#30: Cold drink on a warm day

Strawberry Basil margaritas

After many days of rain here in NYC, the sun came out this afternoon and it was a beautiful day. Warm, bright and sunny weather on a saturday pairs quite nicely with a chilled, light beverage. I found this one on Apartment Therapy's the Kitchn. I've decided to make it my official drink of the summer, as soon as I can have one that is ( maybe a nice patriotic pitcher on July 4th if I'm not held up in the hospital!) Its so simple, refreshing and looks absolutely gorgeous. And since it can be made in a pitcher, its fantastic for when you invite friends over too..

Strawberry Basil Margaritas makes 1 pitcher, or about 8 servings

1 can (12 ounces) frozen limeade concentrate

10 strawberries (or 12 if you're using smaller ones from the farmer's market or your backyard.)

8 basil leaves

2 to 2 1/2 cups tequila (gold or silver)

Empty the limeade concentrate into a pitcher. Add 2 1/2 cans of water and 1 1/2 (18 ounces, or 2 1/4 cups) cans of tequila (or a bit less, if you don't want your drinks to be quite as strong).

Hull the strawberries, slice lengthwise, and add to the pitcher. Crumple the basil a little in your hands (this will help the basil flavor release into the drink) and add it to the pitcher, too. Place the pitcher, covered, in the fridge overnight, or for at least four hours.

When you remove the pitcher from the fridge, your margaritas will be a lovely pale pink color. Now all you have to do is serve them and wait for the compliments to pour in.

#31: Time

In Memoriam: June 1, 2002- June 1, 2012

My father, sister and me in Lagos

To my father, mentor and inspriation. Ten years has not been able to provide the time to heal the wound of your loss. I miss you and love you always.

“It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.” 

Rose Kennedy

RIP

#32: Blue nails

The effects of nine months of growing another human being really takes a toll on the body of any woman. I noticed the visible signs in my skin a few weeks ago and just felt like I was really tired but after three days off, I still look tired, its just whats in style this late pregnancy stage. So I decided to make an extra effort to do things I don't normally care too much about, hair, make-up and nails. So in honor of not being boring and beige, I got myself a bottle of blue nail polish for some added color in my appearance instead of yet another sheer blush color to add to my collection. And yes my fingers are swollen, my ankles are even worse but today, I appreciate bright blue nails! Hey what do want from me, I try...

#33: Little things

Shot with:Nikon D80, 18-135mm: ISO 5, F-14

There's something quite heartwarming about little things. I had forgotten how tiny newborn babies really are; maybe its the fragility of the baby one associates with these tiny items but they really reach into a realm of my psyche which is soft and not so jaded. Although I have a lot of hand me downs which are in great condition for the littlest one, I am compelled to buy a few special things as well. These knitted booties are one thing I couldn't resist even though she'll be born in the heat of the summer I figured she'd need them since we keep the house and car air conditioning on high at all times. So today, I appreciate all the little ( small and seemingly insignificant ) things that make getting through the next 33 days easier and fill my heart with a bit of warmth.