Rain, rain, rain…..oh, those rainy day blues! When rain put a damper on our pool day this past Friday, we jumped at the chance to use the movie room upstairs. Ever since the pool was finished,we have been outside,  eager to receive our share of  sunshine and vitamin D. The movie room  has been very neglected this summer. In fact, I haven’t ventured up the stairs in nearly three weeks!  Not only did we make use of the movie room, we made use of what we had in the fridge. Since Sunday is our grocery-buying day, it was slim pickings around these parts on Friday! There was a zero chance  that I was going to venturing out into the rain. I was not in the mood to wrestle with frizzy hair and damp clothes.  With few options in the fridge,  I resourcefully created a few healthy appetizers.

Cranberry Walnut Stuffed Celery

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Celery

Boiled Shrimp with Wasabi  & Cocktail Sauces

Of course, a huge bowl of popcorn and goldfish were provided for the kids as well as their favorite cherry Coke cocktails (virgin, of course!) After all, I am the best bad aunt in town!  Everyone knows that cherry Coke tastes better with an umbrella straw.

My sister and I enjoyed the adult cocktail of the day, blackberry wine spritzers. Duplin Winery makes a fantastic blackberry wine, found here. Blackberry wine is a natural remedy for  digestive issues. It also contains antioxidants. How could you not love a cocktail with healthy benefits? Wine spritzers are a great alternative to regular wine because they are much lower in alcohol and calories. A wine spritzer is the perfect cocktails  for week day afternoons!  After all, the object is to feel relaxed, not wasted.

Blackberry Wine Spritzer

When Ashton and I created Smokey’s Bar, which is in the movie room, we wanted it to feel special. That is where we keep our collection of glass serving pieces, most of it thrifted . Recently, we began collecting gold-rimmed glasses. I absolutely adore our collection!  I found these wine glasses on Amazon, here. No plastic cups and plates for us! Each time we visit an antique store or thrift shop, we purchase a few pieces that we love. It’s always such a joy to use the eclectic mix of pieces we have collected. Because nothing was expensive, we don’t worry about pieces being broken or irreplaceable.  Besides, it’s no fun to have beautiful pieces if they are never used! Food always tastes much better on a pretty plate.

After stuffing ourselves with our tasty snacks, we settled in our recliners, wrapped ourselves in plush blankets, and spent the next two hours watching Netflix. We chose the movie, “Playing for Keeps”, which you can also purchase on Amazon here. My nephew loved that it was about soccer. The girls, myself included, loved that it was a romance!  It’s rare that we can find a movie that appeals to everyone. Thankfully, the room was dark as I spent a large part of the movie fighting tears. Although you need tissue near, I highly recommend this movie!

Ashton and I are so grateful that we are able to share our home with family and friends. We  had the most wonderful, relaxing afternoon and I enjoyed  much needed sister-time.  Remember to pull out the fancy dishes and celebrate every day…..even the rainy days!

 

 Cranberry Walnut Stuffed Celery (serves one)

1 Laughing Cow swiss flavored cheese wedge, reduced calorie

1 teaspoon walnuts, chopped finely

1 teaspoon  low sugar cranberries, chopped finely

1 celery stalk, cut into 3″ sections

Directions:

Mix Laughing Cow cheese with walnuts and cranberries.

Trim the bottoms of the celery sections, so that they are flat.

Fill the celery with the cheese mixture. Serve immediately.

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Buffalo Chicken Celery (serves 2)

1 four ounce chicken breast, boiled and shredded

Buffalo sauce to taste

1/2 teaspoon celery seeds

1 teaspoon reduced-fat blue cheese crumbles

3 celery stalks, cut into 3″ pieces

Directions:

Mix chicken, buffalo sauce, and celery seed.

Trim the bottoms of the celery sections, so that they are flat .

Fill the celery with the mixture. Sprinkle with the blue cheese crumbles.

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Blackberry Wine Spritzer

Fill a wine glass with ice. Mix equal parts Duplin Blackberry Wine and seltzer. This makes it fizzy!

Add a splash of diet cranberry juice.

Enjoy!

 What do you choose to do on a rainy day?