life in my empty nest: July 2013

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

NYC - Central Park

On our first morning in New York City, after a quick coffee and muffin at a coffee shop near our hotel, we jumped in a cab and headed to Central Park. The plan was to wander around the park during the morning and then go to lunch at an interesting tea shop I had read about, in a neighborhood nearby.

This was my first time in Central Park and it was everything I thought it would be and more. If I lived in the city, it would be a place I would spend time in, taking advantage of the chance to be close to nature and the calm it brings. The urban planner that designed this space, so many years ago, created something unique and special.

We walked the pathways - this particular stretch is familiar from many movie locations.

We crossed some beautiful old bridges.

We (my sister and Melissa sitting here) sat for a bit to listen to some musicians play a few John Lennon songs near his memorial.

We were amazed at the beauty of the pathways and architecture - so many have enjoyed this lovely oasis throughout the years - we throughly enjoyed our morning spent in this beautiful setting :-)

Happy Wednesday!

Linking with Savvy Southern Style and The Tablescaper, Oh The Places I've Been

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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Peach Baked Oatmeal

Returning from our trip to New York City brought cool temperatures and the desire to bake some comfort food. For me, that almost always means something just a little sweet for breakfast. But, as a diabetic I still like to keep things lightened up and include some healthy carbs.

Since I recently purchased some beautiful, fresh peaches at the market, I found and adapted this yummy tasting recipe for my one of my favorites - baked oatmeal. I just love its healthy, but sweet taste.

Also, this is a really busy week since Melissa is moving into her first house at college and we are getting her ready - shopping for kitchen items, buying a bed for her room and finding things like curtains and bedding. I think I agreed to paint an old desk for her too! This oatmeal will stay in the fridge and can be reheated for breakfast on a busy morning.

Peach Baked Oatmeal

1 1/2 cups fat free milk

1 T vanilla

2 eggs

21/2 cups old fashioned oats

1/2 cup Splenda brown sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

2 T butter, melted

1 cup fresh peaches, chopped

Whisk together milk, vanilla and eggs. Add oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir in melted butter and peaches. Pour in a greased 8 x 8 baking dish and allow to set at least 3 hours or overnight in refridgerator. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes until oatmeal is puffed and golden brown.

Happy Tuesday! More on our New York Trip tomorrow :-)

{Linking with these friends}

Lil Luna

Made From Pinterest

Debbiedoo's Pinterest Blitz

Your Home Based Mom

Savvy Southern Style

Handy Man Crafty Woman

The Charm of Home

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Serenity Now

Funky Junk Interiors

I Heart Naptime

Between Naps on the Porch

Alderberry Hill

The Dedicated House

Cozy Little House

a bowl full of lemons

Kathe with an E

Life on Lakeshore Drive

The Shabby Creek Cottage

Coastal Charm

Sunny Simple Life (From The Farm)

Make Ahead Meals

Rattlebridge Farm

This Gal Cooks
Mom's Test Kitchen

Semi Homemade Mom

Barns and Noodles

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Monday, July 29, 2013

NYC - Tourist Spots

Our trip to New York City last week is now a fond memory of fast paced activity and bright lights. Since I had only been there previously for quick in and out trips at Christmas time and my daughter was experiencing the city for her first time, we included many of the tourist spots on our itinerary.

Our first night's dinner was close to Park Avenue and the Helmsley Building looked so beautiful lit up and shining in the night sky.

We took a boat ride in the Hudson River to get close to the Statue of Liberty. It was an overcast day, but she still looked beautiful guarding the harbor.

The sight of the Freedom Tower rising so tall and brave in the skyline was wonderful to see.

The 911 Memorial is moving and a beautiful tribute to those lost on that fateful day.

Times Square is definitely the heart of the city and is constantly filled with people, taxis and bright lights. We had dinner there one night, but unfortunately did not have time on this trip to see a broadway play.

Rockefeller Center has a different feel in the summertime. I had only seen the area previously with the skating rink and Christmas tree, but in the summer, there are tables with umbrellas scattered around, right where people are ice skating in the winter months.

The skyline at dusk, seen from the observation deck on Rockefeller Center, was one of the most beautiful things I have seen. We were advised by our concierge to go here instead of the Empire State Building. That way we could see the Empire State Building and have it in our pictures - and it was stunning from that vantage point.

Next - Walking in Central Park and The Highline.

Happy Monday!

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Thursday, July 25, 2013

I Love New York

I haven't been around the blog too much this week, because I have been in New York City having a great time. We have been from one end of Manhattan to the other; from Central Park to Soho and from Chelsea to the East Village. We have been on top of the Rock, cruised the Hudson River and walked the High Line.

The food has been so great; especially the frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity - so worth the wait for a table. I'm sure there are many great restaurants we missed, but the ones we did try were fabulous.

We have taken more cabs than I can count, but also walked many, many miles. We didn't brave the subway on this trip - maybe next time.

The reason for our trip ( my sister, my daughter Melissa and me) was for Melissa to shadow a PR rep at a fashion line and it was definitely a great experience for her. The highlight was her attendance at a buyers meeting with Bloomingdales.

Returning home will be great after the hustle and bustle of this week and I look forward to sharing more of our trip. I also look forward to catching up on all your blogs!

Have a great day :-)

Linking with The Dedicated House, Anything Blue

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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Orange Scones - Pinterest Success {22}

This is the first time I have made scones, but it definitely won't be the last. There was just something about making the dough, that hade me quite intimidated. I think it is because I don't think of myself as a baker and it has been so long since I have made any kind of pie crust or dough that I honestly forgot how easy it comes together.

This recipe is not intimidating. These scones were light, moist and had a delicious orange flavor, from the orange zest. One of these with a cup of tea was the perfect for a summer breakfast - doesn't anything citrus flavored sound so good in the summer? I did not add the orange glaze to help cut the sugar amount, but would consider adding it the next time, ( a light drizzle) because it would add a delicious final touch to these flavorful scones.

The recipe and original pin can be found here.

Happy Tuesday!

{Linking with these friends}

Lil Luna

Debbiedoo's Pinterest Blitz

Your Home Based Mom

Savvy Southern Style

Handy Man Crafty Woman

The Charm of Home

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Serenity Now

Funky Junk Interiors

I Heart Naptime

Between Naps on the Porch

Alderberry Hill

The Dedicated House

Cozy Little House

a bowl full of lemons

Kathe with an E

Life on Lakeshore Drive

The Shabby Creek Cottage

Coastal Charm

Sunny Simple Life (From The Farm)

Make Ahead Meals

Rattlebridge Farm

This Gal Cooks
Mom's Test Kitchen

Semi Homemade Mom

Barns and Noodles

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Friday, July 19, 2013

Welcome - Summer Front Porch

Welcome to our front porch! As you follow the walkway, it is the little details and the healthy plants and flowers that let you know you are welcome.

A large hosta, in full bloom is at the end of the walkway, next to the porch.

Black Eyed Susans are just starting to bloom on the other side of the porch and give a wonderful splash of welcoming color.

A wrought iron table on the porch holds seasonal decor - for the summer, a simple green glass ball, a grapevine wreath with some burlap for texture and some red petunias for a cheery hello.

To complete the welcome, the front door is decorated for the summer with a simple metal container filled with berries. See how I put it together here.

All these touches tell guests that we are happy that they are at our home :-)

Have a great weekend! My blog posts may be sporadic next week - but soon I'll be back to my regular schedule.

Linking with Savvy Southern Style

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Thursday, July 18, 2013

Second Time Around

I read a lot of books. Every book I read may not become a favorite, but there are some books that stay with you, after the last page. Lately, I have been longing to read some of my favorites, for a second time. I think it is the summer months, where the pull of a good book and a lounge chair either in the shade or next to a pool is strong.

These are the books I have been thinking about and plan on reading a second time, this summer - I bet they are some of your favorites too :-)

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan - a great book about mothers and daughters.
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik - one of the first books my book club read.
Eat Pray Love By Elizabeth Gilbert - could you give up everything and travel the world?
Under The Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes - starting over in beautiful Tuscany. I want to go there!

Also, when I heard there was a new book coming in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, I started to read the books again last fall. There is so much historical detail and the characters are so great, I enjoyed them just as much the second time.

According to the latest Amazon posting, the new book will be published in March of 2014, but the date has already been moved back twice. I am looking forward to seeing what is in store for Jamie, Claire, Brianna and Roger.

Happy Thursday!

Linking with Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Daisies

Daisies are an old fashioned flower that remind me of simpler times. They don't need to be in a fancy bouquet, but rather, just a bunch, in a special vase or perhaps a mason jar.

In the language of flowers, daisies are a symbol of innocence and purity.

The soft white petals with their cheerful yellow center bring thoughts of summer and days filled with sunshine. Perhaps the memory of a childhood game, where each petal meant he loves me or he loves me not.

They bloom, somewhat wild, in cottage gardens and perennial borders. A splash of white amidst their more colorful neighbors in the flower bed.

Daisies in simple bouquets, fill my house this time of year, making me smile.

Happy Wednesday!

{Linking with these friends}

Southern Lovely

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Savvy Southern Style

The Charm of Home

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Serenity Now

Funky Junk Interiors

I Heart Naptime

Sunny Simple Life

Between Naps on the Porch

Alderberry Hill

The Dedicated House

The Shabby Creek Cottage

Coastal Charm

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Instant Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie

This smoothie looked so interesting when I pinned it here and seemed like a fun, quick and healthy breakfast. I love smoothies and oatmeal cookies, so the combination had to be delicious. And, a smoothie, so thick you eat it with a spoon - how yummy is that?

I really wanted to try it this morning, but found I didn't have all the ingredients in the original pin - so I adapted the recipe with what I did have in my pantry and fridge. The original recipe may be good and I will definitely try it sometime, but this adapted version was very good too. The oatmeal makes it thick and creamy and it was the perfect breakfast on this hot and steamy morning where we are under a heat advisory.

Here is my version -

Instant Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie

1 package cinnamon and spice instant oatmeal

1 container banana flavored greek yogurt

1/2 cup crushed ice

1/4 cup fat free milk

1 T golden raisins

Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth and creamy. Sprinkle another handful of raisins on top and eat with a spoon. Enjoy!

Happy Tuesday and stay cool today!

{Linking with these friends}

Lil Luna

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