Any self-respecting summer host or hostess knows a thing or two about making a good pitcher of refreshing ice tea. And more often than not, that tea probably has been spiked. Well, at least in my house. Refresh your guests this summer by stirring together an intoxicating mix of peaches, tea, mint, proseco and a…Continue Reading “Peach Tea Sangria”
Rusty, old tin is a common sight when traveling down any country road in the South. Each piece of tin has a unique patina created from years of wear and tear from the elements. I am especially drawn to pieces that are painted or are extra rusty. To add a patriotic element to your holiday…Continue Reading “Vintage Tin Stars”
July 4th may go down in the books as one of my most beloved holidays. I just relish the relaxed summer atmosphere whether by the lake, ocean or even in my own backyard. Plus, I am literally obsessed with all things red, white, or blue. In keeping with my industrial farmhouse style, I tend to…Continue Reading “Repurposed Wooden Flags”
Take advantage of all those bright, cheerful squash blooms exploding all over the garden by whipping up a tasty filling and frying them up. Squash blossoms are ideal for stuffing with all kinds of fillings like cheese or herbs and can be topped with any variety of complimentary toppings such as honey or bacon. The…Continue Reading “Honey-Brie Squash Blossoms”
Ain’t a whole lot that can beat a sandwich that’s built around a fresh, juicy, summer tomato and lots of mayo. Well, almost nothing. Elevate that sacred, Southern sandwich by layering Fried Green Tomatoes, lemon-garlic aioli, and crispy bacon between slices of toasty french bread. The result is a sandwich to rival all others. RECIPE:…Continue Reading “Fried Green Tomato Sandwich”
If you happen to read the article about me that my great friends over at Southern Living so generously published on their website, you’ll be well aware that fried foods are not my favorite things to whip up when I’m in the kitchen. Maybe it’s the fact that they’re so incredibly bad for my cholesterol,…Continue Reading “Fried Green Tomatoes”
A fresh arrangement of summer flowers, or foliage, brightens the home and the soul. When I was a kid, you could find me spending every moment of my free time with my grandparents. It was my grandmother who curated my love of gardening. She taught me so much about growing flowers and then how to…Continue Reading “How To: Summer Flower Arranging”
Host a movie night under the stars on a warm summer evening that features a killer popcorn bar. Whether indoors or out, an underlying rustic theme utilizes galvanized buckets, oversized scoops, wire baskets, and cute do-it-yourself personalized cones made from craft paper. Set up the bar as informal as possible. The amount of goodies will…Continue Reading “DIY Popcorn Bar”
Is your backyard just begging for a summer throw down? Bring the islands of Hawaii to you by hosting a Luau that’ll have you dancing the Hula on into the night. Recreating an island paradise is all in the details. Accents like seashells, banana leaves, palm fronds, bamboo, and teak combine with inexpensive, disposable party…Continue Reading “Backyard Luau Party”
No proper Luau would be complete without a little bit of pork. Let’s skip the whole pig roast this year and make a slow cooked pulled pork that’s simmered with all the flavors of the islands. Pineapple, brown sugar, Korean marinade, and orange are slowly married together over a tender pork shoulder. Serve on sweet…Continue Reading “Hawaiian Pork Sliders”