Friday, July 25, 2014

Fiesta Friday: Strawberry Margarita Ice Pops

Hola Friends! It's Friday! Yay! For this week's refreshingly awesome treat we have a combination of booze and dessert. What's not to like?!?! This recipe is brought to you by The Cooking Channel.  Relax and enjoy the weekend!!


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Strawberry Margarita Ice Pops

Yield: 8 ice pops

Ingredients:



  • cup freshly squeezed lime juice (6 to 8 limes)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup triple sec*
  • 1/4 cup tequila*
  • 1/2 cup superfine sugar
  • pint strawberries, quartered
  • *If not using alcohol, add another 1/2 cup water and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

    • Special equipment:
    • Ice pop mold 

    • Directions:
    In a blender add the lime juice, water, triple sec, tequila, and sugar; blend until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside 8 strawberry quarters and put the remainder into the blender; blend until the strawberries are pureed. Skewer a piece of the reserved strawberries onto the end of each ice pop stick. Pour the margarita into the ice pop molds, insert the skewered sticks, and freeze at least 4 hours or overnight. 
    Un-mold the ice pops and serve.

    Friday, July 18, 2014

    Fiesta Friday: Blueberry Rum Smash

    Thank Goodness It's Friday! You know what that means! Fiesta Friday!  

    This week's super quick and easy recipe is brought to you by The Kitchn

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    The Blueberry Rum Smash
    Yield: makes 1 cocktail

    Ingredients:

    Fresh (or frozen) blueberries
    1 tablespoon brown sugar
    3/4 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice
    2 ounces rum
    Ginger ale
    Directions:
    Cover the bottom of an old-fashioned glass or mason jar with blueberries. (If you're using a smaller glass, make a double layer.) Add the brown sugar and lemon juice and muddle (or smoosh with the back of a spoon) until the sugar is melted. The idea is to break the skins of the blueberries, but not to mash them into a pulp. Fill the glass with crushed ice and then add the rum. Top with ginger ale and stir.
    Drink up and Be Merry my Friends!!!

    Thursday, July 17, 2014

    Event Tips: Last Minute Photo Booth Ideas for an Event

    Photo Booths are always a great addition to any event whether it be a wedding, birthday party, graduation party, or just a family get together! What's great is you will have fun photos to cherish, and you can also use the photos to make your guest book all the more personal.

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    When searching the web for DIY photo booth solutions you will find that there are an array of options. The best way to stay sane and not empty your pocketbooks is to use a solution that works best for you.

    First you want to think about the equipment you already own.  The equipment you use can be as simple as a cell phone on a tripod or a regular camera. If you'd like to take it a step further you can use a computer monitor, mouse and a printer.  You can choose to print that day, have your guests send the photos via social media, or save the photos on your device and use them as you choose. The options are limitless! 

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    There are some great apps out there to choose from if you'd like to use your phone or tablet. Here are a few: Wedding Booth AppSimple Booth AppLive Booth App, and Pocket BoothZink is also an awesome option for fast, on the spot printing options. 

    Back-drops will totally be up to you! The style or feel of the event will most likely influence the route you go when creating a back drop. This is your time to get creative!

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    Creating a backdrop using empty frames while implementing old photos gives you a chance to include those family members who are no longer here with you to celebrate.
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    Balloons are such a fun and easy option, and the color selections are limitless!

    DIY ribbon wedding decor: Justin Wright Photography / TheKnot.com
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    Or try creating a backdrop using ribbon, lace, burlap, whatever! Hang it up using a pipe structure as you see here, or use a sturdy rope and hang it where you choose.

    Wedding Photo Booth Props - Chalkboard Signs - Printable, Digital, DIY, Photobooth
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    Props will most likely be the easiest part of the process. You can DIY fun signs and masks or just purchase some fun items from a local costume shop or party outlet.  Another great place to check out is a local thrift store for some funky hats, glasses, etc.

    Regardless of which route you go, adding a "photo booth" option to your event will surely create even more priceless memories and fun for all, young and old alike!






    Friday, July 11, 2014

    Fiesta Friday: Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

    Happy Friday Friends! We've made it through another work week, and now it's time to celebrate the weekend! 

    This week we are ending this long week back from the 4th of July holiday with a delicious treat brought to you by Adventuress! What's great about grilled fruit is that you can grill any fruit and it will be fantastic alone! Add some tasty ice cream and fresh herbs or spices and you have yourself a gourmet treat in minutes! What's you favorite fruit to grill?


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    Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
    Yield: 2 servings

    Ingredients: 
    2 whole peaches sliced in half and pit removed
    Ice cream
    Brown sugar for topping

    Directions:
    Grill ripe but firm peach halves on grill (flesh side down) for a few minutes to achieve a grilled mark and to caramelize sugars in fruit.  Sprinkle with brown sugar and add a scoop of french vanilla ice cream. Viola! 

    Friday, June 27, 2014

    Fiesta Friday: Minted Watermelon Cocktail

    Happy Friday Friends! Friday's should always be a day to celebrate. It's the end of the work week and the beginning of a fun-filled relaxing weekend (hopefully)! I present to you, FIESTA FRIDAY! Fiesta Friday will showcase ideas to help you transition from the work week blues to the weekend!

    As this is our first Fiesta Friday, I feel there's no better way to end this week than with a cool refreshing cocktail!

    I personally have a very strong love affair with watermelon, and since it's watermelon season, a watermelon cocktail is in order! Here is a fabulously refreshing cocktail brought to you by The Novice Chef

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    Minted Watermelon Cocktail

    Yield: 2 large cocktails
    Ingredients:
    2 cups fresh watermelon juice
    1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
    1/4 cup simple syrup
    1/4 cup mint leaves, roughly chopped
    3 oz Three Olives Watermelon Vodka
    Ice

    Directions:

    Combine all ingredients in a shaker, shake and serve over ice! Garnish with a watermelon wedge and a mint sprig.

    Wednesday, June 25, 2014

    Summertime Backyard Living

    Hello and welcome to the I Dream in Vintage Events Blog.  This blog has been created to bring you new  and refreshing ideas on planning an event with vintage touches, personality, charm, whimsy, and color. With my help you will be able to pull off an event that is sure to be talked about for years to come!

    Since this is the first post EVER, I'm going to start off with a little bit of colorful backyard inspiration on this glorious hump day!

    Here in Chicago we have now crossed into summer which, as you know if you've ever been to Chicago, can be some of the best times to be had here! One of my favorite past times during the Chicago summer months is enjoying my backyard. Granted it is a shared backyard, however with some of these clever tricks and ideas, you can surely put together a quick and fun backyard gathering. Whether it be for a specific party, or just to get some friends and family together to enjoy a lovely night. Check out these great ideas to help plan your next backyard soiree!

    bohemian dinner
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    Easy dining Al Fresco using throw pillows, a blanket and a coffee table or outdoor chaise lounge laid flat. Use real dishes and silverware to up the wow factor a notch. Fresh cut flowers or small potted plants always make a gorgeous finishing touch.



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    Dining outdoors may seem like a hassle, but with an easy menu of a cheese plate, salad and pasta you can enjoy great food in no time.


    In LOVE!
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    Create a relaxing sanctuary in your yard using throw rugs, pillows, tapestry, etc. to create a whimsical vibe.



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    If the weather permits, use some indoor furniture to spruce up your yard for an extra comfortable dinner.



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    See how lovely indoor furniture can be outside! 


    MATT CORBY’S SECRET GARDEN TOUR DIARY
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    Lanterns and string lights are a cheap and easy way to create a charming mood without breaking the bank.





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    When coming up with drink ideas, a Do-It-Yourself bar is the great way to go. Give your guests a couple of creative juices and garnishes and let their imaginations run wild! What's great is you can limit the bar to one type of liquor which will help keep preparation to a minimum.



    Outdoor cinema party


    Outdoor cinema party
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    Everyone loves a drive in movie! Why not create a movie theater in your backyard! Assorted soda, beer and a DIY popcorn bar will surely make your movie night a hit!



    outdoor seating + wildfowers + fire pit = Most Amazing Place by ZaraFee

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    One of my favorite ways to enjoy my yard is to have a bonfire (I have a portable one).  I understand my backyard doesn't look like the photo, but a girl can dream right!?




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    And of course one can't have a bonfire without S'mores! Create a fun S'mores bar equipped with assorted chocolates, graham crackers and marshmallows.  You can also add fruit like strawberry, raspberry or banana. Put it all on a skewer, toast it on the fire, and gobble it all up!




    What is your favorite way to enjoy your yard or porch in the summer? Have any cool ideas? Please share!