Summer Scenes to Come

Summer scenes are coming into focus.

Memorial Day weekend kicks off the unofficial start of the summer season, and with that comes “we’ve been having fun all summer long” activities associated with fun in the sun times.

summer scenes

Shopping farmers markets and strolling American flag lined main streets for treats and treasures goes with the summertime territory.

fresh-tomatoes-in-basket-summer

Ceramic Berry Colander - Yellow Floral

 Ceramic Berry Colander – Yellow Floral

I’m sure I’d be amazed if I realized the amount of hours Dave the Builder and I spent together early morning and late afternoon porchin’.

summer-porch-wicker-chairs-green-shutters

Southern Living Magazine
Photography by Van Chaplin, Laurey W. Glenn, John O’Hagan

Perfect lighting scenario is the one nature supplies.

summer-evening-curb-appeal

John Kraemer & Sons, Inc.

Summer offers pretty pastel flowers in pitchers, creamers, jars or even cans inspiration.

alstroemeria-pink-blue-white-vase

Victoria Magazine

In season blooms here today and gone tomorrow spark buzz and demand.

bee-sunflower

peonies-in-vase-pink-tray

Pinterest

Linen Throw Pillow

Warm breezes in May remind me of a favorite summer scene set in a small North Louisiana town.

spring-clothesline

Country Living Magazine – Brent Darby Photography

Included in this forever memory is cross-stitch pillowcases, crisp cotton sheets fresh from the clothesline, a vintage chenille bedspread, and a bedside window raised just enough to allow the morning breeze to fill the room with the scent of African violets.

drive-in-theatre-Coca-Cola-sign

Summer will always be hot, delightful, and golden.

drink-coca-cola-red-sign

Cold drinks and cool creeks right this way.

spring-creek

Texan family members refer to any and all soft drinks as cold drinks.

Tennessean family members refer to any and all soft drinks as a col cola. Not cold cola or coca-cola, but a truncated version of the two.

It’s true what you’ve heard; most Southerners do in fact refer to any and all brands of carbonated drinks as Coke.

Classic Coca-Cola in bottle

Photography by Artem Beliaikin

Regardless of what you call it, Coke is summer in a glass, bottle or can.

backyard-picnic-Martha-Stewart-photo-Pernille-Loof

Martha Stewart

Speaking of Martha Stewart- salute to 81 years young looking summer chic gorgeous on the cover of Sports Illustrated 2023 Swimsuit issue.

Reed-Bell-Drive-In

Thin patty grilled hamburgers and frosted mug root beers from Reed & Bell Drive-In was the summertime treat and the taste of my childhood.

We always parked and walked up to the counter window to place our order, and our mother would indulge my brother and me by letting us sit in the wooden school desks painted in primary colors of red, yellow, and blue situated under the shaded overhang.

Sipping on an arctic cold frosted root beer while waiting for our hamburgers to cook and listening to the hum of the fans overhead rated summer fantastic.

In our summer travels down the highways, interstates, farm-to-market, and backroads less traveled by, wonderment and nostalgia ride shotgun.

old-gas-pumps-highway (1)

Points of interest past and present fill mile after mile with sights appreciated, underrated, and outdated.

Beauty is in the eye and heart of the beholder, the mind and memories of the observer.

motor-inn-motel-sign

Summer’s big bang theory proves we’re all big kids at heart.

fireworks-summer-night

Photography by Zuza Gałczyńska on Unsplash

Hold on, summer fans. The ride is just beginning.

Darleen-signature-love

It’s The Dog Days of Summer

Today’s Fetching Friday places the late summer spotlight on the dog days of summer in keeping with August 26th being National Dog Day.

fetching-definiton

bergère-chair-Westie-dog

The Cottage Journal- Photography by Stephanie Welbourne Steele

Sweet thought provoking quotes, seasonal scenes in garden light and summer night silhouettes, and photos of pretty little pooches all in a scroll keep the dog days of summer tolerable.

stone-steps-garden-Photographer-Tracey-Ayton

House & Home – Photography by Tracey Ayton

Light of a late summer afternoon paired with garden blooms in perfect palette and placement gives visitors a visually impressive summer place to admire nature at its colorful best.

Melanie-Turner-green-cabinets-home-bar

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Pluto-Goofy

Pinterest

Making memories for kids of all ages through the decades of amusement in the good old dog days of summer.

Hillary-Duff-pink-front-doors

Better Homes & Gardens

red-Dutch-door-dog

 The Design Atelier

“There’s just something about dogs that makes you feel good.
You come home, they’re thrilled to see you.
They’re good for the ego.”

— Janet Schnellman

dogs-in-garden

Scott Shrader Exterior Design

Ralph Waldo Emerson authors a house favorite of Places In The Home.

I will build upon Mr. Emerson’s words that indeed the ornament of a house and garden is the friends and the furry friends who frequent it.

outdoor-dining-table-in-garden-Photographer-André-Rider

House & Home- Photography by Andre Rider 

“Everything good, everything magical, happens
between the months of June and August.”

—Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty

ceramic black-and-white-tilework

Veranda

Delicious details.

dog days of summer

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.”

—Sam Keen

summer-hammock-over-pond

Photo by Mael Balland on Unsplash

“Oh, the summer night, has a smile of light, and she
sits on a sapphire throne.”

—Bryan Procter

ferris-wheel-at-night

Photo by Matthew Daniels on Unsplash

Enjoy your Friday, your summer, and your weekend.

love signature

Good Ole Signs It’s Summer

Although not official by the calendar, good ole signs it’s summer have arrived in full glory at Places In The Home.

strawberries-blackberries-blueberries-trio

Louisiana is heating up, fresh fruit and vegetable stands are open for farm to table business, and outdoor living fun in the sun and moonlight activities are on tap.

corn-fresh-cob

Signs it’s summer cover anything and everything garden fresh, easy, fun, cool, colorful, aromatic, sweet, savory, relaxing, leisurely, kick your shoes off and stay awhile comfy.

homegrown-tomatoes

In other words, delightfully perfect.

rooster-summer

This is the time of year when I give myself permission to go with the flow.

farm-eggs

Entertaining is super casual in nature, meals focus on fresh seasonal ingredients, music is a must, shoes are optional, and time is nothing more than a word.

flour-dusted-baked-buttermilk-biscuits

Visits to the farmers market result in an every so often summer breakfast feast treat of fresh farm eggs fried with crisp edges, homemade biscuits, and pear and lemon preserves made from my great-grandmother’s recipe.

pear-preserves-compote

Zinnias capture the essence of summer; a simple yet elegant choice of color your world beauty perfect in gathered bouquet or tabletop arrangement form.

Roberson-farm-zinnias

Roberson Farm – USDA Photo by Preston Keres

Grandmother Willie’s pound cake is delicious any season of the year, but there’s something about a slice (or two) of this cake baked from the “Tennessee side of the family” recipe on a summer day that brings the flavor and the memories to plate and mind.

pound-cake-batter

Willie’s pound cake paired with fresh Louisiana strawberries is summer on a plate.

pound-cake-fresh-whole-strawberries

Following antiques and vintage shops on Facebook opens up the treasure hunt world, and gives me the perfect excuse to hit the road in pursuit of antiques and vintage picnic treasures.

vintage-picnic-supplies-Tattered-tiques

Tattered Tiques

Speaking of day trips, outdoor sales and festivals go with hot fun and cool finds in the summertime.

Summer find spotted at a recent Antique Shoppes at 1100 Barksdale outdoor sale.

Love this beverage dispenser!

pottery-crock-beverage-dispenser

Antique Shoppes At 1100 Barksdale

Antique pieces love taking center stage on the summer porch, patio, deck, terrace, balcony, veranda- you get the point.

Seize the summer of it all with fabulous-vintage-patriotic-seasonal decor accents that bring a unique and inviting spin to summer porchin’ style.

vintage-dresser-porch-bar

Cottages & Bungalows Magazine

Spending Sunday afternoon pulling a few things from here and there to put together a summer themed vignette proved super successful.

baseball players

I discovered these old photos of my Dad in the good old summertime down Miami way circa 1951.

Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet instantly comes to mind.

Daddy-Miami

Beach scenes and pink umbrellas top the signs it’s summer list.

https://www.domino.com/content/kitchen-cabinet-colors/

Business & Pleasure

Grilled goodies and chilled salads attest to the easy to throw together and easy to enjoy summer salad season.

pimento-grilled-corn-recipe-BHG-photo-Annie-Schlechter (1)

Grilled Corn with Pimiento-Cheese Butter Recipe – Photo by Annie Schlechter

Give me a box of pasta shells, a jar of Duke’s mayonnaise, fresh corn and tomatoes, diced bell peppers, green and red onions, and fine black pepper and I’ll give you a no fuss-all flavor summer salad.

cold-macaroni-summer-salad

Remember the rule of kiss– keep it summer simple!

signs it's summer

Patio times go with warm days and sipping evenings, and signal the senses the good kind of hurricane season has arrived.

Hurricane-cocktail-Pat-O'Briens-New-Orleans-Patio

Hurricane at Pat O’Briens New Orleans

June 1st signals the not so good hurricane season has arrived.

Fingers crossed this season will be uneventful.

HURRICANE-SEASON

Into every summer day a little rain usually will fall, however, we get used to the summer downpours bookended by humid sunbursts.

rainy-day-in-the-neighborhood

June through August is made for hitting the summer holiday road.

tn-road

Visit Gatlinburg

For most of my life the quintessential sign it’s summer has been packing up the Places In The Home gang and heading 700+ miles due east.

Our vacation travel destination GPS is set to family, friends, and the beauty and splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains.

grist-mill-Cades-Cove-great-smoky-Mountains-Tennessee

Over the years, I’ve clocked what seems to be thousand of hours sitting outside at twilight in the Smoky Mountain air.

Fireflies provide nature’s light show – a summer spectacle that dazzles the eye and delights the heart.

fireflies

It’s 84 degrees today, rainy, and humid beyond belief.

My summer playlist is cranked up, and a glass of cold mint infused sweet iced tea is the drink du jour.

Good ole signs it’s summer.

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Fetching Friday: Summertime Favorites

Today’s Fetching Friday features summertime favorites of fun, leisure and tabletop in color rich scenes many of us instantly associate with the good old summertime.

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butterfly-on-purple-flowers

Benaki-wallpaper-Lewis-Wood

Benaki – Lewis & Wood

cold-slice-of-watermelon

summertime-favoritesSouthern Living

Maine Coast Croquet Stand

lemon-orange-citrus-ice-block

Ice Block Tutorial – Southern Lady Magazine

summertime-favorites-bedroom-1Country Living Magazine- Photo by Buff Strickland

colorful-vegetables

Colorful Vegetables

hydrangeas-boxwoodsBetter Homes & Gardens – Photo by Kritsada Panichgul

I hope you all have a fabulous summer weekend filled with good times and good health.

love signature

 

Let the Summer Patio Good Times Begin

Chatting with Dave the Builder about how Memorial Day weekend traditionally signals let the summer patio good times begin and the opening back up of stores, shops, salons, restaurants, casinos, and the like brought up the question of just when to jump back into the swing of normal things.

Slow and safe is the approach I’m taking concerning out and about, but I’m all in on the season of living easy.

Toledo-Bend-pier

Granted, I would love to host a gathering of more than just me and Dave the Builder to usher in the summer season, and we will eventually, but for now we’ll keep it summer, party of two.

Mainstays Owen Park 28 inch Round Wood Burning Fire Pit

Mainstays Owen Park 28 inch Round Wood Burning Fire Pit

Getting patio, deck, porch or pier summer ready kicks the salute to summer party in gear.

Ventless Smokeless Glass & Black Metal Column Tabletop Fire Pit

Ventless Smokeless Glass & Black Metal Column Tabletop Fire Pit

Washing away winter’s remnants always puts a fresh and clean spin on things, and makes way for the patio party part of the process most of us really look forward to- the decorating details.

Outdoor décor items enhance the look of the season and emphasize chic summer style.

Battery Powered Integrated LED Outdoor Floor Lamp

Battery Powered Integrated LED Outdoor Floor Lamp- Lowes

I love the seagrass pendant lamp shade from IKEA.

Mama Places In The Home (better known as the proofreader) asked if this was a food cover.

Although not its intended use, reimagining an item to better suit your decorating and entertaining needs often creates a wow factor.

Seagrass is so summer chic, and the price (19.99) is so summer sweet.

TORARED Pendant lamp shade, seagrass, 14 "

TORARED Pendant lamp shade, seagrass, 14 “

A patio, deck, porch or pier becomes the perfect summer canvas for the art of decorating.

Brava-Outdoor-Acacia-Wood-Club-Chairs-with-Cushions-Set-of-2-by-Christopher-Knight-Home

Brava Outdoor Acacia Wood Club Chairs with Cushions-Set of 2

Ions ago when Dave and I had commercial and residential real estate dealings in Central Florida, we liked to stay at a particular hotel in the International Drive area of Orlando.

Palapa 7.5 ft. Aluminum Patio Umbrella in Whiskey Brown

Palapa 7.5 ft. Aluminum Patio Umbrella in Whiskey Brown

We mixed business with pleasure sitting poolside several afternoons, sipping cool beverages and soaking up the island vibe complete with tiki terrific motif.

Beachcomber Ceramic Tiki Mugs - 16 oz - Set of 4Tiki Mugs Set of 4

Relaxing, summer stylish, and memorable- an excellent theme to work with.

Parasol Picks with Large Hibiscus Print Flowers

Parasol Picks with Large Hibiscus Print Flowers

Fresh mint ice cubes add a zip of cool summer minty freshness to your favorite beverages.

Easy to make, delicious to taste, and talk about pretty in a pitcher or glass or both.

fresh mint ice cubes

Place gently rinsed fresh mint leaves into each individual square of the ice cube tray.

Fill  squares with water.

Pop tray into freezer until cubes are solid.

Enjoy these summer minty fresh ice cubes in your beverage of choice.

Summer Patio Good Times Cookout Recipes

Favorite Barbecued Chicken
Click on the link for full recipe

I’ve carted this handwritten recipe on many a camping trip for the express purpose of satisfying the request of our camping crew.

baked-beans-recipe

I got this recipe for Sue and Gloria’s Baked Beans from an episode of Paula’s Home Cooking, and tried it out for the great Fourth of July camping trip of 2008.

Oven baking is not always camping convenient, but you know what is?

A 7 qt. slow cooker.

I put the recipe together while we’re drinking coffee in the morning, set the slow cooker on low for approximately 6-8 hours, and let the goodness come together for dinner.

Click on the link for full recipeGrilled Corn 4 Ways

Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Click on the link for full recipe

Decorate.

Cook.

Plan.

Patio.

Summertime is the season of living easy and summer patio good times.

love signature

A Fetching Friday: Dog Days of Summer

Today’s Fetching Friday is a take on the dog days of summer.

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Ancient Egyptian and Roman astrology links the Dog Star, Sirius, to the hottest weeks of the year of July to mid-August.  The oppressive heat of the Dog Star coupled with the sultry heat of the sun creates the extra cruel and brutal heat, ergo the dog days of summer.

According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, July 2019 now ranks as the hottest month ever recorded.

Welcome to the dog days of summer.

mid-century-bench-sofa

Country Living

“Home is where the dog runs to greet you.”

-Unknown

one_kings_lane_alex_papachristidis_

Alex Papachristidis- Photo by Lesley Unruh

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.”

– Sam Keen

dog-garden-Country-Homes-Interiors-Magazine

Country Homes & Interiors Magazine

“Summer, with its dog days, its vacations, its distractions, is over.  We have had our holidays, our rest, our recreation.  The fall season, with its new opportunities for effort, enterprise and achievement, is upon us.  Let us rip off our coats and get down to business.”

-B. C. Forbes

Sean-Hayes-Home

Traditional Home

“Summer afternoon — summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”

– Henry James

William-Mclure-Photo-by-Frank-Tribble

William McClure -Photo by Frank Tribble

“When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome.”

-Wilma Rudolph

 Philip Mitchell

 Philip Mitchell

“People love dogs. You can never go wrong adding a dog to the story.”

-Jim Butcher

tuxedo-sofa

Country Living

dog days

Take heart- the dog days won’t last forever, and before you know it fall will be here to excite and renew.

I hope you all have a cool and refreshing fetching Friday.

love your style

Summer Simple Suggestions In Chic Summer Style

Summer simple suggestions in chic summer style for bedecking interior and exterior settings, entertaining, dishing up summer fare, and outdoor living it up easy peasy is greatly appreciated.

summer simple suggestions

Southern, Northern, Eastern or Western Living- regardless of geographical location, summer living and loving decoristas have got the memo, and it’s all about keeping it summer simple and summer simple suggestions.

best-of-summer-Southern-Living

It’s kinda sorta tough to kick back, relax and savor the season when you notice heavy equipment sitting on the sidewalk in front of your house and you, the homeowner, have no earthly idea what it is doing there.

heavy-equipment

Seems our city water department has a little curb appeal water line improvement of their own in mind.

This does not make my summer simple suggestions list.

dug-up-sidewalk

Progress isn’t always a pretty process, and the installation of a new water lines makes it difficult to achieve summer curb appeal style, but we forge on.

sago-palm

We trimmed the unattractive dead sago palm fronds and within a week new green growth emerged.

Here’s a trick in my simple summer suggestions repertoire for getting your Sago palm(s) summer curb appeal ready.

Sago Palm Care

Outdoor planted Sago palm care involves watering the plant regularly until it takes root.

I like the look and the drought tolerant aspect of the mature Sago palm.

Fertilize at least once a month beginning in spring to aid in active growth.

Covering the base of the plant with mulch will help to protect the roots from cold snaps.

In inclement winter weather or fall freeze, we cover the exposed Sago palm with a heavy duty extra large black trash bag to protect it.

shattered

If it’s not one thing, it’s this.

Cue The Rolling Stones, cause it’s shattered.

The lawn and garden guy’s super duper heavy duty weed eater took aim at a loose piece of exposed aggregate, obliterating the exterior glass panel of the patio French garden door.

One simply can’t patio pretty with ugly on parade.

Thank goodness for the friend who frequents our summer patio soirees that just so happens to own a local glass company.

Better Homes & Gardens 10-Count Warm White LED Ribbed Outdoor String Lights

Better Homes & Gardens 10-Count LED Ribbed Outdoor String Lights

Did someone mention summer soiree?

Why, yes.

It’s time once again to get your summer soiree on, and the ideas for fun in the sun or evening tiki torch, lantern or string light are flowing.

We’re working with what we’ve got in the front of the house, and if you are like us, you’re getting your porch, patio and deck hangin’ game plan down pat.

Comfortable, fun, relaxing, refreshing, simple, tasty and stylish as chic- this is my number one summer simple suggestions formula for a festive summer gathering.

If Ina Uses It

I read with interest an article listing the pros and cons of a charcoal grill.

The pros outnumber the cons, and personal preference trumps all however, the one pro of the charcoal grill worth mentioning is worth mentioning.  Grilling on a charcoal grill ups the flavor quotient and gives great grilled flavor.

grill

Better Homes & Gardens

Brushing the grate with oil helps to prevent food from sticking.

Take three or four paper towels and wad them up in a bunch.

Pick up the paper towels with tongs and dip into a bowl of peanut, Canola or vegetable oil.

Lightly coat the grate and proceed to grill.

charcoal-chimney-starter

Country Living

Ina is a huge fan of the charcoal chimney starter.

Using a charcoal chimney starter is both easy and a safe way to get things cooking.

I hate the taste of lighter fluid, and am leery of it as well.  When you use a charcoal chimney starter there is no need for lighter fluid.

Simply fill the chimney starter about ¾  full with charcoal and light it over several sheets of scrunched up newspaper over the bottom grill grate.

chimney-starter

Weber® Rapidfire® Chimney Starter

Allow the fire to catch and then burn for about 10-20 minutes or until the fire comes out of the top and the coals are glowing orange.

Carefully spread out the charcoal in a single layer across the bottom cooking grate, place the oiled grate on top, and you’re ready to grill.

As Ina Garten would say, how fabulous is that?

Speaking of Simple Summer Suggestions, Ina Garten, Summer Fare and Grilling

ina-garten-sliders

Sliders

Ingredients

2 pounds premium ground beef (80 percent lean and 20 percent fat)

1 tablespoon good Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons good olive oil, plus extra for brushing the grill

1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves

3 teaspoons chopped garlic

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

6 ounces grated Gruyere

12 small Brioche buns

4 ounces baby arugula

3 medium tomatoes, sliced in 1/8-inch-thick rounds

2 small red onions, sliced in 1/8-inch-thick rounds

Ketchup, for serving

Directions

Build a charcoal fire or heat a gas grill.

Place the ground beef in a large bowl and add the mustard, olive oil, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.  Mix gently with a fork to combine, taking care not to compress the ingredients.  Shape the meat into 12 (2-inch) patties of equal size and thickness.

When the grill is medium-hot, brush the grill grate with oil to keep the sliders from sticking.  Place the sliders on the grill and cook for 4 minutes. Turn the sliders over with a spatula and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes, until medium-rare, or cook longer if you prefer the sliders more well done.

For the last 2 minutes of cooking time, place ½-ounce Gruyere on the top of each burger and close the grill lid.  Remove the sliders to a platter and cover with foil.

Slice the buns in half crosswise and toast the halves cut side down on the grill.

Divide the baby arugula among the 12 bottom buns, top each with a slider, and finish with a slice of tomato and red onion.  Cover with the top of the bun and serve hot with ketchup.

– from Food Network

hot-dog-1

Culinary experiments put the taste and c’est si bon in the summer entertaining mix.

Summer menus require summer classics, new discoveries and improved additions.

fried-chicken

Fried chicken is practically required eating in the South and a mainstay of the summer dining and picnic table.

Once the Places In The Home gang discovered how good the fried chicken is from the deli at our local Kroger, frying chicken at home has become a thing of the past.

smores-fixins

Here’s my tip for simply summer impressive- it’s all in the presentation.

I go heavy on the presentation and simple with the preparation.

A pack of mini terra-cotta clay pots from the dollar store become individual s’mores supply pots.

Vintage Hershey's Milk Chocolate Metal Tray

Vintage Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Metal Tray

Chippy, rusty, and charming- this vintage Hershey’s Milk Chocolate metal tray would make a great serving tray or decorative accent for the s’mores table.

plum smoothie pop

Country Living Magazine

Vintage ironstone and in the style of vintage table linens set a summer chic table.

A quick trip to an antique shop, garage sale or Goodwill store usually results in an ironstone serving piece find or two.

Vintage picnic wares and baskets bring memories to the table, and can be used for the actual purpose of food and beverage and/or as decorative accents.

basket-hydrangea

Dave the Builder and I bought a vintage picnic table from a fellow antiques dealer with the express purpose of featuring it in a summer display at Hopefully Classic.

I used a vintage picnic basket filled with hydrangeas for  a super easy, super cute centerpiece.

You can make quite the keep it summer simple statement with a collection of glass jars or melamine vegetable bowl and whatever flowers, greenery or veggies are growing fresh in your yard or garden.

No garden or flowers on the homestead?

summer-sorbet-watermelon-Blaine-Moats

Check out the floral department and produce section of your favorite grocery store or farmers market.

Fresh watermelon at a market

Mini watermelons on a natural table runner of Pittosporum paired with Lemon Lime Nandina is summer simple and summer chic.

corn-centerpiece

corn-cobs-red-ribbons

Ears of fresh corn with the husks slightly peeled back in order to expose the corn kernels grouped in threes and tied with woven ribbon of your color, pattern and texture choice or metallic twisted rope is another fresh centerpiece idea.

ironstone-tureen

H&Co France Lidded Casserole- White Ironstone lidded dish

H&Co France Lidded Casserole- White Ironstone Lidded Dish

Vintage Homer Laughlin Blue and White Platter Oval Plate Dish Restaurant Ware

Vintage Homer Laughlin Blue and White Platter Oval Dish

summer-serving-pieces

4pc Indoor Outdoor Gingham Napkins
Cotton Striped Table Runner Blue – Threshold™
Design Imports 18″ Square Farm Fresh Stripe Napkin (Set of 4)
Farmhouse Living Homestead Stripe Red/White Napkins (4-Pack)
Buffalo Check Navy 100% Cotton Napkin (Set of 4)

12-Piece Damier White and Black Porcelain Dinnerware Set (Service for 4)

12-Piece Damier White and Black Porcelain Dinnerware Set (Service for 4)

Buffalo Plaid Woven Cotton Napkin, 4 Piece, Black and White

Buffalo Plaid Woven Cotton Napkin, 4 Piece, Black and White

Summer Simple Suggestions for Refreshing Treats 

Summer is fun, but summer is hot.

Delicious and easy frozen treats of the leaded and unleaded type make a big splash with guests.

plums

Plums

Plum Smoothie Pops

Ingredients

¼ cup sugar

1 Tablespoon corn syrup

1 lb. assorted plums

8 tsp. fresh lime juice

6 oz. plain yogurt

Directions

Bring the sugar, corn syrup, and ¼ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and cool.

Puree the plums, cooled syrup, and lime juice in two batches, using a blender, until smooth.  Stir the plum puree and yogurt together in a large mixing bowl.

Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving about ½ inch at the top, as the mixture will expand when it freezes.  Follow popsicle mold manufacturer’s instructions and freeze until solid, about 4 hours.

-Country Living

popsicle-outdoor-throw-pillow

Pair your favorite frozen treat with a glass of sparkling wine for a little zing.

Dipping a frozen treat into a chilled glass of sparkling wine pops the flavor notes and takes summer treat to a whole new tasting dimension.

Prosecco grapes is another winner.

These frozen treats are super easy to make and quite refreshing.

prosecco-grapes

Prosecco Grapes

Ingredients

2 lb. green grapes

1 bottle prosecco

4 oz. vodka

½  cup granulated sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, pour prosecco and vodka over grapes.  Let them soak in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Drain in a colander and pat dry.  On a shallow plate, roll the grapes in sugar until fully coated, then serve.

-Delish

original-bomb-pop-frozen-treat

Inspiration is everywhere!

Huber+Popsicle+Throw+Pillow

I saw this VW Bus throw pillow and immediately my thoughts went to summers spent camping with my childhood friend and her family in their VW Bus.

VW-bus-summer-throw-pillow

Louisiana is a long way from the California coast, but the Gulf Coast is a fun place to sand, swim, sun and sing we’ve been having fun all summer long, Louisiana style.

The Beach Boys definitely make up the soundtrack of summer.

he-beach-boys-greatest-hits

My final summer simple suggestions tip is as follows:

Don’t sweat the details.

The simplicity of summer is an easy theme to work with and makes a great backdrop for mixing and mingling with friends and family in the good old summertime.

Darleen-signature-love

 

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A Most Fetching Friday: Keeping Cool

Today’s A Most Fetching Friday serves as a friendly reminder of the importance of keeping cool in the intense summer heat. Our internet service failed to connect us to the world wide web this past Wednesday morning and as of this posting remains spotty.  Ugh!

fetching-define

Work crews from AT&T have graced the Places In The Home compound with their skilled and professional presence over the last two days. Knowing the importance of staying hydrated and keeping cool in the fight against heat exhaustion, I keep a steady supply and variety of bottle waters on hand for the postman, landscape crews, and utility workers.

bottled-water

sunscreen

The heat is on in these intense summer days making it necessary for those who work and play outdoors to do what it takes to reduce the risks of associated with the unforgiving combination of heat and humidity.

cooling-towels

 

floppy-hat

 

One does want a hint of style.

 

keeping cool

 

fan

Keeping cool is key when working or playing outdoors in the summer. Stay cool, hydrated, sun protected and heat exhaustion educated in these fun in the summer sun months.

signature-pink