The Fourth and Fifth

For the Fourth, we headed to Buck’s Poolside with a few things in tow: Pork ‘n Bean Salad, watermelon stars, and Jolie Blonde Brownies. Recipes and photos are below. 

Pork ‘n Bean Salad (I forgot the photo. It looks like a bean salad.)

1 can Pork ‘n Beanas, drained & rinsed
1 white onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
Dill pickles, chopped (to taste)
Mayonnaise (to taste)
Salt & pepper (to taste)

  • Mix all ingredients and refrigerate. 

 Jolie Blonde Brownies

1 stick butter (room temperature)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 cup flour
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup malted milk powder (more or less to taste)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
Pinch salt
Nuts, baking morsels or chips, or both (optional)

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Cream together butter & brown sugar
  • Add egg and mix until well blended
  • Stir in flour completely
  • Add vanilla, malted milk powder, baking powder, baking soda, & salt
  • Mix well
  • If desired, add your choice of nuts or baking chips
  • Spread into a greased (I flour mine, too) 9″ x 13″ pan
  • Bake for 16-20 minutes or until golden brown and slightly sunken in the center

This time, I did not add anything to the brownies when baking. Instead, I used buttercream frosting and sprinkles to decorate for the Fourth of July. I only got to taste one I scrounged around and found–they went fast!



Mr. Gray also sliced a watermelon for me (at my insistence, of course) so I could make watermelon stars. I just had him slice the watermelon cookie-cutter thick and cut the stars out with cookie cutters. I stuck them in the freezer to help them hold their shape, but I’m afraid they might get soggy if they sit out too long after freezing. Only freeze them if you can serve pretty quickly. I sprinkled blueberries around for color as well.



We had a great time at the Couchs’ with good food and friends. Mr. Gray has been sore today from the adult football game, but he loved every minute of it, I know. Next year, Fabby can teach Baby Gray to swim while we’re there (right, Bean?).

Today we worked on the nursery some more. Mr. Gray did the finishing touches on the floor, and I covered nail holes in the moulding (in the office, too). We got the changer/dresser put together and into its place. The curtain rod, curtain, and decorative stars are up as well. We’ll get the crib done tomorrow. all we need now is the shower and a baby! 

We got the office/art room put back together; it looks different, but good! Some furniture that was displaced from the guest room will make a permanent home in there, and another piece or two was repurposed and put to use. We’re waiting to find a day bed to put in there for guests as well.

The best news? I have my living room back! YAY! No more clutter and craziness! The worst news? I’m not feeling like uploading photos of either room, sorry. 

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