Thursday ~ School is Out

Summer officially starts June 21st, but for my kids summer starts today. It is time for Thankful Thursday and a huge wish for a great summer. I am thankful for all the blessings that we have. I'm most thankful that my kids survived this past semester in their new high school. They made new friends and found their academic rhythm again.

Join the Blog Parties happening today!

Beneath My Heart - Best DIY Projects

Fireflies And Jellybeans - Show Off Your Stuff

Get Your Craft on Thursday - Life As Lori

Hookin' Up at House of Hempworths

It's Party Time Thursday - Pony Tails and Fish Scales

Look at Me I'm so Crafty at Fun to Craft

Make It Wear It - The Train to Crazy

Recipe Share at Harrigan Howdy

Seven-Thirty-Three -Weekly Round Up

Show Off Your Stuff at Fireflies and Jelly Beans

Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple

Tablescape Thursday - Between Naps on the Porch

Tales Of Bloggeritaville - Thrifty Thursday

Thankful Thursday - (Rotating Blog Host)

The Colorado Lady - Vintage Thingie Thursday

Transformation Thursday - The Shabby Chic Cottage

Treasures For Tots - Thursday's Treasures

Vintage Thingy - Colorado Lady

I am so thankful that we live in hill-country in central Texas. We are near big cities yet live by small nostalgic Texas towns. There are rivers and lakes all around. Shopping malls and antique stores are minutes away. Fun is everywhere and good family times are sure to come. It is time for picnics, water parks, summer camps, and hopefully some rest and relaxation!

I work at year-round job but will take some vacation time this summer. Being in our new city is a vacation in itself. I love vintage shops where I can spend hours looking through every shelf and clothing rack. I also love coffee shops that allow me to read uniterruped with the aroma of fresh coffee. That is my idea of a fun summer.

Summer break for my kids means extra expense; fuel, food, and fun. I have to get creative, thrifty, and do a lot of things home made. To have a nice picnic, I can buy a basic basket at a discount store. To make good summer meals, we just need to think healthier and less sodas. Using things from home can help cut costs downs, like carrying an ice cooler with drinks or grabbing a quick sandwich at home before a shopping trip. Having a good summer doesn't have to break the budget.

Crispy goat’s cheese, tomato and basil salad

(Recipe for picture at the upper left corner)

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Ingredients:

All-purpose flour for dusting

1 cup (110g/3 ¾oz) store-bought bread crumbs

240g (8 ½oz) goat’s cheese, sliced

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced

1 cup basil leaves

1 bunch (100g/3 ½oz) rocket (arugula), trimmed

Balsamic dressing:¼ cup (2fl oz) olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon caster sugar

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To make the balsamic dressing, place the olive oil, vinegar and sugar in a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.Place the flour and breadcrumbs on separate plates. Press the goat’s cheese slices into the flour, dip in the egg and press into the breadcrumbs. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Cook the cheese for 1-2 minutes each side or until golden and crispy. Divide the cheese, tomatoes, basil and rocket between plates and drizzle over the balsamic dressing. Serve on a gorgeous table scape with vintage plates and linens. Add a personal touch with your favorite sandwiches and home made ice tea.

Have Terrific Thursday!

Yoli :)