Making S'mores...

Did you know the S'more was introduced by the Girl Scouts in 1927? One is never enough...

If a toasted gooey-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside marshmallow sandwiched between melting milk chocolate and flaky graham crackers gets you reminiscing about your camp days, make s'mores.

Try personalizing your s'more with a banana slice, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, Nutella, or Peppermint Patty in place of the chocolate.

Toasting marshmallows indoors? Set stovetop burner on low heat, place your marshmallow on a metal skewer, and toast to golden brown. Or place the s'mores (without the top cracker) in a 350°F oven for two to three minutes; remove and top with graham cracker.

Not feeling so creative? Check out these cool kits from Laura's Candy, and Cozi.

the daily candy...

My friend Chrys introduced me to this fab Web site yesterday. After she was like, "YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE DAILY CANDY?!". It was love at first click. Hence, today's happy :)

What is the Daily Candy?

DailyCandy is a lifestyle media brand that reaches young, influential women. Known for its quirky, irreverent voice and eclectic taste, DailyCandy has developed a loyal and passionate audience.

Since 2000, DailyCandy has connected readers by providing an intimate, immediate way of staying fashionably informed. DailyCandy acts as a filter, giving readers the best of emerging fashion, boutiques, restaurants, and local finds in key markets across the U.S. and London.

As useful as it is entertaining, DailyCandy is like getting an e-mail from your clever, unpredictable, and totally in-the-know best friend.

Check out the Daily Candy EVERYWHERE, or in ATLANTA, BOSTON, CHICAGO, DALLAS, LONDON, LOS ANGELES, MIAMI, NEW YORK, PHILADELPHIA, SAN FRANCISCO, SEATTLE, and WASHINGTON, D.C.

summer scarfs

For the boy who just doesn't get it... ;)

Yes, scarves are traditionally used to keep warm during the cold winter months. Despite rising temperatures, long, lightweight scarves are a must-have item this summer!

Why you’ll want one...

Versatile and vibrant, an oversize scarf is virtually weightless, and will take up very little room in your purse. Although part of the allure is the chic, airy feel, a feather-light scarf can ward off the chill of air-conditioning, and even act as an extra layer of sunscreen. Beyond its functionality, this fashionable accent is available on any budget, and in every style imaginable. This summer, you can leave the jewels behind, knowing that a pop of color or pretty pattern around your neck will draw attention to your face just like a necklace would for an easy, breezy summer look.

How to wear it...

There are countless ways to wear a summer scarf. Try wrapping it multiple times around your neck and tucking the edges under, folding it in half behind your head and looping the open ends through the hole near your collarbone, or simply swooping it around your neck and tossing one end over your shoulder.

Check out South Moon Under, Target, and The Limited for fun options.

another year...

That's all I have to say about that :P''

sippin' on summer...

Fresh-squeezed lemonade and sun-tea are excellent, thirst-quenching choices for an outdoor summer ....

Your favorite summer drinks will look as good as they taste this summer in these fun glass jars by Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Viva Terra, Uncommongoods.com, and Infused-Vodka.com

A family affair... try whipping up an Arnold Palmer. This refreshing beverage consists of half iced tea (either sweetened or unsweetened) and half lemonade named for golfer Arnold Palmer.

After hours... This melon ball lemonade won't disappoint and looks great with lemon wheels and balled melon. Sure to impress.

2 quarts lemonade
1 honeydew or cantaloupe (deseeded and balled)
4 -5 lemons (cut into wheels)
3 cups of Bacardi Gran Melon

Combine all ingredients in a large container and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve over ice. Serves about 10.

Cheers everyone!

be outside this weekend...

Grab a blanket and get going!

Did you know the know that these fully loaded carryalls were once a built in feature in the Rolls - Royce? They are no longer an upper crust affair! So, why not go barefoot and picnic this weekend?

These baskets range in price and are available in service for two and four. Check out Picnic & Beyond, Inc, Picnic Fun and Cath Kidston for some for classic and bargain options.

Also fun... antique lithographed tins.

Made from the late 1930s through the ’50s these tins were originally cookie containers... most are rectangular and boxy with movable wood or metal handles, but you can also find oval, oblong, and octagonal pieces. Designs are as varied as the shapes; the most common patterns include basket and blanket motifs, plaids, and florals.

Looking for something more elaborate (and more collectible)? Tins falso feature seaside scenes, playing children, nursery-rhyme characters, and kitchen utensils.

tut-tut, looks like rain...

Vintage Umbrellas

Umbrellas are making a storm as a must have fashion accessory. You're wearing great clothes, fabulous shoes, a gorgeous handbag - and carrying a dumpy old umbrella. What's wrong with this picture??

The umbrella comes from the Parasol which was created as protection against the sun and has been used for centuries as a religious symbol, status symbol and erotic symbol as well as to keep the rain and sun away. Origins of the umbrella can be traced back as far as 3000 years. Many improvements have been made in material and design throughout its history. Originally English umbrellas consisted of oiled silk and heavy wood with poor and clumsy mechanical operation.

These days you can find one as cheap as a few dollars or of higher quality and cost, from a big umbrella to a small umbrella in a multitude of colors from a green umbrella to a black umbrella, all of which offer you protection from the rain and if you choose your rain umbrella right, fashionable rain accessory.

Here is my happy!! This new Pagoda umbrella was designed in Seattle where umbrellas are an essential outdoor accessory. These umbrellas are fun, flirty and customizable.

fun stuff...

I'm a mozzarella! Don't know why the photo is not coming up, but the link still works. What kind of cheese are you?