Hibiscus Lemonade

The first time I had anything with hibiscus was in a margarita while I was visiting Mexico. It was tasty and tart and who knew hibiscus was so good for you! Those colorful flowers are loaded with anti-oxidants and polyphenols which can help with lowering your blood pressure, losing weight, lowering bad cholesterol, and even boosting your immune system. So why not try this Hibiscus Lemonade recipe for a refreshing summer drink?

Hibiscus Lemonade

3 cups boiling water
3 hibiscus tea bags
2 cups cold water
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
sugar/honey to taste

Directions

Boil water and then add hibiscus tea bags and let the tea steep for at least 15 minutes (or even until the water is at room temperature). If you’re going to use sugar, add at this stage so it will dissolve in the warmer water.

Add cold water and lemon juice. Chill and serve. You can also add some sliced strawberries for some additional color and flavor! Change things up by using lime juice!

Hibiscus Lemonade

Time Management Redux

work.jpgWe’ve talked about Time Management before (click here) since so many people wonder how it’s possible that I write as much as I do and still have a full time job. I should also add that family is important and I spend as much time with them as I can and I also volunteer at my writing group, the Liberty States Fiction Writers.

I discussed in that earlier blog how to make time to write, but also how you should plan to take time off. It’s that concept that I want to further discuss in today’s Tuesday Tip, namely having free time.

I don’t have much “free time” but it’s there in my schedule. I always give myself evenings off for various reasons. The first is that you do need time to recharge and relax. We all face tiring and stressful days, so having an hour or two to read a book, watch tv or just sit and chat is absolutely necessary to allow your mind to settle down. Especially for writers. It’s in that down time that our minds will rest and get ready for tackling the next page or chapter.

There’s also something else that’s really important about “free time”. When an emergency arises, like an unexpected deadline, having allowed yourself that “free time” gives you the necessary hours to deal with something unexpected.

For me, a change in deadline or new request can be handled in those few evening hours without the craziness of wondering, “OH MY GOD! HOW WILL I EVER FINISH THIS!” I don’t normally have those moments because I haven’t scheduled every second of every day.

So, plan for the downtime. If there’s nothing due, savor it and let your mind relax in order to destress and face the challenges of the next day. If something comes up, you won’t freak about not being able to find the time to do it.

I hope you found today’s Tuesday Tip useful!