Color Me {Splash Zone}

After a month of rain, I guess I should be jumping for joy over the amount of sunshine we've had this weekend. Don't get me wrong, I am really excited about the excessive sun, but with that comes ridiculous heat. This past weekend has to have been one of the hottest we've had all summer. The simplest of tasks was accompanied by pure exhaustion from the heat. It left me longing for a big body of water to help beat the heat. The chill would be refreshing on such a day accompanied by an ice cold beverage. Just looking at the cool water even helps with the scorcher. So, as we gear up for an equally hot day today, I'm going to remembering these images hoping to stay just the slightest bit cooler!

Have a chill Monday!

Color Me {Summer Berry}

Recently, I've been seeing all of these posts on Facebook about people picking their own produce, everything from citrus to vegetables to berries. It looks so fun and I've been dying to do it for awhile now. I finally did some research the other day and found a place not to far from our house. There we can pick organic blueberries, blackberries and strawberries, and I'm already imagining what to do with the loot. I'm thinking pies, cobblers, and tarts galore. I may event finally try my hand at canning and make some berry preserves to give as gifts. The thought of finally going picking has me inspired for summer parties too. The bright, vivid colors of the berries spring thoughts of a pretty, relaxed afternoon gathering. Pink, navy, red and deep burgundy will fill the room accompanied by soft neutrals like ivory and gold. It would make a great scheme for a formal affair as well. Whether you make it formal or casual, the organic combination of berry shades is perfect for all your warm weather get togethers.

Have a great Monday!

Color Me {Sea Life}

I've been craving a vacation for a while now, dreaming of going back to the days where summer meant sleeping in, hanging at the beach, and riding bikes. But, the real world ruins those plans after college graduation unfortunately. Early mornings, late nights and weekends have left me exhausted. I find solace though staring at images of everything I imagine summer to be. Shades of bright blue, pictures of pools, cocktails, the sun shining, afternoon thunderstorms, and sea creatures have me imagining I've transported myself back to the days where how defined my tan lines were was the biggest worry. Seeing as how I have yet to win the lottery, reliving those days is far away. Until then, I will continue to stare at these amazing renditions of sea creatures and believe that when I step out my front door I'll be at the beach (my happy place!) with a cocktail in hand. So raise a glass and let's all toast to being on an imaginary vacation this week! Have a great Monday y'all!

Color Me {Picnicing}

I'm kicking off this week with a bit of picnic inspiration. Whether you live near the beach, lake, mountains, or plains, indulging in a summertime picnic can be one of the most fun and relaxing things you do over the summer. Pack up a basket with all your favorite snacks, beverages, a good book and take off. Hang out in the sun all day and soak up time with the ones you love most. Let the kids run around and have fun while you sip on refreshing cocktails and munch on indulgent treats. Get lost in a good book or catch up on that stack of magazines you haven't read in ages. Either way, a picnic is summertime fun for the whole family.

As the week goes on, I'm going to share more and more picnic fun with you including my perfect picnic basket tomorrow, a delicious easy sandwich everyone can enjoy, mango peach sangria to sip on, and so much more. So, sit back, relax and enjoy all the picnic fun this week and maybe plan your own for the upcoming weekend!

Have a great Monday!

Color Me {Sunshine}

The further we move into summer, the rainier it gets. I mean this is Florida in the summer, that's what it does here. Anyways, it has me dreaming of sunshine filled days. Cover everything in shades of bright yellow and I will be a happy girl. Whether it be bright flowers, accents of citrus fruits, or remnants of sour treats, as long as covered in shades of bright sunshine, you can't go wrong. Even if your days are filled with sun, yellow is perfect for summer soirees. The happy shade is sure to bring a smile to all your guest's faces and bring liveliness to any cloudy day! I'm imagining a table filled with lemony treats, sunflowers, and yellowbird cocktails.

How will you incorporate pops of yellow into your next get together?

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! 

Color Me {All American}

Hi dolls! Happy Monday. I hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm starting to get really excited because one of my favorite holidays is just a week a way. To me, Memorial Day is more than just another day off of work, it symbolizes the start of summer and is an amazing way to remember all the amazing things men and women have stood up for in honor of our country over the years. While the official beginning of summer won't come until the middle of June, I can't help but think of Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of sun and fun. And, what better way than a patriotic backyard BBQ to welcome in the next couple months of outdoor celebrations. I'm imagining a yard full of friends and family indulging in fresh slices of watermelon, BBQ chicken, homemade ice cream and ice cold beers. Decorate with red, white, and blue accents and throw in touches of the stars and stripes to complete the soiree. If you are lucky, begin the whole fete with a celebration at the beach. After all, Memorial Day does symbolize the official opening of the beaches!

How will you celebrate this amazing and fun holiday next week?

Lusting After {Pineapples}

Happy Friday babes! With a summertime feel finally upon us, I've been feeling the tropical spirit every morning. The sun shines just a little bit brighter, the sky is just a bit bluer, and everybody seems to be in just a little bit better mood. It's fabulous, right? With warm breezes and sandy beaches on the mind, I've been lusting after tropical details lately. Large flowers, Hawaiian prints, and bright colors call my name from across the room. But, the one detail that has me going crazy is pineapple! This sweet fruit not only tastes good but when left whole makes a great summer centerpiece. It reminds me of the islands and how fresh and fun everything is down there. The colors are also a fantastic soiree inspiration. Shades of golden yellow, green, and brown are reminiscent of a 1960s Palm Beach get together. But don't be fooled, this retro feel is totally modern as well!

Color Me {Sunshine Sky}

One of my favorite things about living in Florida is the abundant sunshine and the gorgeous color of blue it turns the sky. With all the sunny days we've been having recently, I'm feeling inspired by the colors right outside my window. These vibrant shades inspire happiness and scream of long, fun days spent enjoying good friends and beautiful weather. Lounging by a pool, sipping on a cocktail, and snacking on succulent treats is the perfect accompaniment to this relaxing color combo. Play it up by pouring Blue Curacaos and indulging in fresh mango. Send guests home with custom beach bags, yellow chevron towels, turquoise shades and of course a bottle of sunscreen. It will be the pool party of a lifetime! 

Color Me {Pink Flamingo}

Does anybody else remember those cheesy pink flamingo yard ornaments? I haven't seen them anywhere in years, but my grandmother used to have at least three or four in her yard at a time, and I loved them! Well, the other day I was in a store and spotted a pair in garnet and gold (for FSU of course). It instantly reminded me of their original pink counterparts that my grandmother loved so dearly. Ever since, I've been searching for a pair for memories sake, and can't seem to find them any where. While that is neither here nor there, it left me wishing to throw a summer bash with those cheesy pink flamingos as my inspiration. Their bright pink shade and vintage feel would make for some sure fire welcome to summer fun! Imagine 1950's style wicker furniture topped with bright pink cushions surrounding a glass top table topped with a boldly printed pink tablecloth. With orange centerpieces, guests will feel the flamingo vibe everywhere they look. Intermittently place pink flamingos all over the backyard and allow each guest to take one home as they leave. Encourage everyone to dawn their vintage swimwear and this will be a welcome to summer throw back none are soon to forget! 

Lusting After {Palm Fronds}

If you are blessed enough to live in, or be from, the Sunshine State, you can relate to my obsession with palm frond accents. Whether as decor for your home or soiree, their vibrant green hue brings a sense of the tropical outdoors in. Right now I'm lusting after the idea of removing the stem and using the frond as a placemat or charger. This inexpensive, chic table accent is just what my summer loving heart is craving. Another great option is to use them as a bold accent in an oversized vase. I know I've got one turquoise vintage rum carboy that is in need of the bright whisping leaves of a palm. If planning a tropical bash this summer, try using them as an oversized centerpiece on a few tables. It's bold, eye catching and something your guests are sure not to forget. 

I could talk all day about the possibilities for these luscious beauties, but I believe I will just leave the rest up to your creative imagination. No matter indoors or out, palm fronds add the right amount of natural beauty, bright color, and island vibe! 

Color Me {Tropical}

Happy Monday! Lately there has been a lot of talk about summer going around my house. Sailing trips to tropical locations and lazy days on the water have left me inspired and dreaming of crystal clear turquoise waters and the vibrant hues that surround it. Seeing colorful images of summer days leaves me with an instant sense of relaxation. I'm taken back to when I was younger and used to run around my quaint little beach town in a bathing suit, cover up, sunglasses, and no shoes. Can't wait to get to the beach this summer? Throw a tropical soiree one weekend for you and your friend to relax from the week while imagining you are far away laying by the crystal clear waters of the caribbean. Bright colors, bold patterns, palm frawns, and maybe even a little sand in your back yard. Pull out the lawn chairs, put an umbrella in your drink, and relax! 

This Party Inspired By {Summer Blues}

Yes, I'm fully aware it's the middle of winter, but I have been overcome by a longing for warmer temperatures and bright shades of turquoise. Never the fan of cold weather (I'm notorious for not wearing a jacket and claiming "Oh I'll be fine."), we are only through December and I'm counting the days till summer. The inspiring, bright shades of turquoise that remind me of crystal clear waters, are ideal for a winter blues party. Throw a bash completely inspired by summer to brighten up the dull mood of you and your friends from being stuck inside during the cold months. Serve tropical drinks, wear hula skirts, and imagine the sun warming your skin! 

Dining Uncorked {Grilled Pizza}

Summer is all about grilling in my opinion! And since my recent dairy allergy discovery I've been trying to fill my pizza void. But, with the discovery that my allergy only applies to cow's milk, I decided why not pick up some sheep's milk based cheese on the way home and grill up some pizzas! Well, while perusing the cheese section at Publix I discovered that pecorino romano is a sheep's milk based cheese. This is amazing news, because pecorino romano is an amazing cheese. In case you haven't had it before, it's very similar to a parmesan. Immediately I know what to pair it with.  I made two different kinds of pizza. One was topped with bacon and grilled asparagus and the other with tomatoes and arugula. Obviously they both had pecorino romano. They were both delicious! In case you're wondering, I like cooking to be easy. Nothing too complicated that has too many steps. So, I picked up some whole wheat flat bread at the store (my Publix has it in the deli section) and used that as the crust. Here's how I grilled the pizza...

{Step 1} Turn the grill on and set the flame at a medium high heat. 

{Step 2} Brush both sides of the flat bread with olive oil

{Step 3} Top your pizza with whatever you like

{Step 4} Place the pizza on the grill and close the lid. Cook until the cheese is melted and the bottom of the flatbread is crispy but not burnt. (Note: If you use pecorino romano, and I suggest you do, it will not fully melt)

{Step 5} Cut into slices and ENJOY!

What would you top your grilled pizza with? I think I want to try shrimp next!