Spring Mango Mocktail
Last week was a slow week with my clients and quite frankly, I needed a break! These last few months have been a mix bag of emotions. In January, I decided it was time to move my studio/ office back to my house. It was one of the more difficult decisions I have had to make as a business owner. It felt crushing to abandon a place that I had come to think of as a second home. I had so many tremendous memories there. Though my decision was practical, it was also gutting. I felt like I failed as a business owner and as an employer. Looking back on that time, I now know I made the right choice. The lockdown in Ohio started two weeks after my move! As businesses closed their doors and so many of us are struggling through this distressing time, I have one less thing to worry about.
Since the lockdown, I have had a steady stream of food photography work. None of it pays well, but it's work. I thought that after my move, I would be able to take a bit of a breather. Then the pandemic happened and I had to reconsider all of my future plans! Those marketing strategies are out the window. Building a new business website seems like it will require WAY to much focus! My goals calendar has one or two things on it a week and I am struggling to even do those!
I would love to write a post about how I am making sourdough bread, fresh salads and learning a craft. But the truth is, the only thing I am doing is stuffing my face with carbs and drinking boxed Chardonnay! I have even started to eat boxes of chocolate! Gross.
I mentioned in my last post, I am trying a new tactic. I am thinking about my blog and the recipes I am developing as a job. I do well when I approach goals as WORK. This blog is about healthy recipes, so...I need to start developing healthy recipes that are going to comfort me and nourish me.
It has been easy to wallow in my own pit of who gives a fuck! That needs to stop!
I also need to remember that it's not all bad. In the last few months we (Greg and I) have completely rearranged our house to accommodate my new shooting space. We painted two rooms. We moved my office. I cleaned out all of my flower beds (and there are many). My Mom and I (at a safe distance) planted my vegetable garden. Greg and I bought a 10' X 12' greenhouse from Harbor Freight that we are going to start building this week. Last week I also cleaned out our food pantry and I got rid of some very old food.
In an attempt to cut out that excessive Chardonnay drinking, I have created a Mocktail with some of my favorite Trader Joe's products. This is a bright summer drink that can be put together with a few ingredients; Trader Joe's Mango Smoothie, Trader Joe's Sparkling Water, Fresh Lime, Fresh Mint and crushed ice. Of course, if you want to add liquor, I suggest a splash of white rum.
Spring Mango Mocktail
Author: Jodi Boatman Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook time: 0 Minutes
Total Time: 5 Minutes Yields: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
42.3 oz Trader Joe’s Sparkling Mineral Water, Plain
1 C Trader Joe’s Mango Smoothie
4 limes, sliced thin
4 sprigs of fresh Mint
crushed ice
Instructions:
In 4 large glasses, add half a lime and a sprig of mint.
Using a handle of wooded spoon, muddle together the lime and mint in each glass. Do not get to crazy with the muddling. You just want to releases the essential oils of the mint and get a bit of juice out of the limes.
Add crushed ice, 1/4 C of Trader Joe’s Mango Smoothie and 10 oz of sparkling water to each glass. Top each with the remaining limes and stir.
Enjoy!
