Cocktails: The classic G&T

Ah summer, when I get all my drinking for the year done.  Since I don't work in the summer, I don't have to worry about pesky early mornings, or "bedtimes."  It becomes the time of the year (other than Christmas) that I can enjoy some adult beverages without the guilt or responsibility of "adult situations" creeping up on me the next morning.

In the summer, I find that I always reach for (or make or order) the classic Gin and tonic.  It is a cool, metrosexual choice for the urban yuppie.  And I have come to grips with the fact that I'm a "yuppie."  Your brother can only call you that so many times before you think about it, and realize that its probably true.  Is being a yuppie that bad?  I have a stable income, a nice home.  We can go on vacation.  I think that dude is just totally jealous.  I mean I work hard for my money; if I want to go on vacation or buy a car, I should be able to right?  When did I start to think being a yuppie was so bad anyways?  So I put fruit on my salads and eat quinoa.  They're good for you!  I still have loads of street cred.   Forget that kid, he doesn't know what he's talking about.

ANYWAYS,  I love a good G&T.  Its crisp, and refreshing.  Lately, I've been livening my drinks up.  I used to just put that good ol' drink helper, lime into my G&Ts, but now I've started being more adventurous.  Here are some of the additions that I have found to be quite tasty in a classic Gin and Tonic:

• Strawberries and mint
• Cucumber and basil (pictured above)
• Cucumber and melon
• Blueberries and thyme (I know, but trust me on this one)
• Mixed berries and lemon
• Apricot and mint
• Sliced peaches
• Lime Cordial and mint

To add any of the above, just muddle your add-ins in the bottom of the glass and add your ice and Gin and Tonic on top, and enjoy!  They taste so good, and they look pretty too.  As soon as noon hits, I'm going to have one.

What are some add-ins that I haven't thought of?  What cool combos have you added to drinks this summer?

It comes once a year...

My birthday is here!  This year I'm not making a big deal about it.  I'm going to do some stuff with my family today, and dinner with friends tomorrow.  You know how it is.  Everywhere I went today, I told people that it was mu birthday!  I learned something new-- once you hit 30 years old, people don't really care that much about your birthday.  Ah well, they're just mad 'cause its not their birthday.  Happy Birthday to me!

Vacation Round-Up: Quebec City, Canada

View of Quebec from the Plains of Abraham

D and I went on a quick trip to Quebec City for a few days as a get-away for about a week.  We wanted to do it on the cheap, so we (or more accurately, I) drove the 10 hours to get there, and had some fun doing the sight-seeing thing.  What I love about Quebec is that it can feel like you are in another country.  Due to a law from a while ago, all signs in Quebec are in French, which adds to the feeling of being farther away from home than you are. 

Street in Old Quebec

We spent most of our time wandering around the "Old City" in Quebec.  Which I really enjoyed.  Because I'm a French teacher, I speak French, so it was easy for me to ask for directions, and have conversations with people.  D was a little frustrated, not remembering as much of the language as I did.  But we still had a great time.

Terrasse Dufferin, Quebec's Boardwalk

I mostly brought back souvenir stuffs; you know like flags and other assorted memorabilia-- I needed some stuff to decorate my classroom with!  The great thing about visiting during the tourist season is there are tons of free things you can get.  I have a bunch on posters for the classroom in French.  I am very excited to hang up.

Another pic of the Chateau Frontenac

Probably the most famous building in the city is the Chateau Frontenac.  We sat outside it to have our lunch.  I love taking photos of it.  Its interesting from very angle.

I think the highlight of the trip for D was visiting the Citadelle.  He's really into military history and stuff.  It was interesting. 

My favorite part of the tour was riding the incline railway, the funiculaire.  I don't know why, I just thought it was cool.

A play about the church, which was celebrating its 350th anniversary too.

We were pretty lucky that we chose to visit Quebec this week.  There were tons of celebrations going on as it was the city's 350th anniversary celebration, so there were lots of street shows and activities, including a show by Cirque De Soleil and fireworks. 

Even though it was a short trip, it was a lot of fun.  D and I keep talking about "the next time we go back." So that's a good sign.

Have you done any quick trips?  Want to share some memories with me?

Summer Lovin'

Happy first day of summer!

I thought it would be fitting to start this great season with a rundown of some of the things that are awesome about the summer. I will add to this list every once and a while, so I will call this series: "Seasons of Love."  There is something awesome about every season.  And I love musicals.

What I love about the summer:

 Camping:  I am lucky enough to live in one of the greatest places for camping, Ontario.  If I drive a few hours north, it looks like the picture above.  When we camp, we usually canoe too.  You may not know this about me, but I was a canoe instructor at summer camp for a few years.  I love to canoe.  Can you canoe?  Can you say that three times fast?

Other than canoeing, I love just chilling in nature.  I'm not the sportiest person, so camping for me is mostly sitting by the lake, reading and drinking beer.  For exercise, I keep the cooler on the other side of our campsite; that way I have to get up to get another.  

Picnics:  I love making a meal specifically to eat outside.  You have to be creative when making an outdoor meal.  What would make it easier is having a set like this.  Isn't this the cutest?  I couldn't buy it though. D said we would have to eat out for every meal this summer to justify the 80 dollar price tag.  Sadface.

There are so many things I love about the summer!  Can't do them in one post, so stay tuned!
What are some things you love about the summer?