A Book and a Blueberry-Lime Mojito

It’s hard to imagine that my summer break has come and gone so quickly.  There are so many things that I have left undone. I never tiled the backsplash in the kitchen. I didn’t have a chance to landscape the pool, and my attic is still a complete disaster. I didn’t paint for fun, or search for new bedding for the master bedroom. However, looking back, I did accomplish many of the things that were on my summer to-do-list. I traveled with Ashton, several times, to the out-of-state auctions. Wine was tasted at new wineries and many drawers and closets were organized. I concocted a variety of canned goods to enjoy during the coming winter months. We enjoyed several family pool days and movie days. I finally completed the upstairs guest bedroom and painted the front door black, and then repainted it white. I lived and learned and wrote a book. Well, sort of…

As we know, I rediscovered my love for writing about eight months ago when I started blogging.  Since, I have contemplated writing a book on my recovery from my eating disorder. Writing a book has always been a life-long goal. However, before undertaking such an enormous task, I thought I should break the ice a bit by writing an eBook. EBooks are usually short books that can be directly downloaded onto your computer or ereader, or through the Kindle app.  My book, Queen J’s Five Steps to Happiness, is a five week guide that will help you discover a happier life, one week at a time. During my recovery, I realized that health and happiness was about  much more than food and weight. While I spent years waiting to feel happy when I woke in the mornings, I discovered that, in reality, I had to work to achieve happiness; every single day. Really, I worked for it! I hate that I wasted so much time waiting for happiness to fall out of the sky and knock me down. So, read this book. It will only take an hour to read it. I’m sure that you can find something useful to incorporate into your own life.  For a limited time, I have marked my book down to $3.99.  It will only cost you 80 cents a week to improve yourself! To order your book through Amazon, click on the picture above and follow the directions. If you can be happier and healthier, why not do it?

Last Friday, I accompanied my sister to her doctor’s appointment.  My mother and sister both have autoimmune diseases and are under the care of a wonderful doctor in Raleigh. Per tradition, after the appointment we had a spa treatment and  lunch. While lunching after our relaxing massages, we discovered a fantastic new cocktail. At my sister’s suggestion, I took a chance and ordered a mojito. I’ve had a traditional mojito in the past and didn’t love it. This blueberry and mint concoction made such an impression that I had to recreate a similar version at home. This cocktail actually has several health benefits and is low in calories.  A virgin cocktail could be made by replacing the vodka with more club soda.

I assembled the needed ingredients. I used a blueberry pomegranate vodka that Ashton found in Pennsylvania. I haven’t seen this offered at our local stores, so I would substitute any blueberry vodka. The blueberries contain antioxidants which fight cancer and promote glowing skin. Read more about the benefits of blueberries here. Limes are high in vitamin C and support the immune system. Read more about limes here. Mint is good for fighting fatigue and allergies. Find out more about mint here.

Muddling (mashing) the mixture releases the healthy oils from the mint and breaks up the blueberries, creating a gorgeous natural color. You can find a muddler on Amazon. This drink was even better (and prettier) than the restaurant version.

Blueberry-Lime Mojito

8 blueberries

2 T. lime juice

8 mint leaves

1 packet of stevia

1/4 cup of blueberry vodka

2 T. club soda

Directions:

Add blueberries, lime juice, mint, and stevia to a glass.

Use a muddler or wooden spoon to muddle (mash) the mixture, breaking up the blueberries.

Add vodka and club soda to the muddled mixture.

Pour mixture over ice.

Make yourself a healthy blueberry mojito, download my book, and enjoy your happy, fabulous life!