Oh, my

If this wasn't nearly 50 bones, I'd totally buy it and store it away for my future baby girl.

It just screams hot summer days with fingers sticky from popsicles.

Weekend Scenes

{Fresh dinners, so much great produce at the farmer's market right now}

{Drinks. Had a lil bbq at our house on Saturday night}

{Flowers from my boss}

{Pre-queing}

{Us girls got cold outside, ended up in my workout room doing a pilates dvd?!}

{Every weekend is a great weekend when I get to see this lil guy}

Food to Flowers

After reading Lulu Power's easy entertaining tips in this month's Sunset magazine, I knew I had to have her book. It arrived yesterday and I know this will be a book I reference for years. Lulu is a former caterer to the celebs and now has written a book essentially on party planning and all that goes with it. After just reading the first few pages, I am shaking my head at some of the major mistakes I let happen at Jon's graduation party we hosted last year.

So far, here are some of my favorite bits of Lulu's advice (paraphrased):

-Store extra ice in the washing machine if you don't have enough room in the freezer or coolers.
-Chill wine in 20 minutes by emerging in a half filled bucket of ice water with a handful of kosher salt.
-Offer a beverage to guests right away. People feel more comfortable holding something-especially if they don't know anyone at the party.
-Attach a kitchen timer to your apron.
-Write directly on white porcelain with a Sharpie to give dishes a more personal touch. (Menu, Welcome, Names, etc) It wipes right off.
-To keep mugs or serving ware warm, fill them with hot water while drink/ food is being prepared and then once food is ready to transfer into their respective dishes, it is already hot. (Obvi get rid of water and dry)
-Infuse sugar with vanilla beans, it takes one week and is a dream to bake with.

Hammocks & High Tea

Sometimes I really enjoy a good home store without a lot of choices to get lost on. At Hammocks & High Tea there are tea towels, table linens, sachets and drawer liners in the most beautiful patterns.

The chevron drawer liners (available in six difference scents)

are calling my name.

And one lucky reader gets to---just kidding.

No giveaway or sponsored post here,

I just really really like their stuff.

Dirty Lil Urn

This weekend I did not dye my hair brown, it will happen May 1. 

However, I did transform two dirty little urns. 

 {Before}

 {After}

Guessing Game

Take a look at these 3 photo clues and you will figure out what I am doing on Saturday*. GULP.

Or if you can't guess, here is another clue: Cameron, Jessica and Ashley are all known as blondies.

*Edit: Pulled the trigger too fast. I have to bump out my appointment a couple weeks. Two more weeks as a blondie!

Snickerdoodles

Not normally something I would eat, so this was my first time making Snickerdoodles. I always bake something special for Jon on his birthday that he loves, and it usually is Rice Krispie Treats. This year I wanted to switch things up and make something a little more challenging.  This recipe is different than other cookies because it calls for Cream of Tartar. Well my store didn't have that, so I bought Tartar Sauce. BIIIIIIIIG DIFFERENCE. I had my doubts so I did a quick Google search before I added it in, phew. Thankfully I had baking powder on hand to substitute in.

{Rolling in cinn and sugar}

{So cute!}

{My fave part. Smushing the balls down with a glass}

{Fluffy lil cooks!}

{Pete wants in on the action}

Fondue Feast

Last night we celebrated Jon's birthday at The Melting Pot. And can I just say fondue is not just melted cheese? It is also cooking your own food in boiling broth! I really had no idea. We got the four course meal and were there for two and a half hours... so much fun!

{Hard strawberry basil lemonade}

{Course 1}

{Course 2}

{The broth for course 3 is getting going}

{The birthday boy amongst some steam and the uncooked meats of course 3}

{I tried to pick away the "h". It's J-O-N, people}

{Dippers for the 4th AND BEST course}

{It does not get any better.
Chocolate with caramel and chopped pecans.}

{One more picture of Jon for good measure.}

Happy Birthday, love

Happiest birthday wishes to my favorite person on his 28th year.

I love you.

Tonight, we dine!

DIY Garden Markers

Inspiration: The Crate and Barrel Chalkboard Herb Marker. 

My way:

Gather your supplies. 
Tongue depressors, wooden discs and chalkboard spray paint.
And cute mushroom stake.

Spray.

 Hot glue discs to tongue depressors and use bulldog clips to secure into place.

Pony up the money to buy a chalkboard PEN and write your labels.
Place in garden!

Hello there, sexy chair

Can you believe this sleek chair is from Restoration Hardware? I know, no bulky wrought iron or chocolate stained wood here! This chair wouldn't exactly fit in in my surburbia backyard, I see it more in LA with an infinity pool close by. Also, not like I have $1145 just laying around to be spend on outdoor seating. I can dream.

Easter Scenes

{Favorite Easter candy}

{Savory mini muffins}

 

{Bloody Mary Bar}

{Easter spreads}

{New tights}

{The Golden Egg}