I realized the other day that I started this blog a year ago today. I was thinking mainly of the upcoming publication of my book when I started it, but now it is really just a fun way to keep in touch with friends, family, and fellow bloggers. Regarding my book though, I’ve sold close to 100, which is actually a lot less than I originally thought I would have sold by now. What I’ve learned is that marketing could be a full time job, and I already have a few of those! I do plan to advertise on a major Celiac website soon, as I’ve accumulated the costs for advertising there which are pretty steep! So hopefully that will help things along.In other news, IT WAS 100 DEGREES here today! At least that’s what the temp registered on our van display. The kids were watching the display as we ran errands hoping it would get to 100. It was at 98 when we started out. I pulled into the post office parking lot and everyone started screaming, “IT’S 100,! IT’s 100!” Seems like just a few weeks ago I was whining about the cold, and now I’m complaining about heat! Actually, I’m trying not to complain, as I’d MUCH rather be hot than cold!

We went to a local pond today to picnic and swim with friends, ran some errands, went to our CSA farm for the first time of the season, and when we got home the kids went straight for the water hose and tarp for a makeshift slip ‘n slide! Not very many people have air conditioning here, so outside in the shade sometimes feels better than in the house. (We have a few window unit A/C’s , but try to use them sparingly. They have definitely been on the last couple of days!)

And the heat has turned my smoothie making into popsicle making! I was inspired to do this by a local woman who is famous for her homemade popsicles. They are on sale at our farm, and each Saturday at the downtown farmer’s market. I talked to her this past Saturday, and told her about my efforts at popsicle making. She said she uses smoothie recipes too, so I must be on the right track! Pictured above are Pineapple Mango Pops – just frozen mangoes from Trader Joe’s, canned pineapple, a bit of the pineapple juice, and yogurt.

And these are Strawberry Cheesecake – frozen strawberries, sour cream, cream cheese, and yogurt! I’ve also made Honeydew Mint, Banana Chocolate Chip, and Cherry Chocolate Chip. So far they are a big hit – and so much healthier than anything I can find at the store. I even ordered a 10- popsicle mold from Target online this week – excitement! This mold I’ve had for about 15 years from a Tupperware party.
Hope you’re staying cool!