High 5 For Friday

This week's High 5 For Friday is brought to you courtesy of Lauren from My Grey Desk.

Let's get started!

1.  I changed my work schedule around a bit.  I am now able to take a break before the kids go to school, which has enabled me to get creative with styling my daughter's hair, instead of the normal quick ponytail.  We've had a lot of fun trying new things!  It's so nice to be able to spend some quality time with them both before heading off out into the world.  This has been a positive change!

2.  Soccer is in full swing.  I'm getting used to being a soccer mom.  

3.  We have had some amazing weather this week!  This is a photo of a particularly beautiful sunset taken out of the front door of our home.

4.  I splurged and bought a new pair of Merrell flipflops.  I LOVE them!

5.   We went canoeing.  Love being on the water!!

That wraps it up for this week!  Hope your week was great too!

How to Roast Tomatoes

This summer I have had quite an abundant supply of tomatoes from my garden.  I have canned, frozen, dried and consumed more tomatoes than I can count....in just about every way imaginable.  Made tomato soup, tomato sauce, salsa, pizza sauce, tomato juice.....One of my favorites this summer has been to roast them with any variety of seasonings and add them to sandwiches, pizza, pasta....pretty much endless possibilities.  Here's how I do it...

I line my baking pan with aluminum foil.

Into a ziplock bag, I placed halved and seeded tomatoes and toss with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, basil and minced fresh garlic.

I then spread onto the pan

and place in the oven at 400 degrees for 25-45 minutes..depending on the size of your fruit.  They will be slightly browned and shriveled but not burned.  

I never measure my spices.  You should experiment and adjust to your own tastes.  Fresh spices are always best!

Creamy Cucumber Spread

I was recently at a friend's house and she made these cute little finger sandwiches.  Not only were they cute, but they were quite tasty!  So, I managed to get the recipe out of her.  I was shocked to find that it was quite simple...yet the results are completely refreshing and satisfying!


First, take an 8-oz package of cream cheese softened and add a packet of Italian dressing mix.

Next add fresh dill to suit your taste.

Stir together...

Next, take your favorite bread (I just used the whole wheat that I had on hand) cut into quarters, spread with the creamy cucumber spread, a slice of cucumber and top with a few sprinkles of fresh dill.

There you have it!  Quick and easy yet so delicious and refreshing.

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