A Magical Summer. How?! (+Keto Mojito)

Yes... how? There is a good chance that it will rain when you read this text. And with all the tragic events in recent weeks, what on earth is magical about this summer? That was also my question when I started writing this article. The topic 'Magical Summer' had been planned for months. We knew a lot at the beginning of May... Still, we are going to look for magic this summer, will you join us?

Magical moments are often small. It is a spontaneous hug from your teenage child, a real smile from a passer-by or a nice surprise on your doorstep. How do you find these moments this summer? I will give you a few suggestions so that your attention is 'on' for seeing the moments. Because they are there, but due to the hustle and bustle of the day you often don't see them and they pass you by.

Tip 1 - Spotting shooting stars

When it is raining and thundering there is no point in looking for flying stars. But if we have clear skies late in the evening on August 13 this year, lie on your back in the grass and look for shooting stars. With a very dark and crystal clear sky you can see up to 60 stars falling per hour. What time and when is explained here . Seeing a shooting star remains something magical, and you can make a wish if you see one. So save your wishes in advance.

Tip 2 - Smelling summer rain

After a hot day, a thundering shower with large drops preceding one big clap of thunder is wonderful. And also magical, just like the scent that is released, a scent that you unmistakably remember: Petrichor. That is the name of the smell that is created when rain falls on very dry ground.

Extra tip : if there is no thunderstorm, go dancing with your children in the pouring rain. Just hop with your clothes on. Trust me, that's a memory that will last a lifetime. Did you know that you can also buy the scent in the form of oil or candle? Here at Maple Handcraft & Co for example...

Tip 3 - Late night easy cheese fondue from a can

Say what?! Yes, that exists and do you have any idea HOW delicious that is ?! Canned cheese fondue is the only traditionally made ready-made cheese fondue from Dutch soil. Because the fondue is packaged in a can, it contains no preservatives and is easy to heat up. Super easy to take with you and heat up over the BBQ or campfire. You don't need more than some toast or bread, vegetables and a tasty sausage for a super fun out door dinner! After a long summer day, this is ideal until the late hours. We secretly prefer the version below with truffle . But they also have Dutch cheese and Blauwaderkaas fondue . You don't know what you taste! Available at Kaasfondueuitblik.nl .

Tip 4 - Drink your favorite cocktail

With your toes in the sand, enjoying a bright orange sunset and drinking your favorite cocktail. That really is a magical summer thing, isn't it? Home is also a great place to take some time for your favorite drink. Make it with good ingredients and take your time. Choose a tasty snack and enjoy your moment. My favorite is Piña Colada, but I don't pass up a tasty Mojito either. I have been eating completely ketogenic for quite some time now, with almost all cocktails unfortunately being a no go. A Mojito, on the other hand, I can still keep carbohydrates to a minimum. Party!

Read more about alcohol and a ketogenic diet here .

🍋 Keto Mojito recipe - download the save PDF

Ingredients

For 1 Mojito

• juice of half a lime (or lemon)
• the leaves of 2 (or 3) sprigs of fresh mint
• 2 teaspoons sugar (or sweetener)
• 100 ml Spa red (or other sparkling water)
• 40 ml white rum (Bacardi for example)
• 4 to 6 ice cubes (crushed if possible)
• optional: 1 fresh passion fruit
• supplies: large glass, pestle

Preparation method

1. Pour the rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, Spa red and sugar into the glass.
2. Rub the rim of the glass with a mint leaf to leave some flavor there.
3. Then put all the mint leaves in the glass and mash them well with the pestle (or something similar).
4. Fill the glass up to ± 1.5 cm below the rim with ice cubes (or crushed ice) and stir.
5. (Optional) Use a spoon to spoon the contents of the passion fruit over the top.
6. Garnish the Mojito with a mint sprig and lime wedges, if desired.

And... cheers!

Author - Mariko Naber
Mariko is the happy brain behind Happlify. Together with partner Mark, she runs Sell your stuff online, branding agency Loaded ink BNO and Atelier Naber . She loves feel good, random acts of kindness, meatballs, chocolate mousse, family time, sea, piña colada, sugar & spice and everything nice 💛