It's 4th of July weekend!! Definitely one of my favorite holidays....the cookouts...the time with friends and family....time spent on the beach and thoughts of my gramps:)
This was his favorite holiday and every year that it rolls it around I can't help but think a lot about him. I think he would be proud of how far i've come since his passing almost 8 years ago.
Do you have any holidays that make you think of someone you lost????? Do you do anything to honor them at that time????
Just wondering:)
Anywho.....
I had my nephew over for the night this week and ended up taking him to the beach!!
I'd say he had a blast!!!!I absolutely adore him......we don't have children and don't plan to have any....he's it for us and let me tell you....he is completely spoiled:)
His laughter and simple joy for life is so contagious. I just love to be around him.....even if I am exhausted when he leaves:)
We have lots of annual traditions and a day in New Buffalo is always one of them....just he and Aunt Heather!! I hope when he grows up he'll think of me like I think of my gramps.....my gramps always did the same for me:) :) :)Traditions....that's where it's at!!! I think that's a million more times important to kids than what you buy them!!!!
For this week's healthy recipe.....I have to give credit to the new Southern Living magazine that came this week!!
When I saw this pizza I just new I had to make it!!
Amazing......Who knew corn on a pizza would be so yummy:)
Plus....I love pizza...you know that....but I definitely feel better about eating it when I make it from scratch with completely whole ingredients!
If you don't have the Southern Living magazine this is how you make it.....
Make a whole wheat crust using this recipe.
I roasted an ear of corn on the grill while the pizza was cooking....
add pesto, tomatoes, goat cheese, mozzarella, and cook on 425 for about 15 minutes.
I make my crust super thin....so you might have to adjust the cooking time...
After it's done I cut my corn off the cob and added it along with fresh basil to the pizza!
Oh and don't forget sea salt and fresh cracked pepper:)
Have I mentioned that pizza and I are BEST FRIENDS?!?!!
At least this is a healthy option!
I was doing the South Beach thing for a minute...but I was having a terrible time with energy on my rides.....so I have added healthy carbs back:)
Much better!!!
But I am logging my food on FitDay again....I really have a hard time when I start to really bump up my riding because I am HUNGRY all the time:) :) So that's where FitDay comes in handy!! I "TRY" and keep check on my calories.
This summer is proving much more difficult to lose a couple lbs!If I can't get it together soon I am going to talk to someone who knows much more than me about nutrition.....that is if she still works at the gym I used to go to!
Owell.....I guess I can at least be thankful that I have a strong healthy body that allows me to be super active!!!!
Life's not perfect and i'm not perfect.....but I am happy:) :)
Well speaking of bumping up my riding......
I have at this point decided to train for the 100 mile bike ride!!!
Remember last year I did 75 miles.....
Now... it will all depend on the weather that day....but I have written out a sort of training plan and have decided to just go for it:)
I'll keep you posted!
Plus I am still doing the ChaLEAN workouts after my rides....
Have I mentioned that I love to workout!!!!!!!!! I love it!!!!!
It makes me feel like a million bucks.....even if I still have a little cellulite on my thighs!!
Here's a little ride I did this week......25 miles in 1 hour and 35 minutes!! I thought that was pretty good!!! It came out to be almost 16 mph ....if my math is correct!! I am so much stronger this year for some reason....but truly I think it's the ChaLEAN workouts!!!!
Get out there and do a little something fitnessish...I promise you'll feel GREAT!!!!
OK and now a super simple craft...if you have a saw:)
We have tons of lumber just sitting in our basement from this project or that project,
I've seen those super cute vintage buoys all over the web and thought that it couldn't be that difficult to whip some up!!
turns out....not difficult at all!!!
Just get some 4x4's and cut them to whatever sizes you like....nip off the tops and drill a hole for the rope.
Paint them and then scuff um all up!!!!
I love them!! and I think they would make super cute hostess gifts for all your beachy friends:) :)
What do you think???
I sure hope you enjoy your holiday weekend!!!!!
Take care~
"Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world." ~Ada Louise Huxtable
Your nephew is Adorable!!! Looks like it was a fun day at the beach!!
ReplyDeleteThe buoys are super cute. I love the colors that you chose. I may have to make some.
The pizza looked yummy.. I am pretty sure I have that magizine around here, gotta look.
Have a wonderful 4th weekend.
Thanksgiving makes me think of my grandmother. Her bday was the 24th and it often fell on Thanksgiving. My bday is the 21st so we celebrated together frequently.
ReplyDeleteThat pizza looks amazing. Love the thin crust. YUM.
Oh, yum..., I have to add some fresh corn to my pizza too -thanks! And those buoys..., what a super awesome idea!!!!!! I'm sure my husb has some 4x4's just sitting around the basement..., and he's got a table saw, chain saw..., you name it...., there's plenty of left over paint too, easy breezy.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful 4th!
Your nephew is so cute and he looks like he's having a real blast with his Aunt!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried corn on a pizza, it looks good especially roasted on the grill. I'm going to try that on my next pizza (I make whole wheat dough also)
Your buoy's are adorable, I like your color choices. They would be cute indoors or out.
I agree with you about traditions, they make us feel more connected to our families and create lasting memories.
I hope you have a fun 4th of July weekend! Mary :O)
HOLA! you always make me so hungry and I will def come back to this post and drool over it. Those buoys are awesome and you are so crafty. I wish you could come to my place for the fourth so i could get my hands on a buoy :) HAHA. Enjoy the holiday weekend, it looks like you are gonna have a blast.
ReplyDeleteheather...
ReplyDeletei had NO idea the beach at Lake Michigan looked like that! glad that you have that close.
it's 7:15am here & all i can do is think of food now after seeing your yummy pizza. i <3 pizza, too!!
the buoy's are super cute. not sure i will attempt that, as i have no chainsaw these days.
have a great weekend & thanks for sharing.
k :)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDelicious looking pizza!
ReplyDeleteAndrew is so fortunate to have these special times with you...great memories!
Love your buoy project!I have some in my house...purchased at Steinmart for $1 and $3. (Lucky me!) I keep painting them to match the colors I am using in the house at the time.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Jane (artfully graced)
My does that pizza look good! (and so does that glass of wine, even though it's only 9 am right now.) I have had corn on pizza and this reminds me to do that again.
ReplyDeleteI think you are doing great with your exercise and eating. You are an inspiration with your energy for long rides and mixing up your exercise. Remember to give yourself a pat on the back for being in that top 5-10% of the population that exercises regularly and eats very healthy. Have a great 4th Heather!
You are so inspring to me with your healthy lifestyle and exercise program...when I grow up I want to be just like you! LOL!
ReplyDeleteMy birthday is coming up at the end of the month and my mom's was 4 days before mine so we always had a combination big birthday party. Since her passing in 2008 the birthday week is very difficult. My happiest memories are of her and I at the beach so I'll be sitting in the sand on her birthday this year - toasting to the happy memories we were able to share.
Thanks for your positive & upbeat posts - they are always so enjoyable to read.
Happy 4th, my beachy friend.
Marie @ Sally Lee by the Sea
I never would have thought to put corn on pizza! Hope you have a great 4th of July weekend with your family!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I love everything in this post, but the love for your gramps and your nephew came shining through! The 4th of July always makes me think of my parents, packing up a picnic and heading to the park or the beach for the fireworks show. But then, every holiday makes me think of them! Miss them both so much.
ReplyDeleteNow I have a favor, if you have the time and are so inclined. Since I read you got the new issue of SL, I'm going to assume you have last months issue. My new little town of Saint Marys was in the travel section — a whole page on my little town. By the time I heard about it and went to the store they had been bought out! Could you possibly take a photo of that page and send it to me? I wanted to do a post about it, but never could get a copy. No hurry and if you don't have time, I understand, I promise. You are a busy gal!
Love the buoys...I have a lot of them I've collected but never thought of making some! Looks simple enough...
ReplyDeleteHave a Super Fourth of July weekend, Heather!
Send the pizza please.
ReplyDeleteGreat colors on the buoys. We have had the wood to make them likely rotted by now but you see the difference is you actually have the energy to do it! Maybe I get to do one this weekend.
I am glad that you had a great time with your nephew! There is always something fun to do when you live near the beach! :) The pizza looked yummy and the buoys are amazing! I will have to try that! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Heather! You look like an excellent cook! Your pizza crust is so nice and thin...what's your secret? I make homemade too, but it's thick no matter how you slice it.
ReplyDeleteWe had a great first Friday and you'll have to come in soon, our theme for the month is Lake and Travel-and we have lots of your favorite color!
xoxox
Char
Looks like a fabulous fun day at the beach! My kind of Pizza Yummo! Thanks for saying "Hello" please visit again.Looks like a fun blog, I will be back.~Cheers Kim
ReplyDeleteWonderful post... I've been hearing great things about your blog from Beach House Living and I'm looking forward to seeing what you're all about! I really enjoyed this post of yours today. Happy 4th of July. And, yes, I'm sure your Gramps is very proud of you :)
ReplyDeletexo
Your nephew is adorable! Little boys are the best - and are also a total handful. They energy that they have is just plain crazy : )
ReplyDeleteThat pizza looks so so good! I think that good pizza is some of my favorite food. I have never thought about putting corn on it but will certainly be doing that the next go round!
Your crafts are always super cute.
A precious boy, adorable buoys, & gorgeous pizza... what a wonderful post. So glad I stopped by for a dose of happiness today!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Julia
That pizza is DEFINITELY going on my list! I NEED to try it!!! Looks fabulous!! How sweet that you and your nephew have such a great relationship and I bet that when he grow up he will remember you just like you remember your grandfather! Hope you have a super Fourth!!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know corn would be yummy on a pizza. I love all the time you spend with him. Nothing is more important then spending time with your family. If your hungry all the time try having more small meals throughout the day
ReplyDelete-Zane of ontario honey
We congratulate the site.
ReplyDeleteHi, very good your content
ReplyDelete