Sweets of Summer

With the official start of summer on Friday I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to pull together some of my favorite recipes of the season. Here’s to sweet treats, bright nails, barbecues, trips to the beach and lounging outdoors.

Five Things

{Love: waking up to the aroma of peonies}

Summer should be all about getting out and exploring and that is exactly what my weekend will consist of. From a trip to the local farmers market, basketball on the beach, sunset boat rides, exploring new beach towns and a trip to an art and crafts fair the weekend is sure to not disappoint.   P.S. Follow me on Instagram!

 {Favorite ice cream spot: Erma\’s}
 {Super cute flower cookie my aunt made}
nails: OPI \’Suzi\’s Hungary AGAIN!\’

{This guy loves being in the car}
{Palm trees and pedicures}
already a flip flop tan line

DIY: Kitchen Towel to Decorative Pillow

While in Target a few months back I bought these chic watercolor kitchen towels (I bought matching placemats as well). The towels showcased the quintessential colors for summer and it had me wishing they came in pillows as well. Which brought on the perfect opportunity for a DIY. In seven simple steps you can turn your favorite kitchen towel into a decorative statement pillow. Here’s how I made it happen…

Step 1: Iron flat.

Step 2: Fold the fabric in half so the wrong side is facing you and pin.

Step 3: Sew around the pillow. Be sure to leave an opening for your stuffing.

Step 4: Cut your corners on a diagonal.

Step 5: Flip it inside out – right side up is now showing.

Step 6: Fill with stuffing.

Step 7: Slip stitch closed.

Doggy Discoveries: Pawalla

Did you know that you could sign your dog or cat up to receive a monthly box of goodies? Since Jack loves getting presents particularly when they’re in the form of a new toy or treat getting him a monthly subscription is a no brainier. I recently tried out Pawalla (products are based on pet size and age) and not only did I like what the box had in it, Jack absolutely LOVED it especially the squeaky lion. I think getting this box is a lot of fun and I highly recommend it if you have a dog or cat. Have you ever tried a monthly subscription for your pet?

 What was in the box: 
• REDBARN Naturals Lamb-BAA-DA (I couldn’t give this to Jack because it was wet food)
• REDBARN Naturals Stewey Louie (I couldn’t give this to Jack because it was wet food)
• Balloon lion squeaky toy (Jack LOVES it)
• I (heart) Pet Head Dry Clean Blueberry Muffin Spray Shampoo (LOVE)
• Dynamo Dog Salmon Treats for skin and coat (Loved)
• Dynamo Dog Pumpkin and Ginger Treats for digestive support (Really Loved!)

{The Dry Clean shampoo is amazing especially if you have a dog with dry skin}

{Jack loves the lions tail}

Kicked Up Crackers

Yesterday a friend invited me last minute to lunch at the beach. Since I hate showing up empty handed I made up a quick batch of kicked up crackers. They’re the perfect summer time snack and simple to construct. I used half a box of each Cheez Its and mini club crackers, combined with 2 tablespoons dry ranch dip mix, 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (2-3 tablespoons for a real kick) and 2 tablespoons of oil.  Mixed around in a bag and placed in an airtight container.