1-Year Anniversary of The Green Mockingbird!

Guess what!?!?! It’s been one year since I started blogging. That’s right, The Green Mockingbird is 1 year old today!

In honor of this momentous occasion, I want to share a few fun things about myself. Inspired by the “this-or-that” questions by Melanie over at Christian Bookshelf Reviews, here’s a few things about me:

Coffee or Tea? Both! Coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon. Well, tea is good any time.

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate, in any form. Though I do enjoy a good vanilla cake or ice cream, too.

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall? If I have to choose, spring or fall. I just love watching the major changes in trees and nature in both spring and fall.

Dessert first? In most cases, no. Dessert comes after a meal. Unless it’s cheesecake. Cheesecake is for any time. Or cookies.

Print book or eReader? Print, but I do love the convenience of my Nook. There’s something magical, though, about a real book in your hands.

What’s a blog post without a photo? Here’s one I took last spring, of the wonderful Arkansas Ozarks. I just love all the different greens of spring!

Strawberry Pińa Coloda Granita Recipe

After browsing Pinterest and looking around in my fridge, I decided to make some type of frozen dessert. With strawberries, pineapple juice-infused coconut water, a little lime juice, and sugar, I came up with this recipe for strawberry pińa coloda granita. It’s sweet and refreshing, a perfect treat on a hot summer day–and super easy!

Here’s the recipe:

Strawberry Pińa Coloda Granita

Makes about 4 servings

10 med to large strawberries (about 1 1/2 cups), stems removed

11 ounces coconut water with pineapple juice (I used a box of Naked brand)

1/2 cup coconut water

1/2 cup sugar

Juice from 1 lime

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until a smooth, liquid consistency is achieved. Transfer to a metal bowl and place uncovered in freezer for approximately 4 hours. Stir and scrape with a fork every 30-45 minutes. It should reach a shaved-ice like consistency. Serve immediately (before it melts!)

For anyone wondering (like I once did), a granita is an Italian, semi-frozen dessert made from water, sugar, and a variety of flavorings. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas! ~ Photo Challenge 24 & 25

24. “Favorite Part of Christmas Eve” Grandma’s, a photo by courtneyec90 on Flickr.

25. “Morning” Puzzle, a photo by courtneyec90 on Flickr.

Merry Christmas! I hope you all have had a blessed day, and that you took time today to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas – our Savior’s birth!

 

December Photo Challenge, days 24 & 25. My favorite part of Christmas Eve is dinner (and dessert) at Grandma’s house. It’s so fun to see all my aunts, uncles, and cousins I don’t see very often. We always have a lot of great food and a fun time visiting.

This morning, I began a country scene puzzle I got from my parents.