things are looking bright, shiny and new as i welcome in another year of life. yesterday was my thirty-first birthday and i spent the day working at things i love, surrounded by people i love. and in my opinion, that is a pretty perfect birthday. i was able to teach spin, yoga and swim lessons and i shared my heart with my students the best way i know how, with lots of cake. 

early may has always been been a special time. it is not only my birthday on the fourth, but some of my closest friends and family have birthdays within days of mine. and yesterday, the early may days got a little more special. on may third just hours from my own birthday, on the other side of the world, my soul sister jeanelle gave birth to a beautiful, healthy, vibrant girl named elena, making me an auntie to another beautiful baby girl. 

so i will be celebrating baby girl and her sweet momma all weekend long. even though we can't be together for these special days, i know we are both celebrating our special moments together. sunday, i'll be toasting all the special birthdays with this agua fresca. wes and i are having close friends and family over and we are serving up this tasty watermelon beverage. it is great on it's own, or with a little nip of vodka or rum. 

watermelon agua fresca
serves: 2 cups agua fresca
prep time: 10 minutes
active time: 2 minutes
total time: 12 minutes ingredients: 2 cups chopped watermelon (the juicier the better). 1 tbs lime juice + 1 lime wedge for garnish. 5 mint leaves + mint sprig for garnish. 1 tbs sugar. stainer. food processor or blender. 

start by combining your mint leaves and watermelon in the bowl of a food processor or blender. blend until completely pureed. 

train the liquid over a large bowl or cup. press out all the juices of the water melon and discard the solids. 

stir in lime juice and sugar till well combined. 

pour over ice (add alcohol if you like), garnish with mint sprig + a lime wedge and serve. 

xo, a

watermelon agua fresca
serves: 2 cups agua fresca
prep time: 10 minutes
active time: 2 minutes
total time: 12 minutes ingredients: 2 cups chopped watermelon (the juicier the better). 1 tbs lime juice + 1 lime wedge for garnish. 5 mint leaves + mint sprig for garnish. 1 tbs sugar. stainer. food processor or blender. start by combining your mint leaves and watermelon in the bowl of a food processor or blender. blend until completely pureed. strain the liquid over a large bowl or cup. press out all the juices of the water melon and discard the solids. stir in lime juice and sugar till well combined. pour over ice (add alcohol if you like), garnish with mint sprig + a lime wedge and serve.