The Little Things

(Fresh, sweet strawberries)

The sun is starting to shine down on Florida bringing dreams of lazy summer morning, poolside afternoons and simple, lovely evenings with my favorite people and activities. The heat is enough to want to smile, but I'm also finding much enjoyment from those little things that surround me throughout the week. So many changes are about to come, a trip to Mississippi, decisions that will need to made, and plans for the future that loom over my head. But today, and everyday, I will try to focus on this summer sun and all those little things that come along with it. 

(Brand new baking dishes)

(Daniele Cambier water color, "Notre Dame de Paris," which sparks a new collection idea)

I'm absolutely falling in love with her simple and beautiful art of Paris! I think I will be surrounding my new office with more of her wonderful work, if I can find it that is... It's proving difficult!

(Fresh squeezed lemonade for a hot Florida day)

Coconut Cake with White Chocolate Frosting

Sometimes I think I can bake. I like baking, I really do, but my cakes and cookies and pies and whatever else always end up looking a little lopsided, or squished, and they never come out how I imagine them. I guess I can't complain too much, considering they usually taste good. I suppose I should stop pretending I am a master dessert decorator. Oh well... Anyway, I had been craving coconut and followed this Betty Crocker recipe for a little memorial day inspired coconut cake. The cake actually turned out very moist and the white chocolate frosting was divine. Perhaps I'll keep trying.

And to further my point on how my cakes normally turn out, here's a look at my first attempt at baking and decorating this cake. See?  Luckily the second time I tried the recipe I ended up with something worth eating, and showing for that matter. 

The Little Things: Memorial Day Edition

(Patriotic Sunset)

Today is a day we step back and reflect on those big things special people do for us so we can enjoy the little things. Little things like cookouts, cupcakes, candles, and candy (complete conscience that all of those things start with C by the way). Little things like freedom, rights, family and friends. Although I'm working most of the day today, I'm looking forward to a quiet evening grilling out with my boyfriend. We're playing it simple; no fancy decorated desserts (although I did make a cake) or elaborate table settings. But even those special little moments can truly honor the men and women who have given everything so we can enjoy a nice evening. Thank you, and Happy Memorial Day!

(Cookout Ideas)

(Festive Fruit)

(More fun cookout ideas)

(Decorated Table)

My Very First Blog Award!!

Today I received my very first blog award. The lovely and talented Marissa over at What Makes Me Happy, gave me the Versatile Blogger Award. It really made me smile. I love trying new things, whether it be trends, food (probably my favorite thing to try), DIY projects, or fashion, and I LOVE bringing it all together in this blog. So thank you Marissa, for sharing this award with me. And now to pass it along to some of my favorite blogs.

 Clicked and Captured

For The Love of Cooking

How Sweet It Is

Misplaced Sequins

Have a wonderful Memorial Weekend!

Trending: Shatter Nail Polish

I have found a word for my addiction; I'm a Polishaholic. It's true. I get edgy when my nails aren't painted, and I dream about colors and trends. I stock up on nail polish like those people in TLC's Extreme Couponing (love that show by the way). But anyway, in my new found admittance, yes I've accepted what I am, I have found a new trend that I'm pretty much obsessed with. Enter the shattered color look. So far I've found three brands that offers this trend. I tried China Glaze Crackle last week and loved it. I'm excited to try new colors a little more summer appropriate! You might also want to try the OPI Shatter or the Sally Hansen Shatter.