Beer Float?

Sounds weird, I know, but hear me out. If you get a really yummy porter or stout and combine it with vanilla ice cream, it's actually not half bad.

Random Side Note: What is it about a pint of ice cream that has been sitting out for a while that looks so irresistible? Is it the frosty exterior, the anticipation of melty oozy goodness, or what? Anyway, back to the cocktail...

It's pretty simple and I am not really sure why I felt the need to do a picture step my step directions. In fact, I don't think I even need to type anything here. Let's see if it works!

Got it?? Last step, drink! It's yummy! It is definitely an acquired taste, but I think you are woman or man enough. Enjoy!

Currently Time

Wow - I thought I was on top of things doing this on July 2nd, but yowza ~ y'all are way more prompt than I am!  I think I am #3,572.8 on the list.

My sister is about to have a baby boy! It's our first baby in the family and I seriously could not be more thrilled. She and her husband are going to be amazing parents and I am so honored to be there for this and be able to help in any way that I can. Aren't babies a miracle? It's amazing to me and something so fantastic and complex it's hard for me to wrap my head around it. I am heading off to DC from Phoenix today to see them!

My Tips and Tricks:  I used to get so stressed about making sure I had something to write about or feeling guilty if I hadn't updated the blog a few times a week. Then I realized that no one is superwoman here and that everyone needs to take a break every now and then. It's okay - take a break. No one cares, we care about the blogger, not how many posts she can crank out.

See you all on the east coast! Vrooooooom (that was an airplane sound effect)

Monday Made It - Wedding Edition

Have you ever wanted to make a ridiculously huge paper flower??  OK, well maybe not everyone shares this aspiration, I have to tell you I absolutely love the result. This is probably my favorite craft I have ever done. I am going to put these on the archway during the ceremony at the wedding, but I also think they would be cute stapled up in a classroom or stacked to create a small accent wall in your home. Click {HERE} to get the tutorial. Here's how the ended up...

Basically, each petal is a 12x12 cardstock sheet. Cut out a shell or lightbulb like shape (the more random the better ~ get wiggly with your cutting!) and then accordian fold them. Hot glue the petals together strategically stacking and spreading as you go. We ended up using seven petals per flower because let's be honest, odd numbers are winners.

The middles are just made up of two different colored circles, one cut smaller than the other and then fringed. Fold up randomly and then hot glue them in the center of the flower.

They are huge and I happen to love abnormally sized objects! Note the giant pocket watch in the background.

I hope you all get to make this craft. The only issue is that where do I keep these bad boys until the wedding? We might need to use our dining room table eventually... Oh well, it works for now!

Don't forget to link up to Tara's Monday Made It!

Chimichurri

Raise your hand if you love cilantro!  I love it, a lot of people hate it. Someone I know thinks it tastes like soap... Weird.  Anyway, if you love it, this sauce is totally for you. It's nothing new, but I never realized how many different uses it has!  All chimichurri recipes are pretty similar, but this is what I have been making.

Chimichurri

1 cup chopped Italian parsley
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 cloves minced garlic
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Giant pinch of salt

Blend it all together in a food processor and enjoy!  I would let it sit for a while to let all of the flavors combine before you use it.   It's such a beautiful vibrant green color!

I made this Indian turkey kebab dinner the other night and I not only stirred in the chimichurri into the corn, but also the brown rice. It was heaven on a plate. You have to try it!

Happy eating!

Grapfruit Fizz

I don't know why, but I have been on a cocktail kick. I always love getting fancy cocktails out and about but usually I don't make them at home. Not anymore!  I saw a recipe for this one and changed it a little, but it's based off of it.

Grapefruit Gin Fizz

2 ounces gin
1/2 to 1 ounce simple syrup* depending on how sweet you want it
Grapefruit juice
Club soda
Lots of ice

Combine the gin and simple syrup together. Add plenty of ice and splosh in some grapefruit juice. Top it off with some club soda to make it fizzy.

This is so delicious and refreshing for the hot summer time. It helped with this situation happening here...

*Simple syrup is super easy to make and I use it in a lot of different cocktails. Just dissolve equal parts of white sugar and water (I usually do 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water). Heat it up until all sugar has dissolved, cool it down, and then store it in the fridge for up to a month for a variety of uses!

Heeeere's My Week!

I can't believe it's already Friday ~ this week flew by! Here we go...

1. Had a delicious meal in my last night in Austin with my parents at Max's Wine Dive. Holy cow deliciousness. We all ordered different stuff so we could try everyone's. I got shrimp and grits with this delicious butter sauce, mmmm heaven!
I've realized I get a little bossy with people I dine with because I never want anyone to get the same thing as me so I can taste as many dishes as possible. Oh you didn't want to share? Apparently not an option when eating with me.

2.  Drove home safe and sound! Sad to leave my parents, it always is.

Closer...

Closer...

Closer...

Heyyyyy Arizona!

3.  My record player finally came and I am completely in <3.  My dad generously gave me some of his records from his collection to try it out. Thanks Dad!

4. My veil came in the mail for the wedding! 134 more days to go!

5. I bought a HUGE watermelon the other day and am trying to find different ways to use. I've eaten it plain, in a watermelon feta salad, and in a watermelon basil mojito. Yummy! Don't mind if I do...

Don't forget to link up to share about your week!

Monday Made It!

Hey y'all!
Yay for Monday Made It! I have been working on some stuff for school and hopefully one of you all can use it! These were made in mind for other middle school teachers like me who have agenda boards for their students. Since I am teaching science and social studies only (I know, right?! I am pretty much the luckiest teacher for next year), I will have some days of the week dedicated to science and some days dedicated to social studies. Once I get into my room, I will take a picture of the finished vision!
Are you impatient to see? Me too! Here is what it could look like, just you know, ignore the dining room table and pretend it's a sectioned off white board.

WARNING: I was having some technical difficulties, I am not sure if you will be able to notice...

You could do this...

Or this...

Or this...

WARNING: Technical difficulties are over.

Just cut 'em out, laminate those suckers, and stick a magnet on the back. Voila, a nifty agenda board! 

Here's the varieties:

Science Agenda Board Sign

Social Studies Agenda Board Sign

Math Agenda Board Sign

Writing Agenda Board Sign

Reading Agenda Board Sign

I know it's nothing compared to come beautiful masterpieces that I have seen other bloggers create, but hopefully someone can use them! :)

Click {HERE} to download.

Have a wonderful Monday and don't forget to link up Tara's Monday Made It!