CUPCAKE BATTLES

Ohmygod I'm drooling. Can't decide with one of these delicious little treats I want to eat more, so I might just have to whip up both and do my own taste tast. 

Seriously, y'all, I think Pinterest is bad for my health - literally. #obese

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FOURTH OF JULY: WHAT TO EAT + DRINK

This time tomorrow, I'll be heading for the runway at the tiny airport near our beach house in North Carolina, ready to touch down for a weekend of family, sunshine, craziness, and of course, food.  We do a traditional cookout on the Fourth - cheeseburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, and corn on the cob.  I personally think there's nothing better after a long day on the beach.  You can keep it simple like we do, or make your All-American meal as fancy as you want (sriracha corn or bacon bourbon baked beans, anyone?) Or go the surf route instead of the turf and enjoy some good fresh lobstah. According to my personal philosophy, a meal is not complete without dessert, so finish it off with a yummy shortcake topped with the perfect American color-combo: white whipped cream and red and blue berries!

And of, course, how could I forget something to wash it all down with? Crack open one of Budweiser's American-themed bottles to be extra festive (yes, even I will drink Bud Heavy for the occasion).  Or celebrate with another summer staple - watermelon. Soak it in tequila, dip it in salt, and you've got a portable margarita! You can sip a strawberry daquiri on the beach, or sit on the front porch and watch the Forth of July parade with some Front Porch Lemonade - a yummy mix of bourbon and ginger and lemonade. (And y'all know how much I like my bourbon.)

Above all, remember this: eat, drink, and be aMERIcan.

CHEESEBURGER / GRILLER LOBSTER / BUDWEISER / STRAWBERRY DAQUIRI / CORN ON THE COB / STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE / FRONT PORCH LEMONADE (WITH BOURBON) / TEQUILA WATERMELON / BACON BOURBON BAKED BEANS

CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC

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If you didn't have a chance to make it to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic yesterday, don't worry - neither did I.  Though champagne, sundresses, men-who-ride-horses are right up my alley. (Not to mention host Matthew McConaughey). Unfortunately, tickets to polo matches and overflowing glasses of Veuve aren't in the budget, so even though the event was so close I would taste the bubbly, I too am content to stare at pictures online.

What I should have done instead was host my own little Clicquot Classic - with a lot less polo and a whole lot more champagne.  Next time, I'm making these: champagne (or prosecco) with popsicles - perfect for a hot summer's day.  (Giant sunhat optional).

  

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GETTING KRAFTY

Some fabulous little party ideas using the oh-so-humble brown kraft paper (or it's other form - the brown paper bag). Throw a waffle bar (or a taco bar, or an ice cream, or any kind of bar, really), whip up some cute take-home party favors, create a simple menu, or draw out your dream place settings.  It's simple and easy - perfect for outdoor summer entertaining!

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A MATCHBOOK MAY

I just got around to reading this month's issue of Matchbook Magzine, and like usual, they knock it out of the park. I love all of the hostessing advice, the summery editors' round-ups, and all the great travel tips they include in this issue.  Check it out for yourself here!

OUTDOOR LIVING

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This weekend was our yacht club's opening day, which, despite being slightly cloudy this year, always marks the beginning of summer for me.  It's got me already dreaming of outdoor barbecues and dinner parties, of cocktails and lunch by the pool, and of sitting around a firepit roasting marshmallows and drinking wine.  

What's your favorite summertime entertaining?

WINE 101

Do y'all read the Everygirl?  I absolutely love it - it's full of great features on real women and they have all sorts of practical advice for us twentysomethings, such as how to stock a pantry and what kitchen tools every girl should have.  If you don't already subscribe, I highly recommend it!

One of their latest features is on Wine Education 101, and I have to say that they've done it again.  They break down each type of wine one by one, give you a glossary so you know what all those people at snooty restaurants are talking about, and they also include a little guide for how to throw your own wine tasting! As someone who loves both wine and cheese, this little soiree is right up my alley!

all photos from The Everygirl.