I love watermelon. I love feta cheese. But the idea of combining the two never occurred to me until I came across a magazine with the recipe a few weeks ago. I’ve been waiting for the right time to try it (I’ve been traveling a lot lately), and this weekend provided the perfect opportunity.

Here’s what it is:

• One half of a watermelon (or whole melon for more than two people)
• 2 oz of Feta Cheese (4 for the whole melon)
• 5-6 mint leaves to taste (12 for the whole melon)

Combine all three in a big bowl, mix and enjoy! (There are other versions of this salad that actually have a “dressing” to it if you will-red wine vinaigrette, but I’ve never been too big on salad dressing.)

I purchased my watermelon from the farmers market (they are in season right now), and I actually bought spearmint plant for my mint leaves (not shown in above photo). I purchased the feta cheese at a local grocery store. Did I mention that I am in love with feta this summer?

The salad pairs perfectly with corn on the cob and burgers (I know, I tried it), and would be easy to make for a family get-together. It will also pair perfectly with my traditional peanut butter sandwich for lunch this week. Here’s to good eats and summer!

When I was in college, I had no interest in reading books outside of what was required for classes. The very thought of reading something extra was overwhelming.

Once I made the big move across the great state divide, I decided it was time to start reading again.

It had been years since I’d stepped foot into a public library. The first time, I had no idea where to start or what to look for when it came to books. The first month and a half, I just stumbled around in my search with little purpose and knowledge of the literature available.

Here are the first books I read:

• The Hunger Games Trilogy- I never planned on getting hooked on this series. Since I had seen the movie prior to reading the b, I knew what to expect. The second book was the one that hooked me. I ended up purchasing the last book, because it was always checked out when I went to the library.

• Life of Pi- Author Yann Martel is a fantastic storyteller. I loved this book.

• The Great Gatsby-I read this book in high school as required reading. I couldn’t remember what it was all about, though I could remember some characters in the book. It’s a classic and always will be.

Then there came a time when I didn’t have any leads. My reading life was at a standstill. Determined, I Googled summer book lists. That’s when I discovered the GoodReads App. The GoodReads App., allows one to rate books they have read, comment on books and build a reading list. In the four weeks I’ve had the App., I have now built a list of 32 books to-read. Let’s just say it’s my new Pinterest.

A few books on my GoodReads to-read list:

• The Time Traveler’s Wife- I’m currently reading, but just started Thursday. I got to soak up some of the beautiful weather and read more of the book today.

• To Kill a Mockingbird- Like the Great Gatsby, I also read this book in high school, but cannot recall much about it. I’d like to soak up more this time around.  

• The Storyteller- My mother is a Jodi Picoult fan. She’s loaned this book to me, and it’s sitting on my book shelf patiently waiting for me to finish the Time Traveler’s Wife.

I am now a fan of reading again, thankfully, I have a booklist that continues to grow each week. I can also navigate the public library without much assistance. Woohoo!

I want to know if you have read any good books lately? Why did you like those books? Comment below and I will add them to my reading list. Happy reading!

1. My family. There is nothing that makes me happier than spending time with my family, both close and extended. I don’t get to live close to them anymore, but there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of them. 

Speaking of family, this leads to the second thing that makes me happy. 

2. I’m an Auntie-to-Be. Boy or girl? Not quite sure, but one thing is for certain, that little bundle will be spoiled. I actually found myself in a Baby Gap last night, checking out all of the cute little outfits. I might have sorta purchased something. 🙂 

3. Country roads. I was born and raised in rural America, and what a great way to grow up. Not only did I get to experience the farm lifestyle first hand, I also learned how to appreciate the smells, sights and feelings of country life. Example: Freshly mowed hay, corn stalk green, and kicking up dust as I drive down a country road. I hope to return to it one day. It’s something I miss living in the city. 

4. Travel. I’ve been very blessed to travel in the past five years. Europe, South America and even my beloved U.S., but definitely still have much more to see. This is a photo from my most recent visit to NYC. A breath-taking view of Times Square. I loved it, but more as a place to visit, not to stay permanently. 

5. Music. This is the one thing that has kept me sane in the past year. If I need a lift, or feel blue, music heals it all. I love country music, particularly Brooks and Dunn, and Classic Rock but I’m also growing to love Christian music. I love live music, too. 

Thanks for reading, and have a great week! 

Life happened. No blogging for me for a long time. And to be honest with you, I didn’t want to. I got burned out. But now I’m back to blog about my current life happenings. Stay tuned for the good stuff (like an actual committed blogger-HA). I promise, my life adventures are starting to get good.

A brief synopsis of what you’ve missed:

1. Graduated college, and got a full-time job. Moved to one side of my beloved home state. Tough transition phase starting now.

2. Received another job offer with the same agency, moved to the other side of the state. (I’m just everywhere, man!) Transition phase continues, but I’m much happier. Check out the view!

3. Future things. I’m traveling. I’m exploring the beloved city with a landmark known as the Gateway to the West and I’m having a darn good time with it. I’m learning new things about a beautiful, blessed life God has provided.

Stay tuned. Life is about to get exciting.

This summer I am interning for an agricultural marketing agency- doing work with the United Soybean Board.

I have lived in St. Louis long enough to know my way around by now, and I am excited to share this with you.

It may be the fast paced atmosphere, toasted ravioli, softball league or the internship itself, but I am developing a love for St. Louis.

Yikes! I can’t believe I actually admitted that. I grew up closer to Kansas City and I feel like that’s cheating on my beloved KC.

It’s such a different experience in the big city for this farm gal. I have learned so much so far and know my knowledge will only increase as the summer progresses.

Next Question: Will I turn into a Cardinal’s fan?

Not so sure about that. I am a true blue Royals fan. But a few games may fill my time this summer.

Summer is a crazy time of year. Especially for this traveling gal. Can you guess where I have been?

I will give you four hints:

#1:

#2:

#3:

#4:

Any guesses?

Well, you probably figured out I went to England. The visit was amazing! My group traveled to farms across the country-so we learned about agriculture, and we even dipped our toes into some cultural experiences, too.

We visited all the places you see above, which include the English countryside, the Prime Meridian (which is the “original zero time” location), Stonehenge and of course, London.

We also saw people setting up for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Pretty cool, huh?

It was all so different from the United States. I would go back again in a heartbeat. So many stories to tell about it. Since I don’t want to type that much, feel free to read my blog posts from when I studied overseas.