Can I just say for the millionth time… I LOVE SUMMER! The beautiful sunny weather, the smell of grass, simple light delicious foods, the feeling of freedom, and time spent by the water- it all just makes me so happy 🙂 This is my first year really working on my green thumb. For the most part, I’m growing herbs in pots, but am hopeful that each year my knowledge and gardening ability will grow over time.

It was incredibly rewarding to go out into my yard and pick a few leaves off our mojito mint plant to create this delightful drink. My kids loved it too! It really is true if you grow it with your children they have a greater appreciation and interest in what they are eating.

My father-in-law is a fantastic gardener, and seeing the vegetable and herb gardens he creates really inspires me to want to do the same. My Nana, in her day was also an amazing gardener. When she lived on Long Island, people would come to photograph and paint her beautiful flower gardens. I feel blessed to have many inspirational people in my life.

This is the perfect drink for a hot summer day when you have a ripe watermelon, just asking to be eaten. In fact, it is thought when the flesh of the watermelon ripens you see the biggest jump in lycopene, and the beta-carotene content and total antioxidants increase as well. Lycopene is especially important for cardiovascular health.

The watermelon-mint drink is delicious and feels like such a refreshing treat. What a great way to hydrate and have a couple servings of fruit at the same time.

Pull out a cute Mason jar, get your sunglasses and sunhat on, and go outside and lounge while you sip your healthy beverage. It is a sure fire way to boost your mood and love for life.

Ingredients (yield 1 beverage)

• 2 cups watermelon, diced
• 5 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
• Ice for serving

Directions

In a blender, blend watermelon and 5 mint leaves until liquefied

Fill a glass or Mason jar with ice. Poor watermelon-mint drink over ice.

Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Wishing you sunshine smiles and a beautiful day!

With love & so much gratitude,
Wendy Irene