Tag: summer

Laid Back Picnic Guide

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Laid Back Picnic Guide

I’ve always loved a good picnic. Growing up, it was such a treat to pack up the car with a cooler full of food for an afternoon picnic at Devils Lake. Eating outside is such a simple thing to do, but it always felt exciting and special.

Laid Back Picnic Guide

My love of picnics quickly became apparent to Ian when we started dating in college and one day he surprised me with my very own picnic basket! We spent many summer evenings carrying our basket around to picturesque locations around campus for an inexpensive date night.

Laid Back Picnic Guide

Over the weekend I saw our picnic basket in the closet and decided it was time we broke it out. We could have ran to the grocery store for supplies to prepare a full-blow picnic, but I wanted to be spontaneous and enjoy a laid back afternoon. I filled mason jars with fresh fruit, hummus, and carrots, then placed them in the basket with two bottles of our favorite seltzer soda. After a quick stop at Jimmy Johns for sandwiches our picnic basket was full and ready for a lazy afternoon soaking up the sun by the lake.

Laid Back Picnic Guide

Laid Back Picnic Guide

What are your quick and easy picnic essentials?

Limoncello Cupcakes

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Limoncello Cupcakes! Perfect dessert for a summer party!

When Ian and I moved to our town we were both fresh out of college and experiencing being financially independent from our parents for the first time. Long gone were the days where I could pack up my clothes to do laundry at my parents’ house or tag along on grocery shopping trips!

Limoncello Cupcakes! Perfect dessert for a summer party!

Luckily, Ian and I both were offered jobs that allowed us to be financially stable, but I still found myself searching for inexpensive date night experiences. One of my favorite discoveries was a little bakery in town that made gourmet cupcakes with unique flavors. After an afternoon of ridding our bikes along the river we would stop by the bakery and share a delicious cupcake. For less than $5 we could enjoy an afternoon date that felt like we were splurging – that’s how good these cupcakes were!

Limoncello Cupcakes! Perfect dessert for a summer party!

Here I am, three years later, and I still love those bike ride/cupcake dates! However, when I brewed a batch of Limoncello I had an idea – why not try my hand at baking my own batch of gourmet cupcakes?! After some trial and error, I finally nailed the recipe down and believe these fresh limoncello berry cupcakes would compliment any summer party dessert table! Better yet, bake a batch of these cupcakes and gift them to a recent grad!

Limoncello Cupcakes

 

Ingredients:

  • A box of white cake mix and the required ingredients listed on the back
  • Limoncello
  • 3 Tbs. grated lemon peel
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup softened butter
  • 2 Tbs. lemon juice
  • 24 mini lemon wedges and fresh raspberries for decoration

Recipe:

  • Prepare the cake by following the cake instructions on the back of the box and swap out the require amount of water with limoncello
  • Fold in the grated lemon peel
  • Place liners in each cupcake tin and fill half full with batter
  • Bake per box instructions
  • While cupcakes are cooling make the butter cream frosting by beating the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until well combined
  • Add lemon juice to the frosting 1 Tbs. at a time until you reach your desired consistency
  • Pipe onto each cupcake and top with a fresh raspberry and lemon wedge

DIY Color-Blocked Coasters

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DIY-Color-Blocked-Coasters

I have been on a color-block kick lately (see here) so when I saw these cork coasters for a bargain I knew there was potential for a craft project.

DIY-Color-Blocked-Coasters

Using painters tape and a handful of acrylic paint I created these bright and fresh coasters. They are perfect for a summer party or just to liven up your coffee table.

DIY-Color-Blocked-Coasters

Now I must warn you, be careful while painting! I had a little mishap and paint got all over our carpet…and myself. With a bit of acetone we were able to get out the paint, but let me tell you – there was a bit of drama! Luckily, these cute coasters were worth it.