Wasting Away Again in Margaritaville

Wednesday is my favorite day of the week. Not only is it hump day, but I get to spend every Wednesday night with my best friends and some of their moms at a local Mexican restaurant where they serve $.99 margaritas for ladies all night! It's such a fun tradition that my friends' moms started while all their daughters were in college, and we were fortunate enough to get the invite once we all moved to Memphis after graduation. While the restaurant we go to is not actually called "Margaritaville," the moms decided years ago that that's what Wednesdays would be called. I look forward to it every week, and I'm hoping to continue this tradition for years to come!

While just a traditional margarita is my drink of choice, especially in this summer heat, I came across this fun twist on my favorite drink that would be so fun to serve at a party (I won't judge if you just keep them stocked in your freezer though...I might)!

Strawberry Margarita Pops

Here's how it works:

• Pour Mike's Hard Lemonade Strawberry Margarita into Dixie cups and let freeze for two hours (traditional margarita mix with tequila won't work cause the tequila won't freeze enough).
• Insert popsicle sticks in the middle and freeze for two more hours.
• Garnish with a lime and serve.
• Don't salt until right before serving as the salt with start to melt the popsicle.

Oh, and for your men who may not want a fruity margarita pop, try these Corona popsicles (it's okay if you want one, too)! These are so easy! Make them just like you do the Strawberry Margarita Pops above--just use a Corona!

Corona Beer Pops

Both photos and recipes from Bakers Royale

Now that's what I call a fun summer treat!

w.e.r.

A New Take on an Old Summer Pastime

My family spends a week every summer in Seaside, Florida. Seaside is a very nostalgic place that feels somewhat like you're stepping back in time. This summer there was a movie night in the town square where they projected a movie onto the side of a building, and people of all ages gathered with their lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy a fun night of free entertainment. I got to thinking I could recreate this old summer pastime in my own backyard for my family and friends. You could, too!

Here's all you would need:

A Large Screen

Now there's a couple ways you could do this. You could call your local audio-visual rental store to get info for renting a projector and just use a white sheet to show the movie on. Or you could use the large flat screen TV and DVD player you already have in your home and use an extension cord to bring it outside. Just be sure to check to make sure there's no rain in the forecast! Love the look of this backyard setup as featured on Miss Design.

Seating

Lawn chairs and blankets like these featured on Design Sponge (to left) are a great, inexpensive option for seating. You could even tell your guests to bring their own (of course have extras for those who forget)! Or you could get a little more creative and use this idea of lining up hay bales! How cute!

Snacks

Food and drinks are a necessity for any outdoor movie party. You could be as creative as you want. Stock up on movie theater candy at your local drugstore, and of course have lots and lots of popcorn ready to serve! You could even order 100 of these carnival style popcorn boxes for only $15.95!

Serve beer, wine, and soft drinks in an iced bucket to enjoy while watching the movie as featured on Unstitched Blog.

What better way to end the summer than to invite all your friends over for a fun outdoor movie night? Feel free to share your ideas of what you would include at your own backyard soiree in the comments below. Oh, and most importantly, don't forget to choose a great movie everyone will enjoy! Right now I would have to pick...

Order from Amazon

w.e.r.

Bring Summer Inside

Today is the first official day of summer!  To celebrate, I want to share with you some of my favorite summer finds.  I believe you should change out a few things in each room of your home every season. This helps you to stay excited about your space year after year without making any major renovations.  Although it is a small change- switching out a pillow, throw, or even serving on seasonal plates or platters can make a huge impact.  If your walls need some color, but you don't want to commit to a crazy paint color try finding a colorful print (like below) to frame and hang.  You can even frame a colorful piece of wallpaper or wrapping paper! 


Polka Dot Glasses, Blue Milk Glass, Storm Lantern, Orange Crush Lamp Finial, Monogrammed block letter cocktail napkins, Vintage Marbro Murano Lamps in Apple Green, Watercolor print via Pinterest



Do you have any plans to bring summer inside?
  - a.e.h.