The week that was

Can I just say I love summer? This past week, we realized that it was Summerfest (it's what our town does every summer). We actually forgot all about it until we saw the car show and carnival while we were out looking for garage sales. So of course we had to stop by.

Like the girl that I am, I found the tents full of small shops. They were selling frogs! Yes, pet frogs. They were so cute and oh did I want one. But then we remembered we can't have pets in our apartment (but do fish and frogs really count?) and we don't have room for a tank. And then I realized I would have to buy crickets to feed the frog. Nope, nope, nope.

Fast forward a few hours later and we were braving the crowds to a park to watch the fireworks. We came at the end of the parade but were there soon enough to see Disney Princesses (Elsa, Ana, Belle, Rapunzel) and have a group of Bag Pipe players use the cross walk the same time we did (did you know those instruments are extremely loud right next to them?).

I apologize for the grainy photo below but we felt the desire to take pictures before the sun went down.

And this is the grand finale of the fireworks. I don't think the whole video was uploaded but you get the idea.

Ryan and I have also been trying to take more walks. We realized that we don't get as much exercise as we should. The other night, we decided to take a walk and were amazed to see this sunset.

I wish cameras captured the moment perfectly. Picture the colors ten times more vibrant and you have the right image. It really took our breath away. 

Next weekend, we'll be headed to Las Vegas  (lots of free books coming my way!). Hopefully we don't melt while we're there....

Jello Salad

For as long as I can remember, my mom has always made jello salad. Usually, she made it for large family gatherings. This jello salad screams summer. We always have it for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Fourth of July, and more recently, graduations.

And so, without further ado, the recipe!

Here's what you need:

1 container 24 oz cottage cheese

1 container 8 oz whipped cream (I use the light version)

1 container 0.60 oz strawberry jello (I have sugar free because I have several family members who are diabetic)

1 container fresh strawberries

First, mix together cottage cheese and the jello package until it's pretty and pink.

Next, add the whipped cream until light and fluffy. Resist the urge to taste test!

Now add those fresh strawberries, as many as you want!

Enjoy the result! Oh and don't mind the loaf of bread in the background....

This jello salad is cool and refreshing, perfect for summer with just a pinch of nostalgia. The good part? You can change the flavor to whatever your heart desires. For instance, I've used mandarin oranges and orange jello. The best part? It takes five minutes to make. 

Summer Days

It's only June and I've already had a busy summer (hence the lack of blog posts).

My younger brother graduated High School at the end of May. Graduation took place on the football field in the middle of the afternoon. The plus about having a graduation outside? Watching this man jump from a plane with the American Flag and land behind us in said football field.

Here is my brother waiting in line to get his diploma. Proud sister alert!

In other news, I've been trying to take a weekly yoga class this summer (sorry, no pictures. But that's for the best). Ryan and I have spent hours at the pool and going on hikes to beautiful waterfalls. To top it all off, we'll be headed to Las Vegas in a couple weeks with my In-Laws for a library convention which means lots of free books! I'd say this summer is turning into a good one.