Nautical Copper Cookie Cutters | Sailboats, Whales & Lobsters

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLByrBjAk2g7WM_K96OqbriYCjk9ATl3EhVRiR5SpUKzuvzt869zIHigKxFKDoOJU8ib6ywxMHTiljD6S8ugYkeb_S6g7_DSSgLBWNEIY4U6oBBEXKIqP7mhJHJAc-T7ddbYl0Rqr-JHU4/s1600/IMG_1667.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/AVvXsEjLByrBjAk2g7WM_K96OqbriYCjk9ATl3EhVRiR5SpUKzuvzt869zIHigKxFKDoOJU8ib6ywxMHTiljD6S8ugYkeb_S6g7_DSSgLBWNEIY4U6oBBEXKIqP7mhJHJAc-T7ddbYl0Rqr-JHU4/s1600/IMG_1667.JPG" width="426" /></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Nautical Copper Cookie Cutters | Sailboats, Whales & Lobsters</i><br /><br />A season in my store wouldn't be complete without some copper cookie cutters.  I know I say this every season, but these might be my all time favorite.  <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/products/copper-cookie-cutters-summer-nautical">Sailboats, Whales & Lobsters</a> - they are just so charming and whimsical.  They would be the perfect addition to any summer party - I've already had many orders for rehearsal dinners, showers and birthday parties.  <br /> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you can see, they are really easy to decorate - just filling in with solid colors.  You can make them as simple or as complicated as you'd like.  <br /><br />I've included my go-to sugar cookie and icing recipe below that includes my favorite </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/vanilla-bean-paste">vanilla bean paste.</a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEf9fyMtKH9gbpK6wiA1vfmMG_hT0HThtEo6GDowjBr4o7ZWEBez3s2in7lLxUT2DI4QtDnxt8xrHuQ4wNAs2rjwbGunM3p_MUBnchxDngdO7-rHOIADJfE80o0xztxCUb09x1V1NTbIaO/s1600/IMG_1682.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/AVvXsEjEf9fyMtKH9gbpK6wiA1vfmMG_hT0HThtEo6GDowjBr4o7ZWEBez3s2in7lLxUT2DI4QtDnxt8xrHuQ4wNAs2rjwbGunM3p_MUBnchxDngdO7-rHOIADJfE80o0xztxCUb09x1V1NTbIaO/s1600/IMG_1682.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've also created some coordinating <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/summer/products/anchor-tags-cards">Anchor Tags & Folded Cards</a> ($6 for set of 20/10) for your summer occasions.  They are a very heavy natural cardstock printed in a deep navy blue.  The tags (pictured here) come with a hole punch, ready for stringing on a ribbon, and the folded cards make great place cards (that I used for the Seafood Boil, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/06/seafood-boil-party-my-favorite-and.html">here</a>) or gift cards.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMULVFsNZMX0L9HZtpDWROcC-lRCvGr0qwodwklPsI0q2pOTmtlxrcan7110mlSj74TgYHv9RGjrv7ddA9lVkSQNYYOOIjsFVYd9QSYVNXgtZPKep_fa5IgOE5-iVJAIV3ms2KIxkMTBTW/s1600/IMG_1560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMULVFsNZMX0L9HZtpDWROcC-lRCvGr0qwodwklPsI0q2pOTmtlxrcan7110mlSj74TgYHv9RGjrv7ddA9lVkSQNYYOOIjsFVYd9QSYVNXgtZPKep_fa5IgOE5-iVJAIV3ms2KIxkMTBTW/s1600/IMG_1560.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtb-4f5PTs1swkJA3eqq3_zGSJLo0b4dmuJxuZi5BOOd9oD4cQpxnLBN3EviidER8V-WzV2DFQzHM0TJ-0hi9mxxWiQtQDun54z3HpWcMwPlEQ1qsytZVvUDdHPR9ujkw6dLDgw-CORDU/s1600/IMG_1546.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/AVvXsEjMtb-4f5PTs1swkJA3eqq3_zGSJLo0b4dmuJxuZi5BOOd9oD4cQpxnLBN3EviidER8V-WzV2DFQzHM0TJ-0hi9mxxWiQtQDun54z3HpWcMwPlEQ1qsytZVvUDdHPR9ujkw6dLDgw-CORDU/s1600/IMG_1546.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>the best<br />sugar cookies</i></span><br /><br />2 sticks of butter<br />1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar<br />2 1/2 cups of flour<br />1 tsp of <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/vanilla-bean-paste">vanilla bean paste</a><br />1 tsp of cream of tarter<br />1 tsp of baking soda<br />1 egg<br /><br />In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip together butter and powdered sugar.  Add Flour, vanilla, cream of tarter, soda, then mix for 20 seconds, then and egg.  On slow, stir together ingredients just until combined.  </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Turn the dough out onto a floured board and wrap it with plastic wrap.  Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.  </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unwrap the dough and put it on a floured board.  Roll out dough until 1/4 inch thick.  Place them on a <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/parchment-paper-sheets-200-sheets">parchment lined</a> baking sheet.   Bake for 6-8 minutes at 350 degrees just until the edges begin to turn brown - baking time will depend on size and thickness of the cookie.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uBHSIYgsGvre7pENg2ECA0GZ94rSsaZb0Y_ePUO7KyxULC8nczdVxKlZ9SJ4z0ov3myqwN8MzZW8F9_T2E98-zIc6AkyzpQ3UOSjXeeNfEHd75tT7w1sla4dySkggWsd1jGaFDWemNJ6/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uBHSIYgsGvre7pENg2ECA0GZ94rSsaZb0Y_ePUO7KyxULC8nczdVxKlZ9SJ4z0ov3myqwN8MzZW8F9_T2E98-zIc6AkyzpQ3UOSjXeeNfEHd75tT7w1sla4dySkggWsd1jGaFDWemNJ6/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I use <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/parchment-paper-sheets-200-sheets">parchment pan liners</a> for baking and my <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/disposable-pastry-bag-20-bags" target="_blank">12" pastry bags</a> & <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/gel-icing-colors">gel icing colors</a> (now restocked!) to make the decorating look as neat as possible.  </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayh2ff_z_1yss-aoAzshODfbPbtPV94MDgSWj3tgEud71tJwJuaBVy0Nvnyrlxq62FPtPBXWJG4DCD6qM-WIgXQqtBtuWVR7LkZgiIyAFf7tbO92J10gK7Tj2MGn9i7GbrFroGycFkEqo/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayh2ff_z_1yss-aoAzshODfbPbtPV94MDgSWj3tgEud71tJwJuaBVy0Nvnyrlxq62FPtPBXWJG4DCD6qM-WIgXQqtBtuWVR7LkZgiIyAFf7tbO92J10gK7Tj2MGn9i7GbrFroGycFkEqo/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Royal Icing</i></span><br /><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3 egg whites<br />4 cups of powdered sugar</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In the mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until almost frothy.  Add in the powdered sugar and whisk on slow until smooth.  </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You may need to add more or less powdered sugar or water to achieve desired thickness.  For sugar cookies, you want the icing to be thin enough that it will fall back on itself and smooth itself out, but not too thin so it will run off of the cookie.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here is a link to my post about mixing great icing colors - <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/04/tips-for-perfect-icing-colors-icing.html">My Icing Color Wheel Post</a>.  I will try to do a separate one for these exact colors, if you plan to make your own. </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTxTARLD4BdnMBKHSy1_mpMtUSkIROmFbptW_RirPngI7OO64osgBqzcpdwqhYnmQIOviv01vAE9l673flYe_UmZ0LnIuTbm9hyphenhyphenXqXxH6SiqlqJNP8SgHYnL65AylmQ4riA_7X4uvu7QI/s1600/IMG_1610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTxTARLD4BdnMBKHSy1_mpMtUSkIROmFbptW_RirPngI7OO64osgBqzcpdwqhYnmQIOviv01vAE9l673flYe_UmZ0LnIuTbm9hyphenhyphenXqXxH6SiqlqJNP8SgHYnL65AylmQ4riA_7X4uvu7QI/s1600/IMG_1610.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It really is just outlining, and filling in the lines.   </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4DABHqoqAvBitNuY6OoCArzIp7MxrUDyn_W6L9kdw75crl_GxmE9skp9M8RMvARLlxu4SzcQUCTYxz2Z8MvxCeVV1N50FXLhudjSYnAdQVsw2gTWQJrPQ3XrHLe8Pm-sQcL6LrkfX8Mr/s1600/IMG_1612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4DABHqoqAvBitNuY6OoCArzIp7MxrUDyn_W6L9kdw75crl_GxmE9skp9M8RMvARLlxu4SzcQUCTYxz2Z8MvxCeVV1N50FXLhudjSYnAdQVsw2gTWQJrPQ3XrHLe8Pm-sQcL6LrkfX8Mr/s1600/IMG_1612.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The sailboat requires a little more planning, but is still very simple.  You can just do one solid triangle on top, and a boat below. </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBStc_tmVqMEPE_3YL0k5WJ9TqHashqaw84e7T_O_VAVQUyBYVSzkvE9nVWtfHVTmYc8-gF1SOdjBdrrCAdMeAS1D8XkdT_ywj0vQZEhZW7qDBZgzJJoMnVWBP7l_8NLUEb3nZHP9pt1D/s1600/IMG_1616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBStc_tmVqMEPE_3YL0k5WJ9TqHashqaw84e7T_O_VAVQUyBYVSzkvE9nVWtfHVTmYc8-gF1SOdjBdrrCAdMeAS1D8XkdT_ywj0vQZEhZW7qDBZgzJJoMnVWBP7l_8NLUEb3nZHP9pt1D/s1600/IMG_1616.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The lobsters are very simple, too.  The red color requires lots of the red gel coloring to get anything that doesn't look pinkish.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJyVD-KcTxjCWCEaey-V5my_funK_Ztco1j72Ja2rgIXY2qwKqdmVxM5v31uQWI_DYWAlOeznATr2aFI-4_9M7yifB53pfZ9WnnsNRZ6g_x2b5AZD76yLwiSuhQO-Dmef9Nn3vd4Hu7VG/s1600/IMG_1794.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/AVvXsEgsJyVD-KcTxjCWCEaey-V5my_funK_Ztco1j72Ja2rgIXY2qwKqdmVxM5v31uQWI_DYWAlOeznATr2aFI-4_9M7yifB53pfZ9WnnsNRZ6g_x2b5AZD76yLwiSuhQO-Dmef9Nn3vd4Hu7VG/s1600/IMG_1794.jpg" width="448" /></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Each cutter is ready for gift-giving packaged with a copy of my Sugar Cookie Recipe in a Large Cello Bag, tied with stamped ribbon.  They make a great favor, too... especially if you don't think you are up to actually making the cookies.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIEr4fJrH57mQAAEpB2VDlX1F3e7c3qv35sQrU5CcIstK7jHwEZaIVTGTlJsmTKm4cm_9b9t3oc2XvuU5aIW5F85rqoYeZ1ycQinzlCfTKh1Jq55bqjV2kIThkWgMQzcmHYk6Ho9mRHTp/s1600/IMG_1673.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/AVvXsEgZIEr4fJrH57mQAAEpB2VDlX1F3e7c3qv35sQrU5CcIstK7jHwEZaIVTGTlJsmTKm4cm_9b9t3oc2XvuU5aIW5F85rqoYeZ1ycQinzlCfTKh1Jq55bqjV2kIThkWgMQzcmHYk6Ho9mRHTp/s1600/IMG_1673.JPG" width="426" /></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The whale is shown packaged in the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging/products/cello-bags-mini-small-medium-large">Medium Cello Bag</a> and the Sailboat and Lobster fit best packaged in the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging/products/cello-bags-mini-small-medium-large">Large Cello Bag</a>.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><br />

Nautical Copper Cookie Cutters | Sailboats, Whales & Lobsters

Nautical Copper Cookie Cutters | Sailboats, Whales & Lobsters A season in my store wouldn't be complete without some copper cookie ...

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Seafood Boil Party | My Favorite (and the easiest) Summer Party

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6TthS9-RgeTD5l5NJG5bIKOWhFZE-Qfj64PZWJZ058-wLQC0unzCbyCFLkkiypGffxl1xuOIS3ZlTuORkEd6kcdkAGaU_WoCNwBdw7Cv7jGpNJRTr_JwMR0RwEYFn8qSZl38DrY3dDA3/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6TthS9-RgeTD5l5NJG5bIKOWhFZE-Qfj64PZWJZ058-wLQC0unzCbyCFLkkiypGffxl1xuOIS3ZlTuORkEd6kcdkAGaU_WoCNwBdw7Cv7jGpNJRTr_JwMR0RwEYFn8qSZl38DrY3dDA3/s1600/IMG_1775.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;">For me, a seafood boil is the essence of casual (but special) summer entertaining.  As you know, I love really casual entertaining, so a seafood boil is the perfect marriage of luxury (I mean, we are talking lobster here...) and a roll-up-your-sleeves and dig-in sort of party.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">  <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pGeUf2Cx91JOgDI3GIjE4-RePTjovUnih5RFx0ytXhgArYtJ9LMyY59RpYxuZ0ow3PHSjiPf2sk2Ks9f5yN8HwVL8DMxqhh3EpZoVNxdFPaRCy2PO7WaU3JFtW5M7w3Sks2iraRU2hJQ/s1600/IMG_1766.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/AVvXsEj_pGeUf2Cx91JOgDI3GIjE4-RePTjovUnih5RFx0ytXhgArYtJ9LMyY59RpYxuZ0ow3PHSjiPf2sk2Ks9f5yN8HwVL8DMxqhh3EpZoVNxdFPaRCy2PO7WaU3JFtW5M7w3Sks2iraRU2hJQ/s1600/IMG_1766.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>Almost every summer we host some sort of Seafood Boil for our friends.  This year, we threw one for my Mom's surprise birthday party.  If you've never hosted one before - let me tell you, it is the easiest party you will ever throw.  The fresh seafood is such a fun summer treat for everyone, that there is very little to do besides set a pretty table.<br /><br /><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F06%2Fseafood-boil-party-my-favorite-and.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kO4MyOzvBSk%2FU5iebNmLNQI%2FAAAAAAAAXfw%2Ftf5-O29OaPY%2Fs1600%2Fseafood-boil.png&description=Seafood%20Boil%20%7C%20My%20Favorite%20%26%20The%20EASIEST%20Summer%20Party"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><i>Seafood Boil</i><br />serves 6<br /><br />1 lemon, cut in wedges<br />1 tablespoon of old bay seasoning<br />1 tablespoon of whole peppercorns<br />2 pounds of small potatoes<br />6 ears of corn<br />6 small lobster tails (optional)<br />2 pounds of shrimp<br />french bread<br />melted butter<br /><br />In a large pot of boiling water, add lemon, old bay, peppercorns and potatoes.  Boil for 8 minutes.  Add corn and lobsters and cook for 3 more minutes.  Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes.  Drain from water and pile on platter.  Serve with crusty bread and melted butter.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m2-EDWIaTRV3rw4B2XrWt4VWoYCyT6RSRGdJanTfZKftLvcN0UxBiecV_iKIlw2vJSJkOAO8_WA94GkbiOrZS5e-sgzK-lz9DlCqv6a-nmVNIbM0sGB60teRLS68OxaJdeomXh3wBoiQ/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m2-EDWIaTRV3rw4B2XrWt4VWoYCyT6RSRGdJanTfZKftLvcN0UxBiecV_iKIlw2vJSJkOAO8_WA94GkbiOrZS5e-sgzK-lz9DlCqv6a-nmVNIbM0sGB60teRLS68OxaJdeomXh3wBoiQ/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>  <br />When I first saw this <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/summer/products/robin-s-egg-blue-enamelware">Robin's Egg Blue Enamelware Collection</a>, I couldn't wait to use it for our annual seafood boil.  Here, I'm using the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/summer/products/robin-s-egg-blue-enamelware">Large Round Platter ($16)</a> to serve the seafood.  The tall sides make it very easy to pile everything in. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0exlrGshWmrXmHc16u3rLXVvsWLCC0JMDtmDutp1sWp6ilUegZvlzNrt8fnUcuxvrpZjs4U6XlXvXTEQ2WhnNEmdLESu5EWWtWRajRBqGUJlMEQCUM8h17i5odY3UQC1rFALjHlBf3Oc0/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0exlrGshWmrXmHc16u3rLXVvsWLCC0JMDtmDutp1sWp6ilUegZvlzNrt8fnUcuxvrpZjs4U6XlXvXTEQ2WhnNEmdLESu5EWWtWRajRBqGUJlMEQCUM8h17i5odY3UQC1rFALjHlBf3Oc0/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1HmB8ZoaAl_daJx45_-4W_uA_h-LzAmvWVXEsXyQihV88LIJuTbDnlWYNDsyfx1glppEtRXhvaOL1ttzJK_8aKaHRlkXTegyopUq6Pb8u4JbK5M71GNe_EYE8HdprOf3dRi9D-6hyzkZ/s1600/IMG_1754.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/AVvXsEhP1HmB8ZoaAl_daJx45_-4W_uA_h-LzAmvWVXEsXyQihV88LIJuTbDnlWYNDsyfx1glppEtRXhvaOL1ttzJK_8aKaHRlkXTegyopUq6Pb8u4JbK5M71GNe_EYE8HdprOf3dRi9D-6hyzkZ/s1600/IMG_1754.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>While a Boil is a very casual party, I still like placecards because it helps me to plan who is sitting where - I can orchestrate the conversation of the party by strategically placing dynamic guests that tend to entertain everyone.  These <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/summer/products/anchor-tags-cards">Anchor Place Cards</a> can double as gift tags, too - they are my summer staple.<br /><br />I placed a <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/summer/products/robin-s-egg-blue-enamelware">small salad plate</a> (6 for $24) at each setting and used the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/summer/products/linen-tea-towels-set-of-2">Classic Black Linen Towels</a> as napkins - they go great with the black rimmed enamelware.  <br /><br />In the summer, I'm a beer girl.  I love, love, love Summer Shandy.  It is like beer and lemonade mixed together.  I put it in the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/summer/products/robin-s-egg-blue-enamelware">Enamelware Deep Basin ($16)</a> with ice and wedges of lemon.  I also offer white wine to keep everyone happy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIGX6NLCs6mtUWae5NsUeQi69V1vrRUOg6fgmRbBtHTCVAgAX03xHMCd94_h37t_Dla7Mw355PkFPsjnL56ahbcNRZYyr_Gv1Az3hP-CtSljmTWnhBoKdWtfAqYpEp0HGnS35iyOWo4Ll/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIGX6NLCs6mtUWae5NsUeQi69V1vrRUOg6fgmRbBtHTCVAgAX03xHMCd94_h37t_Dla7Mw355PkFPsjnL56ahbcNRZYyr_Gv1Az3hP-CtSljmTWnhBoKdWtfAqYpEp0HGnS35iyOWo4Ll/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/summer/products/robin-s-egg-blue-enamelware">Mini Pots</a> ($20 for 6) are the perfect size for melted butter and cocktail sauce... and everything else.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMkwca3pKOaplMHoHzakA8nfFKR8ohWKmb72d4IajgGmkCWTjyuaLzvdfAGWzi0xzh6DqLf1fCEtMLjt8LkZ_9_nBGtqkJ10phIW_CCJu5hGlCzxZ59Rs59JpRUEyvi6G6PBfkzHVNIgv/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMkwca3pKOaplMHoHzakA8nfFKR8ohWKmb72d4IajgGmkCWTjyuaLzvdfAGWzi0xzh6DqLf1fCEtMLjt8LkZ_9_nBGtqkJ10phIW_CCJu5hGlCzxZ59Rs59JpRUEyvi6G6PBfkzHVNIgv/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSGsHp3y9eFxFhjyRBem6ldXwFkreuIahf0DxViIRokEwftFUujRINOWiKsokqxc-e9Fsk8q8voEKXBvcz_x5Ji9sY2_8s6uj3b-7n4pgoRuekoAlDHtpudYGfnfn3av0KEWi-XyMXwFv/s1600/IMG_1787.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/AVvXsEjtSGsHp3y9eFxFhjyRBem6ldXwFkreuIahf0DxViIRokEwftFUujRINOWiKsokqxc-e9Fsk8q8voEKXBvcz_x5Ji9sY2_8s6uj3b-7n4pgoRuekoAlDHtpudYGfnfn3av0KEWi-XyMXwFv/s1600/IMG_1787.jpg" width="426" /></a><br /><br />I made very casual candle hurricanes out of old extra large mason jars.  I filled the bottoms with large sea salt and then used my <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles/products/thin-hand-dipped-taper-candles-12-set-of-8">Thin Tapers</a> (you know, Ina's favorites...).  I also used them in my glass votive holders.<br /><br />And of course... <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/summer/products/copper-cookie-cutters-summer-nautical">Lobster Sugar Cookies</a> are such a fun parting gift... or dessert.  They are actually very easy to decorate.  If you can trace the outside and color in the lines, you're set.<br /><br />These are new additions to the store this week - along with some other fun nautical shapes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRTtj6xHUcX0oxR80Gj3mX8h-VUVpm0UyTawx6FsuXiCSnnyqux_jmf4UduxRI4wqUBm3r16reLb8HCkAvlYs_5n-MZVXAag2Qo7yUtprlkom35NRSckAymiptIDrW4OCME_kKqTbOojj/s1600/seafood-boil.png" 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/AVvXsEhNRTtj6xHUcX0oxR80Gj3mX8h-VUVpm0UyTawx6FsuXiCSnnyqux_jmf4UduxRI4wqUBm3r16reLb8HCkAvlYs_5n-MZVXAag2Qo7yUtprlkom35NRSckAymiptIDrW4OCME_kKqTbOojj/s1600/seafood-boil.png" width="384" /></a></div>Have I convinced you to throw a Seafood Boil yet?  You won't be sorry!<br /><br /><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F06%2Fseafood-boil-party-my-favorite-and.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kO4MyOzvBSk%2FU5iebNmLNQI%2FAAAAAAAAXfw%2Ftf5-O29OaPY%2Fs1600%2Fseafood-boil.png&description=Seafood%20Boil%20%7C%20My%20Favorite%20%26%20The%20EASIEST%20Summer%20Party"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>What are your favorite Summer party traditions? 

Seafood Boil Party | My Favorite (and the easiest) Summer Party

For me, a seafood boil is the essence of casual (but special) summer entertaining.  As you know, I love really casual entertaining, so a se...

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Cape Cod Weekend | A Classic New England Clambake & Emma on the Beach

<br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCa4tbQ0wkdR9Tu5zyhh4wNoxFAV_4ppyZ7Ptsvj2-HPjBv2o_XDGRLQrtAvE2Acs4v6upTynkk1L42GXVKTeBBTagkHoknld_ebrnDr19VeaGUg-TmH8_9A789HRZGUaE7BFFxzASBamZ/s1600/IMG_6909.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCa4tbQ0wkdR9Tu5zyhh4wNoxFAV_4ppyZ7Ptsvj2-HPjBv2o_XDGRLQrtAvE2Acs4v6upTynkk1L42GXVKTeBBTagkHoknld_ebrnDr19VeaGUg-TmH8_9A789HRZGUaE7BFFxzASBamZ/s640/IMG_6909.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />**I'm re-sharing this post from our trip last Memorial Day Weekend to Cape Cod.  This year in our Cape Cod-style house we've hosted two parties and will have attended two others by the weekend's end of both new and old friends.  While I miss our vacation lifestyle with weekend excursions to fabulous New England locations, I love being settled into our new house in our "home" city.<br /><br />Emma's on Summer break this week, so my blogging might be sparse... but I'll be sure to take a lot of photos of our projects.  I hope you're having a great weekend!  <br /><br />Jenny<br />.....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHF8viYFYPlQTcyrl-JkoyZcNKRsKn1CKdHEq3mQRxEQO6RWHtjca0tEKsmC36ZDldnC0zDUewViIaLxoE4CF_sAiL6nWApmZVupZZEQeWayDqMW0_Ns77fAORkFgxsTKVRvZ8YAGMQuBU/s1600/IMG_7062.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHF8viYFYPlQTcyrl-JkoyZcNKRsKn1CKdHEq3mQRxEQO6RWHtjca0tEKsmC36ZDldnC0zDUewViIaLxoE4CF_sAiL6nWApmZVupZZEQeWayDqMW0_Ns77fAORkFgxsTKVRvZ8YAGMQuBU/s320/IMG_7062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Last year when we first moved to the Boston area, we drove out the Cape to see what it was all about.  We came across the beautiful Chatham Bars Inn on our driving tour- it was picture perfect Cape Cod.  It went right to my list of 'musts' during our stay in New England.<br /><br />On Thursday last week I got the itch to get out of town.  I needed that feeling of freedom.  That mind clearing, its the weekend, free from the computer, free from laundry, give me a cocktail feeling that only a vacation can give you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWelwWhAcntfiugtwafImhAiR2LS4S4UChwIIHNvDTa-vjQasbRg-fCMbaN7z7rTtX5-ZA35ghb9O10R-e4KqGZ9i8VNCeIoBpBJqK73NfkWfggdtAdlF8z0T69GArGwPsHldUtxt4j8Q/s1600/IMG_7056.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWelwWhAcntfiugtwafImhAiR2LS4S4UChwIIHNvDTa-vjQasbRg-fCMbaN7z7rTtX5-ZA35ghb9O10R-e4KqGZ9i8VNCeIoBpBJqK73NfkWfggdtAdlF8z0T69GArGwPsHldUtxt4j8Q/s640/IMG_7056.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />After a two hour drive we were transported to the grand and stately Chatham Bars Inn.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0qRsJtLl_28HH3meHCC1QDzUn_RhpXleMPl2nqMFWcY3qaq2d3bnKcwQpR5qQeE2ax2660YBt90a_RNnWfUcFZSfqfLYGHn59j0TQZoAItgmKBXDsxNCReRJn4lTssMIpRtKTEPsLMWJ/s1600/IMG_7057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0qRsJtLl_28HH3meHCC1QDzUn_RhpXleMPl2nqMFWcY3qaq2d3bnKcwQpR5qQeE2ax2660YBt90a_RNnWfUcFZSfqfLYGHn59j0TQZoAItgmKBXDsxNCReRJn4lTssMIpRtKTEPsLMWJ/s640/IMG_7057.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />The moment we entered, I was taking design notes the entire time, noting fixtures, upholstery choices, drapes, the subdued color palate and the refined, yet comfortable feeling the rooms had.  I was thinking, "I would love for our future home to feel like this..." Then the inevitable day dreaming of our future 'perfect' home/life begins.  My mind starts racing- how I long for a stately home to fill with unique finds, comfortable furnishings and pieces full of character... budget?  What budget?  Ah, what a lovely life that would be.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK87uuLs_x0EKtJy9ex5QXjVxadF4gT-h9N_iZV8U2dggRrNxwdjV83RVuU-HuFNxuA0yfxSqDUcwD8F_lUW4N803x4G0SjeUqXzwlXaD7_bAk73s3Ili_xw8zQ1haKuovZbSzi1boiHkP/s1600/IMG_7038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK87uuLs_x0EKtJy9ex5QXjVxadF4gT-h9N_iZV8U2dggRrNxwdjV83RVuU-HuFNxuA0yfxSqDUcwD8F_lUW4N803x4G0SjeUqXzwlXaD7_bAk73s3Ili_xw8zQ1haKuovZbSzi1boiHkP/s640/IMG_7038.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />  <br />Then we step out onto the beach.  Restored.  My crazy head stops its babbling and I breathe.  Fresh. Ocean.  Air.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNp-ai2Fv_2vtPPahhGaugCeq5FvH8uK7N9ZU8rdKpJSDh4cartTOzHE0AI7mviehvLgGpRqBulQqp-hgFhzRe0EcmL50VCbYS0TA2667LO_ttDsiJpxoDNDRuNn47f9sXLUQvyR-v2I3/s1600/IMG_6919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNp-ai2Fv_2vtPPahhGaugCeq5FvH8uK7N9ZU8rdKpJSDh4cartTOzHE0AI7mviehvLgGpRqBulQqp-hgFhzRe0EcmL50VCbYS0TA2667LO_ttDsiJpxoDNDRuNn47f9sXLUQvyR-v2I3/s640/IMG_6919.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I watch Emma smile at the wind in her face.   All of those thoughts about needing, wanting, waiting for more seem distant, almost insane to think that they would make us... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ9wp1kYdhY5BvEWdU-7LKPPs9mNGQETKRcwVishnIAnABbzMn9URsUXP-A0BXov8IF-QE33c-babq4l-8TJ_NMQCp2vWv3R74JH1bSosLa-Tnlklz-o98azkCUSInK6RcM5CyU62R5G1/s1600/IMG_6921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ9wp1kYdhY5BvEWdU-7LKPPs9mNGQETKRcwVishnIAnABbzMn9URsUXP-A0BXov8IF-QE33c-babq4l-8TJ_NMQCp2vWv3R74JH1bSosLa-Tnlklz-o98azkCUSInK6RcM5CyU62R5G1/s640/IMG_6921.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Happier.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5k9gRSUNqY9mnD6aPbXX0DKM-o56uHM5HaSIMHgNhUel6bGAk_esXlqfMCcr0H9WspXn-E0zG9wyaDnI_2Cq8RR9ez543h4TP0GGIvF_6HhVTuA9irIoODMv1ymMJrpwmUddV-MI9F6N/s1600/IMG_6902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5k9gRSUNqY9mnD6aPbXX0DKM-o56uHM5HaSIMHgNhUel6bGAk_esXlqfMCcr0H9WspXn-E0zG9wyaDnI_2Cq8RR9ez543h4TP0GGIvF_6HhVTuA9irIoODMv1ymMJrpwmUddV-MI9F6N/s640/IMG_6902.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />I think God for vacations...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavaHSrIs8UvrfQ9dyGVnZfUqB1jBvkkrHWh8ouhjC07OXP3PA4ebub6x8Dn_xfeJShe_IUIVV-bS_ul3XdXn_yTLjU11OcpyCDc2AhGZ32o-b7j9chOSj4_0kSx1v3LRWEjIB-jNu6OUl/s1600/IMG_6928.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavaHSrIs8UvrfQ9dyGVnZfUqB1jBvkkrHWh8ouhjC07OXP3PA4ebub6x8Dn_xfeJShe_IUIVV-bS_ul3XdXn_yTLjU11OcpyCDc2AhGZ32o-b7j9chOSj4_0kSx1v3LRWEjIB-jNu6OUl/s640/IMG_6928.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />...that remind us to breath.  And smile.  <br /><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/AVvXsEin_76-1-VxGWzDqTHCVhhzRhvQovTRivCl8VL37X11kmmz6EoijKxJ3jqpnO0rB8BvlQsM4sKPGeRhyullho5PpuYjbOMSVtY_vuOpZv_wT0reVDicDLmS1OinyokEiKEAceWt9vGqQ2kL/s1600/IMG_6934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_76-1-VxGWzDqTHCVhhzRhvQovTRivCl8VL37X11kmmz6EoijKxJ3jqpnO0rB8BvlQsM4sKPGeRhyullho5PpuYjbOMSVtY_vuOpZv_wT0reVDicDLmS1OinyokEiKEAceWt9vGqQ2kL/s640/IMG_6934.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Maybe that is what vacations are for.  To get rid of the if, when, if only, then, then our lives will be perfect state of mind.  They wake us up- you're already there. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLhB21rnH2bUP07CPxuhIFMMUU9qseSE3VMFboQ5hgsnC2ToXQH990uNusNmjrGXdvelBrEHikTFBD76LN4NMho70MkzmCtEXQqHQ-YWYqG2_9XeT4zW_ObNz8c2ZwV-aDP0hIWuE256D/s1600/IMG_6962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLhB21rnH2bUP07CPxuhIFMMUU9qseSE3VMFboQ5hgsnC2ToXQH990uNusNmjrGXdvelBrEHikTFBD76LN4NMho70MkzmCtEXQqHQ-YWYqG2_9XeT4zW_ObNz8c2ZwV-aDP0hIWuE256D/s640/IMG_6962.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy the ride.  And so we did...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSm3-Aflelsc0lPvaPfsSJrL_PbVmAWEPc6Az7XHFQ0Xm6htcGOuO-qY8MZkUarNFGmeID_l1XWZ9Olevg6fv9dlg9CS2bfwOZTysmee4f4MyqQsOtI0F_J6lqfPxwrSmSUu0-A-rqiiM/s1600/IMG_6960.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSm3-Aflelsc0lPvaPfsSJrL_PbVmAWEPc6Az7XHFQ0Xm6htcGOuO-qY8MZkUarNFGmeID_l1XWZ9Olevg6fv9dlg9CS2bfwOZTysmee4f4MyqQsOtI0F_J6lqfPxwrSmSUu0-A-rqiiM/s640/IMG_6960.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />At our first official clambake.  Clambakes hold a special place in our hearts.  You might remember that Mike and I have <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/06/entertaining-clambake-2010.html" target="_blank">hosted a clambake at our house</a> for the last 3 years... in our old backyard, back in the Midwest.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvWoNvKcgT4DDLc-C13TxQuKqyDD5V7m9mRCsvS-i_841_8QHoTR-oY-zf0xCRl55pnbU8CsZasctsnsMcVmSi2PBLiVC98CYzTPs-wE52ApRYPhK_tel_7zuSu50ROLxEsUa1VjTRSyy/s1600/of=50,590,442_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvWoNvKcgT4DDLc-C13TxQuKqyDD5V7m9mRCsvS-i_841_8QHoTR-oY-zf0xCRl55pnbU8CsZasctsnsMcVmSi2PBLiVC98CYzTPs-wE52ApRYPhK_tel_7zuSu50ROLxEsUa1VjTRSyy/s320/of=50,590,442_20.jpg" width="320" /></a> It was our tradition.   Actually, it was my tradition... Mike was a only guest at my first clambake.  <br /><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/search/label/clambake" target="_blank">Clambakes</a> throughout the years... <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3N0HgF60vU5DF7KxaXNtnNovUqV3H27HSJGt08MWfZXi7tjtME1iRA5mKY5qrMmRmnAPDGFnLaLENxO2MF01WwsdE7tDalY1116KE8CWmpUcy9fTzkGpw7lSIw7MlRLtKU6fL5wOl5W9/s1600/Clambake+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3N0HgF60vU5DF7KxaXNtnNovUqV3H27HSJGt08MWfZXi7tjtME1iRA5mKY5qrMmRmnAPDGFnLaLENxO2MF01WwsdE7tDalY1116KE8CWmpUcy9fTzkGpw7lSIw7MlRLtKU6fL5wOl5W9/s320/Clambake+group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriCegs6_O8zg-DuVnuXaO3ycGLWzty0kAn229uRhpRW9UAB_hrZ5OxHyaGPJ7YKH441muDQ60SApF9IYncLfw1DKSaM9YCK8Rk15qdlddfduroaW1RpN_tFx6lK8YjC6lYRnJ4MqMXw8/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-87%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786286338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="213" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488596443053478322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriCegs6_O8zg-DuVnuXaO3ycGLWzty0kAn229uRhpRW9UAB_hrZ5OxHyaGPJ7YKH441muDQ60SApF9IYncLfw1DKSaM9YCK8Rk15qdlddfduroaW1RpN_tFx6lK8YjC6lYRnJ4MqMXw8/s320/232323232%7Ffp-87%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786286338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTzvBNFMZjWabzknvS8wKpg_e3BxzO8WDjngO1xQiWVQBG5VOPAcEFJw68D1QUrOwufvDONeFi1mqNYrTaTr2q4_sfOti0UsZfqeCuNp5CaWuKifiqEyYvZTHRb3MxU2fsFsRWirwYdC2/s1600/IMG_6953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTzvBNFMZjWabzknvS8wKpg_e3BxzO8WDjngO1xQiWVQBG5VOPAcEFJw68D1QUrOwufvDONeFi1mqNYrTaTr2q4_sfOti0UsZfqeCuNp5CaWuKifiqEyYvZTHRb3MxU2fsFsRWirwYdC2/s640/IMG_6953.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />The Clambake of 2012.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfFmkIOl_vuza6XYugKwxOVrlViiQPj5I0-28H_F-tZTqshu_BIz56ii4-ypgxgTRhV67V-CtkzNfhTWZFqQ450c0356yNPW0z3sZuiZreVKwQTrCRcXTBSN7FeEMLijA9qeYCcDj-qfA/s1600/IMG_6974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfFmkIOl_vuza6XYugKwxOVrlViiQPj5I0-28H_F-tZTqshu_BIz56ii4-ypgxgTRhV67V-CtkzNfhTWZFqQ450c0356yNPW0z3sZuiZreVKwQTrCRcXTBSN7FeEMLijA9qeYCcDj-qfA/s640/IMG_6974.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />It was almost surreal as we sat there feasting in the sand during sunset with living music playing, a bonfire roaring and lanterns lit.  We missed our friends that made those backyard clambakes so great, but loved celebrating our first clambake with Emma.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeJxeIVurYojflPCnhWMHYA0yW4TTnysO9t1jF1BAMHqIpOkNR4vNWQSX4tMwuwdjGXj0aVtsIUKpgm4CncSS3m0Yc2bqtBrPQ-Y5hjWt0Q-kU_nhBAvezmGbCwjaIhJhk4vPyOyB-lK1/s1600/jenny+emma+at+clambake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeJxeIVurYojflPCnhWMHYA0yW4TTnysO9t1jF1BAMHqIpOkNR4vNWQSX4tMwuwdjGXj0aVtsIUKpgm4CncSS3m0Yc2bqtBrPQ-Y5hjWt0Q-kU_nhBAvezmGbCwjaIhJhk4vPyOyB-lK1/s640/jenny+emma+at+clambake.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Surreal.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOlGzvqzsaaKcdcFywrao_k1ThMVJ7QRLkr85VXuHZrxYGXgL0sPYvsfX8gwnTCKACdA7OiASVlYNO90fUcCvd7cMAxX3lFekV4ZjDmwZ-GqUaCdeCPfVhB-ntX5_g7WQBIYGxuC-Xkhn/s1600/IMG_6970.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOlGzvqzsaaKcdcFywrao_k1ThMVJ7QRLkr85VXuHZrxYGXgL0sPYvsfX8gwnTCKACdA7OiASVlYNO90fUcCvd7cMAxX3lFekV4ZjDmwZ-GqUaCdeCPfVhB-ntX5_g7WQBIYGxuC-Xkhn/s640/IMG_6970.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Snuggled, getting ready to drift off...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOPQnPiJvl235xj_lVQMPAKfM-Z2SboMM46p2VapocQX_FFPYftcFN9tl8uDdhidMIFCUnq4-_-vWS9PrrL85Ru7R04vMXEkE0Ye_RdK-Yc4XZhqPXK-snYRIcABmamKyuumRTpxWRj2X/s1600/IMG_6996.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOPQnPiJvl235xj_lVQMPAKfM-Z2SboMM46p2VapocQX_FFPYftcFN9tl8uDdhidMIFCUnq4-_-vWS9PrrL85Ru7R04vMXEkE0Ye_RdK-Yc4XZhqPXK-snYRIcABmamKyuumRTpxWRj2X/s640/IMG_6996.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Enter: Daddy  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-wxEQ1pjN6PcgSgDOHHE3mZu3Tj8DQggbxi_EX3IQkkEkUbyGuqjRAxQe1UWRW7-P0gg6AmcMzpOV6vJqNdGPk-MBndutLEWVp7bRU74MJ2lMpW0wHW-kfBz1deevdndy0jwzpVn3PvN/s1600/IMG_6971.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-wxEQ1pjN6PcgSgDOHHE3mZu3Tj8DQggbxi_EX3IQkkEkUbyGuqjRAxQe1UWRW7-P0gg6AmcMzpOV6vJqNdGPk-MBndutLEWVp7bRU74MJ2lMpW0wHW-kfBz1deevdndy0jwzpVn3PvN/s640/IMG_6971.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />And time for s'mores.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aqYdnwzzYviDKEEBJnE8cTlAiDgW7FC10mevgU2e9ZyoQ1ewNjrkekkVWVbL2yH0ZjGe4bBYAJ7X_WNfSbemQQt5SCAMwKouztJUt5qPnVFuDW5hNizP_AVMfkdlQDn99yWdMINA-EGC/s1600/IMG_7002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aqYdnwzzYviDKEEBJnE8cTlAiDgW7FC10mevgU2e9ZyoQ1ewNjrkekkVWVbL2yH0ZjGe4bBYAJ7X_WNfSbemQQt5SCAMwKouztJUt5qPnVFuDW5hNizP_AVMfkdlQDn99yWdMINA-EGC/s640/IMG_7002.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />The view as we walked back to our cottage.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Zz63K7OdfsuuLGi3CDSf6ibJbI_G7JHd3d-1_naOrnM96Pro4Mk5UP7eKZnt8nwsiSTf2XBDN19poX8PvqsEMm_UOvyMiMZCKtkFOpMEdiHXJk7TYL7_wlzx4wTPsiaKF93LblrpgR7r/s1600/IMG_6999.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Zz63K7OdfsuuLGi3CDSf6ibJbI_G7JHd3d-1_naOrnM96Pro4Mk5UP7eKZnt8nwsiSTf2XBDN19poX8PvqsEMm_UOvyMiMZCKtkFOpMEdiHXJk7TYL7_wlzx4wTPsiaKF93LblrpgR7r/s640/IMG_6999.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /> A great weekend.

Cape Cod Weekend | A Classic New England Clambake & Emma on the Beach

**I'm re-sharing this post from our trip last Memorial Day Weekend to Cape Cod.  This year in our Cape Cod-style house we've hosted ...

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