Michael and I recently joined a new church and today was their church-wide picnic. It has been such a blessing to get to meet new people and to be invited into their lives. Never before have I been surrounded by such beautiful people. I am shy and quite by nature, so to go to things like this is hard for me. But today was amazing! I learned so many new things about each individual that I didn’t know before. What an incredible opportunity to build new foundations for friendships.
One particular lady I found out loves to paint. We shared how we got into art and our art tastes. She loves to paint landscapes in oil and I love abstract art done in acrylic. Although we have different preferences, it was inspiring to find someone who shares a similar passion and gets as excited about it as I do. I love being surrounded by creative people. By the end of the conversation, I was anxious to make a stop at the craft store and pick up a couple of canvases to start a new project. Michael had another get together this evening, so it was just me and the pup. I spent a lazy afternoon listening to music and painting on my porch. It was the perfect afternoon!
I am always looking for cute and creative ways to decorate for dinner parties. I love the eclectic vintage parties that are perfectly imperfect with all types of sweets & treats served on shabby chic furniture, bunting and twinkle lights strung here and there, and colorful centerpieces that are created from hodge-podge dishes and nick-knacks you already have in your home.
Cute tablecloths can set the mood for the party. Love this polka-dotted sheer one and the rusted metal chairs.
Mismatched chairs and linens are great for a charming eclectic style gathering.
I love the idea of using a vintage piece of furniture as the buffet.
Frilly frames used as the food buffet backdrop.
Dressing up a large chalkboard wall w/ garland is a creative idea.
Of course bunting is a must for any party. Here ribbon bunting is used.
Love, love, love the colors and the window with bunting.
Using old doors to create different serving areas. Again I really like the idea of using an old piece of furniture to serve your treats!
I love the pops of color against the white tablecloth.
Hang vintage mirrors for a whimsical effect.
Here is a recipe for Santa Fe salad with chili lime dressing. I made it this evening for supper along with soft beef tacos, guacamole & chips and it was a hit!
Ingredients:
6 Tbsp mayonnaise
3 Tbsp cilantro, fresh & finely chopped
3 Tbsp water
1 medium uncooked scallion, minced
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tsp sugar
½ tsp chili powder
15 oz canned black beans, rinsed & drained
2 cups of grape tomatoes (chopped)
1 ½ cups of cooked corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1 medium sweet red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
8 cups (shredded) romaine lettuce
2 avocados peeled and diced
Directions:
In small bowl,mix together mayonnaise, cilantro, oil, scallion, lime juice, chili powder and sugar. Store in refrigerator until served. For salad, add black beans, corn, tomatoes and avocado to lettuce. Top w/ chili lime dressing.
I love orange flavored things. This recipe is super yummy and great for any Spring party!
Orange Cupcakes:
1 pkg orange cake mix
¼ c Sugar
1 Tbsp orange zest
1 c orange juice
½ c oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs
1. Combine cake mix, sugar & orange zest. Whisk together
2. Add orange juice, oil, vanilla & eggs. Blend w/ mixer on low for 1 minute. Then mix on medium for 2 minutes.
3. Fill cupcake tin 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before icing.
Orange Icing:
1 c butter (two sticks)
5-8 c of powder sugar
½ c orange juice
1 whole orange zest (about 3 tbsp)
1. Combine butter, orange juice and zest. Gradually add powder sugar until thick and creamy. Add more orange juice and zest for stronger orange flavor.
About Me
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I love design, decorating, cooking and DIY projects. My style is a mixture of cottage and shabby chic style with industrial and eclectic elements. [...]
