Perfect Picnic Sandwich

Just looking at this photo makes me want to take a big bite...salty ham, creamy brie and crusty bread.  It's very French and perfect for your picnic basket. My suggestion would be to buy a good cut of ham and don't skimp on the jam.  Wrap in parchment and tie with some twine and you will have everyone saying ooh la la.  Get the recipe here.

Cool Find

If you are looking for something cute and inexpensive to spruce up your outdoor space for summer...this is for you.  Check out these cute outdoor lanterns from Z Gallerie.  Not only are they a hip shade of neon which is so trendy right now but the small guy starts at $7.95. 

Link Love

Marcus Samuelsson
These would be a great to have on hand for summer parties.

My Home Ideas
Making nap and reading nooks a part of your architectural plan…love it.

Martie knows Parties
Cute smore's set up

Sweetapolita
Birthday Cake Shot!

Memorial Day

Thanks to all who served in the military, past and present.  We appreciate you and this day's for you.

Perfect Little Pies

Food. 

 Let's face it. Everything looks cute in a mini version. From baby/toddler clothing to cupcakes, if you see a small scale version of an original, you instantly like it a bit more.

 One of my favorite minis is mini pies. A big pie makes me feel guilty, a mini pie makes me feel like I'm eating a "diet" version :)

 There are lots of ways to make mini pies using cupcake pans or pre-made crusts/tins, but I kind of like this version from Sur la Table.

With this version, it has nice fluted edges and a cutout top to give a a more finished look.  And so you can take your little pie out without destroying it, the bottom lifts out for easy release.  Genius!!  

I see a cherry or blueberry mini pie in my very near future.

Vinity Case

I have a few wine shops that I frequent and each serves its own purpose as well as its own price range.  I have one that I stop by if I need a recommendation and don’t mind spending a little more for the occasion.  This particular wine shop is run by a guy who talks with his teeth together which gives him kind of an accent which I refer to as “the know it all” accent.  I do believe he lays in wait for me to enter so he can breakout his glossary of latest and greatest wine terms.   I always take a deep breath before entering, but I am willing to endure him because he knows his stuff.  

Long story even longer, basically I asked him for a Rose recommendation and he but a hat box on the counter!  He said (teeth gnashed together) “This Rose is divine.”  And it is. ..plus it costs around $28.00 for the equivalent of 3 bottles.  If you have a picnic or pool party where glass is frowned upon, you can’t go wrong with the Vinity Case.

Moonshine Madness

Liquor.

Last weekend I was perusing the shelves of our local wine/liquor store for a nice Cabernet to have with dinner, when I was pulled in a totally different direction by this packaging.  Adorable and approachable packaging pulled me in, but what is this?

Moonshine?!?!  Moonshine is scary and puts hair on your chest, it does not sit on the shelves of our quaint little wine shop.  However, they must have chosen to stock it for a reason.  And my guess is that this delicious looking variation, below, had something to do with it.

Moonshine cherries cannot be too scary.  I mean...I love a drunken olive at the end of my martini.  Surely, this concoction could make one hell of a cherry coke.    So I think even though I am a bit frightened, I might give this new booze a go over Memorial Day weekend.  The packaging will look adorable on a spread during a cookout.  And I have an extra day off to recover if the White Lightening strikes one too many times.

Link Love

Tuesday Inspiration.

Poppy Talk
DIY tiny envelopes that are so adorable.

Jak and Jil
Lovely retro and blue in Paris.

The Kitchn
Roasted strawberries and brie on a baguette.  OMG…yum!

Eat Drink Chic
Hanging bud vases make an amazing focal point at this wedding.

Summer Salads

How much potato salad and macaroni salad can one person eat?  I know…a lot!  But if you are getting tired of the same old salads at every get together, check out this spread.  The salad shown is tomato, tomatillo and corn salad with avocado dressing.  Sign me up. 

Designer Dad Inspiration

You know I like to share when I run across a blog that gets me all kinds of inspired.  Check out Designer Dad it won't disappoint!

Summer Treats

Every once in awhile life gets in the way of the best laid plans.  That's when mail order treats can be a lifesaver.  Yes, you may have to pay a little more but sometimes the payoff of time is worth the dollars spent.  If you catch yourself in a situation where you had plans of bringing a fabulous dessert to a soiree or even making a fabulous dessert for your own party but couldn't quite get it done.  Here are a few of my favorite online treats...not only are they tasty but the packaging is super cute as well.

 Beachy Cream

Sucre

Jeni's splendid ice cream

Whimsy and Spice

West Elm Tabletop & Tacos

Home Decor and Recipe.

When I saw the most recent entertaining serve ware from West Elm, I was pretty excited to have an excuse to throw an outdoor shindig this Summer where I could use them.  I mean the crockware, the tortilla baskets, the cute fish-motif plates...how fun!?

And then I was digging around a bit on their site and stumbled upon their blog, complete with a delicious set of recipes for using in said adorable serve ware.  Fantastic! 

So if you would like to know how to make this yummy looking Baja Fish Taco dish with Pineapple Pico de Gallo and Chipotle Crema, just click here.  And if you want to buy the dishes to serve them on, just click here.  Instant party!

Link Love

Epicurean Mom
Blueberry Lemony Goodness!

Armelle
How fun.

Etsy
These gift tags are adorable.

Betty Crocker
What kid wouldn't be excited about this cake.

Sake it to me!

Drinks.

I like to think that I have a pretty good handle on the world of libations.  If a menu full of signature cocktails sits before me, I can navigate my way to something that will suit my taste no matter how foreign some of the ingredients.  If a wine list the size of War & Peace is plopped in my lap, I can find a region and varietal that will pair nicely with my meal.  But when I am faced with choices of sake, I pretty much just close my eyes, point to a selection, and hope for the best.

So when my local wine merchant absolutely RAVED about the new Hiro Junmai Ginjo Sake, my ears perked up. With a palatte that is"crisp and smooth, with hints of fruits and vanilla, and a savory sweet potato bread, white mushroom, tart cherry and jicama subtle nuances", what isn't to like?  So now I finally have a go-to sake!  Aren't you proud?


And because sakes do make for a lovely cocktail, I might even try this recommendation from Hiro, The Super Hiro.

The Super Hiro
2.5 oz Hiro Junmai Ginjo Sake
1 oz vodka
1 Japanese cucumber cut into rounds for garnish

Pour Hiro Junmai Ginjo Sake and vodka in a cocktail shaker over cubed ice and shake well. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a slice of Japanese cucumber.

Easy Summer Dessert

                       

Every summer I look for desserts that are easy to prepare but still delicious.  This year I am going with grilled pound cake with fresh berries.  It’s as easy as mixing sliced strawberries and blueberries with a little sugar and then adding a splash of Triple Sec and letting set for 30 minutes.  Brush slices of pound cake with melted butter and grill, flipping once, until toasted.  Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.  

The best part is you can make your pound cake ahead of time and freeze so you always have it on hand.

Serena & Lily

Home Decor.

Have you guys seen the new Summer selections from Serena & Lily?  I am just swooning over these beautiful and airy outdoor dining pieces.  Bring on the warm weather and outdoor BBQs!

Zucchini and Ricotta Galette

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and when looking to impress who better to turn to than Smitten Kitchen.  Check out this beautiful and delicious zucchini and ricotta galette.  It would make the perfect addition to a Mother’s Day brunch and I love it when food doubles as décor.

Link Love

Tuesday Inspiration.

Grey Likes Weddings
I love the gingham and burlap wrappings on this pastel bouquet.

770 Behind the Line
Mixing patterns never looked so good.

Sprinkle Bakes
Deep dish tart?  Yes, please.

Once Wed
Now this is an amazing touch of light.

Sun Protection

I’m not the best at remembering the sunscreen except in very obvious situations.  I don’t always remember to apply on a day to day basis which is really just as important.  I often find myself driving around with the sun beating in through the window thinking, “Why didn’t I apply sunscreen?”  

That is why I was so excited to see that they are now making sun protection wipes that fit easily inside our purses and are best of all EASY to apply.  I love when a product comes along that makes life easier!