Monday Message

~ My Monday Message ~

Sometimes we all need a little extra love and care, and well wishes.  And just knowing that we are in someone's thoughts or that they are especially "thinking of you" can make all the difference while on the mend, recovering, healing, or just trying to overall feel better.  And a hug never hurts either, it's like icing on the cake!    So, whether suffering mentally, physically or both, and either from disappointment, heartache, illness, sadness or loss, along with so many other reasons.  Don't forget to let someone you know that you are thinking of them, whether they are near or far, and give or send them a hug too! 

    

   

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I'm especially thinking of: 

My Mother-in-law as I hope for her speedy, and complete recovery.

-And- 

My Dear Friends' grieving the loss of their beloved Brother.

I send them all many Well Wishes, with Love, Hugs, and Kisses

Thinking of you!...

Bruschetta - Tomato, Basil and Garlic

Bruschetta

However you choose to say it...

bru·schet·ta [broo-sket-uh,  -shet-uh;  Italian broo-sket-tah] = an Italian appetizer consisting of toasted bread slices drizzled with olive oil and usually topped with tomatoes and basil.

...is an Italian favorite of mine.

It's very easy to prepare and tastes delicious.  I make Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, along with some good extra virgin olive oil, finished off with a dusting of freshly grated parmigiana reggiano cheese, because I think it's the best and it is a preferred favorite!...but you can use other freshly grated parmesan cheese if you prefer.

I happen to love anything garlic, and this is one food where I do like to taste the garlic.  I also love tomatoes, especially fresh, ripe and juicy tomatoes!  It's great having fresh tomatoes during the warmer months.  If you have some fresh, or home grown tomatoes this is a great way to make use of them.

What I really enjoy about this dish is the fresh ingredients.  I have made Bruschetta using fresh tomatoes and I've also made it using canned tomatoes.  I do prefer making Bruschetta using fresh tomatoes, but it's not always possible to get really fresh or home grown tomatoes, so if you use good canned tomatoes that will work well, just drain most of the liquid.  Bruschetta can be served as an appetizer or a side dish, and it will compliment most dishes, and goes very well with Italian foods.

Bruschetta - Tomato, Basil and Garlic

Ingredients:
3 medium or 2 large tomatoes-diced (or 1 - 14 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
extra-virgin olive oil
1 fresh head of garlic, separated into cloves, peeled
1 bread baguette to make 8-10 1/2 inch slices
Fresh grated parmesan cheese or parmigiana reggiano cheese


Directions:
Start by slicing baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices, then toast lightly on both sides.  Cut two garlic cloves in half, then rub cut side of garlic onto one surface of the toasted baguette slices, this will be the top side(this step can be omitted if preferred).  Chop 1-2 garlic cloves finely-(use garlic more-or-less to your liking).  In medium bowl mix tomatoes, garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh basil(and/or fresh basil can be sprinkled on top as a garnish at the end).  Using a pastry brush, lightly brush a little olive oil on the top side of each slice(this step can be omitted if preferred). Spoon mixture onto toasted bread slices.  (Olive oil can be drizzled over the tops at this point if desired).  Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh grated, or thin slices of parmigiana reggiano cheese/parmesan cheese.  Serve immediately.

Enjoy!...

It's Fall!

~ Fall has arrived! ~  

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It has come sneaking up on me oh so quickly.  I was just enjoying the start of summer, about a minute ago, wasn't I?  It sure seems like it!  Seriously the time has flown by and it's hard to believe it's Fall already!  I have to say it like a true [converted] southerner..."It's Fall Y'all!"  

The pumpkins are out in force and the fall colors are peeking out of the trees.  The leaves are starting to cover the ground faster than the lawn mower can gobble 'em up.  The cooler evenings at late have been pretty enjoyable, more so while spent out on the covered porch.  A nice glass of wine and a gentle breeze is a fine way to end the day.  The mornings are pretty sweet too spent out there on the porch enjoying morning coffee.  Just enough warmth to make it feel perfect, while the sunshine tops the trees and the morning dew fades away.   

I think I would be satisfied if this weather we are having was the norm year round.  I do mostly prefer and enjoy early Spring to early Fall, and all that is in between.  That's my one long season!  I'm so glad it's a longer stretch of the year than the rest of it too.  Especially here in the South.

It is sad to see Summer pass, I have enjoyed it and I'll be longing from here on out for it's return, no doubt.  So for now, I am falling for Fall.  There is plenty of inspiration everywhere for creating fall crafts or goodies for Fall to decorate with.  Speaking of which, I have some ideas of my own too.  I better get busy 'cause...

It's Fall!!
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A photo of one of my Chalkboard messages

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Happy Fall!...

~ In Remembrance ~

Monday Message

~ My Monday Message ~

Something Surprising

What could that be?...Hmmm?

A bit of a peek at a little somethin'-somethin' I have in the works!  Shhh!...It's a surprise though, so just between us, OK?

It's gonna be purty!

Shhhhh!

I'll let you see it all...Soon!...I will! *wink*

- A Birthday Message -

Un-Hobby Endings!

This is a sad sight to see!...

The closing of a local Hobby Lobby store!
The un-hobby ending of one of my favorite places!  Where I go to shop for the needs to get my craft on, seasonal items, or new home goods must haves!

But just up the road or two and not too far away, sits this - oh my gosh I think it's even bigger - brand new store!  

Happy-Hobby beginnings a new!  

I had my first visit and I'm loving the new store and location.  (I would have been really sad about the other store closing if I hadn't already known that the new store was being built sometime ago.)  I checked out just about every inch of the place since I spent a long time there, {because I wanted to of course!}, and actually due to a severe thunderstorm that arrived while I was inside that had me saying, "I'm not going out in that!...so I'll just shop a little longer!"  That I did, and I'll be getting my craft on with some new goodies that were simply too good to pass up, and that 40% off coupon is always an added bonus!  I put that to good use too.

{Speaking of that 40% off coupon ...If you didn't know already - Those who have smart phones can use their phone to pull up the store coupon and have the barcode scanned at the check-out to redeem the coupon discount, either via an app, or by pulling up the website.  Several other stores also allow this, and some coupons can be sent to your phone via text message too.  You simply sign-up for it.   Gotta love modern technology!  If you are like me, you most likely always have your phone with you.  This is quite convenient and saves with not having to watch for or cut coupons from the newspapers or ads, and remembering to have the coupons with you when needed.} 

  
I do love me some Hobby Lobby!

Full of Hobby-ness!...

Monday Message

~ My Monday Message ~

It's National Grandparent's Day!

Here's to all the Grandparents out there!

image source

  There's a wonderful bond between Grandparents and Grandchildren 

...and it is grand!

I am so happy to be part of the Grandparent's club!...

Hello September

September has arrived and as usual it brought a long holiday weekend with a short week to follow, thanks to Labor Day!  I hope everyone had a non-laboring Labor Day weekend and was able to spend some quality time with family and friends, and that you enjoyed it as much as we did!    

September brings several birthdays in our immediate family, my Son-in-law, Husband and our oldest Daughter too.  Even more with extended Family and also several Friends.  A big *Happy 'September' Birthday!*, shout out to all of them, in one fell swoop!

I often call September "summer's last hurrah!"  I find myself clinging to summer now because I know it's end is near.  But for now the weather is fine, and with the temperatures still climbing into the mid eighties - I am good with that.  Now if I could just slow down the time it would be great...so I can hold on to summer.



Have a great September!...