Hi Friends, Happy Summer!
{When Olivia comes for a visit in August, we’ll be headed to the beach at least once}
I’ve been enjoying a relaxing summer so far, how about you? When I’m not working at my day job I’m spending time in the garden (I’ll have to provide a post on some of my successes, and failures, on that score), entertaining via backyard BBQ’s, and reading a few good books.
Today is National Ice Cream Day and I couldn’t let it pass without sharing a few images of summer fun and ice cream. They truly go hand in hand, don’t they?
For obvious reasons I try not to eat ice cream everyday, but when I have an excuse [it’s hot and only ice cream will cool me down; we need a dessert for our back yard BBQ; I’m on vacation so calories don’t count, or it’s the weekend] I like to enjoy a scoop of ice cream in a bowl or prepare an ice cream cake for dessert for a summer dinner party. I make it a health food by throwing on a few berries! 🙂
Summer activities for Mr. B and me might include a Duffy boat excursion. There is a group of us that chip in, not only for rental fees, but to provide easy appetizers and a bottle or two of wine. This is one of my favorite summertime activities. Unfortunately, no ice cream can be included since there’s no way to keep it frozen.
This recipe from Southern Living looked too delicious to pass up. Find the printable recipe HERE This recipe is one I plan on trying for our upcoming backyard BBQ.
During the summer months, ice cream seems to be the ideal treat no matter what form you prefer. I love the idea of individual desserts and this sundae in a pastry shell with freshly made blueberry sauce looks scrumptious.
Ice cream sandwiches from Williams Sonoma sound like they would be easy to make and oh, so delicious!
These little ice cream cups look delicious and healthy topped with blueberries.
Pioneer Woman’s Ice Cream Pie with Easy Caramel Sauce looks like something I’d make year round.
Now I’m hungry for ice cream!
I hope your summer has been filled with more than your usual share of fun and ice cream! I’m planning to be back to blogging weekly in early September, I hope you’ll stop by!
Garden, Home & Party 
Reviving Charm said:
All of these sweet ice cream treats look amazing. Ice cream is one of my guilty pleasures and because today actually celebrates all that is good about it, I just might have to indulge myself.
A Duffy boat ride is on the summer to-do list. I look forward to it. Being on the water is always a fun experience. Enjoy your day with friends.
Reviving Charm said:
I also meant to say that I was happy to see your post today. And look forward to more in September. Enjoy your summer hiatus.
Karen B. said:
Hi Vanessa, I must say, I prepared that Southern Living ice cream dessert for friends, it was say and very yummy. Thank you for your kind words and good wishes for the rest of summer. I so enjoy your posts. xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
>
D'Arcy H said:
Hi Karen, I was happy to see your post, too! Those Duffy boats–are they electric? We have similar rental boats on Lake Union in downtown Seattle. We recently had dinner on a restaurant barge where we could watch all the summer boat traffic. So much fun!
Ice cream is one of my favorite foods … a little too favorite!
Karen B. said:
Hi D’Arcy, Long time no see…which isn’t exactly true. I always enjoy your posts. I’ve been enjoying my time as a reader of blogs, rather than a writer (I use that term loosely). Yes, the Duffy boat is electric and is so much fun. We cruise Newport harbor and admire all the beautiful homes on the mam made islands such as Linda, Harbor and Lido islands. I prepared the ice cream dessert from Southern Living last night and it was very easy and yummy. xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
>
Vicki said:
Hi Karen, Ice cream, boating, trips to the beach– sounds like a pretty perfect summer. We just got back from a cross-country road trip, so I definitely think a rich ice cream dessert is in order. A little vacation from our vacation! Looking forward to hearing more about your garden, but for now, glad you’re enjoying some summer fun!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Vicki. I agree, an ice cream treat is in order as a Welcome Home from a cross-country trip. I hope it was fun. xo, Karen
On Mon, Jul 18, 2016 at 11:32 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Chronica Domus said:
Ah, great minds think alike. I too did my bit for ice cream yesterday and devoured a decadent scoop of chocolate. My daughter, who was the one who informed me of this important occasion, indulged in a Cabernet sorbet, which I can tell you, was outstanding. I’m ordering a scoop of that next time.
Enjoy the remainder of the summer Karen!
Karen B. said:
We have to support these important National days celebrating the good things in life! 🙂 I will have to watch for Cabernet sorbet. There used to be a Champagne sorbet at 31 Flavors, not sure they make it anymore, but it was very good. Karen
On Mon, Jul 18, 2016 at 11:35 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Leslie @Pretty Petals said:
Oh goodness …..these ice cream desserts ALL look yummy Karen. Thank you for sharing the links! That first picture is darling:) Those chubby little legs are just too cute! I can only imagine the joy in having a little grand baby to take to the beach. Sounds like you are having a wonderful summer!!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Leslie. I made the ice cream dessert this past weekend and it was delicious and easy. Grand babies are the best! xo, Karen
On Mon, Jul 18, 2016 at 1:18 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Gretchen said:
Karen, I can’t wait to make/eat one of those ice cream desserts! Ice cream and summer just go together, right?
Have fun with Olivia and family doing all your favorite summer activities.
I’ll look forward to September and your return to blogging. I’ve missed you!
Karen B. said:
Gretchen, Thanks so much! I made the Southern Living recipe last weekend and it was easy and yummy. I’m sure you’ll be served this the next time you and our gang come for a backyard BBQ. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Tue, Jul 19, 2016 at 9:25 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Sharon said:
Even though it’s winter here, you have my mouth watering! x Sharon
Karen B. said:
I’m thinking of spending summer in a winter season nation next year! The heat is ramping up and I’d much rather be sitting by the fire with a warm cup of tea! 🙂 Karen
On Tue, Jul 19, 2016 at 10:28 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
for the love of a house said:
I swear I gained 5 lbs. just reading this post! So many delish recipes to try, and not enough days in summer! Happy summer to you and your husband! xxojoan
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Joan. I made that Southern Living ice cream dessert and I confess, it was so easy and delicious—it’s dangerous to my waistline! Thank you for stopping by. xo, Karen
On Wed, Jul 20, 2016 at 1:15 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Linda Coble said:
Hi Karen,
I’m not even an ice cream lover but after reading your post, I’m craving it! That mocha chip ice cream cake looks fantastic. It’s been many months since I last went out on a Duffy boat and seeing the photo made me nostalgic. Thanks for an uplifting post. It’s always nice to see something new on your blog. Have a happy summer!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Linda. The ice cream dessert was super easy and very delicious. Enjoy your summer. xo, Karen
On Fri, Jul 22, 2016 at 10:08 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Design Chic said:
It sounds like you are having a wonderful summer, Karen and the Southern Living dessert looks amazing!
Karen B. said:
It has been a fun summer so far. Thank you for stopping by. xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
>
anitapelayorivera said:
When we relocated to Boston Massachusetts in 1987 from Los Angeles, we quickly learned that the locals ate ice cream EVEN in the middle of winter! SO….though ice cream for me will always be a summer treat, I have found myself enjoying it even in the middle of a MINNESOTA WINTER!!!!!! But I think that special flavors such as strawberry or any other in-season fruit make this a very perfect summer dessert. Oh how yummy the thought! Karen, thank you for visiting my blog! Anita
Karen B. said:
Hi Anita, That does surprise me. I think of ice cream as a delicious way to cool down in the warmer months. I wouldn’t think I’d want to eat it if its cold outside. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Tue, Jul 26, 2016 at 4:04 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Leslie Harris said:
Karen our family loves those Duffy rides. We just took my parents on one too and it was such a wonderful ride for my Dad especially. He love the water, is a fisherman at heart. I hope you’re enjoying your summer, that first picture is so cute. I bet your granddaughter is such a joy to be with.
xo
Leslie
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Leslie! Yes, this has been a wonderful summer and being with our granddaughter weekly has been icing. Our Texas granddaughter arrives Saturday so we’ll have both bundles of joy! xo, Karen
On Thu, Jul 28, 2016 at 8:28 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
anitapelayorivera said:
Dearest Karen! HELLO! Boy, I could go for some sorbet right now; it’s very humid today! Hmmm…..peach sorbet…
THANK YOU for coming to visit my blog and for visiting Vicki to read the interview. I am so honored by her, and her series will be really fun to read as she features different people during August!!! Be well.
Leslie Harris said:
Hi Karen, how’s your summer going? Isn’t it flying by? I just wanted to thank you for your recent comment on my mantel. It really stopped me in my tracks and made me think of how right you were. The mantel is already infused with love and memories simply because my Dad and I made it; I do feel grateful to have these times with him and that’s more important than anything. The icing on the cake is that it actually turned out pretty good. I just finished painting it late yesterday!
BTW-I always appreciate your wisdom.
hugs,
Leslie
Mary Ann Pickett said:
Oh my gosh, my mouth is watering!!! You crack me up about adding fruit to “make it healthy” I do that trick too.
Karen B. said:
I look for the work healthy in the simple things…like, we’ll it’s organic so it must be healthy! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 12:54 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
>
Summer Daisy said:
The ice cream cake looks so delicious ♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com