<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0283-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1129" alt="strawberry romanoff" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0283-2.jpg" width="331" height="500" /></a>
<p style="text-align: center;">It has been quite some time since I posted.  Thankfully, the weather has improved greatly in the last few weeks, giving us reason to step away from our electronic devices.  May flew by in the blink of an eye.  We started the month out with a gender reveal party in Springfield and cruised right into garage sale weekend.  What an event that was!  So much work for a modest payoff.  But, despite the winter precip IN MAY!!, we did bank quite a few dollars for our upcoming IVF cycle.  We are eternally grateful to all of those who helped.  By the way, due to the large amount of leftover garage sale inventory, we are trying again this Friday, June 13.  Stop by and see us!  (Message me for details.)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0107-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1127" alt="magic kingdom at dusk" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0107-2.jpg" width="372" height="500" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We closed out the month in a magical way: a week in Florida, complete with one crazy 14-hour day at Disney.  Needless to say, my princess-loving little girl was over the moon with joy.  We are so thankful to my in-laws who made the whole trip possible for us at a time when we truly needed some relaxation but wouldn't have been able to go without their financial support.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0167-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1128" alt="leeks with vinaigrette" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0167-2.jpg" width="500" height="331" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Post-vacation days are always hectic, filled with lots of catch-up work and a return to normalcy.  I've been shooting countless photos per week (and happy to be doing so).  This little beauty, leeks with vinaigrette, makes a light summer side but would really be great any time of year.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0031-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1124" alt="summer pudding" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0031-2.jpg" width="500" height="327" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It's not often that I make something totally unfamiliar to me, but this was my very first experience with the British classic, <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/06/10/recipe-for-strawberry-summer-pudding/mdVvHeR8DE3BSPulg1yskJ/story.html">summer pudding.  </a>  I must say that I was surprised how delicious bread soaked with berry juices and topped with whipped cream could be.  I suppose there is good reason it is a classic.  This is a great option for UPick berries, but I wouldn't attempt it with pale supermarket fruit.  You just won't get that striking dyed effect.  All that said, I do think I prefer the <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/06/10/recipe-for-strawberry-shortcake-romanoff/E8vu0pQ6Q9iOBR0wd9AjVP/story.html">strawberry shortcake Romanoff</a> (pictured above).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0093-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1125" alt="poppies" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0093-2.jpg" width="500" height="331" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Another first for us was visiting <a href="http://www.cantigny.org/">Cantigny </a>and their formal gardens.  Wow.  The place is incredible.  For only a $5 parking fee, you can spend the whole day wandering the grounds and enjoying the views.  There are hundreds of picnic tables as well as a small cafe and several museums.  I can't believe we have never been, but I will surely go again.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0097-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1126" alt="cantigny" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0097-2.jpg" width="500" height="331" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We have so much more planned for this summer.  I'll be blogging periodically to keep track of the big stuff.  But, mostly, we plan to enjoy ourselves and the decent weather.  Oh, and we'll be working on that small but mighty task of making another baby: we've been approved for a late June IVF start date.  Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts.  This is it.</p>