Tag Archives: © 2015 Book Chatter

Summer Faves

Summer Faves

You know, I’m trying really hard for it to feel like summer but so far, it just feels like any old time of the year. The weather this week has been really cool and cloudy and although I like it, it just doesn’t put me in a summery mood.

To remind myself of all the good things that this time of the year brings, I’m making a list of some of the things that instantly put me in a good mood.

  1. Picnics at the beach!
  2. Concerts in the Park. Starts this weekend for us!
  3. Summer reading! SO many good books out there.
  4. Salads for dinner. No hot kitchen to deal with.
  5. Popsicles!! I am partial to Big Sticks (cherry/pineapple). Yum!
  6. Grilling my grub! Corn, steak, burgers, you name it.
  7. Lemon & Sage Body Butter by Bliss. I could eat the stuff.
  8. Fizzy/Fruity drinks or even better, Mint Juleps!
  9. The smell of the sea and the sound of crashing waves.
  10. Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen. Happiness in a bottle.
  11. Watermelon. Super sweet and seedless.
  12. Fresh, cool morning air before the heat hits.
  13. Road trips!
  14. Entering a cool museum to escape the heat.
  15. Or… a cool movie theater.
  16. Stopping at the fruit stand after visiting Santa Barbara.
  17. Lazy evenings spent with a good book.
  18. My coconut hair cream. Smells like a mix of surf and sand.
  19. Sitting in the shade, listening to the sounds around me.
  20. Watching the Otter Pup nap in her favorite sunny spot.
  21. A perfectly ripe tomato right off the vine.
  22. The smell of fresh cut grass. No grass this year (drought).
  23. Warm summer evenings, right before the sun goes down.
  24. Strappy sandals and brightly colored toes.
  25. Bright blue skies.

I didn’t even mention NO homework but it’s right up there with the best stuff. What would you add to this list?

Sunday Matters: Weekend Eats

Sunday Matters

We had a lovely 4th. The Teen invited his girlfriend over for dinner. We BBQ’d burgers, hot links, and hot dogs. I made this pasta salad and this potato salad and we grilled corn. The Girl whipped up a fruit dip for strawberries and we made these Frozen Coconut Limeades. It was all so good. Oh, and I can’t forget The Teen’s bacon wrapped smokies. He has to have bacon or the day is not a success.

Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Foodie Crush
Iowa Girl Eats Potato Salad
Photo Credit: Iowa Girl Eats
Frozen Coconut Limeades
Photo Credit: Smitten Kitchen

Right Now:

Eating a piece of avocado toast, washing it down with coffee and then we are off to church. I  might have some time to read a chapter of Atlas Shrugged before we go. In order to stay on track with the #AtlasRAL, I have to grab a chapter whenever I can because the book is over 1200 pages long!

This Week:

The Teen takes his driver’s test this week. We could have a new licensed driver in the house by Tuesday.

On Thursday, I have a hair appointment and that is it!! Easy week, even though I think work will be picking up here soon in preparation of the Fall semester.

Reading:

I am about five chapter into Atlas Shrugged and I must say, the reading is much easier than I thought it would be. It’s still early but right now, it’s an easy book to reach for.

I overbooked myself as far as ARCs (review copies) for the month so I will be doing some quick reading of several books over the next few weeks. At least, that is the plan.

Watching:

After taking a little break from Mad Men, my normal viewing spot was booked, I managed to watch two episodes of Season 6 and I am right back into it.

I recorded that new show on AMC called Humans. I guess it’s about robots living with humans as nannies and the like. I haven’t watched the first episode yet but it looks good and will maybe tide me over until Fear the Walking Dead starts.

Making:

As you saw above, I had fun making those salads and whipping up those tropical drinks but I’m sure the rest of the week will be spent eating leftovers because I made way too much.

Grateful for:

I love having an extra day to relax. Definitely grateful for having Friday off. Also grateful to spend time with family. No volunteering tonight as the Middle School ministry is on summer break. It’s nice to not be running around.

Your turn! What do you have planned for today? What yummy stuff did you cook for the 4th?