Good morning! We’re having some gorgeous spring weather here this weekend. The sun is shining through my office windows, the birds are cheerfully chirping outside, and the air is crisp and cool.
We get very few days like this here in Philly. It kind of reminds me of summer vacations in Maine, actually. Here, it tends to go from dreary and blustery and cold to hot and humid overnight, so we revel in this perfect spring-like weather on these rare occasions.
It worked out well since we spent yesterday at an amusement park in central Pennsylvania. Our daughter performed with the jazz band, so we drove out to see her. I’m not exactly an amusement park person, so I was especially grateful for the perfect weather. It would have been pretty brutal if it had been hot and humid or rainy.
They played two full sets of music, with a couple hours in between, so Paul and I had some time to kill. Neither of us can do rides anymore so instead we ate our way through the park, and we stopped at one point for one of those basketball hoop challenges. He made both shots, the show-off.
But of course the highlight of the day was seeing our daughter perform. The band did a great job, and she even had a little feature, which was really fun. It was a long day, but totally worth it.
We’re having some friends over to enjoy the pool later today, so I’m looking forward to that. My son went to the grocery store for me yesterday while we were out of town, which was a total life saver. I really didn’t want to try to fit that in after church today, so now I’m pretty well set on everything we need.
You all often ask what I serve when we entertain. We’re just keeping it simple with hamburgers and hotdogs and some store-bought sides. I even bought the desserts — we love the fruit tarte at Wegman’s, and I recently discovered their cannoli dip & chip tray. Both are so good, and easy for serving a crowd.
The one thing I’m planning to make is this broccoli salad recipe. Has anyone tried it? Or maybe you have a similar one you recommend? I wanted something healthy-ish, and I get tired of plain old veggies and ranch dip. In fact, I don’t even like raw veggies in ranch dip, so I only buy it to check off the veggie box on the menu.
A few weeks ago, I went to a potluck where a broccoli salad was served, and it was so good, so I came home and googled it. Turns out, there are tons of variations out there. It’s the cheese that makes it. I assumed the orange shreds were carrots, not cheese, so it was a delightful surprise when I took my first bite and realized it was cheese.
I don’t think there was any bacon in the one I had, so I was going to omit it just to keep my life easier, but maybe I should include it. What do you all think?
So anyway, that’s about all I’ve got. I need to get off the computer so I can go for a walk before it’s time to get ready for church. I want to take full advantage of this beautiful weather while we have it.
Before I go, I want to tell you about this sports bra I found on Amazon. I’m starting back with my workouts this week (lower body only!) and I needed a new sports bra. Someone recommended this one to me, I can’t remember who, but I really like it. It seems to have really good support, and it’s super easy to get off and on. I appreciate that I don’t have to pull it on over my head, and I especially like that you can adjust the length of the straps from the front.
I also ordered this one to have a racerback option, but I haven’t tried it yet — mainly because I dread having to pull it on over my head. You know how that goes — it gets all twisty and you practically dislocate your shoulder trying to get it untangled and situated properly. But at some point I’ll need it, and I’ll give it a try and see if I can finagle it.
My preference is the kind you can convert to racerback with a simple hook, but I haven’t found one yet since my surgery. They tend to cost more and I was trying to find something inexpensive until I settle into my final size. ANYWAY! If you need a sports bra, and you wear a typical size, this is a good one.
Alright, then. That’s it for now. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
I have been making this recipe for years. My recipe has no onions or cheddar cheese and includes bacon and golden raisins. The bacon is what gives it the flavor!
Broccoli salad is a fave around here. It’s interesting how regional recipes are! I’ve never had cheese in mine, but I can imagine it’d be delish! We DO put in golden raisins, cashews and definitely bacon. REAL bacon, not processed bacon bit stuff. Add the bacon and cashew pieces just before serving to preserve the crunch. So good leftover the next day too as the sauce gets married to the broccoli a little more. You def want to make this a few hours ahead of time! Enjoy!
Interesting additions. I don’t care for raisins and my son is allergic to nuts. But maybe I’ll add sunflower seeds for something like that for added crunch.
Mine has the sunflower seeds. Makes it good. Just do red grapes instead of raisins. Mine has regular raisins not golden but I’ve done grapes too. Lots of different versions.
My recipe has no onions and we add Craisins. But you definitely need the bacon. Bacon makes everything better! Love your blog, by the way!!
We have the same weather here in South Central Indiana. I love this weather, and it’s so short lived.
I have had broccoli salad with bacon. It’s delicious, but when I make it for just myself, I don’t add it. Enjoy!
I received the Eileen Fisher dress yesterday, but haven’t tried it on yet. I need a dress like that.
Let me know how you like it!
Hi Jo-Lynne, definately add bacon…it makes any dish better! (But only if you have it in your fridge. Real bacon is preferred) My mother has made this recipe for years (minus the cheese), in a light vinegar sugar sauce. I do agree it adds a “healthy” dish to the menu. Enjoy your party!
Ok. You convinced me. 😬
I just made a version of that salad for tonight it’s one of my favorites! I add sunflower seeds and raisins
Hi JoLynn, what size did you get in the Amazon sports bra? Reviewers are saying the band runs very small. Thanks!
Yes, I should have added that. I went with 34D which is what I’ve been wearing since my surgery. But the band is very snug on the loosest setting, and I used to wear a 32 in some bras. So maybe go up one in the band size.
We love this broccoli salad for something different! Much healthier without the mayonnaise, cheese, and bacon. Try it sometime!! https://cookieandkate.com/quinoa-broccoli-slaw-recipe/#tasty-recipes-23831-jump-target
Thanks!
I LOVE Cookie & Kate! I’ve found many of my fave recipes from her, but I have not tried this one (but I will, thank you!!!) I do make a broccoli salad, but no bacon or cheese, with dried cranberries, red onion, toasted almonds, and an apple cider vinaigrette– so good!
I have made that broccoli salad, and it’s delicious. Definitely include the bacon:) I have a broccoli salad with grapes, green onions, celery, bacon, and slivered almonds. The dressing is Greek yogurt or sour cream and sugar. It’s a sweet/savory delight. When I get home, I will send you the recipe.
I’d love that!
JoLynne, please share the recipe from Sharel! It sounds very good. Thanks.
Another blogger recommended this racer back bra and its under $20. I haven’t tried it yet, just ordered it yesterday. https://shopstyle.it/l/bHNhf
Sounds like a fun weekend. I caught a beginning of summer break/end of the school year cold (my hubby too) so my husband and I have been laying around all weekend watching the French Open and random Netflix movies. We’ve been sharing the cough syrup and tissue box; romantic huh? 😆 My sons went out and did some grocery shopping for us yesterday too; so helpful.
Quick question: Can you recommend some cute comfortable joggers for traveling that are like Vuori quality but that come in longer lengths? Love Vuori but they’re just too short on me. Thanks!
Heather I thought Jo-Lynne said video had the longer length too? Anyway for another brand I have Zella and so does Jo-Lynne. She could link you to the ones she has. I think mine are Live In. They are from Nordstrom and go on sale sometimes. They are cheaper regular price than Vouri too.
Thanks!
Vuori. has long length. They’re great!
Thank you! I bought a pair during Covid lockdown and loved the make and material but had to return due to them skimming my mid calf! Never saw a “tall” option. Will be checking now!
Here’s a link to the long Vuori performance jogger. https://shopstyle.it/l/bHNzm
Thanks friend! I don’t know why I never saw a “tall” option before. I’m following your link now. 🙂
After submitting my order, it asked how I was referred to their site and I clicked “influencer”…then it asked for the name…so I typed in your name! I don’t know how that works but hopefully it means you get “extra credit!” Thanks 🙂
It sounds like yesterday turned into a very enjoyable day! Way to go Becca! I know that David going to the grocery store for you was a huge help. I hope that the pool party this afternoon is very enjoyable for everyone.
Yes put the bacon in your salad. It’s the only way I’ve made mine. My recipe doesn’t have cheese. I’ve made broccoli salad for years and even the allergy friendly one now with dairy free Mayonaise…..soy free veganaise. We have so many family allergies lots of recipes have been changed or just altogether new. I didn’t pay attention when I clicked on your recipe. Did it have raisins? Mine does or you can sub red grapes. I think making entertainment simple is the key. I tend to over think it then don’t do it as it seems like too much work. Sounds like you have it down. Your weather sounds great. We are having pouring down rain and dreary with 60’s. 🙁 I felt I needed out of town so we drove an hour late afternoon yesterday to a lodge to stay. This morning we got woke up to my husbands fire radio at 4:30 am. Our major paper mill in our town at home had a big fire. He is Fire Chief so we grabbed our things, checked out and drove home fast. We are a small town so usually shorthanded on the weekends so I knew if we didn’t leave he would be fretting all day commanding the fire by phone. So I guess we were not meant to be gone. Lots of money to drive up to spend the night. Well, I got dinner out and trip to bookstore…. My happy place. Lol. Have a great day.
You have to put the bacon in the broccoli salad!! 👍🤩
Now that we are in NC, we have a Wegman’s as nearby as any of the supermarkets, haha! We just love shopping there, and we use the scan app so we pack. our groceries as we shop, then just scan and pay. So easy. We are finding more and more of their semi-prepared foods that we like (the kabobs are delicious.)
Enjoy your weekend! We are having a beautiful weekend, in the 80’s and sunny, and not humid. The pool is calling us after yard work.
Broccoli lovers marinade: 1 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup salad oil, 1 cup sugar, 1tsp salt; mix together in zip loc bag & chill overnight. Walaa!
As someone that wears a 32H, this is my favorite brand of sports bras that don’t break bank. They no longer carry my favorite style. Didn’t creep up during yoga so I ordered about 12 recently and the racerback you ordered is my current favorite
Happy Sunday! Thanks for sharing your update. The broccoli salad I’ve had has bacon and it’s delicious. It’s a great salad for a bbq. I’ve never made it though.
I would love more recommendations for sports bras. I had a style I loved from Victorias Secret but sadly they don’t make it any more. I’m smaller but need the pads for modesty coverage. 😳 I hate the removable ones and I also hate strappy. The one I have has a criss cross back. Don’t you hate when your favorites are discontinued!!
Enjoy your day!!
Definitely add the bacon. My recipe calls for raisins too. I add the golden ones, and really like the sweet raisin contrast to the salty bacon.
I think broccoli salad is best with bacon and cheese! Don’t know if you’ve eaten at Chicken Salad Chick, but they add shredded mozzarella and cheddar to theirs. Yum!
As a true Southerner, anything you can add bacon to, you should! I have always made the broccoli salad with bacon. The bigger hit is always the Asian Coleslaw https://www.diamondnuts.com/recipe/ridiculously-amazing-asian-ramen-salad/
I ALWAYS
A little late here…I make this salad every summer and was thinking about it, then read your post and thought I’d share!
https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/fresh-corn-salad-with-scallions-and-basil.html
Thank you! I just printed that out.
I make this same broccoli salad recipe, using red onion. It’s definitely a summertime fav in our household!