Happy 4th of July everyone, I can’t believe it’s here already. So lately I’ve been taking a break from my blog. Parts of me was feeling overwhelmed, and even uninspired. I wouldn’t say I was in funk, just a lot going on, and my time has been limited recently. Work is slow in the summer, so a lot of days I’ve just been feeling blah. I’ve really been trying to focus on taking time to enjoy the summer and sun when I can. I’m actually off today and will be spending the day with my parents and in the pool with some white claws and some steaks on the grill. I wish Matt could join us for the day, but that amazing man is working today. So proud of him. So on today’s post, I will be writing some fun and different activities along with some traditional ones to enjoy this summer. I will also be adding three yummy recipes to try and enjoy before summer comes to an end. First the activities and fun.
Activities~
- Snowballs- Go get some this summer, egg custard and Marshmallow, Watermelon, and Ice Cream, are my favorites.
2. See an outdoor concert this summer. I haven’t done that in years. who’s your favorite band or singer to go see?
3. Go find fresh produce and grill the veggies, grilled corn with old bay is so yummy.
4. Go buy this giant float they sell at Aldi grocery stores, it fits five people and even has cup holders for your cocktails and it’s only $60.
5. Have a water balloon fight at a cookout you host, with the amazing cocktail recipe I will be posting below.
6. Visit a bunch of wineries and bring fruit and veggies to stay hydrated.
7. Get a truly ridiculous pedicure, add fruit designs, gem stones, and I wild color.
8. Make popsicles, Strawberry Rhubarb, Sangria, pineapple.
9. Make fancy Jello shots for a party your friend hosts. Mojito, Creamsicle and Watermelon Margarita.
10. Have a BBQ brunch, Grilled peaches, bacon on the grill, sourdough bread or corn muffins, breakfast grilled cheeses. Go wild!
11. Wash your car the old fashioned way in your driveway.
12. Go to a flea Market or yard sale and buy something that reminds you of your childhood.
Now for the 3 yummy recipes~
Buffalo Chicken Dip made Easy, Oven will need to be at 350 degrees and bake for 30 mins, makes about 2 cups, so you will need to add accordingly for the amount of people you will be serving. (Thank you Paige for this amazing recipe)
First you will need 1 package of (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened.
1 cup cooked chicken breast, I boiled mine, and shred it into little pieces. I recommend more chicken even for this amount it makes.
1/2 cup of buffalo wing sauce, spicy or mild.
1/2 cup of ranch or blue cheese dressing. 2 cups Colby- Monterey jack shredded cheese.
French baguette slices, veggies, or tortilla chips, scoops are the best.
Now bake and serve. Enjoy!
Next Recipe~
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad, I personally love pickles and anything dill. So calling all dill pickle lovers for this one!
Start by cooking, boiling your own choice of pasta. Shells are great with this one.
For the dressing mix all these ingrediants, don’t forget to refrigerate this for about an hour should do.
Ingredients are of course dill pickles, shredded cheese (your choice, but shredded cheddar is good), green onion, mayo, sour cream, a little dry dill spice and any other veggies can be added too, maybe peas.
This serves about six, so adjust accordingly.
- 4.5 cups shell pasta
- 3/4 cups dill pickles sliced
- 2/3 cups cheddar cheese, diced or shredded
- 1/4 green onion chopped
- 2/3 cup mayo
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 4 tbsp pickle juice
- 1 tsp dill
- 1 tsp celery seed
- 1 tbsp pepper
Boil pasta, mix liquid ingredients, then mix the solids (pasta pickles, cheese and onion) then refrigerate 1-2 hours, serve cold and enjoy!
Now for the 3rd recipes~
Watermelon Breeze Cocktails, fresh, light and low calorie.
*You will need, 3 cups cubed chilled watermelon
*1 cup coconut water
*squeeze of fresh lime
*Ice
*Sprig of mint
*And of course watermelon vodka (amount is your preference)
Pull all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth, makes 2 servings
Now go and enjoy this delicious and refreshing cocktail with friends and family. Remove vodka for the kiddos.
Enjoy!