After Christmas, I took my gift money and bought a video camera.  We have a super old one that still used a VHS tape to view and I figured it was time to upgrade!  I did a bit of research and found a Sony one I loved.  When I hit up Best Buy, there was an open box of the ONE I WANTED.  Score!  Instead of $150, it was $85!  I am really loving it so far: super light and so easy to upload to the laptop. 

I also have a goal to start doing videos for this site.  Now it's February and I've FINALLY done my first video.  Baby steps!  I am still learning and playing around with the editing program, so keep that in mind!  Check it out:

If you're interested in trying more skinny drinks, here's some favorites:

• Strawberry Margarita

• Watermelon Mint Margarita

• Apple Cider Martini

• Pina Colada, Strawberry Peach Margarita + Mojito

• Frozen Hot Chocolate

I'm working on a video about using spices.  If you have any questions, leave them below!

Three New Skinny Cocktails for Summer!

I hope you all are enjoying your holiday weekend!  We have been enjoying the cooler temperatures outside.  I don't mind mid-70s at all!

This summer, I have been working hard on a few new Skinny drinks.  The pina colada was my hardest to figure out.  I wanted the creamy thickness of a regular pina colada without the calories.  I finally got the taste and texture I wanted from frozen bananas!

Check out the recipes on my guest post over on the valpak blog Behind the Blue.  There's a Strawberry-Peach Margarita, Blueberry Mojito and Pina Colada for you!


At the end of the month, I'll be heading to Austin, TX for Save Up '14 to hang out with some of the Savings.com Deal Pros and I cannot wait to learn some new tricks to share with you all! 

How is your summer going? Any frosty drinks you'd like to share?

MYO "Skinny" Drinks: Strawberry Margarita

You should know by now, I have a slight Crystal Light addiction.  I use it to make all of my favorite "skinny" drinks: margaritas, apple cider-tinis, sangria...the list can go on and on.  This variety is my new favorite.  I know people are all up in arms about sugar substitutes right now, but I figure I can indulge sometimes...right?

Ricky and I came up with this margarita last week when we were celebrating his new JOB!  Woohoo!  It's simple and dangerously addicting.  Perfect for patio season!

Here's the thing about frozen drinks: I hate the ice cream headache and cup of ice at the end.  I wanted to get the perfect frozen consistency--almost slushy, but not too icy.  This is IT.  Also, you can add whatever frozen fruits you like to it.  We've tried Strawberry-Banana and it's ah-mazing as well.

Here's what you need: {Makes two 10 oz margs}

• 1 Cup-Crystal Light Mocktail Mix Margarita flavor
• NOTE: When mixing, use 1 packet + 3 cups water
• UPDATE: They no longer make the Margarita flavor, so use the strawberry lemonade. SO SAD!
• 1 cup Kirkland frozen strawberries
• 1 cup ice
• 1 teaspoon Wholesome Sweeteners agave
• 2-3 shots of tequila
• We aren't super picky about our tequila for margs...El Torro is cheap and good to us!

Mix It Up!

1.  In a blender, add ice, margarita mix, agave and strawberries.  Blend until smooth.
2. If you want, rim two glasses with a raw sugar/coarse salt blend.  Pour 1 shot (or 1.5...) into each glass. Divide mix from blender into cups and garnish with a lime.
3. Enjoy! To make pitchers, just double or triple the mix, but still keep tequila on the side.

At first, I was hesitant to post this recipe, since it's so simple...but my FB and Instagram friends convinced me to.  Thanks guys!  Let me know what you think! 

Check out my How-To video to see how to make simple skinny drinks! 

Do you have any big plans for Cinco de Mayo?

MYO "Skinny" Drinks: Apple Cider Martini

Being clumsy, I don't even try to use martini glasses anymore!

You may have noticed, I am addicted to Crystal Light mocktails.   I love how they are sugar free and they make really great drinks!  The margarita is by far my favorite, but this new addition is way up there.

I've had the Appletini packets for a while now.  Since I'm not a huge fan of Appletinis, they have just been sitting in the basement.  The sweet apple taste gives me flashbacks of bad Pucker shots taken in college.

Somehow, last weekend I got the idea to turn the Appletini into a more cider-like martini.  I guess I should call it more of a drink, since I steer clear of martini glasses....way too clumsy for stems!

Talking with some friends about our favorite place in Madison, The Vintage, I remembered they had these amazing apple pie shots. Voila!  My idea popped into my head. 

Here's what you need:

• Rum, any type.  We used dark.
• Crystal Light Appletini mix, Crystal Light Cranberry Apple
• When you make the mix, just use 3 cups of water. Keep them in separate pitchers though!  I get those half pitchers, they are perfect for this!
• Diet Vernors (Never heard of it?  You must not be from MI!...use Diet 7up instead)
• Cinnamon

Mix it up! (Makes one drink)

• In an iced glass add:
• 1 shot rum (or more...)
• 1/4 cup appletini mix
• 1/8 cup Cran-Apple mix
• Dash cinnamon
• Splash of Vernors

SO easy!  I made a pitcher last weekend and added sliced apples to it.  It really tastes like cider.  Mmm Mmm!

Have you tried the Crystal Light Mocktails yet?  I really need to be a spokesperson...I am addicted for sure!

MYO "skinny" cocktails: Sangria

With this little burst of warm weather we are having, I can't help but think about fun and fruity summer drinks.  I love to sit outside and enjoy a great margarita or some sangria.  The problem I have with those fruity drinks are the calories!  It's one of those things the less you know, the better!  Some margaritas can have 800 calories or more!  YIKES!  

I have been perfecting my slim cocktails for a couple of years, but I think I have finally found the best recipes.

Try these and you won't know the difference!

Quick & Easy "Light" Sangria

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine: I don't mind cheaper varieties like BareFoot, Flip Flop.  I usually get Cabernet or Pinot.
• Crystal Light Raspberry Ice or Cranberry Ice
• Diced fruit, any on hand. Apples, oranges or any berries are great.  Also try peaches!
• Diet lemon lime pop. 7 Up or Sprite Zero.  Zevia is great too!
• For an extra kick: 1 cup flavored rum or brandy

Let's make some Sangria!

1. Chop up fruit and put in the bottom of a pitcher.
2. Add half a packet of Crystal Light of choice.
3. Pour bottle of wine.
4. Let chill in fridge for hours or days!  It will be tasty no matter what.  Once you have this base started, when it gets low, add another bottle and the rest of the packet.  Repeat.  The fruit is good for up to a week.

To serve:
Fill a glass with ice.  Fill 3/4 way with Sangria.  Top with 7up and garnish with a shake of cinnamon.  To make it fancy, add a twist of citrus. 

UPDATE: Check out my How-To Video! 

Check back tomorrow for my MYO "skinny" Margarita.  

Like this recipe?  Check out my Facebook page for weekly recipe and money saving updates!