A Misty TGIF

I don't think I've ever actually uttered the term "TGIF." Until now, that is (see above). Its a balmy Friday here in Austin with somewhat overcast skies, although the sun seems to be making attempts to come through the clouds. Overcast days usually make me frowny, except when I'm at or near the beach.

Today, I'll leave you with photos I took just before a wild, but short-lived storm on our last visit to Ocean Grove, a lovely historic seaside town on a quiet stretch of the Jersey Shore (seriously, nothing like the Jersey Shore with which we're all-too familiar). This town is breezy, stunning and filled with non-party-ers. It was our favorite summer getaway.




Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo

FYI: It's Still Summer....

Image courtesy Bakerella

As far as I can tell, the middle of August means it's still summer. I know autumn is just around the corner, which means all the fashion magazines and catalogues are previewing their fall lines. The sweater dresses look cozy and the tweed looks positively academic-chic, and I know I'll be excited about it all soon. But, those of us who live in places with seasons wait, like, EIGHT MONTHS for warm weather to arrive, so why, after only 2.5 months of deliciously warm weather, is the entire blogsphere already chirping about autumn?!?!

I'm here to take a stand – and bring you back into the summer with images of the summeriest of all summery treats: POPSICLES!

A brief Popsicle history:

1905: Frank Epperson, 11, leaves a cup of powdered flavored soda, water and a stir stick on his San Francisco porch. Low temperatures over night froze the mixture and a summertime staple was born.

1923: Epperson debuts his "Epsicle" at an Alameda, CA park. The name is soon changed to Popsicle, which later becomes general vernacular, like "Kleenex" and "Xerox."

1925: Epperson sells rights to Joe Lowe Company of New York, which distributes the treats nation-wide.

1939: The brand introduces a mascot, Popsicle Pete, who appears in ads for the next 50 years.

1986: The two-stick variety is retired, because moms everywhere deem it too messy.

1989: Good Humor, a subsidiary of Unilever, buys the rights.

2010: Now owned by Unilever, Popsicle now has plants in Nevada, Maryland and Missouri.

Now, for the eye candy. Click on the links for recipes.

Ambrosia Mojito + Pomegranate Hibiscus Strawberry Popscicles from Desserts for Breakfast

Strawberry Nectarine popsicles from Kitchen Simplicity

Boozy Campari Citrus pops from The Kitchn

Blackberry and Cream Popsicles from Poor Girl Eats Well

Orange Banana Smoothie Pops from Delish

Strawberry Yogurt Swirls from Woman's Day

Triple Berry Popsicles from My Recipes via Sunset Magazine