Happy Birthday to my Husband!

I want to wish my amazing husband a happy 24th birthday! Seeing as this is Eclaire Art, an eclair is much more appropriate than some silly ol' birthday cake! Yui was mesmerized by this little pastry.

Corey, thank you for being the sweet and loving man that you are!
Every day I spend with you is a gift.

Homemade Peach Ice Cream

This is a really fun and yummy treat to make with friends or kids! The recipe is for each individual serving, but you are welcome to double the ingredients or combine everyone's hard work together when you are finished. Honestly, I think it is best to eat it right out of the bag! Please make sure that your bags are sealed extra well, because you don't want them opening up while you are shaking the bag and combining everything with the rock salt! It is absolutely necessary that you dance during the shaking process.

Enjoy!

Peach Buzz!

Mum and I went to the local farmer's market and brought home a plethora of peaches. This cocktail is one way to use this summer's bounty. The beauty of it is that it can be put together ahead of time and frozen, rather than being a slave to the blender when you should be enjoying your guests' company. Put it in mason jars and greet your guests at the door with a spoon and a straw.

I have also made this in martini glasses, let it melt a little, and put freshly chopped peaches on top. I hope you enjoy this icy summer treat!

P.S. Stay tuned later in the week for my peachy dessert!

Revision: I did not mention how much ice to add, but please fill the blender to the top with ice or to your liking depending on consistency. If do you fill it to the top with ice, this makes it similar to an adult Slurpee.

Lavender Picnic with a Furry Guest

YOU MUST DO WHAT MAKES YOUR HEART SING.

I was trying to think of the next photo shoot to add to my portfolio when Mum came up with this idea. I am tickled pink (or lavender?) with how everything came together! This certainly was a collaborative effort with Daddy picking the blackberries and blueberries that morning and Mum baking the delicious finger lickin' pie! The rest of the items were honestly just things that we already owned. The Anthropology champagne flutes are the ones we used in our wedding toast. I found that delightful iron ant at an antique store a while back. He was determined to crash this picnic!

At the last moment, I decided, "Why not throw Yui in this shoot? Hey... let's put her in a wine crate!". She was a little angel and just sat there. This deserved a treat in the form of a baguette. I have to pinch myself sometimes because I can't believe this adorable little girl is mine!

For some bizarre reason, Mum and I don't see this as work. Gathering just the right items, sweating our bums off in the heat, swishing flies away from pie... yeah, this is how we know this is what we are meant to do...because we love it!


P.S. Did you notice that Yui's tongue is sticking out in the first picture? :)

Romance in the Forest

There is something both enchanting and romantic about the forest. I can think of few things more splendid than being surrounded by nature, the scent of the earth, and the calling of the birds. That tree... it was so spectacular that I needed to photograph it!

I had this idea for a table setting in my head for a while and finally decided to do it. This photo shoot was so much fun and my mum was a tremendous help! We actually lugged my coffee table out there in this crazy hot weather. I was in my parents' yard shoveling moss the day before...oh the things I do when I get my mind set on something! As we were driving to the spot to take photos, we were frantically looking for queen anne's lace flowers which had been growing abundantly on the side of the road. We planned on using them in the cloche arrangement. Finally, we spotted some next to a church. Amongst the flowers, we discovered little blackberries! It was as though God was leading us to this spot as the blackberries truly made the arrangement!

Are there any locations that inspire you?

Unconventional Vases

Next time you are looking for a vase to display your flowers, look no further than your own home! Sometimes it is fun to use unexpected vessels to hold impromptu bouquets. Old perfume bottles, herb containers, and graphic food tins can be a perfect place to rest your posy.

A Succulent Meal for Two

I just can't get enough of these succulents! I think Corey is going to roll his eyes if he sees another one enter the apartment! The lovely ladies at Southern Weddings had a charity yard sale a few weeks ago. Mum and I snatched up these very versatile silver chargers that you see above. Immediately, this setting popped into my head. The silvery green color of the succulents are a perfect pair with the pale aqua napkins and silver accents! Corey and I enjoyed a peaceful meal for two that night. :)

Happy 4th of July!

God Bless America!

Have a wonderful 4th. Stay safe, eat well, and be in good company!