Colored Sugar

I needed the perfect American blue sugar for my 4th of July strawberries but could only find a light blue. So I did what any girl would do, I got a spray bottle, some food dye, and made my own. :)



First things first, get out the desired amount of sugar and spread it on a plate, preferably one with a lipped edge to it.

Get out a spray bottle and Food coloring (mine was Kroger brand), and fill it with about two tablespoons of dye at a time.

Then begin spraying and be careful to hold it far enough away so that it doesn't clump your sugar from the moisture.( not that I did that at first, and had to throw it out or anything)

Continue to spray and stir to get all those little white crystals blue.

Stir some more and then place in an air tight container until your ready to use. Sorry I forget to take a pic of the final product, but you can see it in my red, white and blue strawberry post.

Oh the possibilities are endless. I'm just "dying" to see what creations you all can come up with!

What a... Treat?

This is what happens when B goes to the grocery store. He brings evil by the pint to invade our home. Make me crazy. Tests my will power.
It's cruel. And it's punishment. I see right through your evil games. I will not give in!!!!! ( tonight)

Tantrum

Why can't every day be a play day?  

I am being a two year old today throwing a tantrum.  

I don't wanna stay on my computer for hours on end doing grad work.

I don't wanna spend more hours working on stuff for camp.

I don't wanna clean up my house that needs it.

I don't wanna go back to work at the beginning of August.

I don't wanna study for the PRAXIS II

I just want to play, craft, swim, ski, lay in a hammock, and soak up life.  

Pathetic I know.  So many problems in the world and here I am throwing a tantrum.  

Yeah, yeah....I know what your thinking:  At least you have a summer off!

But I can't help it, today I just want to push all work to the side and have a Popsicle.   

Maybe I'll take my computer outside and eat one as I type.....  :)

The Fourth Favorites

I enjoyed so many things about this weekend.  

Cooking out with good friends and their adorable babies....

Seeing pics of my sweet Elise!

Getting the wonderful news that the blessing of baby Zeller decided to appear on July 4th!  Callan Henry Zeller born 8:57am weighing a perfect 6lbs 15oz and 19inches long.  We couldn't be more happy for Jodi and Lindsay and can't wait to meet this sweet blessed boy!

Making and most importantly, eating festive goodies.

Baseball with Barry's parents, including loud cheers, a win, and of course hot dogs.  We spent the night watching RBI's and fireworks surrounding the skyline. 

Fireworks.

Sparklers.  

The smell of happiness in the air being had by all.

4th of July Sweetness

Happy 4th of July!  This has to be one of my favorite holidays.  The summer weather, the cookouts, fireworks, and overall patriotism that is shared by all is completely contagious and a cause for smiles. 

We have had a great weekend of celebrating and I'm excited about all the fun happening today as well. 

I plan on making these festive red, white and blue strawberries today.  Which I saw at Baking Bites.  I've had trouble finding the right color of blue sugar anywhere, so we'll see how it goes.  :)  

I don't know that I'll have time to make them today but had to give a shout out to Sweet Sugar Belle for the innovative and fun cookie she made for this special day.  I love making cake pops, and think this might be my new favorite.  :)  

Happy Birthday America!!!!!!  

How are you celebrating? 

Cincinnati Reds Start the Fireworks!

Last night we headed to the Cincinnati Reds game with Lauren and Josh.  It was our first game of the season and we were hoping for some greatness since they have been having a good season.  The actual game play was not so fabulous, other than two home runs by Brandon Phillips, the Cleveland Indians took the win home by a long shot.  

But we were not losers.  You can't beat the atmosphere of any ball park, and at the major's level the experience is supersized.  The combined smells of hot dogs, popcorn, bbq, and cotton candy all drifting through the stadium.  The crack of the bat (we liked that sound twice last night), the fans cheering, the kids pounding their fists into a hopeful glove.  It is pure fun.  

The game concluded with an unbelievable fireworks performance.  The night sky was filled with color and we saw two types of fireworks we had never seen before that swirled and split all over the place.  

What a fun and patriotic way to start off the 4th of July weekend!!!!! 

Pre Weekend Fun

Yesterday was just that kind of day I had been looking for.  It began with a 6am workout, time with my husband as he got ready for work, and was followed up with Kate and Laura coming over for breakfast.  We enjoyed the patio in a relaxing fashion.  Toni stopped by and joined us for a while too which was a great surprise!  I absolutely love having friends at our house. 

Kate, Laura and I spent the afternoon at L's pool soaking up rays (with sunscreen on of course) there wasn't a cloud in the sky!

I met B at home and we headed down to Thursday Night Live to meet up with his parents and more friends.  I ran into several people that I hadn't seen in a while including the lovely Teresa and Lindsey from work.  We had dinner with Don and Karen at Cheapside and had a great time as usual.  :)  

Afterwards we met up with Chris, Kate, Walter, Laura and some of C's buds at Nick Ryan's and enjoyed more talks and laughs.  

I am so excited for this 4th of July weekend and even more fun ahead!