Espresso Mud Pie

I prefer cake to ice cream which is why ice cream cake doesn’t really do it for me. I always end up wishing I had more cake than just a VERY thin layer at the bottom. Of course, I am basing this on Carvel’s ice cream cake since that is what everyone on the east coast seems to serve.

That being said, ice cream pie is a whole different story, because I would choose ice cream before pie. I know, my life is so complicated. So, when I saw a layer of espresso gelato covered with chocolate ganache all sitting on a cookie crust I knew it had to be good. Rich chocolaty goodness followed with a caffeine kick…sign me up.

Crock Pot Pork Tacos

Recipe.

When it is hot, hot, hot outside I do not, not, not want to be standing in front of the stove to make dinner. And sometimes, I don't even want to be standing in front of the grill baking in the sun. If you are having one of these days, you need to bring out the slow cooker and try these pulled pork tacos.



My aunt and I whipped these up for the fam this weekend, and I believe we all said "OMG" about 1000 times out of pure happiness. One word to the wise, when you microwave the dried peppers to make them more pliable, be prepared for some potent smoke/fumes...but it passes very quickly.

And I'd definitely recommend topping these yummy delights with a little queso fresco and pineapple salsa. It's the perfect mixture of spicy, sweet, and creamy. Here's a quick and easy pineapple salsa recipe that worked well for us:

Pineapple Salsa
Makes enough for 8 tacos

1/2 whole pineapple, cut into small chunks
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 red onion, diced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
juice of 1/2 lime
salt & pepper to taste

Combine all of the above ingredients and allow to sit for 10 - 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Zucchini Chips

Okay, we might as well go for the trifecta. If I am already throwing kale and radishes into the oven, why not cut up some zucchini? I think these low calorie healthy veggie chips are the perfect summer treat. They would be great on road trips, or how about something to munch on while you’re by the pool or at the beach? I like the idea of a girl’s poker night with baskets of veggie chips sitting on the table.

Milk and Cookies

Great idea from Family Chic! Reused green Schweppes Ginger Ale bottles with just a straw and some store bought butter cookies. This easy idea would be great for a children’s birthday party or part of your candy or cookie display table.

Link Love.

Tuesday Inspiration.

CocoCozy
An all white vacation house that is just so chic…



Ruffled
I am absolutely swooning over the mixture of hanging flowers and stationary flowers in this Greenhouse Wedding inspiration shoot.



My Retro Baby
A baby fedora. Practical?…I have no idea. Adorable?…yes!!



The Kitchn
Homemade cotton candy without a machine.

Balloon Banner

Party Decor DIY.





Goodness, this balloon banner from Design Mom is such a wonderful backdrop for her toddler's first birthday!

And the easy DIY makes it totally doable for anyone to attempt on their own. For the low, low price of balloons, endless color possibilities, and the dramatic effect, this is a no-brainer. How fun!

Ice Cream Cookie Cups

Who needs a waffle bowl when you can have chocolate chip cookie bowls? This would be great for a backyard bbq or your 4th of July celebration. I haven’t tried it yet, but I have to believe, it would best served outside. The probability of it getting messy is pretty high!

I plan on putting a Hip Hostess spin on these to make them cocktail party worthy. Instead of using a muffin tin, I am going to downsize and use a mini muffin tin and fill each bite size cup with a tablespoon full of mint sorbet and serve with an ice cold Limoncello.

Infuse your Independence Day

Cocktails.

We've talked about how amazing homemade infused alcohols are on the HH blog...and they truly are amazing. But the one downside to infusing liquor, is that it takes time to do it just right.

So if you are planning to host a 4th of July Bash, now is the time to get started so you have a perfect custom cocktail.



Here's a great tutorial on exactly what you need to do...as well as some great combo ideas (Figs & Bourbon...yum!!).

I think that I'll make a couple of small batches to test first (if you do small quantities, it should only take a week or so to develop the flavor). Then once I have the perfect blend, I'll bring out the big mason jars and start my own liquor laboratory. Now that's a science experiment that I can get into!!

Handy Little Box

I saw this box on Etsy and thought I would share. I love the fact that it is simple yet still stylish. It’s $10.00 for the set of 12 which includes the box, parchment and baker’s twine. If you are responsible for bringing a dessert to any type of outdoor fun, this would be the perfect packaging.

You could use a slice of pie, cake or strudel. The best part is that once you set down your dessert you never have to worry about it again. You don’t have to track down your plate or cake knife (which always disappear) or worry about being available to slice. Best of all it is covered so you don’t have to worry about flies in your frosting. Everyone can easily help themselves and then everything is recyclable when finished.

My suggestion is to put an order in now so you’ll have them on hand to grab and go for your next outdoor event.

Make Your Own Havianas

Fashion.

In summer, I practically live in flip-flops. And I know that I'm not the only one. My absolute favorite brand is Havianas. They are comfortable the very first time you put them on (no between the toe rubbing or blisters with these puppies) and come in a wide variety of colors. So I was extremely excited when I saw this:



That's right. Customized Havianas. Yes!!

I can't wait to create my own custom combo for the beach and weekends. And these would be great favors for a Spa event. Or a bridal party gift for destination weddings. Or to have on hand at a family beach house...match your decor perhaps. The possibilities are endless...