Foodie Friday: Fiesta Recipes & Cooks Tools

{ Avocado Margarita Via: Kate Spade }

Hard to believe that Cinco De Mayo is only a week away. But the closer we get to May, the better the weather gets. So I say, bring on the Margaritas! This edit features more than your average Tuesday night taco. Never fear, there is one of those made with Rosemary Citrus Shrimp. Enjoy this roundup of Mexican delights, that promise to be muy delicioso! 

HERE: 25 Festive Recipes

Cauliflower Rice Carne Asade Bowls with Mano Salsa

I have a confession. I know that they are all of the rage, but I have yet to have one of the trending "bowls" of anything. I would guess that the last time I had a bowl of something, it was cereal, about 10 years ago. As the author of this recipe states, "It's full of color, flavor and texture, plus healthy at the same time." 

Half Baked Harvest

Lemony Lime Island Mango Mezcal Breeze

Let's get this fiesta fired up with a cocktail suitable for Summer and Cinco de Mayo. And if you didn't know, Mezcal is tequila’s fiery, smokey sister. Cheers!

Half Baked Harvest 

Tasty Tomatillo Shrimp 

I have never cooked with a tomatillo, but they are the cutest looking things! This is a simple recipe that gets its' freshness from cilantro.

Foodie Crush 

Chimichangas

Said to be one of the best party snacks ever! The tortillas have been deep fried, making them rich and flaky. Little bundles of fiesta fun!

Gourmet Traveller

Rosemary Citrus Shrimp Tacos
Flavorful and oh so colorful, these tacos only take 15 minutes to prepare. Ole!

Melane Makes 

Cheesy Chipotle Bacon Guacamole

This guac is spicy and smoky, filled with crunchy bacon and creamy cheese. And doesn't bacon make everything better?

How Sweet Eats

Pulled Chicken And Black Bean Nachos

A classic that's been revamped and dressed up. Amazing how some sliced radishes and Avocado Crema can add some pizzaz to a tray!

Gourmet Traveller

Handmade Tamales

Don't feel like cooking, but have a crowd coming? These are delicious. I have had them. Order now for any party.

Neiman Marcus 

Cinco de Mayo Party Cocktail Napkins

Simply stated. I have a crush on this party goods store and their clever napkins.

The Yellow Note at Etsy

 Chipotle Shredded Pork Enchiladas

This recipe is made with pork tenderloin, which I find to be the best for tacos. It's spicy, so if you are a whimp, you may want to use half of the peppers called  for. The combination of flavors along with a smoky-spicy chipotle sauce, sounds like a match made in heaven to me.

White On Rice Couple

Arroz con Leche Pudding Pops 

Rice pudding pops? Who ever heard of such a thing! These creamy and chunky pops are a unique Summer treat.

A Spicy Perspective

Jane Fox's Famous Tortilla Soup

Courtesy of Rachael Ray. A Tortilla Soup that is fully loaded is hard to pass up. It calls for cans of tomatoes. My tip is to buy the Isola brand which has practically no sodium, and they are delicious. There is enough salt in other ingredients to make it flavorful.

Cooking Channel TV

Queso Fundido con Hongos
A vegetarian version of the original, this recipe features mushrooms, currents, and crunchy toasted nuts.
Food52   

Ombre Chocolate Cake with Mexican Chocolate Frosting
How beautiful is this cake? The recipe author swears it is not that difficult to do the ombre frosting. The flavors sound wonderful - cinnamon-y and a little spicy! 
A Cozy Kitchen 

Huevos Motuleños
Think seriously over-the-top huevos rancheros—fried eggs over refried black beans on a fried tortilla, topped with salsa, and served with fried plantains, chorizo pork sausage, and crumbled Mexican queso fresco.
Simply Recipes  

Grilled Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita
A grilled slice of pineapple is one of life's best little things. This cocktail features caramelized pineapple, Jalapeno infused tequila, and a splash of vanilla. A beautiful blend of sweet, spicy and smoky. Bottoms up!
Platings and Pairings 

Banana Leaf-Grilled Fish with Coconut-Cilantro Sauce
Banana leaves impart a subtly sweet and grassy aroma to the fish. They also make for a pretty special presentation!
Williams Sonoma 

Pambazos
Mexican Salsa Dunked Sandwiches
 This may just be the most unique Mexican recipe that I have come across. Who doesn't like fried bread?
Host The Toast 

Chopped Chicken Taco Salad With Cheese Quesadilla Strips

This is sort of a copycat version of Chili’s Quesadilla Explosion Salad, but I am sure so much better. There's a ton of ingredients, which just means it is layered with flavor.

How Sweet Eats

Mexican Street Corn Casserole

Fact: I don't eat corn, ever. It is just so carb laden. However, this recipe looks so fabulous, with the mayo, lime and three kinds of cheeses. I vow to make it, when the corn comes in this Summer, and eat it until I can't eat anymore.

Honestly Yum

Grilled Pork Tenderloin In Charred-Chile Adobo

It's just about grilling season and this dish is perfectly suited for the outdoor grill. P.S. There's orange juice in the ingredient list.

 Bon Appetit 

Flour Tortilla Kit

Now every night can be taco night. Here's everything you need for the best tortillas of your life.

Food52

Banana Fritters with Peanut Cinnamon Sugar + Mexican Chocolate Sauce

I grew up eating bananas covered in mayonnaise and peanuts (strange but delish). I never had a fried banana however. This dish sounds and looks crazy good.

Half Baked Harvest

Crab & Avocado Tacos
Nothing wrong with going a little fancy pants while celebrating! These look yummy.
Gourmet Traveller 

Margarita Tequila Marshmallows
Currently featured in Parents Magazine December 2016. What a fun bite for dessert, and a terrific hostess gift. A great way to end a Cinco de Mayo party!
Sweetniks at Etsy 



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P.S. There seems to be a little Mexican Hat Dance going on with the font on this post. I apologize, but just can't figure it out. 

Mother's Day: Say It With Flowers

All women love flowers on a random day, for no reason at all. On Mother's Day, they have become a bit expected. Not to mention that they eventually die, and that is just so sad. This year, why not give Mom beautiful blooms that will never wilt? She will think of you each time she uses, wears, and enjoys any one of these gifts. This edit is blooming with floral inspiration for giving and receiving.

HERE: 15 Fab Floral Finds

Embroidered Flower Tunic
Mom will appreciate this terrific top with an oversized fit. The beautiful embroidery has been hand stitched. The crochet details are really quite lovely.
Free People

Bally Estella Espadrille
Elegant yet easy going, these floral flats feature linen and cotton studded with details!
Moda Operandi

Gold Dipped Pink Pinch Bowls

Moms are always adding a pinch of something to their recipes. These blushing beauties are perfect for holding a pinch of salt, champagne gummy bears, rings, or even a small candle. Wonderful for the Mom who has everything.
Food52   

Kenneth Jay Lane Collection
A garden of gems with over 100 styles. Pick a posy that you know she will love.
Saks Fifth Avenue 

Flower Market Hand Soap & Lotion Set

In collaboration with those fabulous Beekman Boys, here's a farm inspired skincare set. Paired with courtly checks, this is a duo will keep her hands soft for holding yours.

MacKenzie-Childs 

Courtly Check Jewelry

A girl can never have too many chic checks! These pieces are lightweight for Summer and ever so right in black and white.

MacKenzie-Childs 

Topiary Natural Perfume from Perfumer Julianne Zaleta 
Why not give Mom something she may have never seen or experienced before? You simply must click and read how the creator of this fine fragrance describes her process in creating the aroma of Topiary. 
Alchemologie at Etsy 

La Vie Boheme Yoga Mat
These mats feature a signature blend of fashion and functionality. The Yoga loving Mom will use this at the beach or in the studio. She will appreciate this gift of Zen. Namaste Mom!
Shopbop

Valerie Rose Petal Petits Fours
These special confections might go to Mom's hips, but she will still love you for your good taste."They're made from four layers of vanilla scented cake layered with rose and passion fruit ganache, enrobed in creamy white chocolate, and topped with a candied rose petal." What a lovely gift for any female.
Dean and Deluca

John-Richard Collection 
These blooms will never wilt and always will be pretty in pink. Silk and stunning. Only at
Neiman Marcus

Flower Bunch Key Fob
Beautiful leather blossoms make for a fab fob for Moms of all ages.
Anthropologie

Charlotte Olympia Pandora Clutch

If you gift mom with this flower, you'll never have to buy her another one. Beyond beautiful and clearly chic. The gold pouch fits into the acrylic case. 

Zappos Luxury

Floral Elixirs
Now this is a fun gift for Mom or any hostess. Create adventurous cocktails & sodas with Floral Elixirs - all natural drink mixers made from real flowers and a touch of pure cane sugar. Not your average garden variety bouquet! Priced from $34 - $69.
AHAlife

Silk Eye Mask & Neck Pillow Set

We all have given mom a little stress over the years, and we have been a pain in the neck sometimes. Say you are sorry with a little sumptuous self care. Also available in soft shades of pink and lavender.

Mark and Graham 

Embroidered White Denim Jacket

If you want to help Mom feel young again, an embroidered denim jacket does the trick. This one is feminine without being too fancy. 

Boston Proper

Petalpress Baking Essentials

I'm a bit smitten with all of this blossoming bakeware. Just perfect for Moms and Grandmoms who appreciate pretty pies.

Anthropologie

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Wedding Wednesday: The Marble Trend

{ Via: One Fab Day }

I just love a good theme for any party, especially a wedding. If you are looking to set a glamorous and sophisticated tone, marble is one way to go.  It's a lovely way to introduce color in a very soft manner. Working with silvers and greys always adds a luxe look. Get inspired with marble place cards, runners, groomsmen gifts, photo ops and more.

14 Fabulous Marble Moments

Marble Place Cards

Geometric and gorgeous! These handmade place tiles add texture and style to your event.

Wild Precision 

Marble Wedding Welcome Sign

I am all about wedding signage. Guests love to be "directed" and greeted. A stylish sign is a wonderful way to continue your theme throughout the event.

Miss Design Berry Inc

Marble Calligraphy Place Cards

Add dimension and elegance to your place settings with personalized hexagonal marble place cards. They serve double duty as a table favor. Your guests will use them as paper weights at home.

The Scriptive Company

Gilt Marble Runner
Dress up your average white (or pink or black) table linens with gilded paper! 
BHLDN 

Marble Vases
Add a bit of Bohemian charm to your special day with these. Very rustic chic!
BHLDN  

The Erin Suite
Set your theme in stone! Here's your first opportunity to set the elegant mood of your wedding. The Erin Suite offers all of the printed elements you need.
Citrus Press Company

Wedding Dress Shopping Kit
I went wedding dress shopping with a party of one, myself. It may not have been the most fun experience, but it was hassle free. A current trend is to bring your own tribe along for the trip. This bridal boutique box will help you say YES to the dress with style. 
Prim and Popping 

Personalized Marble Paper Linens

Make a statement during cocktail hour with these bold and beautiful  accessories.

Zazzle

Mikol Cuff links

Super stylish and a perfect present for the groomsmen. Also available in a rectangle shape.

AHAlife 

Carrera Marble Photo Backdrop

How clever is this? Dedicate a corner to photo ops for your guests. This fabric will add a luxe look to all of the Kodak moments.

Drop Place 

Marble Favor Boxes

Grey and white with a touch of gold. These boxes will add the Midas touch to the table gifts. Perfectly sized for elegant candies.

Pearly Pants Crafts at Etsy 

Marbleized Cake

I think that this is the best wedding cake, I have ever seen. It is meant to be served with champagne! Bring this photo to your own baker.

Sugared Saffron

Marble Modern Guest Book

Simple and super chic in copper and grey marble. Have this book made just for you at

Sweet Water Decor 

Marbled Balloons

Balloons aren't just for kids. If done right with good looking containers, they can be luxe and actually quite fun. Find marbled balloons at

Paper Boy Party

Marble Macarons
Oh how luxurious! Macarons are marvelous any time, but paint them grey and gold and they become the star of the dessert table. Ask your baker to recreate these.


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