Micro-Cement Kitchen Backsplash

I’ve had sleepless nights over our backsplash. What tile, what goes with the countertop I don’t love, but not replacing? Then it hit me I wanted a concrete look. So we went with micro-cement.

We used www.epodex.com and the best part was we applied the cement directly to the current tile backsplash!

It took us 4 days to complete which may seem long but life got in the way and we certainly wanted it to dry properly between coats (2 coats for us).

It’s warm, has texture, and is not overwhelming for a space.

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Cut The Crap Fudge Pops!

Is crap a bad word? Ugh, I hope not because your kids will be shouting for more “cut the crap” pops!

Today’s fudge pops are loaded with garbage and I refuse to buy them so let’s make ’em!

An iconic summertime treat with 6 ingredients.

What you’ll need measuring cups/spoons, a pot for simmering, a blender, and popsicle molds.

Ingredients: Whole milk, heavy cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa, sugar, vanilla

In a pot pour:

2 cups whole milk, 3/4 heavy cream, 1/4 sugar (could substitute with maple syrup), and 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring that to a simmer (do not overheat the milk).

In the meantime add 1/2 semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to blender. Pour warm milk mixture over chocolate chips and blend for a few seconds. when it looks nicely blended pour into molds and freeze overnight.

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Getting Cozy at Four Palms

Though the weather is still hot hot hot here in Sarasota, the need for some Fall decor is a must no matter the climate! My favorite may be the warm twinkling littles at night in both The Lounge and Living Room. The girls love the bats!

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Say Cheese!

Yes, please to cheese! The Artisan Cheese Company in the Rosemary District.is a great little spot. I recommend pairing your board with a crisp Rose or Sauvignon Blanc. I’d say it’s the perfect little spot for a lunch date.

Artisan Cheese Company
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A Slice of Heaven in Sarasota!

One of my favorite places in Sarasota is Selby Gardens. It’s pure magic! When we have visitors The Selby is always on the list of “must sees” and now that they have The Green Orchid by Micheal’s on East you can indulge in a beautiful lunch after a morning of strolling the gardens. One thing you must understand is thereis nothing mundane about these gardens. My husband and kids love a visit! Side note, if you live in Sarasota, Lights in Bloom at Christmas time is unreal (I’ll do a follow-up post on that magic). So take my word for it and make it a point to visit this very special place.

Now to nerd out a bit…The Green Orchid by Michael’s on East is the world’s first net-positive energy restaurant. In addition, the restaurant uses organic produce from the rooftop garden as ingredients in their drinks and dishes…dreamy!

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Swag Bag for Guests!

A little treat to welcome our guests at Four Palms. For my sister’s visit, I went a little kitschy with some quintessential items from our local surf shop. Florida Orange Bubble Gum in the mini carton (takes us back to our childhood vacationing in Melbourne Beach, FL), a Siesta Key koozie for those cold beverages, hydrating water, and animal crackers as a homage to Sarasota’s rich circus history.

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A Very Floral 10th Birthday Party!

With Baby Bowden due any moment it was important for us to celebrate our Hadley turning 10 without going overboard. We kept it sweet and pretty. Flowers, finger foods, and fun! Sometimes ya just gotta keep it simple for your own sanity!

Trader Joe’s flowers all day every day!

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Keep it Simple!

Long story short we had to tear up the flooring in 1/2 the house due to a horrible install so we did a little revamp of the girl’s room. New porcelain tile, fresh paint, and dismantled the bunks! I repurposed the top bunks and wallpapered the foot and headboards. I think the end result is adorable! Fresh and clean!

Paint: Benjamin Moore Pure White

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Take Me To The Tropics Mocktail!

I think I nailed it with this one! The perfect poolside/sun-is-shining beverage! The amounts listed below will make one mocktail, you could easily make 2 by doubling the recipe. I put all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a cup of ice and had a salted-rimmed glass ready to go! Another option is to pour cocktails over ice which is just as nice.

What you’ll need:

3 oz Orange Juice

1.5 oz Pineapple Juice

2 oz Coconut Water

.5 oz Maple Syrup

tbsp Coconut Cream

3 oz Ritual Non-Alcoholic Tequila

1 cup of Ice

Salt for rim

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