Intro

CONTEST IS CLOSED. A winner was selected and contacted. Thanks to all who entered! It was a joy to introduce so many of you to Noonday Collection. 

Sometimes you take baby steps and sometimes you leap.

There are times when a task feels like a mountain and other times you jump over them like molehills.

There are mornings when getting out of bed seems impossible and others where you are so excited for the day you can’t sleep.

At times it rains and others when the sun warms your face casting a rosy tint to your cheeks.

Sometimes the words are plentiful and eloquent, other times they are bulky and incoherent.

There is a time to selflessly serve and a time to humbly ask for help.

There are seasons of planting and pruning and times when the harvest is fruitful.

The challenge lies in finding the purpose and joy in it all. Every season tucks away lessons and occasions for growing and bettering. It’s our duty to seek the truth whatever the season.

This is a lesson that I’m currently learning or I should say re-learning. I hold firmly to the truth that everything is made beautiful in its time. In this I find hope.

 

Then there are the days when you stop taking yourself too seriously and realize that a cocktail and a bit of retail therapy goes a long way. Which is why I’m here today.

This pleasantly pink brew is the perfect accessory for spring. A gentle touch of cinnamon and nutmeg blended with rum leans towards a tropical punch but the heady scent of mint wins out giving this cocktail the title of “mojito”. The rhubarb flavor isn’t overly intense but rather lends a floral sweetness that is too light for summer but perfect for the gentle warmth of spring.

Today I come bearing more than just a cocktail. I’ve recently been introduced to Noonday Collection – a company that carries a stunning array of jewelry, gifts and accessories with a bold mission behind the brand.

“Our passion at Noonday Collection is to connect you with the lives of artisans struggling for a better future while styling you along the way. Fashion and design are a vehicle for opportunity and change. You, too, can be a voice for the oppressed!”

image from noondaycollection.com

The products sold by Noonday Collection are created by artisans from around the world. The money goes to the artists and back to their community as well as helping to fund costly adoptions for loving families.

For one of my dear readers, Noonday Collection has offered to give a $50 gift card. If you’d like to enter just leave a comment below. To increase your chances become a fan on Facebook or give a follow on Twitter. Comment below and let me know if you have done either of those.

It is a joy to tell you about this great company and I hope you love their products and their mission as much as I do.

Now go make a cocktail and start shopping.

*I am hosting this contest because I believe in this company and am eager to share it with you all. I wasn’t given anything in return – well, except the excitement of being able to share it.

You have until noon on Monday 4/30/12 to enter . At which point I will randomly select a winner.

 

 

 

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Rhubarb Mojito


makes 1 small cocktail

1 oz white rum
2 oz rhubarb syrup (recipe below)
5 (or so) mint leaves
1 Tablespoon lime juice
lime zest
nutmeg

In the bottom of a glass add a bit of nutmeg, lime zest, mint leaves and the lime juice. Using a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon muddle the ingredients. You want to really bruise and break up the mint leaves. Add the rum and syrup, give a light stir then top with ice. Garnish with mint and a thin slice of rhubarb.

 

Rhubarb Syrup
This is enough syrup to make plenty of cocktails. If alcohol isn’t for you a couple ounces of this syrup added to sparkling water and a squeeze of lime makes a delightful non-alcoholic version of this drink.

 

8 oz chopped rhubarb (2-3 small stalks)
1 cup sugar
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ vanilla bean (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in a small pot. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 5-7 minutes. Let cool completely.
Strain the ingredients. Reserve the rhubarb to top yogurt, ice cream or oatmeal.
The syrup will keep covered in the fridge for two weeks.

336 Responses to “Rhubarb mojito + a giveaway”

  1. Lindsay

    ohh… those necklaces are lovely! (and i hit the “like” button on facebook)
    ps: i was reading through kinfolk today and felt like you should have an article + photos in there. one of your date night entries would be perfect for their “two gatherings” section.

  2. Emily D.

    I have been trying to find some really gorgeous earrings for what feels like forever, and the ones in the collection definitely fit the bill.

  3. MikeVFMK

    Love this drink and love how pink and pretty it looks. In all my years as a bartender, not once did I make a mojito with rhubarb. My loss, obviously. It looks outstanding!

  6. Katriona Guthrie-Honea

    That necklace is gorgeous! I’ve been a fan on Facebook for awhile, but still find twitter aggravating. I love your blog, the food is great, and the photos are always beautiful. I hope you’ll post more rhubarb recipes in interesting mediums, because you can only eat so much rhubarb crisp.

  7. Melissa

    Love that collection and their mission! Wow this cocktail came at a perfect time as my mom and I were just talking about the different things to do with her rhubarb and I kept trying to think of a drink to make

  8. Sarah

    One of my new year’s goals is to support independent artisans whenever possible, so this giveaway is right up my alley. What a great company. Thanks so much for sharing…both it and the drink!

  9. Amy Tong

    what a refreshing cocktail! It’s perfect for Spring and Summer. 🙂 The products from Noonday Collection are amazing. So many wonderful things to choose from….and best of all, I love their mission.

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  12. Jessica

    That necklace is gorgeous. Just a little something but not too overwhelming. I would love one! – I also like you on Facebook.

  13. Eileen

    Wow, that rhubarb mojito sounds like it would hit the spot today–the first day of actual heat in NorCal. Thanks for the giveaway as well!

  14. Anna

    Would not have expected the nutmeg! Sounds delicious though and looks refreshing!

  16. Jeanine

    Lovely blog, and thanks for offering this giveaway! Enjoy spring.

  17. Shannon

    What a great giveaway! And, this drink looks delicious. I love a mojito and love rhubarb, too.

  18. Lisa N

    everything is so lovely! a gorgeous drink and beautiful jewelry 🙂 the inca steps necklace is my favorite.

  24. Heather Hicks

    I really like their collection of jewelry and accessories. They also have some nice tea towels.

  26. Tammy Bilodeau

    Wow what beautiful wares! I could do some shopping here for sure!

  31. alison

    Can we sip these together one nice summer day soon while the boys play? Rhubarb is my new obsession thanks to you!!!

  33. Jenni

    Thanks for supporting Noonday Ashley! I’ve loved being a part of this company as an ambassador in OK. You’re helping a great cause and we all really appreciate it!! Oh, and I have a mint plant taking over in my kitchen so this drink is perfect!

  34. Havilah

    Wow, Noonday makes me actually want to wear jewelry again. Thanks for sharing their amazing site and story 🙂

  36. Sarah

    Oooooh I would love, love, love to win!!!! Liking on Facebook and tweeting it too! Great give away!

  37. Amy

    I can’t wait to try the cocktail – looks so yummy! Also – that jewelry is fab!

  38. April Levine

    This mojito recipe looks awesome- I’m looking forward to making it when I am not pregnant anymore- Yay a great way to celebrate!

  39. Kelley Green

    Facebook, twitter and Pinterest. The mojito looks lovely. Lots of rhubarb and mint around here right now.

  41. Jana de Libero

    I liked you and noonday… But I think that I have “liked” you on fb for longer… Pretty stuff! And I like “things” with a cause.

  42. Jessica

    Love your blog and would love to win this giveaway! Hope you have a great week! Oh, and I “liked” you on facebook as well!

  43. Kari

    The cocktail looks fantastic! I never thought of adding rhubarb.

  45. Angelbis

    The cocktail caught my eye immediately! What a great idea. The jewelry looks really neat – and what a wonderful idea. thanks!

  46. Lauren Brogdon

    Would love to win the jewelry gift card and can’t wait to make that drink! Love your blog! LHB

  50. Sue Gottscho

    Love your blog! Appreciate the entry. Heading to like it on Facebook now.

  51. ahu

    i LOVE rhubarb – this looks fabulous! Going to keep my eye open for rhubarb drinks this summer!

  52. nik

    Thanks for the recipes! I want to try that rhubarb syrup on my favorite strawberry ice cream too. Cheers!

  57. Lara

    Love Noonday! The Happy Day necklace is my fave! I’m already a fan on Facebook.

  65. Cindi

    I have always appreciated handmade products!
    The idea of Fair Trade and artisans creating and
    making their goods is fabulous. Even better, making
    money to take care of themselves and their families!
    You have a delightful blog and I think I have seen you on a
    television commercial…I have been a Facebook follower of yours
    and many thanks for this fun giveaway! Cindi

  67. Erin

    Um … If I win does it come with one of these delicious cocktails? (; These look amazing! Love rubarb.

  68. Brian @ A Thought For Food

    Oh mojito season is so so so close. I would have said that it was already here, but it’s dropped 20 degrees in the last 24 hours. But i guess that shouldn’t stop me from enjoying one.

  69. saniel

    I have had mojitos before but not with rhubard..looks soo yummy and refreshing. i want one of necklaces would make any outfit standout. thanks

  70. Jon

    Thanks for the reminder to get rhubarb at the market today and make some rhubarb syrup.

  71. Laura

    Oh I love love love noonday….and everything that they are doing!

  73. Karly Leib

    Please enter me in the giveaway!! I am a HUGE Noonday fan 🙂

  74. Alexandra cm

    I love the idea of rhubarb mojito! This adorable pink color is perfect for spring. Bring on the good weather (it rains last few days at my home) to enjoy it on the balcony with a few friends! For the contest, you touch my heart of jeweler, this jewelry is beautiful and the mission is honorable. Thank you for the discovery!

  75. s dyson

    Thanks for the inspiration. I am now full fledged NWS social follower across all platforms.

  78. Amanda

    I live in Northern Minnesota, and we moved into a home where the biggest rhubarb plant that I’ve ever seen grows every year. I never know what to make with it besides the typical “rhubarb crisp.” Thank you for a new take on this spring plant that I find most daunting to cook with!

    Also, thank you for keeping it real on your blog and sharing your journey of seeking truth in your day to day life. I just stumbled upon your poppy seek cake recipe, and could totally relate to the need to unplug from facebook, and the other social media that can be great, but can also feed insecurities I didn’t even know I struggled with until it all starts to become a source of anxiety and stress in life. A break from it all can be great. So, thank you! I love your blog!

  85. Andrea

    Facebook and Twitter!

    That drink sounds perfect for a hot day.

  86. Rachel

    I love the collection and their mission behind it. I need some new accessories! I also liked on Facebook & followed on twitter.

  88. Natalie Rose

    My family is going through far more rhubarb this season than initially expected! Not to mention mint… everything tastes like spring! thanks for creating such a lovely community in which to share the beauty and joy of each season. I’d love to enter the drawing, and I am a facebook fan:)

  92. Tricia M.

    I love the everything about them – the jewelry and the mission. Thanks for sharing.

  96. Katie

    Oh man this is making me intensely jealous that I am pregnant and can’t have one of these!!! Mojitos of every variety are my favorite!!

  97. Linda Grothe

    I would love to win the gift card and give my eldest daughter a present. She is doing her masters degree to become a Cardiac Nurse Practitioner. One more year to go, she is a great daughter and a fabulous nurse.

  100. erin

    That jewelry looks awesome and i can’t wait to try that mojito!

  106. Michele

    I am attracted to the jewelry shown. Will like on Facebook as well. Thanks.

  107. Heather J.

    Beautiful jewelery! Would love to win and <3 your blog!

  111. Alanna

    Dude! I’ve been wondering what sort of cocktail to make with rhubarb – these sound and look amazing! I bet fresh ginger could be good in place of the other spices, too. Noonday sounds like a wonderful organization, and I’m glad to learn about them through your beautiful site. Cheers!

  114. Claire Schultz

    Thank you for the bright spot your blog brings to my day when it graces my inbox! Beautiful. Left a facebook ‘like’ for you as well.

  115. Erin

    Entering to win the gift card. Thanks for the opportunity! Love the Noonday Collection.

  116. TK

    I love the color of the Mojito! And the necklace is wonderful too!

  117. Meredith LaGorga

    I love rhubarb… thinking I need to try one of those mohito’s. And I’d love a pair of Sseko’s!

  119. Lisa Briggs

    Looks like a perfect cocktail for a girlfriends’ get-together. And please enter me in the drawing.

  120. Brenda

    Please enter me in your contest, I liked your page on Facebook 🙂
    Thank you

  121. Laurie

    Love that you’ve shared all this with us! And I am already a fan on FB!! Thank you 🙂

  122. Corisa Jubinsky

    I’ve never heard of the company but it sounds like a great one for Earth Day! The mojito sounds delicious too!

  124. victoria

    My husband has an aversion to rhubarb as he mother used to stew it until it was a grey sloppy mess and try and feed it to him on icecream. So, whilst he has an aversion to rhubarb, I think the fondness he has for rum, rather with the fact that it remains a blushing shade of pink, may mean this enters our weekend drinks menu!

  128. Katherine C

    Already “liked” on FB. Love the necklace! Would wear the jewelry proudly : D

  129. Rachael

    I pressed ‘like’ – please enter me to win. Thanks! I love rhubarb, will try this cocktail out and pass along if OK?

  132. Anna

    I followed on Facebook AND Twitter! 🙂
    I love reading your blog, and I think that noonday collection’s cause and drive are amazing! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  133. sara

    Awesome giveaway – what a great cause! And that cocktail – wow, looks so delicious! 🙂

  136. Kate McG

    Both the cocktail and the Noonday Collection look marvelous!

  137. Cookie and Kate

    Gorgeous cocktail, Ashley! I have no doubt I’d love it. Thanks for the introduction to Noonday Collection, love their stuff!

  141. Kathleen

    Glad to learn about Noonday. More and more, I really want to know where my money goes and who it is supporting. Thanks for the tip! And I officially like you now…on facebook 🙂

  144. Linda

    Had a cherry rhubarb margarita at dinner at Frank in Austin Texas tonight, cannot wait to try this drink. Cheers!

  145. Aims

    gorgeous photos, can’t wait to make this syrup and cocktail sometime soon 🙂

  146. Christy Qualim

    Love the idea of companies giving back to others. Liked the company on FB.

  155. Michelle

    I love the jewelery and the philosophy of the brand. Thanks for sharing. I am going to try this cocktail, maybe even this evening!

  157. Marie

    Love Noonday Collection and what they support – also like the nonalcoholic suggestion for the drink. I need a good summer drink to get me through the end of this pregnancy!

  158. Amy

    Very cool looking–will have to do a little lunch time shopping this afternoon! And I told my roommate that we need to purchase some rhubarb at the market Saturday morning to create these amazing looking mojitos Saturday night! Thanks for your inspirations!!

  159. Lindsey H

    Beautiful necklace! Thanks for sharing the info about this company!

  161. Kelly Edm

    Oooohhhh… such a fab combination. The mojitos look so refreshing and a great addition to any summer party. The necklace is absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for a chance to win.

  163. Julie

    Sounds like a great way to help those in need, and the jewlery is beautiful.

  164. Jamie

    I love rhubarb, especially in pie form! I’ll have to try this drink soon.

  166. heather

    I typically don’t buy jewelry, but one of my favorite things to do while traveling is to visit local artisans’ shops or booths at town bazaars and farmers markets. Hopefully I can find something and show my support with a purchase that is not only a boost for them, but also for the local economy and handmade/fair-trade practices.

    Cheers,

    *Heather*

  170. Jasper {crunchylittlebites}

    I wish I could take photos like you. Good news, I just finished applying to cmmrcl photo program {wow, for me} and I might catch up with your awesomeness, Ashley. Already I follow you on Twitter 🙂

  172. Traci Ross

    I liked noonday on facebook.There’s a lot on their site that I would love to use the gift card for!

  176. Jessica Johnson

    I’d like to enter! Such a great cause and concept!

  177. Dan

    I occasionally make a rhubarb Tom Collins just added the Fee Brothers Rhubarb Bitters to my usual Tom Collins recipe. It makes a very pale pink drink that in color and flavor is perfect for spring. A similar treatment might work well for the Mojito. You’d pretty much lose the spice notes from the cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the syrup, but a dash or two of aromatic bitters (like Angostura Bitters) might do the trick. Because bitters make everything better. 🙂

  178. lauren salak

    what a great giveaway! also-your chocolate chip cookies are to die for.

  180. Karla

    Mmmm. This sounds amazing, I am currently obsessed with rhubarb so I must make this.

  182. Cheryl

    I love supporting artisans trying to make a solid living for their families. Thanks for the info!

  183. Jamie

    Love rhubarb, love mint, love Rum…but have to wait a while to enjoy that (baby on the way!!). So, hopefully I’ll win the gift card so I can indulge my love of jewelry now! =)

  187. Kasey

    Remember that post on being too self-reflective? I think this one hits the nail on the head: sometimes we just need a good cocktail. The beauty will come. The calm will come. 🙂 xo

  188. Julie

    Lovely giveaway! I’m always happy to learn of companies like this. Thanks for sharing!

  191. joey

    beautiful photos as per usual. the pinks & greens make me happy.
    noonday collection sounds like a great company to support! what a great way to introduce us to them.
    (i have been a fan on facebook & following your twitter for a while now.)

  193. Ken

    Made the mojito with half the sugar, and it was perfect for a warm spring day. Thanks for the recipe! And entering the giveaway.

  197. Alison

    Thanks for sharing the noonday site with us – beautiful work and a great mission I’d be happy to support!

    (And of course, appreciate the idea for a more unconventional way to use rhubarb. Pastries with it are delicious, but I look forward to branching out)

  198. Kris Osborne

    I am a fan on Facebook. And I am a big fan, in general. I adore your blog, especially the “dating my husband” stories.

  199. Zara

    i love rhubarb but have never used it in a drink, looking forward to making this recipe! Love the necklace and the entire collection. How would anyone pick a favorite? (Liked you on facebook as well).

  201. Jessica Rudder

    I’m a huge fan of Noonday. If I won I’d have to think really hard about whether or not to buy something for myself or get my sister a pair of Ssekos. I’ve got a well loved pair and think she’d love a set too, but, there are so many other Noonday items I adore.

  206. KathyG in WA

    What a great idea! Love the jewelry. Thx for sharing!

  209. Jenisa

    What a wonderful company, and what wonderful things they do.

  210. Rachel

    Wow! Great concept and beautiful products! I’ve got my eye on the Patchwork Journals, the Loop Drop Earrings, the Patchwork Clutches, the Crochet Bracelet and the Ripple Bangles. Oh, and the Kikoy is just beautiful! Aaaaaa…love it all! (Yes, I’ve liked them on Facebook!)

    Thank you for such a lovely giveaway.

  212. Krystina

    The items at Noonday Collection are just stunning! What an incredible company. Thank you for sharing!

  213. Gill

    I really enjoy your easy flow when you write. Laid back and natural.

  215. Pal Koenig

    I came here for the rhubarb idea (Love Rhubarb!)
    Would love a necklace like that one too….

  217. ry

    that rewind clutch is lovely! that would be my pick. the patchwork clutch and the journals also caught my eye. thanks for the lovely giveaway and the always amazing posts! much appreciated.

  218. Anna

    Mmm, I just turned 21, so I am gonna have to try this drink real soon. 🙂

    Great giveaway, thank you!!

  220. Jenni

    I love the necklace you featured! I have had my eye on Noonday products for a while but haven’t purchased yet:) I also liked you on FB

  221. Jenny

    What lovely jewelry, I love the bone earrings! And, I all of your rhubarb recipes are wonderful, we tried the rhubarb cake the other day and we devoured it. Thank you.

  222. Tasha Muresan

    now following you on twitter–it’s about time!

    this recipe looks phenomenal. i’ll take any excuse to use rhubarb. and in such a pretty beverage? SOLD.

  224. .tonBouton.

    I just discovered your blog being sucked in by the title. I love your photos and will be back!
    Ps: I wouldn’t be a true girl if I didn’t love that necklace and your give away as well 😉

  225. Laura S

    wow, that necklace is gorgeous…and the mojito looks delish!

  229. Kelsey Crowe

    I would love to win this giveaway. This little pick-me-up is exactly what I need right now.

  232. Sis

    I love stuff like this, where families can earn $. For our 25th anniversary this year, my husband gave me just want I wanted – we gave 2 goats to families through Heifer International. 🙂 Loved that.

    Anyway – I already liked you long ago on facebook. 🙂 And am commenting here. (fingers crossed!) Now to go see if I have the ingredients to make a certain hot fudge pudding cake 🙂

  233. Elizabeth

    The cocktail looks amazing! Too bad rhubarb is so difficult to find (and expensive!) in Southern CA…

  239. Shanley

    rhubarb is about the only thing that’s more accessible in the canadian prairies than for our southern friends.. reminds me of home 🙂 thanks for a good way to start the day!

  241. Emily Willert

    Yet another reason to take you (and Ina) up on the suggestion to try fresh nutmeg. I have yet to buy one, but this may be the recipe to start with! Looks like the perfect adult summer refreshment. I’m thinking a saturday hubby date on the back porch while the kids nap! Beautifully portrayed as always.

  245. Leeah

    Ooh, those necklaces are pretty! And the rhubarb cocktail looks mighty tasty as well!

  246. chefroommate

    This looks like such a wonderful summertime drink – I don’t have too much experience with rhubarb, but I’m definitely looking forward to trying this!

  247. Erin P

    I’m so happy rhubarb has made its appearance once again! Great recipe!

  250. melissa suzanne

    Left a comment and just started following on Facebook!

  251. Julie

    Glad to have a great idea for a drink for a clothing swap this weekend! Thanks for highlighting such a wonderful company, looking at finding a mother’s day happy present

  252. Laura

    Noonday looks amazing- what a great idea! I love your site! Thank you so much!

  257. Kel

    I just came upon your website today. Lovely pics! I am hoping to make the rhubarb cake soon.

  258. Sarah Munger

    Anything made with Rhubarb has my heart! Also, I’m a faithful facebook devotee <3 – please enter me in the drawing!

  259. Elizabeth H

    I just looked at Noonday’s website-they have some great stuff!

  260. Christine

    How beautiful! Please enter me! And yum, I love the idea of using rhubarb

  263. Selah

    I love the necklace you pictured – reminds me (in a horrifically nerdy way) of the computer game Minecraft, and its priceless diamond blocks. I would love to get something from that site!
    I’ve also liked you on Facebook and followed you on Twitter. I’ve been a fan of this site for a few years now and all of my friends RAVE every time I make the Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies for an event (although I do leave the salt off of the top, because I’m the only one that likes it). Your recipes are fantastic!

  265. Hazel Tan

    so so gorgeous! i love all your recipes and everything that you post about. 🙂

  266. Stephanie

    I’m a little late to join, but I must say that hot fudge pudding cake looks so delish!! Thank you for sharing your skills and passion!

  267. Katy

    Noonday looks like a good spot for some sister and girlfriend gifts. I’m eager to use my rhubarb!

  268. Jill

    I’ve read and loved your blog for a long time now… and I’d love to win. I’m already a Facebook follower as well. Thank you for your continued, wonderful blog!

  269. Jennifer

    Noonday has some beautiful pieces! I would be so excited to win!

  272. Katherine

    I have been looking for a rhubarb syrup recipe because I <3 rhubarb and have run through all my usual recipes already! And a giveaway too! wow!

  274. Lori

    I was already a fan on facebook, and have now joined your following on Twitter. Love your posts.

  276. camille

    Thanks for the giveaway and I am looking forward for rhubarb season to try this refreshing cocktail.

  278. mary king

    I love that necklace and the cocktail looks divine! Happy Spring!

  279. Mai Fink

    I am not quite sure how I stumbled across your lovely blog last year, but I remember the first recipe and story I encountered was yam brûlée. I knew that very instant that I was going to be great friends with notwithoutsalt.
    I have been blessed by your deep love for your husband, children, and good food.
    Thank you for sharing a great shop with a great cause! Your twitter, Facebook, and instagram is always such a delight! Thank you!

  280. Eunbi

    lovely! mojitos are my favorite. and that necklace is beautiful.

  281. Meagan C

    I’ll have to tell my mom about this cocktail recipe – she loves Mojitos and is always excited to try new recipes!
    The giveaway sounds fantastic. I “liked” you on Facebook today (well, I’d been meaning to do that anyway, for a while now) and I’d follow you on Twitter too, except that I don’t use Twitter! 🙂

  283. Michelle B

    mmm… RHUBARB! I’ll have to make this for my husband and thank you too for the giveaway and hard work you do for this wonderful blog.

  285. kristel wyman

    drinking this now. i didn’t have limes, so i used a lemon. not quite as delicious, but it sure does the trick. thanks for all your awesome recipes. 🙂

  287. Barbra

    Great info. Lucky me I recently found your website by accident (stumbleupon).

    I’ve saved it for later!