Italian Soda

Ever go to the coffee shop, such as Dutch Bros., Starbucks or any other shop? Have you ever purchased an Italian soda?

One thing that my husband and I do is get a $20 gift card to Dutch Bros. Reason being is that with getting the gift card you get a FREE drink, doesn't matter what it is, the size or the cost. We then use that $20 to occasionally get the happy hour special at our local Dutch Bros. (any cold medium drink for $2.50)

Some times I have our daughter with us and at which point she will ask for an Italian soda. She used to ask for smoothies, but decided one day she wanted an Italian soda and has stuck with that since.

Yesterday we were out and about getting some items for dinner and as we are close to the coffee shop she asks, "Are we stopping to get a coffee? I want an Italian soda please?!". I informed her we weren't because the happy hour specials are only Monday through Friday and from 1-4pm.

It got me thinking... I wonder if Walmart has the necessary items to make them at home? It was our next stop and I wasn't about to turn around and go ALL the way across town.

So, I told her that if Walmart did in fact have everything needed to make the Italian soda we could make one at home for her and buddy (her brother). She happily said, "Ok, mom.".

Wouldn't you know, Walmart DID have everything we needed to make them. Adalynn chose to get the vanilla flavored syrup as she wanted a vanilla flavored Italian soda.

Here are some photos to show the delicious Italian soda made by myself... they're so good that my husband had TWO last night, yes, the guy that doesn't like sweets. HAHA


So what we have here is Torani Vanilla flavored syrup, Darigold Half & Half and Mixer Club Soda. I chose those because that is what Walmart had and was more affordable than the other options. The Vanilla flavored syrup was because that's what my daughter wanted. 

I just used the fridge to get a few ice cubes in a glass

Next, I poured the club soda into the glass. It just so happen that what is in the glass is all that was left in the plastic bottle. 

 I took the Half & Half and simply poured it into the mix of the ice cubes and club soda. Not a lot, just enough that I thought it was good!

Then with the remaining room left in the glass I filled it almost to the top with the vanilla flavored syrup. No exact measuring/math was used for this. I did however, use a stir stick to mix once done and did a taste test before giving it to the kids. 

Once I was done and the taste test was finished. I scooped out an even amount of the ice cubes and placed them into the sippy cup for each of my children. I then poured the same amount in each of their cups. Of course it took me more time to make it (which wasn't a lot in my opinion) than it took for them to devour it! 

Smoothie? Protein Shake?

What is your all time favorite smoothie recipe?

I'm looking for some smoothie recipes that are affordable and tasty! So, please share any that you have liked.

I'm on a kick to be healthier and more organized and I feel this will help with the best of both worlds. : )



What about your favorite protein shake mix?

Again looking for something that is tasty and affordable.

I am on a budget after all and a protein shake is not a necessity. I would definitely like to be able to have one every couple days though!


If you have any other healthy tips you'd like to share, please feel free!

Cappuccino, double mocha

I am one of those that doesn't like the taste of coffee but I do enjoy a latte every now and again. Whether it is iced or hot, though I have found lately that I prefer iced because I can drink it instantly without burning my tongue! HAHA

Anyways, I recently was in Walmart and there were samples for a drink. It happen to be the Hills Bros Cappuccino, Double Mocha. I tried some and instantly LOVED it. The lady working the counter told me the isle it was on and while I was hesitant to check it out because of the price I went and looked any way.

I couldn't believe it when I saw the price. I thought it would be OVER $5.00 for sure. However, it was not! It was only $3.74. So of course I got some!

You get 16oz in the container. You mix 3 tablespoons with 8 oz of boiling water.

You can use it to add flavor to your coffee, or even drink alone. I drink it alone and its great. I pour just a little milk into my coffee mug to make it a little creamier because that's how I like it.

The taste is phenomenal and it is super easy and quick to make, which is great if you're on the run all the time! You could program your coffee machine as you would for coffee, get in the shower in the morning and get your breakfast ready and voila, your morning drink is ready to go once you mix in the powder.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone that likes coffee and especially those that don't!  I think I'm going to try the French Vanilla next!