Friday, May 30, 2014

Five on Friday - Favorites

This was such a busy week and I can't believe it is already Friday. I seriously can't tell you what I did this week. Monday we drove back from the beach, Tuesday I had a few appointments, Wednesday/Thursday was filled with errands. And that brings us to Friday! Of course I would love to say I am doing something fabulous today but I have about 2.5 hours to spend at the car dealer for our tuneup/oil change, followed by a trip to the airport to pick up the hubby. He has been in Boston the past few days for work and I can't wait to have him home.

With being so busy I did find 5 things that I am currently obsessed with!!

1. Blink Buggy
Have you tried this? Blinkbuggy was started by an ex-Google employee and it is a way to document and share all of your child's milestones. Your family can even sign up for a e-mail that is delivered every Tuesday that recaps everything you posted. Not to mention they even have a phone app so you can document on the go as well. I am definitely going to sign up for this. Not to mention they even have a feature where you can print your uploads into memory books. Of course I have a traditional baby book I bought from Anthropologie which I love, but this is a great way to share with all my family members and friends who I don't see daily.

Did I mention this is FREE?? So stop what you are doing and sign up if you have kids! If you are currently using Blink Buggy let me know. Would love to learn the tips and tricks.

2. BlaBla Dolls
I love these dolls! I bought these for a few friends from a local store when I was living in Boston. I always couldn't wait for the day to put these in my own nursery. Again, I am slightly obsessed with my cat Armondo so I need to have all the cat BlaBla dolls! Specifically Splash the cat, and the rattles!!
You can find these at small boutiques, online at blablakids.com, and Anthropologie even sells them too! I feel that these will be childhood keepsakes and not to mention class up the babies nursery!


We visited Jeni's ice cream with friends while in Atlanta and I can't stop dreaming about the Buckeye State flavor. It was so good! I ordered first and got 2 scoops, while everyone else we were with got 3 scoops. I was so upset when I finished and everyone else still had more. It has been over a week and I am still thinking I should have gone back and gotten one more scoop. 

Jeni's has store locations in Ohio, Atlanta and opening in Charleston. Check out the website if any local groceries store have it. I just found a location close to us and will be heading there tomorrow after our car tuneup! Not to mention they also ship!! I am extra excited for Charleston because we are planning a trip there this fall. Don't you worry I will definitely be getting 3 scoops of ice cream and may even splurge on hot fudge as well. 

In the meantime, I might buy the cookbook. We love using our Cusinart ice cream maker and thinking I can definitely impress our guests this summer making these recipes. Jeni is also doing a book tour so if you are in the area check it out! 

Have you tried Jeni's yet? Let me know what flavor you love. Since they carry products in local grocery stores and you can buy online I may be willing to sample a new flavor!!

A few months ago I stumbled upon Sweet Paul on Pinterest and basically started pinning everything on the boards. I then found the magazines at Anthropologie and fell in love. Recently they came out with a new cookbook that I must have! 
I can't tell you how amazing all the recipes and ideas are. They sell the cookbook at Anthopologie, Crate and Barrel, Amazon to name a few. I feel like I retweet one of their posts daily. Follow me on Twitter and you can see how I am slightly obsessed with them. I highly suggest following Sweet Paul on Pinterest and Twitter. Next week I am debating on making either the Lemon Ricotta Asparagus Tartlets or the Supremely Simple Strawberry and Rhubarb Tart

5. Austin, Texas
My sister-in-law and co-blogger is heading to Austin Texas for a Bachelorette party this weekend and I am so excited for her. Austin is on my places to go list and I can't wait to hear all about her trip and then start planning my own trip. Check out Erin's blogpost on what she has planned! 

Have a great weekend and Happy Pinning!
By Jennifer Shelton

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Coconut Lime Cilantro Cooler

Happy Thirsty Thursday! I just came back from my morning walk and it is going to be a hot one today. I decided I wanted to make something to drink that was refreshing and hydrating! So I found this recipe on Pinterest for a Coconut Lime Cilantro Cooler. I figure when it is a more appropriate hour to have adult beverages you can add vodka.

Adapted from Momontimeout.com

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup Coconut Water - I used Vita Coco Pure Coconut Water
  • 1/3 cup Club Soda (recipe calls for ginger ale or sparkling water, however ginger ale would take over the coconut taste, and sparkling water doesn't have enough fizz)
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice (recipe calls for 2 tablespoons, you can always add more but you want to make sure that the lime doesn't overpower the coconut water)
  • 1 tsp chopped Cilantro
Directions: 
  • Stir all ingredients together
  • Pour into glass filled with ice
  • Garnish with a slice of lime and cilantro

ENJOY!!! Also, you may have seen my metal straws in pictures. I am obsessed with them. They keep your drink cold. You can find them at William Sonoma or Crate and Barrel! I have both kinds and love them equally. The Crate and Barrel straws are great for smoothies or frozen drinks.
And I also have to call out that Rue La La has Lilly Pulitzer on sale too! If you are not a member you can sign up here.

Happy Pinning!!
By Jennifer Shelton

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Summer Flowers

So my planters are finally finished! And really the credit goes to my in-laws who finished everything while we were away on vacation. How awesome are they?

A few weeks ago you might remember I posted some ideas on what I wanted to do! I still haven't painted the mason jars but it is definitely on my to do list! But we did accomplish flowers in the wagon, repainting old planters and a herb garden.

In the herb garden we are growing basil, chives, tarragon, sage, mint, cilantro, rosemary, oregano, and I know it isn't a herb but a jalapeño too! Everything is doing well except my cilantro. Not sure why but it looks so limp!

It is awesome to walk outside to the patio and grab some mint for my Mocktails or some basil for my salad!

We were even able to recycle some wedding decorations! Here are some pictures from the wagon we used at my wedding. To see pictures of how we used the wagon on my wedding click here. I love how this looks at the front of the driveway. The neighbors have even complemented!


Here are some of the planters we painted for our back patio!


And last but not least I have to show a few of the planters that we have around the yard and patio! I will make sure to post more over the summer. I love looking out at the backyard and seeing everything in bloom!


Happy Pinning!
By Jennifer Shelton

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Strawberry Avocado Couscous Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

Sorry for such a late post! Coming back from vacation is rough! Haha! I spent 3/4 of the day running errands and unpacking.

Tonight for dinner I made strawberry avocado couscous salad with a lime vinaigrette which I saw on Pinterest. I served this with grilled chicken that had a William Sonoma Meyer Lemon Peppercorn Rub.

This is definitely a quick and easy recipe to make, not to mention perfect for summer bbq's.

Recipe adapted from http://damndelicious.net.

Salad Ingredients:


  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (I used the bird's eye frozen, but would use fresh corn next time!)
  • 1 cup of strawberries cut into quarters (recipe calls for 1/2 cup but I doubled the recipe)
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds (recipe called for 2tbs pine nuts but I couldn't find them at the store)
Lime Vinaigrette Ingredients: 
  • 1/4 olive oil
  • 1/4 apple cider vinegar
  • zest of 1 lime (I would use half, taste dressing and add more if desired)
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
Directions: 
  • Prepare couscous according to directions and let cool
  • Make vinaigrette, and whisk together
  • In a large bowl, carefully combine couscous, avocado, corn, strawberries, cilantro, and almonds. Stir in lime vinaigrette.
  • Chill for 10-15 minutes in fridge (recipe says serve immediately but I preferred the salad cold)

Enjoy and Happy Pinning!!
By Jennifer Shelton

Monday, May 26, 2014

Happy Memorial Day!

Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend!

We are traveling back from the beach today! Back to normal posts tomorrow!!
By Jennifer Shelton

Friday, May 23, 2014

Grab your Cowboy Boots - We're Headed to Austin!

Weekend Wanderlust; Pinterestdreams




Anyone that knows me knows that I rarely sit still!  I am constantly on-the-go traveling on the weekends to visit all my friends and being a professional wedding guest!

I am so excited to share our inspiration for a trip to Austin I'm going on next weekend.  Not only am I going to celebrate my bestie and partner-in-crime's bachelorette party; this is also a completely new location for all of us girls!

Austin; la condesa; barbella; south congress; pinterestdreams


Of course, we turned to Pinterest and to help me develop our itinerary.  I also checked in with a colleague of mine that was born and raised in Texas!  They don't call her the human yelp for nothing!

On the Agenda:

1.  Lots and LOTS of Mexican Food and Tequila at La Condesa
2.  Shopping on South Congress Street
3.  Brunch at South Congress Cafe - This place actually has carrot cake french toast!
4.  Visit a food truck or two:  Chi'Lantro and Hey Cupcake
5.  Dance at Barbella
6.  Ride a mechanical bull and two-step at Rowdy's
7.  Hang out with guys in mustaches at HandleBar

With my friends, we never know where the night is going to take us.  I can't wait to see everything the city has to offer!

A side note, with all the weekend traveling I do, I am still the WORST at packing.  I discovered this awesome new blog called the Huddle Honey.  She has helpful carry-on tips for packing everything you need efficiently!  I'm sure my husband would appreciate it if I take her advice :)


I'll check back in after our trip and give a full review!  If you have any favorite spots in Austin I would love to hear them in the comments!

Happy Pinning!
By Erin Sliney

Five on Friday - Memorial Day

Today I am doing my first link up with some of my favorite blogs!! Make sure to check them out as well!

Here are 5 of my favorite things from this week!

1. Georgia Aquarium 
We are visiting our friends this weekend and on Sunday went to the Georgia Aquarium. If you haven't been you have to go! This place is AMAZING!! We couldn't get over how big the tanks were. You should see the size of the sharks and whales. Our other favorite exhibit were the otters. Below see a few pictures of our adventure!


2. Southport - Oak Island
I am so excited that we are at my Mom's house in Southport for Memorial Day weekend. We haven't been to the beach in a while so we are super excited. We are planning on golfing, beach time, shopping, and of course taking the ferry from Southport to the Aquarium at Fort Fisher. If I haven't mentioned it before, my husband has a salt water fish tank and is slightly obsessed!



3. Memorial Day Appetizers
Of course we need to make sure we are well fed at the beach. I love this recipe for blueberry, strawberry and jicama salsa. Not only is it on theme but doesn't it look refreshing after a long day at the beach or golfing? I will definitely let you know how it tastes and if you should make it.
4. Hibiscus Iced Tea Sparkler
We need to make sure we stay hydrated over the weekend. I can't wait to try this hibiscus iced tea sparkler. I am a huge fan of hibiscus iced tea, it is a great alternative for when you want something slightly sweet and don't want all the sugar of the juice. Looking at the recipe at first glance I might swap the honey for agave and cut the amount in half. I am personally not a fan of overly sweet beverages.
5. Memorial Day Weekend
WOOO HOO! I can't tell you how excited I am that it is Memorial Day Weekend. After living in the Northeast for my entire life, Memorial Day Weekend was always a sign that we made it through another winter. No more snow for a few months, we can start taking out summer clothes (yeah for white jeans!!), and most importantly being able to actually enjoy the outdoors. Living in North Carolina that means it is time for us to go out on the boat, swimming in the lake, and grilling outdoors.
Armondo our cat is all ready for the holiday weekend!! 

Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and I can't wait to hear how you celebrated. I will also make sure to recap all the recipes that I mentioned in this post, and any tips and tricks I learned.

Happy Pinning!
By Jennifer Shelton









Thursday, May 22, 2014

Jalapeño Moscow Mule

I know it is early but time to think about Happy Hour!! I had a few jalapeños lying around that I had to use. We didn't have a lot of options to mix in with food so I decided to search for a refreshing drink that incorporated jalapeños, limes and ginger beer! I couldn't find exactly what I wanted so I used a combination of a few pins and make up my own drink.

My inspiration for the Jalapeño Moscow Mule came from HappyYolks.com. I didn't have any vodka or the guava juice. So instead I substituted with limes and soda water.

Ingredients:


  • 6 Oz Ginger Beer
  • 4 Oz Soda Water or Vodka
  • 1 Lime
  • 1/4 of a Jalapeño
  • 1/4 tsp Agave
  • Crushed Ice
Directions:
  • Muddle limes and jalapeños in a shaker
  • Add Ginger beer, soda water, and agave
  • Pour over crushed ice
  • Garnish with lime and jalapeño












Remember the longer you let the jalapeño in your drink the spicier it is! PS I know I should be serving these in copper mugs, but my mugs are in storage until we move into our new home!!

Happy Pinning!
By Jennifer Shelton

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

My Pinterest To Do List - June

Here are some of the projects that I am going to focus on for June! In addition, to finishing my planters!! I promise they are almost done!!

Style: 
My in-laws just bought new furniture for their guest room which has a nautical theme. I thought this lamp from Target could be perfect in the room. Of course I will attempt to make this with stuff we have at home, however for $31.99 you can't go wrong!

Food & Drink: 
This past week we went to the most amazing breakfast spot in Atlanta called The Flying Biscuit Cafe. It was SOOOO good! My husband had their sausage and biscuits and I had oven baked green tomatoes, grits, and a spicy salsa on top. Of course everything was served with homemade biscuits and homemade cranberry apple butter. My goal for June is to recreate both of our breakfasts!! I will make sure to post the recipes and pictures when I make them.


Bambino: 
I was reading Playgroundprepster.blogspot, and she had a great idea for her kids. Buy Oh The Places You Will Go book by Dr. Seuss and each year have your children's teachers sign the book. I absolutely love this idea. In addition, I think this could be a cute baby gift as well!
In addition, have you noticed how expensive baby headbands and hair bows are? I am going to attempt to make at least some headbands before mastering the boutique bows!
Yes, I know this is cheating by buying newborn headband kit on Etsy but figure in the long run it might be cheaper then trying to buy everything myself. Plus it will help me learn how to make them!

Entertaining: 
Time to get ready for 4th of July! We are going to stay home for the 4th and hang out at the lake. I can't wait to reuse some of the decorations from our engagement party. Here are some of the projects I am going to work on.
Mason Jars and Napkins
What is a backyard BBQ without deviled eggs?
Red, White and Blue Deviled Eggs
And if you haven't caught on I am slightly obsessed with anything strawberry rhubarb!
Apple, Strawberry, Rhubarb pie with Almond Crust
Wedding: 
I always like to give something slightly personalized for weddings. I have a few weddings that I can't attend this summer, but thought these embroidered dish towels could be cute to go with their wedding present.
Embroidered Flour Sack Dish Towel
What are your Pinterest projects for June? Definitely share with me and we will feature you on the blog.

Happy Pinning!
By Jennifer Shelton