Foodie Friday: 12 Surprising Things You Should Be Cooking On The Grill

By this time of the season, most of us have likely gone through our repertoire of grilling recipes.  Today's post ups your grill game with twelve surprising foods that are even better when grilled. Think grilled potato salad, brie grilled with honey, thyme, and sweet cherries, or a Mezcal, Jalapeno Margarita with grilled pineapple. That's where we will start......

Grilled Pineapple And Jalapeno Mezcal Margarita

I have had one Mezcal Margarita in my life, on Christmas Eve of last year.  It was out of this world fabulous! But it didn't feature grilled pineapples. I can only imagine....

Will Cook For Friends

Grilled Pound Cake With Macerated Berries

No one will turn down dessert when it looks 
this good!

California Gian Berry Farms

 Grilled Caesar Shrimp Salad

Have you ever grilled lettuce? I have and it is smokey and sensational. The dressing is a lightened up version with only two tablespoons of mayo. I think this is on my what to cook this weekend list.

Foodness Gracious

Grilled Bacon On A Stick

This bacon has been painted with a sweet and spicy glaze. Do this and then add it to the next Bloody Mary that you serve.

Bon Appetit

Browned Butter Grilled Peaches With Cinnamon Brioche Crumbs

Aren't these beautiful? Best yet, they can be eaten straight off the grill, right after smothering them in honey butter and ice cream.

Half Baked Harvest

Grilled Cornbread With Jalapeno 

Honey Butter

This truly looks like heaven to me. And what a great side dish for any barbecue!

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Grilled Watermelon Salad With Arugula, Feta and Charred Limes

Grilled fruit is just better. If you have ever grilled a lemon or lime, you know how the process double or triples the jucyiness. Try it sometimes...I even grill it in the kitchen on my stove top grill pan. This looks like a perfect

 Summer salad. 

Tasty Yummies

 Grilled Sweet Potatoes With Cilantro Cream and Quick Chimichurri

My absolute favorite vegetable to grill are sweet potatoes. The natural sugar in the potatoes caramelizes so nicely on the grill. That blended with the smokiness of the fire and the freshness of the Chimichurri is irresistible.

Cooking and Beer

Honey, Thyme & Sweet Cherry
 Grilled Brie

Could an appetizer look more appealing? It's a beautiful blend of sweet and savory. The textures are fabulous, too.
Half Baked Harvest

Grilled Potato Salad With Bacon Herb Dressing
Nothing is more boring to me than old fashioned potato salad. I mean after all of these years, I think we owe it to ourselves to elevate our menus. This recipe does just that. 
Oh So Delicioso

Grilled Avocado With Veggie Ceviche

A grilled avocado is a special treat, and I love them.  What a beautiful side dish. The veggies have been tossed with lots of fresh lime, zest, and a splash of coconut milk.

Yummie!

Love and Lemons

Grilled S'Mores Doughnuts

We may never want another regular s'more again. Don't these look divine?

Williams Sonoma

Foodie Friday: 14 Recipes To Grill Before 

Summer Is Over

Wedding Wednesday: The Un-Bridal Gown

Have you seen the show, "Say Yes To The Dress?" I have watched it several times, and could not have said yes to any of those featured dresses.  Not every bride dreams of looking like a princess. That is the last thing on the mind of my own bride to be, "Miss Shop This." Of course, she just wants to look like her best self. If this is the type of bride that you want to be, or perhaps this is your second wedding. this post is for you. Here are some lovely options that aren't too over the top ( well, maybe one is ), princess-like, or too sexy. I think they are just right for a fashion conscious bride, and in some cases, 
for the bride on a budget. 

Salome Bow Gown
The latest Johanna Ortiz x Moda Operandi collab is one gorgeous trunk show of exclusive designs! This gown is so feminine yet very sophisticated.  The bow is extraordinary!
Moda Operandi

Laurent Fil Coupe Gown
A gleaming gown in ecru and gold. The back features an alluring low v-neck. Sophisticated and so right for an elegant bride.
Rachel Zoe

The Margaux Maxi
Simple yet it features a bit of panache. It is a real budget buy, and comes in at under $100!
Lulus

Leal Daccarett Feather Gown
A trunk show that is just very fun. This pink perfection is a standout in ostrich feathers! Why not wear pink?
Moda Operandi

Spell & The Gypsy Chloe Gown
Beautifully boho and oh so feminine. Pretty for a beach wedding.
Free People

Lena Hoschek Morning Dew Skirt
What a stunning skirt in the prettiest shades of blue. The look reminds me of a mermaid, making it perfect for a beach ceremony.
Moda Operandi

The Drew Gown
I don't know what I like best about this simple but chic gown. Is it the under $100 price tag, the lovely appliques, or elegant embroidery? It is a perfect choice for a destination wedding. Wear it on your special day for a seaside ceremony, at the rehearsal dinner, or for the bridesmaid luncheon. It's so cute.
Plum Pretty Sugar

Rachel Gilbert Dixie Gown
For brides who just want to have fun! It was featured in Rachel's resort look book. I can see why. Love it!
Moda Operandi

Fall 2019 Collection Look #1
So this really is a wedding gown. However it looks more like red carpet to me. Not to mention it is over the top fabulous. I just had to include it in this edit. From his Fall collection.
Oscar De La Renta

Maticevski Starry Night Gown
Crafted in crepe and draped in organza, this is one fancy gown. Loving the color combination of white and peach.
Moda Operandi

Rime Arodaky Astaire Mini
Getting married at City Hall, on a Silversea Cruise, or in Las Vegas? Here's your dress. If you can wear a mini, this is just adorable.
Net-A- Porter

Unique Brightness Metallic Dress
Another style from the Johanna Ortiz X Moda Operandi collection. Do click through the link to see just how bright and shimmery this dress is when enlarged. I just love it!

Moda Operandi

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Wedding Wednesday: The Spring 2020 Gowns Of Your Dreams

The Best Of Etsy: Design Awards

  { Via: Etsy }

Today I present to you the Etsy Design Awards . They represent Etsy’s first-ever global award program. #TheEtsies will highlight the best of Etsy and celebrate the talented people behind the winning products. The judges of this global event are a who's who in the design world like Writer and actor Dan Levy, Style expert, Joe Zee, author and artist Garance Doré and more. I've studied the finalist shops, created an edit of my favorites, and present them in this post. Enjoy these one of a kind products.

~ Signature Style ~

Jewelry, fashion or accessories that make a singular statement. You'll love the haute and handmade style

Vitro Atelier 

These contemporary acrylic chic clutches caught my eye immediately.  They really are wearable works of art. The bags are handcrafted in Athens but shipped from the Vitro Atelier Shop in London. Great news for us in the states, they ship for free!

Little Goodall

I think you will just love this whimsical handmade clothing line for children. I mean what little boy wouldn't want a robot coat? And little girls will fall for the rainbows, butterflies, and ice cream cones. It's all so cute.

~ Inventive Decor ~

Products that make your home sanctuary-worthy. Enjoy these styles that can't be found anywhere else.

Name Design  Studio
I can see why this shop was an editor's pick! Such fun and colorful handmade designs for your home. The Suzani and velvet fabrics are real statement makers. Don't be afraid of purchasing furniture that you haven't actually seen. Every piece of furniture in my home was custom made. Just read the reviews of this talented company.

Sian Zing
You'll love the magical magnetic wallpaper for children's rooms. And the classic wallpaper and murals are super pretty, too. There is even a few bed linens to match the papers. Very creative and special!

~ Festive Celebrations ~ 
Decorations for all things wedding that are the life of the party. Find gorgeous gowns, elegant invitations, place cards, and more.

Pearl & Vine Print Shop
Luxury and professional wedding stationery. With a minimalist but elegant spirit, this Etsy shop offers affordable luxury. I thought that the wax seals were a divine idea.

Mimetik
For the bride on a budget. These beautiful gowns are handmade in Barcelona. Doesn't that sound romantic? They are lovely with a boho chic aesthetic. Best yet, they are very affordable, as in under $700. You will also find fab bridesmaid dresses. So lovely!

~ Earth-Friendly ~
Sustainably made finds that help the planet and make this world a better place. Oh and they also have plenty of sustainable style!

Franky And J Designs
This Etsy shop features paper arts, home decor, and calligraphy. A stunning shop! All designs are great, but I particularly love the paper bowls. They are priced perfectly for gift giving.

ADB Botanical Color
Naturally dyed "stuff." perfectly imperfect. Shop owner, Amanda de Beaufort's table linens, bags, scarves, and wraps are truly one of a kind pieces. I love the botanically derived colors. Any one piece is a work of art.

~ Creative Collaborations ~
Personalized, handcrafted goods that put the “special” in “special order.”  Fabulous finds for a one of a kind look.

Phillopcom
Personalized Leather Accessories. Leather bags, jewelry and more for women. From the drawing board to the last stitch, this stylish selection is exclusive and handmade.

Jay Monique Creative
Weddings & events. I am in awe of their modern origami invitations. Vibrant and hand folded invitation sleeves are sure to impress. I have never received one, have you?

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Standout Shops At Etsy For Your Wedding Day

Saturdays At Shop This

{ Via: ZsaZsa Bellagio }

And, this is exactly what I want to do this weekend......bask in the sun and read. It might not be likely, since it is the weekend of Chicago's Air & Water Show. More than a million of my closest friends will visit the Lake Shore. I will stay tucked away on my perch 31 stories up, watching it all unfold. Whatever you have planned, I hope that you make the most of the weekend. Before the relaxation begins, here are some links to love.

 

Getting started on your Fall wardrobe? Shop at Ralph Lauren and save 30% when you spend $150 on select styles. Use Code: AUGUST. The special ends 08/23. This Lace inset Silk Shirt is gorgeous.

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Dermstore: They are celebrating 20 years of business with savings up to 25% on 400+ brands of cosmetics and skincare. 

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10 Reasons Why You Should Switch To A Natural Deodorant: I am gradually making the switch to clean beauty and skincare in my life. This article convinced me to try the deodorant, too. I am tired of poisoning my body 

with chemicals.

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When is the best time to buy outdoor furniture and accessories? At the end of the season, of course. One King's Lane has over 3,500 styles marked down up to 60% off. I love all of the pretty umbrellas and hammocks! 

It's worth a look.

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Last Call NM: Don't miss the End Of Season Mega Sale! You'll find savings up to 80% off. Did you know that they had a Vintage Shop now? Oh the handbags!

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New from Charlotte Tilbury: Pillow Talk Diamonds Lip Topper. I think it is a must for all of my pink lipstick friends (Mollie). So pretty!
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Take an extra 40% off all markdowns at Halston with Code: ILIKE40. And I LOVE this Poet Top! 
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Love Jewelry? Then you don't want to miss a terrific Trunk Show of one of my favorite jewelry and accessory designers, Mignonne Gavigan. Best known for her Scarf Necklaces, but I so enjoy her earrings. Put your hint in now, these pieces should arrive by Christmas.
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There's a fun sale going on at the ever stylish Frances Valentine website. Take an extra 25% off those markdowns with Code: Heatwave. I adore the Meridith
 Jeweled Sandals.
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Ending on a a sweet note: This Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe will change the way you bake. See it at Food52

  

The days are getting shorter and the evening comes earlier and earlier. Watch a sunset, light a candle, go for a drive. Let's all enjoy Summer while it is still here.

XOXOX

Deb

Shop This