Color Me {Strawberry Lemonade}

As the sun gets brighter and the days get longer, I can't help but remember back to a simpler time. When your a kid, all that really matters is having fun. You're carefree, full of life and celebrate each little victory. I can't help but wonder why it can't be the same when we grow up. It is my vow that from now on, I will take the little kids approach to life. Celebrate everything and just have fun. Today's post is an ode to that. The pink and yellow combo screams of spring and fun memories. Just looking at it, I can't help but smile and want to bust out the old fashioned lemonade stand for some neighborhood fun. Now, while I go plan a block party, tell me...what's was your favorite part about being a kid that you will bring to your life now?

Have a great Monday!

The Happiest Hour {Spiked Meyer Lemonade}

I remember as a kid setting up many less than successful lemonade stands on the side of the road. Maybe my recipe just wasn't right or maybe people just didn't care enough. Either way, it was enough to bring tears to this little girl face. However, I'm willing to bet these people would want every last bit of my lemonade stand now. Not only have I perfected the lemonade recipe but made it really appealing by adding a splash (or two) of vodka. Here's my recipe for this easy and delicious summer sipper.

:: Ingredients ::
1 Meyer Lemon, juiced
2 Tablespoons Simple Syrup
2 oz Vodka
Water

:: Directions ::
Combine the first 3 ingredients in an glass over ice. Top with water, shake, sip, and enjoy!

Essentially {Summer Soiree}

It's that time of year again! Time to bust out the charcoal and bug spray because summer soirees and outdoor entertaining are here again. It has to be one of my favorite times to entertain. Yes, the weather may be ridiculously hot but the sun shines a little brighter and it makes me smile just a bit bigger. While you may sweat just a bit, all the Vitamin D you are absorbing just puts you in a better mood. At least it does me! While the official start to summer isn't for another couple weeks, I've got summer fever and I'm more than ready to share my summer soiree essentials with you. Here you go!

1. Watermelon: The signature fruit of hot summer days. Light, refreshing, and full of flavor, watermelon reminds me of backyard cookouts and seed spitting contests as a kid. Embrace the fruit while it's fresh and incorporate it into recipes like watermelon salads, spritzers, and cupcakes! 

2. Fresh Flowers: They certainly do brighten up any table! Not only that, when fresh picked from your front yard, they add a personal touch that most parties lack.

3. Patterned Plates: Like these melamine ones from Target, patterned plates add vibrancy to every meal.  Melamine is perfect for outdoor entertaining as well because of it's inability to break. Drop it, step on it, or have guests throw them at one another, there is nothing this plate can't handle!

4. Homemade Lemonade: Just like Mom used to make. Lemonade is one of my all time favorite refreshing beverages on a hot summer day. I'm dying to try a blueberry lemonade! 

5. Beach Umbrellas: You don't have to be on a beach to get into the umbrella action. Try staking one in the back yard and laying under it pretending you are on a tropical island somewhere. This striped yellow one is sure to brighten up any backyard grill out and provided some much needed shade for your guests! 

6. Grill: Of course I saved the best for last. No summer soiree is complete without a grill. Grill cooking is some of the easiest, fun cooking I've ever done. Nothing beats coming home from a long day on the beach, firing up the grill, and cooking every aspect of the meal atop charcoal (or gas if you prefer). Some of my favorite gilled recipes include salads, kabobs, and peaches for dessert! 

Escorted {Summer Lemonade}

With Daylight Savings Time right around the corner (It's this Sunday!), it means spring and summer are soon to follow. And, the warmer temperatures can only mean lots of spring flings and summer soirees. Being from the south, only one thing screams of hot summer days more than running through the sprinklers, and that's ice cold lemonade! Planning a bash on a hot, southern afternoon? Greet guests with a bottle of San Pelligrino Limonata adorned with their table assignment and a floating striped straw.  It's summer chic and refreshing. How can you go wrong? If you want to spice it up just a little, pour out a little of the lemonade and add a shot of vodka to start the party early!