Strawberry Avocado & Arugula Salad

Last Saturday on our way home from the beach I took the long way home.  I love long rides home.  Especially when I have a sleeping toddler in the back seat. It was scorching hot outside (temps in the 90's!) but we were cool as cucumbers in the car.  I had Tony Bennett on the radio and a full ice coffee so why not take my time?  I also had my camera with me so I decided to take you along as well : )

Whenever I'm taking the long way home I always go the same way, down the same streets, to visit the same places.  Streets with shady sidewalks and white picket fences for miles.  I wish I lived on this street so I could walk down this sidewalk every morning. 

This street reminds me of Disney's Lady and Tramp.  Remember how cute Lady's neighborhood was?

I think this could very well be it.

Beyond this fence is a beautiful rose garden that I wish you could see.  Whenever I see something amazing like this I always wonder who lives here? Who takes care of this place?  Do they love it as much as I would? Because I really would.

I continued down the street and (dare I say) discreetly snapped a few pictures of some of my dream homes.  I love this one tucked under that big old tree.  Nice and shady with a stone wall along the front.  My son would love to walk on that wall.  I think I would too : )

I have an obsession with front porches.  Big, small, wrap around, enclosed - whatever.  I love them all! I wish I had one.  Someday, before I die, I would like to own a home with a front porch so I can have hanging plants and a rocking chair.  Maybe have a wind chime and swing as well. People with front porches are so lucky.  They have a perfect spot to sit, have ice cream, and watch the fireflies dance across the garden. 

It seems like every two years or so this house goes up for sale.  I can't imagine why anyone would not want to stay here.  It has the white picket fence and a front porch!  I think this is the cutest house on the block.  At Christmas time it looks like a gingerbread house.  I love driving by it. It makes me feel like I'm in a Doris Day movie.

This family is definitely getting ready for the holiday this week.  They have their patriotic decorations all ready!!! I wish I could have gotten a closer picture, but I didn't want to appear nosey.  Heavens No!

I'm on my way back home now.  I pulled over quickly just to show you this driveway lined with tiger lilies.  Isn't that sweet? What a nice greeting for whoever lives up there. 

Past the old cemetary.  We're almost there....  And I hear stirring in the back seat.  Someone's waking up!

Home!  Did you enjoy our ride?  I sure did.  Long drives are my favorite way to relax.  Especially when there is no talking involved.  Just my favorite music and quaint scenery (and my iced mocha!).

I'll check on the hydrangeas and stretch my legs a bit before going inside.  It's July and everything is in full bloom.   The bees are loving my yard right now!

Blue and yellow is one of my favorite color combinations.  I think that's why this is my favorite corner of the yard.  I need to find a place to put a chair in here somewhere! : )

Lunch time! 

Ok girls, I've been dying to share with you this salad.  It's perfect for a summer day.  It has strawberries, avocado, and almonds in it.  I make it with arugula, but you can certianlly use another lettuce if you want.  It's so tasty and refreshing.  It's my new favorite "go-to" salad.

Give it a try....

All you need is....

1 cup strawberries, chopped

1 avocado, chopped

6 cups arugula

3 tablespoons sliced almonds

1 tablespoon chopped basil

juice of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 teaspoon honey

salt & pepper

In a small bowl whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and basil.

In a large bowl add the arugula, strawberries, avocado, and almonds.

Pour dressing on top and season with salt & pepper. 

Drizzle with a bit more oil if needed. 

Enjoy!

My son definitely preferred his chicken nuggets over salad, but that's okay.  All the more for me : )  I'm not going to fight against this lion!  He can have whatever he wants! 

I hope you are all enjoying your summer so far!  It's hard to believe this week is July 4th already.  My Mother is having a special birthday (on the 4th) so we will be celebrating with family and friends at our house this year.  She's requested no fireworks, but there will be cake involved.  That much I can guarantee!  Orange cake with pineapple filling.  I know.  Who needs fireworks when you have cake? 

By the way, if you are looking for something special to bring to a barbeque this year I would like to make a suggestion.  How about Butterscotch Blonde Brownie Sundaes???

My mom made these last night and they are 2-die-for!!!!  She used this recipe from the Food Network for the blondies, added a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzled with caramel sauce.  OMG! So good! 

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe week ahead! Summer is here! Let's enjoy it! 

Happy Fourth of July!

Danielle xo