Color Me {Pink Champagne}

Happy Monday! How was everyone's first official weekend of summer? Hopefully you took some time to relax and enjoy some of the things we all love about summer like beach trips, backyard BBQ's, and outdoor fun and games. We spent most of the day yesterday outside enjoying the increasingly hot weather working on projects for the house and a fun DIY I'll show you a little later this week. But as the temperatures rise, I can only try and think of things to keep me cooler (or at least imagine I feel cooler). One way I do this is imagining soft cooler colors like this pink and champagne combo. It's soft, subtle and romantic and gives off a natural elegance that seems easy and not too stiff. I love to use it for all sorts of girly gatherings like at home spa parties, a birthday gathering, bridal showers, and more. Try incorporating it into your next gathering by displaying blush blooms atop a shimmering light gold table linen. Surround with tea lights to complete this cool look!

Party DIY {Paper Cone Wrappers}

Summer may be over, but I still find myself craving the sweet summer treat on warm fall afternoons. While ice cream socials may be behind us for the time being, there are still a million uses for the sugary waffle cone. Imagine them filled with fresh fruit for a breakfast gathering or dipped in chocolate served along side a mug of decadent hot chocolate. No matter what you fill them with, they are cutest when wrapped in a custom paper cone to match the decor of your event. This party DIY is super simple and makes a big impact for the little time it takes. Here's how to make your own!

:: Supplies ::
Patterned Scrapbook Paper
Ruler
Pen
Scissors
Double Sided Tape

:: Directions ::
1. Begin by measuring a single line 8" in length. From the end points of the line, draw 2 lines 7" in length on a angle so they meet in the middle.
2. Cut the triangle out.
3. Round off the top part (original 8" line) until the triangle is 5" in height.
4. Place double stick tape on the back edge of the triangle and wrap snugly around cone. Fill, serve, & impress!

Indulge In {Chocolate Raspberry Mousse}

This is truly an indulgence, and an easy to make one at that. Heading to a friend's house for celebratory apps and cocktails a few weeks ago, I needed something quick and delicious to throw together. Making a traditional chocolate mousse was out of the question, but this quick, easy, and yummy version is just the trick. A perfectly balanced combo homemade whipped cream and sugar free chocolate pudding piped in a flaky tartlet is simple enough to make in a flash and a great way to impress diners. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1/2 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
5 Containers Sugar Free Jello Pudding
Phyllo Tartlets
Fresh Raspberries

:: Directions ::
1. Place metal mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for approximately 10 minutes.
2. Remove bowl and beaters from freezer. Pour in heavy whipping cream and beat on high until stiff peaks begin to form.
3. Add powdered sugar and beat on high for another 2 minutes.
4. 1 container at a time, add the pudding, beating each until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 45 seconds.
5. Using a piping bag (or plastic bag) pipe the mixture into each tartlet. Top with a raspberry and serve immediately.

Indulge In {Baked Caprese Bread}

I am a big believer in easy entertaining. It should be simple, fun, and delicious. A party should look you spent hours and hours throwing it together to make a big impact without actually taking all of that time out of your busy schedule. One of my favorite ways to do this is by planning a meal based on simply impressive hearty hors d'oeuvres. In most situations, they take less time to make, but everybody enjoys them more because they can nosh their way through the evening. My latest favorite to throw together is a bake caprese bread. It's simple, fast, and utterly delicious. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1 Loaf Fresh French Bread
4 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 Jar Basil Pesto
2 Vine Ripe Tomatoes, sliced

:: Directions ::
(1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees and cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
(2) Slice bread in half horizontally and place on cookie sheet.
(3) Spread 1/4 of the jar of pesto on each half of bread.
(4) Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella on each half placing slices of one tomato on each piece.
(5) Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese begins to brown.
(6) Remove from oven, top each slice of tomato with a dollop of pesto, slice and serve.

Indulge In {Mascarpone & Honey Crostini}

Last week I showed you a super simple and delicious pea and prosciutto salad perfect for entertaining on the fly. Sticking with the simple and delicious theme, this week I'm sharing a sweet crostini that is a great option for either an appetizer or dessert. Topped with savory mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of sweet honey, your guests will be begging for more. Crostinis make a perfect party treat because of the simplicity. They can be topped with whatever you have laying around like tomato, avocado, or prosciutto. Here's how to make your own..

:: Ingredients ::
1 French Baguette
1 Tub Mascarpone
1 Jar of Honey

:: Directions ::
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice baguette into 1/4 inch pieces and toast till golden brown, approximately 3-5 minutes
2. Spread each crostini with mascarpone and drizzle with honey
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

*Image

You're Invited!

It kinda looks like someone wrote this Save the Date in the sand right? Well here is a little back story that's a little off topic.  My dream has always been to get married on some island. Ironically in the Bahamas. I grew up in a beach town, and it's where I've always been the most comfortable.  For a girl who loves shoes and majored in fashion, when I'm home at the beach, I prefer to wear nothing but a bikini and no shoes.  Anyways, when I was younger, I used to love writing my name in the sand.  So, I'm sure you're wondering how this connects.  Well, since I've dreamed of getting married on some far away island, I've dreamed of having my Save the Dates written in the sand (I told you it would connect back). Which is why I think this Save the Date is so perfect! It's simple, clean, and a little modern. I love it!