July brings early mornings, long evenings and afternoon sunshine, all filled with the relaxed laughter that only summer brings. Summer is a time for memory making, and dream catching, experienced outdoors with good food, drinks and friends to share it with. This July, move your living outdoors, lighten up your cleaning routines, turn off your TV and tune into those around you. July is for….
Giving back. Join the Taste of Home in their mission to give back to the USO. Taste of Home Magazine has partnered with The USO for a great initiative to give military families the chance to speak to their loved ones overseas by donating 10¢ for each unique visitor to their new Flag Cake recipe on the magazine’s website.
Gazing up at the night sky as it blooms with color this 4th of July. Think outside the box this Independence Day with a modern recipe that will please the grown-ups: replace cheddar with Blue Cheese, dish up sweet potato fries and offer flat bread instead of chips. Be safe this holiday season, don’t let a careless injury or fires spoil your celebrations, leave the fireworks to the pros. 4th of July Party Menu | Fireworks Alternatives
Enjoying the short-lived cherry season while it lasts…pies, jams, preserves, fresh off the tree or my favorite, soaked in Merlot.
Ingredients: A bottle of your favorite Merlot (yes, your favorite, remember the cherries will absorb the wine, this is not the time to cut corners), and a large bowl of cherries. Directions: Wash the cherries, allow them to air dry before placing them into a large clear glass mixing bowl. Pour the Merlot over the cherries and let stand at room temperature for 24 -36 hours depending on how strong you want them. Strain, and then serve chilled. Will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Capturing your summer before the first leaf falls by drafting a summer bucket list, looking for inspiration? I will be sharing mine later this month, in the mean time, take a peak at my bucket list from last summer. 2010 Summer Bucket List
Celebrating National Picnic Month by creating a picnic club. Similar to a supper club, a picnic club takes the entertaining outdoors and takes the stress out of entertaining at home. And if home is where the party is, create a picnic setting in your back yard, complete with picnic baskets, blankets and a picnic buffet.
Getting your summer DIY projects underway. Repair your gutters, check your roof, replace your exterior seals and tackle your exterior painting while the weather permits. Expert DIY Advice
Filling your refrigerator with fresh seasonal food, July is brimming with artichokes, broad beans, peas, carrots, garlic, squash, raspberries, cherries, blackberries and tomatoes. Enjoy your season produce with new season lamb, quail, beef, guinea fowl, mackerel, plaice and lemon sole.
Adorning you vases with fresh seasonal flowers like Hydrangea, Freesia, Gardenia, Bird of Paradise, cockscomb, and a number of Lily varieties. Expert tips on preserving fresh cut flowers
Recommended Reading
Summer is…(a collection of reflections on Summer, including mine) | Erin Street
Summer Reading List | The Daily Basics
Summer Party Inspiration | Thoughtfully Simple
