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.

DIY: Citrus Summer Bouquet

During the warmer months I love to give vases an extra touch of color by adding citrus slices. Peonies (from my parents backyard) paired with lime slices offer the ideal pink and green accent to any room. You can see what I have done to vases previously here and here.

Step 1: Cut up your citrus slices.

Step 2: Place a smaller vase inside a larger vase (or container of your choice).

Step 3: Fill the outside portion of your container with citrus slices.

Step 4: Stack your citrus slices on each other.

Step 5: Pour water into the inner vase and enjoy your summer bouquet.

Five Things

{The adorable cake at my BFF\’s baby shower}
My weekend will be filled with garage sales (I am hoping to find a vintage mirror), an old car show, farmers markets, a trip to the outlet mall and a 50\’s sock hop in the street. What are your weekend plans?
 {Favorites: manicures and peonies}
OPI \’Shorts Story\’ and \’My Paprika is Hotter than Yours!\’)
 {Jack likes to frolic in the flowers}
 {Whimsical woodpecker in my parents pear tree}

{Loving the DIA\’s Inside and Out project}

The Best Sunscreen: For Your Face

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On Monday I had a dermatology appointment and we got talking about sunscreen. The conversation was so informative I knew I had to share what I had learned with you! One of the common problems with people avoiding putting sunscreen on their face is the fact it’s oily and will cause breakouts almost instantly. Well Dr. Julie recommended some great over the counter sunscreens that will not only protect your skin from aging, but also prevent breakouts.

Striped Delight

Even though I have air conditioning, during the warmer months I try to avoid using my oven unless it’s later at night. Over the weekend the temperature actually made it feel like summer. My mum and I were both craving ice cream after spending the day outside working in the yard. Instead of going to Erma’s for frozen custard we decided on making butterscotch striped delight. Its quick and easy and the perfect summer treat.

Striped Delight
Ingredients
1 shortbread pie crust (I bought mine)
1/2 package (4oz) cream cheese (softened)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoons milk
4 oz. Cool Whip; thawed (I used an off brand)
1 package butterscotch pudding (made as directed on package)

Directions
1. Beat cream cheese, sugar and milk until smooth. Fold in ½ of Cool Whip.
2. Spread over crust.
3. Pour prepared pudding over cream cheese layer.
4. Chill at least one hour before spreading the remaining Cool Whip over the top (you may want more Cool Whip).

Also try with pistachio, lemon or chocolate!