Beautiful sunset off the coast of Bayville, NY

I don’t really know if August 9th can be considered late summer. As far as I’m concerned, summer goes on for a while after Labor Day, though, and maybe even long after mid-September depending on weather. I wear my flip flops into October… so I’m probably not the best person to make these types of decisions. Technically the “Back-to-School” stuff has been in the stores since my birthday (which is a travesty, really), so I guess this really is late summer. Or close to it.

Which sucks, I know. But there’s still time! Don’t fret. There are a few weeks of glorious summer to go, so cram in those beach days or fishing trips or barbecues. Wear those shorts! Make a cobbler. Make pickles. Bask in the sun, and admire those beautiful summer sunsets. Like I said before… summer is fleeting. Enjoy it while you can. Winter is long.

Anyway, here’s the latest Friday Fifteen. Enjoy!

1. Pickling season is in high gear now as all the pickling cucumbers are poppin’ up. I love this time of year for that reason! Get some pickle recipes here, including ones for pickles other than just cucumber.
2. I’ve been into making gold polka dot jars lately. They make awesome vases or even pen holders. Tie a gold ribbon around the top & use it as a vehicle to give someone a gift. It looks so pretty! I feel like there might be a post coming…
3. When I was a kid, I used to do little embroidery projects. I’ve been wanting to get back into it & now that I’ve found House of Miranda on Etsy, I think I have to! This store is one of my new favorites, & I think some of you will love it too. As a matter of fact, I love just about every single thing she has for sale. The R. Kelly towel? Love.
4. Speaking of cool housewares & such, how about a little D.I.Y.? Those painted wooden spoons I posted have been getting tons of hits, and it’s no surprise. I highly suggest you make some & see just how fun it can be to spruce up those old wooden spoons- or new ones.
5. Fatty ‘Cue is one of my newest obsessions, & so I have to tell you about it here. Back when me & Jay first became engaged, two friends of ours (Matt & Melanie- whom you might remember from this post) took us to Beecher’s for cocktails & a charcuterie platter & then took us to Fatty ‘Cue on Carmine St. for dinner. The food was amazing! Dragon bread, smoked Bobo chicken, Bao chicken bao bao, smoked Brandt beef brisket, 1/2 pound deep fried bacon with salsa verde… HOLY DELICIOUSNESS BATMAN. Not to mention the cocktails- I personally recommend the Dark & Stormy, Smokin’ Bone, Drewish Princess & the Lower West. They have two locations: West Village & Brooklyn, as well as two other restaurants: Pig & Khao and Fatty Crab. If you’re a New Yorker or planning a trip to NY, pay them a visit. You will NOT regret it.
6. Do you put Old Bay seasoning on your corn on the cob? No? ‘Cause you really should.
7. I must make this recipe for pickled carrots with mint from Food & Wine. I can’t attest to the flavor yet but it’s going on this list because it sounds amazing.
8. I’m still listening to The Great Gatsby soundtrack endlessly.
9. Because I’m eventually planning on having a custom wedding band made (with diamonds that are in another ring of my grandmother’s), lately I’ve been researching vintage-looking wedding bands… I found a website for a jeweler in NYC, Leigh Jay Nacht Inc., that has amazing replicas & vintage originals. I’ve got tons of inspiration now! And maybe, if you need some, you do too.
10. This rabbit container with a cork top is so cute & offbeat. Imagine it on a counter among your other canisters? Adorable.
11. In terms of new favorite edibles? Cabot Vintage Choice cheddar cheese. Ohhh so good. We gobble it up paired with red wine & popcorn, but hey, do as you will.
12. And new(ish) blog faves? Skunkboy blog for sure. Love her style.
13. Thrifting! It’s nice on a hot day to go roam around some secondhand or thrift stores, killing time in the A/C, looking for cool stuff. I’ve been finding some excellent things lately, and I’m writing a post all about it. So look out for that. Soon!
14. I found taco pasta on Pinterest (where else?!) and HELLO… it sounds like the best thing ever. Which brings me to…
15. Finally, one of my favorite things to make (& eat) when it’s too hot to cook.. after a long day outside gardening, or at the pool or beach: veggie taco salads. A mix of different lettuces, red cabbage, salsa AND pico de gallo, shredded sharp cheddar or queso fresco, tortilla strips, black beans (cooked & drained, but then brought to room temp), sliced avocado or guacamole & maybe some sliced radish all piled in a big bowl. You can also add seasoned shredded chicken or taco beef if you like… but I keep it veg. If you’ve never made it, try it & you’ll see- it’s amazing! And much less work than taco pasta- although that WILL happen!

House Blend Family posted that they made my blueberry basil preserves, and so did Taste A Little of the Summer!