Welcome to the weekend, my friends! Our summer has already been a whirlwind of visits with friends and family and I have been enjoying all of the company. Sean and I have plans to finally see the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie tonight and I can hardly wait.
Psssst – don’t miss today’s giveaway at the bottom of this newsletter!
ON THE BLOGS this week: With a little bit of sweet and salty goodness in every bite, GORP is a snack mix that my family devours every time we make it. Lucky for all of us, it’s an easy hassle-free trail mix to make.
The BEST chicken tetrazzini recipe begins with chicken, mushrooms, and pasta tossed together with a creamy, garlicky sauce. Layer that deliciousness in a baking dish and sprinkle it with just a handful of cheese before baking just long enough to melt everything together. Served with warm bread and a salad, this meal is a hit every time.
This cake. Hershey’s Chocolate Cake is the most versatile and the easiest perfect one-bowl chocolate cake recipe I have ever made. (traditional and gluten-free variations are included with this recipe)
Chock-full of bacon and beef, sweetened with molasses, and simmered until thick and sweet, Cowboy Baked Beans are sure to impress!
Sweet bits of pineapple and spicy jalapeño combine to make this easy pineapple salsa one of our favorite condiments and snacks.
Infused with the flavors of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs, you will want to pour these mouth-watering Marinated Tomatoes over everything.
The bold flavors of ripe, juicy tomatoes marinated in balsamic vinegar with plenty of seasonings make this delightful Tomato Pasta Salad an easy winner.
Gooey mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil on toasted sourdough are going to make this Caprese Grilled Cheese your new favorite lunch option.
This creamy, sweet, fluffy three-ingredient peanut butter spread was a fun discovery when we moved to Amish country a few years ago. The kids fell in love with it as soon as they tasted it.
Nutty Bars Ice Cream is a rich peanut butter ice cream loaded to the absolute max with chunks of Little Debbie’s classic Nutty Buddy Wafer Bars.
What I’m CRAVING: Salads, salads, and more salads! While I definitely eat salad year-round, I crave it madly in the warmer months. This Israeli salad with za’atar dressing and this Thai crunch salad with peanut dressing are both on my must-try list for summer.
What I’m WATCHING: 13 Going on 30. I introduced my cousin Hannah to this one this week. A little bit fantasy, but mostly just clean rom-com fun, this is one of my favorite feel-good movies.
What I’m LISTENING to: Pour it Out Into The Night by The Revivalists. This is a brand-new release that I stumbled on yesterday, and I played it on repeat while working in the kitchen. It’s a different sound from what I’ve heard from them before, but I’m definitely enjoying it.
What I’m READING: I’ve been on a roll with books I don’t care to recommend lately. There have been quite a few that I haven’t even finished. So, it’s time for a mental reset with my beloved Anne of Green Gables. I still can’t believe that the entires 8-book series is available on Kindle for less than 100 pennies. And that’s been the price to the best of my knowledge for over 5 years now.
I realized as I was writing the date on today’s email that this is the 7th anniversary of the very first Little Things Newsletter that I sent out. 367 newsletters later, writing to you all has become one of my favorite things I do every week.
I love hearing from you and I appreciate all of the book suggestions you send my way. To celebrate 7 years of awesome books we’ve shared, I’m giving away 7 Kindle Paperwhite e-readers. Winners will have their choice of the (2023) 8GB Kindle paperwhite or the (2022) 16GB Kindle paperwhite.
To be entered in the giveaway, leave a comment on this post with the name of a book you love, a book you’ve been meaning to read, or a book you are reading now – and I’d love it if you take a moment to leave a description too!
Giveaway sponsored by Barefeet In The Kitchen. Giveaway ends on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 11:59pm EST. No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the U.S. to enter. Seven winners will be randomly selected and notified via email. GIVEAWAY CLOSED – ALL WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV
Wishing you a beautiful week full of little things that make you smile!
Mary
Christine Jones says
I just read A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. It was a good read and I enjoyed it. The ending was great.
Mo Parrow says
I loved that book and enjoyed the Movie they made.
Lydia Melnyk says
The Senator’s Wife by Liv Constantine! It’s keeping me on the edge of my seat!
Lynn Mitchell says
This is the Day by Tim Tebow, about living with purpose.
This was a gift from my sister and I’m looking forward to reading it soon
Kate Kelly says
The Great Alone! A great story of a family living in the wilderness of Alaska. The people coming together was amazing.
Pamela Ward says
One of my passions is reading. I want to read Colleen Hoover’s books as I have heard many good things about her books. Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo is another series I enjoy. Kate is former Amish who is now a police chief.
Mo Parrow says
Thank you for these authors. I am always like to look new ones up.
Judy C Sorenson says
I am reading The Shack.
Mo Parrow says
What an amazing book…have read it 3 times and given several books to others.
Julia Brown says
So a book I’m reading now that I love is “The Tiny But Mighty Farm” by Jill Ragan of Whispering Willow Farm. She explains many methods of turning a small farm into a profitable business while building community in the process. (I’m sure this isn’t your typical book recommendation but it is a fabulous book for anyone that owns or wants to own a farm.)
Sue Williams says
I just finished Book Woman From Troublesome Creek. What a fabulous book!
Kathleen says
I loved the book a Man Called Ove. It is written by Fredrick Bachman who wrote the Bear Town series as well as other great books.
Mo Parrow says
Great book. I loved it.
Mindy Conner says
Currently reading ‘America’s First Daughter’. It’s the story of Patsy Jefferson and was written from her perspective, and based on letters between her and her father. Fascinating read, and heartbreaking/bittersweet dynamic between her, her father, and Sally Hemings!
Cynthia Van Camp says
Just read The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak and it’s about 3 friends and a secret they have been keeping for a decade . They have been standing up for each other but after 10 hers then happen to reunite on the coast in Florida where they spend their summers and reunite when it’s all coming out …they they cont with the lie they have been keeping. I really enjoyed this summer read.
Anita Carol Gambrell says
I’ve been reading some Amish love stories.I enjoy reading about different people and learning their ways, customs and beliefs. A lady at work is sharing them with us. Amish Hearts by Grace Lewis is the one I’m starting this coming week.
Mo Parrow says
I love her books.
Barb McColly says
Eagle Harbour series by Naomi Rawlings
Jeanie says
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. Based on actual facts of the dust bowl out West that destroyed farmers’ crops and devastated families. Much better than my description sounds!
Cindi Timper says
I just read Unprotected by Billy Porter a memoir. His life story growing up in Pittsburgh PA to winning an award in recent years for his role as Lola in Kinky Boots. Made me laugh and cry.
Also fishing the 19th or 20th book in the Seaside Series by Joann DeMaio … this series follows the lives of 30 somethings living in a seaside town in Connecticut.
Regina says
Recently I have been re-reading all the Mary Higgins Clark books that I read many years ago. I now have read almost all the ‘stand alone’ books and am now reading her ‘Suspicion’ series. I am really enjoying reading her books a second time. MHC is a master at weaving her mysteries and keeps readers guessing until the very end.. I enjoy reading when I ride my recumbent bike daily, before going to sleep, and anytime I get a few minutes, especially in Dr. waiting rooms.
Mo Parrow says
I love this author.
Elizabeth Rhymer says
I’ve been a fan of Liane Moriarty ever since I read her book What Alice Forgot which is about a woman who wakes up thinking she’s happily married with her first baby on the way but discovers it’s 10 years later and she’s got three kids and is about to get divorced and nothing about her life is what she thought it was or would be. HOW DID SHE GET HERE? Great read.
Mo Parrow says
Great book and author.
Jill Flores says
Favorite book I’ve read recently: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This is a story about s brilliant female scientist in the 60’s, when women were not welcome to work in this field. She faces many challenges and find a way to create a unique opportunity for herself and a way to reach thousands of other women through s cooking show on tv, where she mixes in chemistry with the recipes, and a sprinkle of wonderful life lessons. I also feel in love with her dog. You’ll have to read the book yourself to understand why, but I guarantee, you will love him too!
Mo Parrow says
Sounds interesting. I am going to look into her books.
John Salley says
One of my favorite books is Dean Koontz’s Watchers. I have been following this page for quite awhile now. Excellent recipes. Several have been added to our regular line up of meals.
Colleen says
Good morning Mary!!!
A recent book that I read was phenomenal, “Signs The Secret Language of the Universe”, author Laura Lynne Jackson. It is such a beautiful book!!
I just want to thank you for all of the yummy recipes, I always look forward to your email!!
Have a fantastic day!
Colleen
Mo Parrow says
Book sounds interesting. Recipes are great.