Hello! How did it get to be August? I looked at the calendar today and it suddenly dawned on me that in only a few short weeks it will be September! The Summer is going by so fast. I've really been terrible at keeping up with my blog this Summer. So many post ideas have come and gone but have never made it onto my computer. I've been in an ice cream/movie marathon/summer reading coma that keeps me on my couch at night with either a spoon, a remote, or a book in my hand. We are in the thick of the lazy, hazy, days of Summer! (Lazy being the key word here : )
The weeks between mid July and mid August feel like a blur to me. I celebrated my 40th birthday (I can't believe I survived it! : ) and this past weekend my son turned 7! Why is it that the days go by slow yet the years go by fast? It's scary to me. Here he is blowing out his candles and making his birthday wish. He's such a wonderful, funny, smart little boy. Love him so much! xoxo
Aside from birthday's, we've been keeping ourselves busy with camp, beaches, library's, amusement parks, music lessons, and lot of ice cream! Just what summer is supposed to be ♥ Last night I made the most delicious Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie! Served warm with vanilla ice cream....oh my word was it gooood......but more on that later....
Here in New England the days have been incredibly H-O-T and sticky, but look at what the sky has been doing. Can you believe these clouds? I've never seen them so big and fluffy ♥ We were at the playground that day. I looked up and could not take my eyes off the sky. I wondered what the night would bring.
You know that perfect time of the day when he sun begins to set and you see little rays of light peeking through the trees? I was actually quick enough to capture one of those moments that same day. The setting sun through the Rose of Sharon in my back yard. So pretty ♥
And then this happened. I took it all in and then said thank you to the universe ♥ I was in awe of its beauty. This Summer has seen the most beautiful sunsets ever! Even in my little yard they blow me away. I watch the colors change from pink and orange, to purple, to blue, then to black.
And then night falls. I've been fascinated by the night sky lately. I look up and wonder if anyone else is dreaming the same dreams as I am. Remember that Mama Cass song "Dream a little dream of me..." ♥ I can't get it out of my head.
In case you were wondering what I dream about, I dream of far away places. I keep these figurines in my bedroom...as if I need a reminder... The Eiffel Tower is so old it's beginning to curl. (heavy sigh....)
We've been to the ocean a lot this summer. Luckily it's only a 15 minute drive from my house. I like going on cloudy days to watch to the boats. Its not as hot and the clouds are incredible.
Morning coffee on the beach is my favorite. We pack a picnic with coffee and donuts and enjoy the morning before the crowds come.
We throw rocks in the ocean and wonder where they'll end up. ♥
Trying to get my son to do his Summer reading is hard. For me it's easy. I'm currently reading When Autumn Leaves by Amy Foster. I can't put it down! There is a charming little town, fun characters, and (yes!) magic spells. Love it! ♥ I just finished a book about Marie Antoinette which was great, but for a change I wanted something a little lighter. This is perfect. I can't wait to get back to it tonight!
Remember that skillet cookie I was telling you about? I had never made a skillet cookie before, but always wanted to try one. I did a quick google search for a recipe and this is what I came up with. I had all the ingredients on hand and I threw it together right before dinner. By the time we were done, so was the cookie. If you want to give it a try, here is the recipe. I found it (here) at www.Lemon-Sugar.com
1 stick (8 tablespoons) of unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg, beaten
1 and 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In an 8 inch cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted add the sugar and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add a small amount, about 1/4 cup or so, of the melted sugar and butter to the egg mixture (to temper it) and whisk to combine. Pour the egg mixture back into the skillet and stir until completely combined.
In a separate bowl mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Using a wooden spoon, carefully add to the skillet. Stir to completely incorporate the dry ingredients.
Add vanilla and chocolate chips. Stir to combine.
Bake 15 - 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Best served warm, but let cool slightly to set before cutting.
Enjoy! ♥
Simple Summer Pleasures!
So that's what I've been up to.
It's nothing fancy. Just trying to enjoy the summer day by day, watering my plants and watching the sun go down. Maybe having a margarita here and there. Reading books and watching Netflix. All is well in my corner of the world. ♥♥♥
I hope you are enjoying your Summer days and nights! September is coming and Summer is slipping away. I'm ready. Are you? : )
