Mexican shrimp cocktail

Couldn't let summer go by without making this

It's easy peasy and so

DELICIOSO!

I just made some fresh pico de gallo, added some avocado, drizzled some lime juice, sprinkled some hot cocktail sauce, and tossed in shrimp.

Nothing to it.

Back-yard make-over Part 2

Although I'm not done, I wanted to share some of the pictures of the landscaping I have done.  I can't wait for these trees and bushes to grow. I still want to add a water feature somewhere, more plants and perhaps some type of brick edging or pavers.  But, I had to stop.  With triple digit temperatures there is no way I could continue.

Believe me when I say It's been HOT and DRY here.

And keeping the grass from getting crunchy has been a challenge.

My water bill is ginormous I cringe every time I see it

I pray for rain daily.

at this point a weak tropical depression would be nice.

This project will just have to wait till the fall...

To be continued....

New Cannon Rebel Camera

I got my husband new Cannon a while back and it has been so much fun taking candid pictures of Tealyn  like a real "pro".  At first I have to say it was a little intimidating with so many different settings and options to choose from but, I think I'm learning really fast. If I do say so myself.

Here are some of my shots.

I wanted to capture her sweet chubby arms..

Okay okay, I also take pictures of other stuff too. ha ha

I love, love love this camera. Definitely worth every penny.

Transplant shock

Here's my story...

One day, in early June while visiting my mother.  I look out her window and notice a beautiful 

Mountain Laurel

I mentioned to her how I have been looking for a tree for the corner of my lot.

Next thing you know...

She's got her gardener digging up her tree and shoving it in my SUV

 I drove home and waited for my husband to get home from work to show him my latest surprise.

He planted it that evening and we gave it lots of water. 

It was doing fine for about three days ...

Then slowly the leaves started dropping and before I knew it 

I had no leaves 

I kept watering thinking it would help

IT HASN'T

So, If any of you bloggers know how I can save this tree please share. I love this tree for its showy bloom clusters in the spring and would just hate it if I lost it

Watermelon Margaritas

It's cocktail time!

And I can't think of anything better than watermelon margaritas rimmed with Trechas chilli powder.

A few weeks ago my husband and I went and had lunch at one of our favorites

Costa Mesa

I was so impressed by this cocktail I ordered two.

I left the restaurant feeling It was 1997

and felt like dancing to

Shakira 

Estoy Aqui

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmJHH026X0c

Then

slowly reality set in

Anyway, I finally had the chance to recreate this amazing

Margarita

and I gotta say... I think I nailed it.

So refreshing. I think it's perfect for a summer party.

 My little cocktail hour was interrupted by a certain someone who woke up earlier than expected, so she joined us.

I think happy hour lasted a total of 20 min. :)

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Ingredients

1. 6 ounces tequila, such as Partida Reposado
2. 1⁄4 cup water
3. 1⁄4 cup agave nectar (see note at left)
4. 1⁄2 cup fresh lime juice
5. 1⁄2 cup Watermelon Concentrate (recipe follows)
6. Ice
7. Coarse salt and lime zest or Trechas chili powder (see note)
8. Cut limes
9. Garnish: fresh watermelon wedges

Instructions

1. Place tequila, 1⁄4 cup water, agave nectar, lime juice, and Watermelon Concentrate in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, and shake vigorously, 12 to 14 times.
2. Place salt and lime zest (or Trechas) in a shallow dish or saucer. Moisten rims of 4 martini glasses with cut limes. Dip glasses in salt mixture or Trechas.
3. Pour watermelon mixture into prepared glasses. Garnish with watermelon wedges, if desired.
4. Notes: Trechas can be found in the produce section of some grocery stores. For more information, visit trechas.com.
5. Watermelon Concentrate
6. Ingredients

   1. 8 cups cubed, seedless watermelon
   2. Instructions Place watermelon in the container of a blender. Blend until watermelon is as liquefied as possible.Pour puréed watermelon through a large strainer. Using a wooden spoon or pestle, push fruit through strainer to extract as much juice as possible. Discard remaining pulp. Use within 24 hours

My little water fall

This little water fall went without being connected for about half a year. 

NO JOKE

I went and bought it at the end of last summer, and we just never connected it.

Before we knew Fall was here then baby, and well I wasn't 

going to start outdoor  projects with a new-born baby and no sleep.

So, when my husband asked me what I wanted for Mothers day 

I knew exactly.

We hired Andy. He works with Mid Valley Ponds & Landscaping.

I just love it.

finally the plants are starting to grow back

There is nothing like the sound of trickling water 

as you walk your guests to their car after a nice visit.

Tealyn at 8 months..

I sat here the other day taking pictures of Tealyn as she played I laughed at all the silly faces she makes when she is happy and content. Usually that's right after breakfast. I can hardly believe she is 8 months It makes me sad and happy all at the same time.  Where does time go?

Babbling and making loud sounds is so much 

fun to listen to. I need to record her voice...

We got her this entertainment activity walker. Only it doesn't move it sort of bounces. This thing-a-ma-jig keeps her entertained 20 min max on a good day. 

That equals to one cup of coffee and one blog post reading.

Yup, and she is still teething.

everything and I mean EVERYTHING goes into her mouth.

She is so inquisitive, I love it.

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake baker's man....

she loves that song..

"Okay you can go drink your coffee now mom"

" Stop no more pictures"

Okay you win.