Five Things

 {Big lilacs, little vase}

I live in a tourist town and while everyone is piling in for Memorial weekend for plenty of sun and beach time I am heading down to Detroit to spend time with my family. This weekend will consist of plenty of time spent outside, barbecues, picnics, bocce ball and even a trip to the Tigers game.  What are your plans for the holiday weekend?

 {Simmering: rosemary, lemon and vanilla extract to freshen up the house}

 {Newest flower garden accessory}

 {The first signs of summer: ripe strawberries in the backyard}

{Finding the perfect spot for new pillows}

Krispie Sparkler

A sweet and simple treat for Memorial weekend. Featuring a star shaped Rice Krispie treat on a skewer paired with three blueberries and strawberries. I'll be using these as my table centerpiece.

DIY: Watermelon Pupsicle

Can you believe it’s already Memorial Day weekend? While the official start to summer does not come until later in June, in my book Memorial weekend is the start of summer. With summer comes warmer temperatures and I have the perfect treat for you and your pup! Simply cube some watermelon, put it in a baggie, and toss it into the freezer for a natural popsicle. Note: Since Jack is so little I just cut up large slices and share them with him outside (he usually just licks things so the chunks didn’t work for him).

Pronto Pups (Corn Dogs)

This past weekend I was hanging out on the boardwalk and noticed tons of fair food. From funnel cakes and elephant ears to pronto pups (corn dogs) and deep fried Oreos the boardwalk had a wide variety of fried foods. I passed up on the opportunity to indulge, but later found myself making my own batch of corn dogs to have at the beach with friends. They were everything I had hoped for and I think they’ll become a beach staple this summer.   

Corn Dogs
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cornmeal
4 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk

Directions
1. Mix all dry ingredients, and then add eggs and milk. Mix until lump free. Insert a skewer into each hot dog. Dip hot dogs into the batter to coat.
2. Deep fry in hot oil (I did this on the bbq). When light golden brown remove and place on a paper towel.

Makes one package hot dogs with heavy crust or two packages with light.

Holland

{Antique Dutch Carousel}

A couple of weeks back, we went out to Holland for the afternoon. It’s about an hour and thirty minute drive from my place, but there was no better time to go than during Tulip Time (which you can see here). Holland is a coastal city on the western side of Michigan, which was founded by Dutch Americans. Dutch heritage is still a significant characteristic of the town, which results in your feeling like you are actually in Holland.

 {De Zwaan a 250 year old Dutch Windmill}
they actually make AMAZING whole wheat graham flour in the windmill.

 {Dutch dancing (in wooden shoes) in the street}

 {The best ice cream: Hudsonville}

 {1928 antique Amsterdam street organ}

 {Dutch statue at Riverview Park}