Lists: Summer Necessities

Summer is almost upon us!  As much as I love the sun, and spending my days outside or at the beach, I'm really trying to protect my skin for my own vanity health.  (Hee, hee!)  Here are a few of my favorite things to have on hand for some fun in the sun...

Ok, you probably won't need the galloshes, but still...

• a nice, big pair of sunglasses
• spf 35-50 moisturizer for face and body
• spf 15 balm for lips
• sun hat, anything floppy to cover your face 
• hair conditioning spray (mix conditioner and water, spray before sun exposure)
• face spray, evian or rosewater-feels fresh on a sweltering day
• iced drinks-mochas, tea, lemonade-anything, as long as it's smothered in ice

Summer Treats: Blueberry Crisp

Summer is the perfect time for cobblers, pies and crisps.  Fresh fruit is at its best, so why not indulge in something yummy.

Ingredients:
* 4 cups fresh blueberries, washed, drained well
* 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
* 1 tbsp corn starch
* 2 tsp lemon juice
* 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 tsp cinnamon
* 1/3 cup flour
* 3/4 cup quick cooking rolled oats
* pinch of salt
* 1/2 stick softened butter (4 tbsp)
Preparation:
1. In a bowl combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, corn starch, and lemon juice, and mix to combine evenly. Pour into a lightly buttered baking dish.
2. In the same bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, oats, salt, and butter. Stir with a fork until the mixture is crumbly and evenly blended. Spread the mixture over the berries and bake at 375 degrees F. for 40 minutes. Let cool to warm before serving.

Thursday Words of Wisdom

Here are two great quotes, authors "unknown"


"Don't get discouraged.  It's often the last key that opens the lock."

"Life is like photography, we use the negatives to develop."

Carol Brown

Hilarious

music

Etsy Goodness: Egyptian Revival

In Victorian times, new archeological discoveries brought an archeological revival that extended to costume jewelry. The revival resurfaced in the 1920's and 30's, then again in the late 1950's and 1960's with the release of the movie Cleopatra, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Then again, in the 1970's, more revival jewelry was offered by the best jewelry houses to commemorate King Tutankahmen's world tour.  And now, talk of Angelina Jolie playing Cleopatra in an upcoming film has me thinking about snakes and Egyptian themed jewels.

Needless to say, I wouldn't want one of these cold blooded creatures actually coiling itself around my body. But there's something about snake jewelry that's glamorous and fun.

Art Deco men's ring

Rising from the ashes...phoenix pendant

Cold Hearted Snake