Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Glazed Lemon Zucchini Muffins

Happy Day before Friday! How has your week been going? It's been a fun week around here, with all new exciting things planned for the upcoming weeks. I am headed up North to visit family, this weekend. My grandparents have been moving, and should be moved in by Friday. When I visit Saturday, I am planning on taking my Grandmother to lunch and Antique shopping to give her a break from moving. My Uncle and Aunt are helping with the move, and visiting from California, who I haven't seen, since my cousin got married three years ago, which will be nice to catch up with them.

A Summer would be incomplete without a recipe devoted to one of Summer's most beloved vegetables, the Zucchini. 
It is one of the most versatile vegetables to create just about any type of meal and
 even dessert imaginable.

Growing up, I was like my daughter yesterday, when I told her, 
I wasn't going to make cake or dessert,
that I was going to make Zucchini Muffins.



She looked straight at me, and told me that was just wrong,
to put a vegetable into something sweet.
I told her, I could have kept it a secret, and not told her!
Which is what my mother did!

We always had a salad or a vegetable growing up on our plates, and
my mother never really sauteed zucchini, I wouldn't have eaten it
instead she would simply grate it, 
and squeeze lemon juice on it, 
with a little salt and pepper, and never tell me what it was, just too try it.
I loved it!
 
My love of zucchini continued when my mother would make her Zucchini bread. 
It wasn't sweetly glazed with lemon sugar, 
instead she'd add raisins and walnuts.


These Zucchini lemon muffins, were surprisingly a hit with the family!
My son, ate his and all he could say was that they were interesting!
My daughter, kept insisting she wasn't going to eat a single one,
finally she gave in, and ate one up in two huge bites!

What I love about them, is that they were not only 
light and full of lemony goodness,
but were just the right amount of sweetness, 
with a slight hint of cinnamon!

 
Glazed Lemon Zucchini Muffins
 
2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
zest of one lemon
1/2 cup butter milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup shredded zucchini
 
Glaze
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbls. milk
 
Instructions:
 
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease well or paper-line 12 (2 1/2-in) muffin cups.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, lemon zest in a large bowl;
Combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla in small bowl until blended. Pour buttermilk mixture into flour mixture. Mix until well combined. Add zucchini, stirring again, until well combined.
3. Spoon into prepared muffin cups, 2/3 of the way up. Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
4. Remove from pan, and place on rack to cool.
5. Combine powdered sugar, lemon juice and milk in small bowl, and stir until smooth.
6. Drizzle over warm muffins.
 
What is your favorite meal, dessert, recipe that you like to cook with Zucchini?
 
Have a fantastic day!
Until next time!
xo,

Saturday, August 8, 2015

5 Ways to Update your Bedroom for Summer

Dreams of a far away place, with sandy white beaches, 
and charming cottages by the sea; 
where one could go and spend time relaxing and refreshing 
as if you were staying at a beautiful b&b,
 is right where I want to spend my time in the Summertime. 
This is what I immediately thought of,
on ways to refresh my bedroom
for better Summer Living with Parachute!


Recently, I learned about Parachute bedding, and the vision, it's entrepreneur, CEO Ariel Kaye, had of recreating the feel of an amazing hotel bedroom experience she had on a trip to Italy. She wanted to create an  affordable, premium line of bedding to ensure we get our best night of sleep! Her studio is based in Venice Beach, California, and as a direct-to-consumer bedding brand, Parachute  offers luxurious Egyptian cotton bed linens, woven in Italy. With Parachute, providing direct-to-consumer, the company's costs are unbelievably lower than standard retail. Another good thing to know about Parachute, they give back. They've partnered with Nothing but Nets, to provide an insecticide-treated bed net to protect from malaria-carrying mosquitoes. For every sale of their signature Venice bedding set sold, $10 is donated.

My hopes of an early fall were crushed this week, 
when once again, we are experiencing another heat wave, 
mixed with late afternoon intermittent rain showers, 
bringing on the sweltering humidity.
 Over the years of living in Arizona, I've learned how to prepare for Summer 
and how to create a bedroom that is not only cool and refreshing, 
but comfortable and relaxing. 
With August still being a hot Summer month, 
today I am sharing 5 easy ways to refresh a Bedroom for Summer.


via pinterest

1. Vintage fan
It's a well known fact, that temperature effects the way we sleep.
The cooler the temperature the easier and more comfortable we sleep.

Not all parts of Arizona, have central air, 
and even though we do have A/C, I've found that running an oscillating fan,
 helps to keep the cool air flowing. 

 It really helps relax and cools you down, 
especially if you spend anytime out in the heat,
 nothing feels better than a refreshing breeze, 
as it blows through the room.

(affiliate) Holmes 12" Classic Metal Table Fan - Oil Rubbed Bronze




courtesy of Parachute

2. Crisp White Linen Sheets
There is nothing I love more after a long busy day, than to climb into smooth, white linen sheets, that feel cool and refreshing. This time of year, I usually leave off the top sheet, and opt for a thin, and airy down alternative duvet, instead of a heavy comforter or on cooler summer nights after a summer rain storm, when the temperature drops twenty or more degrees, I love to snuggle with a soft cashmere throw.

courtesy of Parachute
3. Soft, and Elegant Sateen Pillows

Another intersting fact about me is that I love big, comfy pillows. We have four on our bed, and I sleep with two of them. I like  big, soft, cool pillows, like clouds of comfort, that I can sink into. I almost fall asleep immediately as my head hits the proverbial pillow.



(affiliate)
4.. Romantic scented candles

Growing up in Southern California, we didn't have central air, 
so at night; this is from another time, 
when you could leave your windows open, 
and as I drifted off to sleep, 
the cool night air brought the intoxicating scent of 
Nighttime Blooming Jasmine, wafting on a breeze, 
its fragrance took me off to dreamland. 
Using candles, creates a relaxing atmosphere with 
the aromas of jasmine, lavender and orange blossom.
 giving a room a more romantic feel. 
The mesmerizing glow of the candlelight, helps to create that dreamy mood.



Aqua Ocean Photography

5. Peaceful Wall Art

If I can't be near the beach,
 then I might as well create a serene beach scene to look at. 
Choosing a Wall art piece helps set a peaceful focal point to gaze at, 
something that helps remind of the ocean waves as they rock you off to sleep.


How do you refresh your bedroom for Summer?

Hope you are staying cool and relaxing this weekend!!
Until next time!
xo,

  
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Sunday, July 19, 2015

Weekend Randomness

The weekend slowly snuck up on me.

I've had my coffee, and now I'm enjoying an ice cold glass of sweet tea,
still waiting for the monsoon storm that we are expecting this weekend.



During the Summer, the weekends just melt in with the rest of the days of the week!
Today is an exception, it's a busy day over here, I've got my daughter's dresser I'm working on,
back to school items to cross off my list, a little mid-summer gardening, and I'm adding learning to sew to the mix!

Luxurious Spa Master Bath

Photo By Emily Minton Redfield; emrphotography.com

This is the master bath I've been dreaming of.
Calm and elegant, a master bath that I could transform into a spa getaway!
Leaving my cares behind, as I relax in this large soaking tub.
One thing I've been considering in investing, is transforming
our master bath into a spa bath!
Complete with crystal chandelier and fluffly robes and towels.

Here are some amazing ways to turn your bathroom into a weekend spa getaway,
without breaking the bank!

Summer Garden party alfresco


via Pinterest / Glitter Guide

Aside from the extreme heat of the day living here in Arizona,
there is something magical that happens around dusk.
As the sun goes down, the night comes alive.
Dining al fresco doesn't have to be too much of a challenge living
here in the desert.
It's the perfect time to get out and enjoy the fresh air and entertain
with family and friends.

A couple of my favorite things, fresh flowers, citrus flavored drinks,
 crusty French bread, cheese and a glass of wine!

The color Turquoise

Lilikoijoy.com

I began to wonder if it wasn't at all a coincidence that the
meaning of turquoise is calm and cooling
recharges energy and restores balance;
since living in a place that can be hot as hell
for 4 months out of the year, and that it
is mined in dry climates.
This gorgeous color just so happens to be my favorite color, and
I am swooning over this dresser.

Coral

If you are needing a good laugh, you really need to stop in
and visit my dear friend Benita. It's this post from her, that I think
of when I saw this.

I love all things coastal I absolutely love this faux coral,
 and so now I am on a mission to find some
Sticks!!



Blackberries

What I love about blackberries, are that they perfectly sweet, 
without being overly sweet!
They are a Summertime treat, not just to snack on,
but a treat to harvest.
Over even better yet still,
snacking on them while you are picking them!



For breakfast, I enjoyed a serving of my Blackberry-Cinnamon Cobbler,
with my cup of coffee.
After all, they are full of antioxidants and fiber .


Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
Until next time,


Friday, July 10, 2015

Follow Friday #28: Hot in the Summertime

Happy Fri-YAY! How has your week been? I am so happy it is Friday, because I am so ready for the weekend! The girls and I are getting excited about their tea party, and my son is counting down the days until his birthday! Where does time go? One day I'm holding them in my arms, then I blink, open my eyes and they are getting jobs, driving cars, and going off to college. My littlest one, tells me she'll live next door to me, when she grows up, so that she'll never leave me! *sniff* I tell you, she really knows the way to her momma's heart!

For Follow Fridays from now on, I will be featuring 4 different blogs, one cooking/baking, one gardening, one décor/style, and one crafting.

 
3 Berry Cheesecake Ice Cream No-Churn from The BakingChocolatess
 
Doesn't this look deliciously yummy??
We're still making ice cream here, and this one looks like the perfect one to try next!
 
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White & Ecru Lace Stenciled Bottle from Carolyn's Home.Work 
 
How lovely are these recycled wine bottle vases! I keep my pretty colored green and blue wine bottles and use them for vases, but I'd love to try this DIY!!
 
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Summer Embroidered Fiesta Dress by Beautifully Seaside
 
This is such a pretty off the shoulder dress, and the embroidery is gorgeous! Not to mention, it's my favorite shade of 'Pink'!
 
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I'm so happy I found this blog! You all know how much I LOVE Roses!
 
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I'm trying something new again. I wanted to try making this a little more social, so over at my FaceBook page I'm hosting a Follow Friday in the comments section. If you'd like join in the fun, please share your Facebook page in the comments section! There is no obligation for a Follow for Follow or returning likes! I want this be a FUN way to make New Friends!
 
Until next time!
xo, Christine
 
 
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Friday, June 26, 2015

Follow Friday #27: Summer Brights


Happy Fri-YAY! How has your week been? I am so happy it is Friday, because I am so ready for the weekend! Both my girls are getting bit by the DIY bug. Both of them were being super cute and silly last night, making clay charms that look like macarons, that I think we'll start painting Katelyn's dresser this weekend! Sneak peek pics to come!


For Follow Fridays from now on, I will be featuring 4 different blogs, one cooking/baking, one gardening, one décor/style, and one crafting.

 
She is the "Queen of Vignettes"! Seriously, she wowed me with her use of color like no one I've seen before. She gives some amazing tips on her vignette styling essentials.
 
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What pretty serving trays these make, and real budget friendly! A visit to her website and I not only wanted to bake macarons, but all the color she creates with really made me smile!
 
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How beautiful are these flowers! As I read her blog, I felt like I was touring a whimsical, enchanted garden! She shares not only great gardening advice, but fun and creative DIYs for both the garden and home!
 
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Sprinkle Bakes

Under this gorgeously painted watercolor fondant is a 4 layer Chocolate Butter cake! I want a slice of this with my coffee for breakfast ! Her baking and desserts are truly works of art!

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  Hope you all have a beautiful weekend!
Until next time!
xo Christine
 

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Monday, June 22, 2015

A Week in CASL Photos : June 15- June 21

Happy Beautiful Monday! Hope you all had a relaxing weekend, spending time with loved ones! Yesterday, while my husband and father-in-law spent most of the day bonding, the girls and I had our own bonding time, watching DIY tween room videos on Youtube. We enjoyed some serious giggle time!
I've been waiting for my daughter to find out how she would like to transform her IKEA rast dresser, and I think she came up with a cute idea, reminds me of a post I read about, "Chevrons vs. Polka Dots"! Honestly, I couldn't tell you which one she chose. I am only guessing, but she's most likely leaning towards polka dots, but don't quote me on it!

What I like about doing a Photo365, is that I get to share with you a peek into what my week has been like, and possibly a sneak peek to what next week will bring. I've tried 365 Photo or Daily photo memes several times before, and surprisingly, I am getting farther posting my photos once a week, instead of once a day. It makes a big difference, and it's really nice to look back and see a slice of my day!

June 15th- Lunchtime...Something light for Summer, mini tomato sandwhiches! Fresh basil, cream cheese, mayo, lemon juice on a toasted slice of baguette! Garnished with some black pepper!

 
June 16th- Sunny...Just like my day!
 
 
June 17th- Local...Outside our local Amtrak station, a cool abandoned, old, railcar!
 
 
June 18th- Sun...We've been getting a lot of it lately! Love how in the late afternoon, how it peeks through the leaves on the tree out front!
 
 
June 19- 9 o'clock...Time for my second cup of coffee!  
 
 
June 20th- #WIDN...What I'm doing now...Decided to paint today!
 



 
 
and June 21st- (the prompt was wet, but it's to hot to go to the pool), so I posted on my
 
 
Are you on Instagram? You really should be!! 
You can follow me here on Instagram
 
   I recently started following a photo a day prompt on #fmsphotoaday.
 Let me know if you decide to join in the fun!

Have a great rest of your week! Until next time!
xo, Christine
 
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Saturday, June 13, 2015

Sweet Summer

Here's to a beautiful weekend!

via dontcallmebetty 

For most of you, Summer is just beginning.
Here in Arizona, we got an early start.
My children have been out of school for almost a month now,
 and I have enjoyed this month and took things much more leisurely.

Last week, it was really over cast for several days.
That reminded me of the June gloom days in California.
Everyone taking it easy,
and then right when the sun burned the clouds away, which was right around noon,
everyone took off to the beach.


Hotel del Coronado

Talking to my older daughter, who lives in Washington state,
she's planning to come back for a visit at the end of July
 ( crossing my fingers to stay *a mom can hope*).
One item on my bucket list is to go on a hike with all my children,
and she won't be able to get time off from work until then.
Which will be nice to get away from all this heat, to the cooler climate of Sedona.

That means, and I am super excited that next week, we'll be off on a roadtrip to California.
It won't be too long of a trip. One part of the trip is to see the sights in
Coronado, California, on the San Diego bay. 
 
One item I am taking with me is this beautiful (affiliate link) embroidered tunic dress
,
to help me stay easy and breezy during our trip!

 

I couldn't stop swooning over this coastal vignette. The galvanized buckets, the bottles filled with white, fragrant, freesia, the white washed candlesticks, and a new botanical love for me are artichokes. I couldn't believe my mother's artichoke plant survived the winter where she lives. I am hoping she gifts me with a few of her home grown ones.

Lobster Rolls via Suburban Soapbox
Also, in California, I am hoping to taste a Right Coast Lobster roll at Terra American bistro.  Can't wait to bite into one of these.

One plant I do not have a problem keeping alive has always been lavender.
In fact the more I abuse it, the better it grows. I'm actually thinking of
putting two lavender topiary bushes out on my front porch to keep the mosquitos away!
 
Hope you all have a relaxing weekend!
Until next time!
xo, Christine

Cherishing A Sweet Life

Friday, June 5, 2015

Follow Friday 24: Summertime Fun


Happy Friday! Hope your week has been going well!! What a week we've had, we went from triple digits of 108F earlier this week, to today it's pouring down rain with thunder and lightening! Crazy Arizona weather! This week, I've been busy getting ready for my father in law's birthday which is actually today, and my brother's birthday, tomorrow, and we are celebrating on Sunday! I finished getting my gallery art wall up, and Nana's table all set up in the Great room. It's been awhile since, I mentioned finishing up the decorating for the One Room Challenge, although I didn't finish in six weeks, it's coming along nicely. More pictures coming soon! Yesterday, I picked up my first bunch of Peonies at Trader Joes, and I am swooning over all their pink, prettiness, with their flirty ruffles, and sweet fragrance! Simply beautiful!

For Follow Fridays from now on, I will be featuring 4 different blogs, one cooking/baking, one gardening, one décor/style, and one crafting.

 
 
A Garden designer who loves to write about the Gardens and plants she sees. Her writing and photography are simply amazing!
 
 
 
 
I absolutely love this skirt, with it's tropical flair! There is something about the bright, lime green color of the strappy heels that makes me happy!
 
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Raspberry-Rhubarb Pie by JavaCupcake

Summertime brings back memories of dinners at my great-grandaunt's house. She would always make root beer floats for me and my brother, and she'd always make a rhubarb pie, something I have never made. Which is on my list to make this year!

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Framed Summer Fun List by StephanieLynn

We'll be on mission to find some Fireflies to catch! I can check off quite a few on the list. This would also make a great printable or chalkboard art!

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  Hope you have a lovely and relaxing weekend!
Until next time!
xo Christine

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