Indulge In {Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream}

Well...did you check out the latest issue of LPF Mag after yesterday's post? Good! In that case, you saw all of the amazing things you can do with a big ol' scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sundaes, cones, splits, shakes, floats, sandwiches...I could go on forever, but the key to all of these is the perfect vanilla ice cream. I like mine extra creamy and sweet but with a touch of saltiness. After many failed attempts, we have finally nailed it! It gives you a mouthful of sweet followed by subtle saltiness. Honestly, it's perfection in a spoonful. Top with chocolate, sprinkles, whipped cream, pretzels, or caramel and enjoy till your heart's content. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1 Quart Half and Half
1 Pint Whipping Cream
1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Tablespoon plue 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Dash of Salt
Ice Cream Salt
Ice

:: Directions ::
1. Combine half and half, whipping cream, and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl and mix.
2. Add sugar, vanilla extract and salt to mixtures and combine.
3. Pour into old time ice cream maker. Layer ice and ice cream salt around center portion. Churn till thick.

*Image from a Hint of Honey

I Scream...You Scream

Have you checked out the latest issue of LPF Mag yet? If you have, how awesome was it?! And if you haven't, shame on you! If you took a few minutes to flip through the digital mag, then you probably saw this delicious looking ice cream social I put together. With it's bright colors and assortment of toppings, planning this shoot really brought me back to my childhood. To me there is nothing better than a make your own ice cream bar. Once you make your classic vanilla ice cream, the possibilities are endless. If you set it up correctly, guests can make everything from sundaes to floats to splits and anything in between that their heart might desire. This ice cream social is highly adaptable too. Keep it basic by just throwing an ice cream bash or incorporate it into weddings, graduation parties, birthdays, and so on!

Like what you see? Check out LPF Mag V4 for all the details.

Have a sweet Wednesday!

LPF Mag V4

Happy Friday friends! What better way to start the weekend than with the latest issue of LPF Mag? The summer issue is finally out and I am more than excited to share it with you. It's packed full of summer fun like our favorite "glamping" finds, recipes for apple berry cobbler and red sangria, an ice cream social, a peak inside the home of our favorite southern belle, and so much more! With every issue I become more and more proud to be apart of this magazine. To watch each contributor's talents grow from issue to issue is truly amazing and I can't wait to see what V5 has in store for all of us. So kick your feet up, grab a cocktail and relax into the weekend with the latest issue of LPF Mag!

Celebrating May

Happy Tuesday friends. I hope your Monday wasn't quite so Monday like. Once a month I like to share with you images from the past month. Shots of my everyday and what I celebrated. I like it because it gives you insight into how I celebrate and entertain at home. This past month was surprisingly busy at work, leaving me too tired to entertain on the weekends. I did get a few fun parties in, but mainly spent time enjoying relaxing days off. We did however accomplish a big task off the to-do list, create the perfect rum punch. After our trip to the Bahamas last year, we were left longing for our own signature rum punch recipe. We finally took the time in May to research and concoct our version of paradise in a cocktail. Also this month, I shot a fun summer ice cream social for the next issue of LPF Mag and hosted a sizzling Mexican fiesta for Cinco de Mayo. I finished out the month of May by enjoying a laid back Memorial Day washing cars and sipping on a sweet strawberry mojito. All in all May was a busy, but fun month and I can't wait to see what June has in store!

What did you celebrate last month?

Color Me {Pastel}

For the past couple of days my house has been decorated in an array of bright colors, multi toned fringe, and tri-colored streamers. It's been a world of high spirited fun that surely put me in such a good mood just staring at the rainbow of flags draped across my living room that gave me the inspiration for today's post. Why pick just one color when you can have them all? With out a doubt, more colors equal more fun. Granted they all have to coordinate, but an array of coral, mint, lavender, rose, and butter yellow scream of the perfect spring soiree. These pastel shades aren't just for tea parties and baby showers anymore. Try them for a fun ice cream social, an outdoor birthday bash, or even a wedding!

Have a great Monday!

Indulge In {Cookie N' Cream Ice Cream}

Hey! Fans of LPF Mag. Get excited because the 4th issue is in full planning mode and we are putting together one heck of an issue for you. In it you will see everything from summer date ideas to a feature on Sweet Grass Dairy to a super awesome ice cream social I'm planning. Homemade ice cream is one of my favorite parts of summer and an ice cream social where guests get to make their own sundae, float, split, or sandwich is right up my alley. I thought I would give you a little sneak peak into the social today with my recipe for homemade cookies n' cream ice cream. Sweet and creamy, it's way better than any store bought version. Although I may be a bit biased.... Anyways, here's the recipe!

:: Ingredients ::

1/2 Tablespoon plus 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 Cup Sugar

1 Quart Half & Half

1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 Pint Whipping Cream

Dash Salt

1 Package Crumbled Oreos

Ice

Ice Cream Salt

:: Directions ::

1. Combine sweetened condensed milk, half & half, and whipping cream. Mix.

2. Add in vanilla, sugar, and salt. Mix to combine

3. Pour into ice cream maker container. Layer salt and ice in machine around container. Turn on and let churn until thick. Add in crushed Oreos and continue to churn until ice cream gets so thick center portion won't turn. 

Be sure to check out the next issue of LPF for tips on throwing your ice cream social!