Friday Faves #2

Welcome to the second edition of my Friday Faves!  How has your week been?  I had a delightfully quiet week at work, with time to catch up on reports and end of the year stuff.  I had a training session with the most delightful school principals this morning. Work has been good.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJIfeIFsft8/WyyBVVLN1FI/AAAAAAAAsA0/X6vmuMpHZHUlBOCGc6kxPxBWcf0-erK8gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0901.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="1280" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJIfeIFsft8/WyyBVVLN1FI/AAAAAAAAsA0/X6vmuMpHZHUlBOCGc6kxPxBWcf0-erK8gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0901.PNG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> We are going to have to start this out with something I have been obsessed with ever since my son-in-law shared it with me, and that is the Starbucks Cold Foam Cascara. I order it with half the coffee and two shots of the sugar free mocha sauce. Delish!! That foam is crazy good!   Notice the special lid. It makes sure you get the right foam to drink ratio. Have you tried it yet?<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lP7GNUl2XQM/WyyBsNp21fI/AAAAAAAAsA8/VFA3PkewDoMi2f8dgadMk2iLQnM2bX3pgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lP7GNUl2XQM/WyyBsNp21fI/AAAAAAAAsA8/VFA3PkewDoMi2f8dgadMk2iLQnM2bX3pgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0693.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> I'm currently reading Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan.  You cannot put it down!  This is a true story of Susannah who wakes to find herself in a hospital, strapped in a bed. She is spiraling into a world of madness, her brain "on fire" and no one seems to know how to help. The story continues on how she finally gets a diagnosis and her journey to wellness.  A must read.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tR_GPb0bdCA/WyyC60vXlPI/AAAAAAAAsBI/wsNqW1n9ot4X8SB401g7D8n2NHs1bY7UgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tR_GPb0bdCA/WyyC60vXlPI/AAAAAAAAsBI/wsNqW1n9ot4X8SB401g7D8n2NHs1bY7UgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1071.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> Do you do Fit Fab Fun subscription boxes?  They come one time a season and are packed with goodies for this season. The summer box is usually my favorite and this one was no exception. A cute bag for makeup, train case style, resistance bands and all kinds of wonderful products to try.  My favorite is the Foreo Luna.  It is a way to clean your skin using bluetooth technology to analyze your skin and to tell you what you need to do to help your skin appear younger. After the first use my skin felt so good!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUp9we2KEdY/WyyEcILEUjI/AAAAAAAAsBU/92GUvhFHjo4YZjNitrwY_fcR0nP3q3jxQCLcBGAs/s1600/forneo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="421" height="317" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUp9we2KEdY/WyyEcILEUjI/AAAAAAAAsBU/92GUvhFHjo4YZjNitrwY_fcR0nP3q3jxQCLcBGAs/s320/forneo.PNG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=our071-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B06XSY57C1&asins=B06XSY57C1&linkId=9ad99c2e342785307032cae3ec9de162&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=1691f0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I put in a link for you so you can get one for yourself. Amazon has one of the very best prices.  If you buy it from me, I get a small commission but your price stays the same!  </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Do you have favorite blogs?  I am in such admiration of this blog called<a href="http://tikkido.com/"> Tikkido.</a>  Nikki is a good friend, but that's not the reason I love her blog. Her recipes, crafts, and photography are amazing. Go and check her out! <i> </i>I took a little screenshot of some of her blog posts just for a teaser!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGWYur1Dtx4/WyyGFe3hSqI/AAAAAAAAsBg/wAWsNykkU74kW6b0mIACCibuo6hNWyp3ACLcBGAs/s1600/Tikkido.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1157" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGWYur1Dtx4/WyyGFe3hSqI/AAAAAAAAsBg/wAWsNykkU74kW6b0mIACCibuo6hNWyp3ACLcBGAs/s640/Tikkido.PNG" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Last but not least, my family watched the True Crime Netflix docuseries called The Staircase.  It is about the murder trial of Michael Petersen who was convicted of killing his wife Kathleen. The documentary follows the entire court case and even has updated episodes of what continues to transpire. We. Were. Rivoted.  <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80233441">Here is the direct link </a>to read more about the series.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Thank you for coming over this way and checking what's going on.  Let me know if this post made any connections with you, I'd love to talk more about any of these selections!  Have a wonderful weekend!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div>

Friday Faves #2

Welcome to the second edition of my Friday Faves!  How has your week been?  I had a delightfully quiet week at work, with time to catch up o...

A Defense of Honor #ourgoodlifebooklist

A Defense of Honor, by Kristi Ann Hunter, is a new series of Regency fiction that I am sure you will love, especially if you are a fan! Kristi explores interesting topics, such as blackmail (in the name of God) and illegitimate children. Set in a time when unmarried women found themselves pregnant and out in the streets, this novel does a wonderful job of showing how it was for these women.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I received this book from Netgallery in exchange for a review of my honest opinion.</span></i></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMcHDMxA7N4/WyVh38rRREI/AAAAAAAAr2s/F9HHQUy2-lkBvie1ktqemZnCJj3tWSTggCLcBGAs/s1600/Honor.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="457" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMcHDMxA7N4/WyVh38rRREI/AAAAAAAAr2s/F9HHQUy2-lkBvie1ktqemZnCJj3tWSTggCLcBGAs/s400/Honor.PNG" width="256" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> We meet the main characters, Kit and Lord Wharton, when Wharton sees Kit hiding behind a plant at a ball. Curious about her, Wharton goes to speak to her and enters into a lively and short conversation. From there, the two find their lives becoming more and more intertwined when the sister of Wharton's best friend disappears and he sets out to find her.<br /> <br /> What Wharton finds is that Kit is the head of a household of women and children who have been abandoned by their fathers and lovers due to an unexpected, out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Kit has a way of making those fathers and lovers pay for the keeping of the women and children.  He finds their hideaway home, deep into the countryside, and learns the drive and determination of Kit to keep the children safe at all costs.<br /> <br /> Kit's hardness to Lord Wharton is overcome when she realizes that he is as determined to help the children as she is.  Kit finds that she is drawn to this kind and gentle nobleman.  The rest you are going to have to read for yourself!<br /> <br /> The author does a beautiful job of creating characters that we love, even when they do things they shouldn't. We find ourselves forgiving, and then wondering if we should be forgiving those in our life who have done us wrong. Kristi draws us into the story by playing with our emotions toward the wonderful children and women in her care, the delightful insights they learn about each other and the details of farm life that Kit has learned to do since leaving her own noble background.<br /> <br /> I enjoyed the book, and plan to read the next in the series. I want to see what happens between Kit and Lord Wharton and what becomes of some other characters I am intrigued by.  If this book interests  you, please consider purchasing it through the link below.  The book cost stays the same for you, but I get a tiny commission for the blog.  Thank you!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=our071-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0764230751&asins=0764230751&linkId=a70a84abe78d99f084ed4c8b44d11be4&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=1691f0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe><br /></div> <br /> <br />

A Defense of Honor #ourgoodlifebooklist

A Defense of Honor, by Kristi Ann Hunter, is a new series of Regency fiction that I am sure you will love, especially if you are a fan! Kris...

Shrimp with Grilled Peach Salsa #fantasticalfoodfight

I love this time of the month when the <a href="http://www.fantasticalsharing.com/p/fantastical-food-fight.html">Fantastical Food Fight</a> bloggers compete with a theme to get the most clicks!  We have such fun and the winner gets bragging rights!  If you are a food blogger, or a blogger who posts recipes, you might want to join us for this fun event. This month the theme is Seafood!  Our family loves seafood, and especially shrimp.<br /> <br /> My husband is the grill master in our family, so I asked him to grill me up some shrimp with a light seasoning. He decided he needed to skewer them for easy grilling, and that created the perfect shrimp bed to put my Grilled Peach Salsa on.  The sweetness of the peaches, the char on the shrimp, and the perfect sides made this a crazy good meal. We made it into a surf and turf dish, as we were celebrating Father's Day.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WaEQnm5YYM/WylWJ3y7ojI/AAAAAAAAr3U/VhtpXvFM7w8xPmQyE-Q2g8d4x9BBOYEEwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1035.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WaEQnm5YYM/WylWJ3y7ojI/AAAAAAAAr3U/VhtpXvFM7w8xPmQyE-Q2g8d4x9BBOYEEwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1035.PNG" width="426" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <div class="recipe-inner" id="recipe" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Recipe" style="border: 5px solid rgb(255, 3, 30);"> <div class="info"> <span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>4</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Terri Steffes</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="printDiv.call(this,'recipe'); return false;" style="background: rgb(255, 2, 53);" type="button">Print Recipe</button></div> <h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name" style="color: #ff0325;"> Shrimp and Grilled Peach Salsa</h3> <div class="time" style="border-style: solid;"> <span class="prepTime" content="PT20M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 20 mins</span><span class="cookTime" content="PT15M" itemprop="cookTime">cook time: 15 mins</span><span class="totalTime" content="PT35M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 35 mins</span></div> <div class="summary" itemprop="description"> </div> <div class="ingredients"> <h3> ingredients:</h3> <div class="ing-section"> <div> <div> 3 peaches cut in half, pits removed</div> 3 T olive oil<br /> <div> 2 T white wine vinegar</div> <div> 1 shallot, minced</div> <div> 1 clove of garlic, minced</div> <div> 1 red chili, minced</div> <div> 1 T grated ginger</div> <div> 1 T chopped cilantro</div> <div> salt</div> <div> 2 lbs of large shrimp, shelled and deveined</div> <div> pepper</div> <div> <br /></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="instructions"> <h3> instructions:</h3> <div class="ing-section"> <div> Preheat grill to high.  In a medium bowl, stir olive oil, vingear, shallot, garlic, chili, ginger and cilantro.  Brush peaches with a bit of olive oil, and grill until the peach has grill marks and is slightly softened.  Let the peaches cool, then chop into small pieces.  Mix peaches with the dressing and season with salt.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> Drizzle the shrimp with oil, salt and pepper.  Grill the shrimp, turn once, with grill marks and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Transfer shrimp to plates, top with the peach salsa.   </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="recipe-credit"> Created using <a href="https://www.recipesgenerator.com/" target="_blank">The Recipes Generator</a></div> </div> <style>.recipe-inner{text-align:left;max-width:620px;border:6px double #009BFF;padding:20px;background:#f2f2f2;margin: 40px auto;font-family:Lato, sans-serif;}.recipe-keywords,.recipe-categories,.recipe-cuisine,.recipe-video{display:none;visibility:hidden;}.recipe-inner a{color: #4193f0;}#recipe .recipe-name{font-size: 21px;}#recipe .info{position:relative;font-size:13px;text-transform:capitalize;border-bottom:2px solid #000;padding-bottom:7px;margin-bottom:20px}.info:after{content:'';display:table;clear:both}#recipe .info span:first-child{margin-right:30px}#printbutton{border:0;margin:0;color:#fff;float:right;background:#555; 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top: 0; right: 0; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #ccc;z-index: 1;}.show-print-options{display:block}.print-options button { display: block; background: transparent; border: 0; cursor: pointer; padding: 10px; width: 100%; text-align: left; } .print-options button:hover { background: #555; color: #fff;}#recipe .image{text-align:center;margin-bottom:25px}#recipe .image img{max-width:100%}#recipe .recipe-name{line-height:1.6;text-transform:uppercase;margin-top:0;letter-spacing:1px;text-align:center;margin-bottom:20px}#recipe .time{border-top:1px dashed #000;border-bottom:1px dashed #000;border-right:0;border-left:0}#recipe .summary{margin-bottom:30px}#recipe .summary:after{content:'';display:block;width:50px;height:2px;background:#000;margin:auto;margin-top:10px}#recipe .instructions{margin-top:30px}#recipe .instructions ol{padding-left:39px;margin-top:6px}</style><script>function printDiv(a, printOption) { if (printOption === 'printWithOptions' || printOption === 'printWithImage') { this.parentElement.className = 'print-options'; 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if (printOption === 'printWithImage') { c.innerHTML = c.innerHTML.replace('img{visibility:hidden;display:none;}', 'img{display:block;margin: 20px auto;width: auto;max-width:100%;}'); } newWin.document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(c); newWin.document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0].innerHTML = b.innerHTML; newWin.print(); }</script><script src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ApwXiqXHjzq43IxR9dInYtZZZ8UR4J9n" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- <end> The Recipe Box --><br /> My family loved the salsa and thought of many ways to use it, although we all agreed that it was the perfect amount of flavor for the grilled shrimp.  We plan to make it again, and we hope you give it a try!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ogtKZxJn1hk/WylWjhN1buI/AAAAAAAAr3c/yOC36gR1g5IfAYio63qfBaxb3LJuDmWwgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ogtKZxJn1hk/WylWjhN1buI/AAAAAAAAr3c/yOC36gR1g5IfAYio63qfBaxb3LJuDmWwgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6879.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <div class="InLinkzContainer" id="776197"> <a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=776197" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div> <script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /> <!-- end InLinkz script -->

Shrimp with Grilled Peach Salsa #fantasticalfoodfight

I love this time of the month when the Fantastical Food Fight bloggers compete with a theme to get the most clicks!  We have such fun and t...

Our Visit to Anna Maria Island #pinterestchallenge

Welcome to the May Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop, hosted by <a href="https://mypinterventures.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">My Pinterventures</a>. The purpose of this Pinterest Challenge is to motivate all the participants of this hop (and you too) to not just pin, but to make it happen! This month, I chose to take the advice of the blog <a href="https://www.playpartyplan.com/return-to-anna-maria-island/">Play Party Plan</a> and her advice for our vacation to Anna Maria Island.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7urh2F9Bfvs/WxgUOTg3ATI/AAAAAAAAru8/rMxeWESCh2A2VAmO4iFOorb-r0uB3WECgCLcBGAs/s1600/ANNA%2BMARIA%2BISLAND.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7urh2F9Bfvs/WxgUOTg3ATI/AAAAAAAAru8/rMxeWESCh2A2VAmO4iFOorb-r0uB3WECgCLcBGAs/s640/ANNA%2BMARIA%2BISLAND.png" width="426" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> My husband and I took a week long vacation to Florida to celebrate his 60th birthday.  I wanted to spend a day at the beach, and a friend told me about Anna Maria Island. I hadn't heard of it so I did some research and found the blog <a href="https://www.playpartyplan.com/return-to-anna-maria-island/">Play Party Plan</a>. I read Britni's advice about the island and made note of her favorites.<br /> <br /> When I read the post about Anna Maria Island, or AMI as the locals call it, I knew this is where I wanted to go. The island has no chain restaurants or fancy high rises that block the view of the ocean.  Instead, there are lots of mom and pop restaurants and stores and adorable beach cottages all around the island (see the seahorse art below?)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgY-QPkrQm4/WxfyTsiJeNI/AAAAAAAAruU/TTGrTQWdHEAkRcNqxfuaMVHlXvifgX72wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="640" height="520" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgY-QPkrQm4/WxfyTsiJeNI/AAAAAAAAruU/TTGrTQWdHEAkRcNqxfuaMVHlXvifgX72wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0468.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Britni suggests many fabulous breakfast places, but since we were coming from Orlando, we decided to eat at our condo instead.  We made a detour into Ybor City to have Cuban coffee and guava pastries from La Segunda Bakery.  It was a fabulous start to the day.  We then headed south to AMI, which took about two hours.<br /> <br /> Once we hit the island, it was just like Britni described, "As soon as you cross over the bridge, you can just feel your blood pressure dropping as you slowly drive, with your windows down, past the cute pastel colored beach houses and locals riding around on their bicycles." The island is only 7 miles long and 1/2 mile wide. So when you see the speed limit of 35 mph, you don't fret. You just take it all in.<br /> <br /> We drove the entire island a couple of times. That's all we needed to get the lay of the land.  Our first stop was the beach that Britni talks about, with a secret entrance between two gorgeous beach homes.  The beach is called Bean Point.  It is named after the man who first inhabited the island in the 1800s. There are no facilities here, but you will have the most beautiful view. The water is gorgeous, with blues, greens and clear enough to snorkle. The sand is powder soft and white. There are all kinds of wildlife viewing, including manatees and dolphins and sea birds.  I did a bit of shelling, too.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qacLxkr1cu0/WxfyRJauHxI/AAAAAAAArus/98v9s_Guz7gtENKIBsyeviAl2KITWvWgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="640" height="530" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qacLxkr1cu0/WxfyRJauHxI/AAAAAAAArus/98v9s_Guz7gtENKIBsyeviAl2KITWvWgwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0446.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9FZIqz4JJo/WxfyRM-QEfI/AAAAAAAArug/ASmiZyeuYBs4oL6t_IFMxwE_ZnYOO9spgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="544" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9FZIqz4JJo/WxfyRM-QEfI/AAAAAAAArug/ASmiZyeuYBs4oL6t_IFMxwE_ZnYOO9spgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0448.jpg" width="544" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzXWhwA8E_M/WxfyRVJG7PI/AAAAAAAArug/i2wdq7j9hg8mwoplm9NSg--08Ys4ryYVACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="640" height="504" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzXWhwA8E_M/WxfyRVJG7PI/AAAAAAAArug/i2wdq7j9hg8mwoplm9NSg--08Ys4ryYVACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0451.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Next we went to lunch at <a href="http://sandbar.groupersandwich.com/">The Sandbar.</a>  You can dine inside, but why would you when you can dine with sand in your toes???  The outdoor seating is fabulous. The food is delicious. We started with calamari and shared a blackened grouper sandwich. The next time I am there, I am getting a cocktail! They looked amazing!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHgMbQRA8z4/WxfySPgyMdI/AAAAAAAAruo/7v50Le16cGsZz43pycVbdEjjqYkq1muUgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHgMbQRA8z4/WxfySPgyMdI/AAAAAAAAruo/7v50Le16cGsZz43pycVbdEjjqYkq1muUgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0456.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uj3WF_cXSf8/WxfyRtuEvEI/AAAAAAAAruk/caP20SqLqYwZfCTTI9iQI3G1CHvQ_4SVACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uj3WF_cXSf8/WxfyRtuEvEI/AAAAAAAAruk/caP20SqLqYwZfCTTI9iQI3G1CHvQ_4SVACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0455.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSl9sVLxWTE/WxfySozQ67I/AAAAAAAArus/1VxZrEQ6wO8AXxX3Yn2Kjp-7xKN5CRvpACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSl9sVLxWTE/WxfySozQ67I/AAAAAAAArus/1VxZrEQ6wO8AXxX3Yn2Kjp-7xKN5CRvpACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0463.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> After lunch we shopped on Pine Street. So many wonderful places, but my favorite was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shinyfishemporium/">Shiny Fish Emporium</a>, where I found a darling magnet and a Christmas tree ornament.  Britni was right that Pine Street is an Instagrammer's dream!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_eJMqaEFXk/WxfyTNd03oI/AAAAAAAAru0/5TZM1vVmP9U62yFfk9jlS2oEXcqVqp1yACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_eJMqaEFXk/WxfyTNd03oI/AAAAAAAAru0/5TZM1vVmP9U62yFfk9jlS2oEXcqVqp1yACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0464.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> All the shopping made me hungry, so we stopped at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Two-Scoops-Ice-Cream-194072183988685/">Two Scoops Ice Cream</a> near the pier.  The ice cream was a perfect treat in the afternoon.  We stayed in the shop and ate, then walked back to our car, which was near the pier. We didn't walk it, but we loved looking at it from our car.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbtUiCjmQ18/WxfyUCgFGYI/AAAAAAAAru0/QF8nUtpIOhw9tn-PJDW5Ev-MbJSWgzGvACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0485%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbtUiCjmQ18/WxfyUCgFGYI/AAAAAAAAru0/QF8nUtpIOhw9tn-PJDW5Ev-MbJSWgzGvACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0485%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="500" /></a></div> <br /> All and all, we had a short but wonderful day.  We ended our trip by driving around and taking pictures of the beach cottages. I want to thank Britni for her advice on her post about AMI.  Spot on, lady, and I hope one day I run into you at one of the beaches at AMI.  Because, I will be back.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iChIqPDFaM8/WxfyRNPeFlI/AAAAAAAAruo/KL7gFSGFdv8iS3QbvnWVnPx3fNI7SXvoQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iChIqPDFaM8/WxfyRNPeFlI/AAAAAAAAruo/KL7gFSGFdv8iS3QbvnWVnPx3fNI7SXvoQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0449.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <strong>To join next month's #pinterestchallenge, click here to sign-up ⇒ <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfPxhlkAGiYXul-zqsiUSqQOZl-VUTOJnL1THrQFa8w8rsOw/viewform" rel="noopener" target="_blank">July Pinterest Challenge</a>.</strong><br /> <br /> <hr /> <br /> <h3 style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Now let's see what other things Pinterest inspired! Head over and visit the other hosts to see what they crafted, cooked, built, or tried!</strong></h3> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop" class="aligncenter wp-image-26311" height="500" src="https://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Pinterest-Challenge-Blog-Hop.png" title="Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop" width="500" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: black;"><strong>Erlene - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://mypinterventures.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">My Pinterventures</a></span> • Lauren - <a href="http://momhomeguide.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Mom Home Guide</span><br /> </a></strong><strong>Debbee - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://debbeesbuzz.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Debbee's Buzz</a></span> • Laurie - <a href="http://myhusbandhastoomanyhobbies.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies</span><br /> </a></strong><strong>Bri - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://halfpintpartydesign.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Halfpint Design</a></span> • Julie - <a href="https://www.sumoftheirstories.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Sum of their Stories</span><br /> </a></strong><strong>Lisa - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://blogghetti.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Blogghetti</a></span> • T'onna - <a href="http://www.sewcraftycrochet.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Sew Crafty Crochet</span><br /> </a></strong><strong>Pili - <a href="http://sweethings.net/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">My Sweet Things</span></a> • Debra - <a href="https://www.shoppeno5.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Shoppe No. 5</span><br /> </a></strong><strong>Roseann - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.thisautoimmunelife.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">This Autoimmune Life</a></span> • Terri - <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Our Good Life</span><br /> </a></strong><strong>Chelc - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.insidethefoxden.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Inside The Fox Den</a></span> • Cherryl - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.farmgirlreformed.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Farm Girl Reformed</a></span><a href="http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><br /> </a></strong><strong>Leslie - <span style="color: #3366ff;">Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After</span><br /> </strong><strong>Kelley - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://simplyinspiredmeals.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Simply Inspired Meals</a></span> • Joanne - <a href="http://www.ourunschoolingjourney.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Our Unschooling Journey</span><br /> </a></strong><strong>Jenny -<span style="color: #3366ff;"> <a href="http://www.cookiescoffeeandcrafts.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Cookies Coffee and Crafts</a></span> • Gail - <a href="http://www.purplehuesandme.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Purple Hues and Me</span><br /> </a></strong><strong>Rebecca - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://hellocentralavenue.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Hello Central Avenue</a></span> • Jenna - <a href="https://thepaintedapron.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">The Painted Apron</span><br /> </a></strong><strong>Beverly - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.acrosstheblvd.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Across the Boulevard</a> </span>• Habiba - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://craftifymylove.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Craftify My Love</a></span><a href="http://www.littlebitsofhome.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><br /> </a></strong><strong>Kristie - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.teadoddles.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Teadoddles</a></span> • Shirley - <a href="https://intelligentdomestications.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Intelligent Domestications</span><br /> </a></strong><strong>Kelli - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://olympicnest.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">The Olympic Nest</a></span> • Lydia - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://lydiasflexitariankitchen.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen</a></span><a href="https://www.makingmanzanita.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><br /> </a></strong><strong>Michelle - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://ourcraftymom.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Our Crafty Mom</a></span> • Emily - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://domesticdeadline.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Domestic Deadline</a></span></strong></span><br /> <!-- start InLinkz script --></div> <br /> <div class="InLinkzContainer" id="782222"> <a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=782222" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div> <script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /> <!-- end InLinkz script -->

Our Visit to Anna Maria Island #pinterestchallenge

Welcome to the May Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop, hosted by My Pinterventures . The purpose of this Pinterest Challenge is to motivate all th...

Shrimp and Corn Chowder

Soup Saturday blogger are cooking up chowders this week.  What I love about the one I made for you is this: it is delicious cold as well as hot!  I love having this cold chowder in the heat of summer.  The flavors have a chance to marry and boy, it is delicious!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQZlmngtaSM/Wx7BxVGJaCI/AAAAAAAAr0Y/YuIwFM5MEuIhwzNBNQbu5eJ9oy4A2EEbgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0778.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="shrimp and corn chowder" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQZlmngtaSM/Wx7BxVGJaCI/AAAAAAAAr0Y/YuIwFM5MEuIhwzNBNQbu5eJ9oy4A2EEbgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0778.PNG" title="" width="426" /></a></div> <br /> Soup Saturday Bloggers have been around for over a year. I have participated in their group a few times throughout the year. I love soup and I like to have family around the table, eating a hearty soup with some good crusty bread.  It's the best ever.<br /> <br /> <div class="recipe-inner" id="recipe" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Recipe" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(0, 155, 255);"> <div class="info"> <span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>8</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Terri Steffes</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="this.parentElement.querySelector('.print-options').className='print-options show-print-options'" style="background: rgb(255, 2, 53);" type="button">Print Recipe</button><br /> <div class="print-options"> <button id="printWithImage" onclick="printDiv.call(this,'recipe','printWithImage'); return false;">With Image</button><button id="printWithoutImage" onclick="printDiv.call(this,'recipe','printWithOptions'); return false;">Without Image</button></div> </div> <div class="image"> <img itemprop="image" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hshK_JoFtuc/Wx6_mOV_P1I/AAAAAAAAr0M/4kOXOeIk0Vww6fysw3xpu-GkVkJlN_CCQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0763.jpg" /></div> <h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name" style="color: #ff0325;"> Shrimp and Corn Chowder</h3> <div class="time"> <span class="prepTime" content="PT20M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 20 mins</span><span class="cookTime" content="PT20M" itemprop="cookTime">cook time: 20 mins</span><span class="totalTime" content="PT40M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 40 mins</span></div> <div class="summary" itemprop="description"> </div> <div class="ingredients"> <h3> ingredients:</h3> <div class="ing-section"> <div> 2 T butter<br /> <div> 1 leek, cleaned and chopped</div> <div> 1 lb small red potatoes, quartered</div> <div> 3 c half and half or whole milk</div> <div> 2 T flour</div> <div> 1 jar clam juice</div> <div> salt and pepper</div> <div> 1 lb 16/20 sized shrimp, peeled</div> <div> 1 c frozen corn</div> <div> 1 T fresh lemon juice</div> <div> 1 T chopped chives</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="instructions"> <h3> instructions:</h3> <div class="ing-section"> <div> Melt butter in a Dutch oven.  Add leeks, cook 4 minutes or until softened.  Add flour, stir and cook one minute.  Add half and half, red potatoes and clam juice.  Stir, bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and cook about 10 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked through.  Add shrimp and corn and cook until shrimp is pink all the way through.  Add 1 T fresh lemon juice.  Stir.  Garnish with chopped chives.</div> </div> </div> <div class="recipe-credit"> Created using <a href="https://www.recipesgenerator.com/" target="_blank">The Recipes Generator</a></div> </div> <br /> It's nice to have a recipe that works for any season! That way, you never have to be without it! Enjoy!<br /> <!-- start InLinkz script --><br /> <div class="InLinkzContainer" id="783238"> <a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=783238" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div> <script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /> <!-- end InLinkz script -->

Shrimp and Corn Chowder

Soup Saturday blogger are cooking up chowders this week.  What I love about the one I made for you is this: it is delicious cold as well as ...

Friday Faves First Edition

All through the blogging world, bloggers post a Friday post sharing their favorite things. I adore these posts, mostly because through them I am able to get to know them at a much more personal level. I have decided to have my own favorites post, and I am calling it Friday Faves. I'll share with you all the things I love, gardening, books, recipes, food, cocktails, shopping finds... and I hope you will come here with your coffee and start your day with me!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qhDdfoFgFUc/WyGROIGDeHI/AAAAAAAAr2U/2Be65fHMtmEzV3mVM53_WvNvUIOVwJRpQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0901.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="1280" height="319" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qhDdfoFgFUc/WyGROIGDeHI/AAAAAAAAr2U/2Be65fHMtmEzV3mVM53_WvNvUIOVwJRpQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0901.PNG" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Let's get to it!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> 1. I am in love with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GU6TINM/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=our071-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01GU6TINM&linkId=14cd7f8d33158031671620598bbbd9d7">my new water bottle.</a>  I bought it at a Cracker Barrel for 25% off!  Flamingoes are awesome.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcswjKCsKfw/WyGLVBJ1W8I/AAAAAAAAr2A/xQggxdtqzugeqth0sSY1U-3Ob5vwyhjRACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcswjKCsKfw/WyGLVBJ1W8I/AAAAAAAAr2A/xQggxdtqzugeqth0sSY1U-3Ob5vwyhjRACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0889.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> 2.  Do you know about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GU6TINM/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=our071-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01GU6TINM&linkId=14cd7f8d33158031671620598bbbd9d7">Rocketwave Notebooks?</a>  They are reusable notebooks that you can wipe off the ink when you are finished. These pocket notebooks are perfect for your bag.  Just a rag, which they provide and a little water and it is as new again!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNyNJACLwbc/WyGKvgOoPXI/AAAAAAAAr1o/gBi2dDcoiR8c3D5fAxNknXPG_HpI9bHKACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNyNJACLwbc/WyGKvgOoPXI/AAAAAAAAr1o/gBi2dDcoiR8c3D5fAxNknXPG_HpI9bHKACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0896.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> 3.  I picked up this adorable book at Cracker Barrel, too.  In addition to flamingos, I love shells. My bucket list of travel includes a week at Sanibel Island, Florida.  <a href="https://shop.crackerbarrel.com/collections/coastal/seashells-book/613147">This book </a>is almost sold out online.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpQnbLWnah8/WyGK_nNmgfI/AAAAAAAAr1s/y59oL1YFHasz9NHwNXT6NhkZGIOXm8Z7gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpQnbLWnah8/WyGK_nNmgfI/AAAAAAAAr1s/y59oL1YFHasz9NHwNXT6NhkZGIOXm8Z7gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0892.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> 4.  I won this sweet little wreath at my local Garden Tour this weekend. I truly believe in supporting our local efforts for community improvement. The annual Garden Tour features 10 outdoor spaces in our neighborhood, all which are incredible in one way or another.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6im173WS0M/WyGLInky4vI/AAAAAAAAr10/-XbwNQ_X-yElgDfXWvh5o0hkaDOAlL87QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6im173WS0M/WyGLInky4vI/AAAAAAAAr10/-XbwNQ_X-yElgDfXWvh5o0hkaDOAlL87QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0894.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> 5.  Speaking of bags, my heart is still aching over the loss of Kate Spade. If you are reading this and think you need help, please call <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1-800-273-8255. Get help. People love you.</b></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.87); font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XndT25gosGo/WyGLOceav0I/AAAAAAAAr14/Y4ph9RAWKYAILpMxA2beiB7pjN76WNZpgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XndT25gosGo/WyGLOceav0I/AAAAAAAAr14/Y4ph9RAWKYAILpMxA2beiB7pjN76WNZpgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0895.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.87); font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.87); font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How was our first Friday Faves? I am excited about this new feature on my blog and hope you will come back next week!  Leave me a comment about one of the faves this week or tell me one of your faves that I should check out!  Until next Friday, I wish you joy, peace and love!</span></span></div>

Friday Faves First Edition

All through the blogging world, bloggers post a Friday post sharing their favorite things. I adore these posts, mostly because through them ...

Red White and Blue Frozé #improvcookingchallenge

<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm a little behind the frozé craze but it's always better late than never! A frozé is a frozen rosé wine with a few added ingredients. This is going to be my contribution to the Improv Cooking Challenge hosted by Nicole Little of a<a href="http://www.cookaholicwife.com/"> Cookaholic Wife </a>blog. Nicole inspires us every month with a specific theme and we go to work!</span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Akk3mpxgFk/Wx3OqRL-KdI/AAAAAAAArz0/pyhYGTI--vA0sjqheAXiy3HgWg_7kgfmwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0761.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="red, white and blue froze" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Akk3mpxgFk/Wx3OqRL-KdI/AAAAAAAArz0/pyhYGTI--vA0sjqheAXiy3HgWg_7kgfmwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0761.PNG" title="" width="426" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's always fun to work with a patriotic red, white and blue theme.  There have been some wonderful recipes made with this theme such as my <a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2015/05/tomato-shrimp-and-bleu-cheese-pizza.html">Tomato, Shrimp and Bleu pizza</a>, <a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2017/07/patriotic-slaw-sundaysupper.html">Patriotic Slaw</a>, and this <a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2016/05/strawberry-shortcake-trifle.html">Strawberry Trifle. </a>These are festive and fun dishes and easy to make!</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Back to our frozé, this is a simple recipe that can be made in advance up to three weeks! That's a real help when it's time to put together the party. Let's see how truly simple this is.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dVV5jRODrLs/Wx3OmjlJs3I/AAAAAAAArzs/iA0VbQFuIksre0v2SVzdOX7wxjhwQiD7QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="red, white, and blue froze" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dVV5jRODrLs/Wx3OmjlJs3I/AAAAAAAArzs/iA0VbQFuIksre0v2SVzdOX7wxjhwQiD7QCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0801.jpg" title="" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Froz</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">é</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> </span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 bottle of </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">ros</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">é wine, lighter if you want the drink whiter, darker if you want a deeper red</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 oz strawberry simple syrup</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 c  frozen blueberries for garnish</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">8 large strawberries, 4 frozen, 4 fresh</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 c whipped cream for garnish</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">the juice of one lemon</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 c crushed ice</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> </span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make your strawberry simple syrup by stirring 1/2 c water into 1/2 c sugar.  Boil, then add four strawberries, cut up, stem removed to the water.  Turn off the heat and let the strawberries sit for at least 30 minutes.  Remove the strawberries and place the syrup into a jar.  Refrigerate.</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> </span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pour the wine into a gallon ziplock bag, squeezing out some of the air and put in the freezer for at least six hours or overnight, or until the day of your party.</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> </span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To make:  In a strong blender, add the frozen wine, 1/4 c simply syrup, 4 frozen strawberries, and the lemon juice and 1 c crushed ice.  Blend until pureed. You can put this back into the freezer and then reblend at party time to save even more time.</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> </span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pour into 4 glasses, top with frozen blueberries and whipped cream.  Enjoy!</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /> </span></span> <!-- start InLinkz script --><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUw8CgVcvtA/Wx3OtnHHujI/AAAAAAAAr0A/6nXPNAZF1REnbcAOf79_xQ8sM2xG06FvwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUw8CgVcvtA/Wx3OtnHHujI/AAAAAAAAr0A/6nXPNAZF1REnbcAOf79_xQ8sM2xG06FvwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0799.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span> <br /> <div class="InLinkzContainer" id="757058"> <a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=757058" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div> <script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /> <!-- end InLinkz script --><br />

Red White and Blue Frozé #improvcookingchallenge

I'm a little behind the frozé craze but it's always better late than never! A frozé is a frozen rosé wine with a few added ingredien...

Lake Success #ourgoodlifebooklist

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZp-gzuoEVo/Wxwnx6i5iKI/AAAAAAAAryw/E05QUj-9p-Is4jhBB96thfiEmiwnGv8hwCLcBGAs/s1600/Lake%2BSuccess.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZp-gzuoEVo/Wxwnx6i5iKI/AAAAAAAAryw/E05QUj-9p-Is4jhBB96thfiEmiwnGv8hwCLcBGAs/s320/Lake%2BSuccess.PNG" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> I received this book from Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.</div> <br /> I've not read anything by author Gary Schteyngart before so I came in without a sense of this author's style. I picked this book because the main character is a hedge fund manager and I wanted to see if this author was going to give us any new insights to these instant multi million (billion) aire people.<br /> <br /> Set during the Trump election, Schteyngart weaves the election through out the entire story. I love when an author can pin society's shortcomings right on the proverbial bulletin board. Greediness, amorality, lying, all play a part in the character of Barry Cohen, a hedge fund manager of a company called This Side of Capital, which he lifted, quite proudly, from F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise. <br /> <br /> When we meet Barry, he is in the center of the New York Port Authority, drunk, bleeding and barely knowing his own name. For some reason, that made me laugh, so I continued reading to find that Barry has it all: a beautiful wife, a three year old son, lots and lots of assets in his company. The reader eventually realizes that it is all fake, gloriously fake, and that the super rich have their problems as well. Barry's son is severely autistic, his wife is unhappy and having an affair, and he's under investigation by the SEC.<br /> <br /> So Barry does the most incredible thing: he jumps on a Greyhound bus, with nothing but a credit card and clothes he's been wearing for days, in search of the woman that got away, his college girlfriend. From here the story goes on with Barry thinking he is getting back to the "real America" but finds that all that he meets has their own stories and issues. It's about this time when we see Barry making a leap toward maturity. Eventually Barry heads back to New York City to face his demons in the form of his family and the SEC. One lets him off easy, the other doesn't. I don't think it is hard to figure out which is which.<br /> <br /> Shteyngart creates a message of an America confused about what really defines success. Look closely, are money, power and possessions the right definition of success, or is this just the ticking of the wristwatches that Barry collects, waiting for it all to blow up?<br /> <br /> If this book sounds like one you want to purchase, please consider purchasing it here. I get a small commission and the price stays the same for you!<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=our071-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0812997417&asins=0812997417&linkId=0b31dcb45d2a6a99c67297d6d83c4e62&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=1691f0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe></div>

Lake Success #ourgoodlifebooklist

I received this book from Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion. I've not read anything by author Gary Schteyngart be...

Summer Cutting Garden

My heart is so happy that it is time for planting my summer cutting garden.  Last year was my <a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2017/10/life-lessons-from-cutting-garden.html">first year to have a cutting garden</a>, and it made me so entirely happy.  Fresh flowers in my house all summer long!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uC-2u5TPUbo/WxrMI3mPdEI/AAAAAAAAryU/P-pWGptKMUs8rqYZFpvFbpIQPJ9pSaCQQCLcBGAs/s1600/creating%2Bthe%2Bperfect.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uC-2u5TPUbo/WxrMI3mPdEI/AAAAAAAAryU/P-pWGptKMUs8rqYZFpvFbpIQPJ9pSaCQQCLcBGAs/s640/creating%2Bthe%2Bperfect.png" width="426" /></a></div> <br /> This is year two, and I am putting into practice what I learned from last year.  I definitely still want that wild English garden look, but I have researched the flowers that are going into my garden a bit more, plus allowing some of the flowers that came back on their own to flourish.<br /> <br /> Here are the flowers I chose, and the reasons for them:<br /> <br /> <b>Zinnias</b>- I chose zinnias because they have a firm stem, pretty leaves and come in a variety of colors. This year I planted them in pink and dark pink.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2Z5_TL7wgE/WxrJbdsLZgI/AAAAAAAArxw/Sf7UMSQ40ksYWYOuc-L_ipFVq82hwMv7wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2Z5_TL7wgE/WxrJbdsLZgI/AAAAAAAArxw/Sf7UMSQ40ksYWYOuc-L_ipFVq82hwMv7wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0681.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Sunflowers</b>- I chose a smaller version that will work well in vases. This is a new flower for me. I chose it for its bright color and strong stem.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pEyafyIMm74/WxrJoNoOQcI/AAAAAAAArx0/zRv07TAQrbUQvNIElF7nV0-52vdwBvKzACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pEyafyIMm74/WxrJoNoOQcI/AAAAAAAArx0/zRv07TAQrbUQvNIElF7nV0-52vdwBvKzACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0685.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Tree marigold-</b> This flower lasts a long time and has a strong stem.  Perfect yellow color for a bright bouquet.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWwbscBOkJc/WxrJuHuOyjI/AAAAAAAArx8/8e8sF_u9jf4IOe_cEtoUJSWRW-mFoLBYACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWwbscBOkJc/WxrJuHuOyjI/AAAAAAAArx8/8e8sF_u9jf4IOe_cEtoUJSWRW-mFoLBYACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0684.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Purple Coneflower</b>- Long strong stems and beautiful blossoms made this an easy pick!  The flowers range from deep purple to a light pink.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-ntFvZdPns/WxrJ1sQi9aI/AAAAAAAAryA/Jgzc3F-U8TctNM0h9byMoCRffxURvzkPwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-ntFvZdPns/WxrJ1sQi9aI/AAAAAAAAryA/Jgzc3F-U8TctNM0h9byMoCRffxURvzkPwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0686.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> It's very hot here and the flowers are feeling it.  We keep them well watered, especially in the early evening when the sun isn't so bad.  I also planted a seed mix called Cut Flowers.  I am eager to see if they grow quickly in this heat.<br /> <br /> Starting a summer cutting garden isn't difficult. The hardest part for me is choosing the flowers.  There are so many wonderful flowers just waiting to be planted!

Summer Cutting Garden

My heart is so happy that it is time for planting my summer cutting garden.  Last year was my first year to have a cutting garden , and it m...