Cool Soups

A hot day call for cold soup.  

Make it portable by storing in a mason jar.  Great for a picnic or party.

Cucumber soup with yogurt and dill.

See recipe below.

Carrot soup with lots of fresh dill.  Recipe found here, and then add fresh dill.

Watermelon Gazpacho.  Find the recipe here. 

Cucumber Soup

3 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and roughly chopped

1 onion, roughly chopped

1 small clove garlic

5 cups plain yogurt (I used Greek 2%)

1 teaspoon oil

4 teaspoons chopped dill

1 teaspoon salt

dash pepper

Put vegetables in a food processor blender with 2 cups yogurt and remaining ingredients.  Process until all ingredients and the sames size but not smooth.  Add remaining yogurt and process until just incorporated.  Chill and then serve with more fresh dill on top.  

Serves 6.

Fresh Ikat Finds

Banscot - ikat bowl $28 each

I discovered this Etsy site selling authentic ikat fabric designs.  I love the look of ikat and these home goods would add a fresh summer look to home decor.

Tupi - red ikat tray $31.50

The fabric is hand woven in the Philippines using centuries old traditions.  The fabric is then shipped to France where it is crafted into the articles seen here and on the Etsy site.  

Sako - sack lamp $96. each

The company name, 7100 Islands is derived from the approximate 7100 islands that comprise the Philippine Islands.  The company is the brainchild of two Filipino women living in France with design and craft backgrounds.

small ikat bowls, set of two $41.00

The fabric is very sturdy and can be sculpted into vessels.

Bayong - ikat tote $142.50

Origami clutch  $64.50

Origami clutch $64.50

How cute it that?!

Monday Musings

I'm thrilled that my garden has thrived in the miserable, record setting temperatures

I harvested the first beets, carrots and flowers last week.  The romaine lettuce formed beautiful large heads and I have plenty of herbs to choose from.  I roasted the beets and the carrot made its way into an Asian beef salad, flavored with cilantro and basil.  

Zinnias and basil comprise most of this garden square.  I'll be harvesting frisee (far right) this week too.

The first zinnias.

The good news is the weather is much cooler and I can open the doors and windows and hear the birds and the fountain in the pond again.  

Wishing you a COOL Monday.

Ready for the Weekend

The 4th of July was a teaser in the middle of the week.  I'm ready for a real weekend.

                        Source: pinterestwomen.org via lanell on Pinterest

It's been a scorcher across the country and lots of people are without power due to storms. I think this pinterest photo about sums up how I'd like to spend a few hours this weekend.

Stay cool and relax everyone and I'll see you on Monday.

Book Suggestion: What Alice Forgot

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

What if you lost 10 years of your memory and didn't realize you had children, had filed for divorce and then looked in the mirror and saw an older version of you?  That's what happened to Alice.  While working out at the gym, she fell and hit her head and developed amnesia.  Alice woke up from her trauma thinking she was 29, pregnant with her first child and madly in love with her dear husband.  She also learned she went from a chocolate lover   and non-exerciser to working out regularly and shunning empty calories.  It also seems from what her sister tells her, that Alice has become a bit of a regimented control freak. 

Alice's three children are spending the weekend with their dad.  They are to return on Sunday night and Alice wonders if she will remember them or even like them.  And why would she want to divorce sweet, wonderful Nick, the love of her life.  

The beginning of this book made me think that I would be reading fluff or a beach read, but the author deals with deep subjects such as divorce, death, lying, betrayal, and lack of communication.  Alice is able to look at the present without the baggage of the past 10 years.  When her memory returns, she can also look at the forgotten time with the eyes of time.  Alice can evaluate events and situations with a renewed sense of what really matters and is important.  

The author also weaves the stories of Alice's sister, mother, and friends into the book.  Moriarty conveniently ties up all the loose ends and everyone lives happily ever after, but you really hope they do any way.  

I highly suggest reading this book... on the beach or anywhere else. 

Watermelon Stars

Add a little holiday panache...

...cut out some watermelon stars and add them to drinks or 

fruit salad, or anything that needs a patriotic touch.  

Morning Swim

It took a knee injury to remind me of my love of swimming.  

About two months ago my knee started bothering me...a repetitive use injury from running. I tried alternative exercise but my knee wasn't getting better.  Hubby suggested I take to the water.  Not only is my knee better but I'm loving exercising in the water and outside.  I've got a pool in the 'hood that is just steps away from my house.  If I get to the pool early, I've got it to myself.  Love the peacefulness.  Therapy for the body and soul.  

Wishing you a calm start to your week.