It’s hot, hot summer time and the perfect day for watching one of my favorite “feel good” movies! P.S. I Love You is lovely romantic comedy that I know you’ll enjoy. Here’s a bit of music and scenery to entice you!
Wednesday Word
I chose today’s word because we need to practice it daily. Kindness is essential to our well being. With today’s current political battle emerging it is even more important that we be kind to one another. I find it shocking how low people can go with name calling, lies and downright hatred. I am not pointing a finger at anyone, just watching it all and sadly shaking my head. If we all concentrate a bit more on kindness and sending it out to everyone we meet each day it might just make a difference. And, yes, it can be that simple! The most important things in life tend to be.
Simple Sundays
I’m running late! Reuniting with old friends, family and having our kids arrive yesterday made the past week a fun one! I’ve been lazy today but can’t miss my Simple Sunday post so I chose one of my favorite simple songs from long ago to share with you! It’s perfect for lying on the beach or relaxing on he front porch with a pitcher of iced tea. Enjoy! (more…)
A Taste of Mexico
My family loves Mexican food anytime of the year. I find the dishes I prepare during cooler months to be much to heavy in the summer. I have created a method for building, literally, loaded nachos that will stand up to what you will find on any Mexican menu! We love these and with loads of seasonal fresh vegetables they are so healthy!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Good tortilla chips, we prefer white corn chips
1 small box heirloom cherry tomatoes
1 bunch fresh radishes
1 purple onion, peeled and chopped
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
2 fresh jalapenos, seeded and sliced
2 avocados, peeled and sliced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels, frozen or freshly cut off the cob (if using fresh you’ll want to steam them lightly to soften)
1 bunch fresh cilantro
1 package velveeta shredded cheese
1 package Colby/Jack shredded
Sour Cream for Garnish
To assemble:
Place a layer of chips topped with a third of the two cheeses sprinkled on top. Place another layer of chips with the rest of the cheese on top, Pour the black beans and corn over this and top with the remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about five minutes. Top with all of the sliced veggies, fresh sour cream and serve your favorite salsa on the side! Easy breezy and so delicious! Enjoy!
Wednesday Word
Flexitarian
Chef Dave Snyder’s Summer Produce
I am a Flexitarian! People tend to laugh at me when asked what that means so I decided to use this word for today’s post. As a flexitarian I choose what I want to eat. I believe it means that I am a conscious eater. I want to know where my food comes from and how it was raised. I prefer organic produce, locally grown and in season. I do not want to buy scallions from Mexico or fruit from any place that is not within 100 miles of our home. In the instance of meat, which I very rarely consume any longer, I want to know how and where it was raised. Grass fed beef that did not go through a slaughterhouse is my preference. I can hardly bring myself to eat pork any long but will on occasion. Chicken is still on the regular menu…one to two times a week. But my favorite form of lean protein remains fish and seafood. Living in the mecca of extraordinary food makes my choices very easy. I have learned how to make a mean black bean burger and all sorts of meat substitutes that are easy and delicious. I’ll share more about my choices and the impact they have on my overall health. I feel great so something must be working! Here’s to healthy eating!
Sensational Southern Style!
I’m hosting a guest blog from Luxe Decor featuring the amazing style of New Orleans! I hope you’ll enjoy this post as much as I have!
Classic New Orleans style is romantic and elegant while being infused witha gothic sensibility. For those seeking a Southern style refresh with a Big Easy twist, there are many elements to consider. Classic and refined decorative elements will work for any home seeking to capture New Orleans spirit.
To amp up the Creole charm, here are a few design trends to explore.
Image Via Historical Concepts
Revel in the spirit of the French Quarter with vintage furnishings in colorful prints. Add framed clown pictures for the jovial atmosphere of Mardi Gras all year round.
Image Via Laurens Thoughts
Take a cue from the historic and gothic elements of New Orleans and design a living space dedicated to luxury. A plush velvet chaise takes center stage in a room with gray tile flooring as well as traditional parlor accents like chandeliers and a large fireplace.
Image Via Bid This House
Create a cozy family room while adding timeless New Orleans style by incorporating old-world décor. A large candelabrum takes center stage while bookcases with attached sconces provide unexpected regal flair.
Image Via Houzz
For creating a real nod to bayou country, adding a large mural or intricate wallpaper will make a dining room feel like a mysterious museum. A classic dining table set makes for a trip back in time to the days when New Orleans was a cotton port and home to many French aristocrats.
Image Via Paddle 8
For truly reinventing the style of NOLA, there’s no better decorating strategy than to forget less is more. Filling a space with eccentric art, colorful vases and funky furnishings will truly replicate the wild and wacky world of this eclectic and unforgettable city.
Many thanks to Amy Spagnola at LuxeDecor
Simple Sundays
This has been a tough week for everyone. Shootings, violence, racism and hatred. It’s enough already. I’m sick and tired of politics, I have no place in my mind or heart for racism and hatred. I found this simple song while scrolling through YouTube and it suits the day perfectly. Joy and peace to all!
Easy Living
Hot, muggy weather means lighter fare for dinner. I love nothing better than putting a beautiful platter of some of our favorite things together for a light supper. Add a baguette, chilled white wine or, in the case, Peroni beer and you’ve got a fabulous meal, fit for entertaining! Use your imagine and add your favorites!
Wednesday Word
Mosaic! A word that speaks to so many different things. Art…..is the first thing that may come to mind. I am thinking of this word in regard to life today. Each of us make a mosaic as we live our lives. There are intricate twists and turns as well as places that flow gently. All of our experiences come together to form the fabric of our lives. The triumphs and pitfalls we live through all create the patterns of our lives. I believe we can change things for the better through positive thinking and focus. Think about it today and take a moment to close your eyes and see the mosaic you’d like your life to create. I found this beautiful mosaic on-line and feel it expresses what I’d like my life to create.
New Beginnings
My mother raised me to believe that if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all. I take that to heart when I write this blog and do not share news or stories that do not lift the spirit. I alluded to good news that will be coming this week for me and my family in my Sunday post. It has been a long road and we are very grateful for the good things that are coming our way.
I can’t share the news yet, but when I can you will be in store for a delightful journal of life unfolding in a new place.
