Summer Series: A Refeshing Start To Summer

Summer is my favorite season. All of the flowers are in full bloom. Birds seem to be chirping at the top of their lungs. I can hear them from my window and their song is pleasantly melodic. With all of the pretty scents and sounds of summer come hot weather. The temperatures soar high into the 90's, leaving us all feeling sticky. Summer also beckons Mr.Softy. For those of you who don't live in the city, Mr.Softy is the ice cream truck that drives around with a catchy tune playing. On those humid days, the last thing I want to eat is a heavy, hot meal or a so sweet cone. I crave fresh salads, light lunches and homemade fruit juice. There is no need to eat those unhealthy things when wonderful fruits and veggies are at their peak.

Here are a few ways to spruce up your summer menu.

Have a favorite tropical fruit? Maybe two or three? Blend them all together with water and a little bit of sugar. Pass the mixture through a strainer (if you picky about pulp) and enjoy! To make things even better, pour the juice into ice pop molds, freeze and serve as ice pops. Skip sweet ice cream and have your favorite fruit flavored pop. So refreshing!

Berry Bonanza: Swap that bag of chips and a Capri-sun pouch for a bag of berries. Choose your favorites, put them in a baggie and munch in those throughout your day. If you want to add a punch if sweetness, add a dollop of cool whip and dip your berries in. YUM!

Drink water. Trust me, I know that water is not the most tasty beverage out on the market, but it is the most healthy. Drink a few cups of water throughout the day to feel refreshed. It also does wonders for your skin and leaves you feeling refreshed!

Make cold pasta salad and antipasto. There's no need to zap anything in the microwave this summer. Make a cold pasta salad (pasta, green peppers, diced chicken) and lightly dress in alfredo sauce.Or, make an antipasto with chunks of ham, turkey and your other favorite deli meats. Add olives if you like and dress in Italian dressing.

Make a salad. Throw together chopped lettuce and spinach, diced tomatoes and pepper (red, green and yellow) along with your other favorite veggies. Lightly toss in a tasty dressing or make your own. Here's a recipe:

1 c. olive oil

1/4 c. cider vinegar

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. grated Parmesan cheese

In a medium bowl or a container with a lid, whisk (shake) all ingredients. Keep refrigerated.

Do you have a few of your favorite summer meals or ideas you'd like to share? Feel free to email me or comment below. I'd love to hear how you cope with summer heat and refreshing meals:)