3 Summer Mocktail Recipes You Will Be Sipping on All Summer

3 delicious summer mocktails for pregnant mom | mama bird box blog | forage and fodder | gifts for pregnancy

Summer is here with in all it’s hot, sun-blazing, glory. Now that the temperatures are on the rise we’re reaching for these cool and refreshing summer mommy mocktails!

Danielle of Forage and Fodder is a top-notch cocktail maker who, during her pregnancy, developed some mocktail recipes that could put any regular cocktail to the test. Not only that – they’re packed full of ingredients positively perfect for you in pregnancy.

Complex yet easy to make – scroll down for the video recipes and get shakin’!


Cucumber Mint Collins
This refreshing mocktail is sure to get you through those first trimester queasies.It features fresh ginger root, which is an excellent remedy for digestive troubles, plus the bubbles of the Topo Chico are wonderful for settling an upset stomach. 

Cucumber Mint Collins

3 slices fresh ginger
2 oz fresh cucumber juice
1/2 oz mint simple syrup (recipe below)
juice of 1/2 a lime
topo chico
In a cocktail shaker muddle ginger until well juiced and fragrant. Add in cucumber juice, mint syrup, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake vigorously until shaker begins to condensate. Using a collins strainer, strain into a collins glass filled with ice. Top with Topo Chico and garnish with a cucumber slice & fresh mint sprig.
Mint Simple Syrup
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
2-3 fresh mint leavesBring sugar & water to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until sugar has dissolved, stirring frequently.  Remove from heat and add mint leaves, allow to cool. The longer the mint sits in the syrup, the stronger the flavor. We recommend waiting at least 20 minutes before removing the mint leaves. Pour into a mason jar and cover. Will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

 

Turmeric Citrus Twist

This cocktail sounds almost savory, but it’s actually quite balanced. It features turmeric spice, which has anti-inflammatory properties and has been known to help with digestion, and just enough of a hint of pepper to leave a tingle on your tongue.

Turmeric Citrus Twist
2 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
1 oz turmeric syrup (recipe below)
1 oz water
3 cloves
5 shakes of course ground black pepper
splash of lemon
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously until shaker begins to condensate. Using a collins strainer & a mesh strainer, pour into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lemon slice
Turmeric Simple Syrup
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 3/4 ts ground turmericBring all ingredients to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until sugar has dissolved, stirring frequently.  Remove from heat and let cool. Strain into a mason jar and cover. Will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Blueberry Green Tea Cooler
This cooler features a superfood duo: green tea & blueberries. Green tea is an excellent alternative for those mamas-to-be who find themselves with an aversion to coffee. And blueberries are rich in antioxidants, not to mention high in potassium and Vitamin C.
Blueberry Green Tea Cooler
10 blueberries
5 mint leaves
3/4 oz mint simple syrup

1 oz green tea
juice of 1/2 lime
club soda

In a cocktail shaker muddle blueberries and mint until well juiced and fragrant. Add in mint syrup, green tea, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake vigorously until shaker begins to condensate. Using a collins strainer & a mesh strainer, pour into a collins glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a blueberry skewer.

12 Nursery Wallpaper Patterns We Can’t Get Enough Of

12 nursery wallpaper ideas - Mama Bird Box

We don’t know about you, but we’re loving that wallpaper has been getting a fresh and stylish new rap. It’s growing popularity is making it easier and easier to find unique  patterns for any room in your house. And with temporary, easy-to-remove wallpaper being a common item now, nursery wallpaper is our favorite!

Keep scrolling for 12 of our absolute favorites right now…

12 Nursery Wallpaper Ideas - Wall Candy - Mama Bird Box Blog

  1. Wall Candy – Wee Gallery Jungle Temporary Wallpaper (found at 2Modern)

Bright, colorful, floral, and adorable animals? What could be better than this Wee Gallery Jungle wallpaper? Bonus… It’s temporary! which means you can easily take it down when your little one outgrows it.

12 Nursery Wallpaper Ideas - Wallplays - Mama Bird Box Blog

2. Wall Plays – Striped Seamless Blue Removable Wallpaper (found on Etsy)

The color and pattern on this wallpaper is simply adorable. We love that it’s gender-neutral and could match just about anything!

12 Nursery Wallpaper Ideas - Swag Paper - Mama Bird Box Blog

3. Swag Paper – Triangles Geometric Panel Wallpaper (found on AllModern)

This Triangles Geometric wallpaper from Swag Paper comes in black, blue, and yellow!

12 Nursery Wallpaper Ideas - Hygge and West - Mama Bird Box Blog

4. Hygge & West – Strawberries in White by Emily Isabella

Hygge & West continually has great patterns! This adorable strawberries pattern would be perfect in a little gals room don’t you think?

12 Nursery Wallpaper Ideas - Livettes Kids - Mama Bird Box Blog

5. Livettes Kids – Bunny Butt Removable Wallpaper (found on Etsy)

Livettes is another favorite of ours. Fresh, bright patterns you will adore… like this bunny butt pattern!

12 Nursery Wallpaper Ideas - Cavern Home - Mama Bird Box Blog

6. Cavern – Navajo Print Wallpaper

Feeling more of a bold vibe? We hear you! This Navajo Wallpaper from Cavern is a the prettiest shade of turquoise we ever did see.

12 Nursery Wallpaper Ideas - Wall Plays - Mama Bird Box Blog

7. Wall Plays – Black Dot Wallpaper (found on Etsy)

Wall Plays Black Dot Wallpaper would be fitting in any room in the house… and in a nursery it’s particularly sweet!

12 Nursery Wallpaper Ideas - Wallcandy Arts - Mama Bird Box Blog

8. Wall Candy Arts – Toile Wallpaper (found on Wayfair)

Little hamburgers, trains, bicycles, oh my! How charming!

12 Nursery Wallpaper Ideas - BC Magic Wallpaper - Mama Bird Box Blog

9. BC Magic Wallpaper – Fruit Temporary Wallpaper (found on Etsy)

We love this paper for any room in the house!

12 Nursery Wallpaper Ideas - Mini Moderns - Mama Bird Box Blog

10. Mini Moderns – One Day

Mini Moderns pattern One Day remind us so dearly of a Wes Anderson in all it’s symmetry and vintage shades.

12 Nursery Wallpaper Ideas - Abigail Edwards - Mama Bird Box Blog

11. Abigail Edwards – Owls of the British Isles

What could be better than perfectly detailed owls?

12 Nursery Wallpaper Ideas - Hygge and West - Mama Bird Box Blog

12. Hygge & West – Moons

We couldn’t help but feature another Hygge & West pattern… Moons is so peaceful and would be fantastic for any nursery wallpaper!

We are having a tough time choosing our favorites… which one is yours?!



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5 Places to Babymoon on a Budget

babymoon on a budget - mama bird box

A babymoon is a wonderful idea if you are looking to have one last fling before your little one arrives. A babymoon is a perfect way for you and your spouse to get away and enjoy yourselves before burp rags and pacifiers are your new favorite accessory.

If you google vacations before delivery or babymoon there are a lot of results but they are usually very expensive. If you are like us when we were pregnant, we tried to save and penny pinch as much as possible in preparation for your baby. We have compiled a list of our favorite cities across the US, and used HomeAway vacation rentals to keep the cost low since one of the biggest expenses when traveling is lodging.

There is a babymoon for every mom! If you are a lay-on-the-beach-and-read-all-day kind of girl or if you like to hike in the mountains, there is something for you.

Number 1: Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a great artsy, mountain town. If you like great views and eclectic people, Asheville offers a laid-back Southern vibe.where to babymoon on a budget
Where to stayWe love this secluded mountain home.
Where to eat: Get your donut craving fix at Hole. Donuts and pregnancy pretty much go hand-in-hand.
What to do: Go for a short hike, check out the adorable downtown, or go tour the beautiful and massive Biltmore estate just outside the city. This town is the babymoon for everybody!


Number 2: Chicago, Illinois


The windy city has a lot to offer a pregnant mom who loves history, nostalgia, and architecture. If you enjoy sports, during the fall you can catch a Chicago cubs and Bulls game during the same trip. Or if you prefer retail therapy there are many great places to shop.
Chicago Grattacieli 1

Where to stay: This adorable 2 bedroom is located less 2 miles from Wrigley, museums, and the Magnificent Mile.
Where to eat: Get your fried chicken fix at Honey Butter Fried chicken on North Elston Ave.
What to do: 
Even though riding a Ferris wheel seems like something more for kids, there is something romantic about it. It’s also one of the only rides you can get away with while pregnant. Enjoy the ride as you take in the views. $6/person. Enjoy all that Chicago has to offer for history and architecture because your kids will not care about that for a long time. Take a ride on a double-decker bus and get a fun tour of the city.

Number 3: New Orleans, Louisiana

The Big Easy is a great place to get away to. It’s filled with character. If you love live music and amazing food, then this is the perfect babymoon spot for you. Take a stroll around Jackson Square or hop on the trolley and take a tour of the most
beautiful homes.
Jackson Square
Where to stay: This beautiful bed and breakfast is everything southern and perfect for your New Orleans stay.
Where to eat: When in New Orleans, you must eat beignets at Cafe Du Monde. What pregnant girl can say no to fried pastries covered in powdered sugar?
What to do: Go for a walk through the ancient moss covered oak trees at Audubon Park. Pregnancy and NOLA’s humidity don’t always mix well, step into the Aquarium of the Americas for a cool down. If your are adventurous, go on a swamp tour via fan boat!


Number 4: San Fransisco, California
 

Known for it’s hilly landscape and beautiful weather, San Fransisco would be a great place to visit for your babymoon. Take a ride on the city’s cable cars, go for a picnic by the Golden Gate Bridge, or take a tour of the famous rows of colorful vintage homes. GoldenGateBridge BakerBeach MC - babymoon on a budget
Where to stay: This cozy, modern flat located on the edge of the city would be a perfect place to stay on your trip. The price is great at just $163 per night. 
Where to eat: San Fransisco is full of greatplaces to eat on your babymoon.  Tartine Bakery, Blue Bottle Coffee, and more! Lets be honest, when you’re in your third trimester nothing sounds better than a whole pizza. We recommend you check out Del Popolo roaming pizza truck. Check out their website on where they will be located.
What to do: What pregnant girl would say no to delicious chocolate? Go for a tour at the Ghiradelli Factory and satisfy your sweet tooth. You can also check out the fun and eclectic area of China Town, or if you’re looking for something a bit more serene, you can take a relaxing walk on the beach.

Number 5: Austin, Texas 

It’s the city that we live in so we obviously love it, but we also love to get a hotel downtown and vacation in our hometown. The food is great, the music is great, and the people are great(obviously). The weather is great, but you may want to plan your trip in the cooler months since everything seems hotter when you’re pregnant.
Austin from Congress Bridge-at night
Where to stay: For $110 a night, you can stay in this cute house, located close to downtown and in a beautiful neighborhood.
What to do: Catch a movie at the famous Alamo Drafthouse, where you dine in while watching your movie. There are also a lot of good outdoor activities to keep you busy, like beautiful Barton Springs, a natural spring with water temperatures of about 60 degrees year round to help cool off your pregnant belly in the Texas heat.