Summer's Simple Pleasures

  This is my favorite time of year for so many reasons. I come alive in the warmth & sunshine.

 I thrive on it. Everything is so simple in the summer. I love throwing on a tee shirt and shorts, a pair of flip flops and I'm ready to go. It makes me so happy to finally open all the windows and let the sea breeze in. I love to listen to the birds sing, watch the butterflies and eat a simple salad out on the patio. Our yard is full of wildflowers and their heavy scents are intoxicating! Every morning and evening during the summer months I spend time in my garden, it's a quiet time that helps me feel balanced and peaceful.

There's a completely different pace to life when the hot weather arrives. It's a nod from the Universe to take things slow and easy, keep thing simple and go outdoors to enjoy Mother Nature. To me, that's the beauty of summer! And in the evenings, there is something so magical about hot summer nights, when the air is thick with sounds of crickets. Everything comes alive with joy that the days are long and lazy. I'm sitting in the yard as I write this at dusk. I'm surrounded with the twinkling of lightning bugs, the sky is deep pink and the crickets are just beginning to sing. Pretty soon the cicadas will be joining in.

Ah, the Simple Pleasures in life ~ I am in heaven!

 A large variety of fruits and veggies are abundant this time of year in Ct, it's a long time coming and I am in my glory surrounded by all of my favorite foods! At our house there is no longer a set dinner time or rarely a planned meal anymore, which I love. Since both my husband and I now enjoy a diet rich in fruits,veggies & greens (Yay!), it just depends on what we are feeling like each night. Summer foods make this so easy. Some nights we make salad, loading it up with lots of mixed greens, sprouts, sunflower seeds & veggies. I like to add fruit to my salad; strawberries, diced apples or pears or slices of oranges. Last night we cut a watermelon in half, grabbed 2 spoons and voila, dinner! I love to create "supper smoothies", which are heavier on the summer fruits, yet still include a mellow green like romaine. Chia cereal full of berries, cinnamon and almonds is still a favorite of mine and takes just a few minutes to prepare. Having my kitchen stocked with a wide variety of beautiful greens, fruits and veggies is key to keeping dinnertime simple and satisfying. Simple is the name of the game in the summer and that's why I love this glorious time of year so much!

Here are some of my favorite simple pleasures in life ~ I am so blessed... Life is good!

My awesome family!

Best Friends!

Flowers in my yard!

Fresh Fruit!

Wild Raspberries!

My organic garden ~ I love growing my own!

 Swiss Chard ~ Beans ~ Peppers ~ Cucumbers

Arugula ~ Spinach ~ Kale ~ Tomatoes

Vibrant Fresh Foods!

Raspberry Walnut Salad!

I've been thrilled with my arugula that's growing in both my garden & my neighbor's.

 I add a big handful to the lettuce or spinach that I usually make my salads with.
 I love how the sweetness in fruit and bitter arugula compliment each other!

Strawberry Spinach Tomato Salad

with Sprouts! 

Cabbage Pear Salad with Pear Dressing!

dressing

I prefer a light dressing that I mix up just before serving my salad

My favorite lately is a little hemp or pumpkin seed oil

mixed with some cinnamon pear vinegar ~ amazing!

Mango Romaine Supper Smoothie
Great for anytime ~ night or day!

2 cups frozen mango
1 banana
1 head romaine lettuce
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 to 3 cups coconut water 
( depending on how thick you like it)




Mango Orange Fennel Smoothie





1 cup chopped fennel
3 Swiss chard leaves
1 peeled orange
1/2 banana
1 cup diced mango ( fresh or frozen)
2 1/2 cups coconut water




Dessert!

Chocolate Brownie Bites

Chocolate Brownie Bites

1. 
   

   1 1/2 cup walnuts

   
   

   1/2 cup raw cacao powder 
   
   

   1/3 cup dried, unsweetened coconut 
   
   

   1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
   
   

   1 tsp vanilla powder 
   
   

   2 1/4 cups pitted, chopped dates 

1. 
   
    Blend everything except the dates until finely ground in food processor
   
   
   

   Slowly add dates until well blended. 
   
   
   Scoop a spoonful out at a time
   roll into little balls
   
   
   Refrigerate for a half hour
   
   
   Enjoy!!
   
   
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   Sunshine is my quest  ~ Winston Churchill