Sophisticated Summer
Summer allows you to have a bright and bold color palette. While hot pink polish might be a favorite of mine for summer it is just not always appropriate. I was so excited when Jessica Cosmetics released \”Gelato Mio!\” her summer 2012 polish collection. This collection is made up of refined polishes reflecting the prettiest pastels of Italian ice cream, making it the ideal collection for sophisticated summer.
{left to right: barely blueberry, surfer boyz\’n berry and lime cooler}
{left to right: tangerine dreamz, banana peel and strawberry shake it}
{Banana Peel}
Banana Peel is a gorgeous pale yellow creme.
{Barely Blueberry}
Barely Blueberry is a pretty pale sky blue creme polish.
{Lime Cooler}
Lime Cooler is a playful margarita green creme and a little bit brighter then the other colors in the collection.
{Strawberry Shake It}
Strawberry Shake It is a stunning pale pink creme. This polish would look fantastic at a wedding especially worn by a bride.
{Surfer Boyz \’n Berry}
Surfer Boyz \’n Berry is the ideal Tiffany & Company blue.
{Tangerine Dreamz}
Tangerine Dreamz is the ideal tangerine hue. Even if you are not into trendy colors this is a must have for your collection.
My overall thoughts: Summer is all about color. This collections is the perfect in between balance of brights and pastels, making it perfect for parties, lounging, travel and of course the office. This is one of those collections where every color is a must have. What do you think of these colors?
Matchstick Mason Jars with Striking Lid
Between backyard barbeques and bon fires it is clear that summer is in full swing. I know that I go through matches like crazy during the warmer months. So whenever I go to someone’s house I always bring these cute jars filled with matches. This is an inexpensive project and the recipient will love them. I have a jar in my kitchen and living room.
Supplies:
Strike Anywhere Matches (do not buy Strike on Box matches)
Black sandpaper
Small Mason Jars
Pencil
Scissors
Glue
{Strike Anywhere Matches are the only ones that will work}
{fill a small Mason Jar with matches in a swirled fashion}
{trace the lid on the sandpaper}
{glue the sandpaper to the lid – you can use hot glue or elmers as well}
{end result an expensive project}
Strawberry Shortcake
Here in Michigan strawberry season has just begun. Yesterday I promptly headed out to Romeo to pick the prettiest and most delicious berries. Strawberry shortcake is without a doubt one of my favorite desserts, and has been since I was little. Now that I am older one of my favorite aspects of shortcake is how easy it is to whip together on a weeknight.
Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients
Berries
• 4 cups fresh strawberries; sliced
• 1/2 cup sugar
Shortcake
• 2 1/3 cups Bisquick mix
• 2/3 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter; melted
Ingredients
Berries
• 4 cups fresh strawberries; sliced
• 1/2 cup sugar
Shortcake
• 2 1/3 cups Bisquick mix
• 2/3 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter; melted
Directions
1. Mix strawberries and ½ cup sugar, set aside. Preheat oven to 425.
2. Stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar and butter together until a soft dough forms. Drop by 6 spoonfuls onto a cooking stone (an ungreased cookie sheet works too).
3. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and whipped topping.
1. Mix strawberries and ½ cup sugar, set aside. Preheat oven to 425.
2. Stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar and butter together until a soft dough forms. Drop by 6 spoonfuls onto a cooking stone (an ungreased cookie sheet works too).
3. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and whipped topping.
June Friendship Gift
Whenever I have guest over from out of town (including friends and family who use to live in Michigan) I like to send them back with a “made in Michigan” goody. Since the warmer months tend to bring a lot of out of town guests to my house I figured June would be the perfect month for a made in Michigan friendship gift. Guests will have their choice of: Faygo pop in old fashion bottles or a bag of Better Made Barbeque potato chips, both are made in Detroit, and equally delicious.
{Chips and pop are by the door; so guests will not forget their gift}
Five Things
{Sunset under the Mackinac Bridge.}
My week has been filled with gorgeous sunsets and plenty of time outside. This weekend I am off to visit one of my friends who is having a baby at the end of the month and then it is off to a wedding. What will you be up to this weekend?
{Afternoon backyard guest.}
{An enchanting door that leads to a private beach}
{Lilacs in bloom on Mackinac Island.}
{Patriotic flowers adorn a vintage table and chairs.}
Fashion meets Food 