Memorial Day Weekend Full of Fun + A Recipe You Won't Want to Miss

This is a #Sponsored post by Kohl's. All opinions stated are that of my own.

My mom's birthday was last week. She's 21. She would kill me if I told you her real age. To be honest though, she does not look a day past 40, and I'm not saying that just because she's my mother. I'm saying it because it's the truth.

We decided to go ahead and celebrate this incredible day of life {since neither my children nor I would be here today without her} this past weekend and there is no doubt that the weather cooperated simply in celebration of such a special person.

Let me tell you something though, I take my hat off to any woman out there that has 5 or more children. Although we certainly would not have it any other way, it's quite interesting have 5 kids together that are 5 and under, complete chaos and all. Complete chaos is really the best way to put it---especially when it comes to dinner time.

We spent more time outdoors than in, and everyone couldn't stop talking about how much we would rather be hot than cold. Because after the winter we had? We'd welcome any weather aside from snow. But with the warmer temperatures comes the extra need to feel refreshed and nothing, and I mean nothing, makes me feel more refreshed than an ice cold summer drink. We're talking lemons, strawberries, and a little umbrella for the fun. That and sitting on the raft in the pool....with my summer drink in hand.

There are a few things that I love about making my own summer drinks:

1. I can make them in large quantities.
2. I can take the leftovers and make them into popsicles {score one with the kids}.
3. Everyone loves them.

Of course you cannot serve summer drinks without completing the package with Kohl's Food Network Glass Pitcher  and Food Network Pour 4-pc Crystal Highball glass set.  

I have used Food Network for all my everyday dishes for the past 4 years, and I still get compliments on them when we have guests over. Since then, when asking for gifts or shopping myself, I always choose Food Network simply because I know that I will get the quality and the look without the high price tag. Plus, it helps that Kohl's always has discounts, free shipping at $75, and also my ultimate favorite---Kohl's Cash!

Now, back to my recipe.

You know, the one that everyone is anxious to know so that they can make for all their family and friends and get huge compliments on. Hint hint.

Strawberry Lemonade Summer Drink

Original Recipe found here

Ingredients

Zest of 1 lemon, in wide strips
2 cups sugar
2 cups chopped hulled strawberries
2 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 10 large lemons)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Make the lemon syrup: Bring the lemon zest, 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring, until the sugar dissolves; let cool to room temperature.
2. Meanwhile, make the strawberry syrup: Toss the strawberries and the remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl and let sit at room temperature until the sugar dissolves, about 45 minutes. Strain the strawberry mixture; reserve the strawberry syrup and berries separately.
3. Make the lemonade: Combine the lemon juice, lemon syrup, salt and 2 cups cold water in a pitcher. For each drink, put about 1 tablespoon of the strawberry syrup in a tall glass. Fill with ice, then top with the lemonade and some of the reserved strawberries.

You know what they say----when life hands you lemons, just make strawberry lemonade.

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Kohl's is giving away $500 every week from May 19th-July 6th so that you can have the opportunity to stock your kitchen full of the high quality Food Network products. You may enter via Twitter/Instagram and be sure to use the hash tag and mention below. Very important to follow the rules in order to be considered!

For the avoidance of doubt, a product purchase is NOT required, nor will a purchase enhance your chances of winning 

CONTEST RULES

1. Share a photo via Twitter or Instagram

2. To enter the contest, be sure to include this week’s theme: Summer Drinks. From lemonade to fruit smoothies, Kohl’s wants to hear your favorite summertime drink do’s and don’ts!

3. Tag @Kohls  and use the hashtag #CookwithKohls 

     

      The KOHL’S “#CookWithKohls Sweepstakes” ("Sweepstakes") is open only to legal residents of the 50 Unite States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years of age (or the age of majority in the jurisdiction of their residence, whichever is older). Any individuals (including but not limited to employees, consultants, independent contractors, and interns) who have, within the past six (6) months, performed services for Sponsor, Administrator, Scripps Network Interactive, Inc., any organizations responsible for sponsoring, fulfilling, administering, advertising or promoting the Sweepstakes and/or their respective parent, subsidiary, affiliated and successor companies (collectively, the “Promotion Entities”), and immediate family and household members of such individuals, are not eligible to enter. "Immediate family members" shall mean parents, step-parents, children, step-children, siblings, step-siblings, or spouses, regardless of where they live. "Household members" shall mean people who share the same residence at least three months a year, whether related or not. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.