Summer Songs

Some of my fondest memories of summer where spent on the back roads of Indiana in my car with the windows down, a fountain Cherry Coke and the music blaring. Often times, the music I was playing was a glimpse into how I was feeling at the time. My sister and I often say that our mixed cassette tape was a “Soundtrack” to our lives. Now, whenever I hear those songs, it takes my back to the dirt roads and the cornfields lining each side of the road. Such good memories.

A few of the tunes I would drive to were.....

“Crazy” by Areosmith
“I’m Alright” by Jo Dee Massina
“Mo Money Mo Problems” by P Diddy (formally known as Puff Daddy) and Mace
“Can’t nobody hold me down” by P Diddy

This summer I am adding a few to my list “Summer Long” by Kid Rock and as embarrassed as I am to admit it…”Summertime” by New Kids on the Block.

Music is essential during the summer. The next time you are hosting a barbeque, put together a play list and you can be sure that your party will be a hit. Include a variety of favorites from the past and present. Your guest may even share what memories that have of the songs, which can make a great conversation. Whether you are hosting a barbeque, or traveling the back roads, you might consider of few of these suggested songs from over the years…

“Schools out for the Summer” by Alice Cooper
“Summertime” by Will Smith
“Sunshine on My Shoulders” by John Denver
“Summer Nights” by Olivia Newton John and John Travolta
“Margarita” Jimmy Buffet
“Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters
“Hot Fun in the Summertime” by Sly & The Family Stones
“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
“Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer” by Nat King Cole
“Summer in the City “ by Loving Spoonful

THE PERFECTly easy MARGARITA (serves 6)

• 1 - 12 oz. bottle of Corona Extra
  
• 12 oz. Tequila
  
• 1 -12 oz can of  Limeade Frozen Concentrate
  
• 12 oz. Lemon-Lime Soda
• Coarse Sea Salt
  
• Limes
  
• Ice
  
• Cocktail Rimmer
  
• Pitcher
  
• 6 Margarita glasses

Pour Corona into the pitcher.  Fill the empty bottle with Tequila (I use Jose Cuervo Especial) and add to pitcher.  Put the frozen limeade mix into the pitcher and then fill the empty can with the lemon-lime soda & add it to the other ingredients.  Stir.  

Salt Rims of 6 glasses. Put ice in each glass and pour Margarita Mix into glasses.  Garnish each glass with a lime.  Take a sip & then share with 5 of your friends!  

I have never been a bartender, but this impresses everyone I make it for!  The recipe comes from either my sister-in-law's cousin or my brother's long-time friend, Wayne.  It doesn't really matter who it comes from, I guess; the important thing is that it is delicious, refreshing & show-stopping.  

COCKTAIL RIMMER

A Cocktail Rimmer is a must have for anyone who entertains.  This one from Williams-Sonoma is only $9.95 and is dishwasher safe.  All you do is fill the sponge tray with water or lime juice and the other tray with sugar or salt.  Then press the rim of an EMPTY glass in the sponge & then into the salt or sugar.  

LEMON INSPIRED TRAY
I always use a tray to "contain" all the margarita madness. About 2 years ago, my glamorous girlfriend, Aimee, bought me a beautiful tray that is garden green. It has 2 beautiful lemon patterned tiles in it. It is a PERFECT margarita tray. I use it at home for making margaritas & also to transport my supplies to other peoples' parties.
Pimpernel makes an adorable lemon patterned tray for only $10.00. It is made of melamine and can be purchased at EuropeanTableware.com.

Happy Fourth!

Here are a few tips to make your holiday celebration come off with a bang:


Add SPARKLERS

cocktail rings from around $30.00 to $500.00 on http://www.jcpenny.com/

Decorate a table EXPLODING in style and color

April Cornell table linens

Mirrored star candle holders http://www.stacksandstacks.com/

Declare your independence

Take a road trip and travel somewhere new to celebrate the nation's birthday and explore our unique country!

Boston: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular with Rascal Flatts

Chicago: Lake Michigan, Navy Pier

NYC: Macy's Fireworks, Statue of Liberty

Washington D.C.: Constitution Avenue, National Mall

Ahhh, America...

10 Great Places to Sample Quirky Americana on USAToday.com

(a few of the 10 listed below)

National Museum of Funeral History Houston
"From icebox caskets, which kept the body fresh in pre-embalming days, to an all-glass casket or the coffin built for three, this museum is a fascinating look at the history of burial customs, including mourning attire, jewelry made from the hair of the deceased and funerals of the rich and famous." 281-876-3063; nmfh.org.

Dog Chapel St. Johnsbury, Vt.
"It's non-denominational here — any breed is welcome. Situated on Dog Mountain, the chapel is open to dogs and people of any belief system. Built by dog artist Stephen Huneck, visitors notice the Labrador with wings on the steeple and the stained-glass windows portraying dogs eating ice cream. Visitors often leave photos of beloved pals now in pet heaven." 802-748-2700; dogchapel.com.

Corn PalaceMitchell, S.D. (Believe it or not, I've actually been here!)
"Built in 1892 to prove how rich the soil is in the region, the world's only corn palace has been drawing visitors for 100 years. Shaped like a castle topped with minarets, the palace is 'upholstered' on the exterior with corn, grain and grass — 3,000 bushels' worth." 866-273-2676; cornpalace.com.

Gum Wall at Market Theatre Seattle
"Theater guests waiting in line for weekend improv performances artfully stick their gum to the wall outside the theater." The gummy creation "now reaches up to 15 feet high in an ever-spreading mass as people stick pennies into it, sculpt images and words and leave wads of happy faces." 206-587-2414; unexpectedproductions.org.

Town of MuralsLake Placid, Fla.
Sponsored by the Lake Placid Mural Society, "several dozen large-scale scenes, most depicting the region's historic events, are painted around town on the sides of buildings, concrete abutments, even trash cans. Some murals feature motion-activated sound effects." 863-531-0211;lpfla.com/visit/murals.htm.

Vollis Simpson's Whirligig Farm Between Wilson and Lucama, N.C
"Experience a riot of color and motion as these massive metal contraptions — made of old jangling metal, pie pans, ice-cream scoops, old signs and bicycle wheels — whirl in the wind. Created by 84-year-old Vollis Simpson, some of the sculptures are five to six stories high, looming over the field in which he has installed them." 800-497-7398; narrowlarry.com/nlvollis.html.

Kokopelli's Cave Bed & Breakfast Farmington, N.M.
"Located 70 feet below the surface, visitors reach this subterranean B&B by way of a sandstone path, steps carved in the rock and a short ladder. The 1,600-square-foot cave is completely furnished with plumbing, electricity, a waterfall shower and flagstone hot tub." 505-326-2461; bbonline.com/nm/kokopelli.

Inspirational style

The sweet life: Kirsten Dunst as the pampered Marie Antionette in the film

Okay, I admit it. If I wasn't married, there are a lot of things I would be doing that I am currently not. Before you let your mind wander too far, I'll tell you one of these things I would do if I were a single (or a more selfish) girl is decorate my house in complete, over-the-top girly style. I'm talking sugary cupcake colors on the walls, chandeliers with colored crystal droplets, zebra print fabric galore, eccentric candelabras, oversize gilded picture frames on the walls and on tables, feminine French-inspired antique arm chairs and tufted ottomans...the list goes on.

Now, I'm not really a flowery, country, "chintzy" kinda girl but I do like decor with a wild, feminine twist. My husband, an actuary by trade, is much more conservative in his style. So, I've blended our tastes and modified my style so that our home is a reflection of us a couple--with a lot of my personal preferences sprinkled throughout in small doses. The result is personable, unique and very livable for both of us. For example, I have a large black and white zebra print bench in our study but I've balanced it with stacks of books on top, masculine worn leather furniture and a large black rustic bookcase. My husband is thankful he isn't subjected to years of living in a pink painted palace.

But I still love looking at, and dreaming of, all things whimsical and wonderful.

Inspirations:

Tracy Porter is a designer who always inspires me. I bought her book Tracy Porter's Home Style years ago and still love flipping through the pages for fresh ideas and a new perspective. She's creative and isn't afraid to think outside the box--let's just say her home doesn't look like the pages from a Pottery Barn catalog! She injects her own personal style into everything she does, creating a look that represents her individuality. She is truly an artist.

http://www.tracyporter.com/

Another store and website I love to look for girly things is Anthropologie. They have great gifts, vintage-looking accessories and unnecessary pretty things that make life fun. (I don't think everything you own should be practical.) Do we really need tea cup candle holders? No, of course not. But life wouldn't be quite as sweet without them.

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp

I try to find inspiration everywhere, especially from places I have travelled. Some of my favorite little decorative touches come from locations around the globe.

My home office is the one room in my house which I can completely indulge my own personal style. It is light, bright and airy. It is a mix of a beach cottage and a Paris flat. I've taken things from my trips to help create a space that reminds me where I've been, but always makes me feel at home:

• Vintage Paris postcards--you can buy little postcard collectors books for about $7.00, tear out your favorites and frame in a collage. I've also collected postcards from museum gift shops of famous art pieces at that museum and placed them in frames for inexpensive, yet tasteful, art.



• Old maps or high quality wrapping paper--look at higher-end gift shops or stationary shops for sheets of wrapping paper and for about $7.00 (expensive wrapping paper but CHEAP art) they offer a beautiful selection of prints. Once placed in a pretty frame, you have a large piece of art that's unique and inexpensive. I've also taken the paper to be mounted and laminated on an easel and it gives it even more of a "tailor made" appearance.

http://www.paper-source.com/

• Natural objects-plates, little bowls or trays made from oyster shells or shells mounted on stands, peacock feathers, painted ostrich eggs...all these things make amazing pieces of art. I think art can be most beautiful when it's found in nature.

Some of the prettiest, and most expensive, sculptures I've seen are taken from the ocean, the trees, or the earth. Why not recreate this look on your own using things you've picked up on your travels or nature walks? Tall twigs like curly willow can be used in large pots or urns to add depth and dimension to a room, shells can be placed in a dish on a table or painted silver to add a touch of glamour to a shelf in the bathroom. Use a large oyster shell as a dish to put jewelry on a nightstand or business cards in an office.

Be inspired, be creative--and be yourself! Your personal style should reflect who you are and what you love. It's easy to do what everyone else is doing but the most fun and interesting homes to step inside are those in which the person is reflected throughout. Surprise and inspire all those who enter...

Summer Lovin'

The summer months provide the chance to be a bit more social, carefree and relaxed. Backyard barbeques, evening strolls, and boating on the lake are all activities that allow us to spend time with friends and family while enjoying the sunshine.

Here are some of the things I'm loving this summer. This "best of summer" list will hopefully help inspire you to make the most of this summer in style--whether you're on vacation at the beach, at home with your family, or hosting an outdoor extravaganza.

Best affordable,"wear-anywhere" sundresses

www.newportnews.com www.bostonproper.com www.bostonproper.com

floral sundress; $29.00 pique polo dress; $39.99 braided knit halter dress; $69.00

ethic tube dress; $26.99
www.charlotterusse.com

double layer bra top dress; $29.00
http://www.victoriassecret.com/

smocked halter dress; $24.50

www.wetseal.com

Best summer party drinks

1. watermelon-rum mush from SELF magazine http://www.self.com/

6 fresh shiso (or mint) leaves, plus 8 additional sprigs for garnish12 3/4 cups (2 3/4 qt) cubed seedless watermelon, pureed and strained (makes 1 1/2 qt juice)12 1/3 cups white rum (or to taste)
Crush shiso in the bottom of a large pitcher, using a long wooden spoon. Add watermelon juice and rum; stir. Serve over ice; garnish with shiso sprigs.

1. Paul's party strawberry daquiri

1 can frozen lemonade from concentrate

1 package frozen strawberries

rum as desired

Blend with crushed ice or ice cubes in blender; add sugar to taste. Serve with fresh cut strawberry on side of glass.

Best beach reads

1. Summer Sisters by Judy Blume


2. Jemima J by Jane Green


3. The Last Girls by Lee Smith


4. The Dive from Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer


5. Little Altars Everywhere by Rebecca Wells
   

More of our summer "bests" to come...!

Summertime

Summertime.  I look forward to it every year.   I love sun dresses, suntans, the beach, shorts, my vintage sand dollar necklace, but most of all, I love sandals.  Any shoe that doesn't require a sock is a personal favorite of mine.  

The key to looking good in sandals, is a perfectly manicured polish. 

Going to the nail salon for a Spa Pedicure is probably the BEST option, but most costly.  If you are on a tight budget or pressed for time, I have the thing for YOU...

 

Sally Hansen makes the BEST 5-minute french manicure pen set.  It is so easy to use.  It even comes with stickers to put on your nails so that the "white" nail tip is perfect.  Even if you don't use the stickers, it is easy to make a straight line with the marker-like white polish.  The best part--the kit only costs about $9.99 at your local drugstore & gives you 50 manicures!

Waste Not, Want Not...

One of my favorite lines is, "Waste not, want not." My husband is forever making fun of me for saying it. 

The reason I love it is because I hate throwing things away. I hate when food goes bad. I really just hate waste. Recycling, reducing & reusing are concepts that make me smile.
BUT, I also love stylish, new, pretty things. 

That is why I fell in love with this portable composter. Beauty meets function.   

When I was growing up, we used to save fruit & vegetable peels and other food waste. Several times a week, one of the 5 of us kids would get the job of taking the food to the compost pile by the raspberry bushes.

I want to carry on that tradition with my family and I am excited to do it in style!  Check out cooking.com to order yours for only $39.95.

Lovely Letter Project

This is a simple project that ANY glamorous (or not-so-glamorous) girl can do.  It is easy & will be impressive.  

1.  Buy a frame at a flea market or garage sale or reuse one from your home.  (This one is recycled from a previous project.)  Sand the edges if you want a shabby chic look. 

2. Buy several different types of paper from a craft or fancy paper store.  

3.  On your computer, print off a large letter in the font of your choice. Use the letter as a pattern for what will be "center stage" in your finished product.  

4.  Cut the largest piece to fit in the frame.  

5.  Cut another piece that is about 1 1/2-2 inches smaller around each edge.  Glue on top of the largest piece of paper.  

6.  Take your final piece of paper & trace the letter that you printed off of your computer.  Glue this to the other two pieces of paper. 

7.  Insert into frame and you are ready to hang your masterpiece!  

This can be hung as a single work of art OR you repeat the project to spell initials, or a name completely, and make a series.   It would look smashing in your own home and it would be a thoughtful gift for a loved one.   

Flea market finds

A trip to a summer flea market is one of life's little adventures. You never quite know what you will find digging through chaotic piles, overflowing bins, and rows of eclectic collections. Some things are new, some are old and some just make you laugh out loud as you stumble upon items that don't seem to make any sense at all.

image above: accessories from designer Rachel Ashwell represent the flea market, shabby chic style

Recently, I went with my mom and sister on our annual journey to a flea market near the town where I grew up. We set out early--portable coffee cups in hand and a wallet full of cash tucked in our big straw bags--anticipating what this summer's collection of flea market finds would bring.

As we drove through the winding, tree-lined roads of Amish country, by-passing buggies and bikes along the way, I marvelled at how interesting this familiar experience really is--especially for those who drive from all over the country to see the Amish in their natural environment, as well as attend the flea market.

The flea market rows continue forever. We walked through row after un-shaded row, being careful not to miss a thing. Tucked between the stalls of tacky t-shirts and packs of batteries or magic markers, you can find antique accessories, handmade wooden furniture of exceptional quality, beautiful stone fountains, and Alpalca wool sweaters. The digging--and the discovery--is what makes this activity so rewarding. One thing is for sure, we never leave empty-handed.

My list of favorite flea market finds and other Amish-country treats this year:

"Language art" by Greg and Dilynn Puckett sold at The Village Trading Post

Language art uses black and white photography to capture every day items, using them as "letters" to create words. The result is an artistic approach to the beauty that surrounds us, yet often goes unnoticed. These can be custom made and are great for gifts with a special message.

http://www.languageartonline.com/

The Village Trading Post

205 E. Main Street

Shipshewana, IN 46565

Lanterns of all shapes and sizes

A great addition to an outdoor lounging area, pathway or indoor tables and shelves. You can fill with small pots of roses, a grouping of candles or a sculpted piece of art. However you decide to use them, they add interest and draw attention to objects placed inside, cast a romantic glow when holding lighted candles, or add architectural detail if hung from a window or ceiling.

you can find lanterns like the ones to the left at http://www.potterybarn.com/

Stone birdbaths and fountains
Use the birdbath as a planter or to hold soaps and hand towels in a "shabby chic" bathroom-- or place them in the garden the traditional way. The fountains are classic and European in style--some are a bit more whimsical, others take on a simple modern shape that fit any style of decor.

Wooden plaque art with inspirational verses and phrases

http://www.pgrahamdunn.com/

If you venture to this part of the country, be sure not to miss:
Sweet Annie's store on Historic Morton Street for home and garden decor 260.768.7370

A slice of homemade pie (Dutch apple is my personal favorite)

The strong work ethic and quality craftsmenship displayed in everything the Amish create

For inspiration on how to decorate with flea market finds, check out Rachel Ashwell’s website and books on shabby chic style:

http://www.shabbychic.com/

For more information on visiting Shipshewana, Indiana go to:
http://www.shipshewana.com/

Must-Have Monogrammed Mementos

I am giving my secret away! I love monogrammed gifts for every occasion...new baby, wedding, new house, Christmas, birthday or thank you. A few of my favorite gifts...

1. Ballard Basic Pillow from ballarddesigns.com

The key to this gift is ordering the COVER only.  (Twill covers are $12.  Velvet covers are $15.95.)  Monogramming is FREE with the purchase of pillow cover. 

Then go to your local craft/fabric store and buy an affordable (about $4-5) 18" square pillowform to insert inside the cover. 

Tie a beautiful bow around the pillow & wow your family & friends!

2. Ballard Tote Bags from ballarddesigns.com

This bag comes in Petite, Medium & Large.  The price ranges from $19.95-$25.95.  Again, Monogramming is FREE!  

This is a great gift for a Glamorous Girlfriend, Aunt, Mom, Mother-in-Law, Teacher, Babysitter or Hair Stylist.  It comes in Lime Green, Navy, Aqua, White, Pink, Sand, Brown, Black or Red with either Cream or Brown Monogram thread.  

When buying one for a gift...don't forget to order one for yourself!  This bag will make your closet look extremely chic!

3. L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag  from llbean.com

This is my mom's signature gift!  This bag comes in MANY colors and sizes.  You can buy it with an open top or zip-top.  (I prefer the zip-top.)  The prices are anywhere from $17-$37.  Monogramming is only $6.00!

A GREAT gift for men, women, college students, athletes...basically ANYONE!  My mom got one for each of my brothers and me for Christmas one year.  It is always fun to get together as a family & see all of our matching bags.  

OTHER MONOGRAM IDEAS:  

• Go to TJ Maxx or Marshalls & find a fabulous throw pillow, some luxurious linens or fluffy towels, then head to a local embroidery shop & have them monogram your item for a small fee.  (Anywhere between $5-25 dollars per item.)