i'm grinning...

I know the customary thing to do if you have been blogged about is to post a link and a thank you on your own blog. I am a little hesitant to link to the latest mention. You see g.'s post at ticklishfromadistance had me blushing so much that I wouldn't be surprised at all if your screens looked a little pinker this morning. She also stole my ability to use words....quite a feat if you know me at all. It really isn't playing fair if you steal some one's words when they are trying to say thank you. So here it is simply...thanks for the mention g. I really am thrilled that you love your bag that much! It means much more to me than I seem to be able to express. And I've decided this will be my philosophy today.

And while I'm saying thank you for the mentions, I have to thank Heidi over at faboolosity. You see, she won the sculptural pencil....how fitting for a graphic designer. The fact that she doesn't want to let it is very touching.

I am quite behind on updating the thanks for the mention link on my sidebar....as well as, my blog links so if you would like to be included let me know......Have a great Monday everyone. Go check out these two blogs....that is if you like witty humor and good design.

image found here

celebrating independence??

Happy 4th of July! While you're celebrating your independence, the husband and I will be celebrating our lack of. Tomorrow is our 13th wedding anniversary. Hope your weekend is filled with love, fireworks, and picnics.

image found here

byob

I've been all about the picnic this week and I just can't move on without throwing in a thirst quenching beverage. Have you ever had beer with lemonade? You may also know it as a shandy. Pour some good beer over ice (or just be sure your beer is very cold) and add anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 of the glass with fresh lemonade.....refreshing. Tie it together in a picnic blanket or put them in a basket and you even have yourself a hostess gift that everyone enjoys......leave the blanket or basket for the hostess of course.

image found here

gift wrapped salads...

Since I am in the mood to share picnic recipes, you have to have this one. You could wrap this one in a box and tie it with a bow and they might think it was the best gift they ever received...it's that good.

Blue Cheese Coleslaw

2lbs. napa cabbage

1/2 lb. blue cheese (or gorgonzola)

3/4 c. cider vinegar

1/4 tsp. dry mustard

1 tsp. celery seeds

2 cloves garlic

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. white pepper

2 T sugar

1/4 c. minced white onion

3/4 c. vegetable oil

mix coleslaw and blue cheese and let sit for at least an hour or overnight (you want the flavors to mix) mix remaining for dressing. whisk. add just before serving....you don't always need all the dressing be careful not to get it too wet. serves 6-8

I don't have an image of this to post for you....you'll just have to trust me and try it for yourself, but here is a place I would go to the end of the universe for with my coleslaw and watermelon in my picnic basket.

image found here
Where would you love to go to picnic this weekend?

sweet and salty

It would be fascinating to take a census of the number of picnics happening simultaneously around the country this weekend and what they would be serving. One thing I know I will be making is a watermelon feta salad. If you haven't tried this combination of flavors, you don't know what you're missing. The recipe is extremely simple. Just cut up a seedless watermelon into cubes or square slices...add some crumbled feta. I like to lay it out on a platter and drizzle it with olive oil and some fresh lime juice. Then sprinkle some fresh thyme over the top. I've heard where people add black olives or sliced red onions or even basil. I like to serve it next to some greens.

image Martha Stewart....her recipe is here

What is the one thing you know you will be serving?

star spangled celebrations

I imagine I am probably one of the first....if not the first.....to post pictures from a fourth of July celebration. Don't ask me the reason, but a little town in our area always has their fireworks the weekend before the actual holiday. I love a good fireworks display....I'll tell you why soon.....and these did not disappoint. They were quite spectacular really. I found this quote and really like its sentiment.

Did you know that fireworks date back to 12th century China where they were used to scare off evil spirits with their loud sounds and also to pray for happiness and prosperity. If you are looking for a little way to add some star worthy sparkle to your fourth celebration, don't forget about our star sparklers. What do you enjoy about fireworks?

chocolate...my drug of choice.

I'm trying to appreciate this and even understand it. Have you seen it? Whiffing...am I getting that old that I think this sounds like something kids should NOT be doing? If you haven't seen it, it is the new way to eat chocolate, by breathing it. Le Whif was developed by a Harvard professor and a biomedical engineer (I swear)...and is the first inhalable chocolate.My normal test for a product is could I plan a party around it? I'm not sure when chewing became such a nuisance, but I know I could plan a party around it. I have to know your thoughts on this.

first discovered here