This particular trip was a site visit to see the area and meet a couple of the homeowners. We will be back in June for the rebuild. It’s such an important cause. I’ll share a bit more next week when I’m back home.

But since it’s Friday, I think a drink is in order! Today I’m mixing up what I like to call “The Perfect Cosmo.” Many cosmos claim to be perfect, and I’m sure a lot of them are, but this one is perfect for me.

I love a good cosmo, but it’s rare for me to order one out, especially around my little town, because I’m nervous about what I’m going to get. Will it be too strong? Will it be too sweet? Will there be sugar around the rim? (This is a bad thing by the way; never rim a martini glass with sugar for a cosmo.)

So when I have cosmos, I’m usually making them at home. What I’ve found over the years, and this applies to any martini, is that you must use very good ingredients. Since most martinis are pretty much straight alcohol, this is not the time for cheap vodka. Pay a couple extra bucks for the good stuff. Cointreau, versus an off-brand triple sec (an orange-flavored liqueur) also makes a big difference.

I don’t want to sound like a snob, but I think when any recipe is comprised of just a few ingredients, you should use the best ingredients possible. A lesson I learned from Ina Garten actually.

All right, let’s get this drink in our shakers!

The Perfect Cosmo

Here’s what you’ll need (for one cocktail):

1½ oz citrus vodka
¾ oz Cointreau
¾ oz cranberry juice
½  oz fresh lime juice
Lime cut into wedges
Add the vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Delicious, right? I told you! All right, drink in hand, let’s take a look at some fun links from the past two weeks.

Cheer to these Awesome People:

I wish I made time to read more than I do. If you are an avid reader, you may want to check out this list of the “65 Books You Need to Read in Your 20s”

Speaking of drinks, these Pear Vanilla Sparklers from ShutterBean (alcohol optional) look delicious! I can’t wait to give them a try.

A Beautiful Mess launched their iPhone app! I’ve downloaded it, but haven’t had a chance to play around with it yet. It looks so cute! Have you? Are you loving it?

So many new and wonderful albums came out this past week. I love new music. I’m especially loving the latest from Pistol Annies and their current single, “Hush Hush.”

 My Writing, Elsewhere:

Over at BHG’s Delish Dish, I made some fabulous Pink Lemonade Cupcakes. Not only are they delicious, but they are as cute as a button!

Yes, hot pink and red can work very nicely together when it comes to home décor.

You know I love color. On Style Spotters I’m exploring my love of lime green in my latest Pin it. Get it!

I created a fun shopping guide based on my winning dream Buick Encore design. Check out how you can add color and luxury to your space!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone! Can you handle one more photo? It’s probably my favorite.

Sebastian photo bomb!

Cheers!
 

So today, in celebration of the new design and living “life, decorated,” I’m giving away a fabulous bundle of gift cards. Each gift card is for $25. It’s my hope that you will be able to use these to add a little happiness and decoration to YOUR life. One winner will receive a $25 gift card for each of the following: Starbucks, Pottery Barn, iTunes, and HomeGoods. How’s that for variety. Get in your car, grab a latte, turn on some tunes, and go shopping! Sounds like a fun day to me!

Again, thank you for everything. Your comments, email, social sharing, etc, mean the world to me and allow me to keep doing what I love. I’m so glad I’m able to host these fun giveaways as a way of saying “Thanks!”

As usual, I will be using Rafflecopter to manage this weekly giveaway because it makes the process super easy. The widget will appear below; just give it some time to load. If you want to see a video or read more about how to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway, click here.

All right, let’s do this!

To enter to win, use the Rafflecopter widget below. (Those viewing this in an email or blog reader will need to visit the actual blog post by clicking here. The widget may not appear if you are on a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet.) Again, please allow a few moments for it to appear. Simply answer the question in the widget to be entered to win this fabulous prize! Bonus entries are available for following along on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and BlogLovin’.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

While comments below are always appreciated, you must use the Rafflecopter widget above to be entered to win.

Good luck everyone!

This giveaway is available to readers in the United States and Canada. You must be over the age of 18 to win. Void where prohibited. This giveaway will end Monday, May 20, 2013 at 11:59 pm EDT. The winner will be randomly selected and will be named at the top of a post. I was not compensated to host this giveaway. It is in no way affiliated with Pottery Barn, Starbucks, Apple or HomeGoods. As always, my opinions are my own. 

I like it much better this way. The feeder holds eight six-inch pots. There are several kinds of herbs, including mint (apple, orange, and chocolate), curry (not sure if / how I’ll use it), basil, rosemary, lemon thyme, and flat leaf parsley.

The feeder fits perfectly on the ledge of my side porch, which is right off the dining room. It’s a super convenient spot for gathering herbs. I can’t tell you how nice it is to have this porch cleaned up and ready for company. Shannon, when should I expect you and John for sangria?

I made a few DIY herb markers, too. Yes, these are the same flags I used in my Blackberry Mint Juleps and Pink Lemonade Cupcakes. I just put a piece of washi tape, sticky sides together, on a stir stick and made a v-cut in the end of the tape. I used a gold sharpie to write the name of the herb. Too easy. Too cute.

Since there is still a chance for a frost around these parts, I’m not going plant crazy yet. However, I did get a plant for my scale basket. It’s clearly not as voluptuous as my plant from last year. These things take time. 

I had been in the market for a new cocktail shaker, and I fell in love with this mason jar shaker from West Elm. (It was in my bar cart styling post last week.) Because I loved the shaker so much, I decided to order two. Well, for some reason I didn’t think my order when through, so I placed it again. It turns out that both orders were successful. I was going to send the extras back, but realized they would make a perfect giveaway since so many of you mentioned how much you liked them.

I’m also including two sets (4 cool colors and 4 warm colors) of these gorgeous metallic dot napkins from Anthropologie. I have had my eye on them for quite some time, and when they went on clearance, I bought as many sets as I could afford. Again, I clearly went order-happy so now I have some to give away.

The best part about this week’s giveaway is that there are going to be THREE winners! (I told you I went overboard – hook, line, and sinker!) So fabulous! And, since these items are coming directly from me, this giveaway is open worldwide!

As usual, I will be using Rafflecopter to manage this weekly giveaway because it makes the process super easy. The widget will appear below; just give it some time to load. If you want to see a video or read more about how to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway, click here.

All right, let’s do this!

To enter to win, use the Rafflecopter widget below. (Those viewing this in an email or blog reader will need to visit the actual blog post by clicking here. The widget may not appear if you are on a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet.) Again, please allow a few moments for it to appear. Simply answer the question in the widget to be entered to win this fabulous prize! Bonus entries are available for following along on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and BlogLovin’.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

While comments below are always appreciated, you must use the Rafflecopter widget above to be entered to win.

Thanks and good luck!

This giveaway is available to all readers worldwide. You must be over the age of 18 to win. Void where prohibited. This giveaway will end Monday, May 13, 2013 at 11:59 pm EDT. The winner will be randomly selected and will be named at the top of a post. I was not compensated to host this giveaway. It is in no way affiliated with West Elm or Anthropologie. As always, my opinions are my own. 

As you already know, I’m thrilled to be working with Cracker Barrel Cheese throughout this summer to bring you some delicious ideas and recipes. With Memorial Day get-togethers just around the corner, you may even have an excuse to put some of these wonderful recipes to use. In addition to always having copious amounts of cheese in my house, this partnership has allowed me to further explore my passion. I think it’s so important to push ourselves into uncharted territory in an effort to do the things we really love.

So what is this passion? Well, over the years I’ve come to realize that I have a passion for styling. Starting this blog has allowed me to see, practice, and explore this passion. Although I’ve always had a love of design and beautiful things, I only realized recently that I get true joy from making things look beautiful. Whether it is a cake, a nightstand, a piece of cheese, or my kitchen – the happiness I get out of creating these spaces and things is indescribable. And that’s truly what passion is all about. Whether I’m actually good at it is debatable. But that’s not the point here. The feeling I get from creating is what really matters. Sharing it with all of you is icing on the cake.

I’m so thankful to the folks at Cracker Barrel for giving me the opportunity to work with them. It has really allowed me to further explore my passion for styling. Over the course of this opportunity, I’ve learned valuable lessons on food pairing and stylings. Now, I get to experiment with these skills and share them with you. Plus, it all involves cheese. Talk about a dream come true!

My challenge to you today is to pursue your passion. Make time in your busy schedule to do the things you love. I promise you will be glad you did.

Let me know in the comments below, what is YOUR passion?

As you may remember from one of my Weekend Wanderlust posts, I was drooling over this recipe from Martha Stewart. Little balls of dough dipped in butter, dredged with cinnamon and sugar, and drizzled with a delicious glaze. I’d say they are similar to monkey bread but a bit drier and lighter. Plus, the glaze sends these little bits over the top.

 Being a huge fan of sweets, I am tempted to sit down with this pan and gobble them all up with a big glass or milk or a hot cup of jo!  Who’s with me?!

Look at the ooey, gooey goodness!

Okay, I can’t take it anymore. Enough chatter, let’s get baking!

Cinnamon Bun Bites

Here’s what you’ll need:

Bites:
1/2 cup warm water
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 stick unsalted butter, softened, plus 1/2 stick, melted, and more for coating the dish
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Vanilla Glaze:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Let’s get baking:

Pour water into the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle yeast evenly over water, and let stand until foamy, 5 to 7 minutes. Whisk until smooth, then whisk in 1/2 cup flour to form a loose paste. Let rise in a warm place until yeast mixture has risen and fallen, about 30 minutes.

Add eggs, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, vanilla, and remaining flour to yeast mixture. Knead dough, using dough hook attachment on mixer, until smooth, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add 1 stick butter, and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes (add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky). Turn out dough onto an unfloured work surface, and knead by hand until very smooth, about 3 minutes. Transfer dough to another bowl, and let rise in a warm place, covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Punch down dough; press out air bubbles.

Lightly butter a 9-inch pie plate. Place melted butter in a bowl. In another bowl,stir together remaining 1 cup sugar and the cinnamon.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls (I ended up with about 55). Working with 1 at a time, dip balls into melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and place in pie plate. Stack balls to form a dome. Sprinkle with any remaining cinnamon-sugar, and drizzle with any leftover butter. Cover with plastic wrap, and let balls rise by half, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Unwrap balls, and place pie plate on a baking sheet. Bake until golden and firm (a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean), 50 to 55 minutes. Let bites cool in dish for 15 minutes.

In the meantime, let’s make the glaze. First, stir together sugar and salt in a small bowl.

Then, whisk together butter, milk, and vanilla, and stir into sugar until mixture forms a smooth paste. Keep glaze at room temperature until ready to drizzle over cinnamon-bun bites. Before using, whisk until smooth.

Feel free to keep your Cinnamon Bun Bites in the pie pan like I did or remove the loaf and serve them up on a beautiful wood cutting board. The choice is yours.

Thanks again to Martha Stewart for this fabulous recipe, which I slightly adapted.

What do you think of my Cinnamon Bun Bites? Will you be making them?

This drink is definitely out of my comfort zone. I typically don’t like bourbon / whiskey and I don’t watch the derby. Nonetheless, today I’m making Blackberry Mint Juleps.

You know me – I couldn’t make just a standard mint julep. I decided to give this classic drink a little IBC twist with the addition of fresh blackberries and blackberry whiskey.

All I did was puree some blackberries in the blender and add them to the traditional recipe. I will say the combination is delicious. And, I actually kind of like the whiskey! Who would have thought?

Let’s mix up a few!

Blackberry Mint Julep

Here’s what you’ll need (for one cocktail):

5-6 mint leaves

½ oz. blackberry puree*

2 ½ oz. blackberry whiskey (I used Bird Dog.)

½  oz. simple syrup**  

½ oz. water

Let’s get mixing:

In the bottom of your glass, muddle / crush together mint leaves, simple syrup, and blackberry puree.

Fill glass with ice cubes, then pour in bourbon / whiskey and water. Stir.

Garnish with a few blackberries and a sprig of mint, and a super cute stir stick***.

Enjoy responsibly.

*Put a handful of fresh blackberries into a blender. Puree the blackberries until smooth.

**Bring 1/2 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a simmer over medium-high heat until sugar is completely dissolved. I usually let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to create a thicker syrup. Allow syrup to cool completely.

***I just added a piece of washi tape, sticky sides together, and made a v-cut in the end.

Okay, we’ve got our cocktails and the TV is turned to the race. Now let’s get lost in some links.

Cheers to these Awesome People:

If you didn’t already know this, I’m kind of a big country music fan. Right now I’m listening to Hunter Hayes’s new single, “I Want Crazy.”

My blogger BFF, Courtney of Pizzazerie, is launching a new book this summer. It’s called Frostings. I’m pretty sure it’s going to take my love affair with cake to a whole new level.

It may be old news to some, but I’m still obsessed with Bri Emery’s (of Design Love Fest) living room. It was styled by Emily Henderson. Eclectic, gorgeous, and kind of magical.

Have you seen the Dove Real Beauty Sketches video? If not, stop what you are doing and go watch. It’s truly beautiful.

A SnowBall Cake Roll. Are you kidding me? Dying here. Thank you, Sprinkle Bakes.

Enjoyed this article from Holly Becker of Decor8 about blogging, trends, and sharing content. Good stuff! If you are a blogger, it’s a must read.

My Writing, Elsewhere:

Need a few party pleasing dishes for an upcoming get-together? Check these out!

Stop by DesignHappy to read about my favorite HomeGoods find. What’s yours?

I’m talking vases over on Style Spotters this week. Filled with a few fresh flowers, a vase can be a beautiful finishing touch for any space.

You broke down and bought some air plants, right? Okay. Good. Now here are ten ideas for what you can do with them.

Cheers friends! Have an awesome weekend!