Happy Saturday Fellow Stampers -
Well, we have rushed right into the weekend! It has been an extraordinarily busy week for me, what with overtime at work, trying to keep up with everything around here, and just being exhausted by 8 or 9 o'clock at night. Once I get through everything I've got going today, I'm putting my feet up and taking a nap :-)
I've been busily working on the first Product Shares - I have just finished cutting, separating and packaging up the first batch -- Whew! Lots of work. But oh so pretty!!!
Look at all those pretty embellishments getting separated out on each stack :-) Love it!!!
The first single shares have gone out in the mail; now I'm down to cutting and wrapping ribbon for the I Want It All shares -- and hope to have that all done by early this next week. It's going to be busy all weekend I think!! I think I'm through the worst of it though. And things will slow a little bit for me for the remainder of the weekend.
I think I've finally got the garden mostly in and settled for the Summer ahead. A garden always needs attention, and I just deadheaded the Peonies, and the first round of blooms on the rose bushes. The Impatience just got planted along the south fence, and it's starting to look real pretty inside my little area :-)
I have some planters and containers to get done yet, but I think I can putter through that over the next several days. We are so incredibly hot all of a sudden; and every thing just wants to wilt on me. So I'm having to do lots of watering -- and figure out how to blow some cool air -- LOL :-)
But today is really all about a very special group of customers. Today is my semi-annual Customer Appreciation event, when I pamper my very best customers a little bit, we have a special meal together, and we play! This is an invitation only event, and these gals meet a special criteria. They are the top of my group, support me, and I appreciate them more than they know! Several of them are even in my downline. So I'm really looking forward to this time with them today.
I have very special party favors for each attendee; and their "place card setting" is attached to a cute cellophane bag of jelly beans! Adorable! :-)
I also did a door prize for each attendee; after quizzing them to see how much they've been paying attention to the blog and their new catalogs the past several weeks; not so good just FYI -- LOL :-)
But each attendee got a brand new product from the new catalog, or a gift certificate from me for an item of their choice from the new catalog, or the soon upcoming Holiday Occasions (yes, you read that right!!).
What fun!
One of my attendees today didn't show; and didn't respond when we called and texted her. So we're all hoping she's alright. She was missed!!
So what was on today's Summer Birthday Menu? Let me share ~~
Spinach Chicken Salad
Marinated Garden Tomatoes
Chilled Strawberry Soup
Artisan Whole Grain Bread
Raspberry Sherbet Party Punch
and of course,
Ice Cream Cake for dessert ;-)
I thought you'd enjoy one of the recipes I served at my "summer luncheon" today. So enjoy -- and have a fabulous rest of your weekend friends!
Chilled Strawberry Soup
Ingredients:
1 c. apple juice
1 c. water (divided)
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves
2 c. fresh strawberries
2 cartons (8 oz. each) strawberry yogurt
How to make:
In a saucepan, combine the apple juice, 3/4 cup water, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves; bring to a boil over medium heat.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Place strawberries and 1/4 cup water in a blender or food processor; cover and process until smooth.
Pour into a large bowl.
Add apple juice mixture and yogurt, mixing together well.
Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.
Spoon into lovely custard bowls, garnish with additional strawberry halves, raspberries, and a sprig of mint.
Serve and Enjoy!
Until Next Time . . .
