Weekend Outlook + A Little Freebie

My goodness, it sure seems like those short weeks drag on forever!
I have been dying for Friday at 5 p.m. since Tuesday morning, so I am ready to get my weekend on! Lots of fun and a busy weekend ahead! Here's the weekend outlook...

Friday //
We decided to invite our friends over for an evening of fun drinks on the patio. It's so relaxing and wonderful out there with our fire pit table, adirondack chairs, and garden light. All we need to do is turn up some tunes and enjoy the company!

Did I mention our drink plan for the evening?

{via}

Galley Bay's Caribbean Sea Cocktail

2.5 oz. Malibu Rum

2.5 oz. Blue Curacao

2 oz. pineapple juice

1/2 oz. Sprite soda

Garnish with maraschino cherry

Well hubs and I are missing the spectacular drinks from Galley Bay Antigua - where we honeymooned!

So, I took it upon myself to send a message to the resort asking them for the recipe to our favorite drink... The Caribbean Sea. In under 30 minutes, they got back to me with their recipe, so we can't wait to whip up a batch for tonight!


Saturday //
A little morning zumba session with the girls, followed by some cleaning and crafting. Oh man, that sounds lovely. At some point in the day, we're going to have to force ourselves to pack for our Boston trip - we leave on Tuesday! Hoping to squeeze in a nice late afternoon stroll on our favorite neighborhood trail with the pup too!


Sunday //
I'll be hanging with my favorite 3rd grade girls at Sunday school bright and early. The rest of the day is packed! We have a 1-year-old birthday brunch celebration with the fam, and then we're jumping over to my parent's casa to celebrate my crazy little sister!

In my mind, Linds is going to be 12, but apparently she's turning 20? When did this happen?
Look out world!!

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So anyway, that's what happening at the Evans Estates (doesn't that sound way fancier than it needs to? Haha!) this weekend.

In the meantime, I want to celebrate TGIF by happily offering a little freebie - 50% off all "group giveaway" and "side bar only" ad sponsorship! Yup, now a whopping total of $6 and $3.50 respectively... enjoy!

For 50% OFF until Sunday night, click HERE use promo code: FRIDAY

Here's what you might've missed this week:

+ week-long blog link-up

+ blog photoshoot photos

+ a MUST see

Have a cozy weekends, friends!

Super Bowl Party Ideas

Happy Groundhog Day, Friends!
Unfortunately Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, so it's 6 more weeks of winter for us. Although, I have to say that maybe Phil got it wrong this year, because it has been unseasonably warm here in Kansas City {love it}. I can't believe there has been no big snow yet... and it's February!

I digress.

Onward to more fun February festivities (say that 3x fast!) ...Super Bowl! Whether you are hosting your own shin dig or plan on attending another party, I figured I would share some fun ideas that I have a'brewing for our party!

As per the usual, Adam is super duper sweet and has opened his home to host our friends for great food and amazing commercials... I mean football? Somewhere Adam is reading this and shaking his head. Anyway, we are planning on making a few different kinds of chili (that man can make chili like nobody's business!) and enjoying tasty appetizers and treats. I think I have it narrowed down to the top fun things I'd like to try.


{ Thanks Pinterest for you ever wonderful inspiration... }



Check out these adorable free printables!




Those flags would looks so cute on these pizza puffs - yum!




Summer sausage, cheddar & ranch football bites




Baked Mozzarella Sticks



Touchdown 7-Layer Dip




Such a cute idea!
I'm planning to use this Guinness chocolate cupcake recipe that I've been saving, filling the middle with chocolate ganache and going for a basic vanilla buttercream for the green grass!


...and now that I'm finished I am just realizing almost every recipe saved contains copius amounts of cheese. You could say I'm obsessed, but that might be an understatement. I should probably hit the gym before my cheese fest, eh?


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What are your plans for the Super Bowl?
Have any fun recipes or ideas saved?


Do share!!

Holiday Party Invites { Help! }

Just in case you missed Mingle Monday...
I need your help deciding which invitation design to order for my Christmas cookie swap! Tiny Prints makes it super hard to decide, because everything is adorable. Plus, being chronically indecisive doesn't help...

{ Cast Your Vote! }


Option 1



Option 2



Option 3



Option 4



Option 5


.:::.:::.:::.:::.


Thank you so much for taking the time to help me make up my mind! I have to know by today to get their big discount!! Girly advice is always helpful, right?

You're the best.

DIY Royal Wedding Party

Grab your tiaras, ladies!
That's right, the big day is tomorrow morning and I'm getting excited to celebrate with some fabulous parties!!




I think my Royal Wedding obsession may be getting to the point where it's borderline out of control...


Confession: FB photo = Will+Kat

...Anyways, I am planning to attend the most amazing city-wide watch party at the break of dawn. The Kansas City Union Station is currently hosting the world-reknown Princess Diana exhibit, so they are hosting a massive celebration!

I can't wait to see Diana's wedding dress (which Oprah tried to steal from us for tomorrow... sorryboutcha, Oprah - it's ours!).




After many post-work naps, i am also hosting a Royal Wedding party at my cute little casa! I plan on having many fun decorations, food, and fun surprises for my little shin-dig.

In case you need some last minute ideas for your own party, I thought I'd provide a helpful DIY party guide to make your princess party even more fabulous!!

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{ Your DIY Party Guide }

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{ Food & Drink }

The following items are a must for such a glamorous British occasion. Naturally, I did my research on traditional tea parties...


- English Hot Tea

- Fresh Berry Scones




- Spotted Dick Pudding

- Petit Fours (a la Whole Foods)

- Tea Sandwiches

- Champagne + Strawberries

- Mini Wedding Cakes (making these tonight... so excited!)

+ cake recipe
+ frosting recipe





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{ Decor + Girly Fun }

Check out this adorable British inspired decor! What great ideas... can't wait to try them out!!




+ FREE Decor Printables - CUTE!

+ Princess Crowns + Rings (for guests to enjoy)

+ DIY Celebration Banner


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I hope you enjoyed these fun little tidbits! I'm excited to get to work on everything tonight... photos coming soon!


{ What do you have planned for your watch party? }





PS - Royal Wedding TV Guide HERE!

Royal Wedding: The Obsession

It's safe to say I'm officially obsessed.
The countdown 'til this amazing Royal Wedding is drawing to a close and I get more and more excited every day!




I think my obsession culminated yesterday afternoon after seeing the awesome Royal Wedding memorabilia on Poodleism - one of my faves!

When I thought things couldn't get any better, my cousins called about amazing Royal Wedding watch party plans for next Friday!

So apparently, Union Station Kansas City is having a huge watch party with festivities beginning at 3 a.m. until the royal wedding is broadcast on a jumbo screen in the middle of Union Station at 6 a.m.



{ Isn't Union Station gorgeous? }

The watch party is free admission and includes a yummy breakfast. There will be several awesome giveaways going on that morning too!

While we wait for Kate and Wills, we can view the new Princess Diana exhibit (including her wedding dress and her diamond tiaras!), exclusive to KC. Ever since the exhibit opened in March it has attracted thousands of people and I seriously cannot contain my excitement!






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On another note...

I'm tossing around the idea of throwing a small royal wedding watch party/celebration reception that evening with my cousins and maybe a few friends.

{ Royal Wedding Party }

fancy tea + fresh english scones + strawberry champagne
cucumber sandwiches + mini wedding cakes
girl chat + wedding on repeat
= amazing evening!








Too fun right?!
I think I may buy some princess crowns and fake bling rings at the dollar store for us to glitz around in all evening!

In case you aren't excited enough, check out this AMAZING t-Mobile Royal Wedding spoof! The actors look exactly like the royal family - love it!





.:: Do you have Royal Wedding plans? ::.


Cheerio!

Cheers to Spring!

Happy Friday, yo!
Who is ready for one heck of a fabulous weekend?! Mmmhhmm, me too! It's been cold, rainy and miserable the past few weeks, which is why i planned a little weekend fun for tonight!

That's right, yours truly has a secret love of social planning. Don't get me wrong, I love staying in with friends and watching movies, but my cabin/spring fever has set in and I have to get out!



Did I mention it's a balmy 66 degrees today?
Spring is on the way!

It's absolutely gorgeous weather and it's Friday - so heck! - we're celebrating with a progressive dinner all around this gorgeous city!

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{ The Fun Itinerary }
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+ Drinks/Appetizers

Headed to a local hole-in-the-wall mellow little bar/restaurant for some Friday happy hour therapy.


+ Dinner

Ready for some good soul food in a swanky KC district. Did I mention this place has amazing microbrew? BF is excited.


+ Dessert(s)

We have options, people! I mean why limit dessert to just one stop? Frozen custard? French pasteries? Yes to all, please!


+ More drinks?

Oh lordy. Don't you worry, I was totally talking about soda... ;)

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Sounds fun, right? I've been outfit idea shopping in my head, and I believe I have a red dress, leggings and my new fedora in the not-so-distant future! ;)

No worries (Mom), we're going to be responsible! The keywords tonight are food + friends + fun. Just looking for a mellow good time with my favorite people! I promise that pictures will be coming your way next week!! ;)


{ What's on your fun itinerary this evening? }


Cheers!

Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

My zebra mug is filled to the brim with my favorite amaretto coffee and the sweet smell of cinnamon lingering in the air. Yes, I am still in my jammies. This is my absolute favorite way to do Saturday morning. Lazy, cozy and happy.

My home is full of my very favorite girlfriends, who are in town visiting for the weekend. I wanted to make something special while they were here, so I made the most amazing ooey gooey cinnamon roll recipe.




After trying out several recipes, I've combined my favorite parts and added my own fabulous flair!

Don't be intimidated by this recipe... I've made it easy breazy!
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Ingredients

Dough:

1/4-ounce package yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup scalded milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
4 cups all-purpose flour


Filling:

1/3 cup softened butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
3 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon


Frosting:

1/4 cup softened butter
3 oz. softened cream cheese
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt


Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Dough Directions:

1) In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside.

2) In a large bowl mix milk, sugar, melted butter, salt and egg.

3)Add 2 cups of flour and mix until smooth. Add yeast mixture.

4)Mix in remaining flour until dough is easy to handle. Knead dough on lightly floured surface for 3-5 minutes.





5) Place in well-greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size, usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

6) Wait until dough has doubled in size and roll out on a floured surface into a 15 by 9-inch rectangle.

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Filling Directions

1) Spread melted butter all over dough.

2) Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over buttered dough.

3) Beginning on the longest side, roll up dough and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 12 to 15 slices.

4) Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the pan and let rise until dough is doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake for about 30 minutes.

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Yummy Frosting

1) Beat butter and cream cheese together until blended thoroughly.

2) Add powdered sugar, salt and vanilla.

3) Whip until fluffy.

4) Spread on warm rolls.

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These cinnamon rolls are such a hit! Perfect for holidays, family occasions, and out of town relatives. I've got nothing but amazig compliments with this all-star recipe, so you have to try it out!

This last time, I tripled the recipe, made them as directed and let them rise. I them placed seran wrap directly touching the doughy rolls, covered the whole pan and added the lid and froze them.

All you have to do is move the pan of frozen rolls to the fridge the day before. Take them out 30 minutes before you want to bake them and they come out freshly made! Sounds lke a perfectly domestic way to impress your guests!


Bon Appetit!

Fabulous 4th Recipes and Decor

No festive 4th of July shin-dig can be complete without amazing decorations and delicious food! Check out some of my favorite festive finds...




Red Velvet Cake a la Bon Appetit Magazine




Pottery Barn




Country Living




Martha Stewart




Southern Living




Pottery Barn




Patriotic Flag Cake a la Martha Stewart

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I know, I know.. now you're drooling, right?

{ Me too! }

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I can't wait to road trip to the big OKC to see my besties! Lots of BBQs, baking, and fun to be had... look out!


What are your fabulous 4th plans?
Have any cute patriotic decor or recipes?