Cool Down and Chill Out

“Choose the light. All else is moths and rust.”

— Eduardo Romero in The Sphinx's Heart by Talena Winters

Summer continues apace, and I know it's been treating various parts of the world differently. A common theme this summer seems to be the extreme heat. So I want to share a few of my favourite homemade summer beverage recipes. These drinks are fast and simple to make and so very refreshing.

• Ginger Ale

• Summer Strawberry Smoothie & Freezer Pops

• Superfood Smoothie Formula

And a bonus strawberry salad for those hot nights when cooking is a joke: Summer Strawberry Salad.

When I first started blogging, I was really into natural health and whole foods, and I made and posted a ton of recipes. You can get to my recipe index through the Talena's Kitchen link in the footer if you want to explore more. Or bookmark my Recipe Index.

(For those of you trying to warm up in the southern hemisphere, I also have quite a few cozy winter bevvies you might want to check out.)

In personal news, I've been enjoying having guests on a rotating-door basis, and some time off work along with them. This past weekend, all three of my sons were home, and we get to keep our oldest for a few more days yet. Next week, I've got even more family coming.

This week's project? Get my sweet Christmas romance Every Bell that Rings revised. (It's nearing the final stages of production, and I'm so excited!) I'm also doing some planning for fall.

If you're looking for a summertime fantasy read, be sure to check out my Rise of the Grigori series. Doesn't get more "beachy" than mermaids and tropical islands! (For romance fans, check out the cool wintery story featured below.)

I also have some mermaid and Grigori-themed T-shirts in the Merch store, if that's your thing.

I just got a shirt like this one and it is sooo soft and pretty, in a nice light fabric that's perfect for summer (but not too thin). The quote comes from The Sphinx's Heart… but it's also a paraphrase of Matthew 6:19-21. You don't have to read the book to love and wear the shirt! 😉

Showing off my new shirt at the farmer’s market.

That’s it for this week, friend! I hope your summer is going well and you’re getting lots of reading in. Let me know what you’re reading in the comments.

Talk to you again soon!