It's Tomato Time!

We are struggling with the drought this summer, but thanks to so many dedicated and hard working small farms in the area, we are still able to get fresh veggies at our local farm stands and farmer's markets. Here is an easy salad using some of my summertime favorites along with basil from the garden.

Red and Yellow Cherry Tomatoes

Haas Avocado

Kalamata Olives - pitted

Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

Fresh Basil

Olive Oil

Kosher Style Flake Salt

Fresh Ground Black Pepper

Halve cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives, cube avocado and mozzarella cheese and add all to bowl. Chop fresh basil and add to bowl. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over all, toss gently and sprinkle with flake salt and fresh ground black pepper. Adjust all amounts to your taste.

Cookie Favors For A Bridal Shower

I helped host a bridal shower for my niece last weekend. I baked and decorated these cookies to give to each guest as a take home favor. We wrapped them in cello bags and tied them with a pink ribbon.

This dress cookie cutter is from Copper Gifts. They have great quality copper cookie cutters and a huge selection of shapes for any occasion.

I brushed silver dust on the gray frosting for the rings and sprinkled white and pink sugar on the jewels - doesn't show up very well on the photo!

Christmas Crafting

One of the many Christmas Trees we have in our house for the holiday season. This one sits in my craft room where I can see it when I'm playing working on my computer. It's a sweet little aqua colored tree decorated with peppermint dangles from one of my favorite blogs, ALLSORTS . I printed these onto white cardstock, cut them out and punched a mini hole for a twine hanger. I also had to add a little extra sparkle to some of them by adding a tiny red jewel to the center. Sweet, yes?

Autumn in the Midwest

Goodbye summer.....I will miss your long, sunny days!

Yes, autumn has arrived with it's crisp mornings, cooler days and those gorgeous, rich russet colors appearing in the landscape.

And....we're seeing more of these in the neighborhood!

via martha

Black & Yellow Bumble Bee Party

Had the "BEES" over for lunch a couple of weeks ago. We're a group of friends that have been getting together for years and I thought it would be fun to go with the black and yellow decor for lunch. Everyone got a little jar of local honey as a take home favor.

The centerpiece complete with chocolate "cake pop" bees....

And a cute bunting decoration using, what else, bumble bee fabric.... I had to make a mini bunting to match!

And one of the girls brought each of us a yummy home made banana pudding with meringue topping baked in these cute little mason jars....so yummy!!!

What a sweet day spent with friends!!!

July 4th Celebration

We had a festive July 4th celebration this year. Son #1 has a birthday on July 3rd and he made a trip home for a few days. The tradition is that we always bake some kind of USA Flag cake on his birthday. Here is this year's version complete with a wee bunting in the colors of the day - thanks to Jenny at her Allsorts Blog.

This cake idea from Glorious Treats. What a fun surprise to cut into!

A couple of other photos from the day . . .

I just love this time of year....don't you?

Walnut Antique Show

I visited the Walnut Antique Show in Iowa last Friday. This small midwest town hosts a wonderful outdoor show with so many vendors, it takes all day to make your way through town to see them all.

I happen to like vintage letters and outdoor signs....loved this "SHOP"

And these garden floral stakes made from vintage plates and buttons...

Most of the downtown area is filled with antique shops, so this is a fun place to visit any time. This was once a bank and now is a shop called "The Vault". Cute!!!!

And the homes here are so charming . . .look at the front porch and windows in this one.

The show is always held the weekend of Father's Day. It's a fun day trip and I'm planning to go again next year!