Old-Fashioned Beer Batter Onion Rings

One of my favorite childhood memories was going to an old-fashioned soda shoppe in Romeo, Michigan with my mum and splitting a burger, onion rings and a cherry soda. While the soda shoppe may be long gone the memories are not. Since the weather was hot this past weekend it seemed only appropriate to eat an ice cream dinner. Once the soda jet was taken out for old-fashioned cherry soda indulgence, I immediately knew I had to pair it with my great grandma’s recipe for the best onion rings.   
Old-Fashioned Onion Rings
Ingredients
1 large white onion cut into ¼ inch rings; separated
1 twelve ounce bottle or can of cold beer
2 cups all-purpose flour; divided
1 teaspoon salt
cooking oil (vegetable oil) to cover the bottom of the pan ½- 1 inch
Directions
1. In a shallow dish, dust sliced onions with ½ cup flour and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine remaining flour (1.5 cups) and salt. Whisk in beer and stir until smooth.
3. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat until it sizzles if a drop of water is added.
4. Add the floured onions to the beer batter, turning to coat rings. Shake the excess batter from each ring, and add the rings individually to the hot oil.
5. Allow to fry until golden brown, turning once. Transfer fried onion rings to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat the frying process with remaining onions and enjoy!

Creating a Bar Cart

Bar carts have been around for ever, most commonly spotted in homes of the upper class, movies and TV shows. Recently bar carts have become an essential part of modern day décor. When entertaining I like to choose three signature cocktails to serve. One of those cocktails will be non-alcoholic for the guests (and myself) who choose not to drink. If you like the occasional cocktail go for a bar cart completed with all your favorite spirits, but if you’d like a simple cart that won’t break your bank check out my tips below. 

Five Things

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This has been one of those weeks where Tuesday seems like Thursday and the days seem to drag on forever. While I was able to pause for a midweek indulgences I am hoping the weekend will set a different tone for the week to come.  What are your plans for the weekend?

  {jessica cosmetics strawberry milk shake it nails}
{the perfect scent to accompany a summer stormy morning}
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 {sunday morning crepes}

{new handbag for summer picnics and get-togethers}

Summer Simmering Potpourri

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{sometimes I add lavender in addition to the rosemary}
100 percent humidity and 80 plus degree-days have made it perfectly clear that summer has arrived in Michigan. The high temperatures have my air conditioner running continuously, which makes the house stagnate. While I am a huge fan of burning candles, during the warmer months the heat they omit just is not necessary.  Instead I simmer rosemary, lemons and vanilla on the stove, this concoction will leave your house smelling so fresh. You can also bring it to a full rolling boil and then shut the burner off, the scent will last for over an hour. Just a note when making simmering potpourri always make sure you have plenty of water in the pot, if the water dries up you will end up with a rather stinky and smoky mess. 
 {sliced lemons}
 {rosemary}
 {water}
 {pure vanilla extract}

Soles of Summer

One of my favorite changes to arrive with summer is the ability to have a little bit of fun with shoes. While certain trends come and go, there are a handful of shoes I rely on each year. What are your summer shoe staples?
{boat shoes}
Boat shoes add a little prep to your step. They are a classic edition to any outfit, and define summer without without the boat. 

{espadrille}
Espadrilles give your outfit more of a playful look that can be sophisticated and feminine or fierce and edgy. 
 {flip flops}

Forget the Old Navy flip flops and invest in a more sophisticated pair. They\’ll be perfect at the beach or a brunch paired with your favorite maxi or a sundress. 

 {nude heels}

Nude heels are elongating and will go with any outfit day or night. Not to mention they are a must-have for wedding season.

{peep toe pump or sling back}

A classic peep toe pump or sling back in a fun color (I suggest your favorite) can add a little bit of pizazz to an otherwise neutral outfit.