“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Let's Spring into Summer!


Summer is here and let's not waste another moment!  We have a head start in most parts of the country because of our extra warm spring, so kick back and enjoy. The lazy, crazy, days of summer are right now!  Here are a few of my own images and some from Pinterest to get you in that summer mood!

Stop! Smell the roses!
My roses


















Click on the image below and learn how to make your very own radish wreath!








Learn to see the beauty in everyday things.







Summer is about easy entertaining.







Source: google.com via CraveCute on Pinterest


I have not tried this, but it is just so gosh darn pretty! 


Martini & Rossi Torino Sangria
1 (750 ml.) bottle of Martini & Rossi® Extra Dry vermouth
2 cups (16 oz.) cranberry juice cocktail
½ cup (4 oz.) brandy (optional)
½ cup sugar
2 cups (16 oz.) sparkling water
2 oranges, thinly sliced into wheels
1 lemon, thinly sliced into wheels
1 lime, thinly sliced into wheels

Combine  Martini & Rossi Extra Dry vermouth, cranberry juice, brandy and  sugar in a large pitcher; stir until sugar is dissolved. Chill until  ready to serve.









This is so good! Want more options? Replace the bacon with cooked diced chicken. Add your favorite shredded cheese. Change the pecans to walnuts, sliced almonds or sunflower seeds.


Broccoli Grape Pasta Salad
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2  (16-oz.) package farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
  • 1 pound fresh broccoli
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sugar

  • 1/3 cup diced red onion
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
  • 8  cooked bacon slices, crumbled


    1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a  shallow pan 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant,  stirring halfway through.
    2. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
    3. Meanwhile, cut broccoli florets from stems, and separate florets  into small pieces using tip of a paring knife. Peel away tough outer  layer of stems, and finely chop stems.
    4. Whisk together mayonnaise and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl;  add broccoli, hot cooked pasta, and grapes, and stir to coat. Cover and  chill 3 hours. Stir bacon and pecans into salad just before serving.







Try a new activity, ride the waves.... maybe not on flying fish, but wouldn't 
that be something!




My Impatiens and Begonia
























                        Above all...



          Source: s-u-n-s-h-i-n-e-soul.tumblr.com via CraveCute on Pinterest

              Just Have Fun!



13 comments:

  1. Very summery - I especially like your own roses. We have had such a disappointing summer here this year - nice to hear you are enjoying yours!

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  2. Such a pretty post to get us in the summer mode! It is getting very hot here, we will be over 100 tomorrow and Thursday. The Martini and Rossi drink sounds really good. xo

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  3. Oh all these images are beautiful Diane. Trust me, I am always trying to smell the roses, even when I land face down in the weeds!

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  4. I haven't seen a firefly in forever! I used to love chasing them as a kid. I think I will have to try out that salad. It looks amazing!

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    1. Last year I saw just a few, sadly they are in decline do to pesticides and the depletion of wildflowers (weeds) from the use of herbicides.

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  5. What a lovely post with beautiful images. So summery! The other night my hubby and spotted some fireflies on one of our evening strolls. They are such cool little bugs. I didn't know that, but it's really sad if they are on the decline. And as for smelling the roses, no problem; I do that every day!

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  6. A radish wreath would not last 2 days around here. My Rare One loves to eat radishes!

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  7. Dear Crave Cute - Thank you for your lovely pictures - your roses are gorgeous and the salad looks delicious - hope Guy is doing well. Take care and God Bless!

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  8. So glad Summer's officially now here! Gorgeous images. I love pasta salad and you've put the bug in my ear to make some very soon :)

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  9. We have had blistering hot temperatures and torrential rains the last several days! Thankfully no flooding here and finally today cooler temps and the looks of a perfect summer day! Guy is doing well, he is now able to explore parts of our basement and loves running back and forth and playing. I ordered the pet playpen which should arrive today. I will introduce him to other parts of the house (in the pen) and he will be able to spend more time with the other cats, but he will be protected since I can not watch them every minute! They still hiss at him so I don't want to take any changes and he is really not afraid of them! Thanks for all of your great comments! ~~Diane~~

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  10. I find I could sit and admire your blog all day long. The music, the pictures, the focus on finding beauty in everything - it's all reflecting a philosophy of seeing beautiful - which we so greatly respect!

    Happy seeing beautiful!
    http://seeabeautifulworld.blogspot.com/

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  11. Such beautiful images, I can almost smell the roses.

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