4 Things.

Hello, faithful readers.  I've missed posting for the last few weeks.  I hope to be able to get back on schedule.  I really try to be present in the moment, but lately I have felt like time is really getting away from me. Memorial Day has come and gone.  And with that, the unofficial start of Summer!  Whew.  Where has the time gone?  Although summer is my favorite season. 
-Have you heard about the Brimfield Antique Show?  I've read a lot about it and hope go some day!  It's in Massachusetts, so not the most convinent location....  But looks amazing!  It's the largest outdoor antique show/flea market in the world!!  About an hour from Boston.  The next show is in July...
-We are all reeling from the news of the catastrophic tornado that recently hit Moore, OK.  I grew up in the midwest and have taken cover in my basement more times than I can count.  Scary stuff.  If you're interested in helping, here are a few places!
-Now that it's almost summer, here are 15 classic summer cocktail recipes.
-If you'll looking for something a little different to grill, how about this recipe for a Grilled Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Pizza?

4 Things

After what felt like a cold and rainy week, I'm looking forward to some warmth and sunshine this weekend!

And in honor of Mother's Day this Sunday, I enjoyed this post from Pretty Prudent, where a few bloggers share their best advice they've given their daughters.  My favorite is from Ashley and her blog Lil Blue Boo who shares "Make good choices. And if you happen to make a bad one: take responsibility. If you make things right, you don’t have to feel bad about it anymore. You release it: *poof* and then you are free to be and do your best."

I'm considering investing in a dremel tool, just so I can make these sunglasses.
I love this idea for Silver Leaf Art.
This may be the perfect tote tutorial.  You can't have too many of them.
Need a new table cloth for Spring and Summer?  How about a Polka Dot one?  

4 Things.

-I'm going to give these Braided Bead and Hemp Bracelets from Happy Hour Projects a try soon. 
-Intending on a little Cinco de Mayo celebration, but want to keep it low fat?  How about Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps?  (from SkinnyTaste.)
 -And speaking of Cinco de Mayo, have you tried the Pioneer Women's Restaurant Style Salsa? 
-If you're looking for a fun summer project, or perhaps a Mother's Day gift (right around the corner, May 12th!!), how about this Fruit Welcome Mat? From The House that Lars Built.

4 Things

Source: minasdecorandfashion.blogspot.com via Robyn on Pinterest

-It's Flea Market season!  At least around here, you start to see these pop up around Spring and Summer.  I can usually find where and when one might be taking place by looking on Craig's list and checking the local paper on line.  Here's a fun tutorial to turn an old frame into a tray.
-I think I've previously posted a tutorial on this, but I really want to try string art.  This tutorial is very detailed, but makes it seem pretty easy.  If only I could decide which word to use...
-It's no secret that I love totes.  I have far too many that a person really needs, but I've been looking for a new challenge.  This DIY Rope Bag has definitely made the short list!
-I think I was about 10 years old when Legal Eagles came out.  After seeing this movie, I developed a huge crush on Robert Redford.  Possibly my first crush on a real person (I think my first real crush was on Kermit the Frog.)  He's 77 years old and still making and staring in movies.  His latest movie is coming out, The Company You Keep.

More Vegetables in Your Diet

This is not an uncommon problem.  We all need more vegetables in your diet.  I had a few aging tomatoes in my fruit basket and was looking for a way to use them.  After a few on line searches, I came across pizzas.  On flat breads.  Like this one from Pioneer Woman.  I don't like salads, but pizza...who doesn't like pizza?  So I bought some mushrooms and zucchini.  Roasted them, along with the old tomatoes, in a 425 oven and set them aside until I was ready to make my pizza.  I also broiled a few chicken cutlets marinated in Italian salad dressing (about 7 minutes per side) to add to the pizza (if you've read this blog ever, you know I'm all about protein).  The next steps were easy.  I had purchased some naan flat bread, spread a little prepared pizza sauce (purchased near the spaghetti sauce), topped the sauce with the roasted vegetables and chicken, followed by some shredded cheese and baked the whole thing for about 7 minutes in a 450 degree oven.  I also had a simple salad on the side (even more veggies)!  And there you have it.  A very easy dinner.  Lots and lots of vegetables!

4 Things.

Source: roseteacottage.blogspot.com via Laura on Pinterest

-Now that the weather is getting nice, I see picnics and bbqs in our future.  I do love a pasta salad and think this one seems simple, easy and is so beautiful!  You could throw in some pepperoni or ham for a little protein.
-Mindy Kaling.  Have you been watching her show on Fox, The Mindy Project?  I was sort of late to this party, but have been watching the previous episodes on the Fox TV app.  She is funny, like really funny.  I also recently read her book, "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)".  Which is smart, funny, honest and touching.  I read every night before I go to sleep and it's not often that I read anything that makes me actually laugh out loud.  Buy this book to read this summer while traveling or sitting on the beach or simply while sitting on your couch.  It's perfect for any occasion.
-Need to do a little shopping?  Might I recommend checking out Brickyard Buffalo?  They are an online pop-up market that sells many handmade items from small businesses often at a big discount. I recently bought this deal from Gingiber.  I love dishtowels and decided to replace a few in my collection.  They are adorable and excellent quality and came within a week.
-Earlier this year, I bought a Keurig, which I love, but in warmer weather, I like iced coffee. In the past, I've seen some recipes for iced coffee that were for really big batches. And used a whole pound of ground coffee. I found this intimidating.  I found this cold brewed iced coffee and it only uses 1/3 cup of ground coffee.  Think I'll give it a shot next weekend. 

4 Things

One of the best things about spring in Maryland is the flowering trees.  They are every where.  Everyone knows about the cherry blossoms in DC and yes, those are very special and absolutely gorgeous.  But what no one ever mentions is that the whole state is covered with flowering trees.   (I know, I know.  Technically DC isn't part of Maryland.  It's a district of it's own, but you'd see why Maryland or Virginia would try to claim it.)  Unfortunately, I also am allergic to all of the pollen that comes with these trees.  I may have even looked like I had been in a fight earlier this week, my right eye (just the right one) was quite swollen and beyond itchy.  Despite this discomfort, I appreciate the beauty that spring brings.
And now, a few links from around the web.
-I love this giant cross stitch!  Made from fairly simple and inexpensive materials, for big impact.
-I feel like I may have posted this before, but I really want to try to make a painting like this. Although I'm overwhelmed by all the paint I'd have to buy.
-This is a smart and simple way to organize jewelry.
-There seems to be a glitter nail polish shortage.  (Seriously.  I want to buy gold glitter nail polish and really can't find any anywhere!)  Looks like I can make my own now.
Wishing you all a great weekend!  I will be forcing myself to clean out my closet (posting this here to keep me honest).  Jealous?