BREAKFAST & AN AUGUST BREAK

As the summer winds down and I rush to get my last few projects complete I thought it would be fun to follow Susannah Conway's August Break exercise - at least for the beginning of August. She'll list one word a day and encourage everyone to post a photograph inspired by it. Most of my posts will be illustrations (for obvious reasons), though I might pop a photograph in here and there. To add an extra challenge I'll make sure every word ties back to either food or gardening. Some will be easy (like today), but I might have to stretch a few.

To start off, like on any good day, here is BREAKFAST. This is one of my favorite breakfast meals, shared by a lovely British friend. This is simply eggs on toast, then I added one of my favorite drinks...a strawberry smoothie (with fruit fresh from the garden).

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A SET OF BERRIES

In early 2012 I created this set of berry illustrations. I must have been dreaming of sweetness in the midst of winter.

I've included these on a set of cards in my Etsy Shop too. You can take a peek here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope your day is filled with lots of strawberry love!

Strawberry Sour Cream Pie

Over the next week I'll be sharing some fresh fruit and veggie recipes from my fellow foodies.  I'm not the best chef in the world, so I often enjoying tapping into other's talents.

The first is a wonderful dessert...strawberry sour cream pie.  It was lovingly created by the fearless leader of Camp Blogaway, Patti of Worth the Whisk.  Please click here for the whole recipe.  I know I need to whip up something with all the strawberries popping out of my garden.

Strawberries!

We planted a new strawberry patch this spring and are amazed at what it produces each day.  We never imagined getting anything this year, but the red fruit is just popping everywhere! What a nice surprise everyday.

Life is too short...

Strawberries

And here we arrive at the last celebrated berry for this week...the strawberry.  Inspired by our neighbor's strawberry patch, we'll be planting our own this spring.  I am so excited.

Strawberries and Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is one of those odd fruits that actually makes you feel full.

Wreath and Berries

Wreaths symbolize a happy family. Add berries to make them even happier.

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake

What a fun combination for a cupcake.

This delicacy was created by Amandah from ...and it's vegan. She does not make "vegan food," but instead makes delicious food that just happens to be vegan. Love that.

Click here for this sweet recipe.

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Mascarpone Cheesecake

Cheesecake is on my brain since dining at The Cheesecake Factory today. My daughter and I endulged in a peanutbutter and chocolate cheesecake. Wow!

All those fancy flavors can never replace a traditional cheesecake...with subtle twists. Try this tasty one from That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!! (Geez, love that blog title!)

GnomeBerry

Once again I was stuck for a gnome food and my 8-year-old daughter came up with this one.

What would I do without my kids? The idea well would be dry.

The Show Must End

Thanks for following along this month as I created my Strawberry Circus party. I've appreciated your input along the way.

Now I must gear up for some Gnome-Made Treats...starting on July 1. See you then!

Strawberry Place Cards

Here are three examples of place cards for our Strawberry Circus party. Is there anything I'm missing for this big day...before June ends?

Strawberry Circus Banners

We need festive banners for our strawberry circus party. Though they take some time, banners are simple to make. Just cut triangles out of paper, punch a couple of holes through the top, then string some yarn through. You can pop any image you'd like on them...or spell something special. Here is another type of banner our neighbors made...simple and fun.

Popcorn (with Strawberries?)

What's a circus without popcorn? But how do I add the strawberries? I can just put a strawberry sticker on the front or add some kind of strawberry flavoring. Does anyone know how to flavor popcorn?

Strawberry Cupcakes

What's a party without cupcakes?

Oh, and one more kind-of-related thing...a couple of people asked if I give presentations...well, yes I do. I love talking as much as I love food.

If you need more information on my public speaking services just click here.

Strawberries and Honey on Ice Cream

Very simple and very yummy. The honey with the strawberries adds a nice touch. Vanilla or strawberry ice cream would suffice.

Thanks to Foy for the suggestion via Facebook!

Strawberry Jell-o Mold

I know this is as common as the hills, but it's easy and kids love it. Maybe you can make it in a neat shaped mold to add some spark.

Thanks to Sarah for the suggestion via Facebook!

Strawberry Smoothie

A strawberry smoothie is perfect for any occasion...especially when topped with two red-striped straws.

Does anyone have a good strawberry smoothie recipe you'd like to share?

Thanks to Glori for the suggestion via Facebook!