Picnic Inspiration

 

 I had every intention to post this picnic inspiration board on the Friday before Memorial Day, but just before I was about to sit down to finish it, the power went out for a few hours.  I'm not complaining, just explaining.  Then I thought I can still publish this post because picnics are an all spring and summer thing right? 

 

I found this lady like fabric that inspired me to think about a lady's picnic filled with floral details.  Put down a special blanket.  This one that I found is obviously made for a couple, but you get the idea.  By the way, that blanket would make a great wedding gift.  Don't you think?  I'm in love with this vintage tea set and basket.  Sip something cool from these little printed straws.  And don't forget to dress yourself up too.  I found these gingham printed earrings.  

Cloth 2 U
PBxH//Maggie Mae Vintage
Terrain//Lennon's Lovelies

Buy a Cup for a Cop

Somewhere Splendid

 

I, like so many other Americans was following last week's events in Boston and Texas.  I watched, read and listened about the brave first responders who as always, comes to the rescue of all of us.  Maddy over at Somewhere Splendid was also moved by last week's events and has started a fantastic movement to show a bit of gratitude to first responders by simply buying them a cup of coffee and she has put a call out to her readers and bloggers to spread the word about the movement.  I absolutely, positively love this, so here I am doing my part.  I personally have some first responders in my life and I know that it is sometimes a thankless job that involves lots of hours and lots of sacrifice for not only police officer, firefighter or emergency technician, but also for their loved ones.  Everyday they put their lives on the line for you and I and the least we can do is what Maddy is suggesting - buy a first responder a cup of coffee.    

Here's how you can join the movement:

What to Do: Buy a cup of coffee for a local firefighter, police officer, or other first responder when you come across one. Approach them and explain that you’d like to buy them one out of appreciation for their service, and ask what they’d like or have them escort you to a coffee shop. On the run, or shy? Get a gift card with the approximate value of a cup of coffee (or more!) to a local or chain coffee shop and keep it on hand.

Spread the Word: Let everyone know you’re participating so we can engage more people. If you have a blog, post a note about it. If you’ve bought a cup of coffee for someone, Instagram it with the hashtag #cupsforcops – share your gift card photos, too!

Be sure to hop on over to Somewhere Splendid for a free printable gift card to give to a first responder too.  Thanks Maddy for coming up with the brilliant idea!  Tell me, will you be buying a cup for a cop?  Hugs to all of you friends!  I'll be seeing you again soon. 

St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas

How are you celebrating St. Patrick's Day?  I'll be honest, I normally just celebrate by eating a little corned beef and cabbage and by wearing a hint of green.  I know, not very exciting at all.  If you're still looking for a few ways to add a little more fun to your St. Patty's Day, I put together this round up from around the blogging world.  A pretty DIY barrette, pot of gold pinata, an Irish peppermint shake, a styled tabletop and a clover shaped cookie are included.  Happy St. Patty's Day!  Stay green peeps!  xx

 

 

 

1. Lovely Indeed 2. Oh Happy Day! 3.Sugar & Cloth

4. Coordiantely Yours 5.The Proper Pinwheel

Celebrating This Weekend: Warmth + Comfort

One of my favorite things about winter is that I have a night time ritual with my husband.  After we tuck the kids into bed I always ask my husband if he wants a cup of tea.  I always know that he will say "yes", but for some reason I still ask him this question every winter night.  I put on a pot of tea, I grab my favorite fluffy warm blanket that my sister bought for me a few Christmases ago and I sit with husband on our couch and watch television and hold onto a warm cup of tea in my perpetually cold hands.  This little winter ritual is something I look forward to when the day winds down.  Have a beautiful weekend friends.  Stay warm and comfy.  

{Inspired By} Twigs + Branches

Follow my blog with BloglovinLike many others, I'm inspired by my environment.  Right now, I look out my window and drive down the street and see bare trees.  To me, the trees take on a sculptural quality, which is just beautiful.  I get to see the bones of the tree, the tree without its' dressing, stripped, simple and yet complicated in form.   

1. Terrain 2.Sylwia Glass Art 3.West Elm 
4.LEIF 5.Terrain
 

{This Weekend} Sip Coffee

This weekend my in-laws are taking both of my girls for an overnight!  What does that mean?  That means sleeping in, being able to slowly sip my coffee and reading the paper at my leisure.  Ahh...I can't wait.  Of course while the girls are gone, I will miss them terribly and give them big bear hugs when they walk through the door.  How is your weekend shaping up?

Autumn Dinner

Taste the warm and rich flavors of fall with these delicious finds.  Start your meal with a harvest salad with a warm maple bacon vinaigrette.  This harvest pasta e fagiole soup with parmesan crisps will ward off any cold chill.  Of course a lovely cocktail like this pear cinnamon spiced martini makes any evening better.  Finish off your autumnal meal with a spiced apple pie seen here from Chelsea's Culinary Indulgence.  Happy eating friends!

1. Simply Scratch/2.Yummy Mummy Kitchen
3. Inside the Lovely/ 4.Chelsea's Culinary Indulgence

Figs Five Ways

Figs are a beautiful and delicious fruit.  The rich color and sweet flavor are perfect for fall.  Here are some yummy looking recipes that all have figs as an ingredient.  How interesting does a burger with brie and green figs sound.  Have a light and flavorful salad of grilled kale, beets, figs and ricotta.  The fig infused vodka looks amazing.  And don't forget to end your meal with a sour cream fig cupcake with cream cheese frosting or a fig, mascarpone and pistachio tart.  Happy cooking and happy eating!

Fall Bridal Shower Inspiration Board

We were inspired by the bridal shower invitation below by Inviting Design Studio, that has a wonderful combination of fall colors.  Style a tabletop with natural elements of wood and maybe a centerpiece made of wheat.   Serve some fresh cider mill donuts and spiked apple cider, then send your guests home with a favor of caramel apple scented bath salts from A Little More Rosie.  We think these elements would make for a perfect fall bridal shower. 

 

invitation/doughnuts
drinks//bath salts
table//ribbon 

Bar Carts

Since we love to entertain, we are obsessed with bar carts right now.  It's the perfect movable space to mix and store all your favorite drinks, glasses and mixing tools.  If my dining room wasn't currently being used as a play room, I would put a chic bar cart in that room.  These stylish and fun bar carts from Society Social caught our eyes.  Aren't the illustrations and the product names just fabulous?  The Hostess drink cart comes in a variety of vibrant colors including purple, indigo and yellow.  Which bar cart is your fave?

     The Devlin

 

 

The Hostess

 

 

The Mrs. Lillien

Who doesn't love the fabulous Mrs. Lillien?

The Triple Trolley

 

 

The Hayworth

 

 

 

Summer Party Ideas

During the summer months many people seem to have a luau themed party, but we would love to see one inspired by post-impressionist artist Paul Gauguin.  He went to Tahiti to revive himself both spiritually and artistically, as many of us go to a tropical destinations to revive ourselves today.  Going to the French Polynesian island brought him back to a place of simplicity and away from the stresses of the civilized world.  Gauguin was inspired by all that surrounded him and painted several works in oil depicting Tahitian life. 

Woman with a Mango

Hail Mary

We would love to see a outdoor party that is simple, casual and dare we say a bit primitive.  Put together some rustic finger foods and of course some deliciously sweet tropical cocktails.  Find a table that is low to the ground and sit in the grass or sand, put out some cushions for more comfort and layer some sarongs to use as tablecloths. 

Junebug Weddings//A Crimson Kiss//
Snippet & Ink  //Wisteria//Inspired by This
silkzdesigns//Little Black Dress Events

White Sangria

We love a light and refreshing drink during the warm summer months.  One of our favorites is sangria.  Try out this delightful and crowd pleasing recipe that we have used several times.

White Sangria
3 T. sugar
3 shots of triple sec
1 lime, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 peach, pitted and cut into wedges
1 green apple, cored and cut into wedges
1 bottle of your favorite white wine
1 pt. raspberries
lemon-lime soda

Combine sugar, triple sec, lime lemon, peaches, apple and wine into a large pitcher.  Chill sangria overnight.  To serve, spoon some fruit into glasses.  Pour sangria and top off with soda to taste.  Garnish with raspberries.

Makes 8 glasses

Cheers!  Happy Friday!