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!