Recently I caught myself complaining about the financial situation I find myself in as a single parent: if only I had more money, then I would be able to decorate my home, fix up my wardrobe, visit more local restaurants and shops, host better parties, etc. As soon as the complaints were voiced, however, I realized how wrong I am. It’s easy to live the good life when you have great taste, which is independent of the bank statements.
“Great taste means starting with something authentic and letting its true expression come through.”
In order for me to be authentic and to really be in integrity with myself, I have to take responsibility for my situation and do my very best to live within my means. But sticking to a strict budget doesn’t mean I have to sacrifice good taste. In fact, I am finding that I feel most authentic when I get creative, which my financial situation often forces me to do.
I feel more authentic when I’m not wracking up credit card debt, ignoring bills, or spending frivolously. When I committed myself to tightening the budget and cutting out unnecessary spending, one of the first things to go was eating out. I love to cook so eating out has never been a big part of our lives, but we do have some favorite local haunts that we visited with some frequency.
This commitment feels difficult sometimes, especially when I’m craving a favorite dish or drink. I know, however, that I will ultimately feel better about myself when I stay true to my goals. And when I know that I am living with integrity, I am better able to let my great taste shine.
This delicious cranberry drink recipe is the product of some great taste mixed with authenticity! One of my favorite local restaurants, Flying Star Cafe, makes a great drink they call “The Red Stuff.” It’s my favorite! A hint of mint and fruit, tart and tangy, totally refreshing and absolutely delicious. Right now, my commitments keep me from purchasing the drink. But when I put my great taste to work, I was able to create my own version of the drink using wholesome, affordable ingredients that I can feel really good about.
Yes, it is possible to live the good life when you focus on being authentic and let your great taste shine!
Simply Orange Juice Company has launched a new product – Simply Cranberry Cocktail. Like all Simply products, Simply Cranberry Cocktail was built on the foundation that the first step to anything being wonderful is a great foundation. This truly delicious and healthy juice is the foundation for this recipe, and it’s great taste really does shine!
Cranberry Zinger
Ingredients
3 cups Simply Cranberry Cocktail
2 cups water
7 bags of Celestial Seasonings “Red Zinger” herbal tea
1 bag of Celestial Seasonings “Peppermint” herbal tea
Ice
Directions
In a glass jar or pitcher, heat 2 cups of water in microwave. Add tea bags, cover, and let sit at room temperature over night. Add 2 cups of cranberry juice and stir. Taste and adjust flavor/sweetness by adding more juice until it is your desired sweetness. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
{GIVEAWAY}
Prize Pack for One lucky winner (valued at $150):
- (2) Coupons redeemable for a 59. fl. oz carafe of Simply Cranberry Cocktail
- (1) Coupon redeemable for a 13.5 fl. oz carafe of Simply Cranberry Cocktail
- (1) Customizable Slate + Wood Serving Board from West Elm
- (6) Silver glass votive holders with unscented tea light candles from West Elm
- (1) One-year print subscription to Bon Appetit plus current issue
- (1) $25 Gift card to Stonewall Kitchen
To Enter: Leave a comment on this post and tell me,
“How do you let your great taste shine?”
Extra Entries – Leave a separate comment for each of your entries:
- Follow Some the Wiser on Twitter and ReTweet the following: I just entered to win a #simplycran prize pack from @somethewiser #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/c2avrwc
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- Follow Some the Wiser (Allison Ruth) on Pinterest and Pin this giveaway
Deadline and Rules: Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US only. Winner to be chosen at random. Giveaway will close Friday, July 6, 2012 at 9pm MST.
The prize was provided by Simply Orange Juice Company, but Simply Orange Juice Company is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this giveaway. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of Simply Orange Juice Company.
Danielle says
It’s refreshing to hear your take on “great taste!” I’d say mine shines when I focus on my gifts rather than my deficits, when I use creativity to make the most of what we have. Meal planning is one way I get to do this – when I plan ahead, I can save money at the grocery AND make delicious meals for the family! It’s a win-win.