Red White & Bue

Taste of Home Recipe

Strawberry Shortcakes

                                          Fun table settings

Decorations from Martha Stewart

Kids will love these

Simple Ideas

                                                     Yummy!!!

Taste of Home Berry Cheesecake

Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims' pride,
From every mountainside
Let freedom ring!

 Hello my friends

I really can't believe the 4th of July is around the corner, it has come way to fast for me.

I love the 4th of July...It wasn't always the case with me. I guess when I was very young the sound of fireworks scared me to my room with pillows over my head and lots if screaming. I was terrified!!!!   I love fireworks but I still could do without the sound of them..ear-plugs are must for me.

I think the funnest part of the 4th of July is the decorating for me.

I love the brilliant colors red...white....blue, so  I thought I would share some great ideas for you who love to cook or decorate for the 4th Of July.


HAPPY 4TH...From Cook Happy





                               

A COOL summer idea

Hello my friends,

Are you thinking about the 80 degree weather that is suppose to hit here in a few days...me too!!

Everyone has been talking alot about our weather..it is spoken everywhere...you hear it. I'm ready to move...I need a vacation to Hawaii...I need a month in a tanning bed...the most common is...I am depressed over the weather.  

So today I thought I would get you ready for the warm weather with these fun tasty summer drinks. I have so many recipes that I just had to pick a few for you. Hopefully this will in inspire you to smile and know summer is about to hit.

                                     picture via Martha Stewart

                                                                     

1. Peach Ginger Ice Tea

 Mash 6 canned peach halves with 1 1/2 cups of the juice,1/3 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon grated ginger in a pitcher. Add ice and 6 cups cold English breakfast tea.     

2. Strawberry Limeade
 Make simple syrup. Dissolve 1 cup sugar in I cup water in a saucepan over low hear; let cool. Combine with 1 cup water, some frozen chopped strawberries and ice.

3. Concord Cow
 Scoop some vanilla ice cream into a glass. Mix equal parts concord grape juice and lemon-lime soda, then slowly pour over the ice cream.

4.  White-Grape Spritzer
Mix equal parts white grape juice and lemon-lime soda, serve over ice with sliced fruit.

5.   Berry-Guava Lemonade
Mash 4 diced strawberries with 2 Tablespoons sugar and 4 tablespoons guava juice in a glass. Fill with ice, then add 6 tablespoons lemon juice and lemon slices.

6 Strawberry delight
Put 1 cup of orange juice and 4 large ice cubes with 1 cup of frozen strawberries in blender. Garnish with whip topping and blueberries, or strawberries.

7. Watermelon Limeade 
8 cups of seedless watermelon chopped, 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of sugar or more if needed. Blend together . Add1/2 cup vodka (optional) and garnish with a sprig of mint.

I think I just go on and on but these are just a few for you to try.  If you have a great ideas for a SUMMER cool down drink please tell  us.

Mason Jars just another fun summer approach..you can shop here to find these   http://www.potterybarn.com

Thanks for visiting Cook Happy..Susan

 

The (BEST) dad in the world

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD

                                              photo by http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/
This blog is dedicated to KEN who was the best dad a girl could want.  I am so blessed to have such an amazing dad to grow up with. My DAD represents...love..kindness...patience...laughter.....and a VERY tender heart.


My fondest memory in a very difficult time in my life was when I was about 10 years old.. I came home with the worst report card you can imagine. I was so ashamed!!  My dad arrived home from work to find me in tears... he did the one thing I needed the most, offered comfort and encouraging words...the hugs were just a bonus. Sitting on the curb outside we talked...and then the words came from his mouth...lets go SHOPPING. I am sure you need a new pair of shoes for school. GOOD dad..no GREAT dad he was.


I can remember to this day exactly what those shoes looked like:)  They were the best gift ever!!!


I am so thankful for the tenderness and compassion my dad has instilled in my heart.  I am so blessed that he shows his love for his family in so many ways.  He is the BEST grandpa in the world to my kids. They love him so much. God new just what I needed in a FATHER.


I love these days when we can publicly honor our FATHERS and say THANK YOU for all they do.  I encourage you to express to the men in your life your gratitude for there life.


I love you DAD!!!!!!!!!


Happy Fathers...from your daughter Susan

               Me and my dad at the Father Daughter Dance in High School

Calling it HOME

Hello all my blogger friends

I know it's been awhile since my last posting. I thought I would take a moment and  let you know we are getting settled in to our new home. I still have a few boxes resting in the corners waiting for me to unpack, but the hardest part is over.

Life is full of changes you know
I never thought I would be where I am at..becoming Innkeeper at the Lions Gate Inn Bed & Breakfast. It has been an easy transition for us...the animals are doing great and adjusting well.  We feel very blessed to be here and love our cozy space.

I am learning all over again to be more organized and manage my time wisely here at the B&B. Blogging has not been in my new schedule yet, but soon.

The season has begun and guest are arriving from all over. I find so much joy in meeting each and everyone who walks through our doors. Cooking of course is the funniest part. I have come up with so many great breakfast recipes that I can't wait to share. I find that I love this time of the year...visiting a new Farmers Market and picking up some fresh fruit & vegetables is so...let just say (FUN)

I am still in the thought process of organizing a Farmers Market in Carlton Oregon with my good friend Darci; I will keep you posted.

Thank you for your patients. I will be back to blogging soon:)

P.S. I am still working on my Cook Happy Cookbook. I can't wait for it all to come together. Stay Tune!!   
         

Cheers!! Susan