Summer Archives - Kristin Saatzer

Happy Summer!

June 21, 2021 By Kristin Saatzer 6 Comments

Hi friends,

Summer always blows in with the scent of nostalgia: Coppertone sunscreen, pool chlorine, and the faint whiff of musty sand. The finest bouquet.

I am crazy about this time of year—the feel of my library book in its plastic cover perfectly gripped in my hands. Next to me, ice melts in my glass of brewed iced tea. I enjoy these the most with the sound of the ocean merely steps away.

To kick off the season, I thought I’d share a few favorites or favorites “to be.” It’s been a while!

So here are five for you…

Books:

My book club just finished a fascinating book called, The Library Book by Susan Orlean. For fans of libraries and books, this is the one for you. It is about many things, including a mystery fire, bad guys, good guys, librarians, and lively library history. And it is long. But worth it.

One I plan to read this summer: Haven Point by Virginia Hume. It looks like the perfect beach read: Multigenerational with strong women, focused around the family property on the coast of Maine.

(Look for me on Goodreads.com to see what else I’m reading these days.)

App:

The Pause app (www.pauseapp.com or wherever apps are sold)

A one minute (or more) pause in the day to focus the mind on Jesus. Led by the developer and author John Eldredge. I play it a few times a day to quiet my monkey mind. Two thumbs up!

Music:

These days, my best-loved Pandora station is “We The Kingdom”, a contemporary Christian family band with so much heart and passion. Number two is Thomas Rhett. No description needed, of course.

Sports:

Summer and sports go together like peas and corn. Watching my San Diego Padres is a joy. Need a team? They are a blast to watch!

Coming soon- I plan to be hopelessly obsessed with the Olympics (as I always am).

What are you watching, reading, or listening to these days? Let me know in the comments.

May your summer be filled with your favorite things!

Blessings,

Kristin

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.”

Charles Bowden

August: 4 for You!

August 19, 2020 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

I hope you are hanging in there on these hot August days. I have four new, fun things to share with you…

One – My favorite fiction book of the year so far:

Two – Saturday morning good stuff:

https://annvoskamp.com/2020/08/only-the-good-stuff-multivitamins-for-your-weekend-08-15-20/

Subscribe to get it in your inbox on Saturday mornings and receive her beautiful blog as well.

Three – A favorite, non-partisan news source: https://smarthernews.com/

Four – A recipe for your garden veggies and herbs:

Impossible Zucchini-Tomato Pie (serves lots- you can half it)

4 cups chopped zuke

2 cups chopped tomato

1 cup chopped onion

1/3 cups grated parmesan cheese

3 cups baking mix (like Bisquick, I’ve also made this with a gluten-free mix, just use a 1/2 cup less mix)

8 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon marjoram

1/2 teaspoon garlic

Cheese to sprinkle on top (I’ve used mozzarella, jack, and cheddar)

~Heat oven to 400 degrees and grease dish (I use a 15 by 10 by 2). Mix all the ingredients except for the veggies and cheese (that you will sprinkle on top later) with a hand beater. After well mixed, toss in zukes, tomato, and onion. Mix with a spoon. Pour into dish and bake about 30-40 minutes (my oven is weird, yours might cook faster or slower). Bake until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Take out of the oven and sprinkle with the set-aside cheese and let cool. We love it for breakfast or dinner. Enjoy!

Blessings, friends!

PC: Laura Pratt, Unsplash

Four for You for June

June 15, 2020 By Kristin Saatzer 1 Comment

“June is bustin’ out all over!”

Oscar Hammerstein II

Ahhh… Summer is here and I have four favorites for you…

One – Podcast: I love me some podcasts, here is a fun one called, That sounds Fun! http://www.anniefdowns.com/podcast/

Two – Book: This is an important book for our time, written by a wise woman of God:

Three – Instagram Account: You’ll find recipes, organization, design, and more: https://www.instagram.com/real_simple

Four – Recipe: My favorite chicken marinade (mom’s recipe):

Karen’s Best Lemon Chicken Marinade

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1/3 C. Lemon Juice
¼ C. Olive Oil
1 T. Dijon Mustard
2 T. Chopped Red Pepper (optional)
2 Large Garlic Cubes, Minced
½ t. Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper
Combine and marinade in Ziploc bag (the longer, the better)

Grill and enjoy

Summer blessings, friends!

A Summer Reset

June 24, 2019 By Kristin Saatzer 4 Comments

How did it get so late so soon?

Dr. Seuss

A Summer Reset

Dear Time, I give you permission to s-l-o-w down. Thank you.

Spring flew so swiftly. There was not a day when my calendar was not bursting, the days were filled with mostly good stuff (games, graduations, visits from family and friends, award ceremonies, banquets, parties, and end of the school year fun) and I am grateful. But the pace has caught up with me.

So, I need permission to halt, to reset, and get my bearings. My dad was in the hospital last week and thankfully he is recovering well. As I sat with him and watched the action buzz around me, I exhaled and realized that I had not stopped much in these last few months. I picked up my phone and clicked on my recent-past calendar, then marveled at the events and emotions 2019 has brought thus far.

So today is a day to unwind. I am nestled in my backyard as my sweet dog rests her chin on my foot. It is about 75 degrees, as calm winds coil the tall trees. Medicine for the soul.

Summer has officially begun; this year is half-cooked. I can already see 2020 preparing to rise in the skyline. I’ve come to learn in these years of living prayerfully and intentionally, that early summer is an excellent time to retune and reflect. To rest and breathe. To soak up the sun and beautiful breezes of this fleeting season. To talk to God about what was and what is to come.

Now, I invite you to get alone and join in on some self-reflection. So, let’s take a deep breath. And then another… as you think on what the last six months have held for you, and what you look to next, ponder the following. Continue Reading