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Smell the Roses

My Wednesday Shout-Out this week goes to my Hubby.

Yes, I am sappy. I freely admit it. But you have to cut me some slack. Please. I kind of like Captain Cavedweller.

I’ve had some challenging days recently and the little bit of rope keeping me tied to my sanity is starting to unravel. Hubby is fully aware of the fact and has been on the suffering end of my craziness. So I was really surprised when I came home to find this beautiful bouquet of flowers from him.

Suddenly all the chaos didn’t seem quite as important.

It is really nice being married to someone who, when I need it most, reminds me to stop and smell the roses, to slow my run down to a walk, to take a deep breath and just be.

Maybe that’s why I like him so much. That and his panache.

“Did you ever stop to taste a carrot?  Not just eat it, but taste it?  You can’t taste the beauty and energy of the earth in a Twinkie.” ~Astrid Alauda
There is something unique and mysterious and completely wonderful about feasting on the bounty of our gardens as summer makes is descent into fall. Think about inviting a few friends or fellow gardeners over for a fun Garden’s Bounty Party. Use fresh fruits and vegetables as not only your menu, but also as centerpieces.

Hold the party outdoors, of course! Set up a few tables, throw down some blankets and prepare to have fun.

For a super simple and easy centerpiece, fill a large basket with fruit or vegetables, or a mix of both. Tie with a raffia or muslin ribbon.

Use hollowed out vegetables like cabbage and peppers for serving containers. These are great for holding dips or mini salads.

Ask guests to bring a pot-luck dish that highlights their favorite fruit or vegetable. I guarantee it will be a fun and interesting meal. You can provide a main dish (how about ka-bobs with a mix of fresh veggies and meat) and beverages (lemonade, fruit juice, etc.).

Have everyone bring their prize-winning produce for a laid-back and entertaining contest.

Relax, enjoy and savor these last days of summer and your garden. Enjoy sharing the bounty with your friends! You’ll be glad you did!

Happy Entertaining!

Shanna



He’s Got Panache

Word of the Week: panache

pa·nache

puh-nahsh

–noun

a grand or flamboyant manner; verve; style; flair:

The other day, Hubby and I were having our typical end of the day chat about work, family and life in general when, during the course of conversation, he threw in the word “panache.”

I was so surprised, I think my jaw must have dropped and I was rendered utterly speechless. (Believe me, that doesn’t happen often!). In the 17 plus years I’ve known him, I have never once heard Hubby use the word “panache” let alone use it in such a way that it was not only properly used but also with a great deal of humor.

That Hubby of mine never fails to surprise me. Maybe it’s just part of his unique panache.

BLT Wrap

BLT Wrap

Here is a quick and simple wrap you can make for lunch, dinner or cut into bite-sized pieces for an appetizer.

It is yummy and easy. And we won’t talk about calories. We just won’t!

Ingredients for the BLT Wrap

Chop or crumble your bacon into bite-sized pieces

Chop or slice tomatoes. I used cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced them.

Start layering ingredients in your tortilla.

Looks pretty tasty, doesn't it?

BLT Wrap

flour tortillas

shredded colby-jack cheese

sliced olives

bacon

tomatoes

lettuce

ranch dressing

I did not give specific measurements because you will assembly each one individually and can alter your amounts to your desire. For this particular wrap I used medium-size tortillas, two strips of bacon, a heaping tablespoon of cheese, three cherry tomatoes, a teaspoon of olive slices, a half-teaspoon of ranch dressing and a few small pieces of lettuce.

Cook your bacon. When it is nice and crisp, let cool then crumble. Line it up in the center of the tortilla. Top with tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, olives and dressing. Roll up and enjoy!

See, I told you it was simple and easy.

Happy Entertaining!

Shanna