End of Summer Fun ~ Books & Recipes!

It’s that time again, Summer is quickly coming to a close. A new school season is just beginning and our thoughts are turning more to Fall and the very happy thought of cooler weather (I love Fall!). So I thought I’d share a couple books with you guys that kept me company during these long Summer days. As well as a couple recipes that made them a little extra yummy!!

Also, don’t forget to leave me a little note below and tell me what beach reads and recipes made your Summer a little brighter. :)

"What a Girl Wants" (the Ashley Stockingdale series) by Kristin Billerbeck ~

“All I want is a cute Christian guy who doesn't live with his mother - and maybe a Prada bag."

"What a Girl Wants" is about the complicated and often hilarious love life of Ashley Stockingdale. Ashley is a successful patent attorney living in Silicon Valley, but at 31 is still stuck in her churches singles group, which she jokingly calls "The Reasons". Wanting to break out of this rut, she decides to get a new attitude. But when Ashley soon garners the attention of three guys - a fellow "Reason" who is obsessed with The Matrix and clueless about relationships, a possible Christian Dr. who has an odd fascination with her IQ, and a weird obligation date with the brother of a high school friend -  ... things really get complicated. Author Kristin Billerbeck truly does chick-lit at its very best. The character she created with Ashley feels like your quirky best friend. These books are full of witty, funny banter, but also touches of wisdom sprinkled through out. One of my favorite lines in this book is when Ashley says "What a girl wants is God's will for her life. Nothing else even compares."

This is the first book in the series; don't forget to also pick up "She's Out Of Control", and "With This Ring I'm Confused". I've read this series countless times but everytime I read it I find myself loving it even more. Maybe the best way to describe it is as the perfect summer treat, something akin to a frappuccino with a huge dollop of whipped cream - Mmmm. With its quirky, laugh-out loud humor, it is the perfect read for a day of laying out on the beach.

To purchase "What a Girl Wants" Click Here

 

“Gift from the Sea” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh ~

 

My sister bought this book back in December when she was feeling sick of all the cold, wet weather, and was longing for the warmth of the Summer season. I’ve been reading through this beautiful book little by little, and though I haven’t finished it yet, I already love the inspirational and poetic way she relates the beach to life. My favorite quote so far is, “The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach-waiting for a gift from from the sea.” 

To purchase “Gift from the Sea” Click Here

Frosty Caramel Cappuccino ~

(Taste of Home)

Forget Starbucks, you can whip up this yummy Frosty Caramel Cappuccino in just minutes at home! And it's the perfect summer treat! This cappuccino is such a cinch to make and has a great caramel flavor. I used heavy cream instead of half-and-half and it worked just fine, and made it very smooth and creamy. I also used 4 teaspoons of coffee granules to give it a stronger coffee taste...my sister however still thought it needed more. :) Also, instead of whipped cream in a can, I used a generous dollop of Cool Whip. I think it's safe to say I'll be making this quite a bit. If you're looking for an afternoon pick me up or a delish dessert to make for family and friends look no further than this Frosty Caramel Cappuccino!

Ingredients:

1 cup half-and-half cream
1 cup 2% milk
3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons caramel ice cream topping, divided
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
8 to 10 ice cubes
4 tablespoons whipped cream in a can

Directions:

In a blender or food processor, combine the half-and-half, milk, 3 tablespoons caramel topping, coffee and ice cubes; cover and process until smooth. Pour into two chilled glasses. Top with whipped cream and drizzle with remaining caramel topping. Serve immediately.

 

Strawberry Lemonade ~

(Recipe found @ http://redvelvetgirls.typepad.com/emma/)

Mmm, what could be better than a nice cold Strawberry Lemonade on a hot summers day? This lemonade is so easy to make and takes no time at all. The sweet strawberry flavor makes it even more refreshing. A big pitcher of this Strawberry Lemonade would be the perfect drink to take on a picnic or just out on your porch
to read a good book on a lazy summer afternoon.

Ingredients:
juice of 10 lemons (plus some of pulp, if you can)
2 small bags of frozen strawberries (or fresh)
6 cups of water
3/4 cup sugar
lots of ice to serve it over

Directions:

Puree the strawberries and combine with the lemon juice, sugar, and water. Serve over generous amounts of ice and garnish with lemon or lime slices.