Sunday Outing: PYO (Pick Your Own) Flowers

On a whim today, I decided to visit the Outlet Mall in Hagerstown. On the long way home (on I-70), I saw a sign for Larriland Farm and decided to check it out. They had a pick your own flower garden. Despite the blazing temperature, I decided to give it a go. They give you a big plastic cup and pair of clippers and tell you to have at it. There was also a pick your own blueberry patch, which I didn't try as well as a little open air store where you can buy produce. I was so happy I stopped! (The bottom two pics are of the flower "arrangements" I made, the smaller one will be coming to work with me tomorrow.)

Belleville Corn & Avocado Salsa

While visiting my sister and her family over the 4th of July, we went to a little neighborhood barbeque. All the food was delicious, but this particular salsa has been haunting me a bit. I'm kicking myself for not asking for the recipe. I decided that I had to give it a shot! Here's my version:

Belleville Corn & Avocado Salsa

14 oz can of corn, drained

15 1/2 oz can of diced tomotoes with chiles, drained

15 1/2 oz can of black beans, drained & rinsed

red bell pepper, diced

2 tbsp (small handful) cilantro, chopped

1 clove of garlic, minced

1 avocado, diced (squeeze lime over cut avocado)

2 tbsp olive oil (more to taste)

2 tbsp lime juice, with zest

1 tbsp salt

Mix together, chill for 3 minutes before serving.

(Her version had red onions in it, if you happen to like onions, add them!)

Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

You just never know where you're going to find inspiration. I was looking high and low in every kitchen cabinet for my plastic pitcher today, and finally spied it way in the back of my fridge. Filled with Crystal Light that's who-knows-how-old, completely frozen. Which of course made me think of Popsicles. I immediately made a new, fresh batch of Crystal Light Lemonade, broke out the Popsicle mold, added a few strawberries and made: Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles! Delicious and refreshing! (A few weeks ago, I had over bought strawberries. I had one small container that I just couldn't eat, and I knew that if I let them sit even another day, they would go bad, so I just threw them in the freezer. They had already been washed and sliced and were perfect for this!)

Wish Big!

As a Make A Wish, Wish Granter, I was so excited to run across these gift bags at Big Lots. We always bring an "ice breaker" gift to the initial meeting. These couldn't be more perfect! I only bought 3 of them and used one this week. Think I'll go back and get more next weekend.

Ring A Ding Ding

If you know me at all, you know that I never wear rings. Never ever. I have incredibly sensitive skin and rarely even wear earrings, so I always figured that rings would be itchy and uncomfortable. But then I saw this tutorial...on Smashed Peas and Carrots. And thought I'd make one. Maybe I could wear one from time to time. It was more difficult than I would have expected to find the "adjustable ring blank with pad", I couldn't find them at Michael's or Joann's, but then found one at Hobby Lobby. I ended up using a ribbon that I had saved from a shopping bag handle, so I didn't bother getting a glaze. And I figured that I probably wouldn't wear it too often. This was a very quick project, probably took 5 minutes to put together. The most difficult part for me was finding my glue gun! Sadly, maybe the ribbon wasn't the best choice (perhaps a little thick), it didn't turn out perfectly, but still a fun thing to wear for the summer! I also think it would be fun to make a ring from an old brooch or an old ornate button. I think there might be some antiquing my my future!

The Summer Wind

source

A Belated Happy Memorial Day to you! It seems that summer has arrived with a vengeance this Memorial Day weekend. It reached the mid-nineties today and it isn't even June yet! It's been a quiet and relaxing looong weekend. -I got a much needed haircut, here. If you happen to live in the greater Baltimore area, I highly recommend it! I was starting to hate my long hair, and very nearly chopped it off. Thankfully, my kind and patient hair stylist talked my down from the ledge, gave me a really good trim. And tried to convince me that I wouldn't get heat rash on my neck. Here's hoping! Looking much, much better.

-Searched in vain for an "everyday" black sandal. I want something cute and comfortable. An impossible combination? Everything that's comfortable looks so frumpy. I made a very rare (and slightly painful) trip to an actual mall. (I love to shop, but not at malls.) If any of my 7 followers have any suggestions, please chime in! -I inexplicably watched "Terms of Endearment" twice. Perhaps this isn't something that I should admit to anyone and especially not document in writing, but what can I say, it's a good movie (although yes, sad) and I forget that I have a DVR now. The viewing happened during a two night event of closet cleaning. (Doesn't that sound exciting??) Because of my aforementioned love of shopping, I tend to accumulate a LOT of stuff. I cleaned out 2 of my 4 closets. (Counting my wins!)

-With picnic/bbq season upon us, might I recommend you try making Tabbouleh? Here's a basic recipe from the Food Network. I made it for the first time this weekend. I used cilantro only as the herb and even threw in a little avocado. Super easy, low fat, healthy and delicious! Can be served at either room temperature or chilled. Grocery store tip: I searched high and low and finally found bulgar in the "natural/organic" aisle of my store. Probably not the case everywhere, I wouldn't say that I live in a very progressive city.

-I did a little jewelry assembling: A few months ago, I bought this fun chain and the accompanying fastening closure, put them together and had a quick and cute necklace.

I wore it once, liked it ok, but thought that this might be a case of more being more. I was back at Hobby Lobby this weekend and they had the same chain at 1/2 off. Much better! I think this is a good turquoise alternative for the summer.

I have several things in the works that I hope to finish this week. I think I might have to make a trip back to the craft store...

The Easiest Necklace

I made this easy necklace in about 10 minutes. I bought about an 1/8 of a yard of a very lightweight "silky" fabric, I ended up spending about $0.75. I cut a 2" strip from the fabric (and have quite a bit leftover.) Then all you do is string on wooden beads (I had some on hand), knotting the fabric between each one. I used a thin small screwdriver to push the fabric through the beads. You just tie it in the back, so you don't even need to attach a closure. Piece of cake!

This necklace based on this tutorial, found on ...love maegan.