Stars & Stripes
First and foremost, Happy Fourth of July! I love celebrating the 4th of July with patriotic colors, classic treats such as root beer floats and plenty of time along the shores of Lake Michigan. Of course I can\’t leave out going to watch a brilliant firework display over the water at sundown.
Sweet Summer
{Pretzel Sparklers}
The Fourth of July marks the middle of summer here in Michigan, below are some of my favorite recipes of the season. Here’s to summer nights spent in front of a bonfire, relaxing at the beach, outdoor movies in the park, brightly polished nails, breathtaking sunsets, beachy waves and of course messy braids.
July Friendship Gift: Cracker Jacks
While I was at the grocery store a few weeks ago I came across nostalgic boxes of Cracker Jacks. Since July 5th is “Cracker Jack Day” I figured it was my patriotic duty to have one of America’s favorite snacks as my July friendship gift. Instead of placing them in a cellophane bag, I decided to display them in a vintage metal picnic basket.
Five Things
{individual scoops of ice cream for the weekend}
Temperatures have been in the 90’s and yesterday it actually hit 100 degrees. With these temperatures it is clear that summer has arrived here in Michigan. I am excited for a relaxing holiday weekend filled with plenty of ice cream, bon fires and time on Lake Michigan. What are your plans for the weekend?
{current nail polish: Jessica Cosmetics \”Tangerine Dreamz\”}
{the newest addition to the garden}
{flower that resembles a firework}
{first s\’more of the season}
Need a weekend project? Make a red, white and blue statement necklace
Patriotic Pinwheel Pops
During the warmer months in Michigan weekends are spent at the beach, especially the Fourth of July. Patriotic items are an essential part of spending the Fourth of July on the lake. Usually I make sparklers aka chocolate covered pretzels with sprinkles. However this year I decided to get a little whimsical and make patriotic pinwheel pops using sugar cookie dough.
Step 1: Make a batch of your favorite sugar cookie dough and separate into three equal parts. Color one red and one blue leaving one the sugar cookie dough color.
Step 2: Roll out the three colored doughs to 1/4 inch thick. Place the white dough on top of the red and the blue on top of the white. Roll the dough (it will be in a cylinder shape) and refrigerate until firm.
Step 3: Begin to cut slices off the dough cylinder to your desired size. Mine were about half an inch thick.
Step 4: Place a lollipop stick into each cookie, and bake as directed.
Step 5: Putting the cookie pops in a cellophane bag gives a completed look to your pinwheel cookies.
Fashion meets Food 