Beach, love, and harmony...bikini time!  This one can be worn with fringe straight down or flip it and it can be waterfall fringe!  so adorable!  xoxoxo

Enjoying a break from the norm

Yesterday, not only was it gorgeous outside in Topeka, Kansas, but I also had the day off.  I thought I needed a day to unwind and just get to relax, enjoy my chickens, my husband, crochet, and just be in the moment.  I had a wonderful day off!  I even was surprised to find a new little friend in my fish pond.  A cute turtle that stayed for a while.  And I got to enjoy my daughter's face when she got off the bus today.  I wish so much that I could see her on and off the bus everyday.  But having a day off, helps me to really live in the moment and cherish the times that I do get to be with the ones I love and see all of God's greatest gifts...

NEW!!! Golden Sequin Top for twinkle shine!!

Artichoke Bisque Soup Recipe

Oh man is this good!  Artichoke's are kind of intimidating to cook, but once I figured it out, I fell in love.

Recently I ate at a fancy restaurant that served Artichoke Bisque, it was the best dang soup I have ever tasted!!!  I decided to try to create this recipe.  I have added it below for you to try!  After eating and thinking, I could live off this soup alone...I went to the garden center and bought 3 artichoke plants and put them in my garden!  Pictures to come soon!
Give this soup a try and let me know what you think!!!

ARTICHOKE BISQUE:

Ingredients

Roasted or boiled vegetables:
4 Roma tomatoes
1 red bell pepper
4 whole artichoke hearts, on skewer
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1 cup cream (I used fat free and still tasted great)
Several sprigs cilantro, leaf only, chopped
1 slice of cubbed sour dough bread or croutons
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
Suggested garnishes shredded cheeses, toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts.
 

Directions:
To prepare veggies, preheat in pan with water just slightly covering your veggies. 
Alternative option is to grill the veggies: Coat vegetables lightly with oil, place on grill just away from the hottest spot. Turn occasionally with tongs to sear all surfaces. Remove to a dish to let cool. Reserve any juices that accumulate.

In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic with butter over medium heat, stirring. In a food processor or blender, small chop the grilled/boiled vegetables. In saucepan with onion/garlic mixture, add vegetable stock, cream, grilled vegetables, and cilantro. Bring to simmer, stir to heat evenly. Combine cornstarch and water in a small separate bowl. Slowly add to saucepan while stirring to combine. The sauce will thicken slightly in 1 to 2 minutes to desired consistency. Add sourdough (helps thicken the soup) or croutons and add more water if necessary.

Add salt, dash with pepper, to taste. Serve with suggested garnishes, if desired.

Lake Time!! What will you be wearing?

I love when weather is warm, the sky is blue, the sun is hot!  Boating is my absolute favorite thing to do!!  Getting out on the water in a lake or on the ocean is so relaxing and has such gorgeous views!  I love watching for fish to swim and jump near the boat and watching for cranes and other exotic looking birds.  Ducks and geese are fun to watch!  Near Topeka, Kansas we live by a fun lake called Perry Lake.  It is pretty big and has lots of trees and nature so it really feels like the Ozarks!  I love camping and grilling hamburgers and hotdogs over the fire.  Holding my husband's hand as we go for nature walks. Eating Smore's at night under the stars!!!  ahhhh, can't wait!  

A great quote by Lil' Wayne--

Playing in the Sand today...