DIY: Pineapple Flowers

I love this idea.  First of all, it looks very chic and then to find out it is a slice of pineapple?  This is a great little trick to have up your sleeve for parties.  While you are prepping for the event or even getting yourself ready you could be simultaneously making the perfect cupcake topper.  My thought on this is if you made the cupcake topper let the local bakery handle the cupcake.  We are just saving time all over the place! 

Spotted: Bee Clutch

So, I have been looking for ways to incorporate color into my summer wardrobe.  I love when I see other people wearing the bright neon yellows and greens that are hot this season.  But let’s face it, when I try it on I become a little self conscious and it always end up going right back on the hanger quickly.  That is why I was so excited to see this Bee Clutch.  It looks small in this photo but check out the link and you’ll see it has some substance to it.  This is my solution, a cute pop of bright yellow that will go with almost any outfit.  It would be great for summer weddings and parties.   

It’s funny how I use to not want to buy things from the U.K. because I thought that it would take forever to get here, like they had to put it on an ocean liner because that was the only way to get it across the big vast sea.  Meanwhile planes do fly in daily and it is just as fast as ordering from the states…silly me!

No Bake Desserts

Nobody wants to crank up the oven to start baking in the middle of summer.  The deliciousness you see in the above photo is a no-bake Oreo icebox cake.  I think this proves that you don't have to skimp out on the desserts when you have options like this.  If you were looking for something maybe not quite so delicious (aka caloric) there are more possibilities here.

Link Love

BHG.com
I love it when healthy and dessert is in the same sentence.

 Real Simple
Cute and simple summer centerpiece.

Decoratrix
Great Idea...use bracelet storage as decor.

Two Tarts
Vanilla and Pear Cocktail

Summer Hoedown

I’ll be honest, this drink had me at Hoedown.  But not only does it have an awesome name but the color is sensational and it is served in a JAR!  I also really like the fact that it is topped off with beer.  Many times the guys in the crowd tend to shy away from the cocktail of choice because they think it is overly sweet or girly.  Just wait till they see you pouring in the Hoegaarden. 

DIY: Sisal Trivets

I was recently buying some pillow inserts at JoAnn's when I noticed that there were tons of mothers buying arts and crafts projects to keep their kids busy during the summer.  When I saw this sisal trivet tutorial from Hi Sugarplum! it reminded me of those mother's desperately throwing all kinds of objects in their carts.  This looks fun, time consuming and the finished product is a great asset to your outdoor summer dining.

Spotted: 3 Tier Cake Stand

This lovely 3 tier cake stand is perfect for outdoor entertaining.  It seems that even though you are outdoors you never have a lot of surface space for setting out snacks, food or desserts.  This practical little piece is $35 and you don't have to worry about it breaking if some of your flailing friends suddenly start to get their dance on. 

I imagine it would look lovely with refreshing cups of watermelon, individual crudites with hummus and at the end of the  night you could replace the food with candle holders and have instant moveable ambient light.

Chocolate Nutella Strawberry Shortcake

Looking for a summer dessert that says yummy and wow at the same time?  How can you go wrong with The Food Librarian's Chocolate Nutella Shortcake.  This is the ultimate summer dessert and the addition of Nutella is just the right amount of pizzazz.

Link Love

Culinary Concoctions by Peabody
Banana Fosters Crumb Cake

CasaSugar
Frame Art

Mountain Mama Cooks
Yummy...homemade salsa.

Project Wedding
Menu printed right on a belly band, genius.

Limeade

Limeade is definitely the ugly stepsister to lemonade and to be honest I'm not really sure why.  It's not hard to score limes, as a matter of fact they are right beside the lemons in almost every store.  Actually limeade for me brings back childhood warm and fuzzies.  You might be picturing a mom standing over a juicer with a lovely apron on but that is not the one.  It's the one where you pull up to Sonic and press a button.  Still a great memory though.

I'm having a few people over this weekend and I think it's about time lemonade took a back seat.  I found this recipe from The Salty Pineapple that adds a hint of condensed milk for creaminess.  That might be the touch we have been looking for to help take away a bit of the bitterness and propel limes to the top!

DIY: Neon Dipped Flower Pots

Check out these cute little numbers from the Armelle blog.  It is no secret that I have a love for succulents but they look especially awesome with the addition of neon to the terracotta pots.  The Armelle tutorial shows you how to easily achieve this look and I think it is the perfect personal touch for a summertime gift.

Spotted: To Go Containers

I've always been one that needed a little enticement to pack a lunch.  When I saw these cool little to-go boxes from Crate and Barrel I knew they would be just the push I've been needing.  Not only are the colors rad but they will make my leftovers feel like restaurant take out.

Green Olive Dip

I love olive tapenade and can’t wait to make it a dynamic duo with this green olive dip.  I love the color and it looks tasty and fresh.  Now if I could get my crostini to look this picture perfect. 

Link Love

Splashes of Joy
Plan a lovely pool party for the Queen…complete with human flotilla's of course.

Smitten Kitchen
Strawberry and cream biscuits.  What a way to wake up.

The Lennoxx
What a way to welcome a baby.

Pennies on a Platter
Oven baked tator tots!

Festive Fruit Labels

Sometimes all it takes to make something a little snazzy is to hit the print button.  Thanks to Eat Drink Chic this is one of those times.  The summer months are all about entertaining whether it is a lazy Sunday brunch, a rooftop bbq or a picnic in the park. Just pick up a couple of cute bottles (they sell the above at The Container Store) and you have a fun juice drink or even better and addition to prosecco or champagne.  Whatever the case, for minimal effort you'll cause a big effect!

Sweet Paul

I’ve been looking for a way to incorporate a cake stand type look into outdoor events.  I think Sweet Paul came up with the perfect solution.  Love the rustic look and all it took was a couple of tart pans and some old spools.

Spotted: Metal Chairs

Does you outdoor area need a little sprucing up…maybe some color?  Check out these cute metal chairs marked down to $39.99 from $79.99 here.  They are lightweight and the floral cutouts are very chic.