here comes the weekend …

We spent a gorgeous hour having lunch on the beach Friday.  A little dive right on the water, but the food is oh so good.  

Then Saturday, I made a few dozen of these to bring to our friends’ annual kick off the summer BBQ.  (Bet you didn’t know I bake, right?)

Sunday, we had dinner at my sister’s club here …

And Monday, we honor those who serve with our village’s annual Memorial Day Parade and ceremony on the village green.  Followed by a neighborhood BBQ at our house.

Surrounded by family and friends, with gorgeous weather.  Sounds like the perfect weekend to me.

Happy Weekend, and Happy Memorial Day to you all.  May God Bless those who give, those who gave, and those who gave all.  And may God Bless the USA, and all of you, too.

Best,

Stephanie

some old favorites

One of the best parts of warmer weather is eating light.  So I decided to revisit two older posts that have two of my favorites.   I love to cook, but finding easy no cook (or little cooking) recipes makes my day.  These really fit the bill.   Let me know if you try them.   This one my whole family really loves.  It is easy to make ahead too, so it is also good for company or a summer buffet.    And no mayo to worry about on warmer days.  

Take grilled chicken chopped up into bite sized pieces, (I either grill a few extra pieces when I am making it for dinner and set them aside for this salad or pick some up at the deli counter) and toss with seedless red grapes, granny smith apples, and Newman’s Own light olive oil and vinegar dressing.  (If you can’t find that in your area, a very light olive oil and vinegar will do just fine seasoned with a little salt and pepper.)  Add in some chopped walnuts.  (I took the photo before I added the nuts.)  It is light but still very satisfying.   This one is low calorie, low fat, healthy AND delicious.  Especially delicious. 

This is one of my favorites – it sounds weird if you haven’t had it, but Watermelon and Tomato salad with Feta and basil… oh my … it makes a great side to almost any summer meal. 

This one is a staple in Greece.  And the combination is delicious.  I didn’t try it for the longest time, thinking it was too strange, but when I did, SOLD!   If you grow your own tomatoes, you are going to want to give it a try.  It’s best with the tomatoes still warm from the sun.  This is so light and refreshing – you will make it all summer long.  Just chop up some watermelon, add tomatoes, some feta cheese, chop up some fresh basil and drizzle with a good quality olive oil.  So easy and SO summery!   We grow tomatoes and basil, and always have feta cheese in the fridge, so this is one that I throw together a lot. 

More summer favorites coming up in the weeks ahead.    Hope all is well with you, and asking you all to say a prayer for everyone affected by these terrible storms and tornados. 

Best,
Stephanie

questions …

I saw a cute questionnaire on line, and I thought it would be fun to do.  I’d love it if some of you would play along and answer the questions too, either in comments or on your own page.  Feel free to link to your page in comments …

Tea or Coffee?

Neither.  Milk, almond milk, seltzer.  I know – boring!

I collect …

books, and seashells

Favorite City?

New York, and Charleston SC

Spring or Fall?

If I had to choose one, Spring

Bloom of choice?

I absolutely cannot pick one.  Peonies, Gardenias, Tulips, Jasmine.

Fragrance?

Mimosa (Calypso), Virgin Island Water (Creed), Kai.

Linens?

Nothing too fancy here.  Soft cotton t-shirt sheets feel like heaven.

China Pattern?

Hermes Siesta Island is the one I want.

Wedgewood Oberon is the one I have.

I’m lusting after …

It was an iPad, but I got that.  I guess it would have to be some new camera lenses.

Most prized possession?

This one was hard for me.  I love my goodies, but I try not to be defined by them.   (A little deep for a questionnaire, I know.)  So I guess my camera, since I get so much enjoyment from photography.

Girl Crush?

Elle MacPherson, Reese Witherspoon.

Boy Crush?

After the husband?  Hmmm…. Scotty from American Idol (But in an aww-he’s-so-cute-and-sweet way only!) Kyle Chandler.  Cary Grant.  I guess I have a thing for southern boys and gentlemen.

On weekends …

I love to spend time with my family.  When spring sports aren’t dominating the schedule, I like to spend one day doing something all together, and one day just kicking back and relaxing. 

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Best,
Stephanie

malted milk balls …

Take a basic white cake … replace some of the flour with malted milk powder…make milk chocolate butter cream frosting … top it all with malted milk balls, and you have … three layers of yummy, tasty, deliciousness.    Served with a nice cold glass of milk, and I had some pretty happy kiddos … Hope your day is delicious!

Best,

Stephanie

busy days …

But happy days … I made one of these for a school luncheon that the parents host to thank our teachers for their hard work …

watched a few of these …

and a few of these …

and smelled some of these …

I hope your days are as busy and fun!  Have a wonderful weekend friends!

Best,

Stephanie

good intentions …

(Reposting this one after blogger took this down due to their technical issues.  Sorry to all those who left a comment and had it removed.)  

I’ve meant to blog this week really.  And about something interesting.  But so far, every day has been work plus softball, baseball, and lacrosse.   Not too exciting, is it?   So at the risk of boring you all, a few more spring shots here. 

We’ve had gorgeous weather (though not the day I took these), but they’re forecasting 7 straight days of rain ahead!  I’m going outside while I still can!

Enjoy your spring days!

Best,

Stephanie

missing you …

Well, I’ve been a  bad blogger.  I’ve been missing for over a week now.  It wasn’t scheduled, but between a crazed work week, the children’s schedules, and everything going on in the world,  blogging took a back seat.  It felt somehow “off” to blog when my mind was so heavy with everything people were going through with all the flooding, storms and tornadoes.   But I’ve missed you all.   Unfortunately, with hundreds of missed posts, I can’t go back and catch up.  So I’m starting fresh today, and if I missed anything big, please catch me up below, or link to your posts in the comments and I’ll get right over there.   I hope you all had a fantastic Mother’s Day, and a lovely weekend.   And I’ll leave you with some lovely scenes from a springtime walk.

Best,

Stephanie