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Loving Lately

Loving Lately: Pie Crusts

They are delicious, buttery, flaky, crisp… Pie crusts are the essential avenue to basically all fantastic pie and tart fillings. But as if that weren’t enough, here is what I am loving about them lately: They are works of art! (Featured Image from Luna & Hazel)

I really wish I had talent. Here is “The prettiest apple pie we ever did see” from monicahibbs.com, I can’t disagree.

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Or how about a simple polk-a-dot? I love a classic stripe or polk-a-dot, me and Kate Spade. From Linda_Lomelino via Instagram:

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Of course you could let the fruit do all of the talking- like the Pear Almond Tart from pastryaffair.com, no one could fault you for that.

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But I am just fascinated by these intricate weaves. Thank you hintofvanillablog 🙂

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I love this next one, similar to the plaid woven and braided apple pie pictured above. <3 Although I haven’t been able to track down the original, the link from Pinterest will take you to more amazing pies and crust ideas at feedfeed.com.

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I’ve featured this adorable heart pie before, doesn’t it just shout love from home? It’s the Strawberry Sweetheart Slab Pie from Jillian Harris:

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Look at the creativity from theprettyblog on this Caramel, Pear & Pecan Lattice Pie. It’s so beautiful!

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And this Fall Harvest Apple Pie from BellasBanquet that seems blanketed by leaves. So pretty!

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I’m not going to lie, this crunchy streusel topping over a creamy blueberry pie from The Girl Who Ate Everything looks outstanding even without the intricate fuss.

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Okay, just one last shot of fabulous from TheKitchenMcCabe, and then I’m off to make a pie.

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Loving Lately: Organization

I’ve always been a *somewhat organized person. I’m a can be prone to self-diagnosed OCD, or type A… or both, whatever you want to call it. I like to think I was doing pretty good until child number three. After child number four, I lost (ahem) some control. Firstly let me say, “I know there are people with more kids than me.” Secondly let me say, “I don’t know how they do it!” Oh I’m so tired right now. Okay, back to organization.

Organization is key. Even if you are one of those crazy desk, sticky notes everywhere mad geniuses- you have a system. (I am not that person, although on many special days when you walk through my front door you might mislabel me as that person- without the genius.) I appreciate order, a place for everything and all of that. So when all of the toys start piling up and I feel like exploding, I beg my husband to rent a dumpster and park it in the driveway. True story. But then my more practical side takes over; I push up my sleeves and start to declutter. DECLUTTER, I love that word. Let’s simplify. Three piles: keep, donate and throw away. Ahhh. (Perhaps a fourth pile named “garage sale” if you are so inclined.)

Also, I’ve been reading articles on organized/successful people that seemingly have it all together. Here’s what I’ve come up with:

  • Make your bed in the morning. This is something I do already, it adds a sense of tidy even if everything else is in chaos. It’s good for my mental health.
  • Make to do lists. I’ve been getting better about this. I’ve actually been pretty okay (how’s that for a description?) at writing things down, I’m just actually getting better about following up on the lists and scratching them off upon completion. Yes. One article I read suggested keeping a list at the side of your bed. I like that idea since I (and probably most people) think of things I need to do while I winding down- coincidentally enough.
  • Use a calendar. This is right up here with lists, and if you have a planner you probably have them combined. Since I have a house of 6 people with different appointments, check-ups and sport activities, etc. I have to have a calendar, because I am ridiculous I prefer a paper calendar (as opposed to electronic) that I most often leave at home. (…a work in progress)
  • Meal plan. Oh my gosh, I wish I was this awesome. What professionalism! I really wing it way too often. But who knows, maybe one day Sadie’s Nest will feature a whole section on meal planning. It really does make sense on so many levels. And you get to make and scratch off more lists- bonus.

Of course there are tips on sorting, labeling, shelving, folding… One day at a time. I feel really successful when the dishes are done, a load is in the laundry machine and everyone’s teeth are brushed. (And all of the toys are gone. Just kidding. Sorta.)

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Loving Lately: Lingering Summers

I’m one of those parents that doesn’t want summer to end or school to start. I do love all the seasons and the holidays… I guess I just wish that life was one big vacation.

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I love all of the flowers and greenery.

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I love the berries and tarts!

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But even though I’m trying to hold on…

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I know the seasons have an inspiring way of keeping you excited for what’s coming next.

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I’ll be ready, but I don’t have to think about that today. Maybe I’ll think about popsicles?

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Thank you Pinterest for helping me put my thoughts into photos… I’ll be outside.

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Loving Lately: Pizza (and all of it’s flavorful convenience)

Pizza has to be one of the greatest creations ever made. It’s inexpensive, can easily feed a lot of people, and is generally a crowd pleaser- because it is scrumptious! It’s bread, it’s cheese and it’s whatever else you want baked to perfection. I mean seriously. I think if my husband had to pick one thing to eat for the rest of his life, it would be pizza. And I sincerely believe that he feels pizza from a different place every night of the week is an entirely different daily meal. Oh, and in many places you can have it delivered hot and cheesy right to your front door! In less than 30 minutes! Let’s not forget that little golden nugget. 😉

Pizza is a great way to express your culinary creativity. Colors, flavors, textures… let ’em fly! Take this Nectarine Pizza with Basil, Blue Cheese and Reduced Balsamic from Alexandra’s Kitchen for example. Yeah, that’s right.

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Or maybe a White Pizza with Garlic Sauce and Garden Herbs from How Sweet Eats… How much pizza is acceptable to eat at one sitting? Also by Jessica from How Sweet Eats are these mouth-watering 30-Minute Portobello Pizzas featured by The Pioneer Woman. I’m not going to lie, mushroom for crust just seems like a really good idea. I wonder how soy cheese would work for my vegan friends out there?

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Apparently, the thing is basil. Everything will look beautiful as long as you have fresh basil. But I imagine Chicken Florentine Flatbread by Rachel Schultz tastes pretty good too. Little bursts of roasted cherry tomatoes… Yummmm!

And because this is the way I think, wouldn’t this be pretty for Christmas?

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How about the fall? Are you ready to see everything that embodies autumn wrapped in a pizza package? Drum roll please…. Caramelized Butternut, Crispy Kale + Fontina Pizza with Pomegranate Salsa by Half Baked Harvest. Bravo! …Of course you could always go with the Cranberry Sauce, Bacon, and Gorgonzola Pastry Puff Pizza from Baker by Nature. Decisions, decisions.

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Whether it’s buffalo chicken, taco, Hawaiian, regular pepperoni or pizza in a cone (that’s a real thing, thank you Pillsbury), “Za” is awesome. (That’s a real word too, thank you Scrabble).

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Loving Lately: Party Cakes

August is a big birthday month for my family and friends. I love parties, and pretty things- that you can eat. I appreciate the art of it all. You know how they say you want what you can’t have? I don’t know it that if that applies exactly…

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But I really wish I could decorate a cake.

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I’d be happy if it would turn out half as good as these ideas.

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I am amazed at the creativity of people; how they get ideas in their heads and have the ability to make it happen.

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I think “Wow! Can you imagine the party that goes with these cakes!”

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Well, they are probably fabulous. (Like Pinterest, which supplied me with the photos)

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Loving Lately: VidAngel

Occasionally there are iconic scenes from various movies that I tend to quote or relate to, especially in my interpretation. I like to reference these movies like everyone knows what I’m talking about. What I don’t say is that I don’t watch them, or haven’t in a long time… not in there entirety anyway… and sometimes wouldn’t at this point in my life. I’ll be honest, I’m kind of a prude. There was a time in my life (namely before children) that I was much more relaxed about my screening process. I don’t know why we were able to watch the movies we did when I was a kid. Seriously. After coercing my unexcited children into viewing a film ‘mommy liked when I was little’ I have been shocked (more than once) by some of the language, scenes and innuendoes that I didn’t remember (or which obviously went over my head). Maybe you’re all like “Oh Sadie, get over it”… I just won’t. But maybe you’re like “Oh my gosh, I know exactly what you’re talking about”… so this is for you! Have you checked out VidAngel? You basically can opt out of whatever bothers you and set restrictions based on your offenses. I’ve set it so far that it even took out insults like “idiot” and “moron,” which is extreme even for me… but who am I to judge? I LOVE it. I can pretty much watch any movie with my kids with comfort. Granted you have to pay attention to the content. I can’t expect to watch a war movie and not see or hear them talk about war. You catch the drift.

VidAngel streams through ROKU, chromecast, Apple TV and more. Oh, and it only costs $1 per movie!! For more information check out www.VidAngel.com. Friday night movie night full of fun and food has turned into common practice around here!

Image courtesy of VidAngel and the internet

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Loving Lately: Outdoor Entertaining

Obsessed is such a strong word. So please note I use it lightly, but not very lightly, when I say I am obsessed with over-the-top outdoor entertaining ideas.

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You really can’t get overly dramatic for me. Candlelit chandeliers? Antlers? Gardens worth of fresh flowers? Bring it.

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Naturally, since I am still recovering from a nasty fall, I am pining over what could be.

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Just think of the possibilities… if I was at full strength… and money were no object…

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Or if I had 100 candles and lanterns.

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Don’t you just love the thought of being surrounded by your loved ones, breaking bread, on a perfect night of weather, on your own farm? (Because obviously that is how it always happens.)

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But I’ll be honest, I’d be elated just to be outside with my family if it turned out like this…

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Because outdoor entertaining is the best. (And so is Pinterest for sharing all of these pictures with me).

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Loving Lately: The Great Outdoors

Does it seem like I’ve been on vacation forever? It feels like that to me. Maybe it’s just a state of mind. Anyway school’s out and we are outdoors. We are on hikes, canoe rides and kayak trips. I can write a little from our cabin and post it when we get to town. It’s been awesome really. We don’t even have phone service let alone Internet. I am connecting with nature and recharging my batteries. We’ll be back when we’re done exploring…

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Loving Lately: Fourth of July Ideas

I love the 4th of July. It is red, white & blue, backyard BBQ’s, summer weather and fireworks. Yes, it’s the day we celebrate our independence (for which I am grateful). It also has become everything I associate with a holiday; annual gatherings with family and food with aromas specific to the day. I’m a sucker for flag cakes and sparklers, and I succumb to the bug spray and driving home late- because I am all in baby! (Featured image courtesy of thewinthropcronicles.com)

Let’s just start the day off right. Breakfast anyone? Patriotic Waffle image courtesy of ModernParentsMessyKids.com

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Decorating for the 4th of July can be easy.

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Courtesy of Pinterest

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Courtesy of Pinterest

Dressing for the holiday can get as creative as American Pie…

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Image courtesy of Pinterest

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Courtesy of Pinterest

Speaking of which, is it possible to have too many pies for a holiday? I think not.

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For 4th of July Blueberry Pie check out betsylife.com

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Courtesy of Land O’Lakes

Oh my goodness, then there is cake! How cute are these berry drippings?

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Image courtesy of tasteofhome.com

I think I could handle this 4th of July Sparkle Cake, and can I just tell you how much I love the rustic simplicity of it?

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Image courtesy of Pinterest

Then you’ve got your traditional make the flag out of berries cakes.

Courtesy of MarthaStewart.com
Courtesy of Popsugar.com

While some 4th of July ideas are timeless… some are new to me. I mean I’ve seen the red, white and blue rocket ship popsicle; But I wish I was this creative! Homemade striped popsicles!!!?? I think you’re awesome!

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Popsicle image courtesy of theviewfromgreatisland

Of course if you are looking for a simple idea to make a statement try this… (yes it’s Sangria, but I think it would look pretty in water too!)

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Courtesy of Pinterest

If you can carve a pumpkin maybe…?

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Image courtesy of bhg.com

The crafty folks out there might want to try this jar made patriotic candle holder project from CountryLiving.com…

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Of course you can’t beat this classic sparkler activity for kids and adults alike!

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Image courtesy of Huffington Post

But more than anything, please be safe, enjoy your family & friends and have a Happy 4th of July!

American flag and fireworks

American flag and fireworks image courtesy of Pinterest

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: Good

Our world is in a sad state. When something horrific happens it seems like one who comments (i.e. a blogger such as myself) should comment. I put temporary pressure on my shoulders to report the news, or my perspective thereof, as if I have some responsibility as a dutiful journalist. The truth is since I’m not on the front lines, I would actually just be spouting off my opinions about second hand information (which I am also tempted to do). Of course, I don’t want to seem cold or impervious by not saying anything. And then, after some reflection, I remind myself of what I’m doing. My purpose for doing this. I want to focus on the good. It doesn’t mean I have my head in the sand, or I am oblivious to what is going on. I believe with all my heart that there is a war between good and evil. It means I choose, make a conscience decision, to think about and share good.

I love that quote from Mister Rogers when addressing how to give explanation to children about the scary things that take place, ”My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.” I read an article this week about Chick-Fil-A and many other restaurants who donated food to people who waited hours in line to donate blood to help the victims of the massacre. I read a beautiful post from a Muslim man who waited in one of those lines to donate blood, even though he had been fasting during Ramadan, because he wanted to do his part to show that the events that took place do not reflect his beliefs. There is good.

We can not make sense of senseless acts. People say “Be the change…”, I’m not sure that’s possible. As long as we are on earth there is going to be evil- in all of its forms. I want to be the difference. So I will continue to share things I love; my kids and family, recipes and food, gatherings and places… There are enough (even good) people sharing otherwise.

So here is a picture of a few peonies from my garden. I’m not sure if you knew this, but a few years ago my family and I purchased and moved into my grandparents home. After my grandmother passed it sat vacant for a couple years. It was hard to just “put on the market,” we all had too many good years and times here. Anyway, I’m sentimental that way and it worked out that we could. She left a beautiful rose garden and I always assumed all of the flowers that remained were by her. Not too long ago an uncle of mine told me that it was my grandfather who actually wanted the peony bushes. His mother had them while he was growing up, and they reminded him of her. Isn’t that beautiful? Of course, now it is my hope that when my children see peonies they think of me… And maybe one day they will tell their children… 😉