Refreshing Minty Lemonade

I wanted to share with y'all one of my favorite summer drinks. On a hot summer day, this drink is will definitely quench your thirst.

It's easy, pretty and delicious!

REFRESHING MINTY LEMONADE

Step 1: 

You will need to begin by making a mint simple syrup.

*1/4 cup water
*1/4 cup sugar
*1 Tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped

In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar and mint leaves. Stir and bring to a boil. Cook until sugar has dissolved, then remove from heat.  Set aside to cool for about an hour and strain out mint leaves.

Step 2:

Here are the additional ingredients you will need:

• 2 cups crushed ice
• 1/2 cup prepared lemonade (I use Minute Maid Light, in the carton)
• Fresh mint sprigs, optional for garnish (I always like to make my drinks look pretty.)

Fill 2 glasses with the crushed ice. Pour 1/2 of the lemonade into each glass and top with a splash of the sugar syrup. Garnish each with a mint sprig.  



This drink would look great served in the new Southern Girl Mason Jar Glasses from The Pink Window.
http://www.thepinkwindow.com/item_1880/Sweet-Tea-Mason-Jar--Sugar.htm

4 Styles, 1 Bag: My Favorite Handbag

I want to introduce you to my favorite handbag, The Rockstar Foldover.  I cannot say enough good things about this bag.  


Here are a few reasons why I love it:


1.  LOTS OF BLING . . . Do I need to say more?
2.  It is made with impeccable quality.
3.  It is versatile AND fashionable.
4.  This bag can be worn in four different ways.  I know, it's genius!!!
5.  It includes 2 detachable straps to create the various looks.
6.  It is perfect for travel.  Use it as a large tote while shopping during the day.  Then lighten your load and use it as a clutch for evening events.

This bag comes in two different prints.

Be sure to check out www.thepinkwindow.  

A Week of Deals!

If you haven't heard yet, each day this week The Pink Window is featuring a new Deal of the Day.

Today's Deal of the Day: BedHead Pajamas.  

The Pink Window offers a fantastic selection of fun, glamourous and elegant prints. 

Cozy up with with these adorable, comfy PJs!

 Be sure to check out www.thepinkwindow.com.

Birchbox - July

My name is Suzanne and I am a beauty product addict.

Okay, in all seriousness it is a problem.  I LOOOOOVE beauty products - hair treatments, mascaras, perfumes, beauty masks, bubble baths, lip glosses.  You name it, I want to try it all - the newest, the latest, the greatest!

About 18 months ago, a friend told me about Birchbox.  It is a monthly subscription.  For $10 a month, they will send a box with 4-6 samples.  It is a great way to try new products without having to purchase the full size.  Plus, it's always nice to receive something in the mail other than bills!!!

I thought I would share with you the excitement of receiving this super cute pink box.

I cannot wait to rip open the box and see what is inside!

Here are my brief opinions about the contents of this month's box:

1.  Alterna | Bamboo® UV + Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide  I use several Alterna products in my hair routine.  This one is a thinner consistency than a serum or hair oil and it smells pretty good.  The purpose of this product is to prevent UV rays from fading the color of your hair.  My hair is color treated, but I just don't feel that I need this.  I probably wouldn't able to determine it's effectiveness from this small sample.  I think I will pass it on to my mom.  Her hair lightens several shades when she spends time in the sun.  

2.  Eyeko | Skinny Liquid Eyeliner  They claim this is "goofproof."  I find liquid eyeliners can be difficult to work with, depending on the applicator.  Many are like felt tip markers and bleed, which creates a messy look.  The Eyeko tip is longer than other eyeliners and it did dry fast.  However, it creased and looked awful after just a few hours.  Two thumbs down.

3.  Harvey Prince | Hello  In a previous box, I received a sample of a Harvey Prince fragrance and didn't care for it.  I was pleasantly surprised when I tried Hello.  It is ideal for summer - light and citrusy.  (Is citrusy a word??  Well, you know what I'm trying to say.)  Perfume is such a personal purchase.  The same fragrance can smell different on different people.  Another factor to consider is how long the scent lingers on your skin.  I recommend always trying a sample before making an investment in a new perfume.

4.  Supergoop! | City Sunscreen Serum  I NEVER leave the house without applying sunscreen.  It's like brushing my teeth . . . I just don't forget this step in my daily regimen. I have seen Supergoop in stores and in just about every magazine I read.  I never had a desire to try it and I'm not sure why.  Maybe it's the name . . . it sounds really messy!  It's not just goop, it's SUPERgoop!  It claims to protect skin, combat premature aging and moisturize on contact.  I am so glad I received this sample because I really enjoyed this sunscreen.  It blended beautifully - no white mess.  There was a tiny typical sunscreen smell, but it wasn't too offensive to my nostrils and it went away shortly after application.  It's is also paraben free which is important to me.  This is definitely a product I will be purchasing.

5.  Tes Forte | minteas  I am not a fan of the "Curiously Strong Mints" so I am always looking for an alternative.  These chocolate flavored mints taste good and come in a purse-perfect package!  This was my favorite items included in this month's Birchbox.

6.  Birchbox Exclusive | Earbuds  There is nothing special about these earbuds.  They are sort of on the cheap side.  But it is always nice to have an extra set of earbuds around, just in case!

So that's it!  Receiving my Birchbox is always something I look forward to every month.

Birchbox is the best way to discover new beauty, grooming and lifestyle products. Join to receive monthly deliveries of top product samples from high-end brands.

Click here to find out more:  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=15ilw

Just Arrived

The Pink Window is proud to offer several new products. 
Check out a few of the new arrivals:

1.  "LIFE"  *  "LOVE"  *  "FAMILY"  *  "HOME", Set of 4 Coasters that highlights what is really important in life.


2.  "DO ONE THING EVERYDAY THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY", Word Block Sign.  This sign is a great daily reminder.


3.  Building Block Crayon Set, Two toys in one to entertain your favorite Lego lover.


4.  ISTUCK Phone Stand, The perfect gift for a teen

1.  Wild at Heart Necklace, Any outfit can be enhanced with a little animal print!

2.  Maggie Double Loop Earrings, The perfect amount of bling.

3.  Rose Bracelet, Okay, this bracelet is just adorable!!

These are just a few of our favorites.  

Be sure to visit www.thepinkwindow.com for more!

Candy Cookie Bars

I love to bake.  However, I hate recipes that require 20 ingredients, take all day to make and end up costing $40!!  This recipe is what I like to call a "fancy fake-out."  It's super simple to make and only has 5 ingredients!  Everyone loves these bars, but beware they are really sweet.  I like to cut them into bite size pieces.

CANDY COOKIE BARS

Ingredients:

1  Package (18.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix
1/2 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Butter, Melted
4 Snickers Candy Bars (2.07 oz each), Chopped


In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, brown sugar, eggs and butter.  Beat on low speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occassionally.  Stir in chopped candy.


Spread into an ungreased 13x9 baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees with 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool on a wire rack.  Cut into squares and ENJOY!


Easy, right???

Snack Attack

I thought I would share with you guys some of my favorite easy, healthy-ish snack ideas.


(Disclaimer:  I am NOT a doctor, dietician or nutritionist.)


#1:  WATER!

Okay I know what you're thinking . . . WATER?  That's not a snack! 


You're right.  However, sometimes our body mistakes hunger for thirst or dehydration.  Many times when I chug a big glass of ice, cold water, I no longer feel the need for a snack.  How easy is that!?!


#2 Fresh Fruit

This is an excellent choice during the summer months.  I love the combination of grapes, raspberries, and blueberries!  I wash and prepare the fruit in advance so it is easy and enticing to grab for a quick snack.

# 3 Almonds

A handful of almonds can provide a great source of protein.  Just be sure you don't eat too many!  You can prepackage them in a snack size zippy bag for portion control.

# 4 String Cheese  

LOVE it!  Not only is this a healthy snack, but it is SOOO fun to eat!  It makes me feel youthful.  It easy to grab and go.  Healthy.  Convenient. Fun.  What more could you want?

# 5 Yogurt

The options with yogurt are endless -  Low-fat yogurt, Greek Yogurt, thick & creamy yogurt!  You can add granola and fresh fruit to make a parfait.  Whatever floats your boat!  (Sometimes I like to add a teaspoon of mini chocolate chips to vanilla yogurt to satisfy my sweet tooth. )


#6 Edamame  

Sprinkle with a little sea salt  -  Mmmmmm, delicious!

# 7 Sugar Free Jell-O


ONLY 10 Calories!  You can even add a little whipped topping to make it feel more indulgent.
(If you follow the Weight Watchers plan this snack = ZERO points!)

#8  Granola Bar


This is super easy to pack in your purse for those days you are out running errands.  My favorites are the Kind Bars and the Kashi TLC Dark Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars.




A healthy diet should include two small snacks a day.  If you need help keeping track of your snacks and meals be sure to check out the Diet & Fitness Journal.  Those who keep a diary lose twice as much weight as those who don't!