Very Smart Ideas

Zucchini growing longer than your arm? Neighbors run when they see you coming? I got you ✅ Try this delicious and easy to prepare peach and zucchini salad. Bonus it takes five minutes to make.

Ingredients:
* 1 medium zucchini, rinsed and dried
* 2 fresh ripe peaches, rinsed and dried
* 1 small bunch basil leaves, rinsed and dried
* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, or more to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon finishing salt, such as Maldon
* Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:
Slice the zucchini very thinly, or use a mandoline. If the rounds are large, cut them in half. Arrange in a medium serving bowl or on a platter.

Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Slice thinly and arrange around the zucchini.

Chiffonade the basil. If the leaves are small, leave them whole. Sprinkle the basil over the peaches and zucchini.

Drizzle with the olive oil and season with the finishing salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Sprinkle the extra-virgin olive oil over the fruit and vegetable, then sprinkle with the coarse salt and finish with the freshly ground black pepper. Toss lightly, if you wish, and serve at room temperature.

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Open post by verysmartideas with ID 18137566213604390

Zucchini growing longer than your arm? Neighbors run when they see you coming? I got you ✅ Try this delicious and easy to prepare peach and zucchini salad. Bonus it takes five minutes to make.

Ingredients:
* 1 medium zucchini, rinsed and dried
* 2 fresh ripe peaches, rinsed and dried
* 1 small bunch basil leaves, rinsed and dried
* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, or more to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon finishing salt, such as Maldon
* Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:
Slice the zucchini very thinly, or use a mandoline. If the rounds are large, cut them in half. Arrange in a medium serving bowl or on a platter.

Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Slice thinly and arrange around the zucchini.

Chiffonade the basil. If the leaves are small, leave them whole. Sprinkle the basil over the peaches and zucchini.

Drizzle with the olive oil and season with the finishing salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Sprinkle the extra-virgin olive oil over the fruit and vegetable, then sprinkle with the coarse salt and finish with the freshly ground black pepper. Toss lightly, if you wish, and serve at room temperature. ...

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Happy Shih Tzu Day from Taz n Ed 💙

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Open post by verysmartideas with ID 18229932193316406

...

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Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

Today we are celebrating this incredible country and the freedoms so many have fought to protect. I feel incredibly blessed to call America home, and I’m grateful for the opportunities this nation has given my family and so many others.

As we celebrate our 250th year, it’s also worth remembering that freedom and equality have not always been experienced equally by everyone. Women spent generations fighting for the right to vote, own property, build businesses, and have a voice in shaping our future. Their courage reminds us that progress is possible, even when it takes time.

I’m thankful for how far we’ve come, and hopeful for how much farther we can go. May we continue working toward an America where every person has the same opportunity, the same dignity, and the same rights. Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful Fourth of July. ❤️🤍💙

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Open post by verysmartideas with ID 18548555827072806

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

Today we are celebrating this incredible country and the freedoms so many have fought to protect. I feel incredibly blessed to call America home, and I’m grateful for the opportunities this nation has given my family and so many others.

As we celebrate our 250th year, it’s also worth remembering that freedom and equality have not always been experienced equally by everyone. Women spent generations fighting for the right to vote, own property, build businesses, and have a voice in shaping our future. Their courage reminds us that progress is possible, even when it takes time.

I’m thankful for how far we’ve come, and hopeful for how much farther we can go. May we continue working toward an America where every person has the same opportunity, the same dignity, and the same rights. Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful Fourth of July. ❤️🤍💙 ...

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Just in time for the Fourth of July, here`s how to be sure your watermelon is ripe🍉🇺🇸

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Open post by verysmartideas with ID 17933191818336378

Just in time for the Fourth of July, here's how to be sure your watermelon is ripe🍉🇺🇸

...

28 12

We had the best time celebrating Adam and Megan’s wedding last night.

My son Adam met Adam in fifth grade, and from that moment on they were inseparable. They were convinced they’d be college roommates at Stanford and play lacrosse together. Stanford didn’t quite work out, mostly because their confidence far exceeded their study habits. But they did become college roommates at the University of Kansas, proving they got the important part right.

I don’t share too much about my personal life here, but this one felt too special not to. I’ve known Adam since he was 10 years old, watched him grow into an incredible man, and had the joy of watching him fall in love with Megan. Watching these two begin this next chapter was a milestone our family was so grateful to celebrate.

Congratulations, Adam and Megan. Rob and I love you both.

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Open post by verysmartideas with ID 18125877841732896

We had the best time celebrating Adam and Megan’s wedding last night.

My son Adam met Adam in fifth grade, and from that moment on they were inseparable. They were convinced they’d be college roommates at Stanford and play lacrosse together. Stanford didn’t quite work out, mostly because their confidence far exceeded their study habits. But they did become college roommates at the University of Kansas, proving they got the important part right.

I don’t share too much about my personal life here, but this one felt too special not to. I’ve known Adam since he was 10 years old, watched him grow into an incredible man, and had the joy of watching him fall in love with Megan. Watching these two begin this next chapter was a milestone our family was so grateful to celebrate.

Congratulations, Adam and Megan. Rob and I love you both. ...

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I haven’t posted a recipe in a while, but Rob declared this the best salad he’s ever had and our dinner guests all agreed!
So, I thought it was a Very Smart Idea to share it with you.
This salad is fresh, light, and packed with flavor. The creamy, tangy dressing is what makes it truly special. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner on the patio. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your summer recipe collection.
DM me for the recipe, it`s pure heaven!

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Open post by verysmartideas with ID 17931102318099001

I haven’t posted a recipe in a while, but Rob declared this the best salad he’s ever had and our dinner guests all agreed!
So, I thought it was a Very Smart Idea to share it with you.
This salad is fresh, light, and packed with flavor. The creamy, tangy dressing is what makes it truly special. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner on the patio. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your summer recipe collection.
DM me for the recipe, it`s pure heaven! ...

29 20

Blender Egg Salad
Save time and effort with this creamy egg salad recipe made right in the blender with a pop of Dijon and fresh dill. Let me know if you try it and what you think‼️I love hearing how you make it your own❤️
By the way, if you’re interested in learning more about my friend’s super handy condiment bottle holder you can find the information at www. Dunlin.com or find them on social media @Dunlincorporation
I use this deluxe condiment bottle holder to hold mustard and other condiments for buffets, and in the pantry, it’s great for items like honey, and you can even use it in the freezer!
❌🅾️ Gigi

Creamy Blender Egg Salad

Yields: 4-6 servings
Cook Time: 14 Minutes
Prep time: 3 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

* 8 Hard cooked eggs
* 1/3 cup mayo
* 1–2 tsp Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Freshly ground pepper to taste
* 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried) or to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Half the eggs and pop them in to the blender and then add the remaining ingredients.

Pulse, don’t fully blend the ingredients, to keep the mixture from turning into egg paste. Start with 9-10 quick pulses then taste for seasoning.
Add any additional salt, pepper, or dill, then pulse a couple of more times to incorporate.

Serve with toasted bread as a sandwich, with crackers or with lettuce as a roll up.

Note:
Start lighter on the mayo, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

If you want to add veggies to the salad, chop 1-2 stalks of celery, and chop or a handful of chives and pop in the blender with the eggs and pulse along with the eggs.

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Open post by verysmartideas with ID 18052968029722156

Blender Egg Salad
Save time and effort with this creamy egg salad recipe made right in the blender with a pop of Dijon and fresh dill. Let me know if you try it and what you think‼️I love hearing how you make it your own❤️
By the way, if you’re interested in learning more about my friend’s super handy condiment bottle holder you can find the information at www. Dunlin.com or find them on social media @Dunlincorporation
I use this deluxe condiment bottle holder to hold mustard and other condiments for buffets, and in the pantry, it’s great for items like honey, and you can even use it in the freezer!
❌🅾️ Gigi

Creamy Blender Egg Salad

Yields: 4-6 servings
Cook Time: 14 Minutes
Prep time: 3 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

* 8 Hard cooked eggs
* 1/3 cup mayo
* 1–2 tsp Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Freshly ground pepper to taste
* 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried) or to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Half the eggs and pop them in to the blender and then add the remaining ingredients.

Pulse, don’t fully blend the ingredients, to keep the mixture from turning into egg paste. Start with 9-10 quick pulses then taste for seasoning.
Add any additional salt, pepper, or dill, then pulse a couple of more times to incorporate.

Serve with toasted bread as a sandwich, with crackers or with lettuce as a roll up.

Note:
Start lighter on the mayo, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

If you want to add veggies to the salad, chop 1-2 stalks of celery, and chop or a handful of chives and pop in the blender with the eggs and pulse along with the eggs. ...

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One hour to go before the horses run… and it’s still not too late 🌿🐎

This little mint tulip is my favorite last minute trick. It looks so polished, but takes seconds and makes your drink feel instantly special.

If you try it, tell me how it turns out 💚

Not a mint fan? Swap it for basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, or even a simple lemon twist… same vibe, different flavor. Im rooting for So Happy! Have you heard the story 🥹💔

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Open post by verysmartideas with ID 18016128593681805

One hour to go before the horses run… and it’s still not too late 🌿🐎

This little mint tulip is my favorite last minute trick. It looks so polished, but takes seconds and makes your drink feel instantly special.

If you try it, tell me how it turns out 💚

Not a mint fan? Swap it for basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, or even a simple lemon twist… same vibe, different flavor. Im rooting for So Happy! Have you heard the story 🥹💔 ...

20 7

Somewhere between Passover and Easter, if you’re like me and celebrate both, I found this little moment 🤍🐰✨
A soft place at the table where traditions meet, crumbs included.
Simple, meaningful, and just a little bit sweet.
If you’re planning your celebration and want a few fun cocktails to go with it, hop on over to my website at VerySmartIdeas.com

Wishing you a beautiful spring, however you celebrate 🤍

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Open post by verysmartideas with ID 18048870476536830

Somewhere between Passover and Easter, if you’re like me and celebrate both, I found this little moment 🤍🐰✨
A soft place at the table where traditions meet, crumbs included.
Simple, meaningful, and just a little bit sweet.
If you’re planning your celebration and want a few fun cocktails to go with it, hop on over to my website at VerySmartIdeas.com

Wishing you a beautiful spring, however you celebrate 🤍 ...

12 2

Golden, crispy, a little smoky, and just fancy enough to feel special without trying too hard. Store-bought hashbrowns layered with silky leeks, jammy eggs, and smoked salmon—this is the kind of effortless that still feels like a moment. I found this recipe in a magazine recently and changed it up to make it easier Gigi style.

• Smoked Salmon + Leek Hashbrown Bake
• Simple ingredients, elevated just enough
• Recipe linked in profile

Comment “send recipe” and I’ll DM it to you ✨

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Open post by verysmartideas with ID 18575515519038594

Golden, crispy, a little smoky, and just fancy enough to feel special without trying too hard. Store-bought hashbrowns layered with silky leeks, jammy eggs, and smoked salmon—this is the kind of effortless that still feels like a moment. I found this recipe in a magazine recently and changed it up to make it easier Gigi style.

• Smoked Salmon + Leek Hashbrown Bake
• Simple ingredients, elevated just enough
• Recipe linked in profile

Comment “send recipe” and I’ll DM it to you ✨ ...

22 15

A cocktail I had in Arizona with one of my best my friends on one of those perfect evenings after a warm day. Everything just felt easy and beautiful, and since one of us loves rye whiskey 🥃 this one stayed with me. I think you’ll love it too… tell me what you think.

The Witty Comeback

2 oz Rye Whiskey
1/2 oz Amaro
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Ginger Simple Syrup
2 dashes Orange Bitter

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with an orange BUT I prefer a maraschino cherry🍒

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Open post by verysmartideas with ID 18093248365887823

A cocktail I had in Arizona with one of my best my friends on one of those perfect evenings after a warm day. Everything just felt easy and beautiful, and since one of us loves rye whiskey 🥃 this one stayed with me. I think you’ll love it too… tell me what you think.

The Witty Comeback

2 oz Rye Whiskey
1/2 oz Amaro
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Ginger Simple Syrup
2 dashes Orange Bitter

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with an orange BUT I prefer a maraschino cherry🍒 ...

25 12

Do yourself a favor and pick up a shamrock plant before they’re gone. They are easy to care for, beautiful for so much longer than people expect, (thank you Janet, who gave me this beautiful shamrock plant when it was a wee baby three years ago ) and just feel like a little bit of leprechaun magic in the house 🏡 What are you doing for St. Patrick’s Day weekend? And tell me, is anyone making corned beef?

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Open post by verysmartideas with ID 18106079911662726

Do yourself a favor and pick up a shamrock plant before they’re gone. They are easy to care for, beautiful for so much longer than people expect, (thank you Janet, who gave me this beautiful shamrock plant when it was a wee baby three years ago ) and just feel like a little bit of leprechaun magic in the house 🏡 What are you doing for St. Patrick’s Day weekend? And tell me, is anyone making corned beef? ...

57 17

Not sure what’s missing in your interior space?

One of the easiest ways to bring beauty and balance into a space is with something natural. When styling a coffee table, creating a vignette in a powder room, or on a dining table, will not use, is to always add a small arrangement of flowers or greenery. When a space feels like it is missing something but you cannot quite put your finger on it, a touch of nature has a way of quietly pulling everything together.

It does not need to be elaborate. A few stems from the garden, a simple branch of greenery, or a small bundle from the market can instantly add life, softness, and movement to a room. It is one of my favorite design tricks because it works in every home and at every budget, and it makes a space feel thoughtful and welcoming.

I would love to hear how you style your spaces. Share your Very Smart Idea or tell me how you bring a little nature into your home. 🌿🌸

24 17

Open post by verysmartideas with ID 18380331424089395

Not sure what’s missing in your interior space?

One of the easiest ways to bring beauty and balance into a space is with something natural. When styling a coffee table, creating a vignette in a powder room, or on a dining table, will not use, is to always add a small arrangement of flowers or greenery. When a space feels like it is missing something but you cannot quite put your finger on it, a touch of nature has a way of quietly pulling everything together.

It does not need to be elaborate. A few stems from the garden, a simple branch of greenery, or a small bundle from the market can instantly add life, softness, and movement to a room. It is one of my favorite design tricks because it works in every home and at every budget, and it makes a space feel thoughtful and welcoming.

I would love to hear how you style your spaces. Share your Very Smart Idea or tell me how you bring a little nature into your home. 🌿🌸 ...