Breakfast Club.

The recipe for a great day is to start it off with an awesome breakfast. And, as we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But...if you're not an early riser, no worries. I have found so many delicious brunch and breakfast recipes that will surely satisfy. Here's some of my favorites!

Brie and Bacon Grilled Cheese with Fig Jam

Parmesan Baked Eggs

Mini German Pancakes

Cheesy Sweet Potato Crisps

Crustless Zucchini and Basil Mini-Quiches

Caramelized Pineapple Quesadillas with Spicy Strawberry Salsa

Crepes with Fresh Fruit and Nutella

Sparkling Grapefruit Sangria

Sweet Summertime.

Today's post is all about some pretty cocktails and summer shots! I've searched Pinterest for some yummy drinks and these are definitely on my list to try. Enjoy=)

Blackberry Salty Dog

Cucumber Gimlet

Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots

Kiwi Colada

Chamomile Honey & Whiskey Cocktail

Blueberry Mojito

Real Mans Margarita

Sparkling Strawberry Rosé Sangria

Dress up your cocktail with some strawberry ice cubes! Yum=)

Green Eyes



Mouthwatering Marinades.

Alright party people...the countdown has officially begun for the 4th! And nothing says Fourth of July more than firing up the grill (and fireworks of course).So, get your grill on with these delicious recipes for marinades that are full of flavor.

Jalepeño-Lime Marinade

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Honey & Thyme Marinade

Although typically you're supposed to marinate meat or veggies for a couple hours, if not overnight, I have found a recipe that tastes great and only takes one hour to marinate. I didn't include the actual recipe on this post, but I did in a post back in February. Check it out!

There is one more marinade that I must share with you all. I can't tell you the recipe (because I don't know it), but I can tell you it is absolutely amazing. Drumroll please.......

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This gourmet sauce is definitely something worth trying. You can find it at Paper Skyscraper, a local boutique. If you don't live in the Charlotte area, or would rather order it online, there are plenty of sites that sell it. Either way, you should seriously try it out.

If you have a tasty marinade recipe that you LOVE to use, feel free to share with us!



Sweet Nothings.

Lately, I've been on a kick about eating healthier. In my opinion, one of the tastiest options when looking for something health-friendly is fruits. And being summertime and all, it's great because there's plenty of fruits to choose from to make yummy snacks!  Below are some perfect summer treats I can't wait to try out—sweet, fruity, and super-easy to make!! Enjoy=)

Strawberry-Mango Salsa

Watermelon Sorbet

Fruit Pizza

Kiwi Pops

Frozen Yogurt Trail Mix Bars

Banana & Mango Milkshake

Ahhhh.....sweet summertime! Have a HAPPY Monday:)

Pretty Little Cocktails.

Virgin cocktails are where it's at for us prego girls. And.....there is a major flipside to non-alcoholic drinks—less calories and no hangover! Whether planning a brunch, baby shower or sweet sixteen party, these yummy drinks are always a good idea. So, sit back, chill out and soak up the sweet sunshine sipping on a pretty little cocktail=)  

{Cranberry Cutie}

3 ounces Sierra Mist Natural
3 ounces Cranberry Juice
Juice from 1 cutie/clementine orange
1 ounce lime juice
Clementine slice and sugar for garnish

Directions: 

1. In a shaker filled with ice, mix cranberry juice, cutie juice, and lime juice.

2. Add Sierra Mist Natural and stir.

3. Strain into two martini glasses with edges that have been dipped in sugar (optional).

4. Garnish with a clementine slice.

{Peach Cooler}

1 oz fresh Peach Puree

1 1/2 oz fresh Orange Juice

1 oz Simple Syrup

5 oz Club Soda

Rasberry Puree (optional)

Directions:

1. Peel, pit, and core out the peach's rough pit flesh. Puree in a blender or food processor until smooth. (If your peach isn't super ripe and juicy & won't puree very easily, add a touch of OJ to help it out.) If you aren't sure you're puree is smooth, strain through a wire mesh strainer.

2. Put a few ice cubes in a glass, add the peach puree, OJ, and simple syrup. (If you don't have simple syrup, you can add @ 1 t sugar and mix with the OJ to dissolve it.)

3. Slowly pour the club soda along the inside wall of the glass, then gently stir everything to combine. Garnish with a slice of peach and a sprig of thyme if you want to get fancy.

 {Blackberry Sage Cooler}

15 medium sage leaves

4 tablespoons sugar

1 cup water

8 oz. blackberries

8 oz. club soda (per drink)

Directions:

1.    Bring the water and sugar to a boil over high heat just until sugar dissolves.

2.    Crush the sage leaves with the back of a spoon and add to the syrup mixture and set aside to let the sage infuse for 15 minutes and then remove the herbs.

3.   Puree the blackberries in the blender and then strain the mixture through a fine strainer.

4.    To serve, place a tablespoon of the blackberry puree in the bottom of a glass, add a tablespoon of the sage syrup and top off with 8 ounces of club soda.

 

Cheers to a fabulous Monday, y'all!

Pretty Cakes.

Wedding cakes are a beautiful focal point for anyone's big day. If you’re looking to do something a little different, some fun options are cake pops, cupcakes—even a pie bar! But, a classic wedding cake never goes out of style! Here are some cakes that I could just eat right up!!

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Yummy Eats.

It's never a GREAT party unless the food is on point!  You don't need a special occassion or a theme to get creative, just use your noggin' to think about the things your guests would like to snack on most, based on the time of day or year.  Here are some yummy ideas!

 Pull-Apart Cheese Herb Bread

 A Sweet Finish - Cheesecake Cupcakes 

 Mini Crab Cakes - Yummy

 Parmesan Garlic Fries - Go to this link and look at the petite lasagna cups too - yummmmmm

 Can you ever go wrong with Baked Pimento Cheese Dip?

Bacon and Egg Cups - Yes Please

Happy Hosting!! Have a fabulous Monday, y’all =)

I'm hungry.