Summer Sale!

I don't know about you, but I have some good ideas when I'm on a plane. Really, I do. I love flying, love the hum of the engines and the feel of all that space between me and the ground. It inspires me!

So, my latest arial inspiration? A sale at my little Etsy shop, Sew Cherry Pie. I've got heaps of new stuff to put in the shop but don't want to do that until some of what's there finds new homes. So...a sale. That's twenty percent off everything at the shop! Woo hoo!

Just enter the coupon code FUNINTHESUN at checkout. Couldn't be easier, could it? I hope you'll take a peek. Thanks!

And, there are more airborne ideas coming soon. And photos, too! I've been on an adventure--a lovely adventure that has really recharged my tired batteries. It's amazing how refreshing a little bit of time away can be, isn't it?

Hope you're having a great week!

It's That Time Again...

That's right. It's zucchini time again. I love zucchini! I know, everyone moans and groans about the summertime glut of zucchini. Not me--I can never get enough zucchini!

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

Fried Zucchini Blossoms

A favorite in our house!

Fried Zucchini Blossoms

zucchini blossoms
2 cups whole milk
4 Tablespoons
flour
An egg, lightly beaten
Salt
Olive oil for frying

Trim the stems of the zucchini blossoms, remove flower parts from inside the blossom and wash gently them gently. Pat them dry, using a delicate touch. Combine the milk, flour and egg.

Heat the oil in a deep pan.

Lightly salt the zucchini blossoms then dredge them in batter. Immediately drop them into the oil and fry them until golden. Drain on paper towels, then serve them hot.

Make more than you think you'll need. Believe me. Make more.

Red, White & Blue

From the Kitchen

I love dried cranberries. I made these last night and they were heavenly!

1 cup toasted almonds, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped

Combine the almonds and cranberries.

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.

Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over slightly simmering water. Stir frequently.

When chocolate is melted, add the cranberries and nuts.

Spoon out heaping clusters of the mixture onto the waxed paper. Put the baking sheet into the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

Store and serve at room temperature. Enjoy!

Midnight Craving

Fried up a batch of these last night. i wanted something sweet, but not too sweet, so these were perfect. Topped with whipped cream, they were delicious.

I hope you enjoy them!


Pan-Fried Apples

5 tart apples
2 T. butter
½ cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 t. cinnamon
2 t. nutmeg

Peel and thinly slice apples.

Melt butter in a large skillet.
Add all ingredients and saute
until apples are tender.

Larking It

Hello, friends! Happy Friday.

I'm over at The Lark Journals, gabbing about a new obsession. Really, I'm obsessed!

Why not come on over and visit? I'll see you there!

Road Trip

Recently I had the opportunity to head to the wilderness of upstate New York. One of my closest friends in the world (really, she's a sister to me) invited me to go along on a women's weekend. It was a retreat of sorts at the beautiful cabin she and her husband own.

Just what I needed, exactly when I needed it most. Isn't it incredible that someone else can see inside your heart and soul, understand what would benefit you the most and then just oh-so casually provide that exact experience?

Yes, I know. I am blessed.

So, there were five of us. I had the pleasure of meeting three new friends. All amazing women. All committed to making a positive impact on the world. Each a unique personality. I loved being surrounded by such smart, sensitive women.

We talked. Laughed. Shared. Discussed world issues as well as the more basic ones, like faith, family, friends. We stayed up late, ate far too much and giggled like schoolgirls. Then, we talked some more.

Some of us went to Sunday Mass at a sweet little church with gorgeous stained glass windows. I will remember that hour always.

Talking while chopping vegetables. Chatting while exploring a new-to-me town. Sharing beneath a picnic unbrella during a rainstorm while eating ice cream. Does it get any better? Not often.

There was never a moment when I didn't feel support, friendship, love and understanding swirling about us. A few times I stepped back, used my writer's objective eye, and witnessed the group dynamic.

Honestly, women rock! I returned home with my soul singing, a full heart and more peace than I've had in many months.

Thank you, Penny. Thank you Michele, Colleen and Jen. You helped create a memory that will sustain me. Your kindness will carry me many times, through the rough patches I know are still ahead of me.

When I'm feeling battered, I will recall the cabin retreat experience. I will put it out of my internal file, dust it off and let our laughter surround me. I will remember that we had fun, and although I feel like a completely different woman than the one I knew even one year ago, I am still me. I know how to smile, share and listen. I am still me. You four reminded me of that very important fact.

As I said, women rock. Especially the four of you!

Oh! Did I mention that Penny and I had our picture taken with a bear? That's right. We did! How cool is that?

Old-Fashioned Lemonade

Before I forget, I've added some new items to my Etsy shop, Sew Cherry Pie. I hope you'll take a peek! Thank you!

Just a fast, simple, yummy recipe this morning. I've got a garden to tend, so please excuse me if I dash. Hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Old-fashioned Lemonade

lemons
1/2 cup to 1 cup sugar
cold water

Use one cup water for each lemon. We usually make five cups at a time, just because that's the number of cups our glass pitcher holds.

Roll the lemons on the countertop, then cut and squeeze the juice out. Combine everything and let chill. Serve over ice.

Hint: A dash of vodka in this, especially after a long, hot day of gardening, works really well!

Tidbits

Just a fast check in to say hi and let you know I'm still here. I've been busy, busy, busy...so many things to take care of here on the farm during the summer months, my head is spinning. It's good that I've running flat out; keeping busy has definite advantages. Also, the farm looks fab!

Dru asked how big the roll-up blanket is. I'm sorry, but don't know! I haven't measured it, and right now it's tucked into the back seat of the car so it's not nearby to measure. I made it long enough that I can sit on it with my legs stretched out in front of me. I love the convenience of it, and have been dragging it everywhere with me.

Oh, so to divulge the mystery content in the cake post. The liquid I added to the box of cake mix was--drum roll, please!--diet cherry Dr. Pepper. No fooling, that's what it was. And it was the only thing I added. Twelve ounces of diet cherry Dr. Pepper, one cake mix, a good stir and yum! Fast, simple and tasty.

Thanks, Mom, for sharing the recipe with me.

Not much new here. Weeding, mowing, writing, swing, baking. All the usual stuff, keeping me busy.

I hope you have a peaceful day!

This and That

My sewing machine's getting a workout this week. So many things to create...

I don't know about you, but I like a little blanket to take to the park. That way, when I sit and read I don't have to worry some creepy-crawly will creep (or crawl!) up my shorts.

And since I'm not big into schlepping something huge with me, I devised a small, travel-friendly blanket.

On the surface, it looks pretty ordinary. Just another quilty little bunch of fabric squares.


But when it's folded in half, something altogether different happens.

Rolled and tied like a sleeping bag, the blanket becomes very portable.

Especially when it's tucked into its own matching bag!

I've already tested this out and it works just great. So happy with the results!

A new girly bag for the Etsy shop.

And a kitty tote for the Etsy shop, as well.

Now, to have time to list some new creations in Sew Cherry Pie. Maybe Monday. Or Tuesday. Or...

What about you? What has been keeping you busy?

Mystery Ingredient

Too easy for words, this recipe. My mom clued me in and when I gave it a try I was blown away. Not only is it the easiest recipe ever, it tastes yummy, too.

Want to guess what's in the measuring cup? It's the only thing I added to the cake mix.

Still guessing? Hmm?

Some chocolate icing and this cake's a winner!

Larking It

Happy Friday! I hope you're having a peaceful week. Today I'm over at the Lark Journals. I hope you'll stop in and say hello.

Have a great day!