Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my husband Ken. Thank you for being the amazing husband and father that you are. The boys and I are so lucky to have you. Happy Father's day also to my dad, my father in law, my papa, and both of my brother's. I'm very fortunate to be surrounded by strong, supportive, and loving men.

Have you created somthing crafty lately? Baked or decorated something extra special? Hosted or styled a great party? Show off your stuff @ the link above. Or just head over and check out all the great ideas!

Oh Cupcake!

My heart is overwhelmed with joy! There is talk of someone within my family opening up a cupcake shop. I know!!!! Huge right? Oh how I love those frosted bits of happiness. I can't wait to find out more details. For now here are some images I had saved in my cupcake file. What? Don't you have a cupcake file too? Have a great weekend! Tracy

Image 1 { bella cupcake couture }

Image 2 { cupcakes take the cake }

Image 3 { cupcakes take the cake }

Image 4 { cupcakes take the cake }

When Life Hands You Lemons...

On a hot summer day nothing beats a cold glass of lemonade. And yellow is the perfect color for summer! So when life hands you lemons put on some cute shoes and make something yummy ( that is the old saying isn't it? ;) )



Lemon Meringue Pie
Yellow tissue poms by My silly Bear
Lemonade Freeze
Yellow heels
Martha's Lemon Meringue Cupcakes
Yellow Kate Spade handbag
Tablescape by Martha

Sweet Pepper Jelly

Earlier this week I shared pictures of the pepper jelly guests took home from Shelly's baby shower so today I'm sharing the recipe. It is delicious on bagels with cream cheese, poured over a block of cream cheese as an hour'derve with crackers, dipping sauce for potstickers or egg rolls, or as a glaze on baked chicken. It makes a great favor or gift. Let me know if you try it!

5 Jalapenos - remove seeds and dice finely

1 Red Bell Pepper - remove seeds and dice finely

1 Yellow Bell Pepper - remove seeds and dice finely

1 Green Bell Pepper - remove seeds and dice finely

3 cups of sugar

2 cups distilled white vinegar

1.5 oz Pectin

1.5 tsp. salt

1/2 - 1 tsp. Dried red pepper flakes

In a large pot cook diced vegetables, sugar, salt, and pepper flakes over high heat stirring frequently until the vegetables are just soft. Add vinegar and bring to a boil. Add pectin stirring constantly to avoid lumps and reduce heat to simmer until slightly thickened. It is ready when the liquid has a consistency similar to maple syrup.Refrigerate until cool and jelled as much as you desire.

Shelly and I tried to make a double batch in one shot and unfortunately it did not jell. I remade it in batched of 6 jars at a time using the jelly we had already made. Here is the remake recipe in case this happens to you.

These measurements are per 1 cup of jelly:

3 tbs. sugar

1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1 1/2 tsp. pectin

Bring your jelly to a rolling boil. Add above ingredients. Remove from heat and place in jars. Refrigerate until cool.

Shabby Chic

For some reason I have had shabby chic on my brain lately. Maybe it's the season and all the gorgeous floral blooms that are finally coming out here in northern California. I am a girly girl at heart and a sucker for beautiful florals, vintage serve wear, and soft color palettes so it's no wonder I heart shabby chic designs. These would be perfect for a summer wedding, bridal shower, or even a big or little girl luncheon. Enjoy!

This inspiration board comes from the wedding inspiration board gurus's of Style Me Pretty.
Not only is their eye for design brilliant but their photos are drop dead gorgeous!! My favorite part the miniature flag bunting around the dessert stand....Seriously! You can view the rest of this vintage shabby chic photo shoot at their link above. I highly reccomend it!
Image 1 { intimate weddings }
Image 2 { Frippelous on etsy }
Image 3 { Paper Eclectiques etsy }
Image 4 { found via flickr }
Image 5 { stone blue productions }

While checking out one of my favorites blogs today Stemparties I came across this Genius project. Amy always has great features and crafty projects! I couldn't help but repost this. I love this project for two reasons... 1. I am obsessed with servewear and 2. I love the Dollar Store.
Just look at what these trays were turned into. Visit Stemparties for the link to the how to's.


VOILA!!!

Seriously considering abandoning the laundry and dishes and heading to the dollar store!