Adieu Summer!

The weather is unpredictable here in the Pacific Northwest, and it's only during the month of August where warmer temperatures arrived. This summer seemed so short, so whenever it's sunny, we took advantage of it, and my girls got excited for a trip.

This weekend we visited the Swan Island Dahlia Festival in Canby, Oregon. The dahlias, which were the flowers blooming in the place we visited, grew over 350 varieties in 40 acres. The Swan Island Dahlia is open to the public during blooming season. It is also a beautiful sight to witness.

In the end, we had fun, and it was a perfect way to end the summer. It was also a chance to relax after a busy week, and to bond as a family.

Fashion: Rompers

Aside from the Maxi dresses, another must-have for summer is the romper or jumper. The material is lightweight and cool, so it's perfect to wear when the temperature is rising, especially if you want a casual look. We had a picnic again and I wore this floral jumper, and paired it with a wide brimmed hat. I've even included a straw bag and slippers.

Decorating: Flower Arrangement

It's summertime, and my hydrangea plant is in full bloom in our garden. I didn't want it to go to waste, so I decided to create a flower arrangement for our living room. When I planted the flowers a couple of years ago, they were all the same pink color. But now the ones in our backyard is purple, while the front yard has pink flowers. It has something to do with the soil, I guess.



Food: Granola Yogurt & Berry Parfaits

Makes: 7 servings            Prep: 10 minutes 
Bake: at 300 degrees for 35 minutes

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 1/2 cups mixed frozen berries, thawed
2 1/2 cps 1% vanilla Greek yogurt (such as Chobani)

Directions:

1.) Heat oven to 300 degrees. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2.) In a medium-size bowl, combine the oats, almonds, cherries, maple syrup, salt and cinnamon. Stir until well combined, then spread onto prepared baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for about 35 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack and let cool completely.

3.) Place 1/4 cup granola in the bottom of serving glass, then top with 1/4 cup berries and a scant 3 tablespoons yogurt. Repeat layering once more. Repeat with remaining glasses.

Snack: Peanut Butter Dip

We're aiming for a healthier lifestyle, so instead of eating junky food, we chose this healthy snack. It is very easy to make, and it's tasty! Even kids will enjoy it, since this snack would great for eating after school.  Enjoy!

Makes: 1 1/3 cups                    Prep: 10 minutes

3/4 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup reduced-fat peanut butter
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 apples, cored and cut into 1/2 inch slices
3 ribs celery, trimmed and cut into 4-inch sticks
2 cups small pretzels

Directions:
In a small serving bowl, stir together yogurt, peanut butter, raisins and cinnamon. Serve with apples, celery and pretzels.