Showing posts with label Summer. Show all posts

Somewhere on the beach

"Somewhere on the beach" was my slogan last week while on vacation.

I think this was one of the best weeks we had at the beach in a long time. When we first arrived, we met up with some friends on the sand. It was suppose to be a couple we met last year and could hardly wait to see them again this year. Sadly there was only one. He and his wife split up, but we got to sit with him for a while and had some good laughs with him and his best friend. I really wanted to see my other new friend though. Maybe I will run into her some other time.

Nick has a brother that lives on a campground a mile from our campsite and we always take a walk down to see him when we are there. Nick has another brother that brought his family of five plus two friends down the same week. They were staying at a hotel between the two campgrounds. We all met up to play with the kids on the beach and had fun in the sun. Later that evening me and Nick walked up to the tikki bar to hear some music and relax under the sunset.

Toward the end of the week my daughter and her boyfriend came down to spend the day on the beach with us. They were staying near Wilmington and I was so excited to see them. After spending some time on the beach, we all cleaned up and met the rest of the family for dinner.

The arrows point out the brothers. They are all handsome but I think I ended up with the best looking one (yellow shirt). Dontcha think?


We tried a new spot about thirty minutes away in Little River called Crab Catchers. It was a small but mighty place that sits on the waterfront. I ate two pounds of crab legs. I hate I failed to get a photo but there was so much going on that I forgot. Me and Nick liked this place so much that we plan to go back again sometime.

It was a great week. It was nice getting to spend a day or so with family and friends. We never are all together like this except at Christmas. I’m thnking his parents were probably smiling down from heaven.

Air Fryer Fried Watermelon Rinds

It’s finally Summer! Nothing says Summer here in the South more than fresh juicy watermelon. OK...Maybe iced tea and cherry pie but we will just leave it at that.

I wasn't always a fan of watermelon until the past few years. I have adapted a love for this red sweet melon that is full of health benefits. You can read a lot of them HERE.


Did you know you can eat the entire parts of a watermelon? You can spit the seeds to see how far they go but that's your own game. You can even eat the watermelon rind.
Hold on...this is real.

I read where it was good deep fried, so I had to give it a try.


Word has it, that you can not make these in an air fryer, but I wanted to try it anyway.
Hey, whata ya know, it worked!
I'm sure the greasy deep fried way taste a lot better, but what I created in my air fryer was delicious all the same.

  • After you cut up your watermelon, wash the rinds and cut into fries.
  • Roll in flour/cornmeal mixture (equal amounts of each mixed together).
  • Salt and pepper and place in air fryer (or recommended deep fryer).
  • If using an air fryer, coat each side with cooking spray.
  • Cook in air fryer 400 for 25 minutes (or until brown) flipping over every 5 minutes.
  • Let cool for few minutes as the inside is extremely hot.
  • Enjoy alone or with your favorite Ranch dressing or dip.


Oh boy was it good! Seriously!

What did it taste like?
Honestly, It did not taste like watermelon at all. It tasted like sweet fried squash! It was awesome and makes a delicious healthy side dish or TV snack without any guilt!.

Oh and did you know that watermelon rind is good for your sex life? 

EAT MORE WATERMELON!





Out For Ice Cream

Sunday, I wanted some ice cream. My husband suggested Sweet Frogs yogurt shop that we often visit. They had some specials going on if I had an account loaded on the phone app. After several attempts, I could not get the app to work. I was so frustrated. That's when my husband suggested we ride down to Cramerton to a little creamery we have only heard about. I was on board in a jiffy.

Cramerton is a small town where I attended middle school at the base of a small mountain. I have not been through there in years. 
We arrived at the small creamery and coffee house called Floyd and Blackies. Walking in was so inviting as there was no crowd and the atmosphere was set for comfort of a cozy coffee house. We made our ice cream choice as we stood in line. They carried my favorite brand, Hershey's Ice Cream, with several different flavors to choose from. 


I would have loved to try them all but choices are not something I'm good with so I went with my typical favorite of Salted Caramel Truffle. Nick had Raspberry Roadrunner. One scoop in a waffle cone hit the spot. 

We decided to go for a walk around the little town while we slurped the melting ice cream from the rim of our cones. The temperature was soaring in the upper 90’s.


Out back was a place to picnic by the muddy river. There was canoe rentals for the brave ones. 


Looking over the trees I saw a foot bridge and suggested we go a little further to see where it lead us. It was a nice little half mile walk to a park called Goat Island Park. A place I have always heard of but never knew where it was. 


Well, we just so happened to accidentally enter into it. There were sand boxes, a play ground and picnic areas for families. Throughout the park was a disk golf course. 


Our ice cream was gone by now and we headed back to the car then rode around more to find some new eating places to try in the future. It was a nice little afternoon outing. 

Watermelon Margarita


I can feel the heat of Summer finally approaching as the temperatures are reaching the 90's some days here. I am not complaining. I love Summer. I do not mind the heat. I'd rather be hot than cold any day. However, I will slip into the air condition if the heat is too much.

Here in the South, there is nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a glass of sweet ice tea or cold crisp watermelon. It's hard to find a good watermelon at times but I love the little baby seedless watermelons. They are perfect in size for two people.

Speaking of watermelon. I seen a recipe floating around on facebook the other day. It was for a Watermelon Margarita.  Now, I am not much of an alcohol drinker other than an occasional glass of wine, but when I seen this recipe for a watermelon margarita, I just had to try it. There is just something about sweet and salty that tickle my taste buds. Since I just so happen to have all the ingredients on hand, I went for it.



Watermelon Margarita.

2 cups cubed watermelon
1/2 cup cold water
Put in blender until juice forms.
Stain juice through a strainer. Now you have clear liquid.
(If a few slushy chunks get through, its fine).

In a cup or shaker add:
4 oz. Silver Tequila. (this is clear tequila that is light and low calorie too).
4 oz. of the watermelon juice.
1 oz. *watermelon simple syrup (instructions below).
Juice of one lime (approx 2oz)
Ice

Shake and pour into your salt rimmed margarita glass.
Enjoy.

*To make watermelon simple syrup it is two parts watermelon juice, 1 part sugar. 
(I made mine using 1/2 cup of the leftover watermelon juice and 1/4 cup sugar).
remember, you only need 1 oz.


The original recipe for this drink can be found on Southern Living.

Warning: (1)Women should not drink alcohol while pregnant because of the risk of birth defects.(2)Consumption of alcohol impairs your ability to drive.(3)Drinking to much alcohol may impair your thinking and make you stupid.







Storm Front

I'm one of those people that love thunder storms. We do not have a threat of falling trees on our house, which I'm sure helps with the enjoyment and peace each storms brings. During a thunder storm, we will sometimes pull out the folding chairs and sit under the carport just to feel the breeze and listen to the sounds of the rain and thunder.

When I chose a candle from Goose Creek Candles, I immediately fell for the fragrance of  "Storm Front". This large jar candle has dual wicks that quickly filled my home with the sweet aroma of a breezy Summer storm.


There is just something about the sound, smell and that little bit of fear mixed with a cozy feeling a Summer storm gives. Just like fresh outside air, with Goose Creek Candles I never have to worry about breathing in harmful toxins. Each candle is lead free and burns clean. This also means the candle jar, walls or ceilings will not turn black with residue like most candles can leave behind.


These candles are made with premium paraffin that is highly scented.
The prominent scents of this Storm Front candle give you the best mix of aroma as they are all combined in the perfect combination of layers.

Top: Orange, White Peach, and Red Pineapple.
Mid: Crisp Apple, Jasmine and Lavender.
Base: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, and Amber.

Goose Creek Candles has over 100 different scents to choose from to fit any occasion or mood. 
You can also shop with confidence as these are made right here in the USA. 


Shop

This large jar candle was provided to me free of charge 
in exchange for my honest review. 
All opinions are 100% my own.

Summer Fashion Wants

Spring is here and this gives me the itch to want new clothes. It usually starts at Easter. I keep coming across styles online and in the stores that I like. I have a Pinterest board set for “Summer Fashion”. However,  I do more “wanting” than “Buying”.

I need a new bathing suit. They are already getting picked over and I think Target had the cutest ones so far. The full piece seem to be hot this year but I’m leaning more toward the highwaist two peice. I also like the sporty look. I love this one. I’m always drawn to stripes and I like the mixed patterns. 


Have you seen all the jumpsuits that are out this year? I started seeing a lot of them last year. While most are casual dressy, I like the comfy, and cute ones. I’m loving the look of this vintage style jumpsuit. It would look great with a bandeau or tank top.


I am actually trying to find a pair of tulle socks. I have not seen anyone wearing them but I think they are just adorable. I may have to order a pair to get what I want. I think they are fun and different. Do they remind you of a lady losing her stockings? I know that’s the reaction I will have with Nick. Haha.


Let’s talk purses. I’m always looking for a fun purse to carry and I am swooning over this Aztec print clutch.

 

I am not 100% on board with the Kimono tops but these long sheer Kimonos are growing on me. I think they will be great for cool summer nights with jeans, shorts or over a swim suit.

Source unknown

According to my daughter, snake skin print is a growing style in the city right now. I’m glad because I am actually trying to find some wedges like these snakes skin print with brown. They are on Ebay but unfortunately they are not my size. They are also from China and I would want them by Easter, not Christmas.


Ebay


Now if I could just find the closet space for the clothes and shoes I want. Ha. We have small closets and even with a small amount of clothes, it gets tight. I will just continue to window shop for now....Windows 10 that is. 


Crochet Halters

Today your getting another crochet post. In case your wondering what I have been working on lately,....Com on, I know you have...

Well, I wanted to make some socks....and I did but, Oh my gawsh! While they are cute, they are not something I enjoy walking around on hardwood floors in. Talk about rough on the feet. I felt like I was turning my heels into waffles.

Needless to say, my crochet socks were a fail. Knitted socks are way more comfortable so if anyone would like to make me a homemade pair I would love you forever.....I'm serious.....I'll send you my mailing info, just ask.

So, I decided to crochet these cute little Simple Summer halter tops.


No, silly, not for me.
At 49 (almost 50) years old, I do not think I can rock a halter top.....Ok maybe I'll try this summer who knows. But for now, I just hope to sell them in my Etsy shop so I can have some beach money.


They are simple to make (says the fiber artist). I found a basic pattern and added a few of my own special touches. I also played around with a different stitch..

I made a granny square halter a while back. It still sits in my shop waiting for an owner. Again, I can't pull the look off, but some cute little beach babe or boho chic could.


I think they all turned out adorable and were fun to make. I would pair them with a pair of shorts or boyfriend jeans.



Handmade halters and more at LiLiDi on Etsy

Distressed shorts- Rue21.
Earrings- Sashka Co.
 Fedora- Ebay

Free Pattern to the Original Simple Summer Halter can be found at