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Tiny White Daisies
I love this striped look.

Inspired Taste
Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal

Donkey and the Carrot
Great way to display your house number.

Carzy Cook
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail...yum!

Pickler

Last week I was picking up my monthly allotment of mason jars which I use for yogurt parfaits in the breakfast packages when I was approached with this question.  “Are you a jammer?” to which I was like “Huh?”  Meanwhile I was picturing myself playing air guitar in my head…thinking…I’ve been known to be a jammer.  When it dawned on me that she had some questions regarding jam as in jelly.  

I have been a “jammer” before in my lifetime but would not consider myself someone who should be giving any kind of advice on the subject.  However, I am thinking of becoming a pickler.   I love pickled vegetables served along meats, in drinks and served in bowls for a tasty snack.  Here is the recipe that I am going to try next week sometime.  However, when I become a “pickler” I think I would like a cooler term to throw around next time I’m shopping mason jars.  Any thoughts?

DIY: Personalized Mason Jars

This is a fantastic idea for a bridal shower, backyard bbq or even Sunday brunch.  In this post they used masking tape to add the hearts but I can't help but feel that a template might be easier.  Any way you do it the idea is fun and cute.

Spotted: Barkboard Rustic Chalkboard

I spotted this awesome combo at Olive Manna.  Now I went through phases with both chalkboards and the rustic tree inspired look but have since moved on.  I must say though the combo is making me reconsider.  What I love most about this piece is the versatility.  It could be used as signage,  a tray for cheese and appetizers or loaded up with lovely mismatched vases for a centerpiece.  The best part is no need for storing you can hang it on your wall for all kinds of lists and inspirational quotes until your next get together.

Stone Fruit Galette

When I need a little inspiration or even just a little pick my up I love to browse Tartlette to see all the beautiful and delicious creations.  I must say this stone fruit galette did the trick.  This will be on the menu this weekend.

Link Love

Glitter Guide
Peonies add just the right pop of color.

Emmaline Bride
To Sprinkle or not to Sprinkle.

All people quilt
Love the idea of pulling family heirlooms out of the moth balls and making them a focal.

Bakers Royale
Strawberry Shortcake on the Go.

Trend Alert: Concrete

Let's face it.  I run across alot of trend alerts in NYC and some I love and some are just meh!  But this one kind of called out to me...concrete.  I like the industrial vibe as well as the versatility that the pieces offer.  Here are a few of my favorites.


Concrete Low Dresser

Pebble Side Table

Concrete Tealight Totem

Concrete Fruit Bowl

Concrete Tiles by Dex

DIY: Rose Petal Ice Cubes

These ice cubes would be a welcome addition to any get-together.  They would look lovely in fresh squeezed lemonade or even as a way to kick up a pitcher of water.  You can use any untreated edible flowers or if you have some herbs that are going to be thrown away...try putting them in ice. 

Spotted: Peterboro Insulated Baskets

My husband will tell you that anytime we do any kind of outdoor entertaining I always spend at least 15 minutes trying to figure out how to hide the cooler.  It's a bit of a pickle because most of the time it needs to be easily accessible.  But nothing is as ugly as a big red igloo cooler in the middle of  your perfectly planned party.  That's why when I spotted Peterboro coolers I actually did a little raise the roof move, luckily I was home so no one saw the move that usually requires at least a 6 pack!  Check these out.

***The tall cooler has optional seat cushions or game boards

Strawberry Cheesecake To Go

When I look at these I think labor intensive.  BUT then I think, they could be made in advance and they would look really chic on a white platter with some blueberry coulis drizzle.  Plus they would be easily transportable.  Bottom line...if you have a little time on your hands and want to make an impression and there is driving involved then this dessert is the perfect solution.

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Rose Dune
Who knew an unfrosted cake could look so beautiful?

Apple Brides
Just some lavendar and mason jars is all you really ever need!

Betty Crocker
Cake batter pancakes…do I have to wait for my birthday?

Flourishing Foodie
Could it be an alfredo that is healthy?

Grilled Bananas Foster

This is a great way to kick up your outdoor party with some ooh’s and aah’s.  Who wouldn’t love bananas foster hot off the grill.  Grill up those hamburgers and spiral cut dogs and save the “wow” for the end.

DIY-Shrink Plastic Pendants

Looking for a cool craft project for a teen's birthday party or just something to keep the kiddo's busy this summer?  Then you should definitely check out All About Orange's tutorial on how to make these cool pendants.  The project would take some supervision with smaller children because there is some exacto cutting and oven work necessary.  But with a little supervision it could be an activity to get many age groups excited and the creative juices flowing.

Spotted: Sale In-The-Garden Utensil Sleeves

Check out these little beauties in a timeless flower print from BHLDN.  They are perfect for outdoor entertaining or even to jazz up your spring or summer tablescape.   Can't beat the price as they just went on sale for $14.00 for 10. 

Heirloom Tomato Salad

This weekend I had the privilege of eating some pretty spectacular meals along the New England coast.  The one thing that most had in common was the fact that they used fresh, seasonal ingredients that were at their peak of flavor.  I couldn't get enough of the tasty heirloom tomatoes that seemed to be everywhere.  That's why when I returned home I immediately started looking up recipes where I could capture some of the simple yet delicious flavors at home.  I think I hit gold with this heirloom and burrata salad recipe.

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Alix of Bohemia
Who knew painted rocks could look so chic?

Tonya Staab
Cute idea for a kid's party

sheknows
Pinata cookies...cool!

Kitchen Treaty
Perfect hot weather cocktail

Pinnacle Gummy Vodka

Pinnacle has gone and lost their minds!  They are putting anything and everything into vodka these days.  While I’m a little overwhelmed by all the different flavors, I can’t say I’m not intrigued.  I read that all you have to do is mix gummy vodka with lemon lime soda and you have a delicious, refreshing cocktail that tastes like candy.  I like the sound of this cause let’s face it…I like easy to make drinks and I like candy.  I’ll give it a go, but I will have to change the lemon lime to diet,  as not to go into sugar overload.  Fellow hip hostess’ anyone have any helpful hints with the flavored vodka’s?

DIY: Neon Baby Shower

Check out this baby shower at the Armelle Blog that is chalk full of creative and awesome DIY projects that really made the shower unique.

Spotted: Custom Glassware

It's what every family needs...glassware that represents each member of your family.  It's quirky and fun and in my eyes glassware is like shoes, you can really never have enough. 

Happy 4th of July

Celebrate the 4th in Style!

Link Love

Chocolate Covered Katie
Easy to make Nutella Fudge Pops

Savvy Sassy Moms
Great inspiration for your Fourth of July celebration.

Apartment Therapy
Love this pallet table and it would be great indoors or outdoors.

ediTORIal
Patriotic rice krispies

Spiral Cut Hot Dogs

The 4th of July is just a few days away which means grills will be firing up everywhere.  Perfect timing to try this new way of spiral cutting your dogs for ultimate hot doggedness and of course party conversation.  Here are the top five reasons why a plain hot dog just doesn't cut it anymore.

1. The spiral cut hot dog fits the bun perfectly
2. The condiments get in between the spiral cuts giving you the perfect bite
3. The spiral dog cooks straight
4. Able to achieve perfect char
5. More crispy caramelized meat goodness