Summer Memory Lane

Fall or could it be an early winter? Yesterday I saw huge snowflakes outside my window. It was sooo cold, and I was excited to pull out my winter sweaters and boots! But I wanted to reminisce the fond memories of the summer. Since my blog is new, I figured I might as well post these:


Summer Top Ten:

1. My baby boy turned one! And I had so much fun decorating for his Monkey party!
Monkey Cake Recipe the kids loved it!




2. Fun Bridal showers and Baby showers!

coconut cupcakes (Ina Garten, and homemade favors with vintage paper)




3. Cooling off in the Pool

St George Utah(Ryan and I)

4. BBQ
Had a great party with friends from the college days. Great company great food! Thanks for attending!



5. Blueberries Yum (pancakes, on my oatmeal, frozen, smoothies) lots of antioxidants and sooo good too!

6. Summer Shoes

Especially this great red shoe from Nordstroms only $49.00


7. Ryan Walks..or Runs and Fast




8. Watermelon...Need I say more?

Watermelon is a low-calorie, fat free way to supply your body with important nutrients including vitamins A, B6, C,thiamine and also a rich source of lycopene. In Summer, increased heat and humidity can lead to increased sweating, resulting in more water loss. To compensate, you can supply your body with watermelon marvel because watermelons consist of %90 water!!!





9. Summer Pedicures, I recommend the Spa Club join the club for 25$ a year and get great discounts on all of your beauty treatments. The spa pedicure is fabulous! They have locations all over Utah.




yes this is my very own feet, don't laugh!

10.Reading good Books. I recommend Stephanie Myers Twilight Series, I still have the third book to read, but they are so entertaining, and cleverly written, a love story with a twist. A must read series!

Lunching

I had lunch with some friends at the dodo, for those of you who visit Utah or live here. I highly recommend. I had a Smoked turkey sandwich, it is like a french dip with the most scrumptious BBQ dipping sauce. Can I say Yum! One of my favorites! Not to mention the great design and fabulous desserts.

SOUP SOUP SOUP

Tip of the day: buy this cookbook!

This recipe is my most requested recipe, (It was originally from Ina Garten The barefoot contessa cookbook pict above), I added a little cream...A little cream makes everything better!. My husband is so picky, and he loves this soup! I have had requests to share it so here you are:

3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons good olive oil 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions) 6 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 (28-ounce) canned plum tomatoes, with their juice 4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1 quart chicken stock or water, 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss together the tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes.
In an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes,add cream. Pass through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade. Taste for seasonings. Serve hot or cold.

I usually serve with grilled cheese! I freeze it too! Then you have a quick meal option.

Love it want it!

OiOi diaper bags, such great design, I have the green hobo bag and love it. Check out the new Giraffe pattern. Fun and Classy!

A day in the hood

Texas Roadhouse

We went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner, It is a fun place to go with country music and the waiters and waitresses line dance, my brother Jeremy came with us.

One fine Day

Yesterday was Friday! That means no work, and a fun day with Ryan. We always go to the Farmers market, we picked up a huge box of peaches because I am actually going to learn how to can. ( I know its a surprise to most of you that I have never done this before) My friend Amanda, is teaching me on Monday. Soon I will be a an experienced caner.

Ryan and I walked around trying locally grown fruit and veggies, I really enjoy that time, he seemed to enjoy it too! I bought Ryan some shoes at a party... Have any of you heard of squeaky shoes? They squeak as they walk, Its great for me because Ryan is so fast, he can run! So I just follow the squeak! And when you can't stand the squeak, you can take out the squeaker. Its great!

We also bought some acorn squash, I was thinking of using it for a fall table decoration, but then I found a recipe for baked acorn squash with brown sugar and butter. Yum! We will have to try it.