Be aware of what is going on in the world…but disengage from situations… conversations… and folks who seem to thrive on negativity and toxic information.

Focus on the good.
Be a beacon of kindness.
Find ways to help and uplift all others.
Disengage from the darkness…and open your heart wider.
Be the change within yourself…what change you want in the world.

May your Summer season be filled
With all things joyful and good
Victoria

POSITIVITY JAR
Sometimes it can be a challenge to be positive…when there is chaos or unsettling circumstances in your home environment…with family…or out in the world.

Or maybe you have developed a habit of being a grump…or snarky…at the expense of not only yourself…but others as well…and you know it is not a positive or complimentary habit you have developed.

The thing is…being negative is a habit…that you can mindfully change… giving you a more uplifting view of life…and a more joyful outlook…not just for yourself…but those closest to you… will very much appreciate your new positive outlook and more positive communication with others.

Supplies…1 clean jar with lid…pieces of paper…pen…your honesty

You can if you wish…decorate your POSITIVITY JAR…or just write out POSITIVITY JAR and tape it to front of jar.

Place it somewhere very visible to you…and every singe time something positive crosses your mind…you hear something positive…or you experience something positive write it out on a slip of paper…and place it in the jar. At the end of each week…create a peaceful space for yourself…and read your weeks POSITIVE slips of paper. By reading each week your daily POSITIVE slips of paper…you are going to really take in and see just how much POSITIVE is really in your life…in the world…and WITHIN you…and hopefully this simple but REVEALING practice changes your negativity into a more positive mindset and daily life…kicking the negative mind talk and negative communication.

Keep doing this exercise forever…it is life altering and such a POSITIVE life affirming practice…you will want to continue this practice and share this with others!

PLAY

Allow your inner child to come out this Summer season…to create joy in your life…as well as seeing life with wonder and awe…as you did when you were a young child.

Invest in water colors…and sit outside on a perfect day and paint. Painting is so soothing…and yet sparks your imagination to run wild.

Sit outside on a Summers eve…and wish upon a star.
Blow bubbles…just for the sake of blowing bubbles.
Watch Saturday morning cartoons.
Eat dessert before your dinner.
Fly a kite.
Finger paint and get messy.
Stop to linger and enjoy watching a butterfly floating in the air.
Eat cookies and milk…dunking your cookies in your milk first…just like you did when you
were a young child.
Dance by yourself.
Lay outside on the grass and cloud watch.
Watch spooky movies with the lights out…and scream when you get spooked!!!!

PLANT A POLLINATOR GARDEN TO ATTRACT BEES

How I love bees…and these wonderful creatures need our help and our protection…1/3 of our food comes from these super incredible powerhouses…if we lose our precious bees…we will lose food sources…that can’t be replaced naturally.

You can play a valuable role in bees’ survival…and our ecosystem by planting bee pollinator plants for your gardens.

Before you begin your bee attracting garden…check the garden zone where you live…you want your plants to grow and thrive…and garden zones help with so much useful gardening advice on what to plant…as well as what to avoid planting in your area.

Plant these bee attracting plants and flowers…and watch bees coming into your life saving garden!

PLANTS THAT ATTRACT BEES
PANSY
NASTURTIM
MINT
MARIGOLD
BEE BALM
ICE PLANT
PRIMROSE
HONEYSUCKLE
RED VALERIAN
YARROW
SWEET SCABIOUS
ANISE
HYSSOP
GOLDENROD
BLACK-EYED SUSAN
BORAGE
CALIFORNIA POPPY
CHIVES
LUPINE

SUMMER SEASON FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

I prefer cooking and eating organic food…but I also know many folks…can’t afford organic food…so my advice to you is…really wash your veggies and fruit well before cooking…this current administration is lifting the ban on certain pesticides …that are harmful to humans…please be aware of food safety…and where your food comes from.

Eating seasonal foods is more nutritious and delicious…as well as more affordable than buying fruits and veggies out of season. You also support your local farmers and shops when you buy local.

SUMMER FRUITS

APPLES
APRICOTS
AVACADOS BANANAS
BLUEBERRIES
CANTALOUPE
CHERRIES
GRAPES
MELONS
LEMONS
MANGOS
PEACHES
PEARS
PINEAPPLES
RASPBERRIES
STRAWBERRIES
PLUMS

SUMMER VEGETABLES

TOMATOES
PEAS
ZUCCHINI
CORN
BEETS
BELL PEPPERS
CARROTS
CELERY
CUCUMBERS
EGGPLANT
GREEN BEANS

FRESH SUMMER HERBS

LEMON VERBANA
BASIL
OREGANO
BORAGE
LOVAGE
MINT
ROSEMARY

SUMMER SEASON SEASONAL RECIPES

Eating seasonal food just makes sense. Seasonal foods are more flavorful…more nutritious…more affordable… and you will be supporting your local farmers and shops.

A win-win for all!

GREEK -STYLE GRILLED AND CHICKEN KEBABS
Serves 6
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cloves garlic minced
½ teaspoon dried Mediterranean or Greek herbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
½ cup olive oil
4 chicken breasts…boneless and skinless
3 semi-firm peaches
1 whole lemon halved

In a small bowl or jar…stir together the lemon juice…minced garlic…dried herbs…fresh herbs…salt…pepper and olive oil…for the marinade.

Cut chicken breasts into 1-1/2 inch cubes. Drop into a large resealable plastic bag (glass container with lid) and pour in HALF of the marinade. Reserve the remaining marinade. Seal the bag and turn it a few times until the chicken is coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat a grill…either outside or grill on your stovetop with grill or cast iron pan.

Cut peaches in half and then quarters. Thread marinated chicken onto metal skewers…alternating with the peaches. Do not overcrowd.

Grill kebabs over direct heat for 4-5 minutes until they have grill marks…then flip and grill the other side.

Pull out the reserved marinade. Move kebabs away from direct heat to indirect heat and continue cooking…about 5-6 minutes more. Baste them frequently with the marinade…brushing it on chicken and peaches…and turning the kebobs once or twice.

When done cooking remove the chicken …and squeeze fresh lemon juice over kebobs and place kebobs onto a bed of fresh arugula . Serve with crusty bread and a Greek salad.

SHRIMP SAGANAKI
Serves 6
1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp…peeled and deveined
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill
Red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Black pepper
6 garlic cloves…minced and divided
Olive oil
1 large red onion…chopped
1 28-ounce can diced tomato…drain only some of the liquid
½ lemon…juiced…plus more to taste
Handful chopped fresh mint
Handful chopped fresh parsley
2 ounces Greek feta …plus more for taste
6 pitted kalamata olives…chopped

Season the shrimp…after patting dry with a paper towel…and then place in a large bowl. Add ½ teaspoon each oregano…dill…and minced garlic. Season with a big pinch of salt…pepper…and red pepper flakes. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine.

In a large heavy skillet heat about 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium. When the oil simmers…add the onion and remaining minced garlic. Stir briefly until fragrant. Drain off about half of the liquid from the canned tomatoes and add…along with the lemon juice. Season with pinch of salt…pepper…and remaining 1 teaspoon of oregano…and dill. Bring to a boil…then lower heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the marinated shrimp…cook…stirring occasionally…until the shrimp turn pink…5-7 minutes. Do not overcook shrimp.

To serve…stir in the mint and parsley. Finish with a sprinkle of feta cheese and olives. Season with more lemon… salt…pepper…and red pepper flakes if needed. Enjoy!

GREEK YOGURT LEMON BARS
Makes 12 bars
CRUST
1cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter …melted
FILLING
6 ounces brick cream cheese…softened to room temperature
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt at room temperature
2 large eggs at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice…about 2-3 lemons
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Lemon slices and blueberries for garnish…optional

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper…leaving an overhang on 2 sides to easily lift bars out of the pan before cutting. Set aside.

MAKE THE CRUST
In a medium bowl…whisk together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar together. Add the melted butter and stir until combined. Press evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

MAKE THE FILLING
In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment…beat the cream cheese on high-speed until completely smooth about 1 minute. Add the yogurt and beat on medium-speed until completely combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula and beat again as needed to combine. Beat in the eggs and egg yolk. Once combined…add the sugar…lemon juice…lemon zest and vanilla extract and beat until everything is combined and no lumps remain. Filling will be thin. Pour filling into the crust…it is okay if the filling is a little warm. 

Bake for 34-38 minutes or until the middle is no longer wobbly. The bars will firm up once placed in refrigerator…do not overbake bars.

Set the pan on a cooling rack after oven removal and cool for at least 3-4 hours or place in fridge overnight.

Remove bars from pan…using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into neat squares. Serve and enjoy…bars can be stored in fridge for up to 5 days.

SCOTTISH FOLKLORE FOR SUMMER SEASON

Scottish folklore is deeply intertwined with ancient Celtic traditions…and keeping homes…and crops… protected from evil was a very superstitious pursuit…filled with traditions each Summer season. Bonfires and walking around homes or fields while holding torches was practiced to banish evil spirits…ensure a plentiful harvest and protect livestock from fairy curses.

During the Summer solstice…folks traditionally avoided sleeping near caves on midsummer night…believing the fairies would steal mortals away to the underworld.

Weather omens…were very much acknowledged by the Celts. They thought that a dry…bright…or warm end to Winter or early start of Spring was viewed with dread…as it meant the Winter Queen was out gathering firewood…and had no intention of allowing warm weather or the Summer season to arrive.

Eating Elderberries at midsummer was thought to protect folks from witchcraft.

Finding a blooming fern on the eve of the Summer solstice was said to bring lifelong good luck!

HAPPY SUMMER SEASON TO YOU

Victoria