Cool Summer Refreshment

Thanks for hanging with me while this whole family thing gets sorted out. It's been a rough go of things lately and it's not over yet. Anyway, onto cheerier subjects....well sort of.

Reaching midsummer almost, all I can think of is when does fall get here?! The heat wave and drought that has stretched across a lot of the U.S. has made a lot of us think that. Triple digit numbers for the highs of the days and days and days of it....I hate to say it but, I'm ready for snow! And we all can't do this...

Well, we could but, for some of us (me) it wouldn't be as cute as this!

Anyway, though we are blessed to have air here, when the power is going on and off...that's a whole other story, all I can think of, is ways to keep my boys hydrated and cool. So, here are some things that I have found across the internet and have even tried a few goodies myself. Some of these may contain food allergens, though most will not. You can always substitute ingredients in them though!

So, first off when we all think of our childhood days, lazing by the pool, we think of popsicles. Here are 3 treats that are not only delicious, but nice and healthy that are sure to cool you down.

This beauty is a Sugar Free Banana Popsicle from The Bubble Bean blog. The only allergen that I could think of in here was strawberries but, she says you can use cherries as well. I've never outright heard of a banana allergy but, as a latex allergic individual, you can imagine I avoid them. Still, this looks delicious!

Another yummy looking popsicle, is the all natural Strawberry Banana Popsicle. I imagine if your child is allergic to strawberries, you could again use cherries.

And of course I would be remiss if I didn't share Laurie's goody! Her High-C Herbal Pop is perfect for my herbal minded folk out there!



Popsicles not your thing? How about smoothies to keep you refreshed and hydrated? Here are 3 that you or your kiddos are sure to love.

On Laurie's heels, it's only fitting to share this Berry Green Smoothie, complete with Kefir.

This one, Veganluscious Blueberry Smoothie, is perfect for my little guy because it doesn't involve strawberries and he's a blueberry junkie! He asks for blueberries with everything. It's also from the Gluten Free Goddess so you know it's good! 

Another good one but, I can never seem to get a picture of it before my little minion drinks it all is Go Dairy Free's Berry Banana Breakfast Smoothy. We don't always use the spinach. Or even the cinnamon and a lot of the time, I don't have Flax on hand so you guessed it, we go without that as well! It's still amazingly delicious no matter how it's made!



Now onto the most overlooked idea of all....flavored WATER!  No sugars, no preservatives, no chemicals, actual nutritious fruit and good old H2O.
This one from The Yummy Life, is the one being passed all around Pinterest. The article is full of great ideas Raspberry Lime to All Citrus water. Tons of good info and ideas here for you.

Sue's Nutrition Buzz also has a fantastic post on flavored water. Including how to add other nutrients or vitamins if you choose to do so.

Another great idea I nabbed from my friend Ida's page! Who got it from her friend Laura's FB page. :P

FRUIT WATER: 1 each of the following fruits: apple, lemon, orange, pear, 4 large strawberries, a handful of raspberries, a handful of mint leaves, 1 half-gallon of water. Cut large slices or thin wedges of each fruit; place them in a large glass pitcher and add water. Refrigerate 2 hours and serve in tall glasses for a delicious and refreshing drink!

If these don't entice you in the least bit...I'm afraid the unbearable heat has taken it's toll on your brain already and the only remedy is to enjoy one of these tasty treats! So, sit back with a glass of flavored water, a popsicle or smoothie of your choice with a million fans blowing on you and enjoy the summer sun....while you dream of a cooler fall!