A Berry Happy 4th of July

I know the 4th of July isn't until Monday, but I figured you might need a head start in getting things ready for your big celebrations so I thought I'd bring you the goods a few days beforehand.

When I think of the 4th of July, I think of berries.  And fireworks.  And independence.  But mostly berries.  Is that weird?  Perhaps that fruit flag cake that everyone makes has become an indelible reminder of our nation's independence for me. 

I'm pretty sure Jon would cringe upon reading that, but it's the truth.  The flag cake has become synonymous with the 4th for many of us.  It allows us to partake in a sweet and somewhat healthy food while also "showing our patriotism."  And if we really want to show out, we'll make sure that there are exactly 50 blue berries gracing the upper left-hand corner of our creation.  That means we really appreciate the land of the free.

All kidding aside, the flag cake isn't a bad thing to make for the 4th of July.  After all, what screams Americana more than berries picked from a homegrown farm?  Nothing.

And that's why I'm going to be showing you some my favorite 4th of July berry treats today.  That way, when you show up to and/or host your own party, you'll be able to eat good food while also giving a nod to the good ol' U.S. of A. 

And because you can't eat most foods without utensils...Mason jars and ribbon make for some cute cutlery presentation.

And you can add a little flair to your soiree by making these fabric star medallions using Martha's instructions.

Or add a little detail with these cute mini flags using ribbon and wooden skewers.

And if that fruit drink shown in my berry collage up top has you intrigued, here's the recipe:

Sparkling Fruit Punch Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (64 oz) pomegranate-cherry juice or cranberry juice cocktail 
• 1 quart strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1 pint each blueberries and raspberries
• 1 Gala apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 small cucumber
• 2 liters sparkling water
• Ice cubes

Recipe Preparation

1. In a large pitcher, combine juice with berries and apple slices. Chill for 1 hour. 

2. To serve, peel cucumber and cut lengthwise in half. Remove seeds and cut into thin slices. Stir cucumber slices and sparkling water into juice mixture. Serve over ice. 

3. Stir in a few shots of vodka, if desired.

 

Speaking of Woof...

Yesterday morning I forced myself out of bed (it was dark and stormy and the perfect "I think I'll sleep a little longer" weather) to get ready for my workout class that I always attend.  After getting ready and heading into the gym, I was greeted with a sign on the class door saying that it had been canceled for the day.

I, of course, felt like this was God's way of telling me I shouldn't work out for the day.  I mean I guess I could have hung around and ran on the treadmill, but I didn't have my headphones with me.  And running on the treadmill without headphones is no bueno.  So, naturally, I decided that I should drive to the grocery store and pick up some ingredients to make this no-bake peanut butter pie instead. 

I whipped it up yesterday afternoon, and I must say, it was delicious.  And easy.  Both very important things when it comes to me and cooking.  And contrary to what my post title says, I did not woof it all down.  In fact, I shared it with Jon. :) And we have well over half of it left.

So that's the story of how a canceled class leads to no-bake yummy, goodness.  Here's the recipe if you'd like to enjoy it for yourself.

No Bake Peanut Butter Pie

Prep Time: 20 Min
Ready In: 2 Hrs 20 Min

Yield 1 - 9 inch pie

Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese
• 3/4 c confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 c peanut butter
• 1/2 c milk
• 1 (8 oz) package frozen whipped topping, thawed
•  1 (9 inch) prepared Oreo pie crust

Directions

1. Beat together cream cheese and confectioners' sugar. Mix in peanut butter and milk. Beat until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
2. Spoon into 9 inch pie shell; cover, and freeze until firm. 

In other news, who else watched Million Dollar Decorators last night?  I love that show more and more each week!  If I ever get to have my own boutique like Nathan, I will have Remington be my shop sidekick like Nacho. :)

Woof Wednesday

Meet Ela!

I was drawn to this sweet hound/shepherd mix girl for three reasons.  One, because she reminds me of my little Remington who brightens our life every day.  Two, because she resides at the Shelby Humane Society, which is where my college dog, Barney, came from.  And lastly because the Shelby Humane Society, who normally requires a $135 adoption fee, will be lowering their adoption fee to just $17.76 from July 1-July 9!  That is a WONDERFUL deal and great opportunity for you to bring a furry friend into your home.  Please call (205) 669-3916 ext. 21 with any questions.  The shelter is located in Columbiana, AL, and is open Tuesday – Saturday 12:00PM - 5:30PM.
For more information on Miss Ela, go here.  If you are interested in learning more about any of the dogs up for adoption, please e-mail Sara and list the dog's name and ID number in the subject line.

•••

Adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment.

Wanna join Woof Wednesdays?

We would love to bring you on board.

Start posting about a dog in need of a home on your blog or facebook page today!

Restaurant Inspiration-Tavern in Los Angeles

Designed by Jeffrey Alan Marks from Million Dollar Decorators on Bravo, Tavern in Los Angeles, is one of the cities most beloved eateries.  And although it is often in the news for its highly acclaimed cuisine, it also achieves high marks in my book for design.

Many people scour the Internet, magazines and books for design stimulus when all they really need to do is go out to eat.  Restaurants are a great source for inspiration, and this restaurant is no exception.  Revered for its "enticing environment" by the LA Times, this charming Brentwood establishment definitely has me drooling over more than just its menu.

Let's take a little look at Tavern, starting with its curb appeal.  Right from the start, I'm a fan.  The slate gray exterior, striped awning, double doors and potted shrubs are so inviting.  This place just says "come on in and stay awhile."

Tavern is broken up into three different areas:  The Larder, the bar and the restaurant.  The Larder, meaning a room or large cupboard for storing food, is airy, open and oh so charming.  We all know I'm a sucker for crisp, white spaces.  And when you add in the cooper lined pendant shades and beadboard coffered ceiling, I almost can't take it. 

The restaurant area is more dressed up but still has a cohesive look with the Larder due to the similar lighting and airy feeling created by the glass paneled ceiling.

The charm isn't lacking in this room either, thanks to the whitewashed brick walls and warm color palette produced from the rich gray chairs and cozy cognac leather booths.

The same color palette, tufted benches and exposed brick appears in the bar area as well.  The wall sconces and glossy black drink tables give it more of a contemporary feel without comprising the inviting atmosphere of the whole restaurant.  I give every room two thumbs up. 

To achieve a similar look in your home, take a look at these items.

Ballard Hampstead Leather Loveseat-$1,599.00

West Elm Cody Dining Chair-$199.00

Shades of Light Modern Safari Pendant-$228.00

Bobo Intriguing Objects Zinc Table-$1,737.50

Baby Shower Color Palettes

We don't find out the sex of baby Smith until the end of July, so all of my pre-baby shower planning has to work for both sexes.  As I mentioned last Wednesday, the color palettes for both will be very similar with the exception of one color substitution.

Both color palettes are soft and muted, but still have enough presence to make a statement.  Here's what I'm thinking for a little girl- gray, salmon pink, white and pea green.

For a little boy, it will be gray, slate blue, white and pea green.  We'll see if I actually stick to these colors, come October, but this is the plan!

There are so many decisions to make when it comes to planning the shower, and my indecisive self will be asking all of you for your opinions on certain things.  I suppose it's not a bad thing to have so much inspiration that it's hard to chose, though!

I've already started piling up my inspiration files and writing out my to do lists.  I even created a PowerPoint and listed all of my favorite ideas and images.  You could say I'm a little Type A :).  But hey, at least I'll be prepared!

If you're looking for party inspiration yourself, I'd highly suggest browsing Pinterest, Hostess with the Mostess, and a new one referred to me by one of my readers, Bump Smitten (which is strictly devoted to baby showers!). 

   

Friday Favorites

I feel like showing you a hodgepodge post today.   Sometimes I'm inspired by many different things that don't all fit into the same category, but are all just as lovely.  Here are a few of my recent favorite things.

New Favorite Quote:
"Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands." -Elisabeth Elliot

New Favorite Craft: I must make this!

via Emersonmade.com

New Favorite Artwork: Lyrics from The Avett Brothers song "Murder in the City"-Perfect for our 16 month anniversary today :)

via Madebybird.com

New Favorite Photo:  This picture says "summer" to me.  Learn how to make the parasols here.

via Papermash

New Favorite Show: Selling New York on HGTV. Real estate + my favorite city=addicting

New Favorite Wall Treatment: Chevron painted pattern

via Design*Sponge

New Favorite Song:  "Slumber" by Needtobreathe


I hope you have a great weekend filled with your favorites!  For more of my favorites, follow me on Pinterest.

DIY Summer Projects

Create an outdoor side table by adding a paving stone to the top of a planter.

Pick up a set of old shutter doors (try Craigslist, thrift stores, antique stores or salvage yards) to give your bedroom a summer cottage feel.  They function great as headboards and will trick you into thinking you're at the beach.

Paint an older piece of furniture in a bright color.  Add a little distressing treatment to make it look aged.  I'm pretty sure I need piece of furniture this color somewhere in my next home.

via Better Homes and Gardens

Have a great Thursday!

Thrift Store Finds-Baby Shower Style

My recent trip to the thrift store had me leaving with 10 items all for a total of $14.55!  Over half of the items purchased I plan to use at my sister's baby shower in October.  It was definitely a successful trip!

I've decided I want Meredith's baby shower to have a shabby chic, vintage vibe.  To me, shabby chic designs are so lovely and sweet.  So even if Baby Smith turns out to be a boy, I think it will work (with a slight change in the color palette-gray, green and blue (instead of pink)).  After all, nothing is more sweet or lovely than a new baby right?  My vision is of wooden crates, bunting, lots of cake stands, flowers mercury glass, etc.
Here's some of my inspiration...

I'll give you the rundown of all of my finds starting with the baby shower items. 
Baby shower items

• Glass cake stand- 2.99
• Lantern- 96¢
• Black wooden crate- 89¢ with 75% off= 22¢
• Brown wooden crate- 1.99 with 25% off= 1.50
• Cutting board- 1.39
• Black metal tray- 79¢

Regular Items

• Glass cylinder- 59¢ with 25% off= 34¢
• Brass candlesticks (4)- 2.99
• Letter holder- 69¢ with 50% off= 34¢
• Silver bowl- 1.49

Tax- 1.12Total-$14.55

Cake stand- 2.99

I already have several white ones from our wedding registry at PB and I think this one will fit in just fine.

Lantern- 96¢

I'm going to get rid of the tacky ivy, paint it white (I think) and add a pretty floral arrangement in the middle to add height to the food table.

Black wooden crate- 89¢ with 75% off= 22¢

A wooden crate to stash goodies or possibly favors.  For 22¢ how could I not snatch it up?

Brown wooden crate- 1.99 with 25% off= 1.50

 I'm saying goodbye to the school houses flanking each side and will use it to hold food or drinks.

Cutting board- 1.39

 After being inspired by this dessert table featured on Amy Atlas, I thought it would be a good idea to use this cutting board as a serving platter (after a good bleaching of course!).  It looked brand new!

Black metal tray- 79¢

Someone really tried to "dress" this tray up with a coat of paint and tropical stickers, but it just isn't working.  I plan on painting it with chalkboard paint, hanging it vertically and using it as a message board over the food table or sign-in table.  Don't you worry little tray, I will make something of you!

So there you have it.  Those are all of my baby shower finds.  But they only account for 6 of my 10 items.  So here's what I scored with the other 4...

Glass cylinder- 59¢ with 25% off= 34¢

 This one was a major steal because Pottery Barn sells an almost identical one for $19.00 (before tax)!

So I basically got this item for 98% off!

Brass candlesticks (4)- 2.99

 Yes, I know I have a problem.  But they were too pretty to resist.

Letter holder- 69¢ with 50% off= 34¢

I'm not sure if this is really a letter holder, but that's what I'm using it as.  I love the finish and shape of the dividers.

Silver bowl- 1.49

And last but not least, here's the bowl I mentioned on the House of Hydrangeas Facebook page yesterday.  I love the scalloped edges and detailing.  I'm beginning to think I've picked up my mom's addiction to pretty bowls.  Uh oh.  

Here it is in all of its side table glory.