Summer Nights

Summer is almost over and it’s beginning to feel a little bit like fall on Nantucket. Fall and winter are my absolute favorite seasons so I’m pretty excited about it. But, I am a little sad that summer is almost over. Especially because it means that it’s almost time to leave Nantucket and my family. So, we have been savoring every last second of summer and our time together.

As you probably already know, my favorite thing to do in the summertime is pack up a picnic and eat dinner on the beach just in time for the sunset. We have been much better about doing that a lot this summer. And that makes me very happy! I sure am going to miss summer nights like these.

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On our most recent beach picnic, I spruced up a lemonade with rosemary and raspberries, made my pasta salad and whipped up Fruity Pebble Treats (just like rice krispie treats but with fruity pebbles..amazing!).

Lemonade:

For the lemonade, I like to buy the individual bottles of lemonade because they can then act as a shaker. All you do is put a sprig of rosemary inside and a few raspberries, shake, and enjoy!

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Pasta Salad:

I used to make this pasta salad all the time for my school lunches in high school, and I thought it would be the perfect summer picnic meal. I put tomatoes, corn, salami, basil, onions, mozzarella, and olives in the salad and drizzle it with Girards Champagne Dressing. It’s really a piece of cake to make!

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Fruity Pebble Treats:

You make these just like rice krispie treats. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a big pot. Add an entire bag of marshmallows (I like to use the mini ones) and stir until melted. Remove from heat and pour in the entire box of fruity pebbles. Stir until evenly coated. Then, evenly press the mixture into a greased pan. (Tip: it helps to butter your fingers before pressing so the mixture doesn’t stick to your fingers) Allow to cool. And finally, cut and serve!

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Boston POPS on Nantucket

Pops Saturday is the day that the Boston POPS come over to the island as well as one guest star (this year it was Matthew Morrison!) to perform a benefit concert for the Nantucket Cottage Hospital. And POPS Saturday is my favorite Saturday. On POPS Saturday, people ask you all day long if you’re “popping” (yes, we have turned the name of the orchestra into a verb). To which we reply “oh yes we are!” We even close the store early to make the event! Everyone is so excited and happy all day long to know that their night will be spent gathered together with their favorite company picnicking, signing, watching fireworks, and, most importantly, giving back to their community.

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We always have the best time, and this year is no different. I can’t wait until next year!

**Warning: This event is not for the faint of heart. Preparation begins in the morning with cooking food. Then, around 3 o’clock you need to head down to the beach (and park about a mile away because streets around the concert are blocked off) to score a spot for a concert that starts 4 hours later. And then after the concert, you have to lug all of your belongings back to your car parked a mile away. But, it’s totally worth it!

Wedding Wednesday – Honeymoon Spots

Are you having trouble deciding where to go for your honeymoon? To me, it seems like everywhere you look to research a honeymoon location, you’re given the same typical locations. Not that there is anything wrong with Fiji, Italy, or the Sandals Honeymoon Package. I would be more than happy to go to any of those places. t’s just that sometimes I’m curious to see not so traditional places suggested. So, I decided to come up with a few on my own.

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Bali, Indonesia: The Como Shambhala Estate looks like such a wonderful place to relax in one of the most peaceful settings. If I had to sum up what I think this honeymoon vacation would be like in one word, I think it would have to be zen. And after planning a wedding, which can sometimes always be somewhat stressful, I think all brides and grooms could use a little bit of zen.

Napa Valley, California: Sometimes leaving the United States isn’t an option or maybe it’s a little intimidating for some. Hotel Yountville has a similar feel to Italy and is perfect for the couple that would love to take part in wine tastings.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Villa Grande is the perfect place for a more adventurous couple, who also would like some time to relax and soak up the sun. On this trip couples could just relax on the beach or they could go kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, whale watching, etc.

London, England: And for those who love to be on the go, sightseeing in London would just be magical. The Corintha Hotel would be the perfect place to come home to every night after bopping around town to relax and recharge for the next day.

(Photo Credits: Bali, Napa Valley, Cabo 1, 2, 3, 4, London 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Where did you go on your honeymoon? Or where have you always dreamed of going on your honeymoon?