Name: Cucumber Lime Vodka Splash
Prep time: 10 min
Yield: 1 glass
Ingredients: 1.5 oz Smirnoff Cucumber Zero Sugar Infusions Cucumber & Lime; Juice of a lime wedge; Ice cubes; 1/2 can Lime La Croix; Garnish with a cucumber slice and mint garnish

Walnut River Brewing Company: Naturally Better

June 21, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: The brewery hosted my visit to their location, but all opinions and photographs are my own.

Brewing beer is an art form, and Walnut River Brewing Company is definitely skilled at their craft. They make beer you want to drink.

The exciting part about living in Kansas is that I continue to discover unique places to visit that I wish I had found sooner. Walnut River Brewing Company, located at 111 W. Locust Avenue, is a hidden gem in south El Dorado. Their beer is approachable, and if you’re a craft beer fan, this microbrewery is worthy of a visit.

Founded by B.J. Hunt of Wichita and Rick Goehring of El Dorado, the microbrewery began from a passion for creating quality beer. What’s unique about the brewery’s early story is that the owners knew they were on to something special; something that would require real hustle to get it off the ground. They stayed patient as they scaled their business. The end result is a successful brewery business that serves quality product.

Why open a brewery in El Dorado? The water! Brewing beer in El Dorado promised to be naturally better since the water in the area is of superior quality in comparison to nearby Wichita.

Eventually, Walnut River Brewery Company expanded their initial physical space and added a tasting room and small kitchen. (Don’t forget to order lunch!) The brewery also operates a cannery allowing their beer to be accessible in liquor stores and area grocery stores.

Warbeard Irish Red remains one of their most requested flagship beers. I would also recommend the HighBeam IPA. Drinker’s who prefer a lighter brew will appreciate the Falconer’s Wheat and Teter Rock Kölsch. Also, they often do collabs with areas breweries likes Norton’s or Norseman, so you never know what new creation may be added to their lineup.

I appreciate that Walnut River Brewery Company continues to push the creative envelope. On my visit to the brewery, I enjoyed a barrel-aged American Wheat Ale called Carmine. Stored in red wine barrels for six months, the 8% ABV ale tastes of citrus, red berry, and vanilla. It was so delicious that I brought a bottle home to open on a special occasion.

Today, they operate the brewery and tasting room in El Dorado as well as the PourHouse ICT in downtown Wichita where patrons can expect to find 12 brews on tap and and an extensive restaurant menu (think gastropub-style grub). They knew Wichitans wouldn’t want to drink and then commute 30 minutes each way from the city, so they opened the PourHouse.

If you can’t make it to either location, it would be wise to follow their Facebook page to keep tabs on their participation upcoming tasting events. I’ve seen their beer served at large events like the Wichita RiverFest to downtown yoga sessions.

The brewery continues to expand. I’m excited to watch their business continue to scale as they look to enlarge their El Dorado brewery into the now vacant building adjacent to their current location.

You won’t find nicer people serving beer than at Walnut River Brewing Company, and they truly care about the brewing process. Trust me, you’re going to want to visit the brewery’s tasting room first-hand. To view their El Dorado location business hours, visit their Facebook page. They host Happy Hour on Wednesday-Friday from 4pm-6pm. If in Wichita, stop by the PourHouse ICT for a pint, and be sure to order a basket of the fried cheese curds with it. Cheers!

Can’t get enough of craft beer? You may also want to check out my posts “5 Craft Beers You Need To Try” and “Upstate New York Brewery Tour Tips.”

Sun Palace: A Couples-Only Resort in Cancun, Mexico

May 25, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for information.

Exceeding a guest’s expectations is what all-inclusive resorts in Mexico do best. If you’re in search of a locale where the sunsets always wow you and the resort amenities are stunning, look no further than Sun Palace resort in Cancun, Mexico.

Having visited several all-inclusive resorts, Sun Palace resort sets itself apart because it prides itself on luxurious accommodations in a couples-only setting. From the moment you walk into the lobby, you are treated like their only guest, a feeling you quickly learn to appreciate.

Whether you’re a “I don’t want to leave the resort” kind of traveler or a “I like to adventure off the resort and return to luxury” kind of traveler, Sun Palace has everything you’re looking for and more. I prefer during a vacation to take each day at my own pace, and Sun Palace resort caters to that kind of whimsy.

LOCATION

Located along the resort strip overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea, the resort is a short 15 minute drive from Cancun International Airport. You can easily get to the resort by shuttle van, a much preferred method of transit versus taking a bus. The room’s balconies face the ocean so you’re perfectly poised for breathtaking views from your balcony or pool lounger.

ACCOMODATIONS

The rooms defy your expectations. Blonde marble floors stretch from wall-to-wall accented by dark wood finishes. Every room comes with a complimentary full bar (liquor included!), jacuzzi spa, walk-in shower, and a spacious balcony. There’s no need to pack extra toiletries or hair styling tools since the bathroom is stocked with everything you need. The closets are large and come with two, plush robes and slippers. Need to lock away your passport, cash or jewelry? You can use the secure safe located inside the closet.

We were pleased to find our Deluxe Ocean View room decorated especially for us as we were celebrating our 10 year anniversary. Heart-shaped balloons adorned our room and rose petals were strewn along on our bed. A bottle of chilled champagne, two glasses, and chocolates awaited our arrival! At Sun Palace, you can expect to be treated like every day is a celebration.

Take my advice. Upgrade your room. The accommodations of a deluxe or presidential suite are definitely worth the extra charge. Our room was a large as a small apartment, and the view was unmatched by any that I’ve seen in Mexico thus far. You’ll find that your pace slows down upon arrival to paradise. There’s no rush to make it to anywhere. Pull up a front row seat to the best sunrise you’ve ever seen.

As far as amenities, the room comes with a small kitchenette space that include a fully stocked refrigerator, snack drawer, liquor bottle dispensers, and coffeemaker. It’s all included so enjoy it! Should you crave a snack that your room doesn’t include, simply call room service.

Do you love to unwind with a spa treatment? Look no further than your own jacuzzi tub in the middle of your room. Open the complimentary red wine and enjoy the bubbles.

Note: The resort has been undergoing renovations to improve its luxurious offerings. There was some painting taking place on the grounds, but it did not take away from our experience.

DINING

I can’t stress enough how impressed I was with the dining options at Sun Palace. The menu options, the flavors, and the presentation were top-notch! This resort doesn’t just provide a buffet where tourists gather every day for breakfast and lunch (Aurora Resturant), but it includes multiple reservation-only restaurants on the premises such as Thai, Feugo, La Tratto. Expect your dining experience to take one to two hours. Be sure to also make a stop at the lobby cafe. You can order ice cream or crepes there any time.

Available 24 hours a day, the resort promptly delivers exceptional room service. We ordered breakfast to our room nearly every morning so we could watch the sun come up over the ocean while enjoying plates of bagels and lox and steak and eggs. You can even order from a late night menu that includes all of the foods you crave from nachos to sandwiches. Sometimes when you visit an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, some foods and condiments don’t taste quite the same as they do in the States. That is not the case at Sun Palace! We were quite impressed.

Should you get hungry while lounging poolside, simply walk over to grab lunch from the taco cart (a popular choice!) or order a sandwich or small pizza at the Snack Bar. If visiting the Bar at Sun Palace indoors, a comfy spot for happy hour, you can order tapas and appetizers to nibble on while waiting for your dinner reservation. The bartender will make you anything you want from their full bar.

THINGS TO DO

Whether you want to unwind with a spa treatment or leave the resort for an ocean excursion or seaside adventure, there is more than enough to do! We reserved a couples massage at Awe Spa where we had access to cold and hot plunge pools, herbal steam rooms, and comfortable lounge beds before and after our spa appointments. Oh, and don’t forget to use your resort credits when booking spa treatments!

If you’re an adventure seeker, simply visit the concierge desk to discuss the off-resort options from scuba diving excursions to sailing. We took a catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres via Cancun Sailing, which I recommend if you’re comfortable at sea and want to take in the view while someone else captains the boat. Our experience included adult beverages and lunch.

Once back at the resort, you have a multitude of entertainment options. The staff hosts various nightly activities from trivia nights to musical performances. The Bar at Sun Palace is the place to be every night if you want to participate in group games or just kick back and relax and watch others interact. Don’t forget to tip your bartender! I recommend bringing at least $40-50 in single bills to have on hand depending on the length of your stay. (I learned that the bartenders rotate the property every couple of weeks, so they share in the heavier foot traffic in different areas of the resort.)

Of course, you’re going to want to take a dip in one of two pools (or both) when you’re not sitting near the ocean taking in the sound of the waves. The service is prompt no matter where you claim your beach chairs. I recommend grabbing a couple of magazines or towels of your own to claim chairs before breakfast time. Make sure to check which areas are available to you based on the color of your wristband, which is most of the resort even if you don’t have diamond status.

2 for 1 in Paradise at Moon Palace Jamaica.

SISTER RESORTS

Take advantage of your ability to visit sister resorts of Sun Palace during your stay. We took a resort shuttle to M oon Palace so the guys could play a round of golf while I lounged by the pool. A family-friendly resort, expect to see areas dedicated to kids including a wave pool and playroom. I thoroughly enjoyed getting a new perspective on the resort life while relaxing poolside. Moon Palace caters to your every need. Other sister resorts to visit include Beach Palace and The Grand at Moon Palace. However, check with the front desk clerk to discuss which ones you can visit with your wrist band status. When visiting the other sister resorts, you’re able to eat and drink at any restaurant or bar.

I have no doubt that you’re going to enjoy your stay at Sun Place. From the moment you step inside the lobby, prepare to be transformed to paradise. Let the future travel planning begin!

Of all of the resorts I’ve stayed out in Mexico, this one is my favorite thus far. If you love traveling to all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, you will also appreciate staying at Barcelo Premium in Puerto Vallarta. Be sure to click on this link to learn more from one of my past travels to the resort!

BOGO to Paradise! Buy one room, get one room free at Palace Resorts.

How to Properly Fill A Raised Garden Bed

May 9, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Urban gardening. Suburban agriculture. Urban farming. Whatever you want to call it, I’m so in! And if you’re reading this post, chances are that you’re interested in learning how to properly fill a raised garden bed to guarantee a healthy harvest of herbs and vegetables. There’s nothing better tasting than homegrown food. Let’s get you started!

While I didn’t build the cedar surround for my bottomless garden bed (thanks Dad!), I did extensive research on making sure I filled it will layers of organic matter, earth soil, compost, and fertilizer. I estimate I spent about $250 on the entire project for the cedar surround and its contents; not including the drip system supplies, tomato cages, plants, or garden markers.

Follow this step-by-step guide on how to use the “lasagna method” to fill it properly.

STEP 1: ADD A LAYER OR PAPER GROCERY BAGS OR CARDBOARD (NO INK)

Assuming you’ve already leveled the ground and used a rake to rid the soil of any unwanted grass or weeds, add a layer of brown paper bags or cardboard. I opted for upcycling my brown bags versus using shipping boxes because I didn’t want to use cardboard that had a lot of ink on it.

STEP 2: ADD TWIGS + DEAD VEGETATION

I walked to a nearby undeveloped section of our neighborhood and gathered mashed down dead sunflowers and grass left in the wake of a tractor’s path. Then, I added enough vegetation to completely fill the space of my garden bed in all directions.

STEP 3: ADD SPHAGNUM PEAT MOSS

I used two bags of compressed, Sphagnum Peat Moss Tourbe (2.2 cu. ft. each) for my raised garden that is 56″ wide x 46″ long x 10.5″ deep. Then, I dragged a rake across it to evenly distribute it.

STEP 4: ADD A LAYER OF COMPOST

For this garden bed, I bought two types of compost and used one of them for this layer. Ideally, you would want to use homemade compost, but you can easily purchase it at any big box hardware store. I used Premium Mushroom Compost Plus Manure. Again, use your trusty rake to make sure it is distributed in the garden bed from corner to corner.

STEP 5: ADD A LAYER OF LEAVES

I had to head over to a walking path area surrounded by trees to find enough leaves to gather for this step. It was well worth it! Just dump a bag of dead leaves over the bed and use your hands to move them around.

STEP 6: ADD A LAYER OF LAWN CLIPPINGS

I feel confident that the lawn clippings I used for this layer are free of fertilizer chemicals. It’s up to you whether or not you want to add this layer based on your resources. Maybe a neighbor would have lawn clippings you could use if you forgot to reserve your own. Use a garden hose to add a layer of moisture at this point. You don’t need to saturate the layer. Add enough water that it’s moist.

STEP 7: ADD A LAYER OF GARDEN SOIL OR EARTH SOIL

Because we live in the suburbs, I had to buy a bag of soil versus digging up dirt from our yard. I bought a 2 cu. ft. bag of Schultz® Enriched Garden Soil made for flowers and vegetables. It feeds for 6 months. Of course, make sure it’s an even layer free of clumps.

STEP 8: ADD A LAYER OF COMPOST

For this step, I switched up my type of compost. I added an even layer of organic compost plus manure (5-5-5), a .75 cu. ft. bag. For extra measure, I watered down this layer as well.

STEP 9: ADD A LAYER OF POTTING SOIL

I’m a big fan of using Fertilome’s Ultimate Potting Mix. It is a loose, easy to work with soil that always makes my plants happy thanks to its ability to retain water. It’s such a soft soil that you don’t even need a garden tool to plant in it — use your hand! I made sure to use a cross-hatch pattern to mix the potting soil with the previous layer of compost. That’s it. You’re done and ready to map out your plantings.

BONUS TIP: Before you start planting your vegetables and herbs, add a granular plant food to give it the promote growth. In this instance, I used Burpee’s Leafy Green + Herb Granular Plant Food and added 2 tablespoons of it to the space I dug for the plant and then mixed it into the soil with my hand. (I’ve also used Osmocote Smart Release Plant Food in the past.) Of course, be sure to water your newly planted vegetables and herbs very well.

You’re guaranteed to see results from your hard work using this “lasagne method” of layering. As with any garden, be sure to select vegetables and herbs that can withstand your climate’s weather conditions and plant them in the areas of the bed that receive the sun they need to flourish. In the area where I planted this garden, most of it sees 6-8 hours of sun while a corner of the garden bed only receives partial sun. Lastly, I added a drip system for consistent water between rain storms, a must for extremely hot spring and summer months like we experience in the Midwest. (For extra measure to prevent pests, I planted marigolds around the tomatoes and pepper plants.)

It took me years to build up enough confidence to plant an urban garden. I had to learn through trail and error using container pots, and then I graduated to a larger system. I’m excited to hear about your gardening adventures and what planting methods have worked best for you. Be sure to comment below with your stories, and happy gardening!

If you enjoy growing tomatoes, you will appreciate a post I wrote DIY: Dowel Rod Tomato Cages, a low-cost way to stake them. And what can you do with all of your fresh veggies and herbs? Prepare a flavorful salad with your harvest using one of these 6 Flavor Salads! Personally, I’m looking forward to preparing Classic Egg Salad with dill and enjoying Dutch Oven Bolognese Sauce using fresh tomatoes.

3 Ways to Foster Your Creativity

February 23, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside 2 Comments

Do you remember what it was like to be a child who let their imagination run wild?

As adults, we are so busy “adulting” that we seldom give ourselves the time or opportunity to tap into the creative part of our brain that allows for free expression and discovery. Watch a child at play. They are amazing! You’ll witness their carefree behavior resulting in simulation of scenarios and exploration of ideas.

“Creativity isn’t necessarily a characteristic you’re born with; it’s a trait that can be honed through habit.”
Deep Patel, Entrepreneur.com “9 Ways to Rewir e Your Brain for Creativity”

Everyone’s outlet for creativity looks different. For me, I enjoy writing, cooking, photography, and design. How do you express your creativity?

In a moment of creative immersion, I get lost in the process. I will often cook multiple dishes at the same time while watching Food Network re-runs. Sometimes I’ve been know to crank out multiple blog posts in a weekend rather than my less than stellar one article per month. And I’ve been known to mentally design flower beds, shop for flowers, and completely overhaul our landscaping in one day. It’s a feverish pace that is undeniable and yet so enjoyable. I’m lost in the creative process.

However, I know what it’s like to lose the passion to create.

I write all day at work, so I sometimes struggle to convince myself to sit down again at a laptop and blog or journal at night. Similarly, cooking to get dinner on the table on a weeknight looks very different than creatively exploring recipes on a Sunday. So how do I make sure I’m allowing myself to get back into “the pocket” and to escape the mundane daily work for one of creativity? I declare it! “Today is the day you’re just going to be creative.” I think it, and then I do it.

Do you need a gentle nudge to surrender to your own creative thoughts? Try applying one of these recommendations this week. Designate a day dedicated to carefree thinking and discovery!

ADD COLOR TO YOUR WORLD

Whether it’s grabbing some colored pencils and simply doodling on an open page or arranging flowers in a vase, express yourself with color. Perhaps the day starts with pairing colorful clothing together for your outfit. Maybe you flip your interior design and add seasonal pops of color to your home. The addition of color to your environment will strongly influence your thinking!

GET YOUR HANDS MOVING

Some of my best creative moments have come from working in the dirt while gardening. Perhaps you’ve neglected an instrument you once played or haven’t allowed yourself the time to journal in ages. Maybe you would like to take up sewing or drawing again. Whatever it is that fuels your creativity, it most likely involves using your hands.

GO SOMEWHERE NEW

How much time do you spend at home? Naturally, some people are “home bodies” preferring to remain in the comfort of their home rather than visiting a space like a museum or exploring the outdoors. I get that. Some days that’s all I want to do, too. Yet, convincing myself to sit down on the park bench next to our neighborhood’s walking trail while watching nature ignites new thoughts and curiosities. And in doing so, I’m often intrigued to learn more through reading or viewing a documentary about that topic. Just think: Where could you transport yourself today?

You can’t use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.
Maya Angelou

Looking for more ways to be creative today? Consider making a new recipe or crafting a DIY project! Enjoy your time!

Going Underground in Historic Ellinwood, Kansas

February 10, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside 14 Comments

The best part about saying “yes!” to adventure is discovering a destination you didn’t know existed. That was my experience after visiting Ellinwood, Kansas to tour the town’s underground tunnels and The Historic Wolf Hotel. Make sure you add Ellinwood to your central Kansas trip itinerary.

Established by German immigrants in 1870 along the Sante Fe Trail, the town was designed to include two blocks of main street stores with stairs leading underground to additional retail spaces, saloons, brothels, bath house, and an authentic barber shop. Early residents of the town made their income from farming wheat and producing flour. References to wheat can be seen everywhere in the centrally located Kansas town that is located ten miles outside of Great Bend and less than a half hour drive from Lyons.

Ellinwood’s Underground Tunnels allow visitors to walk some of the original passageways while tour guides share stories of early prohibition and entrepreneurship in the area. I was enthralled by the antique relics of the past found deep within the tunnels. The town’s early residents used the tunnels for refuge during WWI, to possibly bootleg alcohol during Prohibition, and to support cowboys and families traveling through the area by providing services to them.

A manhole cover seen from below the town of Ellinwood’s sidewalk along Main Street, the colored glass is illuminated by the afternoon sun.

The best part of the tunnels? They have remained nearly untouched! During your tour, you will see items sitting exactly where they were left before the tunnels were abandoned in the 1940s. Much of what you see in these photos is authentic to the space.

Make your way down this hallway to discover a barber shop, brothel, and bath house. Hot Baths 15 cents, Used Water Baths 5 cents.

Why build tunnels under the town? Imagine how hot the dry summers were in Kansas thanks to open plains and midwestern heat! The underground tunnels were much cooler in temperature and visitors could escape the blustery Kansas wind.

Tom Drake’s Harness Shop established sometime between 1890-1900.

While walking the long, dusty hallways into rooms where turn of the century shopkeepers ran their business, you begin to wonder if you’re being watched by the ghosts of Ellinwood’s past. According to our tour guide, the underground tunnels were active from 1887-1920.

William Young’s Barber Shop. Ask about the medical instruments in the case, and don’t leave the room without looking for the bullet holes.

No longer accessible, this stairway once connected to The Wolf Hotel’s tunnels across the street.

If you want to tour of the underground tunnels and The Historic Wolf Hotel, the admission is $10 per person. The first leg of our tour was led by Ellinwood Emporium owner, Richard Casagrande, and the final leg of the tour took us back to the hotel for a tour led by Chris McCord. Additionally, I highly recommend making a reservation at The Sunflower Room for a country-style lunch of fried chicken and homemade side dishes followed by a slice of pie.

Tourists who appreciate learning the rich history of the area will love the renovated The Historic Wolf Hotel, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1894 by John Wolf at the corner of Sante Fe and Main Street to be a grand focal point of downtown Ellinwood. (The total cost of building it was $10,000.) Today, it serves as a bed and breakfast and event center. However, you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy its restaurant, The Sunflower Dining Room, or “The Underground” restored saloon.

Ellinwood native, Christopher McCord, purchased the brick and limestone building in 2013 to restore it.

The Sunflower Dining Room opened Easter Sunday 1924 with a live orchestra playing for visitors to enjoy.

When not serving guests a meal on Sundays, the dining room doubles as a reservable event space for meetings, private parties, and weddings. From its original flooring and windows to the decorative columns, the room is rich in architectural history and well restored.

During Sunday Bunch dining service, the place setting above is set for Bernard Millit. I don’t want to ruin the tour for you by telling you why, so be sure to as your tour guide the story behind it — and don’t forget to look up to the ceiling.

These beautiful stained glass doors were photographed from inside The Wolf Hotel in an area that was once a bank.

If you’re someone who appreciates learning the historic roots of a town and about the hardworking people who established it, many of which were immigrants to the area, then I recommend taking a step back in time and visiting Ellinwood, Kansas. Want to discover more about the early construction of The Historic Wolf Hotel and the surrounding area? Read this document available from the National Register of Historic Places.

My time in Ellinwood concluded with a photo sitting upon an antique shoe shiner’s station, and by the looks of my dusty boots, I could use one.

Love learning about Kansas history? Learn more about Abilene, Kansas, the boyhood home of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Cucumber Lime Vodka Splash

December 29, 2019 by Vanessa 2 Comments

Refreshing. Bubbly. Tasty!

This bubbly cocktail is perfect for those days when you want a boozy drink and you’re craving something light and refreshing. Cucumber Lime Vodka Splash, made with only three ingredients, is a cocktail you (and your friends!) will love. Grab a glass, and let’s get started!

To make this cocktail a delightful one, you must start with its base: Smirnoff Cucumber Zero Sugar Infusions Cucumber & Lime Vodka. I discovered this flavored vodka when strolling the aisles of my neighborhood liquor store in search of something that was flavorful but less heavy in sugar than rum.

To make my Cucumber Lime Vodka Splash, following the simple steps in the recipe card below. I promise you’re going to appreciate this drink’s flavor profile so much you’ll want to share it with friends at your next get together. Cheers!

One Delightful Life

1 glass

Serves 10 oz.

Cucumber Lime Vodka Splash

10 minPrep Time

10 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

1.5 oz Smirnoff Cucumber Zero Sugar Infusions Cucumber & Lime
Juice of a lime wedge
Ice cubes
1/2 can Lime La Croix
Garnish with a cucumber slice and mint garnish

Instructions

Add ice to glass.
Add remaining ingredients.
Stir gently.
Garnish glass with cucumber and mint.
Serve.

Notes

You can also swap another La Croix flavored water instead of the lime version.

https://onedelightfullife.com/cucumber-lime-vodka-splash/

onedelightfullife.com

If you’ve read this far, you love cucumbers. Check out other flavorful recipes on the blog including Cucumber Mint Raspberry Detox Water or try your hand at making my Asian Cucumber Salad, the perfect sidekick to Hibachi Steak Lettuce Wraps.