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Rockin Playin the Blues Salvia

Rockin Playin the Blues Salvia

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Planting these gorgeous Rockin Playin the Blues Salvia from Proven Winners in my Southeast Tennessee garden.

I received no compensation from Proven Winners other than the plants.

Rockin Playin the Blues Salvia from Proven Winners at Sidewalk Shoes

Planting Rockin Playin The Blues Salvia from Proven Winners

Anyone else have huge plans for their gardens and then reality strikes?  Yeah, me too.  I am going to be the first to admit that the last few years have been a challenge in my garden.  For several years I basically worked three jobs:  blogging, Pamela Greer Photography, and teaching.  When my photography business started doing so well that I could retire early from teaching, I thought I would have so much time, but my photography business continued to grow.  Then we had a drought.  I've finally settled on balance and have limited the number of new clients I take in my photography business.  Now, it's back to being able to work on the garden.  It feels so good to be back digging in the dirt and watching things grow.

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Adego Da Vila 2016

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A review of Adego Da Vila 2016 for Weekend Wine Reviews #338.

Adega Da Vila 2016

2015 Caves Velhas, Adega Da Vila, Alentejo, Portugal.  Wine Awesomeness.

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Sneaky Kitty Cat

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Calico cat peaking out from behind bushes

I was taking some garden photos when I thought I felt someone watching me.  I turned around and saw this.  It's Coco kitty peaking at me from behind the Sedum Autumn Joy.  She's probably a little miffed because I had stopped to pet the neighbor's kitty, who I think spends more time in our yard than his!  As soon as I open the basement door, which opens to our driveway, he comes running over.  Our driveways are close together and he lays on his, just waiting for one of us to come out.

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Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream - So Rich and Creamy!

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You are going to love this rich and creamy Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream.  All the sweet flavors of Vietnamese coffee in a delicious ice cream treat! 

Container of ice cream with a scoop and plate.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

I drink my coffee black now, but I have not gotten over my love of sweetened coffee.   No one else does sweetened coffee better than the Vietnamese!  Their secret?  Sweetened condensed milk!  

It's genius really - you get the creamy milkiness and the sweetness all in one, plus it even adds to the creaminess of the coffee.

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Fun and Games Hopscotch Foamy Bells

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Follow along as I plant Fun and Games Hopscotch Foamy Bells from Proven Winners and then watch them grow as the summer progresses!   Disclosure - I received complimentary plants from Proven Winners. 

Fun and Games Hopscotch Foamy Bells from Proven Winners

Fun and Games Hopscotch Foamy Bells from Proven Winners.

This will be my third year in a row receiving plants from Proven Winners to plant in my Southeast Tennessee garden.  In 2016, I posted Proven Winners for Spring Planting and in 2015 I posted Spring Planting with Proven Winners.  You can see that each year, I did a big post of all the plants that I received.  I've decided to try something a little different this year.  I'm going to share one or two plants at a time.  Show when I received them, where I planted them, and then we'll follow them through the summer!  Doesn't that sound like fun?!  Today's post is all about Fun and Games "Hopscotch" Foamy Bells.

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Strawberry, Banana, and Kiwi Smoothie

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This strawberry, banana, and kiwi smoothie is so rich and creamy, you'll think it's a decadent dessert!   

Two tall glasses filed with strawberry banana smoothie, garnished with a strawberry.

So, guess who got a Vitamix for Mother's Day!!!  Of course, by "getting" I mean that I made my family go to Costco.  I made them stand in front of the Vitamix demo and try every single thing he made.  I started promising them lots and lots of smoothies.

Well, after the first taste, I didn't have to "make" them do anything, they were hooked.  Then I even let them lift the box and put it in the cart for me.  Now, that my friends is how you get exactly what you want for Mother's Day!

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Luxie Chilling with Her Cat Grass

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A few photos of our calico cat, Luxie, by her cat grass.  Post may contain affiliate links, full disclosure on sidebar.

Calico cat with her cat grass

One of Luxie's favorite jobs during the day is to lay on the rug by her cat grass.  It's a task she takes very seriously!  Do you grow cat grass for your inside cats?   It's my understanding that cat grass helps in digestion and may help with hairballs.  I know that my outside cats munch on grass all the time, so I did some research, and started growing some for Luxie.  I found this one on Amazon that even comes with an adorable cat planter, which is probably going in my cart just as soon as I finish this post!

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Watermelon Infused Tequila

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Looking for a fruity addition to your margaritas?  This Watermelon Infused Tequila is perfect!  You can also use this same technique for Watermelon Infused Vodka!

Watermelon cubes in a jar of tequila with a watermelon slice in the background.

Infused Tequila

When asked to list my favorite hobbies, I often say reading, photography, gardening, and infusing.  Yes, infusing. 

I've already made Lavender Infused Gin, Blackberry Vodka, Limoncello,  Ginger Liqueur, and Vanilla Infused Rum - and these are just a few!

I decided to try combining two of my favorite things:  tequila and watermelon.  Infusing tequila is an easy way to kick up your margarita game!

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Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

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A review of the audiobook version of Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders.

Post contains affiliate links, please see full disclosure on sidebar.

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

This review is for the audiobook version of Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders.  I wanted to make sure that I noted that this was the audio version, because I think this one is probably made better by listening to it.

The main setting of the story is a cemetery where President Lincoln’s son, Willie,  has been entombed.  The story is told by all manner of characters and they are given voice by different people.  Some famous actors and actresses are doing some of the voices and trying to guess who was who added a bit to the listening.

We learn of the events leading up to Willie’s death, with quotes from various books and papers.  It sounds a bit like a research paper brought to life, with each quote including it’s bibliography.  It takes a little while to get used to this, but once I did I enjoyed it.  What was particularly fascinating was when various sources were quoted and they were all different.  For instance on the weather conditions for the night Willie died,  they ranged from clear with a gorgeous full moon, to a sliver of a moon, to completely cloudy with no moon visible.  Clearly demonstrating why eye witnesses are not reliable!

The story in the cemetery is told by a cast of characters who inhabit the cemetery.  Yes, dead people.  Only they don’t really seem to know their dead.  They talk of their “sick box” - instead of a coffin.   They want to help Willie get on to that other place because children don’t seem to linger in their world.

This is probably one of the most polarizing books that I’ve read or listened to.   I can see where some people would find it disjointed and hard to follow.  Once I relaxed and just went with the flow of characters, I really enjoyed it.  I admit though that it is probably not for everyone.

Seared Salmon with Mango Salsa Salad

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Looking for an easy weeknight dinner?  In this Seared Salmon with Mango Salsa Salad a simple seared salmon rests atop a bed of greens and topped with a fresh mango salsa!

Post may contain affiliate links, full disclosure on sidebar.

 

Two bowls filled with a salmon salad with a mango salsa on top

Easy Summer Salad

This is the start of what is going to be a series.  A series of salads.  Of course, I have no idea if that will actually happen, my track record of proposing things and then actually completing this is rather dismal.   I have a habit of declaring things.   Anyone remember the time I declared "The Summer of Cleaning Out my Garage" - yeah, that so didn't happen.  And then there was "The Summer of Herbs" - where I was going to be diligent in using my herbs from my garden - yeah, that didn't happen so much either.  So, we'll just have to see if this "Summer of the Salads" will happen.

Click here to pin this Seared Salmon with Mango Salsa Salad.

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Cherry Chicken Salad

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Tart dried cherries add a sweet tang to this Easy Chicken salad. It is a delicious chicken salad that you will make over and over again!

Plate of chicken salad with dried cherries and a dish towel with chicks on it.

Why yes, this is another recipe using rotisserie chicken.  Perhaps I should change the name of the blog to "I Buy a Rotisserie Chicken Once a Week and Here is What I Do With It."  

It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?  Though I suppose it's a tad long.  Even as I am typing this in, I went grocery shopping this morning and there is a rotisserie chicken chilling out in my fridge.

You're going to love that this chicken salad stays on the lighter healthier side. There is mayo for flavor, but also Greek yogurt to add extra creaminess and tartness. Sherry vinegar gives a nice pop and walnuts add crunch. This is a chicken salad you can feel good about serving.

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Encostas Do Douro 2014

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A review of Encostas Do Duro for Weekend Wine Reviews # 336.

Encostas Do Duro 2014

Encostas Do Douro, Douro Doc, 2014, Caves Velhas.  Wine Awesomeness. They say:  comprised of 35% Touriga-Nacional, 35% Tinta-Roriz, 30% Touriga_Franca.  The Douro region isn't just for port!  With evidence that wine making existed in the region in 4000 BCE, it is one of the oldest wine making regions in the world.  This Portuguese blend is an anytime of the year wine.  Energized raspberries, crunchy minerals, the smell that comes off the lake as you watch a sunset on the dock, freshly bloomed lush cherry blossoms and inky lavender notes. We say:  Very nice!  Lot's going on, long complex finish.  Lots of fruit, raspberries.  Enjoyed it!

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Luxie on the Stairs

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Calico cat looking at camera

Well, I made it through prom season!!  It feels so good to slow back down!  Though, I'm not completely slowed down, I have 3 family photo sessions this weekend.  Luxie have been enjoying the fact that I have a little more free time.  And by that, I mean that now I have time to get back to decluttering the house and weeding the flower beds!  Luxie and I have also been enjoying a little porch time every day.  She is still very skittish and seems happy to go back inside.  She met our resident hummingbird and was enchanted, sitting at the corner of the porch watching him intently.

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Acai Pineapple Smoothie

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Pineapple Smoothies are good.  Acai Smoothies are good.  Acai Pineapple Smoothies are even better!!   Using Acai fruit packs or dried Acai powder, you can have this superfood smoothie in minutes!

Post may contain affiliate links, full disclosure on sidebar.

Acai Pineapple Smoothie - in two glass jars with straws.

 Acai Berry Puree or Acai Berry Powder

Ever since I bought my vitamix, my freezer has become full with bags of frozen fruit.   When it's in season and it's preferably organic and on sale, I buy it and freeze it.  I posted before about freezing kiwi, that was a real eye opener.   I had no idea you could freeze kiwi.  Now, I pretty much freeze everything.

One of the things that I've discovered that I really love are the pouches of frozen Acai Berry Puree (I found mine at Whole Foods.) They are already frozen, so you just thaw them enough to break them up, toss them in your blender with whatever else you like and you have an easy superfood smoothie!!   You can also use Acai Berry Powder, use 1 tablespoon per serving and add a cup of ice.

Click here to pin this Acai Smoothie now! 

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The Night the Lights Went Out by Karen White

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A book review of The Night the Lights Went Out by Karen White.

Post contains affiliate links. See full disclosure on sidebar.
The Night the Lights Went Out by Karen White

Even if I didn’t live in the south, I would still enjoy books set in the south.  Southern accents and witticisms make everything a bit more fun.  Such is the case with The Night the Lights Went Out by Karen White.  The story is set in Sweet Apple, Georgia - a suburb of Atlanta.   The story begins with Marilee Dunlap and her two children, Lily and Colin moving to a cottage owned by ninety-three year old Sugar Prescott.  They are moving into the cottage because Merilee’s ex-husband had an affair with Lily’s third grade teacher, who is now pregnant!

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Melon Red Azaleas

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A few photos of my melon red azaleas blooming in my Southeast Tennessee Garden for Garden Tuesday.

Melon red azaleas

Azalea season was tricky this year.  We had such a warm winter that they came into bud very early.  Then we had a very small, but below freezing cold snap.  Blossoms went from just opened to brown in a few days.  It really effected our white azaleas because they are always the first to bloom.  These azaleas faired much better.  What would you call this color?  I struggled to come up with something that would adequately describe them.

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Patchouli Up a Tree

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Black and white tuxedo cat in a tree

I've talked before about how Patchouli doesn't get out much.  She is such a scaredy cat and all the other cats know it.  They rush at her, just to watch her cower.  The thing is, she is a pretty good sized cat with lots of muscle.  She is bigger and stronger than any of them and could easily kick their butts if she would just stand up for herself.  But she won't.

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Purple Iris for Garden Tuesday

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Light purple iris

Well, we are officially out of the drought here in Chattanooga!  We are actually 5 inches above the year in rainfall.  I am praying that this keeps up.  Last year, with the relentless heat and no rain, I had to water the yard daily.  I just basically rotated the speakers in a clockwise fashion around the yard.  I don't know about you, but every single time I set up the sprinklers, it's like day one.  I have to rethink, realign, make sure all of my flower beds are getting watered.  Plus, I can never get them set up without one good blast in the face.  Every.  Single.  Time.

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Spinach, Beet and Lentil Salad

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This spinach salad is loaded with all sorts of good things!  Fresh beets, earthy lentils, tangy goat cheese and crispy walnuts! Drizzled with an amazing tahini maple dressing! Every bite is filled with so much delicious flavors!  Will become a family favorite, it's also great for meal prep and perfect for packed lunches!

Bowl full of salad on a white towel with a fork on a blue background

Beet Salad

I love beets.  I know that some of you don't, so feel free to remove them from the salad, it will still be good without them.  What I like about the beets in this salad is that you don't even have to cook them. 

Have you tried raw beets?  They are crisp and delicious.  The secret is to slice them really thinly.  You could also use my Pickled Beets in this salad, they would be so good.  We add them to almost all of our salads. 

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Exem Bordeaux 2015

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A review of Exem Bordeaux 2015 from Wine Awesomeness for Weekend Wine Reviews #334.

Exem Bordeaux 2015

Exem Bordeaux 2015, Bordeaux, France.  Wine Awesomeness.  They say:  This wine is slightly reminiscent of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.  It has tropical notes and paradise feels, but the addition of Semilon gives it more texture and loads of herbaceous green.  There is underripe green pear skin on the palate with layers of ocean breezy vibes that brighten things up.  The body is racey and light, with a lasting finish.  It's acidity is breathtaking and pairs well with anything that has a nice crisp to it, like roasted potatoes or a flakey white fish.  On the nose:  musty, wet asphalt and flowers mixed with tropical notes of passionfruit and fleshy papaya.

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