Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Black Bean and Corn Salsafrom Elizabeth

Summer is my favorite time of the year to try new recipes with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. One of my favorite summer recipes is for black bean and corn salsa.

This is a recipe that you can get creative with. Sometimes I will dice up an avocado or a jalapeño and add that. You can also get creative with how you serve it. Tortilla chips are great, but I have also eaten it with pita chips, …

 

All-American Eats

BBQ checkered tableclothfrom Elizabeth

We’re all getting ready for the 4th of July with our family and friends, so we wanted to share with you some easy all-American recipes–with some unique spins–to make your holiday even better.

Make your lemonade with a little twist by added some sweet raspberries and blackberries plus fresh mint with this Berry Lemonade recipe.

Try this answer to cure any summer craving with Burger ‘n Fries Foil Pack.

You have to have corn on the …

 

Summer-Themed Centerpieces

summer-themed centerpiecefrom Elizabeth

Summer is almost officially here, so when I recently came across this picture on Instagram, I thought it was perfect to share with our followers!

This fun and colorful centerpiece will be perfect for any summer party you’re throwing. It will add something special to your summer festivities that your inner child will enjoy but will also be classy at the same time.

The sprinkles in the vase are perfect, but more options you could consider would be …

 

Crafting with a Cricut

afternoon snack glassFrom Elizabeth

I have to say, I’m obsessed! My sister in-law purchased her Cricut a couple months ago, and it has been exciting and dangerous with all the crafts and personalizing we can do! I think over the last couple of months, we have cut vinyl for 15 wine glasses, 4 water bottles, 2 onesies, and 1 bathing suit for a bachelorette party in Miami, plus we’ve personalized a mail organizer and a jewelry box. My most recent project has …

 

Mother’s Day is A-Comin’

Mother's Dayfrom Elizabeth

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. With a busy schedule at work over the past few weeks, I’m trying to get ahead of the game and plan Mother’s Day with my mom. Last year, we went to the Fredericksburg Expo Center for their Mother’s Day Brunch. For $35 per person, we had a large selection of food to enjoy plus mimosas. This year, the Fredericksburg Expo Center has brunch times scheduled for 9am, 11am, and 1pm. Most …

 

Stevenson Ridge at Stafford High School

from Elizabeth

I was given the opportunity this month to talk twice at Stafford High School to their students in the culinary arts program. For three classes, the students ranged from sophomores to seniors. Of course, the older students seemed more interested and had more questions, which made the presentation easier for me. I was able to share my event planning experience and advice but also tried to make the class fun and interactive.

I invited past and current brides …

 

Love Lock Tree

love-lock-treefrom Elizabeth

I first saw this for one of my October’s weddings and loved this idea. It’s new and unique, which I think adds to the wow-factor for guests. The couple and their parents engrave a heart-shaped “Lovelock” padlock and, during the ceremony, lock it to the “Tree of Life.” This is one of the most unique ways of uniting families.

As you lock your love, it will remind you the reason you are getting married. Your special lock locks …

 

Snow Paint for Snow Days

snow paintfrom Elizabeth

Try this craft activity with the kids this winter. It’s perfect for a snow day to keep them busy!

This simple recipe, which comes from Growing a Jeweled Rose, makes your snow paint look like REAL snow.

You’ll need:

  • Shaving cream
  • White school glue
  • Peppermint extract
  • Iridescent glitter or buffalo snow

You will want to begin by popping your shaving cream and glue—separately—in the refrigerator. Leave it there overnight, and then make the paint the next morning. …

 

Summer in a Bottle

elderflowerfrom Elizabeth

Recently, we had a wedding that introduced our staff to Elderflower Pressé. The bride was from London and made Elderflower Pressé a “must-serve” at the bar during her reception.

Elderflower Pressé is a soft drink made from hand-picked elderflowers, which get pressed with lemon juice, and spring water, and a little bit of bubbly. When I originally asked, “What does it taste like?” the response was unanimous from the group: “It’s summer in a bottle!”

Of course, when …

 

Gaylord’s ICE! Exhibit

icefrom Elizabeth

If you haven’t seen it yet, there are still a few days left this holiday season to make a trip to the National Harbor and visit the Gaylord ICE! exhibit.

Each year they showcase more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures and slide-down, two-story ice slides. This exhibit is kept at a freezing nine degrees, but don’t worry—they give you a parka to wear while walking around. The theme this year is Christmas Around the World,