“No one has greater love than the one who gives his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Memorial Day is about remembering those brave and selfless men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their life. For us.
So this weekend, we bow our heads, say a prayer and whisper towards heaven… Thank you. Thank you.
In honor of – I strongly encourage you to check out both of these videos. They bring me to tears each time that I watch them…
“thank you” and “Proud to be An American”. Enough said.
I took this picture from my front porch a couple of weeks ago, and the sunshine streaming through the flag seems the perfect image for today… a day of hope. You are an American. Voting is your right, your privledge, your responsibility. This is your country. No excuses. So stand up and and be counted.
Vote today.
Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost. ~ John Quincy Adams
vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote vote
Oh my goodness … over a week since you heard from me. Shame, shame. Please. Let me explain. Here are my excuses (in no particular order)…
Have a big holiday show coming up in less than two weeks (yikes!) AND my (naughty) computer has been giving me SO MUCH grief!!! Frustration at a new level. And just when I need it to be my friend. Murphy’s Law… right?? We’ve all been there. And then there’s that “P” word… If you are “in the club“, you know what I’m talking about. My mom knows. My daughter knows. They are in the club. The word, my friends, is P-R-O-C-R-A-S-T-I-N-A-T-I-O-N. Yep. See – I even procrastinated by typing it out that way; therefore taking longer. I have a (bad?) habit of getting sidetracked. Really sidetracked. I think creative people are just born that way. Yep. That’s it. Anyway – those are my excuses, and I’m stickin’ with ’em..
Anyway – it’s fall – but it has been cold the last couple days like WINTER! Ugh! Not ready for that. OK – NEVER (ever) ready for that. But it IS still fall, and I think that apples = fall. Don’t you agree? Well, our friend, Martha (Stewart) sure does. She hs over 50 recipes to share with you that all revolve around the beloved apple. OK – confession (yes… another one…!) I realize this is very un-American… but I (gulp!) don’t like apple pie….. I know, I KNOW!!! What the heck is wrong with me?? But for those of you who do, there are a ton of variations of the “all-American apple pie” in this link. Along with some super yummy treats for those of us who prefer the “other” goodies. Like BBQ Pork & Apple Kebobs, Apple Cheddar Frittata and Quinoa & Apple Salad with Curry Dressing…! Hungry now? Ya – me too! But no time for eating now, my friends. I have got a “things to do” list for my show and I need to FOCUS!! And I will. Right after I make some apple muffins…
So the Fourth of July is a “midweek holiday” this year. Kind of a fun way to put a little fun, family and friendship into an (otherwise) ordinary week. Perhaps you’re heading to the lake, popping over to the neighbors or entertaining in your own backyard… I will tell you that I have a tendency to focus more on the main part of the meal when it comes to entertaining – and the cocktails and desserts are often an afterthought. (I can hear some of you laughing already… Perhaps “cocktails” are where you START your planning…? Ha!) Anyway – I thought it would be fun to share a few little last-minute “sweet” ideas for the Fourth of July holiday that is upon us!
Well – First of all – I have got a recipe here for a “Double Berry Margarita” that is calling my name. Loud. And it’s not even noon yet. (Houston – we have a problem…) Anyway, I’m going to share it with you in the hopes that you will make it for the 4th, or sometime this summer, and share your “results” with me. (Well, maybe not ALL of your results. We’re sticking with a “G” rating here, friends! )
Double Berry Margarita
1 oz. tequila blanco
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz Chambord
1 splash sweet and sour mix
2 raspberries, muddled
2 blackberries, muddled
2 lime wedges, muddled
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass. Shake hard and serve in a glass with a salted rim. Garnish with a lime wedge, raspberry and blackberry. Oh my, that sounds good!!
Doing a little “last minute” entertaining? Need something quick & easy in the beverage department?? Well, icy cold lemonade – or pink lemonade – works great for any outdoor entertaining… perfect for the kiddos, and even more fun for the adults (Hint, hint: Keep a bottle of citron vodka in the freezer for an icy little “adult lemonade cocktail”!!) 
As for dessert, nothing is sweeter and simpler than a cupcake. These cupcakes can be made with your favorite cupcake mix/recipe (Red Velvet, perhaps?) and a simple white buttercream frosting. I just fell in love with the simplicity of these decorations…
Stars & Stripes
Need something for the kids to help with while you are sipping on your “Double Berry Margarita”?? Staying with our “sweet” theme – a little project that will give an ordinary blue napkin a festive feel in a simple way… Starlight Spangled Napkin Rings!! Not a lot of supplies and simple directions. Just trying to give the kiddos something to do while you are busy sipping on your margarita…!!
OK – so there you go. A few “sweet” little ideas for your upcoming Fourth of July holiday!! Say a prayer for our troops, and the families who are missing them. Be proud, be safe, be American; Keep calm and eat a cupcake!
Happy Fourth… Live happy