Strawberry Sangria, or how the Happy Hostess taught me to love sangria

Sangria and I met on rocky terms.

Extreme heat, dehydration, and nerves for an early date with the man who I later married were not the greatest settings for my first introduction to sangria. The slimy fruit, watered-down punch served at that fair was not forgiving.

Years later, my dear friend Cate was visiting from out of town. During our college years together, she had earned the nickname Happy Hostess for her great skill at feeding and encouraging frivolity among our writing club. While other college students went rushing out of the dorm for the weekend, we gathered around the couches with our poetry and short stories in hand, laughing until our stomachs hurt and carpe-ing that diem. 

In all those meals and hangouts, the Happy Hostess always delivered tasty goods, so when years later she pulled a pitcher out of the fridge, who was I to refuse?

Only the persistent charm of the Happy Hostess could show me how fantastic sangria could taste. The sweet strawberry flavor and deep merlot are rich and complex flavors overtop of the rum. 

Frozen Mixed Berry Smoothie

Life doesn't always have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simple things can create dramatic results.

Spring season is here and winter hibernation is over. As soon as the winter gray leaves, I crave healthy delicious salads, fruit, and long runs at the park. Such little changes really add up and shave off the lethargic winter body. Each quick change adds up to a big difference.

One quick little recipe to keep trim and fit while not wasting any time is this Super Simple Mixed Berry Smoothie. It only takes four ingredients and five minutes for a refreshing icy treat that really hits the spot after a long run.