Remember those lyrics to the old song, “Summertime…and the livin’ is easy”? We forgot that we should slow down during this hot and balmy season. Life is simple, if you let it flow…

This week’s articles include my favorite recipe for Fresh Homemade Lemonade. I know it’s summer when I sip a tall glass of icy lemonade made with fresh Meyer lemons from my aunt’s backyard lemon tree. Simple syrup is the other secret of perfect lemonade. No graininess, just smooth sweetness. Although the typical simple syrup recipe calls for a 1:1 ratio with one cup sugar to one cup water, I prefer to make mine thicker and sweeter, using a 2-to-1 measure. Later, I found that southern cooking queen Paula Deen also uses this ratio. We have something in common: a love of sweet!

I also included a recipe for making homemade butter, the ultra-simple way. No churning necessary. In fact, it was a serendipitous discovery (aka a big mistake!) and you can read about it by clicking the link!

Finally, I wanted to address something that we don’t normally care to face head-on. Are you living your dream? Why or why not? What is your dream? When is it time to give up your dream? And create a new one? The last link in this newsletter will get you to my own realizations about hopes and dreams.

Hope you enjoy these articles:


Fresh Lemonade Recipe
Simple syrup and fresh lemons are the secret to the ultimate summertime libation.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art65347.asp


How to Make Your Own Butter
While churning butter is no easy task, there is a very simple way to make your own within minutes.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art39827.asp


Should Give Up Your Dream?
A dream can be a goal, distraction or excuse. When is it time to let go of a dream and feel content with the life you lead?

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art39833.asp


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“Dreams are like the paints of a great artist. Your dreams are your paints, the world is your canvas. Believing is the brush that converts your dreams into a masterpiece of reality.”~Anonymous


“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~CS Lewis

“Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you.” ~Marsha Norman

“Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.”~Anonymous

“Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it.”~Goethe


Until next time, live simply!

Lori Chidori Phillips
BellaOnline.com editor
Living Simply site
Japanese Food site