Farmer’s Market & Vintage Shopping

Enjoying a delicious egg and cheese crepe from the Crepe Cottage.

This Saturday, my family and I started our day bright and early with a trip to the Alpharetta Farmers Market. Although waking to my alarm clock at 8:20 a.m. was difficult, our delectable finds were well worth it. Having swooped up all the goodies we desired, we regrouped and made our way to Little Five Points where I had a field day scavenging the shops for inexpensive but amazingly cute vintage finds. (My favorite purchases were two new fedoras to add to my growing  collection.) A coronary bypass burger from the Vortex completed the L5P trip, and I ended the day with a fun-filled night in Athens.

Summer Drink Special

Photo by Usodesita.

I scoured the web and rounded up the tastiest summer cocktail recipes… and some are even low cal! Enjoy.

• Classic Margarita: This recipe has only 144 calories per serving. Sip guilt free!
• Cosmo Slush: A summery update for Carrie and fans.
• Cranberry Limeade: The recipe doesn’t call for alcohol, but you can spike it or enjoy as is for a delicious mocktail.
• Summer Fruit Sangria: I love sangria, and this recipe is one I can’t wait to try.
• Summer Breeze: The name says it all.
• Tequila Bramble: The recipe calls for blackberries, but feel free to use any summer berry.
• Watermelon-Cucumber Cooler: Positively refreshing on a hot afternoon.

NOTE: To add an extra special touch to your cocktails, check out these fun flavored ice cube suggestions from Martha Stewart. All recipes from Martha Stewart, Betty Crocker and YumSugar… check out their websites for even more ideas.

Chocolate Eclair Squares

After making these, I loved how easy it was to put together a delicious, no-bake dessert that the entire family would love. (Also, keeping the oven off during a scorching hot summer is always a plus.) So to welcome my parents and brother home from Minnesota, I turned to Kraft for this recipe for chocolate eclair squares.

I made a few minor adjustments: substituting Publix-brand vanilla wafers because they were on sale and using three instead of two squares of Baker’s chocolate. The extra square provided more chocolately goodness for the top layer drizzle, which I certainly appreciated. The prep time is next to nothing, so for all you glamazons needing an easy, breezy dessert — this is a recipe to try.

Summer Styling: Accessories

Summer is perfect for lazy beach days, pool parties, picnics in the park, barbeque get-togethers and just generally enjoying some fun in the sun. It’s also perfect for fun bright accessories, like my five favorites this season.

I love the classic shapes of these Ray Bans that I have had since 2008.

Sandals are great, but I love ballet flats and these are perfectly seasonal. These two pairs were recent purchases from Francesca’s.

Summer is about being bright and bold, so let your jewelry take you there.

I’m obsessed with straw fedoras, which would explain the three nearly identical hats that I own.

Colorful, lightweight scarves are great for cooler days or nights out.

A Fabulous Fourth

Happy Fourth of July, glamazons!

I’m currently enjoying some quality time with my extended family in northern Minnesota. We make it a point to round up the troops every year for the holiday weekend, and I honestly couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. I love the parades and races in town. I love the street dances and fried bread. I love being on the lake and watching the fireworks. I love eating unhealthy quantities of Top the Tater and Vi’s Pizza (two of my most favorite foods that are not available to me in Georgia.) I love escaping the hot hot hot Georgia weather. But most of all, I love spending time with loved ones, especially with Coco joining us this year! I hope you all are having a fabulous Fourth too and doing the things you love.