Recipe Time
Blackberry Pineapple Mojito

Mojitos and margaritas have always been in competition for the ultimate summer patio drink. During my recent trip to Vegas I decided that this summer belongs to the mojito.
Ever since then I have been trying to find an easy Mojito recipe I can make back home. I found this recipe on www.myrecipes.com and thought it looked tasty and fool proof! This would be an ideal drink to have while sitting on your patio on a hot summer day! 


Ingredients:

2 teaspoons sugar
3 blackberries
3 small chunks fresh pineapple
6 or 7 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus a wedge for garnish
1/4 cup light or dark rum
1/4 cup seltzer


Preparation:

1. For simple syrup: put sugar and 2 tsp. water in a glass bowl and microwave on full power for 10 to 15 seconds, or until sugar is dissolved.
2. Drop blackberries, pineapple, and mint leaves into a sturdy glass and crush to a pulp with the end of a wooden spoon. Add the simple syrup, lime juice, and rum.
3. Pour the contents into an old-fashioned glass and then back into first glass; repeat until thoroughly mixed, then pour back into old-fashioned glass. Add ice cubes and seltzer; stir. Garnish with sprig of mint and lime wedge.

Recipe from: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/blackberry-pineapple-mojito-10000001816267/

ENJOY!


~ meg

(Megan's) Book of Awesome

1. The perfect-consistency Pepsi slurpee
2. Waking up early and realizing it's the weekend and you can sleep in!
3. Salmon sashimi - even better when you get a few extra pieces 
4. When the first flower blooms in your garden in spring
5. Scratching my mosquito bites - even when I shouldn't....
6. When puppies tilt there head when looking at you!
7. A clean car
8. Flying over the mountains
9. Laughing so hard it hurts - especially when it turns into a silent laugh
10. Doing that awkward "dance" when you are trying to pass someone on the street 
11. Someone paying for your coffee ahead of you in line
12. Left over chinese food in the morning - breakfast of champions!
13. When I get butterflies in my tummy :)
14. Goofy looking dogs 
15. The smell of freshly cut grass
16. The feeling in the air after it rains (it also smells wonderful!)
17. Finger dancing
18. Dogs with a job. Seeing eye dogs seriously are amazing! How incredible is that!
19. Goats. Especially the one in this video!

20. Babies laughing. This video will make anyone happy! 

21. Family dinners - because in my family they always turn to something interesting and hilarious 

22. Going to bed when its raining / storming outside. 

23. Spontaneous party nights

24. Showing seniors new technology; I love how they are amazed by the littlest things

25. Any animal that has a bandana around their neck 

26. The person that farts by accident in a yoga class!! Haha you cant help but giggle!

27. Having an extra productive day

28. New born babies dressed up for halloween

29. Afternoon naps

30. A good back scratch :)

31. A front porch. I know that sounds weird but I have always wanted a front porch with potted plants

32. Red front doors. I think the touch of color is AWESOME!

33. When the elevator goes all the way to your floor without any stops

34. Finding money in a old jacket pocket 

35. When you walk by a stranger and they smile and say "hi"! What a small gesture but it sure makes me happy!  

I encourage everyone to make there own "(_)'s Book of Awesome"; it's so nice to sit down and reflect on all the awesome things surrounding you! :)

Have an awesome day! 

Keep smiling - because you never know it could make it to someone else's "Book of Awesome" 

~ meg

hi~lo

Wing Back Chairs
I have been spending a lot of time lately researching the cost of re-upholstering a couple of antique wing back chairs. I found some unique chairs with some interesting curves, fabric, and proportions. I love the idea of using an oversized chair in place of a standard office chair, or at the end of a dining room table.

Restoration Hardware

French Upholstered Wing Chair

$1195-$1590

vs

West Elm

Ellery Chair

$499-599

~

HAPPY EASTER!!

Hope you're enjoying this beautiful spring day and eating lots of chocolate!

Mood Board

Spring Gathering

Tis' the season for BBQs, patio parties, and stiff lemonades! This mood board demonstrates how to incorporate bright cheerful colors when decorating your patio.

I heart this...

Shane Powers Hanging Glass Bubble Collection

West Elm

$9.00-24.00

I've been loving the spring weather lately and was inspired by these suspended clear glass planters. It allows you to create your own magical hanging garden.

HAPPY SPRING! :)

What to avoid...

My nerdy boyfriend likes to inform me daily of the dictionary.com "Word of the Day". I usually try to sound interested and excited, but most of the time it's really hard....love ya babe :) However, today it paid off! 

Today's "Word of the Day" is BEDAUB! 

Bedaub:

To overdecorate; to ornament showily or excessively.

Obviously, this is something that should be avoided when designing a space. Before selecting furniture or accessories for a room, you should always ask yourself:

1. Is it necessary?
2. Does it go with the current scheme? Just because it's nice doesnt mean it fits. 
3. Will it complement the other items in your room, or will it overcrowd and clutter the space? 
4. Is there an appropriate spot to put it? Even the best pieces can look awkward if not placed properly.

Simplicity is a key concept that every modern designer should keep in mind, so don't forget the cliche that "less is more", and listen to your nerdy boyfriends.

While this may not seem minimalist due to the abundance of
throw pillows, the lack of furniture and accessories otherwise
balances the space out accordingly. 

Often the key to success with minimalist designs
 is to work with a bold statement piece, and allow
it to be the sole focal point.  

Minimalism is the main concept behind any modern design.