Knock-Off Wood

DIY.

So I’ve been trying to find an inexpensive solution for an outdoor dining table and chairs. Unfortunately, even my favorite “low-price” retailers charge a bit more than I wanted to shell out for a temporary outdoor solution. That’s when I got the bright idea that I could build my own table and chairs. I didn’t really have a plan but I still thought it was a good idea.

Luckily, I stumbled across Knock-Off Wood. This brilliant site teaches the inexperienced carpenter how to make their own versions of popular store-bought options. Each instruction sheet gives you a shopping list, cut list, tool list and in-depth directions with drawings.

And here is our final result. We’re so pleased and we saved a bundle by building it ourselves.

Paper Globes

DIY.

I was immediately smitten with these cute, easy DIY paper globes found on Here Comes the Sun. With just a few products you can add visual interest to any get-together. As an added bonus if you are running low on time it is a great project to give the kids. So buy your card stock and check out the tutorial here.

Picture Perfect

Hanging Pictures.

I love the look of grouping lots of pictures of different sizes along a wall. What I do not love is trying to hang them by trial and error, leaving a trail of nail holes along the way.

A quick and easy way to avoid this problem is to create picture templates out of paper. Then using painter’s tape to adhere to the wall, create a mock-up of the display. When you’ve perfected the arrangement, you can even measure where the hanging mechanism falls on the back of the frame and then hammer the nail directly into the paper template. Then just tear away the paper and hang the photo/artwork.

Isn’t that easy? And think of all of the extra nail holes, fussing, and swearing that you saved.

Pork in the Mail

Food.

With Father’s Day right around the corner I always keep my eyes open for fun things that I think my dad would enjoy. Nothing says, Happy Father’s day like pork in the mail. That’s right, you can get cured meat such as delicious thick sliced Hereford pancetta, black pepper tenderloin and Spanish Paletilla Hungara delivered right to your doorstep.

Bolzano is a Wisconsin based company that sends Artisan meats in an airtight envelope that is good for up to one year unopened and unrefrigerated. It lasts for six months once opened. If charcuterie is something your dad loves but has a hard time finding the perfect cuts of cured meat then this is the perfect pork gift package.

Link Love.

Tuesday Inspiration.

Emma’s Design Blog
I am absolutely loving the contrast of the black picnic table against the stark white walls and floors in this interior!

Style-Files
Forget the checker tablecloth. This picnic is divine.


Sunday Suppers
What an adorable and original food favor…beet root potato chips in brown paper bags.

Velvet and Linen
This place setting has a lot going on, but it works. Love it.

Blended Cherry Mojitos

Cocktail Recipe.

My husband and I ended up having an impromptu gathering last Saturday night. It came together very last minute which required a mad dash to the store to pick up a couple of items. We decided to grill some chicken and shrimp for fajitas. Luckily, earlier that day I had just watched Giada make a delicious looking drink called Blended Cherry Mojitos. Since I hadn’t stopped thinking about the frosty beverage I decided this was the perfect venue to give it a whirl.

All I can say is that this is definitely my new favorite summer drink. Unfortunately the grocery store was out of frozen cherries, so I grabbed a couple bags of wild Maine blueberries. The change in berries did not make one ounce of difference, the drink was still refreshing with just the right combination of tartness and mint. A couple of guests even commented that they didn’t know why they would ever drink anything else.

Definitely give this drink a try you will not be disappointed. Two things that I will caution you about is the drink is the consistency of a slushy, so better suited for a casual get together. Due to the berries it can also leave you with a gleaming purple smile, so if you are trying to capture Kodak moments this may not be the drink for you.



Blended Cherry Mojitos

Ingredients
1 pound bag frozen pitted cherries
2 cups crushed ice, plus extra to serve
½ cup packed fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)
1 cup citrus flavored rum
1 2/3 cup Lime Simple Syrup
Lime wedges and fresh cherries for garnish

Directions

Place the frozen cherries, crushed ice, mint leaves, lime juice and simple syrup in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Pour the mixture into chilled glasses and top with crushed ice. Garnish.

Lime Simple Syrup
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
3 limes, zested

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and lime zest over medium heat. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat an allow the syrup to cool.

Yield: 1 2/3 cups

My Cats Heart ModKat

Pet Product.

Though litter boxes aren't necessarily a topic you would equate to entertaining, few things could put a damper on a party faster than an ugly litter box for all of your guests to behold. That was exactly the problem that I recently faced with our new pad.

Without a good enclosed option that would totally hide a litter box, I had to find a solution that wouldn't completely offend the eye and scream "this is where my cats do their business." So I was pretty excited to find the ModKat.

If you are thinking of converting to the ModKat, I have a few helpful hints:

1. Fill the box with new litter, but add a scoop or two of litter from the old box to help them adjust.

2. Put the box in the same location as the previous box.

3. Leave the lid off for a day or two to help them adjust to entering from the top.

AND...if you happen to be in the Chicago area and want to see the ModKat in person, I would go to Barker and Meowsky (you might call ahead to see if they have them in stock). Their owner has used this box for her cats and offers lots of great tips and help...and they have a million other adorable pet supplies that you'll want to buy as well.

Skoycloth

Household find.

Wow…this product could not have come at a better time. Let’s face it, backyard BBQs are downright messy and it always makes me feel guilty when I see that pile of dirty napkins in the trash afterwards. Well not anymore, I will be purchasing my stack of Skoycloths immediately.

I love the idea of a 100% biodegradable multiuse cloth that can be cleaned in your dishwasher, washer/dryer and you can remove any bacteria in the microwave. Besides the fact, that they are adorable and are equal to 15 rolls of paper towels.



My next BBQ is scheduled for this weekend, so I am off to find a canvas drawstring bag and put the Skoy flower on it so that guests know to recycle their napkins.

Vanilla Sugar

Recipe.

I'm always looking for an inexpensive way to spruce up my daily routine. I've decided to give my morning cup of joe a bit of a boost with vanilla-infused sugar. Vanilla sugar is unbelievably easy to make and store. It can also be substituted for regular sugar in desserts to give it a big flavor burst. Yum...

Vanilla Sugar
1 vanilla bean, whole or scraped
2 cups sugar

If vanilla bean is whole, slice down side of bean with back of knife and scrape seeds into airtight container with the sugar. Bury bean in sugar and seal tightly with lid. Let sit for 1 to 2 weeks.

PS. My last trip to Costco yielded a fantastic deal on vanilla beans.

Personalized Party Bucket

Party Supply.

I must admit that I'm a bit smitten with these Lucite ice buckets from Dabney Lee at Home. You can customize them with different print designs and multiple monogram options. Isn't it the perfect addition to a Summer fete?


And with so many choices...how will I ever decide? Looks like I might be stalking this product online for awhile...