Beautiful Backyards

I seem to find myself watching HGTV or DIY network all the time, and my new favorite show is Yard Crashers on DIY. Since we are getting closer to summer and outdoor entertaining will start to pick up I have found some beautiful backyard inspirations. Although I currently do not have a yard at my condo, a girl can still dream of her perfect backyard oasis. All of these backyards make me extremely jealous, but maybe someday...right?

P.S. The tiki bar with the swim up pool is by far my favorite! I would love to entertain and have my friends over at this paradise. It would be not stop summer partying! :) A fire pit is also an essential to every backyard.

Which one is your favorite?

-Amy Bird Tweets
xoxo

I Love Fruity Sangria!

Now that the weather is starting to warm up for those of us on the east coast, it is time for some fruity sangria! Whether it is white sangria or red sangria I love them both. I thought I would share some recipes with you all since I wanted to try to make some this spring. I will let you know how mine turns out.

Red Sangria

1 bottle of red wine (preferably not a sweet wine)
1 1/2 liters sparkling water or lemon/lime soda (I used diet 7up)
juice of 2 lemons and 1 lime
2 apples, diced
1 orange, diced
1/2 tsp. agave nectar

Add the bottle of red wine to a serving pitcher. Chop the apple and add to the pitcher. Then add the orange. Add the juice of the lemons and the lime and stir to combine. Slowly pour in the sparkling water and agave nectar, stir again. Chill and serve! Compliments of: http://amazingeats.blogspot.com

White Sangria

• 2 cups Vinho Verde or a crisp white wine (500 ml)
• 1 ounce Triple Sec or fruit brandy, optional (30 ml)
• 1/2 cup apple juice (125 ml)
• 1 cup gingerale (250 ml)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 kumquat, sliced
• 1 starfruit, sliced
• Small wedge watermelon, melon balled
• Handful strawberries or raspberries
• 8 mint leaves
• Handful ice cubes

Directions

1. Combine the Vinho Verde, Triple Sec, apple juice, gingerale, lime juice and lemon juice in a pitcher. Add the lime wedges, lemon wedges, kumquat, starfruit, watermelon, strawberries and mint. Add the ices cubes. Stir and serve.

Enjoy!

-Amy Bird Tweets

xoxo

Good Tunes = Ulrich Schnauss

If you haven't listened to Ulrich Schnauss yet you are missing out on some great music. Ever want to just put on music and zone out for awhile or maybe be more productive at work? This is the kind of music that will help you to do just that. This might not be for everyone but its very calming, relaxing and all around unique ambient music. :)

Some of my favorite songs are:

"Goodbye"

"A Letter From Home"

"... passing by"

"Between Us and Them"

"Molfsee"

"Blumenwiese neben autobahn"

"Clear Day"

Listen, relax, and enjoy!

-Amy Bird Tweets

xoxo