ic Kathe With an E: June 2014

Monday, June 30, 2014

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday~Anything Goes Edition

Happy July my friends!  July brings with it, Canada Day and the 4th of July! It also brings my oldest and dearest friend and her husband out to CO to visit his parents and a chance for us to meet for dinner!
Cindy and I have been besties since we met at the age of 6 back in Spokane, WA. That means we have known each other for half of a century!! And, of course, she never hesitates to remind me, I am the older one, even if it is only by 6 months LOL!
I'm the short sassy one on the left.
And here we are a few years ago. Older, yes.  Still the closest person I have to a sister, yes! I cannot wait to give my bestest pal a big hug this week!

So, that's my news for the week, now it's your turn to share all that you have been up to!

Last weeks best of at that party came from Laura who blogs at Harvest Lane Cottage
Laura shared her list of all the good stuff of summer. Such a great list and a terrific reminder to always look at the sunny side of life! Grab yourself an I've Been Featured button Laura! You've earned it!

It is the first party of the month and that means...
It's Anything Goes this week!

You can link up your regular posts as always 
but, this week you can also 
link up your giveaways, 
your Etsy shops, your Ebay stores,
your own link parties!
Anything and everything!

All I ask is that you keep it clean and
family friendly and try to limit your posts to only 5 link ups.

I reserve the option of deleting any post
that I do not feel fits the
theme of my blog.
As always, you don't have to be a follower in order to link up. 
I want you to follow Kathe With An E because you want to. 
Not because it is required.

If you'd like to keep up to date you  can 
sign up here to receive my updates by email




I would also love it if you would link back in some way so that others come and party with us. Either grab the party button or, add my blog link to your post or on your blog party page. 
But again, it is not required.  

Just remember, this is a party so, please, after you link up, mingle around and visit some of the other party guests.


*By linking up your post, you are giving Kathe With An E permission to use your pictures as a feature on this blog and other social media outlets.

This week’s party is sponsored by:




Wednesday, June 25, 2014

4th of July Tablescape

Mr. B and I are kind of excited to be in our new home for the 4th of July this year.  We have heard from the neighbors that we *should* be able to see different fireworks displays from our back deck! We are really hoping they are right because I love fireworks!! In honor of the celebration of our freedom, I, of course, set a a 4th of July tablescape.
Kathe With An E - 4th of July Tablescape
I found these platters for under $3.00 each at Party City and knew they would be the perfect charger!
Kathe With An E - 4th of July Tablescape
I then layered our everyday white Corelle dinner plates, a blue clear salad plate I had purchased for 25 cents each at the thrift store and a patriotic bowl from the dollar spot at Target from a few years ago.
Kathe With An E - 4th of July Tablescape

Kathe With An E - 4th of July Tablescape
Mason jars will be used to drink from and instead of the more formal placing of the flatware, I chose to place a paper napkin in the jar and then nest the flatware in the napkin.
Kathe With An E - 4th of July Tablescape
I filled an apothecary jar with sparkly red basket filler and added flags and red, white & blue star picks. I re-used the painted Ragu Spaghetti Sauce jars I had painted and decorated a few years ago for this table.
Kathe With An E - 4th of July Tablescape


Kathe With An E - 4th of July Tablescape
I added some silver sparkly finds from Party City at each end and the table was complete.
Kathe With An E - 4th of July Tablescape

Kathe With An E - 4th of July Tablescape

Kathe With An E - 4th of July Tablescape

Kathe With An E - 4th of July Tablescape
I love decorating with all of the red, white and blue of this holiday! How about you, do you decorate for the 4th of July?

Like what you saw today? 
Well then, don't miss any new posts!
Follow my blog by email
I always share my tables with
and
Click here to see where else I may be partying this week. 
AND
Don't forget to come by on Tuesday's
for my link party.



Monday, June 23, 2014

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday!

Welcome old friends and new!  I hope you all had a great weekend?  Ours was pretty uneventful.  Laundry, errands, you know, the normal, all grown up stuff. I think we have the same exciting agenda penciled in for next weekend too LOL! All the more reason for you to show me what fun and creative endeavors you've been up to, so let's party!

The most viewed link from last week comes from my dear blogging buddy, Jeannie from For What It's Worth 
Jeannie showed us how to create an easy patriotic banner. Easy?  Maybe. Adorable? Certainly! Please grab yourself an I've Been Featured button Jeannie to display on your blog :-)

Now, show us what you have been up to since we last met up here!

Here are some really easy party rules: 
Feel free to link up anything you have created.
Recipes, decor, crafts, written or photographed.
Anything you are so proud of you just gotta share it with others.
I will reserve the option of deleting any post that I do not feel fits the
theme of my blog.

I love to spotlight some of my favorites on my Facebook page and pin them to my You're Gonna Love It Tuesday board on Pinterest so,
be sure to follow me there too! 

As always, you don't have to be a follower in order to link up. 
I want you to follow Kathe With An E because you want to, not because it is required.


You can sign up to receive my updates by email right here.
I would love it if you would link back in some way so that others come and party with us. Either grab the party button or add my blog link to your post or on your blog party page. But again, it's not required.


I ask that you please DO NOT link up giveaways, Etsy shops or anything for sale. Save those for the first Tuesday of each month (NEXT WEEK!)
when,
Anything Goes!


Please remember, this is a party. So, after you link up, mingle around 
and visit some of the other party guests.


*By linking up your post, you are giving Kathe With An E permission to use your pictures as a feature on this blog and other social media outlets.

This week’s party is sponsored by:
 


Sunday, June 22, 2014

4th of July Mantel

Here we are!  June is almost gone and July is up next. It was time to get out my tote of Fourth of July decorations and get our fire place mantel decorated in red, white and blue!
4th of July Mantel
Everything but the banner I already had.
4th of July Mantel
The flag tray was a clearance find at Kohl's. "America" was found on clearance from Hobby Lobby. I painted a $1.00 birdhouse blue and used Mod Podge to put a paper patriotic napkin on the top of the house.
4th of July Mantel
Using a frame I had, a white mat and a dollar store flag, I created a simple statement of our freedom.
4th of July Mantel
I purchased the banner at World Market recently while it was on sale.
4th of July Mantel
On the right side I used the same stacks of white covered books that I had used in my Spring Mantel Decor. The candlestick from that same mantelscape was used again, this time with a white candle wrapped in holiday ribbon.
4th of July Mantel
Another decorated birdhouse and a wooden sign complete the vignette.
4th of July Mantel
I love decorating in our country's colors!  It's such a visible reminder of those that fought for our independence and of those that continue to do battle to make sure those rights remain in place!


Like what you see? 
Well then, follow me by email and never miss a new post
Click here to see where I may be partying this week. 
AND
Don't forget to come by on Tuesday's
for my link party.




Monday, June 16, 2014

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday

Happy Monday everyone!
Did everyone have a nice Father's Day weekend?  Mr. B & I have both lost our fathers in recent years and we don't share any children so, it was just a normal weekend for us.  We did get out of our rut box though.  We went and saw a movie, 22 Jump Street, which we both totally enjoyed, and we found a new to us craft brewery really close to our home and fell in love with the decor, brews on tap and the owners.  We will be going back for sure. 


The most viewed post last week came from Alice from Mums Make Lists
Alice compiled a short, but terrific, list of her top 6 Summer Cleaning Jobs to do now. Please grab yourself an I've Been Featured button Alice, you deserve it!

Now, show us what you have been up to since we last met up here!

Here are some really easy party rules: 
Feel free to link up anything you have created.
Recipes, decor, crafts, written or photographed.
Anything you are so proud of you just gotta share it with others.
I will reserve the option of deleting any post that I do not feel fits the
theme of my blog.

I love to spotlight some of my favorites on my Facebook page and pin them to my You're Gonna Love It Tuesday board on Pinterest so,
be sure to follow me there too! 

As always, you don't have to be a follower in order to link up. 
I want you to follow Kathe With An E because you want to, not because it is required.


You can sign up to receive my updates by email right here.
I would love it if you would link back in some way so that others come and party with us. Either grab the party button or add my blog link to your post or on your blog party page. But again, it's not required.


I ask that you please DO NOT link up giveaways, Etsy shops or anything for sale. Save those for the first Tuesday of each month when,
Anything Goes!


Please remember, this is a party. So, after you link up, mingle around 
and visit some of the other party guests.


*By linking up your post, you are giving Kathe With An E permission to use your pictures as a feature on this blog and other social media outlets.

This week’s party is sponsored by:
 




Wednesday, June 11, 2014

The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze

What does Summer mean to you? Dining & entertaining? For me, it means firing up the BBQ & grilling! Oh I know the BBQ is suppose to be the man's territory but there is no rule against us girls throwing some good summer grub on the fire too!

Grilling also doesn't have to be all about burgers and brauts!  It can be fancy too and that is what I am sharing with you today! Some simple, fancy, easy grill recipes! (All recipes can be found at the end of this post)

I had spotted these White Wine Planks when I was shopping at my local World Market recently, and plopped a couple of packages into my cart. A few other items made into my cart too and I'll share those as we go along.
The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
On my way home I stopped by the grocery store and picked up some salmon and other goodies for our dinner.

Grilling with cedar planks is really easy.  Just soak the boards in water for a few hours before you begin.  I found that filling the sink with water, placing the planks in and topping off with a bowl filled with water to keep them submerged was the best method.
The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
I had picked up a bottle of Mesquite Smoked Pacific Sea Salt and the Bronco Bob's Roasted Raspberry Chipolte Sauce at World Market too.
I used the sea salt as a rub on the salmon filet and the sauce as a glaze.
The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
Salmon wasn't the only thing on the menu.
The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
I cubed up some red potatoes, diced up some red onion and garlic, added some butter then sprinkled everything with some more of the smoked sea salt.  I wrapped the potatoes up in some foil and placed on the grilled, pre-heated to 450 degrees, while I prepped the rest of dinner.

After the potatoes had cooked for about 10 minutes, I placed the soaked plank with the seasoned salmon on the grill.
The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
I closed the lid and let it cook for about 20 minutes until the salmon flaked easily. I then brushed on some of the Raspberry Chipolte Sauce and then grabbed another great grilling tool from World Market. 
The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
This non-stick grill skillet is pretty awesome!
The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
The removable handle makes it so easy to store in between uses. It can be used to grill up all kinds of vegetables and even shrimp!

I cut some cherry tomatoes in half into a bowl, added some olive oil and sprinkled with, you guessed it, smoked sea salt.  I then took the basket out to the grill and, while the salmon and potatoes finished cooking, tossed the tomatoes into the basket.
The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
I closed the lid and went back to the kitchen and finely diced up some red onion and a seeded jalapeno.

I gave the basket a few shakes to get the tomatoes softened and when done, placed them in a bowl, added the onion and jalapeno, and let the heat release the flavors but keep the crunch.

I removed the salmon and potato packet from the grill and let them rest a bit before serving.
The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze

The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
The warm grilled tomatoes were placed on a bed of baby spinach and drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette.
The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze

The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
The potatoes got a dash of pepper.
The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
And the salmon?  It needed nothing more!
The Best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
Everything on the plate, made on the grill!  So many great flavors on that plate! Mr. B declared the meal "restaurant worthy!" He said it was something he would order at a fancy resort while on vacation!  Well that is high praise my friends!

Speaking of vacations, Cost Plus World Market has teamed up with Southwest Airlines and is offering four Great Summer Getaways! Enter for a chance to win a trip for 4 on Southwest Airlines! 
The 4 Grand Prize Packages include:
  • Airfare for 4 on Southwest Airlines
  • Hotel Accommodations
  • $500 World Market gift card
You can even earn bonus entries for liking and sharing content via the World Market Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest pages for more chances to win. More info can be found HERE.

*This post is brought to you by World Market Brand Ambassador program and all opinions and ideas are 100% my own.*


Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon With Roasted Raspberry Chipolte Glaze
White Wine Plank 
1 1/4 lb fresh salmon 
1 tablespoon Mesquite Smoked Pacific Sea Salt 
1/2 cup Bronco Bob's Roasted Raspberry Chipolte Sauce

Soak cedar plank for several hours in water.  Wipe dry and rub one side with olive oil. Place the salmon on the oiled side of the plank and sprinkle smoked salt over the salmon and rub to cover all sides. Place the plank on the rack of the grill that has been pre-heated to 450 degrees.  Close the lid and allow the salmon to cook for 20-30 minutes, checking often.  If the plank starts to burn, use tongs to move the plank to a cooler side of the grill. Brush on the chipolte sauce, close the grill lid, and allow to cook 5 minutes more.  Salmon can be served on the plank or placed on dinnerware. 


Grilled Potato Packets
5-6 medium red potatoes, cubed
1/4 of a red onion, diced
1 tablespoon crushed garlic
2 tablespoons butter, cubed

Toss all but the butter together and place on a square of heavy duty foil. Place the butter on top and seal the foil completely.  Place on rack of grill, pre-heated to 450 degrees, for 30-35 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Cherry Tomato Spinach Salad 
1/2 lb cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/8 cup finely diced red onion
1/8 cup finely diced jalapeno (seeds and membrane removed)

Toss the tomatoes, salt and olive oil together.  Place in grill basket and set on rack of grill, pre-heated to 450 degrees, for 8-10 minutes, shaking basket several times.  Once the tomatoes are soft and are releasing their juices well, remove from grill and place into a bowl with the onion & jalapeno.  Stir together and let set for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm on a bed of baby spinach and drizzle with vinaigrette.

Balsamic Vinaigrette
1 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 tablespoon crushed garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Combine all ingredients in a jar, place the lid on, and shake well until all ingredients are fully combined.  Leftover vinaigrette can be stored in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.  Shake well before each use.

Like what you see? 
Well then, follow me by email and never miss a new post
Click here to see where I may be partying this week. 
AND
Don't forget to come by on Tuesday's
for my link party.


Monday, June 9, 2014

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday

Welcome to another You're Gonna Love It Tuesday!
I am pleased as spiked punch to see you!

How was your weekend??
Ours was fun-filled with tornados and tomato-eating, window screen-shredding, hail!

Yep! My poor tomato plants, along with some lily plants, took a direct hit from some quarter sized hail. All of our screens on the west side of house are torn up and will need to be replaced. The tornado actually touched down just 5 miles from us.  There was some damage and a person did receive minor injuries. Yes, an exciting day to be sure!

What have you been up to?  Crafting/ cooking/ writing/ photographing?  
Well let's get this party started so you can share all of that with the rest of us!

Last week's most viewed post came from Laurie at Vin'yet Etc.
Laurie took us on a tour of her summertime porch and also showed how she created a beautiful bench from an antique headboard. So lovely Laurie!
Please grab yourself an I've Been Featured button Laurie, you deserve it!

Party on!
Here are some really easy party rules: 

Feel free to link up anything you have created.
Recipes, decor, crafts, written or photographed.
Anything you are so proud of you just gotta share it with others.
I will reserve the option of deleting any post that I do not feel fits the
theme of my blog.

I love to spotlight some of my favorites on my Facebook page and pin them to my You're Gonna Love It Tuesday board on Pinterest so,
be sure to follow me there too! As always, you don't have to be a follower in order to link up. 
I want you to follow Kathe With An E because you want to, not because it is required.

You can sign up to receive my updates by email right here.
I would love it if you would link back in some way so that others come and party with us. Either grab the party button or add my blog link to your post or on your blog party page. But again, it's not required.

I ask that you please DO NOT link up giveaways, Etsy shops or anything for sale. Save those for the first Tuesday of each month when,
Anything Goes!

Please remember, this is a party. So, after you link up, mingle around 
and visit some of the other party guests.

*By linking up your post, you are giving Kathe With An E permission to use your pictures as a feature on this blog and other social media outlets.

This week’s party is sponsored by: