etsybloggers August 1, 2011 Blog Carnival by Pruitt Handcrafts

August 1
Pruitthandcrafts
blog: http://pruitthandcrafts.blogspot.com
etsy: http://pruitthandcrafts.etsy.com
http://pruittdesign.etsy.com
http://pruittsupply.etsy.com
This etsyBloggers Carnival is hosted by our very own Linda Pruitt!  Linda has three etsy shops:  

Pruitt Handcrafts 
Pruitt Supply
Pruitt Design

Our choice of topic's:

Topic #1: August! Summer in full swing. Write about your favorite day this season, maybe a vacation day, or a favorite BBQ party. Any activity that you have had this summer.

Topic# 2: As Summer begins to wind down, write about what you are thinking about for Fall. We would like to hear how you arrived at or how you were inspired to make these plans.
Living in Florida with the high heat, heat index factors, and sloppy humidity, I have two favorite places to be.  In the air conditioning and in the water.  We have the most beautiful beaches, including Siesta Key that was recently named this Nations Best Beach!  The waters are truly like those from photographs.

In my opinion, the best time to enjoy our summer at the beach is at the end of July and the beginning of August.  The sun is higher in the sky, the air can feel drier, but the tides can get incredibly low and sandbars abound! 

It is nice to stroll while tanning, stop for a dunk to cool down, gulp icy cold water carried from home, and maybe an ice cream cone from the pavillion.  Afterall, if you get messy, just jump into the Gulf.

What is your favorite summertime activity?

6WS ~ 6 WORD SATURDAY

We are going to the beach

6WS

Etsybloggers July 4th, 2011 Blog Carnival by Little Andalucia

Erika
blog: http://artfulrising.com
etsy shop: http://littleandalucia.etsy.com

*How do you celebrate July 4th? Any fun traditions or favorite foods?

We do not have any traditions except relaxing and enjoying a long weekend together.  As the holiday falls on a work night this year, it is not likely that we will see the festivities.  However, a long weekend of breathing and kicking back will be most welcome!

Here are some etsyBlogger Teammates creations for your celebration weekend:

Summer Sky by Beaded Tail

Beaded Dangle Earrings by Random Creative 

Strawberry Rose Ruffle Dress and Pant Set by Little Andalucia

RUFFLE DRESS by Splendid Little Stars

Kids not included!

Wednesday Weekend ~ Recipe of the Week

Blueberry Blue Cheese Salad

2 quarts mixed salad greens

1 large red tomato, cut into wedges

1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced 

1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime or lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh blueberries, divided

1/4 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons olive
 

a few grinds of black pepper

In a medium bowl, mix together lemon juice, honey and salt. Mash ½ cup blueberries into the juice and honey mixture. Stir in the yogurt. Pepper and oil. Seasonings to taste.
Place the greens on a large platter. Arrange the blueberries, tomato wedges, pepper and onions. Evenly crumble the blue cheese over the salad. Drizzle the dressing, then sprinkle with the sliced almonds.

Wednesday Weekend ~ Recipe of the Week

Summer Tapioca Pudding

6-8 Servings - Make Tapioca according to the directionss, and allow to cool completely.
1 - Large Box Strawberry Jello - Prepare according to the directions and allow to set and cool completely.
1 - Can Crushed Pineapple, completely drained

Add all three of the above to a bowl and beat slowly with mixer until blended equally (still chunky). 

Lick bowl, spoon, spatula, and beaters (carefully removed from beater)!

Cool & Set Again, Serve, Enjoy!

Grandparents

Two who were instrumental for the teachings by example of real, honest, down to earth, loving step- grandparents throughout my lifetime.  Not possible to write about Nanna, or Grampy without the other.  They were never without the other, until he passed and then I know he was still very much with Nanna.  I learned so much from each individually, and together as husband and wife.

While Grampy had passed about 20 years earlier than Nanna, from Alzheimer's, Nanna carried on until 5 months before her 100th birthday.  Tenacity and just plain lack of expectation that she should go anywhere!

Nanna always kept Pepperidge Farm cake in her freezer, a can of whipped cream in the refrigerator, and colorful, pastel, mint candies in the dish beside her chair to share with us grand kids.  She who was the very first telephone operator in town, right out of their home.  She who at the age of five, contracted polio causing her to wear a brace on one leg since before we ever knew one another. 

Still hanging clothes on the line, singing and moving to her good friends accordion playing, and chasing after us kids who took advantage of the kindness and always gentle scolding.  "You kids are going to get belly aches if you don't stop eating those apples". 

When I was not allowed to wear long pants to school, Nanna let me hide a pair at her house where I would stop to and from school to change.  She was my friend and confident. 
I love you both Nanna and Grampy, you left behind many tiny legacies...