Party Perfect DIY Pom Pom Ballons

Aren't these DIY balloons from Land of Nod just too cute?  I came across these looking for easy DIY ideas for my dad's birthday this weekend.  My niece is visiting and I have to say I love that her summer visits always coincide with my dad's birthday.  Free child labor, yes please!  

If we can get our act together then Friday night may be us with a big bag of pom poms, a hot glue gun, and a room full of balloons.  Easy, inexpensive, and a fun project for the little one to work on.  Heck, these would just be great for a backyard BBQ or 4th of July.  What do you think? 

Looking for more party inspiration? Here are a few of the projects we did a couple years ago for my dad's 70th birthday.  

Weekend Cocktail: Vodka Lavender Lemonade

The weekend is on it's way and that means it's cocktail time for this lady!  The lavender in my garden is in full bloom and this recipe from The Effortless Chic looks like the perfect way to use it.  A plus, it looks super simple to make.  Time to fill our glasses and welcome in summer with this grown up lemonade! 

Recipe and image from The Effortless Chic.  

A Quick And Easy Asparagus Tart

Darlings, Mac and I have had guest over every week for the last five weeks.  We absolutely love our new house and that so many friends have made the trip to visit us.  But let's be honest, when you're having a dinner party every week you need to find a few quick and easy appetizers that allow you time to prep dinner and still spend time with your guest.  

This asparagus tart is perfect!  We've made it twice in the last five weeks.  Everyone was so impressed by the presentation, loved the way it turned out, and both groups asked for the recipe...my job as a hostess is done here. I can't take the credit though, the recipe link below came from PBS of all places and I can't thank them enough.  It's a gorgeous appetizer that I can make with fresh farmer's market asparagus and takes less than 15 minutes to prep.  Give it a try if you're having friends over or just feel like having a decadent snack to yourself! 

You'll find more photos and the recipe here.    

Would You Have An Autumn Wedding?

As many of you know I am an autumn freak so a fall wedding always sounded brilliant to me but I have been surprised lately to see the trend growing and just how many autumn weddings are popping up.  In fact, Mac and I are invited to three weddings this year and none of them are in the summer.  We have one in late September and two back to back in late October.

What do you think, would you risk the possible chilly weather for off season rates and easier hotel/flight bookings for guest?  Or would you want the guarantee of sun and a classic summer wedding?

Photo via



Office Temptations

Darlings, how do you deal with office temptations? And I'm not talking about the cute guy on the Graphic Design team, I'm talking about that break room full of treats.  Yesterday our break room had not just two dozen cupcakes but also an extra large box of fresh donut holes.  I mean come on people!

So how do you face the weekly temptation?  Do you indulge in a treat then spend a few extra minutes on the treadmill or do you have the will power to walk away?

Food Porn Friday

Happy Friday Darlings!  Doesn't this cake just look like a summer vacation?  The weather we've been having here in California sure feels like it at least.  This weekend we're having more family in town which means roast chicken, grilled artichokes, and lots of bubbles!  What are your plans this weekend?

photo via

Weekend Cocktail: Blackberry Thyme Sparkler

Darlings, the weekend is quickly approaching and I am ready for a cocktail!  We're having a BBQ this Saturday and I thought that this blackberry thyme sparkler sounded like the perfect thing to sip on our sunny patio.  You know how much I love champagne and adding gin and homemade blackberry syrup sounds delightful.  Cheers!



Peony Season

Happy Wednesday Darlings!  Two things I'm thankful for today, it's Wednesday already and peonies are in season.  We have company coming into town this weekend which means that this week I'll be headed to Trader Joes and picking up a few bundles of beautiful sweet peonies.  Which are your favorite seasonal flowers?

Food Porn Friday

Happiest of happy Fridays Darlings!  Doesn't this Swedish candy look like a fairy tale? Perfect for a warm almost-summer evening which is what we're having here on the California coast.  The past week has been 90 degree days and warm evenings in the garden with glasses of white wine.  There are just times when you have to skip your workout and take advantage of the weather while you have it. 

How have your weeks been, any big weekend plans?  I have an uncle visiting from Scottland so we'll be catching up and having a few pints with the faimly.  Hope you all have fantastic Fridays and relaxing weekends!

Photo via

Happy Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo darlings!  Was anyone celebrating this weekend? We BBQed and made some amazing guacamole but I wish we had these beautiful margaritas from Pizzazzerie!  Hope you have a fun day and stay safe loves!

Food Porn Friday

Happy Friday!  Can you believe Friday is here already?  I just had to share these lovely cookies that Chrissy featured on The Perfect Palette last week.  They make me want to get in the kitchen and bake all day.  

What are you all up to this weekend?  I'll be drinking wine with friends, cleaning the house, and hopefully walking the "Color Run" on Saturday.  Have a wonderful weekend darlings!

Weekend Cocktail: Blood Orange And Thyme Paloma

Darlings, it may only be Thursday but let's be honest...who's not looking forward to some weekend cocktails?  This one from The Life Styled is on my list.  Not only does it sound fantastic but the photos are gorgeous and my fresh lemon thyme plant is coming in beautifully.  Win, win, win! The recipe is below but please visit her blog for tips and see her beautiful photos! 

2 oz silver tequila
4 oz all natural blood orange soda (I used Whole Foods brand)
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
leaves of 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, roughly chopped
thyme sprig for garnish
1 blood orange (slices for garnish)
sea salt