In my mind I hear the comedian, Jim Gaffigan (our family favorite) joking about 'bottled' water: 'It's more watery than regular water' he remarks, as he forks over well-earned money for this bottled novelty. We mention him often in our day-to-day conversations, whether it is because we are eating bacon (yet again), cracking up about hot pockets or camping.

Comedy is always welcome; we are big believers in laughter... and fancy beverages.

I like cocktails, wine, coffee. I sip fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and the occasional Grappa. Scotch... with cigars.... I am taking a deliberate hiatus. Don't ask.

I am trying to decrease my coffee consumption, sometimes instead heating up water and adding a touch of lemon and local (two-doors-away - how local is that??) honey. And my latest liquid novelty is 'fancy water.' And I don't mean bubbles.

A great way to fancy up your water: fill a pitcher with water and add seasonal goodies. Think: mint and everything citrus from kumquats to lemons to grapefruit. Or add chunks of watermelon, slices of cucumber or starfruit. Celery? Shaved fennel? Maybe lemongrass, fresh ginger or just-picked berries. Why not? My current favorite is lots of mint with sliced oranges.

If you are like me, and "drink more water" is a revolving item on your resolution list... then having a fancy pitcher of ice cold water---topped with pansies---is simply brilliant. I recently pulled out an old, antique tray I found at an estate sale (OMG I love estate sales, and wandering through basements and kitchens to find well-loved bikes and forgotten boxes of canning jars) and put a "fancy, summer water" pitcher on it, with a handful of glasses. If I am working at home, it is as easy on the eyes as any centerpiece, and a reminder to keep good health top of mind.

Oh, and while browsing Martha Stewart recently while in some Dr. office, I ran across an article for make-your-own flavored vodkas. Which is fantastic fun---and all the flavor profiles work just as well for 'fancy water.' Here are a few to get you started: fennel fronds and lemon slices, grapefruit and coriander seeds and/or celery and bay leaves.

What's in your water?