Muffin, anyone?

We've been watching a lot of Olympics this past week and stayed up way too late last night (or morning). Since I had some blueberries I decided to make some blueberry muffins for breakfast. After researching some muffin recipes, I thought I would try the Double Blueberry Muffin recipe from Everyday Food. We loved the taste of the cornmeal and the lemon zest. This recipe is definitely a keeper.

Fruit Pops

In the June issue of Body + Soul magazine (p. 23) there are recipes for fruity frozen pops, a healthy alternative to the sugar-laden popsicles you buy in the store. I have been wanting to make them ever since I saw the article. Well, I finally made the pineapple-cinnamon ones last night. You can find the recipe by clicking on the link or by visiting http://www.wholeliving.com/. The star pop molds are from the Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's. The popsicles are oh, so good and were given Two Thumbs up from my family! Next, I will have to try the Honeydew-Basil and Mango-Parsley and do a little recipe experimenting of my own. I think the Agua Fresca that we make would make perfect healthy popsicles.

My Small Bounty

I had enough tomatoes ripened at the same time to gather in a small colander! I have harvested enough for a salad here and there, but they are not ripening in large numbers at the same time. The New Roma tomatoes are very tasty this year and the Yellow Pear tomatoes are a little on the sweet side. I have quite a few tomatoes on my Mr. Stripey heirloom, but they haven't started to ripen yet. I think we will have a small salad tonight!

Project Runway: Big City Inspiration

One of the bright spots of summer television is a favorite of mine, Project Runway. I find this show not only entertaining, but also very interesting and this season is proving to be delightful with an eclectic cast of characters er designers. Last night's show was particularly interesting. Tim Gunn took the designers, on a rainy New York night, into the city - their challenge was to design an outfit for a night on the town. He gave them each a digital camera and they had to shoot images that inspired them. It was very interesting to see how each designer approached this challenge and what they found inspirational and the final images they chose to create their design.

I was disppointed, though, that Sacramentan Emily was voted 'out.' Hopefully, Emily learned a valuable lesson - when Tim Gunn offers you some constructive feedback - you had best listen - because the man knows what he is talking about! Sometimes you can get so focused on your vision and believe in what you are doing so much - which is good - that you don't accept feedback from others because you think you know best. But, this is Wrong - that's when you do need to step back and listen to others. Sometimes in the creative process the only thing blocking your sucess is you. Very good message from last night's show.

I didn't agree with the judges; however, on the winning design. I hated Kenley's design. Just didn't get it. I really liked the powerful, strong, yet feminine design of Terri's, but my absolute favorite was from designer Leanne. Her two-piece was timeless and very chic. It should have won and probably would have if Leanne hadn't almost gone home last week with a terrible design choice. That's Project Runway for you though - full of talent and lots of surprises!

Need Help Planning Dinner Tonight?

Look no more - there are menus now available in the food section of marthastewart.com! I don't know about you, but some days I just don't want to have to think about what will go with a salad or what dessert will pair nicely with hamburgers. After a long day at work, I just don't want to deal with it. These menus take the guesswork out of it for you by giving you suggestions for the main dish, sides, and a dessert. Simple, yet delicious menus. Check them out here.

Vintage Labels

I really love the look of these vintage-style labels and tags that you can type in your own text and print them out for your baked goods and homemade gifts. They are available for download at Hewlett Packard's Activity Center. Check out some of their other fun products.