ain’t gonna lie to ya.

No seriously, this year has been a whirlwind – a fun, exciting, ever-changing whirlwind, but it also taught me quite a bit about committing to timely boundaries while still wanting to feel like I have time for my life and everything else in it, which is a challenge in itself. I also feel like I wanted to focus on the aspect of handling myself well online, while simultaneously trying to find & keep true to my most authentic self offline to still know that I’m doing this blog FOR ME.

At times, the social media aspect would really get to me. It really sucked because social media is like, the damn portkey to all other things….aka how the hell could I drive an audience to read my blog without a damn social media profile to link them there? *eyerolllllll* It felt like a popularity contest that I didn’t care to be in, but I wanted to win? Does anyone know what I mean?.....shit.

And then I had to deal with the other not-so-fun stuff. People love to be anonymous & mean as shit. To hell with them. I’m down to take polite criticism, but when people were coming at me sideways telling me shit I did NOT beg to hear, I was like “alright the gloves are off” – I won’t lie that some criticism shifted my outlook & my approach, but I also decided to take it with a grain of salt & try to use that shift positively and remind myself that this is indeed MY blog and I can change it up however I choose!

you’re like, really pretty.

Another reason this recipe was made with my Mamaw in mind, is because the woman loves rum. She specifically loves Crown Royal & while I realize that not all rums are created equal, the use of Crown is totally inappropriate for this beverage.

Tennessee Hills Coconut Rum was the spirit of choice, but I won’t lie….we drank ALL that shit before I could even develop this into a blog recipe! *gasp* I KNOW! Hahaha can you believe it?! I mean, I totally can, but anyway.

Here in Virginia, Tennessee Hills Rum is not available in our Liquor stores so obviously I had to improvise. Malibu is old faithful & served us just fine. Although I prefer the milky & HIGHLY coconutty flavor of Tennessee Hills, beggars can’t be choosers. Malibu is a totally delicious alternative, so don’t you even worry.

Seriously though, before we get into this drank….I want to take a moment & completely gush about the COLOR of watermelon juice. Like, I want it as a nail color & a lipstick – you feel me? Its SO vibrant, it SCREAMS summer. It is just such a bright, happy color and organic – you’re gonna love it! Not to mention the smell too! Perfectly fresh, fruity & SUMMERY. ((as I’ve literally been shitting on the heat all summer but this drink changes my mind))

Instructions, 1

Firstly, have yourself in the right mood to enjoy this drink.

Friday-Feels in the afternoon & you’re saying F-it to work? You’re in.

Saturday-Sipper before getting ready to go to dinner? Hell yes.

Sunday-Scaries & you want something to get you right before brunch? That’s the spirit.

Basically, this is a weekend drink. Because…many reasons. You’ll have a whole watermelon to juice and that takes some time to accomplish & you want to make a whole damn pitcher of it so….yea. Take heed.

So cut up your watermelon first – and for the love of God please get a seedless watermelon – otherwise this is ain’t gonna work.

Carefully remove the rind & cut into chunks – whatever will fit into your food processor is fine, but you’ll most likely have to work in batches.

Drop the chunks of sweet watermelon into your food processor & pulse until smooth.

There will most likely be stringy chunks of watermelon still remaining – that’s perfectly OK because we’re gonna strain it until you’re left with just mush.

Instructions, 3

WATERMELON RUM YUMS

· 32 Oz freshly strained watermelon juice

· 16 Oz Malibu Rum

· Juice squeezed from 2 limes

· Handful of mint, cleaned, spanked & dropped into the pitcher

· Sprinkle of Tajin

· 1 Can Fresca

Pour the watermelon juice, Malibu & lime juice into a large pitcher – the mint is completely optional, it is not pictured because Chris didn’t like mint in this drink.

The Tajin is also completely optional – you can use it to rim your glass for a nice lick when enjoying this beverage or sprinkle a bit right into the pitcher for a nice punch! Again, not pictured because my beloved husband was not a fan….ANYWAY.

Roll the limes gently with your palms to help soften them up – this makes for easier squeezing & provides more juice!

Stir the contents of your pitcher well!

I leave the Fresca OUT of the pitcher because I don’t want it the entire concoction to go flat. But don’t you dare think for 1 minute that you don’t need that Fresca! The fizz & slightly-sweet grapefruit drink really gives the perfect effervescent effect to this drink that is so delicious & so needed.

Fill up your favorite tumbler with ice & pour directly over the ice.

Shit, don’t forget to leave room in your glass for the Fresca topper! – anywhere from 2-4 ounces.

Garnish with more mint, a lime wedge or an extra sprinkle of Tajin!

There is no wrong way to make this drink – the only wrong way is how you enjoy it!

I suggest you enjoy this drink without a care in the world & the time to do it.

Kicked back watching your favorite Netflix show, on the back porch grilling out your favorite meal, or curled up reading your favorite book – all of these activities are approved by me.