Saturday, June 07, 2014

7 on the 7th: summer favorites

Since Summer will be here before we know it, for June's 7 on the 7th I am sharing what I enjoy most about this season!

1. Grilling
Nothing says summer like the smell of firing up the grill. Stop whatever you're doing and go to the store for any of these ingredients you may be missing so you can have this delicious meal tonight! Dustin made these sweet & savory chicken kabobs a couple weeks ago and then again last weekend. They are DELICIOUS! We used this recipe as inspiration and tweaked it to make it our own. Seriously, you will impress your loved ones, friends, and self with these.

Marinade:
2 cloves garlic
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup soy sauce or liquid aminos
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Kabobs:
about 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 4 breasts
8 ounces sliced or whole mushrooms
1 orange bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1/2 fresh pineapple
1/2 red onion

Soak 12-15 wooden skewers in water for one hour. Chop all kabob ingredients, except mushrooms, into 1 inch cubes. Combine marinade ingredients and pour over chicken and vegetables in a large bowl. Let marinate for as long as possible (4-24 hours). Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread chicken, vegetables, and pineapple onto the skewers. Place skewers on grill and rotate frequently until cooked through (about 15 minutes). Enjoy! I loved the sweet, savory flavor and the beautiful colorful combinations of vegetables! Feel free to use any combination you like. 

2. Gardening
I shared our garden tour not too long ago and I am so excited to see continued growth! We have several cherry tomatoes, big boy tomatoes, leeks, jalepenos, and bell peppers growing. We have enjoyed some Swiss chard on several occasions already. Our squash and zucchini are blooming and I've noticed a couple blooms on our cucumbers too! My ranunculus are continuing to grow as are my zinnias I just planted last weekend. I also can't wait to scour the Farmer's Markets for gardening goodies I won't find in our own yard!

3. Reading
I love to read but it seems like the last few months reading has been put on the back burner. Whether you're by the pool, on the porch, at the beach, or on a road trip, summer lends itself to some quality time for reading. One of my sweet friends shared her copies of the Divergent series with me this week. I am ashamed proud to say I read them all in 6 days. I realize I am a bit behind seeing as the movie has already been released in theaters, but that's ok! I am hoping to continue reading this summer, just maybe not in such an, emotionally invested, obsessive manner. What books are on your Summer Reading List?

4. Celebrating 
Summertime is full of celebrations. While it technically isn't summer, Memorial Day definitely kicks things off. Then there's the 4th of July! Three short days after America's birthday is our Anniversary! Also, several family members and friends have birthdays during the summer season, myself included. Every day is worthy of celebration. Isn't it so much fun to be festive!?

5. Relaxing 
Whether you're out of school or taking a vacation, summertime is great to relax and enjoy the sunshine. You may not can tell by my current skin tone, but I do enjoy soaking up the sun by the pool/lake/beach. I look forward to making more time for that to happen! We are currently in the process of creating a patio space off our back porch. I can't wait until it is complete and we can relax around a fire pit!

6. Exploring
Summertime is the perfect time to visit a new town or state. With all the different markets, festivals, concerts, ball games, and events there is always something new to try or do. You may even find a hidden gem in your own area! Our town has Market Days that are fun to attend and being an hour from St. Louis provides endless opportunities to find new, fun things to do.

7. Serving
Every season, month, and day are great for serving. Summertime is no different. There are always opportunities to give to those around us. Make plans to share your time with loved ones. Look for needs in your community and find ways to meet them through volunteering or donating. Support members of your church going on mission trips. Clean out your closets and donate clothes you aren't wearing. Consider providing fans to a shelter in your area to keep people and animals cool during the hot season. Stock up on school supplies early for children who will need them in August. Provide healthy options for the food pantries in your town. The possibilities to share and serve during this season are endless.

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 
{Galatians 5:13}

Happy Early Summer to you!

What are you looking forward to the most about this season?

2 comments:

  1. 1. Those kabobs look delicious and the marinade sounds yummy! :-)
    2. I read your garden post - you two have an awesome garden started! I waited too long to start one this year (thank heavens for my parents' garden ;-)), but next year I will definitely get one started.
    3. The Divergent series is on my list this summer!
    5. A patio space/fire pit sounds so relaxing.
    Glad I found your blog! Great post!

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    Replies
    1. 1. They are so so simple and yummy!
      2. Thank you! We are excited about it! It is always nice to have a connection with someone with a garden! But I can understand also wanting your own! :)
      3. Oh my goodness. Just get ready! I can't wait to hear what you think about them! A great trilogy!
      4. Cannot wait to complete the patio and enjoy it.

      Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet words! :)

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