape from the heat was in the solace of your air-conditioned car. I'm not kidding, I found myself driving an extra ten minutes yesterday on my way home just to keep the cool air flowing.





On the other hand, we are under a frost warning for tonight...so I guess my complaints about air conditioning are null and void.





If you were at our table, I would also tell you that it is still skate boarding season around these parts.

Old Grey Beard is younger than she looks and will do absolutely anything if it means she can go wildly running down the street like a maniac.

I don't know who loves it more - TC or Maple. Actually, I might love it the most. I mean really, who else is married to a man that still rides his bike or skateboard on a daily basis...and then wakes up the next morning and puts on a tie to go to work?

It makes me happy.

I would also tell you about this Fall Shred I'm doing. Basically, I paid a personal trainer $30 dollars to send me a months worth of workouts and weekly menus of clean eating. So far, I've followed about half the menu and used the jump rope so much that I'm pretty sure my calves are no longer attached to my body.

The best part of the menu is the late night snack. It involves three ingredients that have never before graced my kitchen - almond milk, chai (vanilla) tea and stevia. Let me tell you, it is amazing and I crave it all day long.

If I could, I would make you a nice steaming mug of it right now and pour it right through the computer screen for you. Clearly that's not going to work, so this is what you do: boil 2 cups of almond milk, add in two bags of chai vanilla tea and a big pinch or two of stevia. Perfect for cool fall evenings!

Don't knock it 'til you try it.

Have a wonderful weekend and be sure to do something fun!

InstaTravel.

Last I checked, I was at the beach. Somehow between then and now I've managed to make my way clear across the country and back to real life. As in, tomorrow is the first day of school and I haven't picked out my outfit except my new mint green shoes.

It all started when we drove back from the beach. I arrived home in Atlanta to an empty house and was forced to hibernate at Sally's house because I am, apparently, scared of the dark.

A few days later I hopped a plane and witnessed a breath-taking sunset as we flew North to Maine. Back to camp - where I really belong.





There's something about camp when just a few of us are around. We were down to a skeleton crew for the weekend. Just four of us left alone on the beautiful grounds without a kid or a counselor in sight.

Left to our own devices, we spent our time taking photos, sipping coffee next to the lake, grilling on the lake and splashing in the water.





When it came time to begin the drive back to Canada I got a late start. It takes forever to drive through Northern Maine because time slows down up there. Gone are the exits, gone are the street lights, gone are the other cars, gone is the cell phone service. It's basically one big prayer, hoping for safe travels and no car trouble.

But it is gorgeous. Mt. Katahdin keeps an eye on you, as moral support.

Funny things happen when you cross the border. All of the sudden you don't know how far away anything is because it is measured in kilometers. And the time changes - to an hour ahead of Eastern. Plus, you have no idea exactly how fast to drive because it's been three months and you can't remember what a speed limit of 110 means in your American car. But then there is a Tim Horton's and their coffee makes everything make sense again. Until it's time to pay and you have nothing but green bills in your wallet.

Ahhh, Canada. I'll get used to it one day.





TC took me to the beach the next day, which made my return that much sweeter.





The water and I speak the same language. No cultural barriers there.

The Best Margaritas.

A part of the key to our successful trip to the beach was a never ending pitcher of margaritas. It's not to say that we would not have had a fabulous time without them...but it wouldn't have been the same.

There is something about the beach that demands a margarita. Right?

This is not your standard margarita recipe. There is no lime involved. Nor is there any sweet and sour mix. It's the simplest recipe of all time. My mom has been serving them like this for years - be it at a Mexican themed bridal shower, Cinco de Mayo, or for the girls at the beach.

The beauty of it is the easy proportions. Any bartender will tell you that the key to a good drink is in consistency. The first drink should taste just like the second and should still taste the same on another night with a different bartender. That's why margaritas are so difficult. There are a million ways to make them and everyone likes them a little differently.

But these are easy - and delicious. Not too sweet, not too sour, not too strong. And they always taste the same! I love a reliable drink.





No Sally, that's not how you do it. Show some self control. Jeez.

Can't take her anywhere.





There are four ingredients and all in equal amounts. Frozen limeade, Corona, Sprite and Tequila. Feel free to sub in Corona Lite and Sprite Zero if you're feeling spunky.





The Corona is simple - 1 bottle.





Then the limeade, which is the slushy stuff found in the frozen section.

Next, pour in your Sprite. You can either use one can or simply refill the limeade container if you're using a 2 liter bottle.





Same goes for the tequila. Fill that limeade can right back up and dump it in.

Mix it around and then pour over ice. If rocks drinks aren't your thing than pop the pitcher in the freezer and let it sit for a few hours until it gets deliciously slushy. Perfect for taking down to the beach!

But I should add, go ahead and make a double batch. They're that good.

Now, who wants to make a practice batch and invite me over for a taste test?

Let's recap:

• 12 oz frozen limeade
• 12 oz Corona or Corona Lite
• 12 oz Sprite or Sprite Zero
• 12 oz Tequila (measure it in the limeade can!)
• Stir and Enjoy!