arnold palmer : my way

firefly sweet tea vodka  + lemonade = the new arnold palmer

if you haven't tried firefly yet, get yourself to the nearest liquor store and get a bottle.  you won't be sorry.  once home, make some country time lemonade and mix the two.  these are especially nice to sip at the pool when its 100 degrees outside.  or while enjoying the ac in your house.  whatever your preference.


{image from google}

linky link necklace

i did it.  i actually accomplished something in my craftiness goal list!

enter my beaded link necklace in bright summer colors.  remember my inspiration photo of a similar style from anthropologie.  

i made the links with some extra seed beads i had in storage from about 15 half completed jewelry projects.  i'm not sure where to even begin with a tutorial on how to makes the links, but this site does a pretty good job of explaining and has helpful photos.  in order to make them links, just be sure you haven't sealed off the circle yet.  i like to have about 3 in progress so i can link them together as i work.  once you get the hang of it, its a great project to do while watching a movie or catching up on your dvr.  or in my case, while drinking wine and watching deadliest catch.

the best thing about the necklace is the fact that the ribbon is interchangeable.  right now i've got grey ribbon, but say next week, i wear this necklace with a grey t-shirt, then i can switch the ribbon to something else in my stash.


linked to: a little lovely saturday soiree

what's your next project?

cracking up

first off, a big thank you to everyone who commented on my post about my desire to start making my own ice-cream.  i've been researching the options and reading reviews on amazon.com.  if you don't check amazon.com before you buy something, you should, the reviews are so helpful.  and sometimes hilarious.  

for instance, i came across this review today while reading about the kitchen-aid mixer attachment.

By	Michael Trotman (Daniel Island, SC USA) -

This review is from: KitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker Attachment (Kitchen)

I think my wife is trying to murder me with this KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment! She bought this for me for Christmas along with the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Recipe book knowing full well that I would become obsessed with trying all of the recipes. I'm on the third batch (Cherry Garcia, Coffee Chip, Chocolate Chocolate Chip) and I can already feel my heart slowing down. I can hardly make it to the mailbox without becoming winded. Luckily I realized her dastardly plot before having an ice cream overdose induced myocardial infarction. She almost got away with it as nobody would have suspected her. The paramedics would have just thought I was another fat pig who overdosed on ice cream.


This is so easy to use you may also find yourself overstocked with fresh quarts of the best ice cream you ever tasted. Follow the recipes in Ben and Jerry's book and carefully follow the directions that come with the churn and you'll make great ice cream every time. As the other reviewers have mentioned, it is essential to allow the ice cream to "ripen" before serving. This is not a requirement that is unique to this churn by the way. This is necessary with other churns as well. So be patient, plan ahead, get creative, and enjoy.

i was giggling at work, i thought it was so funny!

duh, why didn't i think of this?

using paper napkins as a table runner...

{as seen in bhg july 2010}

and the best part, its completely customizable for any occasion.  red, white, and blue for a cookout for july 4th; cupcakes and polka dots for a birthday party, or patterns of black and white for a cocktail party.  and with paper napkins ranging in price for $1 to $4 per package, it won't break the break either!


to assemble, simply devise a pattern with the napkins you like, cocktail or dinner size would work, and then flip over and tape together.  easy peasy lemon squeezy.  it give it another twist, you could also punch holes in the napkins and tie together with ribbon, twine, or yarn.   


what other diy projects have you used paper napkins for?

happy fathers day

happy father's day, dad! 

a look inside my drawers.

**check out my guest post during the cupcake carnival at attempting creative! and show me the love!**


no, not inside those drawers.  let's go back to my utensil drawer challenge.  while i said it would go 2 months, it actually went 3.  but that's ok, cause now i really know what i use and don't use.  let's take a quick trip down memory lane to see where i started.  

and here's what i've gotten rid of {not pictured is a food processor, a few pitchers, 2 cookie sheets, 1 muffin pan, and an old set of cutlery}.

ta-dah, what my utensil drawer currently looks like!  i must say, its quite refreshing to be able to shut the drawer without having it bounce back and hit me in the behind when i'm at the stove.

if you find yourself frustrated with your utensil drawer, try this experiment for yourself.  its eye opening what you use and don't use in a few months.  now only if i could apply this same challenge to my closest, shoe, and handbag collection....

alice white chardonnay

today i'm reviewing our first international wine.  it hails from australia and honestly, i'm not sure how the price is so cheap given shipping costs.  but i don't question it, i just buy the wine.  

{image from google}

wine: alice white chardonnay
price: $6 to $7 a bottle


this wine is very easy going.  now that does that mean?  it means its a great pick for non-fussy folks, new wine drinkers, and anyone with small pockets.  generally priced around $6 or $7 its a great pick for a summer picnic or cookout with friends.  full-bodied with hints of green apple and pear, it offers a crisp, clean and refreshing finish.  i'd like this with some grilled vegetables, salmon, and brie cheese.  or by itself.  

bang bang shrimp

have you ever eaten at bonefish grill?  if not, get your behind to the nearest one and order the bang bang shrimp appetizer.  and then if you are glutton for punishment, order the bang bang shrimp tacos as your entrée.  then come home and make this version.  it is seriously amazing.  and when you crave the shrimp after your first taste of their goodness, you'll thank me.

bang bang shrimp

adapted from food network magazine, april 2010

serves 4 to 6 

ingredients:

for the sauce: 

1/2 cup mayo

1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon asian chili sauce {such as sambal oelek - check the "international" aisle}

2 teaspoons honey

kosher salt

for the shrimp :

vegetable oil, for frying

2 large eggs

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

bibb lettuce leaves, for serving

scallions for garnish

brown or white rice {optional, but i liked it} 

let's get down to business :

: make the sauce {mix mayo, chili sauce, honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon water} in large bowl.  set aside.

: prepare the shrimp {heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy bottom pan, until temperature registers 350 or about twenty minutes if you don't have a thermometer}

: whisk the flour, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon each of salt & pepper in a shallow bowl.  whisk the eggs in another bowl.

: working in batches, dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, shake off excess, dip in beaten eggs, then return to flour mixture.  

: fry shrimp in hot oil until lightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes.  transfer to paper towel lined plate to drain.

: toss shrimp in the saucy goodness. 

: arrange lettuce and pile shrimp on top, and garnish with scallions.

: enjoy!

seriously this recipe is so good.  and tastes just like the real thing.  your taste-buds will thank me.  your waist line, not so much.

out of the office

i'll be away this weekend for the second annual cousins weekend at the lake house.  i fully intend to eat junk food, swim in the water, soak up the sun, and enjoy a cocktail (or twelve).  have a great weekend!

statement necklaces: i want one!

how chic is this wooden necklace from martha stewart?  it'd be the perfect accompaniment to a flowery summer dress or even a classic white tee for the summer.  i love the bohemian vibe and the natural elements of it.  its on my short list of jewelry pieces to make.

[instructions]

also on my list are these two pieces from anthropolgie.  this store always has the the most stunning and unique pieces.  and while i love everything from their necklaces to earrings, my pockets don't love their prices, therefore its the perfect opportunity to have a little diy action.  stay tuned for a replication of this necklace.

and also on my to do list, this one.  how elegant, yet funky.  i'm thinking i'll do either black, white, and gray or turquoise, coral, and cream.  or maybe i'll do both.  

[images]

have your eye on a piece that you're looking to re-create?  do share.

this warrants a brain freeze.

how yummy looking are these confetti ice cream pops?

or maybe you'd prefer something a little healthier?  like these kiwi pops.   

[images and recipes]

i'd definitely risk a brain freeze for one of these treats.

maybe popsicles aren't your thing?  why not try some homemade ice cream treats instead.  

[image and recipe]

lately i've been working to reduce my consumption of packaged foods, and trying to make more things from scratch.  i'd love to start making homemade ice cream [have you seen the prices of it lately at the store, $4 for a gallon, no thank you!  i'd rather use that money for cheese] but i'm not sure if the kitchen aid attachment for my mixer is a good choice, or if its best to go with a ice cream machine.  let me know if you have experience one way or another.  

one day...

..i'll have these cutie owls in my home.  i'm currently obsessed with them.  i keep showing them to ryan and saying, "can you believe they are only $37 combined!".  maybe one day, he'll get the hint....

want to snag a pair for yourself?  visit modernchichome.com for more fun and quirky home accents.  and do share if you find something that you start obsessing over too!

may goals : let's recap

may proved to fly by just as quickly as april & march.  let's see what i accomplished off my list.   

craftiness :
: mother's day gift : cupcake topiary, and here's the tutorial.
: paint something : indoor house plants
: make a new piece of jewelry
healthy habits :
: do something that resembles exercise 4 days a week : cleaning counts, right?
: start composting
: eat a piece of fruit with breakfast or lunch
food & fun :
: grill another fruit as dessert
: see ironman 2
: go strawberry picking : possibly i can do this in my backyard?
: have fun at jessica's graduation : photos 
: try a new dessert recipe
other :
: enjoy trips to charleston, chicago, and ft. meyers
: find a new spring dress for date nights
: make trip to goodwill : on tap for this month, definitely.  

i accomplished 8 out of the 14, which is over 50% so i'm happy. now onto june's goals.

craftiness :

: make summer wreath

: wine cork project

: make a new piece of jewelry

healthy habits :

: keep up garden

: get active 4 days a week

: balanced meals (protein and a side dish, cheese & wine don't count)

: menu planning

food & fun :

: new grill recipe

: entertain

: new happy hour bar in d.c.

other :

: relax

: don't lose all my money in lake tahoe casino

: donate old books to charity

: clean baseboards

backyard garden, let's hope

so i recently posted about the flowers and strawberries i was trying to grow on my window sill.  well things haven't changed much on that front, but i've got a whole lot more going on in the backyard.  since we are renters we aren't "technically" allowed to plant anything, but i think a few tomato plants won't be poo-pooed.  everything else is contained so let's take a look at what's growing.  

and on the other side of the patio, is our bird oasis.  seriously, we are getting some serious action at the bird feeder.  the bird bath, not so much, but i think it'll take some time for the birds to warm up to it.  we recently had some babies start visiting the feeder and they are so adorable.  and brave, they will fly right up to the feeder while i'm outside drinking a glass of wine!

i must say that ryan takes caring for the garden very seriously.  and honestly, its probably a good thing i watch from afar in the air conditioning, as my two left feet would have probably stepped on seedlings and killed them by now.  i hope that with his lovin' we'll be able to enjoy the fruits of his labor this summer.  i'm praying the strawberries grow, i could eat a pint of strawberries every day!  


what's growing in your backyard or patio?