It’s never really that easy for me to ‘turn in’ or ‘clock out’ for the day. Since I work for myself and from home it seems like there are always never ending things to do. As you all know, we moved here to NJ about 8 months ago and went through our first winter! It was so much fun for me to see the seasons change. Now that it’s summer, it feels like Florida here. It’s hot & humid and you start sweating the second you walk out your door. Except this time – I appreciate it a whole lot more than I did back home when that was my everyday 365 – 7 days a week weather. We’re making it a point to get outside and do all the summer-ey NYC things before fall! I’m trying to take more time off my phone and more time planning fun activities, trying out new restaurants, hanging out with friends – eating lobster rolls! Ha! Everyone here loves their lobster rolls. I guess because I lived my whole life somewhere that is known for fish, I didn’t realize how special it was. It totally signifies summer!

One of our favorite summer activities thus far has been either grilling out on our buildings deck area with fun cookout side dishes or having a picnic in Central Park. We pack up our cooler full of goods and head out! If you’ve never seen summer in NYC – it’s insane! EVERYONE is in bathing suits and throwing frisbees in Central Park like we’re at the beach. It’s so fun! They even allow dogs to run around! One of the summer essentials on my list is the new Tropical Punch Health-Ade Kombucha Flavor! It blends mango, pineapple and orange and I think this might be my new number 1! It’s perfect for all of the summer things: cocktails, mocktails, popsicles, slushies, you name it! If you’re totally lost and wondering what kombucha even is or why it’s good for you – those links will help you out!

Even though summer seems like it’s whizzing by because we’re trying to fit in so many things, it’s my way of taking a slow down. Usually on the weekends, if I don’t have plans, I feel like I should be working and taking that time as an opportunity to get things done. However this summer, I’m doing so many things I’ve always wanted to, or I’m creating new memories with my friends and Kevin and there’s honestly nothing more I could want out of this. As I write this – Kevin and I are planning to have a picnic before the summer is over with the below summer cookout side dishes.
On the menu?
Tropical Punch Health-Ade straight outta the bottle!
Homemade Lobster Rolls with Lemon Butter
Grilled Watermelon Salad with Mango Lime Dressing & Corn Bread Croutons (out of a cookbook!)
Some of my Healthier Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Pretzel Cookie Bars
If you’re feelin’ like a cocktail, try my Tropical Rum Punch Below!
Kevin is a finance guy but he’s surprisingly interested in & likes to come up with menus with me, which I obviously love. 90% of the time when we’re celebrating something or it’s a holiday, we prefer to plan a fancy menu and make it together. One year for valentine’s day we even had a little ‘chopped’ competition – it was so much fun! Homemade lobster rolls? His idea. I know, right? That’s why I keep him around! Just kidding. Honestly though, this Tropical Punch flavor is genuinely one of the best I’ve had. I always say Pink Lady Apple is my favorite but I might have to move that one to number two!
Thank you so much to Health-Ade Kombucha for sponsoring this post and allowing me to share content with you guys for free!
I can’t wait for you all to try this flavor! Tell me when you do! Send me a message on IG!

Tropical Rum Punch
Ingredients
- 8 oz Light Rum
- 8 Tbs Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/4 Cup Mango Nectar
- ½ Cup Health-Ade Tropical Punch
- Handful Fresh Mint
- Lime Slices for Garnish
Instructions
- Add all ingredients through mango nectar into a shaker full of ice, shake well and serve over ice. Top each glass off with Health-Ade Tropical Punch Kombucha. Garnish with lime slice and mint sprig.