Great Summer Desserts and Cocktails

Here are some of my favorite strawberry recipes that I plan to make this summer. 

1. Strawberry Pie with Chamomile and Currant Glaze - Bon Appetit

2. Strawberry Apple Rhubarb Galette - Fuss Free Cooking

3. Strawberry Lavender Cocktail - Two Tarts

4. Dairy Free Strawberry Lime Ice Cream - Delighted Momma

Elegant Kitchen Styling Ideas

This kitchen was featured on House Beautiful magazine and what I love the most about it is the natural light and the homey feel.
Having open shelves in the kitchen, gives you so many styling options: from displaying some of your favorite serving pieces to paintings or antique finds.

The marble countertops are very elegant and go well with these dark cabinets and the wood flooring.

Reusing  a vintage furniture piece as a kitchen island is an original and budget-friendly idea. 

In my inspiration board, I have included items which can be used in your kitchen in order to get the same decorating style.

1. California Impressionistic Landscape Painting by jayraymondart

2. Luigi Bormioli Pitcher -Amazon / HIC Porcelain 32 oz Pitcher- Amazon

3. Art Print Horse Landscape Painting 16 x 20 inch by LynnFogel

4. Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker, 34 oz., Chrome -Amazon

5. Oneida® Chef's Table™ White Porcelain Dinnerware and Serveware - Bed Bath and Beyond

6. Pink Peonies Flowers fine art photography by BeverlyLeFevre

Dreaming of a Summer Picnic

Image from http://encoreuneminute.tumblr.com

Happy Friday!

4th of July Party Decorations Ideas

Source: countryliving.com via  on Pinterest

I can't believe that 4th of July is next week and I no decorations prepared. 
Every year I like to either make my own  decorations or buy them from Etsy artists.
This week I have to finish shopping and get ready to celebrate on Wednesday.

Star burlap banner, red white blue patriotic by victorianstation on Etsy

American Flags Set 13 Cloth 4th of July Patriotic Vintage Decor from Observation

Red white blue garland july 4th patriotic banner by PaintRobot

What plans do you have for 4th of July? Do you have your decorations ready?

I wish you all a safe and happy Holiday!

{Entertain in Style} Al Fresco Dining

Al Fresco comes from Italian words "al fresco" = outside.
Having a nice patio and backyard is very important for me as I love eating outside and since I live in Arizona I am lucky I can do this all year long.
Italian dishes are great for al fresco dining as they are easy to make and use fresh and flavorful ingredients.
An antipasto platter is a fast appetizer and its variety of salamis, cheese, olives and prosciutto can please everybody.

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Carla on Pinterest

This seafood pasta dish from The Pioneer Woman is one of my favorite summer entrées. Also, I often serve a salad with grilled salmon or chicken.
                                                         

Source: creative-culinary.com via on Pinterest

The Limoncello and Prosecco cooler with raspberry is a refreshing summer drink.

Source: recipe.com via Marilyn on Pinterest

A gelato dessert cup is a the perfect way to finish the dinner. It has less calories then regular ice cream and is much more flavorful. My favorite combination is strawberry, pineapple and coconut.

2012 Light Reading Books for the Summer

1. La Tartine Gourmande: Recipes for an Inspired Life
2. Recipes for Parties: Menus, Flowers, Decor: Everything for Perfect Entertaining
3. Plenty: Vibrant Recipes from London's Ottolenghi
4. EcoBeauty: Scrubs, Rubs, Masks, and Bath Bombs for You and Your Friends
5. Read Sign Wooden Wall Art from OldNewAgain
6. Set of Vintage Books from PeculianMomma
7. Turquoise Blue Chair photo from karolyns-paperkraft.blogspot.com

As a child, I used to spend my summers at my grandmother's house. 

One of my favorite things to do was to sit on my lounge chair and read for hours. I truly miss having a summer vacation!

Currently, I am busy working full time and having several other projects on the side so I don't get to enjoy summers like I used to. 

Light reading books are the best right now and these are a few of my favorites. 

I plan to make myself some iced coffee or strawberry lemonade, sit on my patio and enjoy these books during my weekend. 

What books do you plan to read this summer?