Lisa's Blog

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Testing

04:17

Friday, July 16, 2010

Slow Down Summer!

Sorry, sorry, sorry about the technical difficulties I've been having with this blog. I've been posting but the links have been broken or the entries aren't appearing. So--I hope it's all fixed. Please know that I'm working on some cool new stuff that I'm excited to share with you--so hang in there with me as we work out all the bugs of this web site and Blogger.

Life has been so busy and I'm sad that summer is half over. I love the lazy days of hanging out with my kids. Sage and I went to a friend's cabin for three days of girls only fun this week. I was totally unplugged--no cell phone, no computer--just good ol' fashioned splendor. The girls spent hours playing in the creek and swimming in the water hole.

Sage learned how to drive this little vehicle. Fun stuff!

I love how the most important thing I have to do in a day is make goodies for all the neighborhood kids who magically appear at my house.

Speaking of goodies, oh my heck--I'm addicted to these brownies. My neighbor has been making them for years and I got the recipe. I made them yesterday AND today--that's how much I love them.

Here's the recipe:

Chocolate Chip Brownies

1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 3/4 cup flour

1/2 cup cocoa

1 tsp. salt

1 to 2 cups chocolate chips (I use semi sweet)

Cream butter, oil and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Add dry ingredients. Pour into a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 23-25 minutes. Best if not quite done.

Really great served with vanilla ice cream and homemade hot fudge. Yummy!

If you ever make it to Utah, the Timp Cave hike is a must do. Sage and I had an enjoyable time on this hike and touring the three caves today with the Cronin family from Mississippi. If you ever want to do it, let me know. I'd love to tag along!

Also, just a reminder to take the time to buy lemonade from a kid . . . or tomatoes or anything else. I just had to take a photo of Kevin. We couldn't resist to buy his wares as we were rushing to a movie! We have a rule in our family--always buy from a kid!

Hope your summer is going great.

Sincerely,

Lisa

P.S. The winner of the Silhouette never contacted me. Sunflwrgrl412 from Veedersburg, Indiana--are you there? If not, I will choose another winner.

P.S.S. Yes--Collin was a lifeguard at Marilynn's wedding. She bought him the tux t-shirt and he wore swim shorts. He was so cute and watched the pool like a hawk all evening.

06:22

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Monday, July 19, 2010

The Most Refreshing Drink on the Planet!

It's hot here! Luckily there's no humidity but still--it's been around 100 degree weather.

This summer we've had a constant pitcher of Lemon Water in our fridge. It truly is the most refreshing drink on the planet. It's not too sweet but oh so good. It's perfect for days by the pool, bridal and baby showers and just about any occasion.

So--I must share the recipe:

Lemon Water

1 gallon water

2 1/2 tsp. citric acid (found in the pharmacy section of the grocery store or health food stores)

1 1/2 tsp. lemon extract

1 3/4 cup sugar

Mix all ingredients. Serve over ice. Can add sliced lemons for garnish.

I'm off to a beautiful lake called Bear Lake for the week. I can't wait for a fresh raspberry shake--world renowned in the small town there!

I'll write again real soon!

Lisa

08:53

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Shrimp Boil, Anyone??

We just returned from Bear Lake (it sits on the border of Utah and Idaho). It's one of the most beautiful lakes I've ever seen. It boasts miles of shallow beaches and is a dark blue color (looks like something you'd see in the Caribbean). Unfortunately the water temperatures aren't that of the Caribbean but it's bearable.

We stayed in a condo for a week with some wonderful friends. My gal pal, Cherie, is one of the best chefs on the planet. It's tradition to do a shrimp boil while at the lake.

It's really quite easy to do. Simply boil water (she uses a turkey fryer), then add shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes, sausages, lemons, onions and some spices.

Here's the fun part. Cherie bought the disposable white table clothes from Costco (they are paper on top and lines with a thin layer of plastic), then "dumped" all the food in the middle of the tables. Everyone ate with their hands! (We had our own little serving of cocktail sauce, sour cream and butter in front of us on the table cloth!)

Also, Bear Lake is totally famous for their raspberry shakes. Yummy!

Steve bought a new tube called Super Mable. It was very popular with the kids and what the heck, I tried it out to. I think I have a slight case of whip lash but it was worth it!

The view from the house was amazing. There was a three hour lightening storm one night (and a beautiful rainbow showed up right on the middle of the storm).

I'm getting a little sad. Only three more weeks to play with my kids. We have a few more fun things planned. Like a "girls only" camping trip!