Mama Mia ~ Italian Tomatoes!

Are you enjoying an abundance of tomatoes, fresh from your garden or the farmers' market?  Then you may want to try this recipe, one of our favorites.  Even the kid's friends who "don't like tomatoes" do like this recipe.  Thanks to my husband's cousin, Jan, for this favorite family recipe.

Italian Tomatoes

3 large tomatoes, or more, use a mix of colors if you have them, sliced

1/3 c olive oil

1/4 c red wine vinegar

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

1 T onion, chopped

1 T parsley, chopped

1 T fresh basil, chopped

A couple shakes of dried oregano

Arrange tomatoes on serving platter.  Mix other ingredients and pour dressing over tomatoes and serve.

I'm on my third pair, so I guess you could call these one of my favorite things!

I know we are starting to think fall and look ahead to corduroys, denim jackets and boots, but after wearing these shorts all summer, I thought I should add them to my String of Pearls.  They are the J Crew Chino Short - and come in several inseam lengths from 3" - 9".  Being a little on the tall side, I prefer the 9" length, and have them in three different colors.  They wash and wear and fit so nice.  Regular price is $48, but many colors are on sale now for $38, and a few colors are now $29.99.  Maybe I should add a fourth pair for next year?

Aqua Love!

So a month or so ago I was shopping on-line at Nordstroms for a dress to wear to a friend's wedding when along the side, under "you may also like" popped up a picture of these shoes.  Like?  LOVE!!  I ordered the dress and the shoes, but ending up sending the dress back and falling in love with these shoes - the Tom's Calypso Canvas Wedge in Aqua blue.  Love the color and so comfortable, too!  I wear these a lot with a bright orange sleeveless dress and a touch of turquoise, and last week I went a bit patriotic in honor of the Olympics with a white skirt, dressy red T and the aqua Toms.  When I pulled them out on a family vacation, they got rave reviews from my stylish nieces, so I know I made a good choice with these fun shoes.

Popchips!

Are you like me and like a little something crunchy and salty with your sandwich or burger, but would prefer something a little bit healthier than a standard potato chip?  Then you want to try Popchips!  Popchips are a potato chip that is not fried and not baked but blasted with some heat and pressure to make them pop.  At half the fat of regular chips, and only 60 calories for 12, you can still have your crunch and salt fix and without blowing your diet for the day.  Popchips come in a most common potato chip flavors, but our favorite so far is the barbeque.  Try 'em and tell me what you think!

Lunch Special

I tagged along with my friend Barb last week for a quick stop at Costco.  I took a chance on a big bag of these and I'm so happy I did.  They are Labriola Pretzel Slider Rolls, and they are GOOD!  Makes a great sandwich with some shaved ham and a thin slice of smoked Gouda, but they are delicious enough to eat on their own as well.  Soft and chewy, just like a big soft pretzel.  They come 16 to a bag, and were $6.49.

Drink Up!

I received one of these awesome water bottles for a Mother's Day gift.  What's so special about it you ask that it would rate being a Pearl?  For starters, the unique design sets it apart in a row full of Camelbacks and USTA prize bottles.

It features a smooth wide mouth for quick drinks and easy filling.  There is also a secret panel in the lid where you can insert your own inspirational message.

And last, but not least, there is a picture of me and my sweetheart on the front!  My amazing kids ordered this from Cafe Press.  I looked it up and it is manufactured by Kors.  Personalized or not, you will love it, but why not personalize it for that extra special touch!

While We Are on the Subject...

...of cute, comfy work-out clothes that can pull double-duty as cute, comfy casual clothes, you may want to check out the "Z T 3" shirt, also by Zella, also from Nordstroms.  The fabric is a light weight blend of polyester, cotton and spandex and comes in an assortment of delicious colors.  Today I'm wearing the black (so basic, I know) with a pair of white shorts and silver sandals, but I would love to get another one in Vivid Blue or Cayenne.  I'm sure these are great for yoga, but mine will probably never see the inside of a yoga studio.  But they are getting plenty of wear just everyday.