WeekendingBlog Has Moved!

If you haven’t seen the new site, check it out! It is now live at weekendingblog.com! Same domain name, so if your browser continues to take you to this WordPress site, try cleaning out your browser’s cache! It will then redirect. I am so happy about the new site and can’t wait to show y’all the inspiration behind it. In the meantime… please subscribe!

If you are a current subscriber – It will not transfer so please re-subscribe & I promise your email will not get blown up with emails :) If you are a new subscriber – check out the new site and sign up to receive and email when new posts are ready!

Ready, Set… GO!

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XO,

T

National Ice Cream Day!

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Today, July 21st, is National Ice Cream Day! You learn something new everyday, huh? Here’s the latest scoop (pun-intended) that I wanted to share so you can celebrate!

infused balsamic vinegar as an ice cream topping!

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Is your mouth watering yet? Balsamic as an ice cream topping may sound very strange at first, but just trust me on this one. I went to a martini tasting recently at a local olive oil shop and fell in love with their infused oils and balsamic vinegars! The Happy Olive is located in downtown Fairhope, Alabama and it is one of the best local shops that I have ever found. Their products are of the best quality and much better for you than any olive oils or balsamic vinegars found in your grocery store.

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balsamic-ice-cream-weekedingblog.com

The raspberry and strawberry balsamic vinegars were my favorite on vanilla ice cream. Other guests at the martini tasting were swearing by the coconut lime and pomegranate infused BV’s.

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A peak at the fabulous shop, The Happy Olive:

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They carry so many fun gift items, spreads, stuffed olives, etc. It’s also conveniently located across from a wine shop.

Enjoy,

T

My First Naked Cake

My first naked cake. I wasn’t sure what else to title this and that seemed fitting. This was my first attempt at making a pretty, naked cake and it won’t be my last! This one was from the 4th of July and I cannot wait to make another! Already have an idea for my next one. Maybe, I will make it for myself for the new website launch? Not a bad idea!

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{disclaimer: cake mix from a box and icing from a tub}

I am thinking pink, coral and gold for my next naked cake!

T

Preparing for Weekend Guests

I am overly excited that my sister, Annmarie, is flying into town tonight! I know her space in NYC is like most other NYC apartments; small & convenient. Ha! I wanted to make her feel comfortable in Alabama so I prepared a little bit more than usual. Naturally, I started with clean sheets and comforter for the spare bed. Then, I picked up a few of her favorites from the store. Rose wine is the top of her list, so I picked up a bottle (and a mini bottle for her bed tray). I stocked up on some snacks and sweets as well. Here are a few easy tips on preparing for your weekend guests, and making them feel at home at the same time!

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Since my sister is getting in late, I knew we both would be ready to munch a little as we caught up! I have a tray ready for her arrival that contains chilled wine, macaroons and some small snacks.

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preparing-for-weekend-guests-weekendingblog

These were too pretty not to photograph so much!

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I placed a tray at the end of our guest bed with a few “welcome” treats. Water & reading material are a must!

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Other items to include in your guest bedroom: reading lamp, fresh flowers and a notepad & pen.

Vintage Telephone Notepad | Rifle Paper Co.

Next, I wanted to make sure her bathroom was clean and had a few necessities.

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preparing-for-weekend-guests-weekendingblog

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Remember to check if you have coffee, milk and other morning rituals on hand. Leaving coffee mugs out and ready for your guests will make them feel at home and more comfortable to help themselves when they are ready for coffee!

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preparing-for-weekend-guests-weekendingblog

Hope this helps in the panic of preparing for weekend guests! Cleaning is important, but little touches can make any visitor feel special. Can’t wait to enjoy the weekend with my sister!

xo,

T

4th of July Basket

Happy July! The 4th of July is definitely one of my favorite holidays! Living so close to the water has been amazing, and we waste no time getting out there on the weekends! A sweet friend gifted me this perfect boat basket for a wedding shower gift and it has come in handy more than a few times. Thank you, Suzanne! I thought it would be essential for our 4th of July holiday and watching the fireworks by the pier.

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Don’t mind the defrosting fruit below:

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Create “popcorn cones” from kraft paper and washi tape!

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4th-of-july-weekendingblog.com

[CONTENTS]

Insulated Basket | Reisenthel

Plastic Wine Glasses | Govino

Bottle Opener | C. Wonder (Thanks Lyndsay!)

Patriotic Beer Koozies | The Southern Shirt Company

Plastic Bowls and/or Plates

Paper Straws

Fresh Fruit

Popcorn

Coca-Cola

Sparkling Water

Hoping to add a few DIY touches to our 4th of July so stay tuned,

T

Weekend Why Nots?

Ever since I stumbled upon One Fine Day’s colorful blog, I realized I should add a little color to my life! I decided to start a new (monthly) series on the blog featuring anything that inspires my weekend. I am calling it “Weekend Why Nots?” and I hope you enjoy it!

Weekend-Why-Nots - weekendingblog.com

Background Photo: Gary Pepper Vintage | Vibrant Floppy Hat: American Apparel

Sandals: Tory Burch Tanner Flat Sandal

Journal: Sugar Paper Polka Dot Journal, Kraft

Wine Holder: Kate Spade

Nail Polish: Essie | dj play that song & sunday funday

Weekender Bag: Deux Lux Felix Weekender (sold out)

So why not add a little something fun to your weekend?

T

Use What You Have Popsicles!

I am back with a quick “Use What You Have” post on popsicles! It is roughly 90 degrees all week (with 60% humidity) in south Alabama so I think it’s safe to say it’s going to be a very hot summer. Storing some popsicles in the freezer is never a bad idea, especially when you can use what your already have! Mine only took a few hours to freeze, so you could even make them in the morning and serve by lunchtime.

Use What You Have Popsicles | weekendingblog.com

Citrus Popsicle | weekendingblog.com

Green Machine Popsicle | weekendingblog.com

Blueberry Popsicle | weekendingblog.com

Breakfast Popsicle | weekendingblog.com

The best popsicle molds I have found are the World Market’s Popsicle Maker Trays!

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{Sold as a set of two online, but individually in stores}

I used what I had and made a few different popsicle flavors! This was the fun part!

Citrus Popsicle | weekendingblog.com

Green Machine Popsicle | weekendingblog.com

Breakfast Popsicle | weekendingblog.com

Blueberry Popsicle | weekendingblog.com

These were beyond easy and so delicious! Citrus and Green Machine were so refreshing while the Breakfast and Blueberry pops tasted just like ice cream! Please share any great recipes as I will definitely be making many more pops this summer!

Only 3 days until the weekend,

T

Girl’s Day Off Manicure Party

What is better than some much needed girl time? Nothing. Well maybe girl time with some champagne, cake balls, and a manicure party! Most of the time, manicure parties are created for 10 year olds, which is so stinkin’ cute! But sometimes us “adults” don’t want to sit at a nail salon all day when we can be enjoying ourselves with friends at home (not to mention saves a few dollars). So here is an easy and fabulous “Girl’s Day Off Manicure Party”!

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The Paper Inspiration:

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The Manicure Items:

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Clean towel & a bowl of bath salts (just add water for scented hand wash)

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Q-Tips, cotton balls & a small bowl of polish remover

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An assortment of your favorite nail polishes (courtesy of Essie)

The Set-up:

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Balloons hung upside down on ribbon & Rifle Paper Company’s Botanticals Garland (I LOVE this thing)

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Corresponding Martha Stewart Glitter to compliment polish colors

The Favor:

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A linen pouch filled with cotton balls, a great polish & an envelope of bath salts

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Yummy Treats:

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Oh how fun! The best part: I didn’t leave my house to buy a thing (I would have for the favors, of course)! I didn’t even want to get the balloons blown up with helium, so I hung them on ribbon! Add lunch and you can make a whole day out of it! This theme is too cute for birthdays or bridal parties. Email me if you would like the [free] printable “to do list”!

Featured:

Rifle Paper Co. Botanicals Garland

Essie Nail Polish

Martha Stewart Glitter Set

Happy Friday,

T