Summer Dream by Martha Rogers

Today's featured FIRST author is:

Martha Rogers

and the book:

Summer Dream

Realms (June 7, 2011)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Martha Rogers is the author of Becoming Lucy; Morning for Dove; Finding Becky; Caroline’s Choice; Not on the Menu, a part of a novella collection with DiAnn Mills, Janice Thompson, and Kathleen Y’Barbo; and River Walk Christmas, a novella collection with Beth Goddard, Lynette Sowell, and Kathleen Y’Barbo. A former schoolteacher and English instructor, she has a master’s degree in education and lives with her husband in Houston, Texas.


Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Top Ten Reasons I Want to Visit Virginia Beach!

I don’t know about you, but with the economy the way it is, a family vacation has been put on the back burner this year.

But, I can dream, can’t I??

Photo Credit: herrberg

Today, I’m working with Social Moms to give you my top ten reasons I’d want to visit Virginia Beach!

I adore my children, but every mom needs a little break sometimes. I want to visit one of the many spas that Virginia Beach offers! A relaxing massage or soothing pedicure would certainly start my vacation out on the right foot (pun intended)! ;-)

My husband and I love our American history. Virginia Beach offers several museums worth visiting, from lighthouses to military monuments! And, Colonial Williamsburg is also right ‘next door!’ This would make a great ‘summer fieldtrip’ learning experience for the kids, too!

One of the most important things on any vacation for our family is

My New Picnic Essential: S'MOREOs!

This weekend, we honor the beginning of our United States of America. Many of us will celebrate this important day with parades and picnics. It's also a great time to start our summer activities and spend some time with family and friends!

S'mores are a staple at picnics and bonfires all year round. I can take 'em or leave 'em.

I usually leave 'em.

Not the hugest fan of the graham cracker element. (I think they invoke memories of learning-to-eat-solid-food toddlers -- you know. Gooey, soggy...eww).

Anyway, hope I didn't ruin your summertime treat for you! ;-) Do not fear, I've discovered another option for which I am giddy over!

a S'MOREO!!






Ohhhhh.... thank you, random facebook photo, that introduced me to this double chocolatey, sweet oreo cream version!

Iced Coffee

My husband is the coffee drinker in our house. I've tried the dark brew many different ways, but just don't like it. I figure if I didn't develop the coffee habit in college, while pulling cramming-for-exam-all-nighters, I never will.

An icy cold Coca-Cola on the other hand...

Anyway... ;-)

Hubby also likes iced coffee, but has never tried making it at home. He says chilled down coffee with ice cubes just isn't the same.

So, when I saw Ree Drummond's (aka Pioneer Woman) recipe for iced coffee, I thought I'd attempt the cold concoction as a surprise for the man I love.

First of all, PW's recipe and instructions were great. However, the proportions (even halved) were just too much for this 1-coffee-drinker household.

It really made a bit of a mess.

The biggest containers I had were