The Little Issues E-newsletter #426 – Life, laughter, and plenty of nice meals!

Welcome to the weekend, my mates! I’m prepared for as a lot time outside as doable, enjoyable meals shared with household, and all of the video games and storytelling we are able to match into our days. Half of July has flown by in a blur and it looks like the top of summer season is true across the nook. I need to take in as a lot relaxed time as doable over the subsequent month, regardless of having a lot journey on the calendar. We are able to handle each, proper?

ON THE BLOGS THIS WEEK:   This straightforward but irresistible recipe has already change into my favourite snack this summer season – watermelon fruit salad includes a refreshing, colourful mixture of watermelon, cherries, and berries tossed with a handful of contemporary mint in a candy, tangy honey lime dressing.

Chicken scallopini is a flavor-packed dish that requires minimal effort for a simple weeknight dinner. Baked with garlic and mushrooms in a white wine sauce, the hen comes out of the oven fork-tender.

Simple seasoned asparagus is one among our favourite methods to eat asparagus and the flavors prove nice each time. 

Crunchy greens are tossed in an apple cider French dressing earlier than being topped with roasted almonds to make this copycat recipe for Chick-fil-A’s Kale Crunch Salad.

When greens are so tasty you eat them proper out of the pan, you’ve gotten a successful dish! My youngest son and I stood on the counter consuming not less than half of the greens proper out of the pan the final time I sauteed zucchini and mushrooms.

There aren’t many issues that high a chilly glass of lemonade on a sizzling summer season day, however this strawberry lemonade is one among them. And should you’re like me and like your drinks a bit much less candy, do-it-yourself is the way in which to go.

Think about the candy taste of ripe mangoes blended right into a creamy, dreamy scoop of ice cream – mango ice cream is a refreshing summer season deal with.

What I’m CRAVING: GORP – “good previous raisins and peanuts,” plus some extras for enjoyable. As we’ve been preparing for our annual household reunion tenting journey in Arizona, I’ve been craving our favourite camp meals and snacks. 

And talking of our favorites, should you haven’t but tried Green Apple S’mores, put them in your must-try listing. Campfire hand pies are one other child favourite, and these Peach Campfire Pies look nice proper now.

My FAVORITE THING this week is that this super lightweight scarf. I’ve shared it earlier than, but it surely bears repeating this week. Whereas I not often truly put on a shawl, this one travels with me almost in every single place I’m going. It’s a journey blanket on street journeys, it’s a scarf if a movie show is chilly, and it does double obligation as a pillow or a blanket on chilly flights. It folds or rolls to an nearly unbelievably small measurement, making it good for tucking right into a carry-on.

What I’m READING: The Great Library Series by Rachel Caine. I completed the collection over the previous couple of weeks, studying books 3, 4, and 5: Ash and Quill, Smoke and Iron, and Sword and Pen. I figured I’d share all of them now as an alternative of dragging my evaluate on for weeks. This collection is a stable YA learn and I actually loved it. Whereas the story did drag a bit at instances, and I didn’t love each character, the ending was excellent. 

The primary and the final books on this collection have been my favorites, however do your self a favor, begin initially, and browse all of them. When you love books and libraries, and studying for the sake of studying, this storyline is an unforgettable one.

What I’m LISTENING to: Pontiac by Lyle Lovett. I’ve been a fan of Lyle Lovett’s for a very long time and I’m thrilled that my youngest son counts him as a favourite now. We’ve been enjoying this album on repeat all week when driving and it makes me chortle and grin to listen to him singing together with all of those songs.

“As a result of he holds quick to me in love, I’ll ship him; I’ll shield him, as a result of he is aware of my identify. When he calls to me, I’ll reply him; I will likely be with him in bother; I’ll rescue him and honor him.” Psalm 91:14-15 ESV

Wishing you a stunning week filled with little issues that make you smile!

Mary