Well, haven’t we all thought that at one time or another. This time it is true. I’m nuts. Nuts for sharing good things. Nuts for sharing the love. And one that will take you from morning to night time snacking.

Although, the sharing part is a bit ironic since this period marks the first time that I haven’t posted on a weekly basis. It actually felt odd and sad and weird, like something was missing in my life. The lack of posts were not because I haven’t been making a mess in the kitchen and inventing. Exactly the opposite. I have been cooking up things to offer you. A different type of offering. Instead of providing recipes that you may not have a chance to make, I will provide the actual result of the recipe. How’s that for an offering? I realize that some of you enjoy homemade but just don’t have the time for homemade. You appreciate the quality and taste of small batch food made with love but just aren’t always able to do that for yourself. I totally get it. So, I’ve launched an idea that people have been suggesting, asking, begging for for years - offering some of my baked goods for sale. (Of course, some of you have also urged me to open a restaurant. Now, I’m willing to tackle some suggestions… Others, not so much, but thanks for the vote of confidence.)

I have been giving baked goods as gifts for quite a while now, and each time I’ve heard, “I wish you would sell these. I would buy them.” So, I pinch my nose and take the deep plunge, starting small with ideas for growth. I’m keeping things simple just to get the ball rolling. My first offerings are my Crunchin’ Coconut Granola and Dana’s Nuts - Spicy & Candied.

My granola is made with oats, coconut, pepitas and sunflower seeds, oil and honey. Pure and simple. Baked to crunchy toasted perfection.

Once you get your bag home, place it in an airtight jar to keep it fresh.

Since I know some of you eat granola regularly, my goal is to offer it on a monthly subscription basis, too. This way you are assured to get your granola every month, just in time to top off your morning yogurt, or evening ice cream. So, I welcome the comments to see if this is a service you would enjoy signing up for. The monthly cost of the granola would naturally be discounted from a single purchase. For now, single purchase is what I can offer, but with your feedback, subscription granola could be on the future horizon.

Enjoy it with yogurt, or milk. Or eat it like my husband does - with a spoon right out of the jar.

My Spiced & Candied Nuts are a mix of walnuts, cashews and peanuts baked with a spice mix and maple syrup. These nuts are the perfect blend of heat and sweet that keeps your hand grabbing for more. Ideal for a cocktail party or just as a snack. (There will be other nut mixes in the future.)

What goes better with a drink then a handful of nuts?

I hope you enjoy these treats. As always, I look forward to sharing with you in best way I know how, stirring life with goodness and love.

Please visit the SHOP page for more details. Happy Crunching.

Shop Granola
Shop Nuts

For those of us who suffer through cold, snowy winters, the wait for warm summer nights is as anticipated as Santa and his gifts. It's the time of year when grilling and gathering are top of mind. Entertaining outdoors can be as easy as grab a plate and line up at the BBQ. Or it can be as elaborate as a formal sit down dinner, and every notch in between. As we wind down the summer and head into cooler days and crisp nights, enjoying early evening dinners is still a joy.

After all the growth of the summer, flowers are still in full bloom. Our yard is like a fairy tale garden.

The view of part of our yard as our guests dine on our patio.

The view from the other side of the patio.

With the yard so magical, I'm less inclined to just throw down some plates on the table, and more likely to toss even the most casual tablecloth down. Usually our outdoor events are daytime, but this time of year the weather is ideal for evening entertaining. Setting the mood doesn't require a great deal of effort. I promise.

Keep in mind that you have to place out the plates, napkins, cutlery and glasses anyway. Tossing a tablecloth underneath, adding some candles and flowers takes but a few minutes more, and creates an entirely different scene.

The key to an evening setting is to create a warm glow.

Lanterns and candles always up the ante and provide that glow that somehow makes it special.

When it comes to the flowers keep it simple. Use what you've got. I like going around our garden and snipping what's in bloom.

These were from our enormous hydrangea tree. The voluminous flower bursts are originally white when in their prime bloom but late in the season turn sage green and dusty rose. They are perfect additions, building on to that warm glow. Without any fuss, simply cut down to size to fit into a few small vintage vases. A simple touch of botanicals that mimic the movement on the tablecloth adding to the romantic feel. Brighter orange napkins turned up the color factor while the green vintage glasses keep the style in a whimsical feel.

And since the weather is still glorious this time of year, there are those occasions when daytime events stretch lovingly into the evening. For this day to night table setting, keep it festive for the day by adding a fun, colorful runner over a darker neutral. Then add those same orange napkins for the color pop. The florals for this setting mimic the boldness of the napkins and keep the eye from having too much to focus on.

The most lively color rose picking up the bold strip in the playfully colored runner.

(When trying to coordinate color for your table, here's a helpful tip for casual entertaining moments. Don't make yourself crazy searching for the perfect color combo. Work backwards by choosing from the flowers that are readily available and then figure out what linens pair well. You can always use monochromatic or white linens and allow the flowers to make the color statement. I came to this conclusion after being disappointed when I had the linens all planned out then went to my florist looking for a specific flower or color, only to come up short.)