Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day friends. I hope everyone is enjoying their long holiday weekend. Today’s post is going to be short and sweet so you can all get back to the party! While today is full of celebration and fun, it’s about more than just BBQs and pool parties. Take some time today to remember those who have fought for our country, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice giving you to ability to celebrate today.  Without those individuals, we would not be the country we are. Thank you to all the veterans and those currently serving in our armed forces. Words could never express how grateful I truly am for you!

Have a safe Memorial Day! 

Indulge In {Strawberry Pie}

Hello there! We are one day closer to the long holiday weekend ahead and I'm starting to get really excited (as I do every Thursday!). This weekend I'm packing up my bags and heading to Rob's parent's house to celebrate his Mom's birthday. You all know birthdays are my favorite and when you combine that with a holiday, I get extra happy. I want to share a recipe today that I have shared before but reminds me of both Rob's Mom and Memorial Day. Last year I had a bunch of strawberries left over from an event and took them down to his parent's house with me. With the help of Rob's Mom, we whipped up this delicious strawberry pie. If you've never had strawberry pie before, you are seriously missing out. Loaded with a ton of fresh strawberries and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, it's a great summertime dessert. Plus, the color makes it perfect to serve up on Memorial Day. Make ahead of time and keep in the fridge till guests arrive. They will surely be impressed by it's fresh, light, and delicious flavor. Here's the recipe!

:: Ingredients ::
2 Cups Sugar
2 Cups Water
6 Tablespoons Strawberry Gelatin Mix
2 Pounds Fresh Strawberries
3 Heaping + 3 Regular Tablespoons Cornstarch
1 Pilsbury Pie Crust Cooked and Cooled
:: Directions ::
1. In a sauce pan, mix together sugar, strawberry gelatin, and cornstarch
2. Add water and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until thick and clear. Set aside and let cool completely.
3. Slice strawberries in quarters and set aside till gelatin mixture is cool.
4. Once cool, mix strawberries in with gelatin mixture. Pour into pie crust and put in fridge until ready to serve.

Happy Memorial Day!

Hi dolls! I hope you are enjoying your 3 day weekend as much as I am. I'm spending this bonus day off waiting out the storm in hopes that the rain stops long enough for us to catch some rays by the pool and grill out on the back deck. But even if it doesn't I'm sure we will find some way to celebrate the real meaning of this holiday and honor those who fight for our country everyday. What do you all have planned for today? Hopefully something fun!

I'll be back tomorrow with a fun DIY that screams summer!

Essentially {Memorial Day}

If you stopped by yesterday, you know I gave you some great inspiration to throw your best Memorial Day bash yet. And, today I'm going to give you my essentials for helping make it fantastic. While a grill, delicious food, and laughs are a must, here are some great outdoor dining and party essentials that just happen to be patriotic!

1. Star Napkins (Pottery Barn): These linens are reminiscent of the American flag and almost too pretty to use. I love using linen napkins for a party for a couple reasons. One, they are always more festive and fit your theme. While you do have to do a load of laundry after using them, they are much more absorbent and people don't waste dozens of napkins when they could have used only one. 

2. Claudia Pearson Summer Plates (West Elm): I've always been anti disposables for a party. Especially a small festive gathering in the back yard. By using melamine, you get the same impact as real glassware but without the worry. Melamine can be dropped and tossed around and you don't have to worry about it breaking. Plus, it's 100% dishwasher safe. And, how can you beat the design that can also carry you through the Fourth of July and Labor Day?

3. Red, White, and Blue Bunting (Etsy): While I do always encourage the hanging of the American Flag, especially on patriotic holidays, it can be a little overkill to have it be the main decor item. Try keeping color scheme constant and hanging red, white, and blue bunting across the backyard in All American patterns like gingham and polka dots. 

4. Woven Pitcher (West Elm): Serve up guests delicious cocktails out of the this pitcher that will not only get you through the holiday, but all your summer soirees. The woven outer shell keeps it from sweating all over the table and is nice change from that boring old plastic pitcher everyone is used to. 

5. Crab Party Tub (World Market): Perfect for keeping beers and other drinks iced down in the hot summer heat. The blue stripes and bright red crab, both symbolic of summer, are a cute way to incorporate the colors of the day. It's also a much more eye pleasing alternative to the traditional plain cooler! 

What are you summer party essentials? I'd love to know so I can add them to my list! 

Weekend Wine Down: Watermelon Cooler

With the weekend grill out in full force, I decided to concoct a little Memorial Day treat. Full of flavor, and incredibly refreshing, this watermelon cooler has summer written all over it.  Looks enticing right? I adapted this recipe from one Bobby Flay did for Food & Wine.  Here's my version!

• Ice
• 1/2 of a Fresh Watermelon
• 3 Handfulls of Blueberries
• Juice of 1 Lime
• 1/4 C Water
• 1/4 C Sugar
• Tequila

Directions:

• Cut up the watermelon in to small pieces and blend it up. Once blended, strain in a small strainer to remove any pulp and seeds.  Make sure you press on the blended watermelon to get all of the juice. Set aside
• Place the water on the stove and boil.  Once boiled, pour in the sugar and stir till dissolved to create a simple syrup.
• In a large pitcher, mix the simple syrup, watermelon juice, ice, lime and blueberries.  
• When adding the tequila, add as much as you like.  I have a heavy hand and really like tequila so I tend to pour a little more than the average person.  In my opinion, you can't go wrong with however much you add.

Let me know how you like it!

Indulge In {Memorial Day BBQ}

When looking to plan the perfect menu for that Memorial Day backyard grill out, rely on those American favorites that everyone loves.  Nothing says Memorial Day like bar-b-q chicken, grilled corn on the cob, potato salad, and watermelon finished off with a delicious berry tart.  Serve up so lemonade and you will have the perfect all-american feast! 

You're Invited!

This Memorial Day, invite friends and family over for a backyard celebration. A simple, modern invitation is exactly what the occasion demands.  The wording encourages guests to be comfortable, dress casual, and have fun! Look out for the perfect outfit to be posted on Friday!

Color Me {Patriotic}

With Memorial Day right around the corner, I do believe it's time to throw a patriotic backyard bash with a little rustic charm. Whether with vintage bubble glasses, antique tin serving wear or clear turquoise plates, this Memorial Day stray from the traditional navy blue and deep red and opt for a turquoise and bright red scheme! Enjoy! 

*From Top Left: Glasses, Clear Turquoise Plates, White Hydrangeas