Quick Broccoli Salad

Getting the garden in this Spring has been a challenge.  Our family life was disrupted a bit with helping out our aging parents and work trips out of state.  I've decided to treat each gardening season as an experiment and give myself some extra grace and forgiveness.  Family is way more important than good looking flower beds, and my husband jokes that the veggies seem to do best when they are ignored! 😁  We have not had good luck with raising broccoli, but it's still one of my favorites so I hit up the local farmers market for my fix.  Below is a favorite recipe that I've fixed for years, I hope you will enjoy the yum!

Quick Broccoli Salad (serves 5-6)

1 head broccoli chopped small

1/4 cup diced red onion

1 cup raisins

8 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/3 cup shelled sunflower seeds

Combine above in a mixing bowl and stir.  

In a separate bowl combine the dressing ingredients.

1/2 cup mayo

3 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp vinegar

Pour over veggies, stir well and chill.

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Happy Munching!

~Connie

My Patio Decor Projects

 

The garden and flower projects ideas are almost more than I can keep up with this Spring.  My perennials are all beginning to burst out in bloom and we have finally had a Spring with enough rain to really help the yard look good.  We are still waiting on siding repairs of last May's baseball size hail damage so I am waiting on some beds that the workmen might trample.  I have however started to shape up the patio as an nice outdoor living space.  And I am hoping to add some fairy houses to my planters on the patio.  Last year I created one on an old clay saucer, so a few others around the patio might be fun for the granddaughters to help me build. 😊

The rain has delayed my planting of veggies in the garden but it is always fun to get the flowers set up out on the porches and patio.  

Happy Spring!

~Connie

Ham and Dill Pickle Rollups

Here is a simple appetizer or snack for your next gathering.  You will need: deli ham slices, dill pickle spears, plain cream cheese spread and tooth picks.

Spread cream cheese over ham slices and roll up on pickle spear per slice.  Secure with tooth picks and slice into bite size pieces. Chill before serving.  So easy!!

Enjoy the yum!

~Connie

Down the trail, through the woods and by the pond...

 

One of my goals for the trail thru our woods, is to create a special place for my grandchildren.  I really love this walk and I hope they will too.  I have added a few interesting things to see and I hope they will love exploring with us to look for new additions each time they visit.

Still on the "To Do List" are:

    1. a forest tea party

    2. a bench for bird watching

    3. Ladybug Tic Tac Toe

    4. painted rock caterpillar

    5. a 2nd fairy house

    6. a sign post to magical places

    7. some storybook friends

Just over here dreaming up adventures!

~Connie

Orange Fluff Salad

 

Orange Fluff Salad

• 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 3 oz package orange gelatin mix, just the powder
• 16 oz of 4% fat cottage cheese, small or large curd will work
• 14 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Mix all together and chill before serving.

A family favorite at our house!

~Connie

What's a column of color? And why do I need to know?

 

A column of color is an easy way to put together an outfit.  And so can make getting dressed easier, plus no matter if the colors are dark or light the unified effect will help us look taller, slimmer and more pulled together.  All things I know I want. 😏 Hopefully these photos will help you see what I mean.

I love to save outfit inspiration to my phone. When I don't know what to wear, a few swipes into photos and I have some great  inspiration!  Maybe these will inspire you to go play in your own closet and find new combinations. 

~Connie

Easy Chicken Salad

 

Easy Chicken Salad

2 c chopped cooked chicken

1/2 c light mayo

1 TBSP lemon juice

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp thyme or rosemary

1/4 c diced onion

1/3 c sliced grapes

1/3 chopped cashews or walnuts

Mix all together and serve in a wrap or pita.  Or serve plain with crackers or seasoned pretzels.

Enjoy the yum!

~Connie