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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Case for Outdoor Lunches

Since I knew I'd be eating lunch alone this afternoon I made myself a favorite Spring Salad, grabbed one of the books I'm currently reading, and set a place on the patio. Such lovely weather right now........don't want to waste a minute of it.
 

It's so quick and easy to put together a salad like this. I like to use the Baby Leaf Spring Mix from our local Fresh and Easy market......a nice mixture of organic green and red romaine lettuce, green and red oak leaf lettuce, arugula, spinach, and chard. My sister Jane likes to put little raspberries in her salad, but today, since I didn't have any fresh or even frozen ones, I decided to add a few mandarin oranges. Then I topped it off with avocado slices and glazed walnuts.


Finally I drizzled it with Lite Raspberry Pomegranate Dressing......doesn't just reading that name make you feel good?.......and it was every bit as delicious as it sounds.


The place mat and napkin are Laura Ashley, and the salad bowl and plate are some of my favorite inherited blue pieces.

 

As I spent time in California a couple of weeks ago, I had several lovely lunches on Jane's patio.....and today I found myself wishing she was here enjoying this with me on my patio. Still, even lunch alone on a beautiful spring day like today is definitely worth the effort!
Hope you're enjoying your Springtime,

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30 comments:

  1. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeApril 26, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    Such a lovely lunch for one. Love the salad and the tablesetting is fabulous. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  2. SandraApril 26, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    So glad to see a new post from you! Bet it was delicious! :)

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  3. GinnyApril 26, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    Sometimes I actually enjoy eating lunch alone. You made it look so pretty. Now you have me thinking of ways to make some outdoor lunches. Good job. :)

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  4. Old Time CindyApril 27, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    Looks lovely! I'm a salad gal and have one for lunch almost every day.

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  5. ShawnaApril 27, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    Makes me want a salad. Seriously!

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  6. AnonymousApril 27, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    I've never tried glazed walnuts in a salad before but it sure sounds good. And of course you can't beat an avocado on anything. Beautiful salad. Just loved the way you put it all together.

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  7. KristynApril 27, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    That salad looks so yummy! Great blog and thank you for the follow on mine! I am now following you back :)

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  8. UnknownApril 27, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    GFC follow *heavensent1* from the BHS&J Wednesday Hop...ifn you have a moment, please stop by my place and have a look around ~ Mad Moose Mama ~ http://madmoosemama.blogspot.com ~ Have yourself a groovy day...peaces...xoxo

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  9. LisaApril 27, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    You're so lucky to have good weather where you live.....it's not very good right now where I am. I'd love to be able to eat such a lovely lunch on my patio right now! Hopefully somedy soon! You've inspired me....now I just need the opportunity. :)

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  10. LifeBelowZeroApril 27, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Tweeted this!

    New Follower via Blog Hop Skip and Jump
    Life Below Zero
    http://casinofreebies3.blogspot.com/

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  11. UnknownApril 27, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Such a yummy and classy looking meal. It truly looks inviting!

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  12. Lori @ Dining DelightApril 27, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Good for you, creating a yummy meal and nice place setting for just yourself! Its wonderful to treat ourselves sometimes!

    DD

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  13. EbieApril 27, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    That salad looks so refreshing, especially with the mandarin oranges.

    How lovely to be outdoors enjoying the warmth of the sun.

    Carrizo Plain is in Bakersfield, north of LA. Last year's wildflowers were over the top.

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  14. LynnApril 28, 2011 at 3:56 AM

    Your salad looks great and it's always nice to treat ourselves well with a pretty setting-enjoy:@)

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  15. UnknownApril 28, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    Wow! This really tempting! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I appreciate your comments! Salad is the best lunch idea! Returning your follow!

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  16. UnknownApril 28, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    That salad looks so delicious! I love raspberries in mine also:)

    Thanks for following...I'm returning the favor.

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  17. AnonymousApril 28, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    It's so nice that you treat yourself like that. If I'm alone I just scarf down something. Not really very good.Heck, right now I'm eating in the living room while I blog. Thanks for coming by GG2Life. I'm following you back.

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  18. LauraApril 28, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    I need to do this more often...take the time for a special lunch I mean. Love your table setting and your salad recipe. We're having lovely Spring weather now and I think I'll have a lovely little lunch on our patio this weekend. Believe it or not my husband and teenage kids love salad meals...so I truly have no excuse. :) Thanks for the inspiration.

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  19. Lori April 28, 2011 at 11:54 PM

    The salad looked wonderful. So pretty and fresh. I'm you newest follower and hope you'll visit our blog soon!

    Lori

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  20. UnknownApril 29, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    Hi - Found you through the Follow Friday 40 & Over. New follower!
    gigglelaughcry.blogspot.com

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  21. Sandi @the WhistleStop CafeApril 29, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    Yum! The perfect spring time meal.
    Another friday's favorite for sure :-)

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  22. annies homeApril 29, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    Spring is the perfect time of year for outdoor lunches as a child we did more of these than we do now come visit me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

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  23. NanaHoodApril 29, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    Hello there, Your salad was beautiful and you must have some Martha Stewart genes in you to go to the trouble to make everything look so perfect! Yum!

    I am your newest follower. Please visit me at www.nanahood.com and follow me back.

    Blessings to you!

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  24. Sherry @ Lamp Unto My FeetApril 30, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    Love having lunch outside! Love your table setting!:)

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  25. KaterinaMay 1, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    I love the table setting and looks like a great outdoor meal.Thanks for following me I follow you back

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  26. maiylahMay 1, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    now that's what i want for lunch right now! ;)

    thanks for joining Food Friday. Hope to see you again next week! :)

    thanks also for following; followed you back <3

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  27. UnknownMay 1, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Great looking lunch! I am following you back :)

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  28. AshleyMay 2, 2011 at 1:34 AM

    Oooh yum, looks so fresh and delicious! Thanks for following my blog and entering my giveaway, I really appreciate it! I'm now following you too! :)

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  29. life...just sayingMay 2, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Everything looks simply lovely. Thanks for the follow from Sunday's hop. Following back!

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  30. Lori May 6, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    Stopped by for a visit and to wish you a nice weekend.

    Lori

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