Five on Friday

Well.  School started this week....you know the saying....ready or not....So with that in mind, let's go straight to this week's Five on Friday.

ONE
In anticipation of the busy schedule that ensues when school and tennis are happening simultaneously, I whipped up a little weekly schedule for the fridge. I confess, I love it.

 

Back to School Wishes

Today is Teacher Report Day - the first official workday of the 2015-2016 school year.  I can hardly believe how quickly summer flew by! I'm just popping in to wish all teachers, students, and parents a wonderful school year.  Sweet Lauren at at Simply LKJ shared some wonderful, inspirational thoughts about the impending school year.

What's for Dinner x 2 [BBQ Chicken]

It's a long story, but Hubby has decided that he's allergic to pork.  I'm not even going to elaborate on my feelings about this ridiculous statement, but I've mentioned that as a result, then we will need to eat more chicken (his least favorite).  The maiden recipe was actually pretty perfect...it's easy, has minimal ingredients, was a bit hit, and even served as two meals.  I'd say that's a pretty big score.

Happy Hour [Pink Sunset Delight - Grapefruit Cocktail]

Hubby and I are trying to squeeze in as many relaxing summer evenings as we can before school starts later this week.  Enter in the Pink Sunset Delight, which is really just a pink grapefruit cocktail.  We were enjoying them on the back porch, watching the pink sunset, when I quipped, "Pink sky at night, sailor's delight"  -- and the Pink Sunset Delight was born.

Chinoiserie Inspired Weekly Planner

I'm so bummed to say it, but we're back to school this week.  Staff reports on Thursday and the kiddos arrive next Monday.  So. not. ready.  Between school and tennis, Fall (and I'm using that term liberally considering it's only JULY!) is a crazy time of year in our hive. In an effort to organize things a bit, I whipped up a little weekly printable for the fridge (I have to say it's a huge improvement over last year's notes usually scribbled on the back of an envelope from the junk mail).

Five on Friday [7.24.15]

Happy Friday!!  I can hardly believe that we go back to school next week.  I'm trying not to think about it.  Until then I'm still tennis-ing.  We are hosting our large philanthropic tournament this weekend which benefits Riley Children's Hospital, an endeavor that is near and dear to my heart. Without further ado, here is this week's Five on Friday....

ONE
Last week we had the loveliest evening on the boat with our dear friends.  I packed a simple antipasto picnic sandwich.  All my favorite things compiled into one sandwich.  One stop at Trader Joe's and you're all set!

Nora Fleming Memo Board

A few year ago we were gifted a Nora Fleming platter along with a few of her darling minis.  I love them, but have been disappointed that we don't have the opportunity to display the seasonal minis more often.  Then I discovered the memo board -- and it was on sale.  It seemed like the perfect solution to showing off the seasonal cuteness.

Currently a busy little bee is perched on the board brightening our happy little hive.

What's for Dinner [New Orleans BBQ Shrimp and Grits]

My love for New Orleans is no secret.  It holds a special place in my heart.  The spectacularly delicious food certainly doesn't hurt.  This recipe fits the mold perfectly.  It can be served over grits, as it is here, or with a good crusty bread and a salad.  Either way is beyond yummy.  Seriously.

What's for Dinner on the Boat [Brick Pressed Sandwich]

Hubby and I enjoyed a lovely evening on the boat with Besties DB and KB last night.  (Do you call boys "besties"??? Regardless, I still count him as a "bestie"!)  We had a terrific time -- Hubby and I can hardly wait to do it again!

The weather was lovely (finally no rain!!)...

Five on Friday [7.17.15]

The weeks are flying by so darn quickly.  I can hardly believe that we will be back to school in a couple short weeks.  I'm sooooo not ready!  But until then, just trying to soak up every last drop of summer.  Now for this week's Five on Friday:

ONE
We started the week with a quiet little birthday celebration for Hubby.  I keep warning him that next year I'm going to do it up big as it will be a big birthday.  For now, though, we kept it simple, just like he likes it.

On My Bookshelf [Save the Date]

Save the Date, by Mary Kay Andrews, is the perfect light, quick, and easy summer read.  She is my go-to author for "chick-lit".  This book was the quintessential back porch read and was exactly what I was looking for.

Peach and Cherry Flambee

Yesterday we celebrated my sweet Hubby's birthday.  He's not much of a traditional cake fan, so I opted for something a little out of the box for a special dessert.  It was a huge success....Hubby loved it and the presentation made the treat special enough for the special birthday!

Happy Birthday, Hubby!!!

Just popping in to wish Hubby a Very Happy Birthday!  I'm so lucky to be married to such an incredible man.  He is generous, thoughtful, and kind.....so much so that Brother #1 referred to him as "an angel" the other day.  I'm one lucky girl.

 

Five on Friday [7.10.15]

ONE
Although it's been cold and seems as though the rain will never end, Hubby and I have been enjoying these Nutella Popsicles.  They are divine and so, so easy.

Easy Nutella Popsicles

These simple Nutella popsicles keep popping up on my Facebook feed.  Since "make popsicles" is on our Summer Bucket List I decided to pull the trigger and whip up a batch.  Boy am I glad I did.  These. are. delicious.  They're such a yummy treat.

Easy Nutella Popsicles
Ingredients:

• 2 cups Cool Whip
• 1 cup milk
• 7 T Nutella (the original called for six, I threw in one more for good measure)

Directions:

Mix together.  Pour into mold.  Freeze for a couple hours.  Enjoy!

Full disclosure:  I only have a 4 Popsicle mold, which is perfect for the two of us, but this made waaaay more than that.  I filled two additional large ramekins with the mix.  It still set up beautifully.

Happy Summer!

Joining up with the Cozy Little House,  Share Your Style, and  Recipes for Summer Entertaining

Spanakorizo [Rice with Spinach]

It's come to my attention that although I shared the recipe for Greek style lamb chops last week, I neglected to share the recipe for the spanakorizo (spinach and rice). When Hubby and I first married we hosted his parents for a special dinner.  I went all out (so I thought) and cooked Greek specialties using family recipes.  I have to admit I was pretty proud of myself for pulling it all together successfully.  Spanakorizo was one of those yummy recipes.  I made it often and Hubby loved it, so I thought they would, too....unfortunately, I was wrong. I have since learned that Hubby's Pop doesn't like spinach and it was a bit too adventurous for his mama.  I think of that evening every time I make it.  Now, that being said, everyone else I have made it for absolutely loves it.  It is an interesting combination...one that really works (at least the Greeks think so)!

Five on Friday [7.3.15]

Happy Friday and Happy Independence Day Weekend!!  Let's just get right down to this week's Five on Friday....

ONE
Earlier this week we had the yummiest grilled Greek style lamb chops.  Seriously delicious.  They will definitely become part of the regular rotation.

What's for Dinner [Greek Style Grilled Lamb Chops]

Daddy called the other day and said Fresh Thyme (my new favorite store) had lamb shoulder chops on sale so I quickly headed over and threw a few in the cart.  I have to say that I'm going back tonight to pick up some more.  They were delish!  To make things even better Daddy and one of my three favorite brothers were there to enjoy them with us (and if I'm being completely honest, stepped in to cook them on the grill while I attended to things in the kitchen).  These will likely become a new staple at our happy little hive.

Patriotic Printables

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays!   I'm so very proud and grateful to be an American. It is incredible just how lucky we are to live in this country.