Summer inspirations . . .

Summer is a quiet season for our family.

For us, it's about . . . relaxed and lazy evenings and weekends, simple and fresh dinners ~ al fresco, feasting on an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, spur-of-the-moment trips to the beach, and long, leisurely visits with friends and family.

Our home takes on an equally relaxed feel.

 

Last Summer our home was filled with cool greens and blues . . . 

                   and this Summer its about navy blues, warm reds, yellows, and cool whites. 

~ easy-to-make Summer bunting ~

If you follow my blog, then you've probably noticed that Chevron prints have made their way to our dining room table quite often. Like here and here.

Although I fell in love with this navy blue and white Chevron print, I wanted to pair it with a simple, warm-colored fabric.

So, I trimmed a basic burlap with burlap trim for a table cover . . . and then made a simple runner with the navy blue and white chevron print fabric.

What I love most about this combination is that it's OLD meets NEW . . . 

                    warm, old-time burlap meets new, modern Chevron. I quite like it!  

 

 

My mom bought me this beautiful blue and white pitcher 20+ years ago while antique shopping in a small town in Kansas. 

It typically finds a special place in my decor during the Summer months. 

Whether brimming with vibrant flowers, or filled with sweet lemonade, it's a charming beauty. 

I love that it came from an antique store deep in the country. If it could speak, I'm sure it would have many stories to share.  

I wrote in my July inspirations post, that daisies and sunflowers always remind me of Summer, so they tend to find their way in bouquets around our home June through September.

I love the whimsy, fun-feel of daisies . . . the bright sunshine-feel of sunflowers, and the formality of white hydrangeas. 

White hydrangeas can dress up a simple daisy and sunflower bouquet, beautifully.

Ahhhh, lemons . . . (lemon zest, in particular) 

They find their way into many of my Summer-inspired recipes, sweet and savory.

    Lemon zest adds vibrancy to dishes. 

So you'll typically find 2-4 lemons on my kitchen counter at all times, especially through the Summer months.

Staple flowers in my home, no matter what the season, are white hydrangeas. 

You'll find them in bouquets around our home, year round!  

~ photos from our family room ~

 

Fresh herbs are often a part of my Summer decor too. Farmer's Markets sell huge bunches of them for 25 cents!

They're so green and full and lush . . . perfect little bouquets, so why not buy your favorite ones and display them on your counter-top!?!

I think that displaying them is not only attractive, but they serve as a reminder to add them to your dishes. 

Did you know that you transform an "A" dish to an "A+" by just adding fresh herbs on top!? It's really that simple.

Well friends, that's about it for now. I hope you're enjoying your Summer.

            Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you come back again soon.

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easy-to-make Summer bunting

I love bunting! 

Like here, here, and even in my garden.

Whether made of fabric or scrapbook paper, it's fun and easy to make . . . and its possibilities are endless!

This pretty little ol' dishtowel  inspired my Summer bunting.

~ You can find the burlap trimmed dishtowels for sale in my etsy shop! ~

My best-friend, Alex, gave me these dishtowels for my birthday . . . and I fell in love with their beautiful, warm colors . . . and classic design. 

They look like Summer, don't they!?!

I thought I would change up my DIY chalkboard and drape Summer bunting across it, instead of writing a message this time. 

Here's how I made it . . .

STEP 1.

Select your favorite scrapbook paper and fabric trim (minimum 1-inch width).

Cut scrapbook paper into triangles (bunting flags).

Fold fabric trim in half, and then iron to make a seam.

~ I love the colors and patterns! ~

STEP 2.

Tuck the bunting flags into the ironed seam, 

and then pin the flags into place. 

STEP 4.

Sew a straight line along fabric trim,

removing the pins as you sew.

 

Voila, you're finished!

Now it's time to decorate . . .

It's even darling draped across a bouquet of flowers!

 

Happy Summer, friends!

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smoky panzanella with market vegetables

  

I enjoy watching cooking shows, and often see many dishes that look appealing, and then there are dishes that just look absolutely delicious . . . and Smoky Panzanella with Market Vegetables is one of them!  
  
Home-made croutons, smoked mozzarella, plenty of fresh chopped vegetables and a few roasted ones too . . . all tossed with a red wine vinaigrette. 

It's a light, healthy, and a down-right delicious dish!  
  

I was very anxious to try the recipe for myself, and always feel that cooking and feasting is more enjoyable when you're sharing the experience with your family and friends.  

Knowing that my best friend, Alex, was coming over for lunch, I thought it was the perfect time to prepare this dish, especially because it's great for vegetarians. If I were making it for my family, I would probably add pancetta too. Extra yum!  

~ Our lunch menu ~

Three Bean Soup
***

Smoky Panzanella with Market Vegetables
and heirloom tomatoes
***

Peach & Mango Green Tea
***

Fresh Strawberries, Whipped Cream, and Crushed Vanilla Meringue Cookies

  

If you've had panzanella before, then you know that it's an incredibly versatile dish/recipe! 

In the South, they substitute French bread for cornbread, and in the Fall . . . you can switch it up and use a hearty dark rye bread, blue cheese, toasted walnuts, roasted sweet potatoes and butternut squash, and a champagne vinaigrette.  Don't all the variations sound amazing?!?  

  
So grab a pen and paper . . . and add the ingredients listed below to your grocery list! Treat your family and friends to this easy Summer dish!  

Ok, so here ya go . . .  
   
Here's what you'll need . . . 
1 loaf French bread, cut or torn into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch dice
1 orange bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch dice
1 yellow squash, cut into 1-inch dice
8 ounces smoked mozzarella, cut into 1/3-inch dice
8 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed and sliced into thirds on the bias
8 ounces cherry heirloom tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
For dressing
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, grated or pressed
1/2 cup olive oil  
  
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed bread with enough extra-virgin olive oil to coat liberally, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the bread cubes in an even layer on one side of a large baking sheet. 
In the same mixing bowl, toss the diced peppers and yellow squash with some extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper and place them on the other side of the baking sheet. 
Place the baking sheet into the oven to bake until the bread is crispy and golden brown and the peppers have softened, 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on it so the bread doesn't burn! 
Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette. In a small mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, mustard and garlic. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper. 
Once the bread is toasted, combine the bread, peppers, and yellow squash with the smoked mozzarella, snap peas, and tomatoes (you can use the same bowl you tossed the bread, peppers, and squash in). 
Toss the salad with the desired amount of vinaigrette, and add the torn basil leaves. 
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

  

Bon Appetit!

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Star Nursery, a beautiful nursery in Washington, Utah

I wanted to share another treasure I found while on our recent "work-cation" . . . 

                 Star Nursery!

I spotted this beautiful building in the small town of Washington, Utah.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw it for the first time.

Isn't it beautiful!?!

I love going to nurseries and walking around for hours-on-end admiring flowers . . .

        but this one drew me in because of the building's striking natural beauty.

Yes, it's grounds were over-flowing with flowers, shrubs, and trees . . .

             but it was the pioneer-style red sandstone structure, highlighted with white trim, studded with countless wood-pained windows, all framed in natural wood . . . that left me in awe.

I've dreamed of opening a Bed &Breakfast since I was 18-years-old.

And several times, while admiring this building, I thought to myself, 

                 Gosh, I wish I could transplant this building to Southern California (where I live), 

         and transform it into my home . . . or better yet, a Bed & Breakfast!

Could you imagine!?!

Can you see the sign above the door?  

                    It reads The Washington Cotton Factory. 

Yes, it was really a cotton factory! This building is rich in history.

1940,  photo by Delos H. Smith

For many years during the 19th century, the factory was at the center of cotton production in Washington County.

The building has been used for many purposes over the century, including a Social Community Center.

Since 1998, Star Nursery has owned this historic Cotton Mill Factory.  

Craig Keough, owner, purchased it with the idea of retaining its integrity, while also operating a nursery and showcasing the factory’s red sandstone beauty.

The main floor of the building was carefully adapted to house its garden shop, while preserving the cotton factory’s pioneer era construction. 

According to the Historical Society, its exterior and upper floors were left unchanged.

The upper floors have been made available for public use and tours. 

I hope to return one day, so that I can tour the building's upper floor. I'm sure the views are beautiful.

If you're ever in Washington, Utah, be sure and visit Star Nursery. You won't be disappointed!

Here's a peak at the nursery's grounds . . . 

~ view from the gazebo ~

~ view of side of building ~

~ another view of the side ~