May you all enjoy special time with your friends and families this weekend and enjoy the spring sunshine!

photo by: Happiness in a Bite

Peppermintinis
Serves: 4
Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 min
Source: Quick & Simple/Delish

Ingredients:
4 teaspoon(s)  crushed candy canes
1/4 cup(s) chocolate syrup
4 large (scoops) peppermint ice cream
4 ounce(s) white crème de cacao, chilled
4 ounce(s) gin or vodka, chilled

Directions:
1). Moisten the rims of four chilled martini glasses with water. Press the rims into the crushed candy. Next, draw a spiral around the inside of each glass using the chocolate syrup.
2.) Combine the ice cream, crème de cacao and gin or vodka in a blender and pour the mixture carefully into the candy-rimmed glasses. Sprinkle a few pinches of crushed candy on top of each peppermintini as a garnish.

---------------------------------------------

Pomegranate Margaritas
Serves: 18
Yields: 8 1/2 cups margarita mixture
Total Time: 5 min
Source: Better Homes & Garden

Ingredients:
1 can(s)  (12-ounce) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
2 cup(s) water
3 1/2 cup(s) gold tequila
2 cup(s) pomegranate juice
1 cup(s) triple sec
5  limes
Ice cubes for serving
1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds (from 1 pomegranate)

Directions:
1. In large pitcher, combine limeade and water until well blended. Stir in tequila, pomegranate juice, and triple sec.
2. Cut each lime crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick wheels; cut a slit in each wheel, from center to edge. To serve, place ice cubes and a few pomegranate seeds in each glass; place a lime wheel on rim.

Tips & Techniques:
1.) Intense lime flavor comes from a budget-friendly can of concentrate. Mix and refrigerate the margaritas up to a day ahead.
2.) To make Virgin Pomegranate Margaritas instead: Substitute 2 cups lemon-lime seltzer for tequila and triple sec. Substitute pomegranate-cranberry juice for pomegranate juice. Proceed as above.

---------------------------------------------

Holiday thyme
Photo By: Antonis Achilleos
Source: TheNest

Ingredients:
1 oz. Dubonnet Rouge (you can find it at liquor stores for about $13)
2 oz. vodka
Sprig of fresh thyme
Squeeze of lemon juice
Lemon slice, for garnish

Directions:
1.) In a cocktail shaker, combine Dubonnet, vodka, thyme sprig and fresh lemon juice.
2.) Shake vigorously. Pour into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
3.) Garnish with a lemon slice.

It seems like each year there is less (and lesss) space for my Birthday candles to fit... Sure enough, time has flown by way to fast and we're already in October and now its My Birthday~

As a child, it seemed like I always counted down to my birthday from two months ahead and started all of the hype early (of course). Days seemed to drag on so slowly and the weeks seemed even longer. This year, my Husband actually had to inform me "hun, you realize that your Birthday is in less than a week, right?" I had a complete blank stare on my face. It honestly didn't really dawn on me until then that I was about to be another year older. Technically he can't make fun of me, since he is older than I and our Birthdays our only 7 days apart (im the 5th and he's the 12th).

Anyway, the whole reason I mention any of this is because I know many people say the fraise "time flies by so quickly", but it really is true. I am very thankful and feel blessed to look back on my childhood and smile, to see people around me today that have cheered me on from the get-go and now they are still there cheering me on. I have many of my close friends still from childhood and have learned what "true friends" should look like; inside and out. I have realised that some people may be in your life for only a short time, but you should always try to learn something from each person around you. Ask yourself this question often "How can we both grow as individuals from this friendship"? People really appreciate when someone takes the time to listen to your heart, offer advice when asked for it, and to be a support system.

As time rapidly passes us by, remember to pause in those special moments and hold them close to your heart, remember to enjoy lifes simple pleasures, and try to embrace your childlike spirit that is burried deep down inside (no matter how old you are)...  go to that happy place where you can skip, dance, giggle, and sing as loud as your heart desires just like you did when you didn't know what the definition of "self-esteem" was!

I may be another year older today (even though many people would call me crazy if they heard me say i'm starting to feel the "aging process") but I feel blessed to be given another year to accomplish what I need to do with my time here in this crazy world. Blessed to have the opportunity to be creative, blessed by others, and sure blessed to have the opportunity to embrace my childlike sence of joy and laughter ;) Happy Birthday to Me and any of you October Birthday's out there!!!

With today wrapping up our country's anniversary of 9/11... I wanted to take a moment to remind you to stop and take a minute to think of all those who gave their lives to serve in rescue and those who we sadly miss from the tragedy of the World Trade Center. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones and still battle with issues from that September day. May we all as a Nation remember to stay strong together and focus on life's purpose vs. division.

With our Flag in mind... Enjoy this inspiration:

• Pale blue bordered invitation by Encore Studios -- FineStationery
• Bride and groom photos (note the dress with red ribbon accent) -- UK Weddings Magazine via Nibs Blog
• Bridesmaids with white flower bouquets -- The Knot
• Homemade strawberry pie in place of a wedding cake -- Epicurious.com via Bon Appetit magazine
• Carnation centerpieces in white and red -- Country Living Magazine
• Fresh berry shortcake as a dessert option -- Country Living Magazine
• Patriotic napkin ring craft -- Martha Stewart

The talented crew over at Twig & Thistle recently posted an awesome DIY Template for your 4th of July Celebrations and I Luv, Luv, Luv it :)
To download the templates, CLICK HERE!

Happy Easter everyone! May you all enjoy this Holiday with the people you care about most; don't forget to enjoy all the yummy treats too~

This past year has flown by so quickly! Looking back on 2008, there were many special moments and accomplishments that I am so thankful for. I am anxious to see what this new year will bring - I am most excited for my wedding that will be taking place this June! In 2009 you can also look forward to many more fabulous posts full of helpful wedding advice and trends, keep checking back for more buzz. May you all have an Inspiring 2009!