Make it Easy

1. Set up a place to keep the essentials like outdoor plates, cups, bowls, napkins, silverware, and candles.

2. Use table cloths that are easy to clean that you can use over and over again.

3. Decorate with flowers you’ve cut from your own yard.  Use different size glasses or jars to create a one of a kind centerpiece!

4. Ask guests to bring their favorite music.

5. Have a large trash can ready to have clean-up happening during the party.

6. If someone offers to help or bring something, ALWAYS say yes!

Prepare the Yard

1. A fresh mow goes a long way in making your yard look fantastic.

2. Make sure to pull up the weeds and clean up any toys or other debris.

Keep Everyone Comfortable

1. Have a fan nearby to keep your guests cool. A running fan will also help to keep mosquitos and other outdoor pests at bay.

2. Have comfy seat cushions on your outdoor furniture so your guests will enjoy their time at the table even more.

3. Provide footstools.

4. If you have a pool, have sunblock ready for guest to use, as well as towels.

5. Have a variety of snacks available like veggies, crackers, and fruit.

Other Outdoor Entertaining Tips

1. Get the grill ready ahead of time so you’re not wasting partying time cleaning it!

2. Choosing a theme could make the entire gathering easier, especially if guests know what it is.  Typically guests will bring something with them and if they know what the theme is, they can make wiser (and more fun) choices.

3. If you run out of seating, spread blankets on the grass.  You can also use those footstools so guests have a place to set down their drink or plate of food.

4. Instead of putting out bottles of ketchup and mustard etc., squeeze some into small dishes for easier use by your guests.

5. If there will be little ones at your gathering, have crayons and paper available to keep them occupied.

6. Break out the yard games that are collecting dust in your shed!  They aren’t just fun for the kids!

7. Use heavy duty paper plates that can be thrown away to save time on cleanup.  You can even splurge on the colorful ones to add a bit more “fancy” to your party!

8. The most important tip we have for you to keep your guests coming back to your parties is to make sure everyone is able to relax, including you, the host!

Tybee Island is home to so many things to do and see that just about every place you can go will have you wishing you had more time to spend here!  What are some of your favorite things to do in Tybee?

Contact us here at the 17th Street Inn for more information about staying with us, things to do on Tybee Island including dining, nightlife, beach activities, must see attractions and events, and any other questions you may have about the area!  We would also love for you to connect with us on our Facebook Page.

You can group all colors and sizes together on a tray or keep it simple by creating a small grouping.  Either way, you can’t go wrong and it’s sure to impress.

Imagine a warm, sunny summer day.  You step outside with a book and your favorite beverage to lounge and enjoy the weather.  Sit without fear in your teak chair – it doesn’t absorb heat like metal or plastic, so you are sure to be comfortable and relaxed.

Imagine, now, a gust of wind.  Have you ever had a plastic patio set blow over or across the yard during a strong wind?  Teak is stable and solid and won’t blow away with the elements!  The strong, solid nature of teak also lends to its aesthetic beauty.  The smooth, visual depth of teak furniture will make a statement of quality and beauty in any outdoor space.

Teak is a hardwood with a dense grain and naturally high oil content, making it impervious to mold and rot.  The oil content in the wood makes it naturally insect repellent so you won’t need to worry about termite damage.  It also won’t cause rust or corrosion when in contact with metals, so the hardware that holds together your teak furniture will also last longer.

Because of these incredible properties, teak can be left outside all year and there is no need to lug it in and out of storage each year.  It naturally ages to a beautiful silvery grey over time without any effect on the strength of the wood.

Treating your teak furniture annually with oil will ensure that it maintains these wonderful qualities for many years.  Simply wash the pieces with soap and water, such as Murphy’s Oil Soap, then rinse and dry overnight.  Once dry, paint the pieces with a coat of teak oil using a soft bristle paint brush.

Most of the world’s teak is exported by Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar and Indonesia, with markets now emerging in Central and South America.  Plantation grown teak is harvested sustainably and protects against the harvesting of fast-disappearing old-growth teak.

For centuries, teak has been the preferred wood of shipbuilders who use it anywhere that these insect and water-resistant characteristics are needed.  Teak outdoor furniture will hold up as well in your backyard as it does on the finest cruise ships, sailboats and yachts!

The next time you are looking for outdoor furniture, consider teak for its superior strength, durability and beauty – you won’t be disappointed!

Stick with me crafters!  I’m going to drift away from the crafting world a bit to share this amazing strawberry pie recipe. It’s easy, refreshing, and you’re gonna want to roll in it. Well, maybe not but here goes…

There was a fantastic department store based in Allentown, Pennsylvania called Hess’s. Founded in 1897, Hess’s was a shopping destination. Flamboyance and excitement were the norm for this store. It was well-known for its fashion apparel as a result of introducing the latest trends from Europe. It was also well-known for its world-famous Patio Restaurant and their scrumptious strawberry pie. Simply put…the pie was heaven. Sadly, however, the flagship store was demolished in 1996 but the memories and the pie recipe live on!

A few years ago I stumbled upon a couple of recipes for the pie and with some experimenting, came up with my own version which tastes exactly like the original albeit a bit smaller. You see, Hess’s strawberry pie was ginormous!

Here’s my version of this delectable dessert. PS: Whenever possible, I always use organic ingredients.

The ingredients:

• Pre-made, non-bake, 9-inch pie crust. Of course you can make your own but in a pinch, I buy pre-made.
• 4 lbs. of strawberries, rinsed and hulled.
• 2 packets of clear glaze powder. This will make 2 cups of glaze.
• 2, 16 oz. containers of heaving whipping cream.
• Sugar (for the glaze mixture).
• Powdered sugar to taste (for the whipped cream topping).
• 1 packet of cream stabilizer (for the whipped cream topping).

The steps:

1. Prepare pie crust if needed. I use a shortbread pre-made pie crust….yummy!
2. Prepare your strawberries by cutting out the stems and then cut the berries in halves.
3. Prepare the glaze by following the instructions on the glaze packet. The directions instruct to add water but I use organic cranberry juice instead.
4. Spoon a 1/2 inch layer of glaze in the bottom of the pie crust. Then add in the first layer of berries. Spoon another layer of glaze and then another layer of berries. Repeat until all of the berries are jam-packed into the crust.
5. Refrigerate while you make the whipped cream.
6. Pour 2 containers of heavy whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Start whipping! As the cream starts forming peaks, add a packet of cream stabilizer and then add powdered sugar to taste. I added about 1/2 cup.
7. Finally, spread ALL of the whipped cream over the berries.
8. Refrigerate for about an hour then serve.

Happy baking and happy crafting!

Outdoor entertaining used to mean a picnic with a drink cooler, paper plates and plastic flatware, or having burgers on the grill. Now, with the advances in outdoor kitchens and rooms, they have all the comforts of the indoors, making outdoor entertaining more stylish.  Outdoor kitchens are now equipped with high-end grills that allow you to make food on a stovetop, and have enough counter space for prep and storage.  There are even refrigerators, wet bars and sinks available for outdoor use.

While you are thinking about the perfect space for your outdoor party, you want to make sure your nosey neighbors can’t sneak a peek.   You can add “walls” by anchoring a wooden trellis in a large planter and hanging small pots of colorful flowers throughout.  If you have a porch, you can attach sheer fabric panels to the overhangs with metal hoops and hooks.  For a more rustic look, prop a reclaimed garden gate behind a bench or against a deck railing.

Once you have your outdoor room’s space defined, you need to make sure you pick furniture that can survive the elements. Solid materials like wrought iron, teak, cast aluminum and wicker are weather- resistant and easy to clean, as well as outdoor fabrics and rugs.  Simply grab the hose when you plan an impromptu party.

Providing lighting does not need to be expensive.  You can use string lights for subtle lighting, or candles, and oil torch lamps.  Hurricane lanterns will stay lit if it gets breezy and double as great centerpieces.  If your outdoor room gets a lot of light during the day, solar lights might be a good option.  There are even umbrellas available that have solar powered lights around pole.

Outdoor entertaining can be big planned shindig, or an impromptu gathering.  Make sure your Outdoor Space is ready for it!

Try some practical decorative alternatives.  Consider covering table tops with brown craft paper to minimize the mess and give your table a country-esque mood.  Instead of bringing out the valuable place settings, mix it up with mismatched tableware for a unique-chic look everyone will enjoy.  Remember, it’s summertime and it’s NOT your mother’s house, so have a little fun!

Don’t let the bugs run the show.  There are always uninvited “guests” scoping out the freshly made food and pestering your dinner guests.  Try using a mesh colander from the kitchen to cover that plate of tomatoes or purchase a handy food tent available online. Be sure and remove standing water from your yard–it will cut down on insect swarms immensely.  And if your gathering takes place at dusk, it is going to take more than citronella candles to repel the bugs.  We suggest a more effective method of burning incense instead.  Add some yoga mats, a water feature and some relaxing music to create a zen-like theme.

What a great way to kick off your summer!

Lifestyle Solutions centreDisplays

It’s  great new innovation right here in Bundaberg at the Lifestyle Solutions Centre 78 Mt Perry Road, North Bundaberg.

You can see great landscaping ideas, artificial rock waterfalls, composite timber decking, Giant 5.5m Shade umbrellas, Aluminium slatted screens, Lifestyle Spas, synthetic turf putting tees,  rugged looking Slab Furniture… and  the list goes on.

synthetic turf in Bundaberg

There is so much you can see here all under the one roof… In fact if your business has products or services sought after by discerning clients you could well benefit from positioning your business in the large display area available to a select group of innovative businesses that share a passion for delivering to a market that appreciates quality and innovation.

Share in targeted marketing strategies to minimise your investment while targeting the market where you product is highly sought after by genuine buyers. Cross marketing is  huge plus for partners in the centre, where everyone can benefit the moment anyone walks into the centre.

A multitude of online strategies in various levels of participation are there for you to select to give you the right exposure four you situation. Call 4155 5500 and speak with Kellie,Tatia or Catherine  to arrange an appointment for an obligation free personal guided tour of the centre’s opportunities and talk with existing partners, where over 30 qualified leads provide Barefoot floors with great opportunities for work in their business.

SO whether you are building a swimming pool, water feature or landscaping the entire property or just adding on outdoor entreating area, its all here under the one roof at http://lifestylesolutionscentre.com.

Look forward to seeing you here very soon..

Peter Moller

Managing Director

We’ve put together some great grilling recipes below from Food Network – an entire menu to keep you outside, and out of the kitchen!  Start guests off with a refreshing summer cocktail (try a Tropical Temptation – summer in a glass!) and Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp (below), followed by BBQ Chicken, Grilled Vegetables, and Zesty Grilled Lime Bread.  Finish up with an easy dessert and you have a perfect outdoor meal!

Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Cilantro and Chiles
Serves 4

Ingredients:
8 jumbo shrimp, in the shell (about 1 1/4 pounds)
3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped
Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 large jalapeno, with seeds
2 scallions (white and green parts)
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Directions:
Prepare an outdoor grill with a medium-high fire. Without removing the shells, slit about 3/4 of the way through the shrimp down the ridged back and remove the vein that runs down the center. Rinse and pat the shrimp dry. Whisk thyme leaves, lime juice, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and black pepper, to taste, in a shallow nonreactive bowl or dish. Lay the shrimp cut side down in the lime mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

In a food processor, pulse the garlic, jalapeno, scallions, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to make a coarse paste. Add the cilantro and pulse just enough to incorporate into the mixture. Spoon the mixture into the opening in the shrimp and close the shrimp. Grill the shrimp shell side down (to keep filling from falling out) for 3 minutes. Turn to the other shell side, cover, and grill another 2 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are slightly firm to the touch. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

Cook’s Note: Shrimp cooked in the shells are more intensely flavorful. Leaving the shells on provides a buffer against overcooking, a misfortune many shrimp suffer. Shrimp, even these jumbos, continue to cook once removed from the grill. It’s always best to cook them just until opaque and let the delicate shellfish finish cooking off the heat.

Jumbo shrimp in the shell can be a knife and fork sort of deal unless you’re outside and it’s summer and you are feeling very relaxed. Serve these with lots of napkins if your crowd is the peel-and-eat type.

Grilled Vegetables
Serves 6

Ingredients:
3 red bell peppers, seeded and halved
3 yellow squash (about 1 pound total), sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles
3 zucchini (about 12 ounces total), sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles
3 Japanese eggplant (12 ounces total), sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles
12 cremini mushrooms
1 bunch (1-pound) asparagus, trimmed
12 green onions, roots cut off
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves

Directions:
Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or prepare the barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush the vegetables with 1/4 cup of the oil to coat lightly. Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and pepper. Working in batches, grill the vegetables until tender and lightly charred all over, about 8 to 10 minutes for the bell peppers; 7 minutes for the yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms; 4 minutes for the asparagus and green onions. Arrange the vegetables on a platter. The key to getting those great grill marks is to not shift the vegetables too frequently once they’ve been placed on the hot grill.

Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, parsley, basil, and rosemary in a small bowl to blend. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the herb mixture over the vegetables. Serve the vegetables, warm or at room temperature.

Bourbon BBQ Chicken with Sixteen Spice Rub
Serves 4

Sixteen Spice Rub:
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons ancho chili powder
3 tablespoons pasilla chili powder
3 tablespoons ground cumin
3 tablespoons ground coriander
3 tablespoons ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon ground fennel seed
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon allspice
1 teaspoon chile de arbol
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Barbecue Sauce:
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium Spanish onion, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup bourbon, plus 2 tablespoons
1 cup ketchup
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 canned chipotle chile in adobo, chopped
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon molasses
3 bone-in, skin-on breasts
3 bone-in, skin-on thighs
3 bone-in, skin-on legs
1/4 cup canola oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
Make the rub: Whisk all the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl.

Make the bbq sauce: Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan. Add the onion and cook until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in 1/2 cup of the bourbon and cook until reduced. Add the ketchup and water, bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

Cool for about 5 minutes, then transfer the mixture to a food processor and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour into a bowl, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of bourbon and allow to cool at room temperature. The sauce will keep for 1 week in the refrigerator stored in a tightly sealed container.

Heat the grill to medium heat. Brush the chicken with the 1/4 cup of oil and season on both sides with the spice rub. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill the chicken slowly, with the lid closed, until golden brown on both sides and fat has rendered. Begin brushing the chicken liberally with the bbq sauce during the last 10 minutes of grilling.

Arrange on a serving platter and serve.

Grilled Break with Zesty Lime Butter
Serves 4

Ingredients:
2 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons chili lime seasoning
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 loaf French bread, cut in 1/2 lengthwise

Directions:
Preheat a grill pan over a medium-high heat.

Combine butter, chili lime seasoning and lime juice in a bowl and mix well to blend.

Using a butter knife lightly coat both halves of bread with the lime butter. Place on grill and grill about 4 minutes.

Slice and serve with chicken.

**Easy Dessert Tip:
Grill S’Mores on the Grill!  Lay out graham crackers, chocolate, and jumbo marshmallows. Let your guests cook and eat as they wish!

  I love having people over for dinner! I love figuring out the menu and planning the how I will set the table. It gives me a little creative therapy session in orchestrating the details. Even a simple gathering fills a need in me to give to people a good meal and fun ambience. I love the friends and family that gather at our home and lively conversation that always accompanies our time together. Lingering for an hour or two after the meal at the table is the highest compliment for me.

Last night we had a group of our closest friends over for a meal of grilled Copper River Salmon, fresh aspargus , roasted baby potatoes and spinach salad from our garden. Originally I had hoped we could enjoy this meal alfresco, but the evenings have been cool still and with a chance of rain still in the forecast I decided to set it up inside instead. Nevertheless this beach themed table would have been really fun outside and I will do a similar setting some evening when it’s warmer.

Over time my family has collected a bucket of sand dollars for me from our trips to the beach. We all like to find the ones that are whole and see who can find the smallest one. So I have this little bucket of the beachy treasures and decided to use them as placeholders.

I have had them long enough that they are well dried and don’t have a just off the beach smell. However they do have sand inside them, something your don’t really want to add to your guest dinner plate. I shook as much out of them as I could and then got to thinking..Hmmmm how can I plug up the little holes on the back to keep that last bit of sand for spilling out?

Since I’m always patching holes in the wall from my pictures and mirrors changing locations in my house, I keep some sort of spackle or filler around . It worked perfectly!

Here’s how I did it:

Filled the 2 small holes and wiped away the excess,

After the filler had dried , only took a few minutes, I gave them a little shake to see if my idea worked and ’Voila’ no sand came out.Then I used a fine tip sharpie pen and wrote the names of my guest on each one.

Then I played with how to place them at each setting:

The evening was great and next time we dine outside I will have everything ready to go.  Just light the candles and enjoy good friends and some delicious food and wine around the table , doesn’t get any better than this!

Linda

Linking up with:

http://todayscreativeblog.net/craft-making/

  http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

Want to keep up with the rest of my adventures? Follow me on Instagram and Twitter! 

1. Avant Garden Arrangement {Single-Stem Arrangements}: I love the unique arrangements and paphiopedilum orchids at this Dallas flower shop. The transparent vases are perfect for reflecting and capturing the light of the flickering tea lights. Quality single-stem garden roses create an minimal and delicate feel.

2. ABC Carpet & Home Cobble Hill Side Chair {Inside Furniture}: Although not exactly practical, dragging some of your nice interior pieces out to the patio definitely gives the setting a formal air.

3. Marc Blackwell Glass Set {Metallic Accents}

4. Amethyst Cluster {Natural Elements}: Geodes are exquisite candle holders and stunning reflective natural accents on a glowing table.

5. Kim Seybert Linen Napkin {Ruffled Edges}: I love the delicate feminine feel of the ruffled edges.

6. ABC Carpet & Home Block Printed Pillow {Decorative Pillows}: If you refuse to drag your nice dining chairs outside, try some pillows with gold accents. They add an elegant touch and shimmer in the light of the candles.

7. Dean & Deluca Salt Essentials Collection {Exotic Salts}:  Pour distinctive salts in little metallic bowls with matching spoons for your guests to finish their dishes. (This idea and more from Elle Decor Outdoor Entertaining Tips from the Pros)

To make sure that our host wasn’t doing all the work, all of our friends brought food to snack on or throw on the grill. The problem was there wasn’t a convenient place to put it all. There is a small table outdoors that could fit some of the food, but everything else was balanced on the railing of the deck, resulting in some close calls for the burgers.

Whether it’s the lawn, bathroom or furniture, the host of this party is constantly updating his house. During the party we talked about his plans for the future and he mentioned that he’s interested in adding an outdoor kitchen to make it easier in the spring and summer months when he grills out four or five times a week.

Outdoor Kitchens have become more popular in the last few years as people have looked to upgrade their outdoor living spaces. They provide the perfect place to prepare food for friends and family when the weather is nice and can be as multi-purpose as you’d like. While many outdoor kitchens have some counter space and a grill, refrigerators, sinks and ice makers are becoming more popular for added convenience. If having a place for your friends to sit and chat with you as you cook is important, an eat-in bar can be added as well.

One benefit of including an outdoor kitchen in your space is that you can easily incorporate it into your already existing outdoor living structure, whatever it may be. The size, shape and finish can be completely customized to your outdoor space so that it fits in seamlessly. At Archadeck Outdoor Living, we have designed and built outdoor kitchens that include tile, granite, brick, stone and more. Check out these outdoor kitchens:

This L-shaped outdoor kitchen includes a built-in grill, burner and seating to provide a lovely place to prepare food for friends and family. It’s finished with stone and tile for a clean look.

The brick base of this L-shaped outdoor kitchen complements the brick finish of the home perfectly. It has granite countertops for easy clean up and a built-in grill and warmer.

Who wouldn’t enjoy an outdoor kitchen like this? This a classic galley style kitchen. Since it is under a porch providing some protection from the elements, a TV is mounted to the back wall for the viewers pleasure. It has a gas grill, sink and dishwasher so you don’t have to carry the platters, dishes and utensils back and forth. Instead, what’s meant for outdoor dining can stay outdoors.

Lastly, this is a custom-shaped outdoor kitchen with everything that a chef may need. Not only does it have, a grill, sink, burner and dishwasher, it also has a wood burning pizza kitchen for that perfect pizza. Yum!

With outdoor kitchens like this, I’m not sure I would need an indoor kitchen (just kidding). If you are interested in learning how an outdoor kitchen could be added to your space outside, please contact your local Archadeck location.

 
Z Gallerie Casablanca Lantern - $8-15, depending on size
This hip lantern is perfect for an ourdoor party, and nice enough to leave out all summer for al fresco entertaining.  The lantern comes in various sizes and colors, including burnt orange (shown), black, white, indigo blue and lemon yellow.  The large holds a pillar candle and the small holds a tea light.  Use them in groups of 3 for a true designer feel. 

Terracotta Oil Lamps - $15-19, depending on size
These oil lamps fit in perfectly among clay pots and planters on a patio for summer entertaining.  With sleek lines and a clean silouette, these lamps have a modern southwestern style.  Use mineral or citranella oil; the latter has the added bonus of repelling invited guests.   

Blue Glass Moroccan Lantern- $12
Set the stage for a moroccan-theme garden party, as I did, with these fun lanterns.  Use several on stairs leading outside, and several on the table to iluminate the night.  Place one lantern on a pedestal or cake stand to create varying hights as a centerpiece.

Centennial Brass Oil Lantern - $13
This railroad-inspired oil lamp is perfect for rustic, outdoor entertaining.  Use it for anything from a casual backyard BBQ to camping.  Surround the lantern with mason jars filled with tea lights for added impact, though this lantern is strong enough on its own to provide sufficient lighting for a small gathering.  The lantern uses oil, which will last for up to 11 hours.  Keep this sturdy lantern indoors during the winter months as emergency lighting for blackouts.

The essentials for picnicking? A wicker basket, fresh fruit, sparkling water, sandwiches, corn hole or checkers, striped (or polka dotted) straws, comfy maxi dresses, a straw hat, and a brightly colored blanket!

1.2.3.4.5

Burgers.  Better yet, cheeseburgers.  Yes, please.

I’ll make these burgers oodles of times this summer.  Oh, I’ll plan that we are going to try out some other “new” burger, maybe one with bacon or blue cheese or something else, but it just never seems to actually happen.  I’ll get to the market and start weighing these other random potential burger options in my head and the image of this burger will float in instead, unbeckoned.  Once the image is in there, I can’t shake it.

This isn’t a bad thing, because these burgers are not merely very good – they are great. Truly.  Juicy and bursting with flavor, they never, ever disappoint.  If you like more heat, try swapping out the pepper jack cheese for habanero or jalapeno jack instead.  Spooning the sauce onto the burger itself and passing it along on the side also helps to make the spicy kick adjustable to individual taste.

Sometimes I make these into full-sized burgers (yields four), but more often into smaller sliders (yields six to eight, depending on bun size).  For a crowd, the recipe is easily doubled or tripled.  You can make the sauce and burger patties up to a day in advance and simply refrigerate until ready to use.  If you don’t have avocado oil on hand, corn or olive oil make fine substitutes.

I’ve personally never turned down a nice, cold beer to go with nearly anything cooked on the barbecue, but these particular burgers make an exceptional pairing with a light and icy vinho verde.

So, get grilling – cheeseburgers are waiting.  Go wild!

Wild Green Cheeseburgers

Sauce:
3 large jalapenos, seeded and roughly chopped
1/2 cup fresh, chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Burger patties:
1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin
1 cup plus 2-3 tablespoon pepper jack cheese, shredded
3-4 tablespoons fresh, chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon cumin
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Buns and toppings:
brioche buns, sliced in half
avocado oil, for brushing
sour cream
1 head butter lettuce, rinsed and sectioned into leaves
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
1-2 large Hass avocados, sliced

For the sauce:  In a blender, combine all ingredients for sauce, excepting the salt and pepper.  Puree until smooth, season to taste with salt and pepper, and pulse to mix. Scrape into a lidded container and refrigerate until ready to use.

For the burger patties:  Place the ground sirloin in a large bowl and add in the remaining ingredients for the patties, knead until incorporated.  Shape into large burger-sized or slider-size patties to fit buns, roughly 3/4 to an inch in thickness.  Set aside on a plate or platter lined with parchment or plastic wrap.  Refrigerate until 15 minutes prior to grilling.

When ready to cook, place the burger patties on a medium hot grill for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning two to three times during the grilling process.  While the burgers are cooking, lightly brush the brioche buns with a bit of avocado oil to prevent sticking.  When the burgers are cooked through, move to the side of the grill or place on a platter and tent with foil.  Add the buns to the grill, cut side down, and cook until lightly toasted and golden brown.

To assemble:  Set the cheeseburger patties on the bottom half of the bun, spooning the sauce over the top of the burger.  Add tomato,lettuce and avocado slices.  Spread the cut side of the top half bun with a thin layer of sour cream and place on top of the burger pile. Serve immediately, passing extra sauce on the side.

“Southern style embodies gracious luxury

but it always has a touch of fun!”- Kirsten Fitzgibbons

This month’s issue of Southern Living magazine features Kirsten and Kelli’s work in an eight page spread. High Definition follows the sisters’ transformation of a traditional Dallas home into a fresh, eclectic, contemporary space. Here’s a peek of the view, as you step outdoors and into a haven of energizing color. Call MADISON 214.528.8118 to inquire about pieces and pricing. Follow KKloves for more behind- the- scenes images of the June issue of Southern Living!

I’ve been reading all kinds of complicated recipes and steps for making cement concrete containers. None of them met MY craft criteria…fast and easy. So I decided to come up with my own fast and easy method. It was so much fun creating these vessels and I know you’ll enjoy the process too.

Here’s what you’ll need:

I am so glad it’s a holiday because..what else. We’re off work & will feast on good food. One of my favorite seasonal treats is fruit pizza. My cousin would make them for family gatherings and I tried and failed. So the second time I figured I would do cookies vs a whole pizza and that worked out better for me. Now I’m a pro! So displaying them like the above pic is great…

But we can stand to get a wee bit more creative right? Let’s do a fruit pizza bar. How fun! Pier 1 has the most affordable and stylish displays stands and containers for food. Use them Invest in them because you’ll use them over and over and over again…

Another way to style a do-it-yourself fruit pizza display. This can also work for veggie pizzas which is basically the same ingredients with cream cheese, sugar cookies just veggies instead of fruit…

While we’re on bars….ever went somewhere with a champagne bar? Now that’s how you get the party started.

If you go with dispensers make the most of the glass jar. It looks very pretty to have fruit on display…

A cube of fruit….

Anyone eating seafood? I had some yesterday downtown on the riverwalk for my nephews 21st bday.

But if you’re doing it at home, throw newspaper over the table. How cheap and simple. You don’t need to do much else because it’s messy food…

Have the utensils needed for crab legs and a bucket to toss the scraps….

I will be doing my teriyaki chicken shish kabobs. They look so pretty on the grill and taste so lovely. Anything on skewers…like this pasta salad skewer above…

My mom just planted her flowers so we’ll have some color to indulge in…

And I will lug all of my magazines that my beautician & 3 coworkers give me. Everyone knows how much I read so they just give them to me when they’re done…

And I will sip on a cool beverage. It consists of frozen strawberries, whip cream, ice cream, ice, pink lemonade & vodka. All in a blender. My cousin just texted me as I’m typing this post so I’ll spend time between parent’s house & theirs. Yesterday was in the 90s here in Milwaukee and today will get in the upper 80s.

Yesterday the lake (Michigan) was jammed packed. Bumper to bumper traffic, the beach looked like Miami, everyone was out and enjoying the weather (it’s cooler by the lake). So far my weekend has been great. I hope yours is too and you have a fabulous Memorial Day.

Shout out to my friend Mercedes who is in the Navy. Thank you!