The Soul of Summer

 Summertime is Here!

Lounging by the pool. The watermelon was cool and delicious!

Sundresses, sandals, and backyard barbecues are in full effect, and I'm enjoying every single minute of it. Summertime is fun time! The days are longer and hotter, which is perfect for lounging by the water (pool or beach) enjoying cool drinks, having fun with family and friends, and soaking up the sunshine. Here are a few staples that define the soul of summer--Southern Style.

There's nothing like sitting on a porch, rocking and enjoying life!

Barbecue: I love Smithfield's. They have great bbq and their iced tea is soooo good!
Lemonade: Ice tea is the official drink of the South, but during summer months, lemonade rules the season. In my opinion, Chik-fil-A has some of the best lemonade--and you can get it anywhere in the country.
The Beach: The South has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Check out this list and go for a visit!
Watermelon: A picnic isn't complete without this deliciously juicy fruit. Learn more about watermelons--including recipes and how to choose a ripe one--at Watermelon.org.
Rocking on the porch: There's nothing like the peaceful feeling of sitting in a rocking chair, enjoying a warm summer day/night.
Fireflies (lightening bugs): These beautiful little creatures light up the night and make an ordinary evening spectacular.
Ice Cream: Not to be mistaken with frozen yogurt, ice cream, in all its rich goodness, is heavenly on a hot summer day. Ben & Jerry's can be found everywhere, and it's yummy!
Shopping: Okay, this isn't really a summer staple because you can shop year-round. But summer clothing; sundresses, sandals, bathing suits, shorts, tanks, etc., make shopping extra fun!
Reading: Reading is great anytime of year, and especially during summer. A good beach read makes for great entertainment. I include a Recommended Reading section in my enewsletter. If you haven't joint my mailing list to receive my enewsletter please visit my website at tricehickman.com, and sign up today!

The Soul of Summer" is the theme of this month's issue of Southern Living magazine.

No matter where you live or how you decide to spend your summer, make sure you have fun, stay safe, and do things that bring you joy!

Until next time, be fabulous!
Trice

Make The Most of The Time You Have

Fresh strawberries, a fruity drink, and a relaxing good time!

 

The older I get, the more I understand the importance of making the most of the time you have. Right now I have to be judicious with my time. I'm sequestered in my writing cave, working day and night to finish my next book. But sometimes a girl's gotta come up for air, so here I am. With the start of summer just around the corner, I was thinking about how much I'd love to be relaxing somewhere, instead of stuck inside, in front of a computer. Then I thought about the great time I had at the beach last summer. A friend and I took a quick, two day trip (drove down one day and came back the next) and I had so much fun I felt as if I'd been gone for a week.

Calm waves on the beach at sunset. It doesn't get any better than this!

We stopped at a winery on our way down to the beach in Wilmington, NC. We enjoyed a lovely wine tasting and tour, and met some really great people before getting back on the road. After we arrived in town, we went sight seeing, had a huge lunch at a popular local soul food restaurant, and then we hit the beach. We got there in the late afternoon, which was the perfect time. We enjoyed the sunset, breezy ocean air, and walking along the beach while water tickled our feet. I can't tell you how relaxing it was to sit on a blanket, eat sweet strawberries, sip a cool, fruity drink, and simply enjoy life! We ended our full day by going to a restaurant and eating the juiciest burgers I'd had in a long time (zero calories and no fat...hey, I can invent my own reality because I write fiction books for a living). The next morning we got back on the road, stopped by the vineyard again to pick up some souvenirs :-), and then returned to everyday life.

Every Southern Belle has an arsenal of summer beach dresses and stylish sunglasses. What's summer without them?

That quick getaway was truly an example of how to make the most of the time you have. Whether you pack several activities into one day, or you do absolutely nothing for an entire week, use your time in a way that serves you. Make the most of every moment you have.


Until next time, be fabulous!

Veggie Sandwich: Quick, Healthy, and Delicious

Quick and Easy Veggie Sandwich on Honey Wheat Bread

With summer just around the corner I'm looking for quick, easy, healthy, and delicious food that will fill me up but won't weigh me down. I made this delicious sandwich and it hit the spot. It's super easy to make and packs lots of flavor. I sauteed enough mushrooms, peppers, and onions to make several sandwiches, so I can enjoy this dish more than once. It's great for a quick lunch or a post workout meal. The recipe is below.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. Olive Oil
• 1 medium onion sliced
• 1 small green pepper thinly sliced
• 1 carton mushrooms (or 1 can. Drain liquid)
• 1/2 tsp. salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp. pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tsp. McCormick Italian Seasoning  (or to taste)
• 50/50 Organic Spring Mix (or whatever type of green salad/lettuce you prefer)
• Sliced tomatoes (I used grape tomatoes because that's all I had in the frig at the time)
• Bread (Sub/deli bread is good but has more calories. I used honey wheat)

Prepare:
Heat oil on medium in a skillet and prepare on side of bread with salad mix/lettuce and tomatoes. Once oil is heated, add onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Saute 5-7 minutes, add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and spread veggie mixture onto other side of bread (garnish with cheese if you like). Voila! An easy and delicious sandwich.

Happy Eating and remember to be fabulous!