Summer-Fresh Tropical Style

Beachy Reading Nook

Create a breezy spot for beach reading any time of year. -- Place an outdoor chaise or chair in the bedroom or a corner of the living room. -- Add a couple of cushy pillows and hanging paper lanterns, then settle in to a relaxing book. -- Make your reading chair extra comfy with an easy-to-fashion neck roll: Fold a beach towel to the width of your chair; roll, and secure with chenille rope. Tie to the back of the chair at neck height.

 

I love this idea of creating a space that whisps you away to a different place! I plan to create my own beachy reading nook, with the same color schemes as this one. You can play around with other places that make you happy~ a park setting, a mountain retreat, or a calm quiet desert. Either way play and have fun!  

 Christina

  Freckled Foodie

Summer Salads

Summer Salads Recipes

    Watermelon & Goat Cheese Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

The contrasting flavors and textures of crisp, sweet watermelon and creamy, tangy goat cheese are magical partners. Top with sliced grilled chicken to make it a meal.

Watermelon & Goat Cheese Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Recipe from

The contrasting flavors and textures of crisp, sweet watermelon and creamy, tangy goat cheese are magical partners. Top with sliced grilled chicken to make it a meal.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Servings: 5 servings, 2 cups each

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons  extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons  orange juice
• 1 tablespoon  red-wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon  salt
•   Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 8 cups  watercrest, tough stems removed, or mixed salad greens (5 ounces)
• 4 cups  diced seedless watermelon, (about 3 pounds with the rind) (see Tips)
• 1/4 cup  very thinly sliced red onion, (1/4 small)
• 2 ounces  goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup  chopped hazelnuts, (2 ounces), toasted (see Tips)

Directions

1

Whisk oil, orange juice, vinegar, salt and pepper in a large bowl until well combined. Add watercress, watermelon and red onion; toss to coat. Divide among 5 plates. Top with goat cheese and hazelnuts to serve.

Tips:

Tips: Melon selection & storage: Look for symmetrical unblemished melons, without flat sides, that have a creamy yellow spot on the bottom indicating ripeness. At 92% water, this fruit should feel heavy when you heft it. Precut melon flesh should be dense, firm and appear moist. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or keep in a cool, dark spot. Cover the cut surface of melon with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

To toast chopped hazelnuts: Toast in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

 I love summer salads that include fruits! This is a yummy salad I tried and loved!

Enjoy!

Christina
Freckled Foodie

$5 DIY Artwork

$5 DIY Artwork (click me)

This project reminds me of a painting my sister did for me. But this project of course is less expensive, and you can have fun with it by using different postcards, letters, or even pictures!

Play and enjoy!