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I like iced tea, usually unsweetened with a touch of fresh lemon.  Sometimes, with a touch of demerara sugar.  It’s a cool alternative to hot coffee and it’s pretty healthy too. However, there comes a time when plain ol’ drinks simply won’t do, and you need that extra special kick to get you into that relaxed groove. Like…iced tea on nitro, otherwise known as a Long Island Iced Tea. For those of you who don’t know, a Long Island Iced Tea is a mixed drink which contains gin, tequila, vodka, rum and triple sec as well as other ingredients (as if we need anything else), depending on the recipe. The origin of the Long Island Iced Tea is rather clouded, much like you’d be after drinking one or two. The generally accepted origin is that a bartender invented the drink at the Oak  Beach Inn located on Long Island, New… Continued

Here in New Jersey, we are suffering what they call a ‘heat wave’.  According to my daughter, who has been imbued with 3rd grade wisdom from her summer science class, a heat wave is a phenomenon in which the temperature is at or above 90 degrees for three consecutive days.   When I tried to correct her, being the teacher that I am, and said it has to be five consecutive days, she said “That’s the definition given by the World Meteorological Organization.  My definition is specific to the Northeast.” “My definition is specific to the Northeast.” At those times you have to laugh. So it’s summer, and it’s a heat wave.  My neighbor asked me if it was hot enough for me. I told him, not until I can fry an egg on the blacktop driveway.   My poor tomato plants wilt at noon and the dog hangs out in the

Summer may be a time of supposed relaxation, but some of us find ourselves busier than ever.  Between the pool, the beach, fireworks, picnics and family reunions, we may find it difficult to find some downtime to hear ourselves think.  One thing to remember, it’s important to take time for yourself.  Slow down, stop rushing.   Yes, it’s good to have fun, but it’s good to carve out a few moments to keep our minds in good working order. So, as a mother of three little ones, I’ve had to refine the art of relaxation, taking those little breaks within a busy day that recharge you. Here are five ways to help you relax, even in the midst of summer chaos: 1.  Journaling – During the day, when the children are most active, I don’t always have the time to write down the odd thoughts that occur to me.  I use