Summer Simmering Potpourri

Posted on June 14, 2012 by

16 Comments

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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

Posted on June 13, 2012 by

24 Comments

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.

Skinny Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Posted on June 12, 2012 by

18 Comments

On Sunday I was attending an omelet bar brunch at a friends house. The main course of brunch was healthy, and I didn’t want to ruin it by bringing over a super unhealthy dessert. Given that Michigan strawberries are in season I decided to create a skinnier version of my Mum’s strawberry upside down cake, and it was the hit of brunch (no one could believe that it was the skinny version of my mum’s dessert!)  I have also included how to make my mum’s original version as well.
Skinny Strawberry Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
1 quart of strawberries

9 ounces(1 large + one small box or three small boxes) sugar free strawberry JELL-O powder
1 -1.5 cups miniature marshmallows
1 box yellow cake mix (I used Duncan Hines)
12 ounce can of diet 7-UP (or other clear diet pop i.e. Sprite or Fresca)

Directions

1.  Hull and chop one quart of strawberries. Spread berries and juice in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 glass baking dish.
2.  Sprinkle JELL-O powder over the berries.
3.  Disperse the miniature marshmallows evenly onto the berries.  Note: the marshmallows will disappear and you won’t even know that they are once it is cooked.
4. Mix yellow cake mix with 12 ounces (1 can) of diet 7-Up. Pour cake batter over the marshmallows and bake at 325 for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean. 
5. Allow to cool for 30 minutes. Place a platter on top of the cake and flip it over.
 Note: if batter starts to bubble up simply poke it with a tooth pick. If it is bumpy it\’s perfectly fine you will not see it anyway. 
The original version: 
• Instead of sugar free JELL-O you can use 6 ounces (1 large box or two small boxes) of regular strawberry JELL-O. 
• Instead of mixing diet pop in with your cake you can prepare the cake as directed on the box.

DIY Watermelon Wreath

Posted on June 11, 2012 by

12 Comments

While I was trying to come up with an idea for a summer wreath I thought of the fact that nothing screams summer quite like fresh fruit (namely watermelon) on a hot summers day.  The easiest way I came up with for recreating a watermelon was using deco mesh, which offered a perfectly whimsical touch to otherwise drab front door. I bought the deco mesh and the work wreath form from here. 

 {supplies: 21\” deco mesh in hot pink, lime + apple green + 24\” work wreath form}
 {bend your work wreath form into a football shape and straighten the wire branches}
 {unroll the mesh and bunch it together a couple inches in from the end}
 {secure to a wire branch on the outer ring. twist the wire branch around the bunch to secure}
 {to form the puff: gather 11\” length of mesh, bunching the end together and bring it back to the center for a fuller look}
{use the same concept above as you continue to add colors to the wreath}
{cut black teardrops out of felt and hot glue to the pink portion for seeds}

Five Things

Posted on June 8, 2012 by

11 Comments

{current manicure}

After returning from my trip up north I definitely figured this week would go by so slow, but it was quite the opposite. At the beginning of the week I took a trip out to farm country to pick strawberries, and the rest of my week was filled with creating berry confections. I have a feeling these berries will keep me inspired for the rest of the weekend. What are you up to this weekend?

{i finally ran across the expressway for a picture of this sign}
 
{garden peonies in the morning}
 {lunch by lake superior}
{homemade strawberry jam}
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