Sucre Macaron - Ooh La La!

It's true, one doesn't have to fly to Paris to partake in a real French Macaron!  All one need do is visit Sucre's website to find such delectable treats as the Summer Macaron Collection (pictured above).  How about lemon buttercream with a blackberry jam center infused with balsamic & casis?  Or, munch on the flavor of  sweet vanilla buttercream with southern peach marmalade center.  Ooh la la!

Sucre Sweet Boutique

Romantic Do

I learned how to create this easy, romantic do from The Daily Connoisseur.  I used a large curling iron to create some body then gathered my hair at the nape of my neck and slightly over to one side, securing with a band to create a loose ponytail.  I wrapped the end of the ponytail with another elastic band, leaving about an inch and a half of hair at the end.  Grabbing a small section of the end hair in one hand and using the other hand to slide the bottom elastic band up to meet the other band, I was able to create this  lovely, romantic look.  I simply tucked the loose strand of hair in and secured the bun with a few pins.  Voila...tres chic, oui?

Bar Lingo Napkins

Okay, look at these Pottery Barn "Bar Lingo" cocktail napkins!  How funny and so stinking cute are these?  They are certainly a conversation piece at a drink & dine party, eh?
Pottery Barn Cocktail Napkins on Ebay

A Toast to Summer and flipflop Wine

I can't tell you how many times I've been drawn to the fun flipflop wine labels only to be scared off by the super low price point.  However, I was in need of a summer wine, and flipflop was the only bottle I could find in my summer-hot pursuit.

The screw top also scared me a bit, but I had to smile at the flip flops on the cap.  I was nervous to take my first sip.  Wouldn't I rather not know how the wine tasted and continue to admire the great labels?  Well, I am happy to report that I give this flipflop Chardonnay a thumbs up!  It is light, easy and I could certainly taste the pineapple notes.  I would serve this wine to guests at a beach/pool party or give as a hostess gift along with some of those cute flip flop wine glass coasters.  A toast to summer and flip flops!

Espresso Du Jour

It's nice to have a Krups machine at home for those mornings when I crave an espresso or latte but have no desire or time to hit the local coffee spot.  Also, it saves on the pocketbook!  I use illy coffee which is, in my opinion, the best.

Anthropologie Find

Love, love these Good Nature Tin candles found at Anthropologie!  Natural soy with summer scents such as Pomelo & Sea Salt (lemon, mint and sugar cane with hints of orange and pomelo).  They make wonderful gifts, too.  It's like bringing the outdoors into your kitchen.

For a Friend

Today, I am sending along this little gem of a card to a dearest friend whom I greatly miss sharing a cupcake and coffee with.  The message inside says, "Let's have coffee soon," along with Proverbs 27:9.  I have found myself collecting these lovely cards by Karen Kingsbury for Dayspring.  Each card has a vintage chic style with just the right words.  I absolutely love these cards!

Girl's Night Out(doors)

Here's a fun summer girl's night idea - host a movie night featuring the award-winning Junebug.  To stay with the theme, serve Junebug wine (I prefer the light, crisp Pinot Grigio).  Be sure to offer bug repellent in a cute basket to ward off those pesky mosquitoes.
Outdoor movie photo from StyleMePretty.com

Chocola-Tea

When I decided a pot of Chocolate Cream Truffle tea sounded delectable, I had no idea that today, July 7, is National Chocolate Day.  So whether you are nibbling or sipping au chocolat, celebrate the flavor of this classic sweet.

Gift Idea for the Book Lover

I found this stamp through the Martha Stewart American Made on ebay.  With my love of books, this stamp will be added to my birthday wishlist.  I simply must have one!
From the Library Of Rubber Stamp

Go Glamping!

Taking camping to a whole new level, Charlotte Liddle & Lucy Hopping give crafting ideas to enhance your tent, caravan, or tipi experience.  You will surely want to glamp every chance you get this summer!

From town to town across this great land, let Freedom ring...

Happy July 4th, America!

Nature Walk

An unusually cool evening called for a nature walk.  No one can boost my mood like Mother Nature, and I truly experienced all she had to offer along shady paths with the late day sun peeking through the trees.

Send a patriotic greeting to your friends and family this July 4th via Punchbowl.  Fun designs, and it's free!
Click >> Punchbowl July 4th E-Greetings

Une Crepe Pour Moi!

Fabulous, authentic crepes?  Oui!  French fix with Crepes Paulette in Bentonville, AR.  

This is the savory La Complete...made with Black Forest Ham, Tillamook sharp cheddar and egg on a buckwheat crepe.  C'est magnifique!

Chic Chalkboard

Found this hanging in a cute little cafe and just loved it!  Looks like an old tray painted with chalkboard paint and they have glued a brooch on it.  Fabulous idea for those uplifting thoughts!

Bonjour!

This little gem of a card is from Hallmark and speaks my inner-most passions...writing and everything French!  The little bird is a bonus, too.  J'adore!

Dessert Boutique

It's such a thrill to visit Cupcakes by Liz in Joplin, MO.  The uber cute dessert spot is a real treat not only for the jumbo cupcakes and other yummy pastries, but it's only open Friday-Saturday from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. On this particular visit, I indulged in the Lemon Paris cupcake.  When you dine in, your cake is always presented on a decorated plate.  I paired this with a French Press coffee, of course.

Visit www.cupcakesbyliz.com to find your own craving.  Also, you will find their amazing story of re-building after the F-5 tornado tore through Joplin, MO destorying the original bakery and the faith and heart of their family and community in making this wonderful new home sweet home.  A delight, indeed!

Happy Dad's Day!

I certainly hope all of you have found a fun way to celebrate Dad today.  Happy Father's Day!

A Curious Find

Things around here are looking curiouser and curiouser.  Adore this statue of Alice stepping out of her Wonderland storybook at the Carthage, MO historic library.

Summer Reading

My summer read is from Mary Kay Andrews called Ladies' Night.  Enjoying it immensely!!!

Petals

Added roses and fallen petals from the rosebush to the outdoor fountain for summer loveliness!

Easter.

I purchased this DaySpring card a couple of years ago, and I keep it on my desk for encouragement.

May you all find this to be true in your own lives.  Happy Easter.

Brewing up some PEACE this evening!  Chamomile, lemon peels, rose petals & rose hips.  All together now, "Ahhhh...!"  Thanks to Charbrew for this lovely tea.

Mother Road Coffee

One of my fav little coffee hangouts is found in the small town of Carthage, MO.  The owners are from the Seattle, WA area and found the need for great coffee, so they opened Mother Road Coffee on the historic square of Carthage.  I love the vintage feel, the Martini Radio playing, and the aroma of fresh baked goods mixed with that coffee bean smell...Mmmm....

As you can see, MRC has many worldly customers traveling along Route 66.  Their front shop windows are always Pinterest-worthy for every season.  I so adore sipping a cappuccino at this "Shop Around the Corner-esque" coffee classic!

Is this not the most spectacular bouquet you have ever fashioned? (photo via tumblr)

Tea Shop Mysteries

Today's trip to my local library was worthwhile as I came across a Laura Childs Tea Shop Mystery book I have not read.  And, it was a brand new book!  I absolutely adore getting lost in her mysteries, which are all based in Charleston, South Carolina.  Her main character, Theodosia Browning, owns a tea room, so a tea lover, such as myself, appreciates the details of teas and china patterns worked into the story.  The Tea Shop Mystery Series serves up great fun with a whole lot of whodunnit!

Laduree - The Recipes

If you dare try your luck at replicating some of the most luxurious desserts from Paris, you may want to add Laduree's recipe book to your collection.  I prefer to stare dreamily at the pictures.

Flower Art

The freshly cut tulips have really opened up creating a beautiful visual and photo opportunity.  By zooming in the center of each flower, I was able to click works of art.  I used Picasa 3 to edit these photos for optimal vibrancy and detail.

Putting "French" In Coffee

I tried my very first French Press Coffee this weekend.  It was smooth and the strength paired well with a sweet dessert.  Since I wasn't sure what made a French Press so, well, French, I decided to search youtube for a fun tutorial.  Enjoy!

With Mother Nature threatening winter temps early next week, I decided to cut these lovelies to enjoy indoors.  Tulips, thank you for bringing me a smile with your vibrant petals!

Tea Time

Being a tea lover, it is such a treat to receive Tea Time magazine every month.  I choose a lovely spot to enjoy a pot of tea as I soak in each page.  A subscription to Tea Time is a wonderful gift for anyone who takes pleasure in a spot of tea with a scone.

Girly Girl Puzzle

If you know a girly girl, do I have a fab gift-giving idea for you!  Bella Pilar has the cutest puzzle selection I have seen.  I own "Dog Walk" (above) which caters to my city girl side as well as the dog-lover within. These puzzles make a great gift idea for gals of any age. http://junipervalentine.blogspot.com/search/label/Puzzles

Rosette Cake

The rosette cake is by far my favorite decorated cake.  It's lovely, feminine and stylish.  I feel as though I should don a party dress in order to indulge in such romance.

Look at the artistic work of this Neapolitan Rose Cake from iambaker.net.  Oh, to have such beauty in front of me right now.  I can only imagine its deliciousness!

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is my favorite time of day.  When I have the chance, I will enjoy a pot of tea in the sunroom with only the sound of classical music filling the sunlit room.  My go-to tea is Harney & Sons with Paris being my absolute favorite flavor.  I enjoy sipping from my grandmother's vintage Queen Anne teacup as I imagine her enjoying a cup with me in spirit. 

Cloverleaf Whimsy!

If you want a crazy fun shopping experience, make your way to Ardmore, OK where Cloverleaf awaits your every tacky and eclectic style that we all must have to make life more flavorful.  The style is a bit bohemian with a splash of girly.  And, if you are throwing a big circus/carnival theme party, you're sure to find just the right props.  Thank you, Cloverleaf, for shining a brilliantly colorful, whimsical light in my day!

Easter Photo Session

 

This weekend was an amateur photo shoot by my sister-in-law, with yours truly serving as her assistant.  With backdrops and flooring from Ink & Elm, the garage was transformed into a studio.  We had old baskets from antique shops, Easter props (such as carrots, materials and craft supplies for a handmade banner) from Hobby Lobby, and Craigslist finds to add to the experience.  Oh, and there were a few animals on hand such as a duck, chicks, and bunnies.  (Too bad we didn't get a blooper reel).

 

 

Photoshop Lightroom software was used for photo editing to give a professional look to the final pictures.  A Cannon Rebel T5i Digital Camera was used, but any camera will work fine with proper natural lighting and a photo editing program.

Lovin' Cuppies and Joe

When in OKC, I find myself spending too much time in a little vintage house turned bakery.  Cuppies and Joe has the best lattes in town plus a case full of cupcakes with fun names like Boom Boom Pow and the strawberry yummy I tried above, Mary Poppins.  And they add  "You've Got Mail" love to their bakery such as Saturday story hour and bouquets of sharpened pencils on every table in the fall.  Ya gotta love this place!

Violet Envy

It's rather normal to envy a successful violet caretaker.  This violet has had to be patient as its owner isn't such a green thumb.  But, with a well-lit room, allowing it to dry between watering and proper food has given it a healthy, happy and quite full life!  Classical music from time to time doesn't hurt either *wink*.

The Red Velvet I Never Experienced

Like so many, I am a fan of Elsie & Emma and followed along their Red Velvet adventure.  However, life got in the way, and I hadn't checked on their blog in quite some time.  Last August, I was elated to pull up in front of the Red Velvet store when in Springfield only to have my mood deflated by the "Closed" sign.  At least I was able to snap a picture of this adorable last window display!  Love to the days of Red Velvet, and yes, I do love A Beautiful Mess even more! ♥

Vintage Bomber Birthday

My nephew celebrated his 2nd birthday with a vintage bomber theme party.  It was complete with a toy bomber which his mother had done a photo shoot with at a local hangar in preparation for the invitations and party.  She used a sky backdrop purchased from Hobby Lobby and created cotton clouds which hung about.

Food and beverage was completely in theme, labeled in pilot lingo, and the table was set in a little traveler's dream.  Small toy suitcases were purchased to present food in lieu of plates.

Family was treated to these adorable luggage tags personalized with our favorite pilot's photo as party favors.  Mine is fastened to my overnight bag.  (find at BeanBeanCase on etsy).

In keeping with the theme, I created a Snoopy Red Baron card for the birthday boy by finding an image online for the card as well as the envelope.  Also, the above shows Gage's party invitation.