Long Days and Warm Nights

Lake Harriet Bandshell Picnic

It is almost August, I am not quite sure what happened to July. It seems like one long humid blur. I have spent my days hanging on patios with friends, eating grilled food when possible, and taking cool showers before climbing into bed. The hot humid days seem to go on forever and yet, summer is beginning to fade as the nights begin to cool off and the sun sets a little earlier every evening. It has been a wonderful summer, and even though I haven't blogged as much as I have wanted to, I know that I have spent my days doing other things that I love. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the past few months, enjoying every minute of this Minnesota summer.

Birthday party at Lake Calhoun

Adult piñata treats

Cold drinks at Spill the Wine

Key Biscayne Beach in Miami

4th of July fireworks over the ocean

A fedora will alway make humid hair look good

Ice Cream from Sebastian Joe's

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Gifts for the Host

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is that there are a million reasons right now to throw a holiday party. Here are some examples: cookie exchange party, holiday movie night party, ugly Christmas sweater party, or maybe a let's-drive-around-the-neighborhood-and-look-at-lights-party (if you drink the spiked egg nog before driving around, consider this a walking party). Whatever the reason, holiday parties are a wonderful time to get together with friends. Hosting is not an easy job, but it makes it more enjoyable when guests show up with a nice gift. Here are some great hosting gifts under $50 to give this holiday season. A new way to keep white wine chilled A great game for the long winter nights in by the fire These throws are super soft and cozy Homemade popcorn is the best. Try this recipe with it! This reminds me of a martini shaker I would see in a James Bond film.

No Cook Antipasti

This past weekend we hosted a few friends over for some wine and antipasti. This was a perfect menu for me because cooking in my kitchen during the summertime is very dangerous. I think if I turn the oven on for more than 20 minutes, my kitchen shelves will begin to melt. We live in a traditional older Uptown duplex, and with only one window air conditioner, cooking in my kitchen becomes an activity similar to sitting in a sauna. I tend to make the most of fresh food, and take advantage of our specialty foods in the nearby grocery stores. Hosting an antipasti party allowed me to assemble, rather than cook, and the results were delicious. This weekend allowed me to participate in the best parts of the summer; eating fresh, natural, and simple food. Caprese on a stick Sun dried tomato and parmesan cheese Antipasti platter

Happy 4th of July!

Fireworks over the ocean at Key Biscayne Let's take a mini break from talking about my trip to discuss the current holiday that is upon us, the 4th of July! Just like most Americans, I love the birthday of America and am excited to celebrate with everyone! We are heading up to the cabin tonight for a patriotic boat parade and some fireworks over the lake. I have been lucky to experience this holiday in a variety of places and there are always family, friends, food, and perhaps a cocktail with Uncle Sam (just to clarify I mean the father of America, I don't have an actual Uncle Sam). Here are a couple of links for your 4th of July viewing pleasure! Hope you all have a fun holiday planned! If not, take Katy Perry's Firework advice, "you just got to ignite the light, and let it shine!" Happy Birthday America! I'm hoping to try this recipe tomorrow while we grill our steaks Love this Saved by the Bell episode of the 4th of July One year...

Lady Nine

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