A Hankering For . . . Summertime Refreshments

Summertime offers some of my favorite foods and I'm looking forward to enjoying them all very soon.

First off lets talk grilling!

I'm a big fan a grilling.  

So much so that oftentimes the oven doesn't get used in weeks.  Here at Happy at Home we have actually switch from a traditional grill to a smoker . . . and let me tell you it is AMAZING.  I had my doubts when Hubby started talking about getting one but now I get it . . . and use it all the time.

I'm looking forward to some annual favorites like . . . 

Mouth Watering Steak

(my hubbies specialty)

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Simple and Delicious Grilled Chicken

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Tender and Spicy Ribs

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And of course . . . Juicy, Messy Burgers

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So much more can be grilled though,

My personal favorite . . . 

Grilled Pizza

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Buttery Corn on the Cob

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I've found a few new recipes I'm very excited to try out.

Like  Grilled BBQ Pork Roast

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And branching out into grilling veggies and fruit which would be new to us . . . 

Grilled Asparagus

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Sliced Potatoes

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Grilled Pineapple

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Grilled Fruit Kabobs

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Moving away from the grill . . . there are so many other yummy summertime dishes I'm looking forward too.

Like fruit salad

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Cold Slaw

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Pasta Salad

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My personal favorite, Cobb Salad with Strawberries

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BLT's

Wonderful Watermelon

(can't get enough)

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And last but definitely my kiddos favorite . . . Homemade Ice Cream

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What yummy Summertime Refreshment have you been hankering for?

Robin

Sitting Pretty On The Porch

Good Morning!

Last week I put the finishing touches on my summer porch decorations and I have been enjoying the next look ever since.

It's one of my favorite places to sit and relax.  The room over looks my garden and the park beyond our fence line.

I brought in a old piano bench to use as a coffee table.

And filled a twig basket with my favorite spring flowers ... Pansies!

Ikea lantern make the space fun to use after the sun goes down too!  The perfect place to do a little reading on my Kindle Fire (which by the way, I love, love, love.)

The comfy sofa is covered with a hot pink quilt to help tone down the floral print I feel is a little too much.  I love how it brightens up the space with a punch of color - perfect for summer.

I still have to make some pillow covers, but keeping up the weeding in the garden has become a full time job after all the rain we have received the past two weeks.

Shelby definitely approves.  

It's become her favorite spot to keep her eye on the things and take naps.

On one side of the sofa, I place a small side table that was once used in the living room.

On top, another pot of pansies and a pretty glass box I found at the thrift store.

Below, a candle and a handful of vintage books I hope to find time to read this summer.

Off to the side, I've placed two of my favorite summertime potted plants in pink - Geraniums are so cheerful I think.

Especially this two toned variety!

On the opposite side of the sofa I placed a small shelf and a another side table.

On the floor sits an asparagus fern that I've somehow managed to keep alive since last summer - - I'm so proud of myself (house plants and I don't typically get along so well)

I filled the small shelves with a mixture of fun things I enjoy.

Like a small twig basket filled with you guessed it . .  . pansies.  

Their starting to look like they need to be replaced soon, but I'm hoping to get another couple weeks out of them.

Also added a wire basket, peat pots and vintage gardening tools.

This collection has started to take off much to my delight.

On the small side table I've added a pretty saucer to hold my splurge item for the year.

New outdoor candles.

The indoor, wax type ones can't hold up to the heat this space gets come mid summer.

I'm hoping this plastic, waterproof version works better.

I have been very pleased with them at night, they give off a wonderful glow and turn on automatically for five hours each night.

I picked them up at Target in the garden section just in case your thinking you need to get yourself some.

Oh and before you go, here's the view from my spot on the sofa!  

Pretty right.

If you happen to stop by this summer, Shelby will be saving you a spot!

Have a wonderful day and I'll talk to you soon,

Robin

Linked to:
Be Inspired
The Scoop
Amaze Me Monday
Simple and Sweet Fridays
Tweak It Tuesday

Windowsill Plants

There is just nothing more summertime-like than a pretty plant set on a kitchen windowsill.

  It's such a homey, pretty look.

While I was trying to figure out how to decorate this space for the summer I happened to plop two plants over there just to get them out of the way for a little while and I had an "ahh, haa" moment.

Why complicate things when simple will do.

Since I had originally thought these plants would be scattered around the house I didn't worry to much about matching the urns I placed them in.  Now I sort of wish they were more matchy-matchy.  

Last year I had such good luck with two asparagus ferns that I bought in the spring I decided to try a couple more plants to see if they would work well as house plants.  I ended up with two, new to me plants.

The first one is called "Stonecrop".  It's a sedum and should get tiny purple flowers on it when it blooms.

I think it's very pretty and am hoping it does when for a house plant.

The second plant I picked up is called "Golddust".

I love how it spills over the sides of the urn and it's pretty yellow flowers.

Any new houseplants in your home?

bye now,

Robin

Fun Finds

I almost feel as if I've already done this post for the week with my Flea Market Finds but I did find a few items locally that have me excited so I've decided to go ahead and share them today like normal.

First up, a set of four pretty floral black and white plates. 

They caught my attention right away.  I love the design.

Next a fun red birdcage.

It's not vintage at all but I love the shape and the color.

I have it resting on a newly purchase crocheted table runner.

I am obsessed with these lately (my sister keeps joking that happens to all of us once were 40!)

The design itself is very pretty and I love that it's a very white color instead of the typical off white.

And last but not least, my favorite find of the week . . . this iron and glass candle holder.

Isn't it pretty?

I love it's unique design.

Also love how bold it feels in my dinning room.  It really pops out at you.

I have found it the perfect item to add to my desk vignette under my farm sign.

It's like it was made just for me.  LOL.

I may be keeping this arrangement for a while.  It's one of my favorites.

Any plans for some treasure hunting of your own?

The girls and I are going to look for a few garage sales today and then stop by a church sale.  Well, if the rain holds out that is!

Wish us luck!

Robin

Adding White

You all know how much I enjoy using the color white in my home.  

So when I happen upon a little white treasure I don't often hesitate to bring it home with me.

The newest white addition is this sweet crocheted baby blanket.

The perfect size to use as a lap blanket on a chilly evening.

I love the design of the blanket itself and it's pretty edging.  It's also the softest crocheted blanket I've very touched - so cozy.

It may sort of blend into the background a little, but I am enjoying the extra texture it's given this corner of the living room.

I think it looks so pretty.

And since where talking white.

I just received two new to me decorating books that I ordered.

This one . . . 

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And this one which I am very excited about . . . 


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I have copies of his two other books; New Farmhouse Style and Summer House.  Both of which I love so I am very much looking forward to reading this one.

I'm trying to save them for when we go camping next . . .  I'm not sure if I'll be successful.

Hope you all have a wonderful day,

Bye now,

Robin

Hayward Flea Market Finds

Going to the Flea Market in Hayward, WI is always a highlight of my year.

I look forward to it all year long and it's always a good time.

If your ever in the area, it runs all summer long on Mondays.

Here's what I found this year.

A stack of red baby books,  I love baby books!

A pretty hand stitched pillow case with adorable blue birds and a stitched remnant with flowers that I hope to add to a pillow cover.

A vintage cookbook to add to my collection.

Horse show ribbons from the 70's. 

Love these, just have no idea what I'm going to do with them.

A chicken crate!

Hubby thinks I'm crazy, but it was three dollars - - crazy to pass it up I think.

I'll use it somehow on my gravel patio this summer I think.

A metal watering can to add to my collection!

I was very excited about this find.  It's not in great condition which makes it perfect to use as a planter.

And finally, my favorite find of the flea market . . . .

A vintage sled.

I have been looking for one in my price range for years, this one was only twenty-two dollars - I was nearly hyperventilating. 

I had never seen one like this before, which made it even more special in my book plus the colors are perfectly gorgeous.

All in all it was a wonderful flea market trip for sure.

How about you, any flea markets coming your way?

Bye Now,

Robin