Sharing Favorite Summer Finds and Recipes

Happy Saturday morning! It’s time for a Saturday Sidelines edition…How has your week been? It’s been a fast and furious one this week returning from Boise. I have been under the weather and thankful my husband has stepped in to water plants and help rehang the hummingbird feeder that they emptied before we got back. Sharing a few of my favorite summer finds this week that you may love as much as I do.

First summer tip…

Our zinnias are blooming! Just a note…we always add mesh support to our zinnias so that winds and storms don’t take them down as they grow. We attach one side to the picket fence and then add fence posts on the other side of the bed. Easy peasy!

A HUGE help!

Another zinnia tip is that we add soaker hoses down as the plants are coming up. Zinnias love dry soil so just watering underneath once a week works best for us here. Also helps prevent the powdery mold on leaves that often happens with zinnias.

Let’s talk about Favorite Summer Recipes!

We got the BEST cantaloupe this week. Pure sugar! With basil in full swing, you might need this summer cantaloupe salad in your life.

Watermelon time has hit here, too!

Who doesn’t love a great caprese salad? I LOVE this watermelon version….

Wouldn’t that make a great fourth of July addition to your menu? I just used a cookie cutter to cut out stars from slices of watermelon. Top with fresh mozarella slices, arugula and then drizzle with a white balsalmic or honey. SOOOO refreshing! I think even a bit of chopped red onion and basil would work with this, too.

Favorite recipe finds on the web this week…

• I need to try this delicious peach tea…mint looks like a perfect addition.

• Lobster Cobb salad is calling my name. Here’s the recipe that needs to be made!

• Tammy’s watermelon and feta salad will be added to my menu this week. YUM!

• Fresh blueberries can be picked locally here and I need this Simply 2 Mom’s Blueberry salad with Lemon dressing.

Is ice cream is in your plans for the fresh fruit in abundance? I shared an easy no churn ice cream recipe in the Vue magazine that you make ahead and have ready when you need it. To add fruit BEFORE you freeze or AFTER? it is clearly up to you.

Favorite Outdoor Entertaining ideas

I had to share another outdoor entertaining idea that my friend, Leslie, at My 100 Year Old Home shared. A beautiful floral crown from an old lampshade.

Wouldn’t you love to be seated at her table? How stunning!

Favorite finds for home…

I am in love with this green and blue tile…isn’t it beautiful?

and then…this blue chandelier on the other side of that room? Giving me lots of inspiration. You can see more here.

Playing catchup with laundry, garden and mowing today after being gone.

Hope you have a great day celebrating the fathers and men in your life tomorrow! We have been celebrating G for the past week and he is in full on enjoyment! Hope all of those you love are celebrated well, friends.

Happy Saturday! Thank you so much for joining me today. You always make my heart happy.