Monday, June 23, 2014

Tablecloth'n


Hope you had a great weekend! We sure did, but we also got a lot accomplished!
We are about to have a house full of family for the 4th of July (so very excited).
My brain has been thinking of ways to make the house comfortable and enjoyable for them.
We will have 4 kids 6 and under at the dinner table.
I have never used a tablecloth on my kitchen table.., but I think it may be the way to go.

During parties, I often fear for my wood table with just a natural finish/protectant.

My table- only I have it in a discontinued grayish stain

This is what my tablecloth search has come up with..,

Via

Via

via

Via





Via


What do you think? Which one would you choose?


Friday, June 20, 2014

Santa Barbara on my mind

Its Friday! Yay!
We are leaving next week for Santa Barbara. I can't wait! It has been years since I have been there and Lance has never been. So we have lots to discover!





I still haven't booked a hotel room.., woops!
However, I wouldn't mind staying here!



What about you? Have you ever been? Any suggestions where we should stay?




Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Rum cake

Happy Tuesday! This week is off to a great start! Yesterday was E's 3 birthday- she is such a sweet happy little girl.., I can't believe she is already 3!! Last night was also my first swim meet.., as a parent!! Owen took home 3rd place in Freestyle.., I guess 3 was a theme for us!

I have to preface this post by saying I am not a baker.., if a receipt is complex, I will skip it! 
However, we got married in Bermuda (many years ago), and ever since then, Lances favorite cake is rum cake. Bermuda has great Rum Cakes!
A few years ago my sister passed along this awesome rum cake receipt that I thought I would share. If you like rum, this is the cake for you! Its also supper easy to make! Enjoy!!

Ingredients:
I don't believe there is a way to get the authentic recipe. Check out this information: 
Tortuga Rum Cake, Cayman Island. This recipe for rum cake originated from the owners of the Tortuga Rum Company Limited over one hundred years ago, and it has been passed down through the family generation after generation. Made with a special Tortuga gold blend of rum that is not bottled or available to the public. 
*************************
You can probably approximate it with this recipe, by using a very good, very dark rum. (Bought “Whaler’s The Original Dark Rum” from Trader Joe’s).

Rum Cake 
1 cup chopped walnuts 
1 box yellow cake mix 
1 small package instant vanilla pudding mix 
1/4 cup water 
3/4 cup dark rum (Tortuga Dark preferably) 
1/2 cup oil 
4 eggs 

Secret Sauce 
1/4 cup water 
1/4 cup dark rum 
1 cup sugar 
1 stick oleo (butter)

Directions:
Preheat oven at 325 F. 
Grease and flour a bundt pan 





Sprinkle walnuts over the bottom of the pan. 
Blend dry cake mix, dry pudding mix, water, rum, oil and eggs for 2 minutes. Pour over walnuts in pan. Bake for 1 hour 50 minutes (but check after 45 min).






Prepare Secret sauce 10 minutes before cake is finished baking
Combine water rum, water sugar and butter in to sauce pan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until boiling. Boil for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove cake from oven. 
While in pan, gently stab cake with sharp knife. 
Slowly and evenly pour sauce over cake (will look like too much sauce, but cake will absorb it) 
Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing from pan.







So maybe don't judge based on my iphone pictures.., it is really yummy!






Seriously try it.., I promise you will like it!!








Monday, June 16, 2014

Happy Monday!


Friday, June 13, 2014

Free Fathers Day printables


There are so many great mothers day printables.., I thought I would make some for the dads







Clink on the links below to download them!!





Hope Y'all have a great fathers day!!





Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Bermuda







We spent the last week in Bermuda. Such a wonderful vacation!
There was something about the pink umbrellas and sand with blue water. I just couldn't get enough!!
Have a fantastic week!!

Friday, June 6, 2014

Currently on my radar...,

The patio project is almost complete.., we just ordered a french door (It may take all summer to install!)
and next up is designing the pergola!

I am about to pull the trigger on a few things..,



A few to these



A couple of chairs would be nice

I wouldn't say not to a few pillows


Some baskets full of olive or lemon trees would finish things off!

Wish me luck!!