Another Favorite Summertime Meal!

This is our fourth "Toast to Summer" post.

Come enjoy a delicious quick and easy recipe to take with you today!

There are certain things that just go with each season. When I think of summer, I think of lemonade and grilling out, and BBQ chicken, potato salad, picnics and tomato sandwiches (that's a Southern thing). Well, I can't very well stop my Toast to Summer series without leaving you my favorite quick and delicious BBQ Chicken recipe. My kids and I love this one, and, it only takes about 15 minutes to assemble. I usually pair this recipe with baked (or sweet) potatoes and salad.

barbecue apricot chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic (or 2 tsp. minced garlic)

1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes

1/3 cup apricot jam or preserves

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 1/2 teaspoons salt (kosher if available)

3/4 teaspoon pepper

4-6 favorite pieces of chicken

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over Medium High heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min. Stir in the tomatoes, jam, vinegar, 1 1/2 tsp. of salt, and 1/2 tsp. of pepper. Simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange the pieces in a baking dish and season with remaining salt and pepper. Pour the bbq sauce over the chicken. Roast, spooning the sauce over the chicken once, until the chicken is cooked through, about 1 hr.

And in case you spill some, no worries...Doug has a great way to get BBQ stains out on his Tuesday's Tip from last week over at Tower Cleaning Services. Linking up this week to Tasty Tuesday's over at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam. There are tons of great recipes there!

*picture and recipe credits to Real Simple.

Speaking of Fall...

The other day I was taking a walk, and I noticed my first glimpse of fall. It was exciting, but also surprising, that already we're starting into a new season. However, it made me realize something that I don't think I've shared with you yet.

A few weeks ago, there was a fun package that arrived on my doorstep, and I knew what was inside immediately. I had been waiting for them to come, and couldn't wait to rip open the box. Inside were several copies of the Fall/Winter season of Triad Weddings Magazine. You may remember when Events by Design was featured on Wedding Chicks back in the winter. Well, that same shower was chosen to be one of the featured articles in Triad Weddings this fall! It's really wild to read about yourself. I sat and read the article that they had interviewed me for, and it was extremely surreal to read my own quotes.

If you're local, pick up a copy at any wedding venue or bakery, and check out the article! It's so fun to see our little company featured on a three page color spread with lots of details and pictures. Thanks so much for all of your support and for helping to get us there!

Grace for the Good Girl

This weekend Events by Design has the pleasure of working on a huge event for a dear friend! It's Emily Freeman's launch party for her new book, Grace for the Good Girl!

For the occasion, we've pulled together a storyboard with some great vintage book and bird cage details to create a whimsical and lighthearted scenery.

Can't wait to show you more of how it turned out!

All images were collected on Pinterest; sources:

Style Files, Love and Lavender, Jessi Haack Weddings, Good House Keeping, Martha Stewart Weddings, Ruffled, Stephanie Lynn, Etsy, Bustle Events, Whimsical World of Flaura Bird, Style Me Pretty, A Glimspe of Violet Hills

About A Boy

As he stepped into the 3 feet water, he had to stand on his tiptoes. He wanted so desperately to be tall enough to walk around in the "shallow end" of the pool with the others. Making the best of it, he swam as best as he could to keep up with everyone, working twice as hard to stay afloat. That night, he told me that he couldn't wait to go swimming again the next day. We talked about how he would get some good rest, and be ready for swimming the following day.

That next morning he slept a little later than normal, and as soon as he woke up, he said, "Mom, I slept in, and I can't wait to see how much I've grown! I bet I'll be able to reach in the pool now!" My heart sank a little as I knew later he would be disappointed, but also loved how expectant he was.

When he stepped into the water that day, his face fell as he realized that he wasn't any taller, and it was still just as much of a struggle to swim in the deeper water. He really believed that he might just be that much taller (it would have literally been growing about a foot overnight).

Even though he hasn't felt like he's grown overnight, it sure seems like it to all of us.

I know I told you about how she learned to ride her bike this summer, and how I couldn't say no to the light up shoes. But, what I didn't tell you is that her little brother, who is only 4, also learned how to ride his bike...with no training wheels. He can count to 100 (with a little help) and he runs faster than anyone in our family (except Daddy). I'm so sorry if it sounds like I'm bragging, but really he amazes me...all. the. time.

Tonight we went back to school shopping (with DiDi this time, thankfully!), and it came as no surprise when he headed straight for the light up shoes. He was so excited to be able to have shoe's like "Sissy", and I loved how eager he was to get them on his feet once home. However, after I came home from my meeting, I went upstairs to find this.

I just laughed. His enthusiasm to enjoy life is so contagious. He is such a gift. And, I can't believe how long his legs have gotten...I'm just glad he still sleeps with his stuffed animals!

Tomato Basil Tart...or Cheesy Yummy Heaven

This is our third "Toast to Summer" post.

Come enjoy a delicious quick and easy recipe to take with you today!

I'm the type of person that likes to get as much of something as I can. You know, I take the biggest piece if offered...especially if we're talking dessert. I get really excited about gifts. I love freebies, and I always say yes to offers. I like making the most out of things. You've probably noticed. So, while you might be already itching to take out your pumpkins and sweaters, I'm loving these last few weeks of summer. The last couple Tuesdays, I've loved sharing some of my favorite summertime recipes for our "Toast to Summer", and today's is probably my favorite summer recipe ever. Let me just say...

cheesy. yummy. heaven.

No, that's not it's name...but it could be. This is a Tomato Basil Tart, but don't let the name make you think it'll be all healthy and vegetable-y. (i'm really selling you on this one, aren't i?)

I haven't made this recipe enough this summer, and now that summer is almost gone, I'm having withdraw. The fresh basil and tomatoes can't be beat...especially with all the cheese! Anytime I've ever served this or taken it somewhere people always ask for the recipe, so you know that's a good sign.

tomato basil tart

1 deep dish pie crust

2 cups shredded mozzarella

1 cup loosely packed fresh basil

4 cloves of garlic, chopped (or 2 tsp. of jarred chopped garlic)

1/2 cup mayo

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Bake pie crust according to package directions. Remove from oven, sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cool.

While the pie crust is cooling, mix together mayo, parmesan, and mozzarella in a separate bowl.

Cut tomatoes into wedges and drain on paper towels. Arrange wedges atop melted cheese in the baked pie shell. Sprinkle garlic and basil over tomatoes. Spoon cheese mixture overtop, spreading evenly.

Bake at 375 for 35-40 min. or until golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm with salad and bread!

Closer Than a Fortnight

The summer weeks continue to fly by, as I'm sure yours do as well. I was thinking about how everything seems to get smooched into less time. And as I was pondering all that this coming week will hold, I remembered the post (below) that I wrote two years ago. Now, my daughter is going into the second grade, and my son will be in PreK. This past week, my little sister headed off to college for her second year, and another dear friend that is like family, headed to his first year of college. I didn't mean to get all emotional when I was saying goodbye, it's just hard to believe at how fast life happens. All these days are literally gone with the wind, and it's a wonder we ever hold onto any of the moments.

Thankfully, we do, and I am so grateful.

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When you only have 2 weeks until something, there begins to be a push. I start feeling like it's really getting close, and I know I still have a little time...but not much.

Yesterday marked the "only two weeks left" point until River heads off to school...not just preschool...or PreK....the real thing...Kindergarten. We've started our planning...what she's going to wear, and what she wants her hair to look like. But we haven't gone school supply shopping, yet. I was tempted today at Target to go down that aisle, but Daddy wants to come with us, so we're waiting. I steered her the other direction before she could see all the exciting pencils, notebooks, and folders. I did let her buy paper lunch bags. Even though she has a lunch bag that she'll be using. I tried to talk her out of it, but there was something about getting them that just seemed right.

I started getting nervous two weeks before my due date with my babies, even though they were both almost 2 weeks late. I started getting really excited two weeks before my wedding with all the last minute details that were happening. I start getting really itchy two weeks before I throw a party or have an event I'm coordinating. I ALWAYS get really excited two weeks before Christmas.

There's just something about 14 days that seems so close, but feels too far away to grab hold of, and makes you want to enjoy every single day to the fullest. That's what I'm trying to do at least. When the tears start to fall, I'll let you know.

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Hoping your last few days before another year begin are sweet ones.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cajun Shrimp over Lemon Linguini!

This is our second "Toast to Summer" post.

Come enjoy a delicious quick and easy recipe to take with you today!

I have this cute little book called "The Summer Book". Whether or not I make anything from it the entire summer, I still have to get it out every summer, just because it makes me so happy. I love being able to flip through and see the cute quotes, recipes, and tips. But, this one, I thought was great!

The quote above it says,

"Here's one way to show your husband you love him - cook him up a plate of Cajun Shrimp!"

I thought it was fitting, especially since my husband doesn't eat meat. I've recently learned that he's a "Pescatarian", which is kind of a funny word.

Tonight to be funny, when I was making dinner, he said, "No meat, please." I laughed, and said something like, "Thanks for the heads up." He loves shrimp, though. So, I think I'll follow the instructions, and cook him up a plate of Cajun Shrimp!

Cajun Shrimp

Ingredients:

1/2 c. olive oil

1 clove garlic, whole

2 tbsp. Cajun seasoning

2 tbsp. lemon juice

2 tbsp. minced parsley

1 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tbsp. soy sauce

16 extra large shrimp

Combine first 7 ingredients in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Shell and devein the shrimp, pat dry, and toss in marinade to coat. Refrigerate 1-12 hrs. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Remove garlic clove. Bake for 7-10 min, stirring occasionally. Be sure not to overcook. You can also grill them on skewers. Delicious served with Lemon Linguini...

Yes, I'll give you that one, too.

Lemon Linguini

1 lb. linguini

1/2 c. olive oil

zest from 1 lemon

juice from 2 lemons

1/2 c. chopped green onion

1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley

salt and ground pepper

lots of Parmesan cheese

Cook linguini in boiling salted water till done; drain well. Combine next 5 ingredients in a large serving bowl. Add pasta and toss well. Sprinkle over salt and freshly ground pepper. Toss in Parmesan to taste.

Check out last week's recipe...Easy Key Lime Pie...for a great dessert to add onto this meal!

Linking up to Tasty Tuesday this week.