Celebrating the Little Things: A Spring Garden Soirée (Mocktail Recipes Included!)
Hello, beautiful souls,
Today, I want to talk about something very close to my heart—finding joy in the little moments, especially during something as challenging as cancer treatment. I'm sharing this because, through my own journey with breast cancer at a young age, I’ve learned that while we might not control everything, we can certainly influence our moments of joy.
The Power of Small Celebrations
When you’re going through treatment, the days can blend into one another, and it can feel like you're stuck on a never-ending rollercoaster of appointments, treatments, and side effects. But here’s a thought—what if we chose to make everyday a celebration? Not of anything big, but of life itself!
Planning a Spring Garden Mocktail Party
One of my favorite ways to celebrate these moments is by throwing a little garden party. Imagine this: a quaint backyard filled with the laughter of friends, the soft rustle of spring leaves, and the clinking of glasses as you toast to life, resilience, and friendship.
Setting the Scene
Set your garden with small, round tables covered in light, floral tablecloths. Place comfortable chairs around, and maybe add a few throw pillows for extra coziness. String up some fairy lights and light some citronella candles to keep the evening bugs at bay. The goal is to create a warm, inviting space where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves.
The Menu: Elegant Mocktails
Drinks are the heart of any party, and since we’re focusing on health and inclusivity, here are three mocktail recipes that are not just delicious but also a toast to our health:
Lavender Lemon Sparkler
Mix lavender syrup with fresh lemon juice, top with sparkling water, and serve in a tall glass garnished with a sprig of lavender. This drink looks as peaceful as it tastes, perfect for feeling refreshed.
Cucumber Mint Cooler
Combine thinly sliced cucumbers and mint leaves with lime juice and honey in a clear glass. Fill with sparkling water for a rejuvenating drink that cools you down and lifts your spirits.
Rose and Berry Bliss
Stir together rose water and honey, add a handful of fresh mixed berries, and top with sparkling water in a stemless wine glass or flute. It’s as delightful to look at as it is to sip.
Why Celebrate the Little Things?
During treatment, it’s easy to lose sight of life beyond cancer. But when you take the time to celebrate small things, you reclaim your joy, your power, and your life. You remember that you are not defined by your illness. Each sip of a mocktail, each laugh shared under the twinkling lights, is a declaration: I am here, I am alive, and I will cherish every moment.
So, to all my fellow warriors and your loved ones, let’s make a promise to celebrate the little things. Host a garden party, try a new recipe, watch the sunset—whatever brings you joy. Remember, it’s these little celebrations that weave the tapestry of our lives with brightness and hope.
With all my love and cheers to many more celebrations
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1. Lavender Lemon Sparkler
Ingredients:
1 tbsp lavender syrup
Juice of 1 lemon
Sparkling water
Ice cubes
A sprig of fresh lavender for garnish
Glass and Garnish: Serve this mocktail in a tall, slender Collins glass. The drink itself is a clear, slightly cloudy mixture due to the lemon juice, with a gentle purple hue from the lavender syrup. It's garnished with a sprig of fresh lavender that not only looks elegant but also infuses a subtle aroma as you sip. The glass can be rimmed with sugar for an extra touch of glamour.
2. Cucumber Mint Cooler
Ingredients:
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
10 mint leaves
2 tbsp honey or agave syrup
Juice of 1 lime
Sparkling water
Ice cubes
Glass and Garnish: This mocktail is best served in a clear, wide-mouthed highball glass that showcases the layers of cucumber and mint leaves. The drink has a refreshing green tinge from the cucumber and lime juice. It's topped with a wheel of cucumber and a sprig of mint, which add a fresh and appealing look. Optionally, a few mint leaves can be muddled and added to the glass for extra flavor and color.
3. Rose and Berry Bliss
Ingredients:
2 tbsp rose water
1/4 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
1 tbsp honey or simple syrup
Sparkling water
Ice cubes
Glass and Garnish: Serve in a delicate stemless wine glass or a champagne flute to emphasize the sophistication of this mocktail. The drink is adorned with hues of pink and red from the berries, while the clear and bubbly sparkling water adds a festive touch. Garnish with a skewer of alternating fresh berries and a small rose petal on top to enhance the floral theme and visual appeal.
Each of these mocktails not only tastes refreshing but also looks stunning, making them perfect for spring celebrations!
