New updates + summer fun!

Whew, we have a lot to catch up on from the last five weeks!<br /><br />After the studio reveal, I took a break from house projects to enjoy the summer. First up was our 4 year anniversary trip to Raleigh...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBccytqjB9WwL8MIFw808-njEWoQr-bpUPFlIzbTQTzkbCBlyO8lfssw3fG0_8HyOCz9__EtwU4JJNts_E7PaR2GZ6rtYrwtc9StSQNVUu4UQxgZNG0bV4xwsiG9ItYZUhXP-tvYE2lXYr/s650/NC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBccytqjB9WwL8MIFw808-njEWoQr-bpUPFlIzbTQTzkbCBlyO8lfssw3fG0_8HyOCz9__EtwU4JJNts_E7PaR2GZ6rtYrwtc9StSQNVUu4UQxgZNG0bV4xwsiG9ItYZUhXP-tvYE2lXYr/s1600/NC.jpg" /></a></div><br />We were able to catch up with some old friends, check out the downtown area (the Trolley Pub tour was the highlight of our trip!), and see the all the beautiful homes in the amazing neighborhoods. It was all very "white picket fence" perfect—loved it there.<br /><br />Next was a trip to Brad's hometown in Mississippi to visit his family and attend his high school reunion.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXzYzDVx3HXa1iYID6VisDed5UqAQrEPDyAfuVg0NZxBZtw3BptyUdhP-0ppCg_HEax_YkfoSk3P56MVXNZ7_ucnF2DslgLgY5epM42K_iSZu4-ktYWiWpWwFrhNYz8G9qKk_dW-V3jSr/s650/Mississippi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXzYzDVx3HXa1iYID6VisDed5UqAQrEPDyAfuVg0NZxBZtw3BptyUdhP-0ppCg_HEax_YkfoSk3P56MVXNZ7_ucnF2DslgLgY5epM42K_iSZu4-ktYWiWpWwFrhNYz8G9qKk_dW-V3jSr/s1600/Mississippi.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Here we also had the opportunity to visit with friends & family and take in the calm country scenery. We always have the best time visiting his family.<br /><br />And finally, my favorite of all... a surprise flight to California to surprise my dad for Father's Day!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPu_2zFYjzlWq3hR6vytpLL7c321XDKRhTiUiyPZ88o3AKrx_mlhWL5S_d4MJHyOBjt4ku5TYSaQ7wzvV1okys7fcBudpWwtZ-LscPpRrENSSwst6bMzooPsMftAP3mDVrzNyijtYlpmB/s650/Sonora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPu_2zFYjzlWq3hR6vytpLL7c321XDKRhTiUiyPZ88o3AKrx_mlhWL5S_d4MJHyOBjt4ku5TYSaQ7wzvV1okys7fcBudpWwtZ-LscPpRrENSSwst6bMzooPsMftAP3mDVrzNyijtYlpmB/s640/Sonora.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Follow me on instagram to keep up! @jennasuedesign</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />My sister and I had secretly planned this months ago and we pulled it off without a hitch (even after major flight delays!). My parents were completely shocked, and my dad said it was the best Father's day he's ever had. That made all the travel pains so worth it :)<br /><br />Speaking of my little sister...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Y2NfKLKC87EEYOcx-aXb8-HEWQFgERcagqtDq8OoGenzVIL7ip4sb3uncSbVGGniZOdJTapqJBvD28kBdQXOfATZ-1V_xONp1NzH3zh6K0ZJHwu0QYxspuc1ZyiFx61P2PLqJ3XSkDmu/s608/Screen+Shot+2013-06-30+at+3.28.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Y2NfKLKC87EEYOcx-aXb8-HEWQFgERcagqtDq8OoGenzVIL7ip4sb3uncSbVGGniZOdJTapqJBvD28kBdQXOfATZ-1V_xONp1NzH3zh6K0ZJHwu0QYxspuc1ZyiFx61P2PLqJ3XSkDmu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-06-30+at+3.28.20+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />She's moving in with us! She's on her way to Florida right now, somewhere in the middle of Texas... I can't even tell you how excited I am.<br /><br />She'll be staying in the "man cave", which I suppose we should now call the woman cave. It's only temporary until she finds a job and a place to live, but I can't believe my sister will be living in the same city as me! This will be the first time living near any family in eight years. We're going to have the best time <i>ever.</i><br /><br />Okay, moving right along... as you probably know, we're still in the middle of our new master bedroom remodel. I haven't made much progress on that end, but I have decided that our living room needs a little facelift.<br /><br />It all started with a new slipcover for the couch. I decided to switch things up a bit with a pattern:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://comfort-works.com/fabric_images/m_somerset%20mint%20lb233%2028x28cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://comfort-works.com/fabric_images/m_somerset%20mint%20lb233%2028x28cm.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It feels very casual beach house to me, and I think it will really liven up all of the neutral decor. I have the slipcover ready to go but I'm waiting until all the other pieces are in to put it on.<br /><br />We were also way overdue for a new area rug...<br /><br />(ignore the super oldness of this photo—but it's the only shot I could find of the whole rug):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uVAEztmD8Canz8T8MY-7a6HTVUBo9BbXkLMiPF8uy_U1ScATeht0gK10UoMGSivPaMPISDrzt1F1TBc-BiS78YKqGL25-iMYDt5pMPs5hwe6E-vhNv8Q_fNWka3iAS-Dz7Tf25LVoV0-/s1000/IMG_3784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uVAEztmD8Canz8T8MY-7a6HTVUBo9BbXkLMiPF8uy_U1ScATeht0gK10UoMGSivPaMPISDrzt1F1TBc-BiS78YKqGL25-iMYDt5pMPs5hwe6E-vhNv8Q_fNWka3iAS-Dz7Tf25LVoV0-/s640/IMG_3784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Not only was it past its' prime, but it was wayyyyy too small for this space. We brought it with us from our old house where it fit perfect in the living room, but this room is about 4x larger than our old one so it was all wrong.<br /><br />But I'm glad I waited, because I found <i><a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-chunky-loop/beige/200NCCL01-9012.html" target="_blank">The One.</a></i><br /><i><br /></i>I had spotted it on Rugs USA for 50% off about a month ago, and didn't even bother continuing my search. It was perfect. And cheap. A week later I went to buy it and just my luck—it was now 65% off!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.ha-img.com/p/roomImage/200NCCL01E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://cdn2.ha-img.com/p/roomImage/200NCCL01E.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />An 8x10 100% jute rug for $152 shipped.... yes, please!<br /><br />It completely transforms the room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY1MbSkGvaUfJBM0r5pr_oEl1rufPjVDJs48XeXcVfeyNnFfaijeJypBJt9d-VWh7lUHOZhUHwkYncZ4NNwRJQrqSecNS1GblUmDb5x3LqoHWWKkSQDtKk9iD0zZHlJvyoJTTKEhYyVZi/s650/IMG_0640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY1MbSkGvaUfJBM0r5pr_oEl1rufPjVDJs48XeXcVfeyNnFfaijeJypBJt9d-VWh7lUHOZhUHwkYncZ4NNwRJQrqSecNS1GblUmDb5x3LqoHWWKkSQDtKk9iD0zZHlJvyoJTTKEhYyVZi/s1600/IMG_0640.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And those tassels are just the icing on the cake. I want to buy ten for every room in my house. I can't get enough.<br /><br />And I love the way it looks with my new couch fabric:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dAB6OWFI6gr910fZYT4DGYmQEiMnFo7TzkdUjI__ScVAqHFqW4tw0Z6styLELKxbe3fmiHDq1dZXlahyKZoW5RZeaCZiOwav6ReDZJiA-75JYkoVKl_IHSXO5GYGK6JdRWCrTPwq9ksR/s655/IMG_0643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dAB6OWFI6gr910fZYT4DGYmQEiMnFo7TzkdUjI__ScVAqHFqW4tw0Z6styLELKxbe3fmiHDq1dZXlahyKZoW5RZeaCZiOwav6ReDZJiA-75JYkoVKl_IHSXO5GYGK6JdRWCrTPwq9ksR/s1600/IMG_0643.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I also have a new coffee table in the works along with a couple accessories, so I'm excited for this room transformation!<br /><br /><br />On to some not so good news...<br /><br />Remember these <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2013/04/salt-dough-whole-new-world.html" target="_blank">salt dough</a> decorations I made and proudly hung in our new bedroom?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxS3hkxuwb4wBDAZB4oCp9K0llrZs6XXEbU9NA-UO3P6avVvbezD4XSLnE2FFaIo1YbrPZhXjFSoEGpq7oxCmiV4VXuh88U_Baychecinljrg0WeFDmDSBWJ7uEZytChy0iRP1k-mVbtQ/s650/IMG_0423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxS3hkxuwb4wBDAZB4oCp9K0llrZs6XXEbU9NA-UO3P6avVvbezD4XSLnE2FFaIo1YbrPZhXjFSoEGpq7oxCmiV4VXuh88U_Baychecinljrg0WeFDmDSBWJ7uEZytChy0iRP1k-mVbtQ/s1600/IMG_0423.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Well, sadly, they are no more.<br /><br />I was in a deep slumber one night, and heard a giant thud. I woke up to find the anchor missing... it had split in two and fallen behind the TV. Yikes...<br /><br />So I put it off for a while, trying to figure out what I was going to do. I still loved the idea of an anchor there and wanted to salvage it somehow, so I hot glued it back together...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLrFtiRBrPTUQ3539YgDqiHWQc6NUASPJ9Hs7G3JCFI19dJTNjs3cVwp4SzkbzYJsDFrQ6sL0C4t9uzKvFC13ABbGVXTEAZBRFKfKC00lk4y_2F7Y056_ojreXoR1FklFvOdS_Kqomu2F/s650/IMG_0661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLrFtiRBrPTUQ3539YgDqiHWQc6NUASPJ9Hs7G3JCFI19dJTNjs3cVwp4SzkbzYJsDFrQ6sL0C4t9uzKvFC13ABbGVXTEAZBRFKfKC00lk4y_2F7Y056_ojreXoR1FklFvOdS_Kqomu2F/s1600/IMG_0661.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />There were a few more cracks towards the bottom, so I decided to break the bottom part off and fill all the cracks with glue to reinforce it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLexZFPxlidkpASzmy-bMc1NLxFu4HpqcrXQjpE-1NsvSL2SCnx4kzDBhu2_T3TSwED5J2JxSnmktAhtr2vaC76EQn3oTO-fmQIKcRhyphenhyphene-QwkqQdrs0ppHa-8YzvpJ4Y-BtHDeX-UCnw_U/s650/IMG_0662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLexZFPxlidkpASzmy-bMc1NLxFu4HpqcrXQjpE-1NsvSL2SCnx4kzDBhu2_T3TSwED5J2JxSnmktAhtr2vaC76EQn3oTO-fmQIKcRhyphenhyphene-QwkqQdrs0ppHa-8YzvpJ4Y-BtHDeX-UCnw_U/s1600/IMG_0662.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The hot glue is a lot sturdier than the actual dough itself, so I felt confident that now that the stuff had finally dried through and worked out its air pockets, it had all the cracks out of its system and wouldn't be giving me any more major trouble. At least I hope not. Lesson learned... if you're working with salt dough—keep it on a smaller scale. And/or don't hang your heavy objects... gravity always wins.<br /><br />Even my plaque was letting gravity get the best of it...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47Vpl653AJyQEU2r3QDADGd_qZk8xaTYMOrThxazeqShcUprBcwU6qUmXmxwhMaNakAWEfMGC5c8y0tIvGh7A2-4B_gGDafeP27dedXoV1pANyXfPdpG9fcYsSZKeh7CMsp7hBlQjVH_e/s701/IMG_0657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47Vpl653AJyQEU2r3QDADGd_qZk8xaTYMOrThxazeqShcUprBcwU6qUmXmxwhMaNakAWEfMGC5c8y0tIvGh7A2-4B_gGDafeP27dedXoV1pANyXfPdpG9fcYsSZKeh7CMsp7hBlQjVH_e/s1600/IMG_0657.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I couldn't come up with a good way to salvage that so I decided to scrap it all together and come up with a plan B.<br /><br />My Plan B was walking through the aisles of Hobby Lobby, hoping to find some inspiration. A 10" round piece of wood and some rope caught my eye:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QSbTYCnZhcOSzKuQNDaQz3aTuZufMh4mgS-qFuvoH5TxJEf3viIqwiEFUdJM8idIUVkWqKp-KdjZvfmiwCYAFOFIaI-6Pex-Zv6WE5tyvYRMZRu9R58wqb70P4GpqHD-M0l4FNbmN72H/s650/IMG_0645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QSbTYCnZhcOSzKuQNDaQz3aTuZufMh4mgS-qFuvoH5TxJEf3viIqwiEFUdJM8idIUVkWqKp-KdjZvfmiwCYAFOFIaI-6Pex-Zv6WE5tyvYRMZRu9R58wqb70P4GpqHD-M0l4FNbmN72H/s1600/IMG_0645.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It was a $4 investment, so I figured it was worth a shot.<br /><br />After considering a few options, I decided on printing my "Come Sail Away" phrase on thick paper, gluing it to the face of the wood, and using the rope as trim.<br /><br />Step 1: Printing out my design.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvFcSGbDextl3_b1Zh03wKPm5XxTLrv_UIp2-gSTCz0Fy2tOv7kVaJ0s0GHa0IOWebbamocuTfjkUTBuHQ3V2j9FL6cEOXYWKml4NBOrMzNtKObxXcay6o98pIvvf58wU4EKAa6wlrXRv/s650/IMG_0648-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvFcSGbDextl3_b1Zh03wKPm5XxTLrv_UIp2-gSTCz0Fy2tOv7kVaJ0s0GHa0IOWebbamocuTfjkUTBuHQ3V2j9FL6cEOXYWKml4NBOrMzNtKObxXcay6o98pIvvf58wU4EKAa6wlrXRv/s1600/IMG_0648-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Step 2: Gluing it to the wood (I used Krylon Spray Adhesive, love this stuff), then trimming off the excess:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjfSHLv8puiTRn4JOZ7guW3wRyLkt2Zpvo8cZUacrzVxPTzjGUpyaLvHM9UCOquHsu2T5hfBHnsqCTX6B_6pxjRihbb-Lr2lmunyiFEglfAq7gxLfzotflPbV8btgKZH6m2l0z7Yl37zC/s650/IMG_0649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjfSHLv8puiTRn4JOZ7guW3wRyLkt2Zpvo8cZUacrzVxPTzjGUpyaLvHM9UCOquHsu2T5hfBHnsqCTX6B_6pxjRihbb-Lr2lmunyiFEglfAq7gxLfzotflPbV8btgKZH6m2l0z7Yl37zC/s640/IMG_0649.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Yay:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmtFIXK5QNnk_X3bgS9id8PxCjpzyutgNgC2bu9LIxGa1j4ulwBb0UC_-oZSLISxhlg7qZ4NAxG2fNFKmOlThtsX5K7yJRW3fnAU8pMpv2p9P37MqmDTFWV02HzYKjfHLcb0sCn9S1A65/s650/IMG_0651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmtFIXK5QNnk_X3bgS9id8PxCjpzyutgNgC2bu9LIxGa1j4ulwBb0UC_-oZSLISxhlg7qZ4NAxG2fNFKmOlThtsX5K7yJRW3fnAU8pMpv2p9P37MqmDTFWV02HzYKjfHLcb0sCn9S1A65/s1600/IMG_0651.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then it was time for the finishing touches.<br /><br />I used a line of hot glue, and slowly worked my way around the edge:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqBzTl9nZXQkzBr543bxi-67JmYMcihgWMFL1GHXSNohLuzBRXgHUTjSVHX610DtZAql0ZxDiUTzJ_RBg7DKc2704_5m7CrU9eTof30JTOnNKozcAsS85PXxQT-aioFNf61ZjV33XLijX/s650/IMG_0655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqBzTl9nZXQkzBr543bxi-67JmYMcihgWMFL1GHXSNohLuzBRXgHUTjSVHX610DtZAql0ZxDiUTzJ_RBg7DKc2704_5m7CrU9eTof30JTOnNKozcAsS85PXxQT-aioFNf61ZjV33XLijX/s1600/IMG_0655.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Easy Peasy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0gBli0SzUWPf9ehhAaOn5DOWf90LKVImwgz2vxkVW8h96ar2gXoHdlK9lLZZY0GtkE8eaXD2LtlRX4E_oCloWKF4LFlUAPVTNpEAsbfZcxtJq8awik0bZGnOSUPp8KTIWFwdJfi5Kq6f/s650/IMG_0656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0gBli0SzUWPf9ehhAaOn5DOWf90LKVImwgz2vxkVW8h96ar2gXoHdlK9lLZZY0GtkE8eaXD2LtlRX4E_oCloWKF4LFlUAPVTNpEAsbfZcxtJq8awik0bZGnOSUPp8KTIWFwdJfi5Kq6f/s1600/IMG_0656.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Finally, I drilled a hole at the top and fed my twine through.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjATfIdwYKqMo42I5DnYecHYabMzP49tDw_lzx_g5rtWZDDsgIe1b9WnuIrbRlKiFNSZkWt3BY8CDZUvic1C9zAMXUdwvB88RvYnVueNuM1cKr2kNNyYQPPgzgGB5M9zzjO7wXuSLGUa5/s650/IMG_0659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjATfIdwYKqMo42I5DnYecHYabMzP49tDw_lzx_g5rtWZDDsgIe1b9WnuIrbRlKiFNSZkWt3BY8CDZUvic1C9zAMXUdwvB88RvYnVueNuM1cKr2kNNyYQPPgzgGB5M9zzjO7wXuSLGUa5/s1600/IMG_0659.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Boo-ya.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5P6B5uJHXw2ecf8Bi4PhiZXWbgPjtwGZmWp5aiCnUx-_3gEy4kyolsVDJJFMJrpw1I3OOMdVFwFxEOGjQG7dA5G0A3jZCZPF6zKA4mo0pCNCwdLmGTPmrfnFmlbE4CflyUiMW-zPmvPaL/s662/IMG_0660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5P6B5uJHXw2ecf8Bi4PhiZXWbgPjtwGZmWp5aiCnUx-_3gEy4kyolsVDJJFMJrpw1I3OOMdVFwFxEOGjQG7dA5G0A3jZCZPF6zKA4mo0pCNCwdLmGTPmrfnFmlbE4CflyUiMW-zPmvPaL/s1600/IMG_0660.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I kinda like this one better anyway. So I'm glad you cracked, stupid salt dough.<br /><br />Then I turned my attention to my poor anchor. I figured the best thing to do was to simply cover it up with something interesting. I thought about paper mache, then newspaper... then I dug through my spare fabric drawer and pulled out a stash of scrap linen:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSfd382ZQgCbMyeAuOqv9akHmT6k3WAB33IyNKn1GK5sSPSTcLBlrWrhaPfVbjNuyDIqC7fLhG36CyWv4z7qSdb2fntaMKXBZV5CpAGYRhDZOt9EXo-W12pQM7zW2CyYU4tHNVye7VZRs/s887/IMG_0665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSfd382ZQgCbMyeAuOqv9akHmT6k3WAB33IyNKn1GK5sSPSTcLBlrWrhaPfVbjNuyDIqC7fLhG36CyWv4z7qSdb2fntaMKXBZV5CpAGYRhDZOt9EXo-W12pQM7zW2CyYU4tHNVye7VZRs/s1600/IMG_0665.jpg" /></a></div><br />I thought it had a cool natural look and would be interesting layered and wrapped over my anchor, so it was settled.<br /><br />I cut my scraps into thin pieces and gathered my materials:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_5vaKbnIBYUMf0E7WQGl7So0uUFy5R6aLdUGpWQvXlfPiuPXupTvAqGYsm-yCVb3tNMWGXvbOFSu_9O3xdcuya9ZpsGRwNMob-2GpPYkg0RudfX25vf5h1Z5MIz9dzhTTOGtthSxiFM9/s650/IMG_0668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_5vaKbnIBYUMf0E7WQGl7So0uUFy5R6aLdUGpWQvXlfPiuPXupTvAqGYsm-yCVb3tNMWGXvbOFSu_9O3xdcuya9ZpsGRwNMob-2GpPYkg0RudfX25vf5h1Z5MIz9dzhTTOGtthSxiFM9/s1600/IMG_0668.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I really didn't have a specific game plan in mind, so I just started covering it with modge podge and strips of fabric.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7PXk7Af8rwVrlXTLR2mF-Lr0FTaq1M0cfz94Uq_93rtXfgUewsnR_naubvTanPTQfJkJkQ4MNqPqeELqC4Cayzr5H1ELAS1oDg2M2ehAln3DoPTLefr3Wdhyphenhyphen394jfRB52xut3K-tuAQK/s650/IMG_0670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7PXk7Af8rwVrlXTLR2mF-Lr0FTaq1M0cfz94Uq_93rtXfgUewsnR_naubvTanPTQfJkJkQ4MNqPqeELqC4Cayzr5H1ELAS1oDg2M2ehAln3DoPTLefr3Wdhyphenhyphen394jfRB52xut3K-tuAQK/s1600/IMG_0670.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then I started wrapping it until all the blue was covered:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9SEs9RCFeEAhurrs8jBWaHHy6mnfjaloc7RmqilaJLZMZQF5aH8xJyVv_1dNm3VQD8EKleBhsjpjmNGkNJPJk6lHjDXhHYVVq0cW2IRlEBqOGmre_6ryHkq9034cze2FXtpAJHi2HJXM/s650/IMG_0671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9SEs9RCFeEAhurrs8jBWaHHy6mnfjaloc7RmqilaJLZMZQF5aH8xJyVv_1dNm3VQD8EKleBhsjpjmNGkNJPJk6lHjDXhHYVVq0cW2IRlEBqOGmre_6ryHkq9034cze2FXtpAJHi2HJXM/s1600/IMG_0671.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />After trimming off the scraggly threads, I had myself a linen anchor:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEGnKX6O3f4C5t6TWvQ4s8_dW1USnoLEuFXPZeQI7olceMmU1iE2wPTXrTx11XokY5UmiItoZQZaxzrGtSOhxdP1cxYIGemzrFnvb7JgNZwbvOLF9JyTjJqXh1rRSA7IrTACD5ONwRtOk/s697/IMG_0673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEGnKX6O3f4C5t6TWvQ4s8_dW1USnoLEuFXPZeQI7olceMmU1iE2wPTXrTx11XokY5UmiItoZQZaxzrGtSOhxdP1cxYIGemzrFnvb7JgNZwbvOLF9JyTjJqXh1rRSA7IrTACD5ONwRtOk/s1600/IMG_0673.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />What do you think? Brad says it looks like a mummy. That's cool with me. It's still an anchor.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwHCXXkWKxGTML6ehrXkjluYeOxB6pXCZkI9FTMyNNkgqJxzky1ndr4UA9ZkF4TDGo6IY4rFU0QjL3vVSRCP5eBA57hrKO0tN62pFfBlwOVf7zkswt3aysjxPKwSF4iHdjBItXc4ZcX4T/s650/IMG_0677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwHCXXkWKxGTML6ehrXkjluYeOxB6pXCZkI9FTMyNNkgqJxzky1ndr4UA9ZkF4TDGo6IY4rFU0QjL3vVSRCP5eBA57hrKO0tN62pFfBlwOVf7zkswt3aysjxPKwSF4iHdjBItXc4ZcX4T/s1600/IMG_0677.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErinnfYaOBTXZgo5scZtXWkxz9pEMIHiWEi1HISLTf0cznljZ3MfMq9KbgGb090Ntfg83D6ZkgshMjy2XUJrUlNDhUJx_bkpoW_otg_XltY4NRx1fisdVuCgdWm-PnNNjpfliayT18krJ/s650/IMG_0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErinnfYaOBTXZgo5scZtXWkxz9pEMIHiWEi1HISLTf0cznljZ3MfMq9KbgGb090Ntfg83D6ZkgshMjy2XUJrUlNDhUJx_bkpoW_otg_XltY4NRx1fisdVuCgdWm-PnNNjpfliayT18krJ/s1600/IMG_0681.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />So, there's my project re-do update. I hate doing things over, but it was a lesson learned... and now I know for the future!<br /><br /><br />Something else did come of this project though... I loved the "Come Sail Away" quote so much that I decided to make a print out of it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/sail-away/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1WyLqSBjQTDT0lefKzlpipq1zAT2r0eOSaItTXphP0bltT5XkZwjY7R-A5vq_ZKzpPP5l-12MwEddyE42AYW5sdHRTZoDBiEKNx9A6M4GN5LjYxkVEr365hXDo_6AtZww2WJeiYGiWNp/s640/ComeSailAway.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/sail-away/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn_jn7bBiJWJ__tLO_OMsEer5iE7TzZT8jnfejLU4Lz-OnjrJWqNqmexBGVVUdz46cW7oLcFcthbAGHXK8YzKGDU45DryDeU1dcLvbl_TiPHW8vc3wUYfwBCWSc00kfwKByiAIgPFEuwH/s640/wooden-frames.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I made a couple other new prints as well, and released them as part of my Fresh New Summer Prints promo:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/quote/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7eB95jGoK-1NgreUQGV2EmpCIRzCAWnnLiDuDbJI4lbYXsqChpEBJ6OcnMp_bbbpedRbBDAZQxxe1En7G3M7KtzkhttbR5cHHBJ18vC0TNjssdh-cPsvN-3VMWMUueXzC9NeNo05Nmko/s640/MainGif.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And while I'm on the topic... I wasn't going to roll this out for a few more days, but I'll give you guys first dibs since you patiently waited five weeks for a new post :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNyyiDAy8q9FKZfjwVjjqcteeTyXf1nXdKTaqBufhwYDs2sK7Dd2ZaUsGAhrDfSoyJNekR0ylUovnqwG1N-88i6RGEdxyBqSQhAtfv_X_BwqmtVMhyphenhyphenwKKzSxyiMj7XPm-wpcgrVK-tf6x/s839/FreePostcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNyyiDAy8q9FKZfjwVjjqcteeTyXf1nXdKTaqBufhwYDs2sK7Dd2ZaUsGAhrDfSoyJNekR0ylUovnqwG1N-88i6RGEdxyBqSQhAtfv_X_BwqmtVMhyphenhyphenwKKzSxyiMj7XPm-wpcgrVK-tf6x/s640/FreePostcard.jpg" width="533" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm feelin' a little generous on this fine Sunday evening, so I'm giving away a limited number of 5x7" <a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/new-york-city-new-york/" target="_blank">NYC City Map</a> postcards (in black, as shown in the photo above) plus 10% off any order!<br /><br />Here's how:<br /><br />1. Visit <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/">jennasuedesign.com</a> and start shopping!<br />2. Add your print(s) of choice to your cart (you don't need to add the NYC map)<br />3. At the end of the checkout process, enter the code <b>FREEPOSTCARD</b> to receive your 10% discount<br />4. The postcard will be added to your order and shipped to your door right away!<br /><i>(The code will be deactivated once the postcards are sold out). </i><br /><br />That's it for now! I've got some crab cakes to bake and a hungry man to feed, so I'm off...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixE8C1vd-AmAeE8TV8r-TR1djSVEatQVOZMSiPq37q-cUgVKVvA8QpoMG_P4e6PA8L4u_8U-of5FJ11fCuKgVuWkpRbb_1SshOVggpq_PAjLqKrgJkrZCjNO0e__K6NpngirakmPwn4m5I/s728/IMG_0654-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixE8C1vd-AmAeE8TV8r-TR1djSVEatQVOZMSiPq37q-cUgVKVvA8QpoMG_P4e6PA8L4u_8U-of5FJ11fCuKgVuWkpRbb_1SshOVggpq_PAjLqKrgJkrZCjNO0e__K6NpngirakmPwn4m5I/s1600/IMG_0654-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Susie says "Happy Summer!"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZacC7tIn3D42QdevPGKzPifT0k0OP5NupUrWBrlxisHS8yESOkB1cLrGDlbvQSulQxJQUZ2d_eWPXZvG7Y83xdGZlxwVyUi3REaEptsUAnbY4YekEKCHJagn9lXyEybYcAe4LQiNNQWcy/s177/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZacC7tIn3D42QdevPGKzPifT0k0OP5NupUrWBrlxisHS8yESOkB1cLrGDlbvQSulQxJQUZ2d_eWPXZvG7Y83xdGZlxwVyUi3REaEptsUAnbY4YekEKCHJagn9lXyEybYcAe4LQiNNQWcy/s177/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />

New updates + summer fun!

Whew, we have a lot to catch up on from the last five weeks!After the studio reveal, I took a break from house projects to enjoy the summer. First up was our 4 year anniversary trip to Raleigh...We were able to catch up with some old friends, check out the downtown area (the Trolley Pub tour was the…

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Easy Grilled Fingerling Potatoes

<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkXaW8fIOXGQ-yoLgys987W1uq0KcrkYhQmyzgEheWDEyzg0f4slnYyqAhxmM4yC6PitaxgsHvZIrlxkilFQ5xyqe1MP37QBRUrbJF6r2lLW-_46sHH3cI2aWp5_uyWzb0craYqxi010/s805/grilled-potatoes_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkXaW8fIOXGQ-yoLgys987W1uq0KcrkYhQmyzgEheWDEyzg0f4slnYyqAhxmM4yC6PitaxgsHvZIrlxkilFQ5xyqe1MP37QBRUrbJF6r2lLW-_46sHH3cI2aWp5_uyWzb0craYqxi010/s400/grilled-potatoes_03.jpg" width="296" /></a>I don't know how I hadn't thought of this before... grilled potatoes!  They take just a couple of minutes on each side and have a great smoky flavor.  We topped ours simply with sour cream and chives, but you can do anything you'd like.  I think we'll try blue cheese and bacon next time...</div><br /><br /><i>Grilled</i><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Fingerling Potatoes</span></i><br />4 servings<br /><br />12 fingerling potatoes*<br />2 tablespoons of olive oil<br />sea salt & cracked pepper<br /> ....<br />sour cream<br />chives <br />sea salt & pepper<br /><br />Heat grill.<br /><br />Toss potatoes in olive oil, salt and pepper before grilling.  Grill for 3 minutes on each side until tender.  <br /><br />Top with sour cream, chives and salt & pepper before serve.<br /><br />*You can also use baby red potatoes.<br /><br />See all of the details and recipes (including those kebabs) of my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html">Outdoor Dinner Party, here</a>. <br /><br />

Easy Grilled Fingerling Potatoes

I don't know how I hadn't thought of this before... grilled potatoes!  They take just a couple of minutes on each side and have a great smoky flavor.  We topped ours simply with sour cream and chives, but you can do anything you'd like.  I think we'll try blue cheese and bacon next time...GrilledFin…

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Summer Brew | Orange & Blueberry Wheat Beer

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTzHdRuWPBZp7Ow9jNuRWtqbMx_qoRUmva2_6xVc-pjRQHxGqlG9cbpEZSvVF3wBXKyRmCBMjIt0x8k-E176hJDCeh4vQheBK1-_2dnhyu_ay39hSLZtAU-mLfcj-nyXwZJZl_Rwj13M/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTzHdRuWPBZp7Ow9jNuRWtqbMx_qoRUmva2_6xVc-pjRQHxGqlG9cbpEZSvVF3wBXKyRmCBMjIt0x8k-E176hJDCeh4vQheBK1-_2dnhyu_ay39hSLZtAU-mLfcj-nyXwZJZl_Rwj13M/s640/IMG_1468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONmGEObObFLLgbbvK_EIZmvUaX7DOMFJKK1ExowO9KU4s2yoLQwBIAqXJtdyU9qFHFAt0gSmYZNQAxcV0kldPDHTlxsVgph6OJgkju0Pb33sE6C4UKeXe88BkBQ4Tju2GdVHbTxw8qMs/s1600/summer-brew_02.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONmGEObObFLLgbbvK_EIZmvUaX7DOMFJKK1ExowO9KU4s2yoLQwBIAqXJtdyU9qFHFAt0gSmYZNQAxcV0kldPDHTlxsVgph6OJgkju0Pb33sE6C4UKeXe88BkBQ4Tju2GdVHbTxw8qMs/s400/summer-brew_02.jpg" width="262" /></a> Summer Brews are the best - refreshing, flavorful, citrus-y and light.  The original Summer Brew is beer mixed with vodka lemonade.  Delicious.  However, I'm a huge fan of wheat beers (Boulevard, Blue Moon, etc.) topped with an orange... so, I created my own version of a summer brew with fresh squeezed orange juice, vodka and wheat beer.  I garnished it with fresh blue berries and an orange slice to make it colorful and fun... it is, after all, a cocktail.<br /><br /><i>Orange & Blueberry</i><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Summer Brew</span><br /><i>4 cocktails</i><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F06%2Fsummer-brew-orange-blueberry-wheat-beer.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rwQS3ZWIiE8%2FUcsYLfKz-iI%2FAAAAAAAAS1w%2FxE6leu_x_AE%2Fs400%2Fsummer-brew_02.jpg&description=Summer%20Brew%20Cocktail%20%3A%20Wheat%20Beer%20with%2C%20Vodka%2C%20Orange%20%26%20Blueberry"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><br />3 oranges, 2 juiced, 1 sliced<br />1/2 cup of water<br />1 tablespoon of sugar <br />1/4 cup of vodka<br />4 wheat beers (ex. Boulevard, Blue Moon)<br />Fresh Blue Berries<br /><br />Mix together the fresh orange juice, water, sugar and vodka just before the party - keep it cold in the refrigerator, then add the beer and garnishes when served. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5MJpVxFY6bzt3e0Pc2GRniKznjLdiypCtkKUokPyf_Q6jbwwpn9imKTQJn7P65vwIa6z_aaq_8e06_14pPGWN61DIdSLmXZ3wsFA1gG2s4QCZHt46SMwY4_fmXaaxXiWeUcXfVD5sWY/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5MJpVxFY6bzt3e0Pc2GRniKznjLdiypCtkKUokPyf_Q6jbwwpn9imKTQJn7P65vwIa6z_aaq_8e06_14pPGWN61DIdSLmXZ3wsFA1gG2s4QCZHt46SMwY4_fmXaaxXiWeUcXfVD5sWY/s640/IMG_1503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Summer Brews are great for outdoor parties - more refreshing than wine on these hot summer evenings. <br /><br />Get the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/brown-sugar-sesame-steak-kebab-marinade.html">Marinated Steak Kebabs recipe</a>, here. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmEgacu3eks4s4e1JG7KCP8COsVw_H7qnZIbEg_81s-reAIAmPrcWmKb358-Reywh5ku5YcequzWNSidgKlCduc9nhyphenhyphenuLK4ciIuwr27LFQBf-FFOU0WE-GJp3YEIc6fiO5Q3XROI41s4/s1600/IMG_1485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmEgacu3eks4s4e1JG7KCP8COsVw_H7qnZIbEg_81s-reAIAmPrcWmKb358-Reywh5ku5YcequzWNSidgKlCduc9nhyphenhyphenuLK4ciIuwr27LFQBf-FFOU0WE-GJp3YEIc6fiO5Q3XROI41s4/s640/IMG_1485.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />See all of the details of my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html">Outdoor Dinner Party, here</a>. <script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Summer Brew | Orange & Blueberry Wheat Beer

Summer Brews are the best - refreshing, flavorful, citrus-y and light.  The original Summer Brew is beer mixed with vodka lemonade.  Delicious.  However, I'm a huge fan of wheat beers (Boulevard, Blue Moon, etc.) topped with an orange... so, I created my own version of a summer brew with fresh sque…

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Brown Sugar & Sesame Steak Kebab Marinade

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjeHIND9y_C6JiQqHJlWMOeRz_i3kPVkk42A7NnN2STt37ktQs-FksYhqKIEFDM8ncnzTwTsGl9ZetsSrX7SkB8NVaHWUsYHzMIRcSmfwYRvmR7CxZBkluotnYkd-nNFdGnB_2CM2ZHk/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjeHIND9y_C6JiQqHJlWMOeRz_i3kPVkk42A7NnN2STt37ktQs-FksYhqKIEFDM8ncnzTwTsGl9ZetsSrX7SkB8NVaHWUsYHzMIRcSmfwYRvmR7CxZBkluotnYkd-nNFdGnB_2CM2ZHk/s640/IMG_1503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I probably sound like a broken record - but I love Kebabs.  You can read more about my testaments (love affair?), here in my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/brown-sugar-chili-lime-grilled-chicken.html">Brown Sugar Chili Lime Chicken Kebabs post</a>.  Really, I think a great kebabs are all about the marinade.  During the fall and winter months, we love <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/filet-mignon-filet-of-beef-seared.html">searing our steaks</a> on the stove-top seasoned with just salt and pepper, but... during the warm months we start craving more flavor.  Because kebabs are cut into smaller pieces, then marinaded, you end up with really flavorful steak.  This is a simple recipe - you don't even have to use the sesame oil if you don't have it, any oil will work.<br /><br />For the more details about our <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html">Outdoor Dinner Party</a>, including table setting and the menu, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html">click here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTCNhJKR-3COsYJeJEnGUtkPsi2knIjl9zZD70r8qPvCy5inRqnhvnwc9TvpkZUJQEB_qKtm_K715qR9odgBrIdjqq49uOGEv7eGe0q5d9SAvgA_fKhX5WdQzQQP2XBTOAhkuXw138c0/s1600/steak-kebabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTCNhJKR-3COsYJeJEnGUtkPsi2knIjl9zZD70r8qPvCy5inRqnhvnwc9TvpkZUJQEB_qKtm_K715qR9odgBrIdjqq49uOGEv7eGe0q5d9SAvgA_fKhX5WdQzQQP2XBTOAhkuXw138c0/s640/steak-kebabs.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Brown Sugar & Sesame<br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Steak Kebab Marinade </span></i><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F06%2Fbrown-sugar-sesame-steak-kebab-marinade.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-iC8CVMR7pqQ%2FUcmm9C66v4I%2FAAAAAAAAS0w%2FOhs_0NGEi6A%2Fs640%2Fsteak-kebabs.jpg&description=The%20BEST%20Brown%20Sugar%20%26%20Sesame%20Steak%20Kebab%20Marinade%20"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><br />2 pounds of steak (I used strip steaks)<br />Vegetables (I used squash)<br />1/3 cup soy sauce<br />1/3 cup of brown sugar <br />1/3 cup toasted (dark) sesame oil<br />2 tablespoons minced garlic<br />Sea Salt & Pepper<br />Wooden Skewers <br /><br />Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes.<br /><br />Trim fat from steaks and cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes.  Slice squash into thin rounds.  <br /><br />In a large bowl, stir together soy, brown sugar, oil and garlic.  Add vegetables and steak.  Toss to coat.  Let marinade in the refrigerator (if you have time - up to overnight).<br /><br />Skewer before grilling.  Grill on high flame for 2 minutes on each side until hot pink in the middle - it will not take very long!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJqYch6kS0fSpzQXRChGNdQWNMc81JLKd7WDmw9U0fDs2td_wk1Po0vztOO08fIiM2rMXEkXD6X-dnKHAHbnPWuC2tN6oY52W4vmNWpy8zHvkzzWqojeAOFHsrztKoEaVv2vSteIXRx0/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJqYch6kS0fSpzQXRChGNdQWNMc81JLKd7WDmw9U0fDs2td_wk1Po0vztOO08fIiM2rMXEkXD6X-dnKHAHbnPWuC2tN6oY52W4vmNWpy8zHvkzzWqojeAOFHsrztKoEaVv2vSteIXRx0/s640/IMG_1500.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroEi5kzYUAmqjGU26HFjmLkRULee1QylQ-6iHOgx2BYdQZKjXjTUt5B9wT0aDDrzJXAA8rZQtqPP9Qf-1JFaAUXwB9sAolXFZ5ilmVZl0yRdshvYUalInPK0AItCFNH7pv-8AOJ8AY_Y/s1600/IMG_1485.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroEi5kzYUAmqjGU26HFjmLkRULee1QylQ-6iHOgx2BYdQZKjXjTUt5B9wT0aDDrzJXAA8rZQtqPP9Qf-1JFaAUXwB9sAolXFZ5ilmVZl0yRdshvYUalInPK0AItCFNH7pv-8AOJ8AY_Y/s640/IMG_1485.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>I served our kebabs with simple grilled fingerling potatoes... recipe to come!<br /><br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F06%2Fbrown-sugar-sesame-steak-kebab-marinade.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-iC8CVMR7pqQ%2FUcmm9C66v4I%2FAAAAAAAAS0w%2FOhs_0NGEi6A%2Fs640%2Fsteak-kebabs.jpg&description=The%20BEST%20Brown%20Sugar%20%26%20Sesame%20Steak%20Kebab%20Marinade%20"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Brown Sugar & Sesame Steak Kebab Marinade

 I probably sound like a broken record - but I love Kebabs.  You can read more about my testaments (love affair?), here in my Brown Sugar Chili Lime Chicken Kebabs post.  Really, I think a great kebabs are all about the marinade.  During the fall and winter months, we love searing our steaks on the …

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An Outdoor Dinner Party on our Porch | Blue Hydrangeas

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsdAxANkjEApkFZBOQOrv3ObKZ0WZMXcqNQxE6iBmJUgUZZCkggscrfpExhnUtWhNRKfoFCnB6BB6P9vL69Q9GXcX0F_K9izRqo0KjVM1C4m6ecywQWUnPvuQVjMf27ozTXM3jHWVAKI/s1600/IMG_1551.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsdAxANkjEApkFZBOQOrv3ObKZ0WZMXcqNQxE6iBmJUgUZZCkggscrfpExhnUtWhNRKfoFCnB6BB6P9vL69Q9GXcX0F_K9izRqo0KjVM1C4m6ecywQWUnPvuQVjMf27ozTXM3jHWVAKI/s640/IMG_1551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bTAvftP_8n_-SpiCo6zOv2Li5QyokrGhhYI1cgdcnp0iIdyK6Fmi3uVRV5JFj9IAQxMrxz1vh3CewhfBwqO6_GD7qN_Fy0khLdtUYYrAiwGaoOZoAvUSwUHrsmUIxtt0MImCPb9x-r8/s1600/IMG_1529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bTAvftP_8n_-SpiCo6zOv2Li5QyokrGhhYI1cgdcnp0iIdyK6Fmi3uVRV5JFj9IAQxMrxz1vh3CewhfBwqO6_GD7qN_Fy0khLdtUYYrAiwGaoOZoAvUSwUHrsmUIxtt0MImCPb9x-r8/s400/IMG_1529.jpg" width="266" /></a> Recently, we hosted a dinner for a dear friend of ours that was in town.  As I mentioned in <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-porch-kind-of-weekend-breakfast.html">my "A Porch Kind of Weekend" post</a>, I love eating out on our porch - but previously had only had casual meals on our loveseats.  After writing my monthly article for <a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/outdoor-entertaining-101-0">MyWell-Being.com</a> all about creative Outdoor Entertaining, I was itching to set a complete table outside... so, I pulled our dinning room furniture out onto the porch for a magical dinner alfresco.</div><br />Read more of my Outdoor Entertaining tips and inspiration in my recent post on <a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/outdoor-entertaining-101-0">MyWell-Being.com.</a><br /><br />Outdoor Dinner Party Menu : <br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F06%2Fan-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QqarmdrlUlw%2FUcm1m78tdhI%2FAAAAAAAAS1I%2Ft-NjJzMWpNs%2Fs1600%2Foutdoor-dinner-party_03.jpg&description=An%20Outdoor%20Dinner%20Party%20with%20Menu%2C%20Table%20Setting%20%26%20Recipes"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br />Orange & Blueberry Summer Brew Cocktails<br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/tomato-zucchini-and-olive-bruschetta.html">Tomato & Squash Grilled Bruschetta</a><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/brown-sugar-sesame-steak-kebab-marinade.html">Brown Sugar & Sesame Steak Kebabs</a><br />Grilled Fingerling Potatoes with Chives and Sour Cream<br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/10/bite-sized-smores-in-oven-easy-fall.html">Mini S'mores in the Oven</a><br /><br />Stay tuned next week for the recipes!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv1LRzIw1lWR1YA-tr33lcjK85H6jJbbjaRvMWZUMtXX7ypTzpkH0ypd8tXZf685uaYcHGZ2_hgTibZxzM0U99YKiZdWDXbnR5p63T3HSNYdEc6egA7TCLHS28HDYx91AN6KM18lHe2c/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv1LRzIw1lWR1YA-tr33lcjK85H6jJbbjaRvMWZUMtXX7ypTzpkH0ypd8tXZf685uaYcHGZ2_hgTibZxzM0U99YKiZdWDXbnR5p63T3HSNYdEc6egA7TCLHS28HDYx91AN6KM18lHe2c/s640/IMG_1533.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEYbo55QNiLCQ9hgxDun0cu2vVGH5Vy-i3mMOLWYDub5jsJIhzE0PFE73ClJzQMUdoZbtalaggaefpXsO2OXgFPxVRAbHPn3FILPRXHAiz8f28idOeK9qjwC60IHfbtVNOhwUmwjoQUE/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEYbo55QNiLCQ9hgxDun0cu2vVGH5Vy-i3mMOLWYDub5jsJIhzE0PFE73ClJzQMUdoZbtalaggaefpXsO2OXgFPxVRAbHPn3FILPRXHAiz8f28idOeK9qjwC60IHfbtVNOhwUmwjoQUE/s640/IMG_1468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I love wheat beers.  During the summer I'll take a cold wheat beer with a slice of orange over a glass of wine any day.  For this party, I used Boulevard Wheat Beer, fresh squeezed orange juice, vodka and blueberries for a new twist on a Summer Brew (usually vodka lemonade + beer).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQVdf83aJ5wzZCQ09TGeR3G9PKXxMkP63xosI95yjtTKstZBcVs1ka0KyD_iRpIiiYqHzHDpJpSmFSCRrWqzMCLJ0gRM9LQYs-xhiecMlQb6QLY1y3ZxYqRIY5nS1YVL491IxgWlgDLI/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQVdf83aJ5wzZCQ09TGeR3G9PKXxMkP63xosI95yjtTKstZBcVs1ka0KyD_iRpIiiYqHzHDpJpSmFSCRrWqzMCLJ0gRM9LQYs-xhiecMlQb6QLY1y3ZxYqRIY5nS1YVL491IxgWlgDLI/s640/IMG_1503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For dinner, we grilled steak and vegetable kebabs marinated in a brown sugar, sesame and garlic marinade.  I'm not sure how I just figured this out - but... did you know you can grill potatoes?  They take no time at all and have a great smokey flavor.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73lDf2ewLIZlhJ7fJji93TaxE0mje-v4QJgQUKqinNyHJb8Mh0A8qS65ofsksgEUy25ezuQ3acQr6fPM56ndkfzmdlrR8njrOZU1lyAhsNNINlqBxhoQ6sGcM4rxZRJCnEjnoJOjHVsQ/s1600/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73lDf2ewLIZlhJ7fJji93TaxE0mje-v4QJgQUKqinNyHJb8Mh0A8qS65ofsksgEUy25ezuQ3acQr6fPM56ndkfzmdlrR8njrOZU1lyAhsNNINlqBxhoQ6sGcM4rxZRJCnEjnoJOjHVsQ/s640/IMG_1549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fzPDrzvs9ouwsBt4j01SyC5wWF0e8U8bQs17NYNz9g_RIiHaJ2uuhjgHL99t_SVsfxiAQFhGnwo6mqmgdJphY7M5zwiqTHZUdx4o50jvlsixxkXYKUG6KCISdhBP4rEy0f9aeWxsgH0/s1600/IMG_1536.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fzPDrzvs9ouwsBt4j01SyC5wWF0e8U8bQs17NYNz9g_RIiHaJ2uuhjgHL99t_SVsfxiAQFhGnwo6mqmgdJphY7M5zwiqTHZUdx4o50jvlsixxkXYKUG6KCISdhBP4rEy0f9aeWxsgH0/s400/IMG_1536.jpg" width="266" /></a>Blue hydrangea are my summer favorites and happen to be blooming in masses everywhere this year because of all of the rain.  I miss my big hydrangea bushes in our old house and have settled on planting them in our urns on the front steps this year.   <br /><br />A big bunch of hydrangeas is my favorite "non-arrangement" floral arrangement.  Unlike other flowers that look great mixed with others, hydrangea are meant to be on their own bountiful in bunches - they set a sophisticated yet casual tone.  I have these in a Match Pewter vase, a wedding present that we've gotten soooo much use out of.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcut1jhRO-Bv_Y2C7KDrqplFIvDpW6YoEjtmyg8A8o_X7_JikeOJaawbFeBrieDmnfIWNmqBD2-mvzamKSbhbJ2eb8Z-8bJc9BZFydYQgqKFTScnTIf5o2z6q3yK-Ujffi7jihR0mby5k/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcut1jhRO-Bv_Y2C7KDrqplFIvDpW6YoEjtmyg8A8o_X7_JikeOJaawbFeBrieDmnfIWNmqBD2-mvzamKSbhbJ2eb8Z-8bJc9BZFydYQgqKFTScnTIf5o2z6q3yK-Ujffi7jihR0mby5k/s640/IMG_1559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the view of the table from the dining room, just outside the french doors.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3SPGHL-_nCOKMiJZCKHYP467cyPKIgh6NFq-w-WqlECP0MSZAHz-eWYyyzYskmoqzLuOjonPgm-5sUGZGmggYR4P3IL6Dl60U9dmOPXRZBdVBFzKXNqJysrVRZgRQlY4RSjvZdJLT84/s1600/IMG_1579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3SPGHL-_nCOKMiJZCKHYP467cyPKIgh6NFq-w-WqlECP0MSZAHz-eWYyyzYskmoqzLuOjonPgm-5sUGZGmggYR4P3IL6Dl60U9dmOPXRZBdVBFzKXNqJysrVRZgRQlY4RSjvZdJLT84/s640/IMG_1579.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />The scene - just as the sun was setting and just before our guests arrived.  I love these Celebration candles.  I used small, thick-glassed votive holders with sea salt to hold the candles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFCmdJ_W5B7ZgBEDskT-5ToF-ETnw54LlUOYgZyA9_4cxksK8zj1upb-tRhAL4rQyxmYxV-p8msemt07u_LNhpXDsbCJSJG0IEn5Pt5AprjXG-nABB7pGefdy5Hhd264eh0PlI3AZXkc/s1600/IMG_1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFCmdJ_W5B7ZgBEDskT-5ToF-ETnw54LlUOYgZyA9_4cxksK8zj1upb-tRhAL4rQyxmYxV-p8msemt07u_LNhpXDsbCJSJG0IEn5Pt5AprjXG-nABB7pGefdy5Hhd264eh0PlI3AZXkc/s640/IMG_1588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Aren't they magical and very chic?  Stay tuned for the recipes to come!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c4-AFM7Z2Te3yPDWe6tKcdfjyYJMbfdioyWojQEsB7jP6FnvBIQnUQ8mjvlb-rOYqWq61AMuYUed-h6d9LIce6CtfkWcj38-LdKSpLuEXNGSZxE9IW7loj8O-QzDnT7DytgkygSIGDk/s1600/outdoor-dinner-party_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c4-AFM7Z2Te3yPDWe6tKcdfjyYJMbfdioyWojQEsB7jP6FnvBIQnUQ8mjvlb-rOYqWq61AMuYUed-h6d9LIce6CtfkWcj38-LdKSpLuEXNGSZxE9IW7loj8O-QzDnT7DytgkygSIGDk/s1600/outdoor-dinner-party_03.jpg" /></a></div>Don't forget - I've shared more of my Outdoor Entertaining tips and inspiration in my recent post on <a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/outdoor-entertaining-101-0">MyWell-Being.com, read the article here</a>.<br /><br />Here is the easy to pin strip!<br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F06%2Fan-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QqarmdrlUlw%2FUcm1m78tdhI%2FAAAAAAAAS1I%2Ft-NjJzMWpNs%2Fs1600%2Foutdoor-dinner-party_03.jpg&description=An%20Outdoor%20Dinner%20Party%20with%20Menu%2C%20Table%20Setting%20%26%20Recipes"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

An Outdoor Dinner Party on our Porch | Blue Hydrangeas

Recently, we hosted a dinner for a dear friend of ours that was in town.  As I mentioned in my "A Porch Kind of Weekend" post, I love eating out on our porch - but previously had only had casual meals on our loveseats.  After writing my monthly article for MyWell-Being.com all about creative Outdoo…

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