by Mandi | fun finds, recipes
Hey there! Every year my parents have a big 4th of July party. They invite friends and family to come up to the lake and hang out in the water, eat some amazing food, and end the night with fireworks!
My annual job is to go and buy the fireworks. It used to be simple…. I walk in, tell the guys there how much money have I have to spend, they tell me which ones work the best for my given amount of money and I walk out the door a happy girl! Well, now The Mister comes along and it isn’t such a quick, in and out, process. He likes to look at them all, choose some fun ones. Bless that man of mine and his love for fireworks!! I have to admit, it is fun to watch him get excited and bonus for me… we always get dinner out! Impromptu Annual 4th of July date night!!
I always try to think of something fun to make as a side, appetizer, or dessert for the party. Maybe this year I will do something with a firecracker theme?
Firecracker Popcorn from The Nerd’s Wife. I want to be your friend 🙂 Your blog is adorable! Also check out her new blog, Always Arena, today for 4th of July fashion!
Firecracker Cupcakes from Tastes of Lizzy T. These are make with twizzlers – every girl’s favorite!
Firecracker Popsicles from The Comfort of Cooking. Aren’t these everyone’s favorite on a hot summer day!
For more fun in the sun and 4th of July ideas, be sure to check out our July Pinterest Board! We have all kinds of great ideas posted there!
I hope everyone has a 4th of July that really… POPS!!!
by heather | recipes
In the celebration of Camp Fashion Week and Our Giveaway with Apricot Lane Charlotte, all post this week will have a camping theme!
And what would camping be without S’MORES!
Camping, glamping, having a party in your backyard? Check out these delicious recipes and fun ideas about all things s’mores!
(S’Mores Bar)
Marshmallows, check. Chocolate bars, check. Graham Crackers, check. Oh, but there are so many more topping possibilities!
(S’mores Fire With Sternos)
Just add cans of sternos around pebbles in container. Would be okay inside or out!
How To Toast Marshmallows In The Oven via Bombshell Bling
You don’t need to go outside or have a fire to have gooey, crispy topped marshmallows!
Individual S’mores Servings
Perfect for a party!
S’mores Dip via Hungry Brownie
You don’t need a campfire for this yummy dessert dip.
Reese’s S’Mores via The Frugal Girls
Change up the usual chocolate bar for something different – like peanut butter & chocolate, my favorite!
S’mores Parfait via Cooking with Carrie
Layers and layers of chocolate peanut butter goodness.
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S’mores on a Stick via And Everything Sweet
Prep these before a party for a special treat for your guests!
S’mores Rice Krispie Treats via Country Cleaver
This takes your regular rice krispie treats next level!
S’mores with Fruit via The Shabby Nest
Add some fruit to your s’mores – strawberries and bananas work great!
S’mores Cupcakes via Beantown Baker
Well, who doesn’t love cupcake anything?!
S’more Kit via Laura Loo Loo
These little s’more to go packs are the cutest. Perfect for a gift or wedding favor.
Be sure to follow us the rest of the week for s’more fun camping (glamping) ideas! And if you haven’t already…
Enter Our Apricot Lane Giveaway
by heather | recipes
The summer is almost here and I have the perfect summer cocktail to quench your thirst. Just imagine yourself lounging by the pool with this…
Delicious, right? A mixture of strawberries, gin, lime and soda water poured over ice for a sweet, refreshing cocktail.
First, you need to make a strawberry syrup. To do this, bring 2 cups of chopped strawberries, 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil. Smash the berries to break up and turn to medium/low temp and continue the boil for about 5 minutes.
Turn the burner off and let the mixture cool to room temperature before straining into another container.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you are ready to use in your drinks.
To make the drinks, add 2 tablespoons of strawberry mixture over ice, add 1 shot of gin, top off with soda water and a squeeze of lime. Stir and garnish with a lime. I used Beefeater – my gin preference.
Strawberry Gin Fizz
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- 2 cups strawberries (stems removed and cut into two)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of water
Cocktail
- 2 tablespoons of strawberry simple syrup
- 1 shot of gin
- soda water (club soda)
- limes
Add all ingredients of the strawberry simple syrup in a small pot and bring to a boil. Smash the strawberries into mixture, turn to lower temp and continue the boil for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit until cooled at room temperature. Strain mixture through mesh colander into container and place into the refrigerator until ready to make cocktails.
To make the cocktails: add 2 tablespoons of strawberry mixture over ice, add 1 shot of gin, top off with soda water and a squeeze of lime. Stir and garnish with a lime.
CHEERS!
