Entertaining for the 4th of July with Style

Entertaining with patriotic flair can be achieved easily with these 5 great recipes that are sure to be a big hit at your cookout or family gathering. I have included two of my own 4th of July recipes and a few of my favorites from other sites. These tasty and colorful recipes are sure to put a smile on the face of every guest at your party!

My delicious pound cake with homemade sweet cream and fresh berries is always a big hit with my friends and family. You can find my recipe by clicking here

This fun drink, which is also pictured at the beginning of this post is full of flavor and a great conversation piece. I created this delicious mocktail with a blend of sorbet, a carbonated drink and a pop rock rim. Perfect way to get your 4th of July popping...literally. You can find my recipe here

These delicious ice pops are great for those hot summer days and perfect  for celebrating the red, white and blue. 

Find the recipe here

These cheesecake stuffed strawberries are perfect for a light dessert, but taste indulgent enough to make you feel like you are not missing out on anything. Find the recipe here

This clever dessert is simple., but artfully displayed and delicious

Find the recipe here

Happy Fourth of July and Bon Appetit!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Birthdays...

We love cake, ice cream and presents don't we?

When you get older and wiser you realize that each birthday is a special gift from God. I remember when I was younger I couldn't wait for each milestone birthday. At the age of 12 I couldn't wait to be 13 and then 16 and then 21 and then somewhere after 25 I stopped counting.

I think its funny that I am getting closer to being able to order from the senior citizens menu, but that is a blessing too. Wrinkles and laugh lines are blessings even though society says we should be ashamed of them. A wrinkle and laugh lines say that you have lived long and well and that is something to be celebrated.

Now I reflect more on my birthdays because I don't know when it will be my last one and I want my life to mean something. Even though a lot of us like to make life about us, I find my deepest joy comes from making someone else's life a little better. I am usually in the shadows doing things for others that no one knows about because I don't crave the spotlight. Most of the time, I run from it.

I go through a lot, but one of the lessons I have learned is that my life does not have to be perfect to be a  blessing to someone else and my trials and tribulations do not define me.

 I have been through hell and high water and I am still here.

I am still standing STRONG

Forgiveness has been the hardest lesson for me to learn because the people that were the closest to me, the ones who were supposed to love me have inflicted the greatest pain upon me and that includes family, as well as friends. They have lied on me, talked about me behind my back, made me the subject of vicious gossip and laughed at my challenges. How do you reconcile in your mind a person that would rather believe a lie about you than the truth?  Or a person that gets close to you just to try and hurt you? How do you love someone who treats you like that?

You can't.

Unless God helps you. The hardest lesson in my life has been loving people that are unlovely. Those are the ones I am on my knees praying for at night. 

And now with the wisdom you only get from experience, I love them from a distance because everyone does not deserve a seat in the front row of your life. If their hearts are wrong, they have automatically disqualified themselves.

Joy and happiness are my constant companions

I take the time to stop and smell the roses and have the kiss of the ocean on my face. The beach has always been my happy place

My steps are ordered by God

Strength and Honor are her clothing and 
she shall rejoice in time to come - Proverbs 31:25

Photography: Stacey Gutierrez

Dear Past: Thank you for the lessons

Dear Future: I'm ready!

The Suite Life -Wynn Las Vegas

I love luxury and always jump at the chance to stay in an amazing hotel.  I was recently given the opportunity to put together my idea of a great space for one of my favorite Vegas Hotels, the Wynn. My approach to interior design is similar to the way I dress. 

I love classic neutrals with bold eye popping accessories and mixing colors, patterns and textures. The neutral palette in the Wynn suites is the perfect backdrop for bold color and an unexpected touch of animal print. The possibilities are endless. An ocean palette with warm earth tones is the perfect balance of  setting the atmosphere for relaxation and having a few unexpected touches of glam. I love the idea of a wood vase filled with beautiful peacock feathers and a few accent pillows for the bed or chairs.  

These little touches go a long way in adding style without going overboard.

The ocean inspired colors look beautiful, relaxing and serene and the silk gives an air of elegance

These beautiful animal print pillows add a swanky touch to the decor.

This simple piece of wood art has such a great sentiment and since it is neutral it is not competing with the other accessories. I also think  think a colorful abstract piece of art would also look amazing against the neutral palette

This beautiful lamp from Restoration Hardware is perfect on each side of the bed. The design blends seamlessly with the rest of the accent pieces

When I think of Vegas Hotels, I always imagine opulence and luxury. The great thing about colorful accents, is that they can be easily changed to suit your mood. What is your favorite Vegas Hotel?

Grilled Shrimp Tostada

 We are some serious taco lovers in my house, but sometimes I cheat on my tacos with a Tostada. Not just any Tostada, grilled shrimp tostadas. Now you see how it happened, right? Love at first bite. Big juicy shrimp, lime juice, garlic, spices, Siracha. This is hot stuff. 

Literally.

But sometimes we need a little heat in our lives. These tacos can be in your mouth in just minutes and you can stop licking the screen. 

You will need about 1 1/2 pounds plump juicy shrimp

Fresh garlic adds lots of intense flavor

Lime juice will brighten the taste. 

Cilantro adds flavor, texture and is a great garnish

Cabbage tastes better in seafood tostadas and tacos. I love the red for color and texture, but  I also love to mix red and green shredded cabbage for shrimp and fish tacos or tostadas

Fresh Avocado adds that special something to these Tostadas

This Siracha adds the perfect hint of heat

And then you have this delectable finished work of art

Ingredients 

For Shrimp

1 1/2 pounds shrimp

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon melted butter

1 minced garlic clove

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder 

Skewers for grilling shrimp

For Tacos

6-8 six inch corn tortillas

2 avocados sliced

2 cups shredded cabbage

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Siracha

Directions

Mix oil and spices and toss shrimp in the mixture. Oil the grill and preheat to medium. Place shrimp on skewers and then cook on grill about 2 minutes per side until shrimp is completely cooked through.

Grill tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, or use a skillet if you don't have a grill. Top each tortilla with Cabbage, Avocado, Cilantro Shrimp and Siracha.

Bon Appetit!

A New Day

Sometimes Life is a matter of perspective. When you wake up above the ground instead of under it, you are having a good day.. Some people did not wake up, so each time you get to open your eyes, there is a chance to start brand new. A chance to get it right. I am in a new season of my life, but sometimes to get to the new, the old things that held you back have to be cut. Sometimes those old things, old thoughts, familiar people are comfortable. Sometimes people around you can be toxic or bad for you. Sometimes even though something is bad for you it feels comfortable. And then there comes a time when...

IT HAS TO GO.

Growth is painful, but if you are not growing. You are dying. I would rather stretch in areas that make me uncomfortable, rather than not reach my full potential. It's a new day and it's mine. It is a new day for you too:-)

Top: Vince Camuto, Clutch: Target, Pants: Boutique, Shoes: F-21, Cuff, Heavenly Couture, Photography: Stacey Gutierrez

I find newness and growth exciting.  These bright colors make me feel like a ray of light and in my free time I have been busy pouring into the lives of other people through ministry. I like the direction I am going.

I love a great statement necklace and they always add a little something special no matter what you are wearing. The great thing about your life and how you live it is that it will make a bold statement too and you don't have to say anything. How you live and treat people speaks pretty loud. 

Even the words you speak about a person when you think they don't hear you. If they are negative, it says more about you than you than it does about them. Negative words are death and I would rather not speak them. I prefer to say good things behind someone's back or nothing at all.

I am having a birthday in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to celebrating. I am always grateful each time I get to celebrate a birthday and completely humbled that each year so many people want to celebrate with me

This week I am linking up with these lovely ladies: Lisa La Monde  Mix Match Fashion and Beauty101byLisa

Trying my best to make every day mean something

I am loving the combination of Citron and neutral colors. Perfect combination of bold and subtle

Have an amazing day!