It's Almost...Football Season!

OMG- it's almost football season! I watched my first pre-season game last night, and realized we have not discussed football at all! I am a huge couch potato fan and love to have football parties. This means tailgating food! I have compiled a couple of my favorites here- easy and crowd pleasing, whether the crowd is just your family or 50 people! Serve these appetizers and sides( this is just a sample- I have to pull more out, and of course taste test them before publishing!!!) with your best grilling specialities and favorite beer, and you are all set. Favorite beer? Right now we are liking Spotted Cow from the New Glarus brewing Company (available at Sam's Club).


Buffalo Chicken Dip

2 large cans of chicken- drained
8 ounces cream cheese
11/2-2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup ranch dressing, spicy if you can find it!
9 ounces Frank's Hot Sauce
Mix all together and bake for 30 minutes in a 350* oven.
Serve with blue cheese crumbles, celery, carrots, and tortilla chips

Marinated Mushrooms

2 # button mushrooms- whatever fits in your crockpot!
1 package dry Italian seasoning mix
1 stick butter or margarine
1 (8oz) bottle of Italian dressing
8 dashes Worchestershire sauce
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
white pepper, oregano,garlic- sprinkle all of these generously.
Cook on low in crockpot for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better!

Calico Beans

1 pound hamburger, browned
8 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
1/4 cup onion, sauteed until translucent
1 large can of baked beans, not drained
1-12 ounce can of butter beans, drained
1-12 ounce can of kidney beans, drained
2 tablespoons of vinegar
1/4 cup of ketchup
3/4 cup of brown sugar
Mix all together and bake at 350* for 1 hour, until bubbly.

Coleslaw Salad

1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup white vinegar
2 packets of Ramen Noodle Seasoning mix
Mix together- this is the dressing for the salad.
Salad:
1 # coleslaw mix
1 bunch of green onions, chopped
2 packages of Ramen noodles- broken into pieces
1 cup of sunflower kernels
1 cup of toasted slivered almonds
Mix it all together right before serving.

Visiting Farmer's Market

We are fortunate to have an awesome Farmer's Market in my city. Going to it is one of my favorite summer pleasures! I love the displays of colorful fruits/veggies, flower bouquets, assorted baked goods, meats and cheeses- even homemade pasta and Chinese rangoons! I am salivating already!

I will be getting up bright and early tomorrow to shop, but I thought I would share some tidbits of information about Farmer's Markets today. Happy Weekend!

1. Don't forget a tote (forego plastic)- or even a wagon if its pumpkin season!

2. Buy raw, local honey. The raw part is good for aches and pains in joints, and the local part helps with allergies. Two Teaspoons a day helps keep the doctor at bay... and its really hard to get my family to eat honey- LOL

3. Try something different. We have great Asian farmers, so I am on the lookout for some different peppers, cabbages, or veggies that I am unfamiliar with.

4. Try and buy organic, if possible. This is especially important with berries- which are in season right now-because you do not peel berries and they absorb a lot of pesticides.

5. Enjoy the fact that you have reduced the carbon footprint a bit by buying local- good for you!

6. I find that produce lasts longer from the market since it is so much fresher, usually picked that morning or the day before.

7. What's for dinner tonight?Please add your thoughts to the Farmer's Market ideas and happy shopping!

Melon Bowl

Who can resist summer's bounty?

My breakfast...

Summer Living

Sunny day, Warm weather, Open-roof convertible, Old-fashioned soda fountain, Boats bobbing in the water.

What more do you need on a perfect weekend day?

Happy Monday!

Garden Project I

My weekend project awaits! The pictures show my backyard jungle, I mean garden! It has gotten a bit out of control so I am purging plants! (If you are in the Midwest- drop me an email and I would be happy to share!) This summer has been so kind to my area for growing things that my perennials have taken over. I cannot give you any closeups, because then you would see all the weeds! Maybe in the fall we will revisit the "new" garden. I adore getting my hands dirty, and cannot wait to start digging in.

Just a side note- the darling building built by my husband and many faithful helpers is my Little One's playhouse! So cute- and the site of many fun tea parties and now sleepovers! Some day, I hope to use it as a studio-but that can wait until its play days are over. That will come to quickly I am sure! I will take you on a tour when its ready for pictures!

Happy Weekend!

Lazy Summer Day Reading

These are some of my favorite, current and, not so current, reads for afternoons in the hammock!

Enjoy!


Sail, by James Patterson ($16.79 at Amazon.com).


Fearless Fourteen, by Janet Evanovich ($16.77 at Amazon.com).


Blow Fly, by Patricia Cornwell ($7.99 at Amazon.com).


A Good Yarn, by Debbie MaComber ($7.99 at Amazon.com).


Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell ($11.56 at Amazon.com).

Laundry Room Inspiration

Since the craft room was put on hold, I have been looking into other rooms in the house. The most important to me is the laundry/mudroom. I have found inspiration courtesy of Country Living magazine. This easy, breezy entry is exactly what is called for in the vacation home. Plenty of storage for cute beach bags, umbrellas, backpacks, etc. I think by keeping it open, my family will keep it neat- at least, I have my fingers crossed on that one! Instead of the blue walls, I would do a fresh green, like Gleeful or Springtime from Sherwin Williams. My husband has banished green from our second home, so I have to sneak it in somewhere!



Here's to easy living in a refreshing summer style!