I’m back!

I almost can’t believe that I haven’t posted in so long, but then again I think of July and it’s a foggy blur of a month. Life outside of the kitchen was BUSY — one big whirlwind and it hasn’t slowed down going into August, either.

I’ll share a quick recap in mostly Instagram photos, since I’m never too busy to snap a couple when I’m inspired!

As I said, July has been one of the busiest months so far this year, but also the best. It started off with lots of girl talk, fantastic food, and wine on the beach with my mom.  We spent a lot of time working on (and of course enjoying) recipes like this one and this amazing one.  High quality mama time was exactly what my soul needed.

IMG_7120

One recipe was carrot hot dogs. You read that right – “hot dogs” that are made from carrots! Our recipe needs a bit more perfecting before I share it; do you think you’re ready for it?

IMG_7107(don’t mind the post-beach hair)

While my mama was visiting, I finally got around to starting my own “garden”. I love it – and everything is still growing (so far!). I planted a jalapeno plant, cucumber plant, roma tomato plant, and basil. Walking outside to get my own fresh basil is pretty close to utopia. Perfect basil leaves.  Every. Time.

basil

Then, the day I was anxiously awaiting for 214 days finally happened.  The BF returned from deployment!

I could gush about it for days and days, but I’ll spare you all the feels and leave it at saying it was one of the best days ever.

The rest of July was spent packing and moving.

With that came about every obstacle we could face:

  • Dealing with a sketchy used appliance store and a leaking washer
  • The cable company running out of Internet modems (also why I’ve been MIA – no internet for weeks!)
  • A/C stopped working 1 day after move-in
  • Wasps are building nests on our decks (which is actually kind of fascinating)
  • I broke my phone (and learned my lesson on why I should start using a case)
  • I needed to get all new tires on my car

However, each night was made a little better with a glass of wine, this view, and the fact that I finally get to spend them with the BF.

sunset

wine sunset

Even with all of the obstacles, life was pretty darn good in July; I’ve got zero complaints. By now we’re laughing at everything the universe is throwing our way. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?

July had lots of little perks too. My cousin is an amazingly thoughtful person and sent me a care package, complete with awesome little kitchen gadgets (LOVE kitchen gadgets!) and homemade strawberry jam (my absolute favorite!).

We made some homemade biscuits and downed the entire jar in about 24 hours.

jam

We also made homemade pickles… look at how awesome they are! If you could only taste them, too!

pickle

July went out like a lion and August is coming in like a lion; that’s how that goes, no?

Follow along on Instagram or Facebook for more updates and new recipes that are coming soon, especially once the internet is finally up and running!