Fun Canvas Totes for Summer

starfish | seahorse | anchor | pineapple

Hi everyone!  How fun are these printed canvas tote bags?  So, so cute for summer!  Sometimes it's nice to have a simple canvas bag to carry your summer essentials in.  And the fact that they are so affordable really ups their cuteness factor :)  I think they would make a fun gift too.  Hard to pick a favorite, but I think the pineapple is winning for me.  Which is your favorite?  Hope you have a great day!

Summer Cocktail Recipe | Melon Sangria

Hi everyone!  So last week I shared the new entertaining spot I created in our backyard for a small get together we hosted.  And today I'm back to share the refreshing summer cocktail recipe that I served at our outdoor gathering.  It was a hit with our group of friends and I hope you'll like it too! 

Summer Melon Sangria

Ingredients

• watermelon, honeydew melon & cantaloupe (about 3 cups)
• 1 juiced lime
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 bottle (750ml) of Moscato wine
• 1/4 cup grappa
• 1 1/2 cups sparkling water
• mint leaves

Method

1. Scoop out melon balls.  I scooped out my melon the night before and refrigerated overnight.  I also put a few in the freezer to use as ice cubes.
2. Place melon balls in large pitcher and add honey, lime juice and grappa.  Mix gently and place in refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
3. Add wine and mix gently.  Add more honey or grappa to desired taste, remembering that you will top off with sparkling water before serving, so it's okay to have it a bit sweeter/stronger.  Refrigerate for 1 more hour.
4. Before serving add ice or frozen melon balls and top off with sparkling water. 
5. Garnish with lime slices and mint.
6. Enjoy!

*recipe adapted from here

Not only is this drink refreshing and delicious, but so pretty served in my tabletop pieces from Birch Lane.  It's a perfect drink for your next summer gathering.  Enjoy!  Click here to see more of this outdoor space.

*Thank you Birch Lane for sponsoring this post.

We can also keep in touch here:

Three Year Blog Anniversary and Giveaway

Happy June!  Can you believe it?  We are almost in full summertime mode here, as school wraps up this week, yay!  On another note, May 15th marked three years of blogging for me!  Really?  I actually didn't tell anyone about my site until sometime in June of 2012, but officially I hit the publish button for the first time on May 15, 2012.  And I'm happy to say I still love everything about blogging and this little web space of mine.  From creating, photographing, editing, and most of all the wonderful friendships I've made with you all!  So in appreciate of your readership, friendships and just good times, I've put together a little giveaway.  It's not the biggest giveaway, but it's one that involves three of my favorite things that will go to a special one of you :)

And my three favorites right now are this J.Crew statement necklace, this Francesca's Collections Summer Clutch and a $50 gift card to one of my favorite stores...Target.  The giveaway closes Sunday, June 7th at 11:59 pm CST and the winner will be announced Monday, June 8th.  You can use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks again for reading...it means so much to me.

Have a beautiful day and good luck!