What You Can do with a Starbucks Lemonade

Coco's Lemonade

Make it Mine Challenge with Jane's Adventures in Dinner and Cook the Story.

When in a pinch, improvise.  I am away from home in a hotel room for this challenge. Which means, I don't have my kitchen and my pretty little demitasses to make this challenge really cute and personal.  So, I am going to do my best with what I've got...lemonade made by Starbucks. Hey, I received points on my gold card for that purchase.  It's a win for me.  And since it's summer, I thought a nice cold cocktail was in order. Another win!

While we were visiting our oldest child this past Thanksgiving, I had a beer spiked with lemonade and vodka.  I was surprised how much I liked it.  I could kick myself for not having a photo of the drink from the Paris pub where we shared so many laughs that night.  This blog was in utero at the time.  Just an embryo of a thought in my noggin. Now, I take photos of everything because I never know what could be a potential post.

The challenge, make lemonade my own.  Ok, I will reverse the order and ratio of the drink I had in Paris that night.  Make lemonade spiked with beer and vodka.  And by the way, that night I actually had two.  But since I am with my Peanut, this recipe is a serving for one.

Saint Arnold is a beer brewed here in Houston. Lawnmower is my all time favorite summer beer, eva!  It's a crisp, light, citrus, yellow beer that's hearty. I bought a Starbucks passionfruit lemonade and off to Specs for a small Absolut vodka.  I used a three to one ratio with the lemonade and beer.  Three parts lemonade to one part beer with a shot of vodka.

  

Cold, refreshing and hit the spot on this hot summer evening.

What's your favorite lemonade drink?

Loosen Up Your Buttons Baby

I Declare!

He who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger.

-Japanese Proverb

How I keep my buttons from being pushed, 5 strategies...just click play.

So loosen up those buttons babes and move them to the inside.  Out of the way and out of sight for others to see and push.  Let's not give others the authority over how we feel about ourselves.  Take ego-based thinking out of the equation.  Whether someone says something good or bad about us, it doesn't matter.  We define who we are, not the validating comments we receive (or not receive) from others.

How about you?  How do you keep your buttons from being pushed?  Please follow along by grabbing the I Declare button and share with your post.  Head over to Bloglovin and follow along.

Monday's Sensational Summer Series ~ Coco Style

Summer Series:  Summer Evening Out With Coco

I just discovered that I can make my own outfits on Polyvore.  Did you gals know about this?  Well, I went to town yesterday and went cyber shopping.  Well...dream shopping is more like it.  I had more fun.  Here is a sampling of my wishful wardrobe for the summer.  You can peek into my cyber closet on Polyvore.  Now, if I could just figure out where to get cyber money to actually purchase this outfit.

This is my idea of the perfect outfit for a summer evening of dinner and a movie.  The top is a dream.  Reminds me of my Granny's lingerie she would allow me play dress up in as a child.  She would let me galavant around the house in her lace, chiffon gowns and serve my orange juice in champagne compote glasses.  I felt so Hollywood glamorous.  

And of course I have to include cutoffs in my summer series.  I wear jeans or linen everyday, because they are high on my radar for comfort.  And, oh...I am stalking these sandals all summer until I find them on sale.  The color of the leather is perfect!  I am crushing on cream, tan, and bone colored neutrals this summer.  And the shoe keeps getting better.  It has it's own little piece of gold jewelry on the side.  I have gold disc earrings I bought in Indonesia that would be perfect.  Yep...stalker shoe summer series is on!  Watch out Mulberry, I'm watching you. 

Now let's talk handbags.  I've been tinkled pink with Camilla Alves handbag line and have been dying to get my hands on one.  I prefer cross-body bags over clutches.  The print on this little ditty is so happy and colorful that I hear it calling my name, "Coco come carry me."  And the bits of turquoise in the fabric is right on the money honey!  I could pull out my turquoise cuffs to balance the soft top and rugged shorts.

Renzo Kai embroidered tunic
calypsostbarth.com

Ksubi short shorts
$265 - superette.co.nz

Mulberry flat sandals
mulberry.com

Camilla summer handbag
shopbop.com

A more affordable version can be found here:

Old Navy Shorts, Bloomingdales Top, NotRated Shoes

source

What is your favorite outfit for a summer evening of dinner and a movie?

Sam, Keep Your Chin Up and Your Hair Dry...Dad

My Heart!

A Dad of many names.  For all the Dad's of girls, listen up.  This is how you make your baby girl become a woman of CONVICTION.  YOU let her know she MEANS something.  YOU let her know she is IMPORTANT.  YOU let her know someone, daddy-papa-pappy-fred (my brothers name for him), has her back by SHOWING up.  YOU teach her about BOUNDARIES.  YOU let her know your EXPECTATIONS and follow through with them.

This is a letter my dad wrote me as a teenager.  This is why he was A GREAT MAN.

My dad's uncle gave me my knick-name, Sam.  I came out of the womb looking like I was in a boxing match with swollen, black eyes, and my nose pushed over to left side of my face.  Definitely not looking pink and petite like all baby girls are expected.  I fought my way out baby and had the bruises to prove it!  There was nothing feminine about me.  Sam, is what I answered to from my dad.

I love this poem he found.  It is a heartfelt poem from a parent. I adore his funny imagery translation of the letter.  I would like to share what a grateful daughter I am.  To have had a dad that was so thoughtful, loving, and strong.  I would like to share just one (of many) aspects of what a GREAT FATHER I have.

My dad was very well noted around the neighborhood for being the ONE parent that stayed up when you came in on a Friday or Saturday night.  There was no slipping in the house without a good "talk" about your night.  It was one of his way's of showing up.  Letting his three kids know, I will be here to say goodnight to you and also keep you honest, insert Major Payne voice hee, hee.

When I was a teenager, my dad would write my, "To do lists," like this to make them fun and to get a better result from me ACTUALLY doing what I was told.  The time and energy he spent trying to perk me up, make me laugh, and forget about what was ahead of me in the chore department was his little joke.  And I was happy to be part of the humor.  Here is the poem translated in his funny, unique word imagery.

He also wrote me lovely, sweet letters too.

His memory stays with me everyday...his words and actions give me strength behind what I stand for and believe to be right.  And I have ALWAYS KNOWN that, with him, I am loved UNCONDITIONALLY.

I LOVE YOU PAPI!

Happy Father's Day Pops!

Dancing Diaries Part Trois...

  

High five Friday, Let's get this weekend started off on the right foot, or the left, or how about both?  I love to dance, how about you? Welcome to Evian's Dancing Diaries Part Trois.  And don't forget to bring your water, Evian water that is.  Because it's about to get hot up in here.  Enjoy the show baby cakes.

Now... Texas two-step, boogie-woogie, do the hustle, and get those twinkle toes on over to Alesha's

for some Friday Funnies and then high tail it over to Lauren Elizabeth's where you'll get a High Five for Friday! 

Peace,

Boy Oh Boy, If I Could Pay...

Three things you wish you could pay someone to do.

A collabrative effort with Nina and Peanut.

Hit it...

Of course, there are a bazillion things I would love to pay someone to do for me.  But, that's included in my next life.  Head over to Carolina Fire Flies and link-up to this partay lovely chicks.  I need some ideas, you know, for my next life.

Ahh...oopsie...that link up was a week ago.  I am one brilliant blogger.  But, you can still head over there.  Kristyn wouldn't mind.

See ya tomorrow!

Dress For the Day: A Little Sass in the Grass!

Dress for the day link up with Abbyleigh, Adrienne, Shanna, and Kristen

dress:  Miss Me 

boots:  Old Gringo

This dress rocks because it's my favorite color, turquoise.  I bought it many moons ago, ok years.  I wear this dress when I have the urge to feel youthful and a little sassy.  I usually have a white cardigan with me when I wear it, because the older I get I feel a bit naked in it, oopsie.  What's with that?  In my twenties and thirties, I would rock outfits like this no problem and not think twice.  Hmm...I guess I have become more conservative with age.  I thought I was supposed to get more outrageous, unabashed, and cray the older I get.  Isn't that how it's supposed to work?  You know, let it all hang out.

Anyway, it has tons of stitching and embroidery work, which makes it extra special in my book.  As the day progresses these boots will get kicked off and flip flops will appear.  I can't help myself.  It's hot here in Texas.  And on another note...ladies...I always were volleyball shorts underneath dresses.  Ewww...nothing worse than seeing a girl bend over and her skivvies popping out. Keep it lady like and cover up those under-draws my chicks.  

And today, lets...

via

Salute,

Courtyards

I Declare, Courtyards bring me back to the magical time I lived in the wonderful city of 'Nawlins.

My love affair with courtyards began when we moved to New Orleans in the early 90's.  I was fortunate to have lived there four years.  It was a time in my life where, looking back, it was magical, youthful, wondrous, and the the tip of the adventures that were about to become part of my life.  I was a newlywed. And coming from a small town in New Mexico, it was quite the adventure.  I've always said, living in New Orleans is like living in a different country.  The city has it's own culture with influences of French, Cajun, and Spanish design.  I adored the shotgun houses with their quaint, private backyards that were designed more like a courtyard with pavers in place of grass, ferns and palms lining the tall fence, and small sitting areas towards the back of the yard for relaxing. I fell in love with how peaceful and tranquil sitting in one felt.  Then we moved to China and later Indonesia, where I was able to visit large courtyards where families dwelled. Traditional Chinese and Indonesian homes are set up with individual family houses facing a central courtyard.  The courtyards were used for many different parts of life, like: cooking, sleeping, working, playing, gardening, and places to keep animals.  The true jewel was that it offered air, light, privacy, security, tranquility, and a central place for family gatherings.  

Image credit 1, 2, 3, and 4.

1.  This courtyard reminds me of the ones I would see in New Orleans. There would be little to no grass, pavers or brick walkways, with gardens lining the fence.  A New Orleans garden would not be complete without ferns, palms, ivy, and hosta plants.

2.  Chinese courtyards usually have a garden or water feature in the middle.  Families lived separately in their own home surrounding the central yard.  The red walls and lanterns feel exotic, vibrant, and alive.  I like having a touch of red in the rooms in my home.  Yet, I have failed to add a pop of red to my courtyard.  I have lanterns I bought in China sitting in a cupboard.  I need to pull those out.  Where is Tracy Porter when I need her.

3.  I love the simplicity of this little French courtyard.  The ivy creates an easygoing, romantic feel to this space.  Very nonchalant.  My favorite way to be.  And the mustard yellow wall reminds me of New Mexico.  The home I grew up in is this color and I've always found it subtle and laid back.

4.  Be still my heart you little precious day beds you.  Your blue and white cushions beckon me to curl up, cuddle with a soft pillow, and nap on you.  I suspect this is a Middle Eastern design and is stunning.

My Courtyard

The main reason we bought this home was for the front courtyard.  Law of attraction worked for us. We've always dreamed of having a courtyard of our own.  Although, it is a work in progress.  It's our favorite space.  On the weekends, you will find the whole family out here eating breakie.  And late at night you will find the hubs and I having a cocktail and listening to music.

Keep your thoughts and spirit in the direction you want your life to go and you will be surprised at what the universe will bring to you.

Yellow is How I'm Feeling

Falling For Friday

I am linking up today with Just Dawnelle for Falling For Friday.

1.  I have been admiring the craftsmanship of these Teysha boots for quite some time.  I follow this company on Instagram.   Teysha, a word from the Caddo people, means friend or ally.  Teysha is not just about making boots or kuna kicks.  They say they are a company that aspires, "To connect with people, empower and inspire others, to travel and explore, to preserve the earth, and to change the world."  Each boot provides a daily wage for 10 Artisans from Guatemala.  They work in Panama, Columbia, Guatemala, and U.S.A.  Check them out on Facebook too.  The Kuna Kicks are great for summer.  The fabrics are vibrant and energetic, just like the people behind this company.

2.  I admire my 'lil Peanut's photography skills.  She takes photos of nature in her spare time.  I am drawn to the color yellow right now.  For me, this color represents summer.  It's a happy, cheerful, active, and joyful color.  I think of laughter when I see yellow.

3.  When I look at this photo, I think of the word calm.  Which I am in need of right now.  I have been feeling overwhelmed this last week. Munchkins are home and super busy.  Which has caused my daily routine to change.  I am navigating the new rhythm of my day.  And calm is not what you would have called me this last week. I will meditate with this image.  Ohm...  Now, if I can just find the time to actually do that.

Peace out homies and have a yellow kind of weekend,

Who? Me?

Hold on to your hat boys...

 Jules from My Mom's a Whack Job, nominated little 'ole me for Very Inspiring Blogger Award.

What?  Me?  Inspiring?  Ok, I'll take it!  Thanks Jules, you know your the bee's knee's in my book. 

The rules:  Display the award logo, link back to the person that gave it to you, state 7 things about yourself, and nominate 15 bloggers for this award with their links.

7 Things about me:
1.  I wear ball caps all the time, especially my white Nike one.  Because most days I am too lazy to fix my hair.  Ahh...kind of like in the photo above.  Where's my hat?
2.  On occasion, I have bad grammar.  Like the sentence above.  I use the word 'fix' inappropriately.
3.  If you ask my niece what phrase I over-use the most, she would probably answer, "Oh, that's inappropriate."
4.  And I can be inappropriate at times.  Sometimes weird ramblings just fly out of my mouth.  And then I'm left with that awkwardness.  Where I'm like, what the ? did I just say.
5.  When I feel overwhelmed, I go through the house and start deleting people things.  Meaning, I throw s*#t away.  Sorry mom, that just flew out of my mouth.  My language was inappropriate.
6.  My favorite place on earth is Bali.  I've traveled there 5 times. It's the little spot on earth where I feel the most balanced, peaceful, adventurous, and excited.  And yes, it's possible to feel all that at the same time.
7.  I will read anything from Deepak Chopra.  He inspires me.  The most important lesson I have learned from him is that your thoughts create your world.  Oh boy, is that true!

"You must find the place inside yourself where nothing is impossible."

"In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you."

-Deepak Chopra

15 Bloggers that inspire me.  Oh Jules, you know your my favorite.  I have to include you even though you already won this award.  I guess you win twice twinkle toes.  Some of these blogs are related to their business or created for a purpose outside of awards like this.  But I follow them weekly, so I want to share their greatness with you.

My Mom's a Whack Job

Abpetit

Dancing with Ashley

The Me and Mine Book

Trying for Sighs

Positively Minutiae

Don't Quote the Raven

Simply Mayra

Janes Adventures in Dinner

Eat-Yourself-Skinny

Ted Kennedy Watson

Slim Paley

The Gardner's Cottage

Simple Green Smoothies

Tracy Porter

and my plus one
Cook the Story

Enjoy your day lovies,