Peach and Blueberry Trifle

peach and blueberry trifle:: Peach and Blueberry Trifle ::

Summer fruit is truly my favorite! It’s hard to beat the taste of ripe peaches and sweet blueberries — nature’s candy! This simple dessert is a delicious way to incorporate seasonal fruit. The trifle comes together easily… in a few steps, and the result is not only delectable, but beautiful as well! The best part is that it isn’t a heavy dessert. Oh no! It quite the opposite — completely light and airy!

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Since I’m still getting settled in our new house, I’ve been creating dishes that are semi-homemade  {I still haven’t unpacked all of my kitchen boxes — must get on that}! A store bought angel food cake is perfectly acceptable for this recipe… unless of course you love making your own from scratch {kudos to you}!  [Read more…]

Firehouse Salsa

Easy restaurant style Fire House Salsa. :: Firehouse Salsa ::

It’s the day before the Fourth of July, and you need to make a quick appetizer… this easy Firehouse Salsa is sure to make your holiday spicy and fun!   Who doesn’t love a good restaurant salsa?{Not to mention some salty tortilla chips!}  They are a favorite of mine, but I have to admit I am a salsa snob. Both Sara and I are married to firefighters, and let’s just say they have to know how to cook.  Yes it wasn’t something that they knew before entering the fire department, but it was something that they had to learn.  When my husband was working as a reserve, the fire department he was volunteering for prided themselves on making the BEST salsa in the area and this is their secret recipe…..  

Fresh jalapeno and serrano peppers for Firehouse Salsa [Read more…]

{weekend} lovelies

 

merry christmas {image via simply happenstance} :: Weekend Lovelies ::

So this is it! Christmas is in just a few short days! By now… you are all most likely prepared for family gatherings and gift giving. In case you’re not… here are a few more ideas! There’s a couple recipes, some DIY gifts, and some style inspiration. To top it off, we found a fun stamp project to do with your kids over Winter Break!

Nicole and I have decided to take next week off from the blog so that we can truly focus on spending time with our families. We are hoping to soak up this special time by baking with our children, listening to Christmas music, enjoying our recent snowfall {in the mountains}, spending some cuddle time with our husbands, and catching up with friends and family. We just wanted to wish you all the Merriest Christmas! May it be joyous and bright… and let’s not forget the true meaning behind CHRISTmas! {xo} [Read more…]

DIY Snowflakes

 

DIY Snowflake Tutorial from Simply Happenstance Blog! Perfect for a holiday craft, decor, andor gift wrap!

 :: DIY Snowflakes ::

I have a super easy, and fun, three-dimensional snowflake tutorial to share with you today! My oldest son, Ryan, came home with one of these pretties last year. I immediately made him show me how to make them! The supplies are undoubtedly things you have around the house, and the steps are simple… especially once you’ve made the first section. This would be a lovely craft to do with the kids over winter break! They make darling seasonal decorations around your home… and can be made on a smaller scale to embellish gifts! So let’s get to it…

Supplies you will need:

  • 6 sheets of paper {plain white, colored, patterned… whatever you prefer} 
  • scissors
  • tape
  • stapler

[Read more…]

Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

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:: Christmas Cranberry Spritzer ::

It’s Christmas time and boy do I absolutely LOVE a fun holiday drink! This Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is a new favorite.  Made with St. Germain, a little bubbly {champagne/sparkling wine}, a splash of cranberry juice, and a dash of blood orange vodka. This drink is definitely something to say “Cheers” to. 

Lately, when Shane and I have had a moment to go out to dinner, we have noticed that the cocktail menus in most restaurants are creating libations with St. Germain.  It is a flowery liqueur that when combined in a tangy drink it adds a hint of sweetness to a cocktail.

[Read more…]

{weekend} lovelies

 

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 :: Weekend Lovelies ::

Couldn’t you just get lost on Pinterest for hours, upon hours, this time of year? There are so many amazing craft ideas, gift guides, comforting recipes, and darling fashion finds! Much of this edition of lovelies have come from my time perusing Pinterest this week. Of course, all links are also inspired by the holidays… I hope that you enjoy!

So… we are expecting lots of snow today {yippee}! Like much of the US… it is cold and icy here in the Southern California mountains! We are hoping to stay cozy by the fire, enjoying board games, sipping warm drinks, and doing art projects while my handsome husby is away at work. I’m planning on an easy, yet delicious crock pot roast to fill our home with delicious smells throughout the day! What are you up to this weekend? Hopefully you have some family time planned and are able to take some time for yourself doing something you love! 

P.S. The lovely image above is via: heart. love. weddings. Have a wonderful weekend! {xo}

Twenty Thirteen Holiday Gift Guide // Rue Magazine 

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Snow Angel Cupcakes // The Cake Blog

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[Read more…]