Vietnamese Spring Rolls

There is nothing I love more than showing up in an Asian market and feeling completely lost. We slowly meandered through the aisles pretending we knew exactly where everything was. We looked around with long inquisitive stares so the clerk would think we were dreaming of some enchanting recipe.Our repeated walks through the same two aisles quickly blew our cover; that and the small cheer I gave after discovering our main ingredient: spring roll wrappers. As we approached the cashier he seemed to snicker a little. He suggested hoisin sauce to go with our spring rolls. We both looked at him as though he said, flying ball kings. You can imagine our faces can't you? He politely walked us over to the sauce and we all smiled. We left with a sigh of relief and victory for locating what we needed. Since staying at home I have really enjoyed venturing into other food realms. It has been a great creative release for me at the end of the day.

I used the recipe from Two Peas and their Pod

We headed to the country this past weekend, to be more exact Troy Alabama. We had a great weekend with the Williams side of the family. Will, Vivi, and I decided to go for a walk and pick some blackberries BUT we missed blackberry season. It was disappointing because I was looking forward to blabkberry muffins but the walk was nice.

I ate half of them before I took this picture.

Our hipster family photo

Sweet Girl

The Ranch

On Sunday we headed home but first we stopped in Clanton to get ice cream and meet up with the Hannons. We had big plans to explore the city of Clanton Alabama, but we got a late start. The rules of Clanton campers is that you have to bring one item from Goodwill. We would draw names and you had to wear that item as we made our way around Clanton. We had plans to get their peach pecan ice cream, visit a local flea market, pick blueberries, and find some good old fashioned square dancing. Well I am sad to say the only thing we accomplished was getting ice cream. It turns out you can't pick blueberries after 5 and we didn't have time for the rest of the events.

Picking Names

Again

Clearly I lost.

But the ice cream was a win.

Banana Almond Muffins

Do you ever have bananas that go brown in what seems like 2 days? This happens to me all the time. I'm not going to let them get the best of me so I made muffins.

Weekend Wrapup-Gip's Place

Will took me on a surprise date this weekend. The Powell's (the couple on the right in the picture below) knew of just the perfect place. We started our 20 minute drive to Lipscomb, Alabama. We veer off the interstate and creep through a sleepy neighborhood. We pull up to a house with a row of cars lined down the street. I could here the music playing in the distance. I was so confused. I knew for a fact we didn't know anyone in Lipscomb Alabama. We walk up to this sign (these are the times I love Alabama and its hidden gems).

I soon find out I am at Gip's place where the only requirements are a love for music and a laid back attitude. What is Gip's place you ask? Gip Gibson is a man who has been hosting bands in his backyard for 60 years. Several years back someone built a stage and several seating areas which is how you would find Gip's if you went today.

Gip's specialty is jazz. When we arrived a woman was singing Etta James' "At Last". This was the first song Will and I danced to after we were we married. I leaned over and said, "If you asked me to dance I wouldn't say no."

That's us in white dancing under tensile and white lights.

Gip in the flesh

He walks around greeting everyone eager to pose with his fellow music lovers. He likes to call people out of the crowd for a photo. Note random photo below.

Sunday morning I got to enjoy my coffee with this cutie pie. She is growing so fast. She has been sleeping through the night except for a few hiccups here and there. We decided it is time for her to start sleeping in her own room. Later that day we invited the Hannons to read with us the blessing for a baby's room out of our common prayer book. We lit incense and a candle as a symbolic reminder of God's presence with her and then we all prayed for Vivi.  It was a sweet time.

mint melon salad

Add a little mint to your next fruit salad to give it a summer flare.

fabric flower onesie

Just something i was working on in my spare time.

lavendar, rosemary, and mint tea

Will has been trying his hand at tea making. He boiled lavendar,rosemary,and mint leaves to make a refreshing summer beverage. Wish you were here to enjoy it with us.