Read This - Part 1

Blog Love.

Amber and I are headed to sunny Puerto Rico to coordinate a wedding for a lovely couple. We have been busy for over a year creating unique graphics, DIY projects and making sure that the overall theme is spread throughout the wedding weekend. We are very excited to see the finished products in action.

That being said, our attentions will be focused on the bride and groom over the next week. We decided to share a few of our favorite blog sites. We sat down with our list and realized that it was massive, so we decided to go with blogs that you may not already have on your reader.

For the first blog I want to profile Stylish Events. April does a fantastic job of putting together inspirational ideas and budget friendly tips as well as giving advice and helping you choose the perfect outfit for any event. I can get caught up on what’s hot in a matter of minutes.

April’s list of must-see wedding resources and blogs is priceless. Not only does she break down the resources into categories but she also gives a run-down of what to expect from each blogger.

If you are not already a fan of April’s and Stylish Events…you soon will be.

National Holiday

Fun Fact.

I decided I should get my normal errands done a few days early this week. I’m afraid the banks, grocery stores and department stores will be closed on Monday for National Licorice Day. Yes, that’s right a day devoted to everything licorice. I don’t know who made an official day just for licorice…but I think I love them.

Licorice dates back to the early times of man. Many pharaohs and prophets were recorded enjoying licorice as well as soldiers who used licorice to quench their thirsts on long marches. Licorice comes from a plant called Glycyrrhiza meaning ‘sweet root’ in Greek. During the middle ages, crusaders brought licorice to England where they began producing candy where it made its way to America with the early settlers.

This is a great little fun fact that you can use to brighten people’s day. It’s easy to slip a packet of Twizzlers into your child’s or significant other’s bag lunch. Licorice assortments not only taste delicious but look beautiful as well. Your co-workers would appreciate a handful to celebrate the day as they cruise past your desk. It is such an easy way to add a little knowledge an excitement to a regular Monday!

Snack Attack Solution

Recipe.

With March behind us and Spring marching right along, we’re now in the build-up for Summer. We can look forward to baseball, BBQ’s and bathing suits…eek!!

My Springtime dilemma is that it can still be cool enough to crave comfort food but I have to get rid of the “comfort” around my midsection before it’s time to hit the beach. Since my weakness is sweet treats, I try to find alternatives that make me think I’m cheating when I’m really being good.

I found this recipe for a creamy Pumpkin Pie Yogurt in Shape magazine and I’m so excited to give it a try. It sounds filling, delicious, and healthy. Sweet!

Creamy Pumpkin Pie Yogurt

¼ cup Canned Pumpkin
½ cup Nonfat Greek Yogurt
1 tsp Maple Syrup
½ tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

Spotted: West Elm Birdcage

What I love about this simple, modern bamboo birdcage from West Elm is that it can work in so many ways.

It's a cool piece for decorative interest in your home. It would make a great "collection box" for cards at a wedding. Or even add some flowers inside and place it directly on a table or hang above for an out-of-the-box centerpiece at any party or wedding. The options are endless.

And did I mention that it's only $39? Love it.

Peeps!!

If the Easter Bunny dropped off more Peeps then you know what to do with then this book is for you. This adorable book written by Charity Ferriera will have you making Frosty Peepsicles to refresh on a hot summer day, making a Peeps holiday Wreath to brighten your doorway and with Cinco de Mayo right around the corner a Peepinata.

The book is wonderfully illustrated with simple step-by-step instructions that explain the how-to. It’s a great way to extend the family fun. Pick up a copy for $12.95 at your local bookstore.

Link Love

Tuesday Inspiration.

Cup of Jo
Love this underwater wedding shoot! Tyra would be so proud.


Secrets of Domestic Bliss
This little home bar vignette is so lovely. The green cabinet, the blue printed drapes, the lemon tree, and airy white. Perfect!

the NEO-traditionalist

This old image of Natalie Wood in Manhattan is just one of many inspiring photos featured on this blog that instantly make you want to be more glamorous.

Lovely and Gracious

Bunting made of British Stamps adorning a wedding cake. Cool.

Leftover Easter Eggs

Recipes.

Easter is over and the baskets are stored away for next year, the grass is cleaned out of every nook and cranny and the ham has seen its last omelet. But wait…what is all that color in your refrigerator? Oh yes, the hard boiled Easter Eggs. They served their purpose as decoration and a few hunts but now it’s time to reclaim your space.

Chow website has a great article on what to do with leftover Easter Eggs. They share 8 great recipes that I thought looked inspiring and delicious. Here are a few of my favorites, but check out this link for the full list.

Crisp Pancetta and Egg Salad Sandwich

Asparagus Mimosa

Classic Cobb Salad

Flowers Rock

Plants.

I’m absolutely loving this fresh new take on an indoor plant from VivaTerra!

Using Hawaiian Volcanic Rocks as an anchor, the assortment of exotic plants has been blessed by a Kahuna (Hawaiian Spiritual Leader) and are said to bring joy and prosperity to a home. The rock itself acts like a sponge to water, so you just need to place in on a little plate shallow bowl to protect your counter. Occasionally add water and supply indirect sunlight and you are all set. Joy and prosperity here I come!

A Southern Delicacy

Recipe.

Recently I found myself at a happy hour in Brooklyn that served boiled peanuts. I have heard of boiled (bawled) peanuts but I don’t actually remember ever eating them. My perception was always, “Why would I want to eat a soggy, wet peanut?” Wow was I mistaken, in a word they are “delicious”. I made quick work of the pile in front of me and a mental note to tell the readers about this Southern delicacy.

Although the process is quite easy you will have a small investment in the time it takes to boil these tasty morsels. The boiling process takes from 6-8 hours. But luckily you can make a large batch to store in the fridge and either serve them cold or reheat in the microwave when the craving hits. So anytime you find yourself with a few hours at home why not throw on the stockpot and boil away.

I plan to keep a stockpile of boiled peanuts in the fridge and pull them out for game nights, cocktail hours, movie nights and anytime I want a healthy snack.
Boiled Peanuts

4 quarts of water
½ cup salt
2 pounds of raw peanuts

In a large stockpot bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the peanuts and stir to “settle” peanuts. Cover and reduce to a slow boil/simmer. Check water level every hour and check for doneness. Add more salt if desired. Total cook time could take between 6-8 hours.

Elegant Easter Egg DIY

DIY.

In case you missed this DIY on Design Sponge for how to make Ukrainian-style Easter Eggs, go here immediately. These are just so chic and deserve a place in your table decor this weekend!