Countdown Begins

 

 

 

 

Photos by Carrie House Photography

 

First, my daughter's wedding was over a year away, then we started counting months, now it's weeks and soon it will be days. We are in the final planning stages; meal counts, place cards, balances due and much more. But, I think we are in a good place and hopefully when we arrive in Michigan, there will be little to actually do and just anticipation for a weekend of celebration to come.

I can't say enough about this couple and how we all are looking forward to sharing in their happiness. From freshman year at the University of Michgan, to nine years later, where they will start their married life in Pittsburgh, they have always been one of those couples that you just knew were going to make it. It is a wonderful feeling to be heading into a daughter's wedding and have zero reservations and only joy.

Her fiancé is a great guy, perfect for her and we love his family too. We look forward to many years ahead where we all experience the milestones of life together.

Happy Thursday!

P.S. Any wedding day advise from you veteran mothers of the bride out there?

 

Tomato Tuna Melts

 

 

 

Since I am always looking for ways to eat a low carb lunch, but still have variety and flavor in my diet, I was happy to see this recipe pop up on the Skinnytaste Instagram account. I love a good tuna fish sandwich, but do not love the carbs in the bread that comes with it and try to limit the amount of sandwiches I eat at lunchtime. What a great idea for the healthy tomato to become the vessel for the tuna.

I did make a few changes to the recipe to both suit my taste and to use what ingredients I had on hand.

First, I did not have any celery in the fridge, so I used chopped pickles instead. I love pickles in tuna fish, but may try celery the next time for a little more fresh flavor and crunch. Also, I did not add the vinegar since I used pickles, but probably wouldn't have added it anyway. Finally, the last change is totally a matter of taste, but I like a softer, partially cooked tomato, so instead of broiling for 2 minutes, I baked the tuna and cheese topped tomatoes for 10 -12 minutes at 400 degrees. This melted the cheese, but also warmed the tuna and the tomato. So simple, but so good. Enjoy!

Happy Thursday!

 

{ Linking with these friends}

Savvy Southern Style

Have a Daily Cup

Between Naps on the Porch

21 Rosemary Lane

Stonegable

Looking for Shells

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a beach in Venice that is so different than the white sand beaches we tend to frequent for our beach days. It's secluded, almost private, and can only be found by driving down a long sand covered road that hugs the shoreline. It's rustic, natural, quite narrow and the sand is volcanic, rather than quartz, so dark in color. It's also known as the best spot to find shark's teeth (prehistoric) and people line the water using sand sifters of all sorts.

The shark's teeth are elusive and we haven't put in the time to find any, but it's a great beach for a long walk along the water's edge. There are so many shells and not just the little ones you find on many beaches, but the bigger ones I like to collect. Because I live here and there is always another beach walk around the corner, I can be quite selective in my shell hunting. I usually find just enough to easily carry and always look for unique colors, shapes and patterns. I'm in the process of filling a couple of large jars, but taking my time and making the finds memorable.

It's a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Happy Monday!