where is k?

Consider K on vacation...

Will catch up with peeps at the end of August.

beach pillows

This terry pillow case is totally my happy today. Well actually its my happy every weekend at the pool...

Inflatable pillows make lounging at the beach even more relaxing, and they're easy to tuck into a tote. Make a terry cloth slipcover, and the plastic pillows will feel soft and dry, not hot and sticky.

It's easy and you don't even need a sewing machine!

To cover a 14-inch square pillow, you'll need a 15-inch square case. Cut a 32 1/2-by-16-inch rectangle from a towel, using a finished edge for one of the short sides. Finish other short side with a 1/2-inch hem. Place fabric wrong side down, with hemmed edge on right. Fold over left edge 7 1/2 inches toward center. Fold over right edge 9 1/2 inches toward center (it should overlap left edge by 2 inches). Pin, and stitch along open sides. Turn the cover right side out, and insert the inflated pillow.

If your not feeling crafty you should check out Bed Bath and Beyond for this great bath and spa pillow.

picnic prep

Everyone knows cooking and eating outside immeasurably enhances the taste of the food. But if you're away from your backyard, a successful cookout requires preparation. When packing your bag or picnic basket for a cookout, be sure to include eating utensils, a corkscrew, and serving utensils such as spoons, spatulas, tongs, a marinade brush, a carving fork, a serving knife, and wooden skewers.

You'll also want to pack a small zipper pouch with small items such as matches, toothpicks, and extra resealable bags; reserve a few bags to transport salt and pepper. It's also important not to be caught without items such as a potholder, a cutting board, enamelware plates and cups, extra bowls for mixing, a serving platter, and cloth napkins, as well as a portable grill and an insulated cooler bag.

Check out these fun finds... The beach bag, blanket, tablecloth, sunbrella, flatware, and grill set.

camp food for the soul (continued)

Grilled Corn on the Cob

10 ears fresh corn with husks
1 cup mayonnaise
2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1. Remove heavy outer husks from corn; pull back (but do not remove) inner husks. Remove and discard silks; rinse corn, and dry with paper towels. Tie inner husks together with string, leaving ears exposed. Set grill to medium/high.

2. Brush a thin layer of mayonnaise on each ear of corn. Sprinkle the corn with the Parmesan cheese, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Wrap each ear with aluminum foil and place on the grill.

3. Grill, turning occasionally, until the kernels begin to brown, about 10 minutes. (Some kernels will begin to char and pop.) Serve immediately.

Turkey Burgers (I don't do the red meat burgers... sorry)

3/4 pound ground turkey
1 medium zucchini, grated
1 medium carrot, grated
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices crusty bread
4 small leaves Boston lettuce
4 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional)

1. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, zucchini, carrot, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and egg. Form the mixture into 4 patties.

2. Cook the patties, turning once, until no trace of pink remains, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Meanwhile, place the burger buns on the grill and brush with the remaining oil. Grill until golden brown and crisp, about 1 1/2 minutes.

3. Top burgers with the lettuce leaves and tomato. If using, combine the mayonnaise and lemon juice in a small bowl and serve with the burgers.

How bout an upgrade? For some extra zing, rub the bread with the cut side of a peeled, halved garlic clove immediately after removing the buns from the grill.

be one with nature...

I'm dedicating this week to camping and the great outdoors...

I have had this thing with camping lately. Have no idea where it's coming from, especially since I have never been camping. But it sounds like a good time. I just need to convince someone...

So maybe you can't get a away but you have access to a grill! Is it my imagination, or does everything taste better outdoors?!

My outdoor-inspired week is simple but special, and designed to get everyone involved. Whether you're on a weekend retreat or enjoying your own backyard, you'll have time to savor some great food, the great outdoors-and most of all, the moment.

create your own sleeping porch...

Imagine the rustling wind singing you to sleep. Now, imagine your indoor plumbing lies only steps away. What's not to love about a sleeping porch? I'd love to have one...

The sounds of nature, such as rainfall and wind, work like white noise, calming the mind. It's easy and inexpensive to transform a typical porch into a nocturnal nest. Purchase a folding cot from a camping supply store, and dress it with comfortable bed linens. Add a side table and a lamp for reading.

Sleeping porches first gained popularity at the turn of the 20th century. Many people believed that fresh air helped sufferers of tuberculosis, a respiratory system illness that was the leading cause of death at that time in our country's history. Health experts then also touted the benefits of fresh air for avoiding other illnesses.

While sleeping in fresh air may not be the medical cure-all people once believed it to be, it's still a great way to unwind, relieve stress, and improve sleep.

Making S'mores...

Did you know the S'more was introduced by the Girl Scouts in 1927? One is never enough...

If a toasted gooey-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside marshmallow sandwiched between melting milk chocolate and flaky graham crackers gets you reminiscing about your camp days, make s'mores.

Try personalizing your s'more with a banana slice, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, Nutella, or Peppermint Patty in place of the chocolate.

Toasting marshmallows indoors? Set stovetop burner on low heat, place your marshmallow on a metal skewer, and toast to golden brown. Or place the s'mores (without the top cracker) in a 350°F oven for two to three minutes; remove and top with graham cracker.

Not feeling so creative? Check out these cool kits from Laura's Candy, and Cozi.

Glamping, it's all that and s'more...

Camping? Yes. Roughing it? Not Quite...

Forget pitching a tent, and leave that lumpy sleeping bag at home: These glam campsites allow travelers to embrace their inner outdoors man — without actually roughing it.

The Resort at Paws Up - Want to explore the outdoors and sleep under the open skies but covet creature comforts? Welcome to the world of "glamping": for those who only want to sleep under 'five stars'. When was the last time you went "glamping"? Come, experience it at The Last Best Place in Montana.

El Capitan Canyon - Perched on the rocky coast just north of Santa Barbara, this nature resort offers all manner of creature comforts, including 26 spacious safari tents with queen-size willow beds and electric lamps, plus bathhouses with hot showers.

Dunton Hot Springs - Experience the Wild West in your own private tepee at this luxurious resort and spa in a restored ghost town.

Huckleberry Tent & Breakfast - With just three tents on 52 acres, peace, quiet, and some of the starriest skies imaginable are all but guaranteed at this wilderness retreat in the Cabinet Mountains. The tents feature quilt-covered iron beds and wood-burning stoves.

stars and strips...

Dress up your house for the 4th of July with American flags of different sizes and red, white, and blue banners!

summer scarfs

For the boy who just doesn't get it... ;)

Yes, scarves are traditionally used to keep warm during the cold winter months. Despite rising temperatures, long, lightweight scarves are a must-have item this summer!

Why you’ll want one...

Versatile and vibrant, an oversize scarf is virtually weightless, and will take up very little room in your purse. Although part of the allure is the chic, airy feel, a feather-light scarf can ward off the chill of air-conditioning, and even act as an extra layer of sunscreen. Beyond its functionality, this fashionable accent is available on any budget, and in every style imaginable. This summer, you can leave the jewels behind, knowing that a pop of color or pretty pattern around your neck will draw attention to your face just like a necklace would for an easy, breezy summer look.

How to wear it...

There are countless ways to wear a summer scarf. Try wrapping it multiple times around your neck and tucking the edges under, folding it in half behind your head and looping the open ends through the hole near your collarbone, or simply swooping it around your neck and tossing one end over your shoulder.

Check out South Moon Under, Target, and The Limited for fun options.

sippin' on summer...

Fresh-squeezed lemonade and sun-tea are excellent, thirst-quenching choices for an outdoor summer ....

Your favorite summer drinks will look as good as they taste this summer in these fun glass jars by Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Viva Terra, Uncommongoods.com, and Infused-Vodka.com

A family affair... try whipping up an Arnold Palmer. This refreshing beverage consists of half iced tea (either sweetened or unsweetened) and half lemonade named for golfer Arnold Palmer.

After hours... This melon ball lemonade won't disappoint and looks great with lemon wheels and balled melon. Sure to impress.

2 quarts lemonade
1 honeydew or cantaloupe (deseeded and balled)
4 -5 lemons (cut into wheels)
3 cups of Bacardi Gran Melon

Combine all ingredients in a large container and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve over ice. Serves about 10.

Cheers everyone!