The Friday Post. [vol. 6]

Weeeeee! This week went fast, didn’t it? Or maybe it didn’t and it just went by in a bit of a blur for me. We’ve finally made it to Pizza night over here, and I can’t wait. I have a confession. I have not gotten it together enough the last few weeks to make homemade pizza. What with getting into the groove with school, I’ve just been wiped. So that dear, sweet husband of mine has been picking up pizza on his way home from work, and it’s kind of glorious? Like I don’t know what it’s going to have to come to for me to start making it myself again? I’ll probably get the urge after a few more weeks of this. But truly it’s been so nice to just be DONE. I just get to pick up my boys, go home, have a drink, and put my feet up. Such a treat. I have no reports other than that, so how about a few links from around the web?

I just finished this book and it was good! Took me a little time to get into it, but once I got to the good parts, I couldn’t stop. I think I’ll give it four stars.

Are you going to watch it?

My sister and I are having a Facetime date tomorrow night and are both making these. She starts school Monday and it’s a little farewell to our summer breaks.

The perfect little glasses.

I think I’m the Chore Jacket.

Making this for Lukey this fall, and picking the yarn up today!

All I’ve been able to think about baking lately, but I’m trying to make myself chill until at least September.

Definitely going to be recreating this in September too.

In other news, I’m going to get a little betta fish for the library, and I’m irrationally excited about it. I think I’ll name him Dewey.

What are you all up to this weekend? Anything fun? Whatever you do, I hope you kick your feet up and enjoy it!

(Spiked) Grapefruit Soda.

I don’t know what it is about January, but after the holidays have come and gone, citrus fruits begin to consume my thoughts. Maybe it’s the freshness after the sticky sweetness of the treats from Christmas? Maybe it feels fresh and healthy for the new or year? Maybe it’s because citrus is in season in the winter months? Whatever it is, my need for citrus in January has held strong my entire adult life. So of course, keeping with those strong feelings, I had to make a citrus cocktail this month.

Saturdays are my cocktail day. I don’t make them during the week (other than the odd margarita for Taco Tuesday and I’ll occasionally have something on Friday, but my sight on Fridays is wholly focused on pizza and who cares what I’m drinking?), but let me tell you, come 4:30pm on Saturday, I am starting to think about my weekend cocktail paired with a little pre-dinner charcuterie. I always pick my cocktails at the beginning of the month so I can have something different for each week. January’s drinks were an Italian Greyhound, a Hummingbird Cocktail, an Aperol Spritz and, of course, the grapefruit soda. It’s just a happy little habit that makes the weekend feel more luxurious and special. And it’s not about the alcohol. It’s the whole process. The treat of taking time to make a multi-step beverage – a luxury that I don’t have during the week. And I think you should try it too. Guarantee you’ll feel more relaxed with a homemade cocktail in hand.

Ok on to the drink. The elements of the grapefruit soda are simple. Grapefruit simple syrup, grapefruit flavored sparkling water (I used Perrier), and your favorite vodka. You could have it with or without the alcohol, and it’s a true delight either way. Last week I made it for the boys with just the grapefruit soda and simple syrup and they drank it right down.

Grapefruit Simple Syrup

2 cups grapefruit juice (I used 4 grapefruits, but it will vary. Use ruby red or pink for prettiest color)
2 cups sugar

Combine the grapefruit juice and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat and cook 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved. Let cool and store in a jar with lid. Will keep refrigerated for about a month.

Grapefruit Soda (for one drink)

Ice
1 1/2 oz vodka
1 1/2 oz grapefruit simple syrup
Grapefruit flavored sparkling water, to top (I used Perrier)

Stir together vodka and simple syrup in your glass, add ice and top with grapefruit sparkling water. Cheers and enjoy!