The Fourth of July 2009

I was at home in the morning to do some watering and baking.

Some guys---

Some gals---

Me with a teeny tiny plate of dessert---

Then and Now---Jodi and Melinda with a photo of themselves for the '76 Fourth of July Bicentennial Celebration. Mom and Aunt Clarice made them matching dresses and bonnets and then took them to Sears for a photo shoot. Ahhhhh...

It's all about the tank races. Chalked out and closely judged---

My Dad at sunset---

Someone modified their tank---

Okay, so it's not ALL about the tank races, the desserts rank pretty close to the top of the list too. Jodi made the Berry Flag pizza, Julie made the rice krispie treats and cut out cookies and I made the chocolate chip cookies and the brownie cupcakes.

The mini brownie cupcakes are what my guys refer to as the 'one biters'.

Fun Fourth, for sure!

Tastes Like Summer

I don't usually cook on Sunday nights but if everyone has been working a lot and suddenly ends up at home I make an exception. Especially if it means a night on the patio with the guys.

Cilantro Lime Chick with Avocado Salsa


A recipe from Cooking Light. This chicken was easy and delicious.
Chicken:
2 T. minced cilantro*
2 1/2 T. lime juice
1 1/2 T. olive oil
4 chicken breast halves
1/4 tsp. salt
(cooking spray if you cook it inside in a pan)
To prepare the chicken, combine ingredients in a large bowl. Toss and let stand 3 minutes. Remove chicken, toss marinade. Sprinkle the salt on the chicken.
At this point I put my chicken on skewers with some mushrooms, onions and red pepper. That way my veggies could be done on the grill too.

Salsa:
1 c. plum tomatoes-chopped
2 T. finely chopped onion
2 tsp. lime juice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
Add the avocado last. Stir gently.
I made a bit larger batch of the salsa because my avocado was huge and I added some cilantro. We love cilantro. *I wash the cilantro, let it dry a bit and then use a scissors, otherwise it sticks to the knife and cutting board.

Serve the salsa over the chicken. Makes a nice summer time meal that I served with tortilla chips and fruit.

Enjoy!

We interrupt this decorating, cooking, family blog for some important information.

Okay, so I am reading the Rite Aid Drug Store ad this morning because this Tuesday is the first Tuesday of the month. I always take a look, make a little list and go on Tuesday. First Tuesday of every month Rite Aid has 20% off everything. If you didn't know that you can thank me now. In these tough economic time everything helps.

Anywhoo, I am shopping the ad when I notice Anti Monkey Butt Powder. I'm thinking it's probably for when you run into someone who is a real monkey butt, you just open, aim and poof a big puff of Anti Monkey Butt Powder make them disappear! Yay! No more Monkey Butts in my life! I call Max, he guesses it might be for chaffing. Either way it's only $4.99 with a $4.00 rebate check. That's .99 folks, a low, low price to be rid of irritating people. Plus I'd buy it on Tuesday for the 20% off. Cheap relief people, very cheap. I am sharing their site, Anti Monkey Butt for more information. You're welcome.

Sometimes things strike me as very funny, sometimes Max, not so much. This is one of those things. We are definitely having one of those times. I'm laughing and he is irritated. Which makes me laugh more which irritates him more which...

Other good news, they just developed a special Ladies Anti Monkey Butt Powder, it's pretty pink container and the monkey is wearing a pink bow. I've got to get me some of that stuff... on Tuesday, of course.

Again, you're welcome.

Happy 4th of July

God Bless America
Wishing you the very best our great country has to offer from everyone here at the Stone House.

Have a safe and sane day. Remember to buy your fun from the Lynden Pioneer Museum fireworks booth. They have the best!

Just Like the Good Old Days

When Sam was a little guy he loved to set things up and have me take a picture. Sam was a collector, Thomas, Brio, Playmobil, rocks, marbles, GI Joe, Aladdin figures, Sesame Street figures and dinosaures to name a few.
One Christmas he got all the Aladdin figures, still have them. Sammy loved and I do mean loved that Christmas sweater...

Sometimes he wore costumes to match his vignettes.

The dino collection set up on the dino blankie.

K'nex

So one night this week I shouldn't have been surprised when Sam started creating with the glass pieces I had on the table. I had glass on the table for Garden Party, for color and sparkle.

Max got out the extra pieces and they got busy.

I told Max to go make dinner, what I meant was for him to go pick up the pizza we'd ordered. Funny. Very funny. Now, go pick up dinner smart guy.

Still lovin' the dinos. So creative.

That Sam I Am even let me take a picture. Just love it! Love Sam too.

The How To

So, how do get to this:

I start thinking about next year's garden party on the way home. Seriously. Then when I see books, blogs or magazines with a possible recipe, I copy it and save. The other thing I do all year is hit every clearance table between here and Seattle. I watch for that one inspiring piece and then plan my table around it. I have dishes (quite possibly the understatement of the year) that can be changed with different linens, candles or different salad plates. It all goes into a basket.
One week before the party I throw everything out, gathering from my stash and cupboards. I run to TOM for the paper. This year Elke and Jolene helped me. They love a blog mention! I found the perfect paper for my menu cards.

We try not to do too much testing. This year we did test our drink and the spring rolls. We were glad we did as there were glitches.

Two days before the dinner I do a bit of the cooking prep. This year I made Ina's cracker dough to chill and mixed up my Brie topping. Any sauces or prep I can do ahead of time helps.

I try to have all my groceries in the house the day before. This year I went to four grocery stores including the Asian Market. I also try to have my flowers. The day of the party I am cooking. Hubby does the chopping for me.
We set up a drinks table. Sort of a meet the guests at the entrance gesture.

At 5:30, right before the guests arrived I picked some flowers and hung them in the corner. I love those last minute touches.

Holly, we don't eat or entertain like this all the time, once a year is enough. It makes it special and otherwise, we would be exhausted.
Until next year...