Cocktail Snow Cones

Adult beverages mixed into snow cones...enough said!

Summer Lovin'

I find myself wanting to update the decor to a little more whimsical and summer like.  Problem is I don't really have a home as of yet.  We are still in a rental for the next few weeks waiting on paperwork and all that fun stuff.  BUT that doesn't stop me from doing a little browsing and putting together a wish list.  What things are you coveting this season?

Hruskaa
Love these sculptural planters and it's a great excuse for an air plant!

OneFortyThree
Loving anything brass and especially lighting and fixtures

Elements of Iron and Wood
Mid Century Inspired Plant Stand

Dhana Design
Whimsical Fun Prints in places you would never expect

Link Love

Super Golden Bakes
Strawberries and Cream Naked Cake

Erika Brechtel
Who said framed photos don't belong in the kitchen?

Hungry Girl Por Vida
Vanilla Mint Lemonade Pops

Town and Country Living
What a lovely summer touch

Peach Lemonade Slush

Lately I've been buying Georgia peaches like crazy and when you get them at the farmer's market they sell them by the basket full.  This has been leaving me a lot of soft, yucky peaches come the end of the week.  So, I started looking for a way to use all of my lovely peaches and this is how I'm going to do it...peach lemonade slush.  It's simple and you can blend and keep in the freezer for as long a you need to.  When the temp hits 101 today, I'm going to be a little happier knowing I can come home to this.

Link Love

The Mother Huddle
Great tip for cooking fish on the grill.

Christian Oth Studio
Cute Packaging

Damn Delicious
Quinoa Veggie Fried Rice

1001 Gardens
Where else would you put your wellies?

4th of July

The 4th of July is a great time to get together with friends and family and try out some of those recipes you've been pinning.  Just in case your file is empty...here a few ways to kick things up a notch.

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Patriotic Fruit Salad

No Bake Cheesecake

Homemade Baked Beans

Summer Decorating

So Saturday was the official start of summer.  In order to give every season it's due, I love switching up the routine a little.  Check out some of these EASY but fun touches for the home to remind you that it's summer and time to get going to the beach, pool, picnics, sporting events, you name it.  Little reminders will help you get the most out of the few months.

Lighten up the Linens (or if you have white...add a colorful light weight throw)

Inject a pop of color...even if you add some green plants or floral arrangements

Brighten up your workspace. Could be your desk, bedside table or kitchen.

Bring in special lighting.  Anytime you add a strand of lights you naturally want to hang out in that area, might turn a night in front of the t.v. to a night dining with wine and great conversation.

Easy Peasy Sandwiches

I won't lie guys this 9 to 5 thing is taking some getting use to.  Don't get me wrong, I worked very hard with hip hostess but it wasn't on a solid schedule.  I usually had a planning day where I could sneak a few of my own errands in.  If I needed to schedule around a hair cut or dr's appointment I could make that happen.  I'm so loving my new job but in order to get all the errands taken care of without sacrificing my weekends...I'm going to have to eat a few sandwiches.  I've been bringing a salad everyday for lunch so I'm entitled to a little bread.  On the plus side, look at these babies.

Tequila Lime Chicken with Guacamole and Chipotle Mayo

Balsamic Blueberry Grilled Cheese

Fried Chicken and Waffle

Egg, Arugula and Proscuitto

Link Love

Cookies and Cups
Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

Homey Oh My
DIY Fireworks drink stirrers for the 4th

Dering Hall
I like the matching backsplash and countertop

Honey and Figs
SKINNY oreo cheesecake pops...could it be?

Summer Entertaining

I love this photo from What Gabby's Cooking...it looks beautiful, gives plenty of options and makes me want to jump right in.  If you want super easy summer entertaining , bruschetta is where it's at!  Throw this on a table for people to pick and choose their favorite brushetta combo.  If you feel like you need to round it out a bit more you could have some petite filet's for the bbq with a side summer salad.  Nice and light but still flavorful and fun.

P.S. I used to serve the spring pea pesto at hip hostess as a summer appetizer and everyone loves the fresh taste and bright color.

Bruschetta Bar

Ingredients

• 1 large loaf of bread, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
• olive oil for drizzling
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 recipe Basil Vinaigrette
• 1 recipe Saffron Tomato Confit
• 1 recipe Red Pepper Sauce
• 1 recipe Spring Pea Pesto
• 1 handful fresh arugula
• 1 cup charred corn (you can take an extra shortcut and grab a bag of frozen charred corn at Trader Jpe's)
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions
• 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms
• assorted cheeses
• assorted meats

Instructions

1. Heat a grill over medium high heat.
2. Generously drizzle the bread with olive oil on both sides. Using a pair of tongs, transfer the slices of bread to the grill and grill for a few moments until grill marks are present. Flip and continue to grill the bread on the other side for a minute more. Remove and set aside.
3. Remove the garlic from it's paper and carefully rub the garlic on the toasted bread to give it an extra layer of flavor.
4. Arrange the toppings on a large platter or table and serve with the grilled bread.