What a weird week it has been.  It feels like a super short week because, while I was still working, I did not really feel like my head could be fully in the game until Wednesday.  It was nice, but...I like my consistency. 

How has your summer been so far?  I hope you are keeping it somewhat chill and making time for Yahtzee on the porch with glasses of something sweet and bubbly. 

It is an olddddd favorite of mine, but I have recently rediscovered the Orange-Peach-Mango juice from Trader Joe’s and now I am having to force myself to drink anything else (maybe try some water??).  I am also exploring the idea of using this as a base for other mixed mocktails and such.

Lately I have just not been feeling it.  I can hardly think about food.  Nothing sounds good, everything seems to nauseate me, and it is really annoying because my fridge is well stocked and this is one of the best times of the year to be hungry.  Bleh.  I am tempted to blame the infernal heat, but I am wondering if I have some kind of summer bug?  Either way, I hope it ends soon because I want to get back to eating all the things.  

There’s a little trick I have been pulling for a couple of years now that I find rather brilliant.  You know those adorable little greeting cards at the Trader Joe’s checkout line?  Or the beautifully illustrated cards from Rifle?  The ones that you buy with intentions to share, but love them just a little too much to seal the envelope?  Well, a couple of years ago I decided that rather than miserly hoarding them in a drawer, I would start framing greeting cards as wall art and I love it.  It is a really fun, inexpensive way to fill in a gallery wall or add a bit of pattern.  I found this adorable lemon pie card this week, stuck it in a forgotten frame and I am so happy with the results!  And...that is pretty much the extent of my home decorating advice.  

This peach cider is gorgeous.  It is making my eyes so happy.  I think I am going to try to work out a slow-cooker version as soon as I can get my hands on some good peaches. 

Next week I will be reaching to my inner kindergarten teacher as I play snack lady for our church’s VBS.  Bring on the Teddy Grahams and Jello.  I secretly love serving Jello to kids because I can usually sneak in a little collagen lecture and totally gross them out.  I know, I’m terrible.  And a freak.  A terrible, Jello-ruining freak.  But you love me for it, don't you?  Aw, thanks. 

I need your advice.  Please, please tell me what I can put on this annoyingly dry face of mine.  I need a good moisturizer, like yesterday.  

I LOVED this article.  First, because Ina’s struggle made me feel better about my own failed attempts to develop the perfect Boston Creme Doughnut, and second, because Taylor Swift was is on her fantasy guest list.  

Is it ridiculous that I want to buy that plush swan for myself?  A bit… 

I am super happy because today I am FINALLY going to recover two of my chairs with fabric I have had for a year now.  And by "I am finally recovering," I mean that I batted my eyelashes at my very talented grandmother to come help me while I make her food and fetch thread.  

What’s on your weekend agenda?  I have got another in-store demo with World Market this weekend and I am really hoping to squeeze in a Spider Man date with the mister.  

Sincerely, 

Pedantic Foodie