December 21st is the Winter Solstice!

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Wish List Wednesdays: Purple Pastures Lavender Farm Lavender Dryer Sachets

I found the Purple Pastures Lavender Farm Lavender Dryer Sachets ($3.88) at Walmart by chance when I was looking for cedar sachets to put in our closets.  Since I love lavender and these dryer sachets are relatively inexpensive, I decided to give them a try.  I have to say this was one of the best decisions I have ever made!  There are fours sachets to a box, and each one is good for ten loads of laundry.  I used one when I washed sheets, and the sheets came out lightly fragrant with lavender scent.  The fragrance was not overwhelming and is quite pleasant.  I will be buying these again as soon as I get back to Walmart - I just hope they have more left!

Friday, June 4, 2021

Foodie Fridays: Baked Feta with Honeyed Strawberries


Not long ago I posted the popular TikTok Recipe for Baked Feta Pasta, which I greatly enjoyed.  Recently I found a recipe, inspired by this pasta dish, for Baked Feta with Honeyed Strawberries.  I was not quite sure what to expect, but it sounded intriguing so I had to try it.

Preparation of this dish was quick and easy, and I discovered that it makes an excellent topping for English muffins.  Simply spread some of the cheese on a muffin, top with a spoonful of strawberries, and be prepared for a lovely taste sensation!  The only change I made was to add some cinnamon, which is of course optional but highly recommended.  I had never roasted strawberries before, and was pleasantly surprised by the jammy, intense strawberry flavor.  I will certainly make this recipe again, and will try making plain roasted strawberries as well!

Baked Feta with Honeyed Strawberries

1 lb. fresh strawberries, halved
1 T. olive oil, plus more for drizzling
3 T. honey
1/2 tsp. cinnamon, or to taste
salt and pepper to taste
1 block (8 oz.) feta cheese

Add the strawberries to a 9x13-inch baking dish.  Drizzle with the olive oil and honey.  Sprinkle on the cinnamon plus salt and pepper to taste.  Gently toss to coat, then spread the strawberries out into a single layer.

Roast at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Remove from the oven and nestle the feta block in the center.  Drizzle the feta with a little olive oil, then return to the oven.

Roast for another 25-30 minutes, until the berry juices start to thicken slightly and the feta starts to brown.  (Even if the feta does not brown, as mine did not, DO NOT overbake or the sugars will start to burn!)  Let cool for a few minutes before serving with bread or crackers.  Serves 4.

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Wish List Wednesdays: A Few Tops I Am Coveting


Please forgive my prolonged absence from this blog, but it has been a busy couple of weeks.  My husband finally made the trip from Georgia to New Mexico (a very long drive!) so he is here right now and we have been busy making plans to finally complete our move.  This post should have gone out last week, but better late than never!

The Ice Cream Sweater from Loft (on sale for $39.99) shown above is one I first saw on a fashion blogger's website here.  I love a unique and quirky top, so I had to order this one.  It arrived a couple of weeks ago and while it is a rather unusual fit it worked for me.  Unfortunately the one sent to me had a sort of inky stain on the front, so I exchanged it and just received the replacement yesterday.  I may not be able to wear it right now because it is getting a bit too warm, but I look forward to having it for early fall or next spring.


The Stamp Print Mojave Camp Shirt ($55.99-$59.99) from Draper's & Damon's is another find from a fashion blogger's website here.  I love the bold print and the Y neckline, and the fact that this top would work on its own or as a lightweight second layer.  I am waiting to see if this shirt goes on sale before I order one, but I do hope to buy it for summer.


One last top I wanted to mention is the Lobster Print Shell ($59.50) from Talbots.  This 100% cotton sleeveless top has a loose fit, split neck, and whimsical lobster print (I am a sucker for crustacean-patterned apparel) and is the perfect summer top.  Again, I am waiting to see if this one goes on sale before I place an order, but hopefully it will also become part of my summer wardrobe eventually!

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day, and has been vaccinated so that we all can enjoy more freedom of movement this summer.  I have to say it is so wonderful to finally see my husband again with little fear of spreading or contracting COVID-19, and I can't wait to finally complete our move from Georgia to New Mexico.  Currently I am trying to decide if it is feasible for me to make a trip back to Georgia to help with sorting and eliminating more stuff before the movers come to pack it all up.  I need to find a house sitter who can take care of one old dog with health issues, a younger dog with a quirky personality, and an old horse who has no issues but needs someone who understands horses.  Wish me luck!