SUNDAY ROUNDUP AND BLOG MODERATION

Before we get started, let's give a super shout out to my girl Kim of http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/ who lovingly does her weekly meme every Sunday about news, reviews, books and great info.  Hey there Kim!


RANDOM STUFF
Yep, it's that time again, and I still have no clue what all happened last week, but I assume I accomplished a few things that I was supposed to because nothing has fallen apart.  Hottie Hubby's mom turned 75 yesterday, so family from Georgia, New York and around NC hung out for a massive cookout to celebrate.  Let me just say this - remember how I feel about cookouts and any food that's cooked on a grill?*heh*

Anywho. Remember all those things that have been randomly planted in the front yard by moi?  I know what I planted, I just don't remember where in the heck I planted them. (lol)  Watermelon, mint, cantaloupe, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, mustard greens and green peppers are popping up all over.  Yes, I know what you're thinking, and no, it would make too much sense to label them the way the rest of the world does it. (lol) What can I say?


DO YOU MODERATE?
Once upon a time, I visited a blog that was super interesting, so I commented by giving some blogger love.  I left to take care of something else, but when I came back and refreshed that page, I didn't see anything. Huh?

Being new to the blogosphere, I commented again, and the same thing happened.  It wasn't until a while later that I realized the blog was moderated so that my comment wouldn't show up until the owner reviewed and approved what I had written.

I don't moderate, mostly because I'm too lazy I think. (lol)  Also, in the history of this Blog, I've only had to remove one comment, and that was due to duplication. I've visited other blogs, however, and seen comments deleted for one reason or another.  On the other hand, I've been to some places where the statements could be considered offensive, are sexually explicit, or just don't have anything to do with the subject matter at hand.   So I wondered - is this why some bloggers moderate what can be placed in the comment section?  Do you just hope for the best when viewing statements or are you just a little bit nervous about what someone is going to say?

SIMPLE AND QUICK RECIPES
One thing that always seems to come in handy for many recipes is Greek yogurt. It can be easily changed into a sauce, dip or marinade very quickly, and it always adds extra flavor to a meal.  Below are two really great recipes from The Summer Table by Lisa Lemke that will have you in and out of the kitchen in no time.

AVOCADO & FETA CHEESE CREAM
1 Ripe Avocado
3 1/2 Ounces Feta Cheese
1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
3/4 Cup Greek Yogurt
Pepper and Salt to Taste 

Peel, pit and chop up the avocado and place it in a bowl.  Crumble the Feta into a bowl and add the lemon juice, along with a little of the yogurt.  Mix everything together into a smooth sauce with a hand mixer or puree it in a food processor.  Then add the rest of the yogurt and season with salt and pepper.  Don't forget the cayenne if you like a little heat.

MINT, LIME & CHIVE SAUCE
1 Clove of Garlic
1/2 Cup Chives
1/2 Cup Chopped Mint
Grated Zest & Juice from 1/2 Lime
3/4 Cup Greek Yogurt
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Finely chop up the garlic and combine it in a bowl with the chives, mint, lime juice and lime zest, and a little of the yogurt.  Mix everything into a smooth sauce with a hand mixer or in a food processor.  Stir in the rest of the yogurt.  Season with salt and pepper.  For a hint of spice, add red pepper flakes or jalapenos.

JUST ONE MORE THING
As you know, I hate to see mean-spirited behavior or anything that could hurt someone's feelings. A close friend of mine gave a really nice gift to a family member the other day, and the receiver complained to her that she knew she didn't wear those type of shoes, but appreciated it.  My friend, who I'll call Jane was sort of shocked.  She felt fairly safe purchasing a pair of these beautiful flat shoes, and had no clue that this family member "didn't wear those"  indicating that there had been a previous discussion about these type of shoes which never happened.  Jane told me that she felt this family member's comment was in poor taste, was accused falsely of knowing something she didn't, and that she just should have been gracious at least to her face, then thrown them in the closet once she left.  By the way, she didn't give the shoes back to Jane. (lol)  What are your thoughts about gift giving or receiving.  Should you be brutally honest if you don't like  a gift, or should you just suck it up, smile kindly and keep it moving?