I hope you are all having a great summer. We just returned from our annual family vacation. Since we still cannot travel to our cottage in Canada, we rented a house on a lake in TN. It was a beautiful area. The house had many more comforts and amenities than the cottage. The time spent with family was awesome.
We had lots of laughs and great memories were made. But it wasn’t “the cottage”. It’s my “happy place”. The slam of the screen door, all the windows open for the lake breeze (no a/c), sitting by the water reading and watching the lake are relaxing and comforting times. We all need that in our lives. Whether it’s a favorite place you vacation or your own home. We love to feel happy and content in our spaces.
August makes me think of sunflowers which are in abundance this time of year. I decided to share this happy flower with you as a theme for this newsletter. Seeing a field of them growing along the road is sure to bring a smile. If you have them growing in your yard, I hope you pick some to enjoy inside. I have a silk arrangement on my table that will stay there until late September.
This photo of a room I love hangs on the bulletin board in my office. It’s dated 2005. I love everything about it today just as much as I did when I cut it out of a trade magazine! When you find things you love, they stay with you for a long time. If I ever found those cocktail tables, I’d snag them up! If I am ever creating a room from scratch, I own a similar sofa and 2 rabbit prints that I love. I know an artist that could create the sunflower art. I just need another room!
Shop Local!
Marion Flower Shop creates unique fresh arrangements and has some great gift items and unique home décor. These fresh arrangements were just a few they had in the cooler.
I love these art pieces that are printed on sheer fabric. Very different and a nice size (31 x 31)! This “welcome” sign would be perfect by your front door!
Stop in Marion Flower located at 1045 E. Church St or give them a call at 740-389-2324.
This original mixed media art is a bargain at $135 and will brighten up a small spot in your home.
Contact Cindy Binns (cindylbinns@gmail.com) if you are interested.
I contacted her with my sunflower theme idea and she created this just for you! How special is that? You can order this shirt and other great shirts from her Etsy shop.
A Tasty Treat
Munching on sunflower seeds…
Sunflower seeds are popular in trail mix, multi-grain bread as well as snacking right from the package. Adding them to a salad is a nice blend of salty and crunch. This Orange, Parsley and Sunflower Salad is a nice change from your typical salad. It is a blend of sweet from the oranges and raisins, savory and crunch with the sunflower seeds. Enjoy
- 4 cups of mixed spinach and greens
- 1 seedless orange, segmented
- ½ cup Italian parsley
- 3 T unsalted sunflower seeds
- 3 T raisins or craisins if you prefer
- 2 T olive oil
- 1 T balsamic vinegar
- Balsamic glaze for garnish
- Pinch of Kosher salt if needed or use salted sunflower seeds
Drizzle oil and balsamic vinegar over greens. Toss to combine.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Continue enjoying your summer.
Until next time.
