Summer Recipes

A Watermelon Summer Dinner: Keeping Cool Without Turning on the Oven

Is anybody else ready for summer to slow down just a little? Don’t get me wrong—I love summertime. I love the sunshine, the longer days, cookouts, fresh produce, and getting outside. But here in Oklahoma, August has a way of reminding you that summer isn’t quite finished with us yet!

When it’s this hot outside, the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven and heat up the house. Sometimes a cold dinner, a refreshing drink, and maybe a little time outside is exactly what we need.

And lately I’ve been thinking about doing something a little different: themed summer dinners!

Since I live in an area known as the Watermelon Capital of the World, I think watermelon is the perfect place to start. We have watermelon stands all around us during the summer, and there is just something special about stopping at one and picking out a big, juicy local watermelon.

So I’m thinking about buying a couple of them and having a little Watermelon Summer Dinner.

Now, I realize I’m probably not the first person to ever think of this. 😂 But sometimes the simplest ideas are the most fun!

Imagine sitting outside on a hot summer evening with a cold watermelon drink, a fresh watermelon salad, and a bowl of pasta salad. No oven. No complicated cooking. Just easy food that tastes like summer.

And if I can get the grandbabies involved, even better!

🍉 Fresh Watermelon Cooler

This would be such an easy drink to make, and it would be perfect for a hot afternoon.

You’ll need:

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1–2 tablespoons honey or sugar, depending on how sweet your watermelon is
• 1 cup cold water
• Ice
• Fresh mint or lime slices for garnish

Directions:

Add the watermelon, lime juice, sweetener, and water to a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour over ice and garnish with a little fresh mint or a lime slice.

You could even make this into a fun activity with the grandbabies and let them help pick the watermelon, add the ingredients, and decorate the glasses.

For the adults, you could make it a little fancy by serving it in a pretty glass with a watermelon wedge on the side.

🍓 Strawberry Lemonade

You can’t go wrong with strawberry lemonade on a hot summer day!

You’ll need:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 cups cold water
• ½–¾ cup sugar, adjusted to taste
• Ice
• Fresh strawberries and lemon slices for garnish

Blend the strawberries with a little of the water until smooth. Pour the mixture into a pitcher and add the lemon juice, remaining water, and sugar. Stir well and chill.

Serve over plenty of ice with strawberry and lemon slices.

There is just something about strawberry lemonade that makes you feel like you should be sitting on a porch somewhere, isn’t there?

🍉 Easy Summer Watermelon Salad

Now let’s talk about the star of our dinner!

This watermelon salad is fresh, colorful, and requires absolutely no cooking.

You’ll need:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced or chopped
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• A handful of fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A pinch of salt

Add the watermelon, cucumber, feta, and mint to a large bowl.

Whisk together the lime juice and honey and drizzle it over the salad. Give everything a gentle toss and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

The sweet watermelon, cool cucumber, salty feta, and fresh mint make such a good combination.

And look how pretty it is! Sometimes food really can be as pretty as it is delicious.

🥗 Easy Summer Pasta Salad

Of course, we need something a little more filling for dinner, so pasta salad is going on the menu too.

You’ll need:

• 12 ounces rotini or bow-tie pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• ½ cup black olives
• ½ cup mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese
• ½ cup Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped pepperoni, chicken, or salami

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and rinse it under cold water.

Add the pasta, vegetables, olives, and cheese to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over everything and toss until well combined.

Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

And here’s the beauty of pasta salad: you can change it up depending on what you have in the refrigerator. Add some leftover grilled chicken, throw in some bell peppers, use whatever vegetables you have on hand, or make it completely meat-free.

That’s my kind of recipe!

🍉 A Little Summer Dinner Theme

Now I’m thinking this could actually become a fun little tradition around our house.

Imagine a table with a big bowl of watermelon salad, a colorful pasta salad, a pitcher of watermelon cooler, and maybe a pitcher of strawberry lemonade sitting right beside it.

Add some paper plates, a few outdoor games, and some grandbabies running around, and you’ve got yourself a pretty great summer evening.

And that’s what I love about the idea of themed dinners. They don’t have to be complicated or expensive. You can pick one ingredient or one theme and build a simple meal around it.

Maybe next time it could be a taco night, an ice cream night, a breakfast-for-dinner night, or even an old-fashioned picnic dinner.

I’m realizing that sometimes we get so caught up in our everyday routines that we forget to make ordinary evenings special.

Maybe that’s something I need to work on.

Instead of waiting for a holiday, birthday, or special occasion, why not make a random Tuesday night a little celebration?

Especially when it involves watermelon. 🍉

So now I’m curious…

Do you have any summer food traditions at your house?

Maybe it’s a particular recipe you make every summer, an annual cookout, homemade ice cream, a family picnic, or something completely unique to your family.

We don’t really have many food traditions around our house, but I’m thinking it might be time to start a few.

And if I can keep the oven turned off while I’m doing it, that’s even better!

Hey, thanks for stopping by my blog! Be sure and leave me some comments down below about what kind of summer food traditions you have.

Have a great day!

Karen

Taking Care Of My Health

 

Getting Older Isn’t for the Weak

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about getting older. I’m 59 now, and honestly, I don’t remember anybody really telling me what this part of life was going to feel like.

When I was growing up, I don’t remember my grandparents constantly talking about aches, pains, headaches, back problems, sciatica, or the occasional battle with constipation. 😂 Maybe they just didn’t talk about those things around the grandkids, but I sure don’t remember them complaining much.

Now here I am at 59, and I’m thinking, “Well, nobody told me about ALL of this!”

Some days I’m tired and worn down. Some days something hurts that didn’t hurt yesterday. I’ve probably taken more Tylenol, Motrin, Excedrin, and other things this year than I have in years past just trying to keep myself going.

I’m also trying to figure out what my body is telling me. I’ve been feeling off for quite a while, and I’m wondering if some of it could be connected to a medication I started back in October. My doctor has me on it for a reason, though, and my lab work has improved, so I’m trying to balance what I’m feeling with what my doctor thinks is best.

I recently had a vaginal ultrasound, and I’ll be seeing Dr. Angie on the 18th to go over the results. My mammogram came back negative, which I’m very thankful for. As for the ultrasound, I’m trying not to borrow trouble before I even know what the results say. I’m choosing to stay positive, pray, and take things one step at a time.

And yes, my doctor mentioned the big “C” word, which is a word I really don’t even like saying out loud. I refuse to sit around manifesting something I don’t even know is there. But if life ever does hand me something difficult, then I’ll deal with it when I get there. One step. One appointment. One day at a time.

Because getting older may not be for the weak, but I’m discovering that getting older also means I’ve learned a lot about myself. I know when I need to slow down. I know when I need help. And I’m learning that taking care of myself isn’t being dramatic or complaining—it’s just part of taking care of the woman I’ve become.

On the work front, I’ve been making up the hours I missed when I was sick Tuesday. I wasn’t exactly thrilled about staying later than my normal shift, but I have to admit something surprised me.

It’s QUIET.

Once most everyone leaves around 3:30 or 4, the building gets so much calmer. You can actually hear yourself think! 😂 The supervisors are mostly gone, the hustle and bustle has died down, and there’s almost a relaxed little vibe to the place.

I’m still not saying I want that later shift, but I’m putting it in the back of my mind for the next time shift bids come around. I don’t have little kids at home waiting for me to get home and cook dinner, help with homework, and get everyone ready for the next day. Maybe a later shift wouldn’t be the end of the world after all.

And then there are the things that make all the aches, pains, work hours, doctor appointments, and everyday worries seem a little less important…

Grandbabies.

This weekend, Lane and Landon are coming to spend the night with Nana and Grandpa, and I am already looking forward to it! Mr. C and I decided that each of the grandkids needed to have a special toy that stays at our house.

Lane got a Peppa Pig house and some figurines because that’s what he wanted. We had gotten rid of the old one, so we had to replace it. Landon has a Buzz Lightyear toy waiting for him, and Sophie has a little handheld piano that makes all kinds of sounds. I have a feeling she is going to LOVE that one.

Nancy also needs to get some groceries this weekend since her vehicle is currently out of commission, so I’m going to take her shopping. She has already spent several thousand dollars trying to keep that vehicle running, and I know the whole situation has been incredibly frustrating for her, especially with having her son and her elderly mom to take care of.

Life is funny.

At 59, I’m learning that some days are about doctor appointments, sore backs, tired bodies, medications, and wondering what the heck happened to the energy I used to have.

And other days are about loading up a friend to go grocery shopping, waiting for grandbabies to spend the night, watching a little boy play with Buzz Lightyear, listening to Peppa Pig chatter in the background, and remembering that there is still SO much good in life.

Maybe nobody told me what getting older would really be like because you just have to live it to understand it.

So here I am.

Still learning.
Still laughing.
Still praying.
Still figuring things out.

And yes…

Getting old is definitely NOT for the weak. 😂❤️

#GettingOlder #RealLifeAt59 #StillLivingMyBestLife #GrandmaLife

Midweek Rambling

Welcome, August! Family Visits, Fresh Goals, and Looking Forward

Good morning, friends!

It’s Wednesday morning, August 5th, and I’m on my way to work. It’s about 6:30 a.m., and we are blessed with another beautiful Oklahoma sunrise. I don’t know about you, but I have a feeling August is going to be a wonderful month.

The biggest reason? My youngest son, Trevor, his wife Mellissa, and my sweet grandchildren, Kyndall and Liam, will be coming home from North Dakota for a week and a half! It feels like it’s been far too long since we’ve all been together, and I honestly can’t wait to hug those babies.

Over the past few weeks, Mr. C and I have been busy getting everything ready for their visit. We completely decluttered Kyndall’s bedroom, which doubles as our guest room, and gave the toy room a complete makeover. It feels so nice knowing everything is organized, clean, and ready for little feet to come running through the house again.

Yesterday our new window air conditioner arrived for Kyndall’s room, and Mr. C is planning to install it today. With August being one of the hottest months of the year here in Oklahoma, I know they’ll sleep much more comfortably.

If you’re wondering why we named our guest bedroom Kyndall’s room is because her and I have always utilized the guest bedroom as if it was hers. She has a dresser drawer that has clothes, small treasures and hair items waiting on her. When they leave to go back to North Dakota I send most home with her. Then I start gathering up new items for the next visit. 

Now I just need to start planning a few fun Nana-and-Kyndall adventures. She always loves helping me in the kitchen, so I’m already thinking about a few treats we can bake together. I’ll also be stocking the pantry with plenty of kid-friendly snacks before everyone arrives.

Monday

Work started the week off fairly well. I finished Monday with 9 saves. While it wasn’t exactly where I wanted to be, every save helps someone, and that’s something I’m always grateful for.

Monday was also a big day for our grandson, Landon. He had his tonsils removed, his adenoids taken out, and tubes placed in his ears. Anytime your grandbaby has surgery, your heart worries a little extra. Thankfully, everything went well, and now it’s just time for him to heal.

Tuesday

Tuesday turned out to be a much better day at work. I finished the day with 14 saves, and I was really pleased with that. Today I’m setting my goal at 16 saves, although I’ll be happy as long as I reach at least 10.

After work, I picked up Taco Mayo for dinner because Mr. C had spent nearly the entire day helping Brody and Savannah with the kids while Savannah was getting her classroom ready for the new school year. Since Landon was still recovering from surgery, it was a huge blessing for them to have Grandpa there to help out. I know Mr. C enjoyed every minute of spending time with those grandbabies.

Tuesday evening I also worked on my required credit counseling certification. I’ve finished everything except the final chat session. Once I complete that, I’ll officially have my certification behind me, and that’ll feel wonderful to check off my to-do list.

Wednesday

Today I’m heading into work feeling optimistic.

We’ve had some changes happening in our department recently. Madison is transferring to the National Team on August 10th, and Whitney will be out beginning August 12th for surgery, with an expected six-week recovery.

Because of that, our schedules are shifting around. Sam has been moved from his normal 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. schedule to working 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you know Sam, you know that’s going to be quite an adjustment! He’s definitely a night owl who usually stays up until around two in the morning. I imagine his alarm clock is becoming his least favorite thing these days.

Thankfully, we’re expecting a new employee to begin training around August 18th, so relief is on the way. Until then, we’ll all be pulling together. It will certainly be busy, but busy also means more opportunities to earn those extra save bonuses.

After work today, I plan to finish my certification chat, and then I think Chicken Express is calling my name for supper. I’ll even order enough so I can pack leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

Speaking of lunch, today I’m keeping things fairly simple:

• A low-carb roll-up
• Frozen fruit
• Yogurt
• A Diet Root Beer
• A Diet Pepsi
• An energy drink

Little by little, I’m trying to make healthier choices.

This year has really become about being intentional. I’m trying to eat better, manage my money wisely, stay organized, and simply become the best version of myself one day at a time. Progress may not always be fast, but progress is still progress.

Five Simple Ways I’m Trying to Cut Back on Carbs

• Make wraps using low-carb tortillas instead of bread.
• Keep fresh vegetables ready for quick snacks instead of chips.
• Choose grilled chicken more often than fried foods.
• Drink more water and diet drinks instead of sugary beverages.
• Keep healthy protein snacks like cheese sticks, boiled eggs, or nuts nearby so I’m less tempted by sweets.

Five Easy Ways to Save Money

• Plan meals before grocery shopping.
• Cook enough supper to enjoy leftovers for lunch.
• Give yourself a 24-hour waiting period before making impulse purchases.
• Keep a running grocery list so fewer trips to the store turn into fewer impulse buys.
• Put even five or ten dollars into savings each payday—it adds up faster than you think.

Nana & Kyndall’s Kitchen Corner

One recipe I know Kyndall and I will have fun making together is Mini English Muffin Pizzas.

All you’ll need:

• Whole wheat or regular English muffins
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni or cooked sausage
• Mini pepper slices or olives (optional)

Let Kyndall spread the sauce, sprinkle on the cheese, and decorate each pizza with her favorite toppings. Bake at 375° for about 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. It’s easy, delicious, and kids absolutely love making their own creations.

I’m counting down the days until our family is all together again. There’s just something about hearing little voices fill the house that makes everything feel complete.

I hope each of you has a wonderful Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes with me. Until next time, take care of yourselves and make today count!