Foodie Friday: Summertime Cocktails

Tropical Rum Punch
Via The Eyes of a Boy
Ah sweet summertime. There is nothing like unwinding on the porch or patio with friends and family. Are you in need of a refreshing new cocktail to enjoy on these occasions? We've found some tasty ones! Let us know what you think.

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Home Tour 41: Courthouse Square - Luxury Townhomes in Wheaton, IL




Courthouse Square by Airhart Construction features unique, luxury townhomes located in beautiful downtown Wheaton. They feature 3 levels of living space plus a basement, private elevators, 2nd level laundry rooms, rooftop terraces, paver patios and 2-car garages. Enjoy the video tour below:


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Home Tip Tuesday: Trendy Summer Entertaining Tips

Summer party tips: pick a theme, spread out and be a gracious host.

Trends in entertaining come and go. Incorporating some of the latest ideas you found on social media into your next summer party keeps things fresh for everyone, especially if your home is party central for the season. But not everyone has the staff of 12 and Martha Stewart-level crafting skills needed to execute some of those awesome ideas. We’ve discovered a cooler full of summer entertaining tips that anyone can pull off. No “fails” in sight!

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Enhance Your Yard with Garden Art

Via Wind and Weather
You've worked hard to create a beautiful garden and outdoor living space. Why not take it up a notch? Adding art to your garden will give it that special touch - a sparkle here and an interesting piece there will add personality and style to your yard. You can create your own or find them at your local greenhouse and garden centers or online. We've found some great pieces to inspire you. Enjoy!
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Foodie Friday: Cold Desserts

Fudge Ice-Cream Dessert
Via Betty Crocker

What's one of the best parts of summertime? The cold desserts, of course! Refreshing and delicious, they are the best way to end a hot summer day with friends. We've found some delicious cold dessert recipes for you to add to your collection. Enjoy!
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2-Minute Tours: New Custom Home in Hinsdale IL by David Weekley


This beautiful home by David Weekley Builders is located in Hinsdale, Illinois. It features 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms, a third floor bonus room, a full finished basement, a 3-car garage and custom finishes throughout. Enjoy the video tour below:


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Home Tip Tuesday: Tips on Green Living this Summer

Serve iced tea, infused water, or lemonade in reusable cups to lower waste.

If you've been thinking of taking steps to lower your environmental impact, summer is the perfect time to go green. Follow these tips to green your family's routine this summer.

Green Your BBQ
Summer is cookout season. Make your BBQ eco-friendly by using a propane grill rather than charcoal, which is a dirtier fuel.

Green your barbecues by switching from plastic or Styrofoam plates to compostable or disposable plates. Recycle your beverage containers, or serve iced tea, infused water, or lemonade in reusable cups to lower waste.

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Wonderful Water Features

Via Town and Country Living
Have you ever considered incorporating a pond or water fountain to your outdoor space? There is something very soothing about water. Adding a water feature can provide a tranquil and relaxing ambiance in your garden. We've found some lovely water features for you to peruse.
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Foodie Friday: Summer Sides

Mozzarella and Tomato Salad
Via Betty Crocker

Along with summer comes outdoor parties, barbecues and dinners outside on the patio. What to pair with all the delicious grilled entrees? Fresh summer sides and salads, of course! We've found some incredible ones for you to try out.
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Vlog 40 - Touring a David Weekley Custom Home in Hinsdale, Illinois



This expansive home by David Weekley Builders is located in Hinsdale, Illinois. It features 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms, a third floor bonus room, a full finished basement, a 3-car garage and custom finishes throughout. Take the video tour below:



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Home Tip Tuesday: Create a Succulent Garden that Wows

Succulents offer color, texture and architectural variety.

Low maintenance and big beauty, that magical combination explains the explosion of interest in succulent gardens over the last few years. Plants that were once relegated to the shady part of Grandma’s yard are now the trendiest things in pots. Like living sculptures, succulents provide color, texture and architectural variety in almost any part of the garden. From tall and prickly to tiny and soft, these plants are a dream come true for inexperienced gardeners, innovative gardeners and dedicated black thumbs.

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Accessories for Your Outdoor Living Space

Using accessories in your outdoor living space adds warmth, personality and dimension. Simply think of your deck or patio as an extension of your home. First, ground the space by using an outdoor rug. Next place colorful pillows on seating and put up curtains for softness and privacy. Continue with potted plants in various sizes and colors. Use lighting to enhance the ambiance of your outdoor room. This will also encourage you to use the space into the nighttime hours. Keep it simple by using lanterns with candles, string some lights or even add a chandelier. The possibilities are endless! Have fun!

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Foodie Friday: Summer Drinks

Sparkling Peach Cucumber Lemonade
Via Life is But a Dish

Cool drinks on the porch in the heat of summer are so refreshing. It's nice to have something special to sip on for your guests or just for yourself while you are relaxing on the patio. We've found some delicious thirst quenching beverages for you to try out this summer. Enjoy!

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2-Minute Tour: Charming Home in La Grange by David Weekley


This newly completed David Weekley home in La Grange, IL features more than 3,000 square feet of living space, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, formal dining room, an open concept design, 3-car tandem garage and a full finished basement.



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Home Tip Tuesday: Outdoor Water Features

Water features are serene focal points.

Is there anything more relaxing than the sound of a babbling brook or waves softly crashing on the shore? It’s no wonder people are attracted to places in nature where water flows. The sound of water pouring, splashing and bubbling has the power to soothe a busy mind and create a deep sense of relaxation. As long as that water isn’t dripping from a leaky faucet, that is! And it’s also no wonder so many people want to replicate the sound of moving water in their personal environments. A water feature in the yard or garden creates a serene focal point you and your guests will enjoy for many hours.

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Inviting Pool Designs

Via Houzz

The dog days of summer are almost here! Wouldn't it be great to spend the long hot days lounging by the pool? Sounds heavenly. We've found some luxurious pool designs for you to enjoy. Which one is your favorite?
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Foodie Friday: Zoodles Recipes

Asian Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp
Via Just a Taste

Have you had zoodles yet?  They are all the rage!  Zoodles are zucchini noodles.  You can make them by using a handy kitchen gadget called a spiralizer.  Zoodles are a terrific gluten-free, grain-free, low carb alternative to noodles.  We've found some great zoodles recipes for you to try.  Enjoy!


Asian Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp
Prep: 15 minutes  Cook: 15 minutes  Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 pound jumbo shrimp, shelled and deveined
medium bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2/3 cup sliced red onions
1 cup sugar snap peas
medium zucchini, cut into noodles 
Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and cornstarch. Set the mixture aside.

Place a large sauté pan or wok over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and and heat it for 1 minute. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add the shrimp to the pan and cook, stirring as needed, until the shrimp are cooked throughout and pink on all sides, about 3 minutes. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and then transfer them to a bowl, leaving any liquid in the pan.

Increase the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 Tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then add the bell pepper, carrots, red onions and snow peas and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp but tender. Add the prepared sauce and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Return the shrimp to the pan, stirring to combine, then add the zucchini noodles and cook, tossing to coat, for 1 minute.


Transfer the stir-fry to serving plates, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.


Chicken and Zucchini Noodle Caprese
Via Skinny Taste


Chicken and Zucchini Noodle Caprese
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut 1/2-inch cubes
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 lb grape tomatoes, cut in half
pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 large zucchini, spiralized with Blade D
2 oz fresh mini mozzarella balls, cut in half

Directions:
Start by spiralizing the zucchini using blade D if you have the Inspiralizer, or the thickest noodle blade your spiralizer has.
Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper and oregano.
In a large non-stick pan set over med-high heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon of the oil.
Add the chicken and cook, stirring until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Set aside.
Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining oil and garlic and cook until golden, 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, and crushed red pepper flakes, and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
Reduce the heat to low. Simmer, covered, until the tomatoes soften, 15 minutes.
Increase heat to high, stir in the zucchini and basil, season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook 2 minutes.

Add the chicken back to the skillet along with the mozzarella and serve right away.


Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Avocado Pesto
Via Eat Yourself Skinny


Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Avocado Pesto
Serves: 8 Servings

Ingredients:
6 large zucchini, spiralized
1 Tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
2 ripe avocados
1 cup fresh basil leaves
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp. sea salt
3 Tbsp olive oil
Cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:
Spiralize your zucchini and set aside on paper towels so that any excess water is soaked up.
In a food processor, add avocados, basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice and sea salt and pulse until finely chopped. Then with the motor still running, add olive oil in a slow stream until emulsified and creamy.
Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat then add zucchini noodles, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes until tender.

Add zucchini noodles to a large bowl and toss with avocado pesto. Season with cracked pepper and a little Parmesan, serve and enjoy!


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Foodie Friday! No-Bake Desserts

No Bake Triple Layer Lemon Pudding Pie Via Together as Family One of the best things about summer is hanging out with friends and fami...