This Ain't My First Rodeo

Well actually, it was my first rodeo.  I grew up trail riding and hanging out at summer Ranch camp, but this... 

 

What's not to love? 


There were cowboys, horses, leather chaps with fringe, Texas beef brisket sandwiches and big belt buckles….

Did I mention cowboys?

I was pleasantly surprised by the solid Americana theme running throughout the event which began with a tribute to our soldiers - our American heroes...


...and the singing of Lee Greenwood’s Proud To Be An American.
 

With a roar of the crowd, the show began...
 

...with bucking broncos knocking around their riders and kicking swirls of dirt into the air. 

Then came the calf ropers and the barrel racers...


...and I can’t forget to mention the rodeo clowns who entertained the crowd with their slapstick comedy routines between events.

 

This Someday Cowgirl may not be able to call the West her home just yet,


but a good old-fashioned American Midwest Rodeo could tide her over for a while.

Did I mention there were cowboys?

Have a great week!

Bistro Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Bistro Pasta is one of my favorite dinners to make during a sizzling summer evening.  No ovens to turn on… and only fresh and healthy ingredients.  

 

 

 

It’s so simple to make and pops with flavor... 

 

...combining the nuttiness of the cheese, the tanginess of the olives and tomatoes, and the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar and basil. Are you feeling the love?

 

 

 

To make it, you’ll need:

2 large boneless chicken breasts
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
12 oz. of your favorite pasta
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
½ cup sundried tomatoes
More extra virgin olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced into ribbons
Freshly shaved parmesan cheese

Brush chicken breasts with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until no longer pink.  Allow chicken to rest and keep it warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.

 

 

 

Cook pasta to al dente.  While pasta is cooking, toast the pine nuts in a pan over medium low heat for 8 – 10 minutes or until golden brown. They can burn easily, so keep an eye on them and give the pan a shake every minute or so. 

Drain pasta and slice the chicken on a bias.

Now you are ready for the big finish…

 

 

 

In a large bowl, combine pasta, garlic, olives, tomatoes, half of the basil, and half of the pine nuts. Drizzle with about 1 tablespoon of Balsamic vinegar and two tablespoons of olive oil.  Spoon mixture into serving bowls.  Top each bowl with sliced chicken.  Garnish with remaining basil, pine nuts, black pepper and shaved parmesan. 

And there it is… beautiful and delicioso!

Have a great week!

For the Graduate

You’re hosting your first graduation party, you say? 

Whether your graduate is heading off to college this fall, entering the workforce, joining the military, or not ready to leave the nest just yet, you’ll want this day to be a special one – one that will bring happy memories in years to come.  Sorry, no pressure…

 

 

We had the pleasure of hosting our first graduation party this past weekend for our niece.  With some careful planning and organization, you can create an event that your guests and your grad will enjoy.  Here are some things to consider when planning your event:
 

Paper lantern chandelier for the main tent

 

1. Invitations
Families receive many invitations throughout the summer months and calendars fill up quickly.  Be sure to mail invitations at least one month prior to the party so your guests can adequately plan.



Tropical theme food tent and buffet

 

2. Location
Will your event be indoors or out, at your home or another venue?  If you’re planning an outdoor event, be sure to have a way to provide guests (and food) shade from the summer sun.  Have a pergola, umbrellas, a canopy, or consider renting a tent.  

Watch the weather closely leading up to the party, and always have a Plan B for rainy or stormy weather.

 

Beachy centerpieces for the dining tables

 

3. Décor
The party should be as unique as your grad.  Think about the grad’s interests when choosing a look or theme.

We chose a tropical theme because our grad wants to travel in her future.
 

Beverage bucket for iced drinks

 

4. Food
When deciding what to serve, think about the number of guests you’ll invite.   For a small crowd, grilling may be a great option - but with a large crowd, the poor chef may get stuck hanging out over a hot grill all day.  

Catering works well for a large crowd, but it depends on your budget. 

We chose to purchase frozen BBQ and side dishes from a bulk outlet ahead of time.  Everything was heated in the oven then transferred to racks with Sterno cans to keep it warm.  The fruit and veggie items we assembled the morning of the party.  Doing it this way, we were able to spend more time with our guests and cleanup was a breeze. 
 

Paper lantern chandelier at night
 

5. Music
Don’t forget music or some type of entertainment.  Background music gets the party rolling and helps with that sometimes awkward silence when people don’t know each other well. 

We created a simple playlist of Mambo tunes to accompany our tropical theme.
 

Caddy for silverware and plates

 

The last tip I will leave you with is to keep the details as simple as possible.  Plan ahead, but don’t overload yourself.   

After all, the most important thing is that you enjoy this special day along with your graduate – for that is what he or she will remember.

Have a great week! 

 

 

Unexpected Treasure

One of the things I love about living in the Midwest is the abundance of old farmhouses and historical homes. 

As I was out and about on a recent Saturday, I unexpectedly stumbled upon a lawn sale at this awesome old home in Bedford Township.

Historical cabin in Michigan

 

Must stop for lawn sale……..
 

Pretty window with lace curtains

 

I parked my Jeep and grabbed my camera because this place was even cuter up close. 

The lawn sale was actually a fundraiser being held by the local historical society to benefit the continued restoration of the home. 
 

Side view of the cabin's addition

 

After speaking with one of the volunteers, I learned that the structure was built in the 1830s.  

And it once served as a summer home of Ina Duley Ogdon, a poet, hymn writer, and author, who was most noted for her composition “Brighten the Corner Where You Are.”

 

Window on original cabin

 

The home was not open for tours, but I did sneak a peek into the main cabin room which had a massive stone fireplace. 

I heard that the house is decorated for the holidays and is open to the public, so I will be making a return visit later this year. 

 

Treasures I found at the lawn sale

 

For today though, I was able to snap a few exterior pictures, find a few treasures, and learn about a little piece of history of our region.



So glad I stopped…

 

A story about a female spy - written in the 1800's

 

Have a great week!
 

 

Love this apple green and orange red together

 

A Holiday to Remember

We have come to know Memorial Day as the start of the summer vacation season, just as we know that Labor Day marks the end. 
 

Memorial Day Tablescape

 

 

But the final Monday of every May is truly about remembrance – remembering those who have passed while serving our great country.

Mini flags in the centerpiece

 

 

Whether you are attending a holiday parade, cooking out with family and friends, or just enjoying a day off, have a Happy Memorial Day!

 

Sparklers for guests

 

 

And, remember the men and women who serve and keep us safe.

 

Old Glory in the breeze

 

God Bless America.