Mim's Fruit Tea

When I was growing up, my grandparents, Mimmy and Pop, had a back fridge in their utility room stocked with any kind of coke you could think of and my Mimmy's famous fruit tea. Since my parent's never really kept anything other than water and milk in our house, it was always a special treat when visiting them. Of course, the fruit tea was always my favorite. I recently co-hosted a bridal shower for one of my best friends, and I knew I had to get the recipe for the shower. This recipe is too delicious not to share, and it will be a perfect addition to your fridge during these hot, humid summer months!

Mim's Fruit Tea

Makes 2 gallons

6 Lipton regular tea bags

handful of fresh mint

2 cups sugar

1 12oz can lemonade concentrate

1 12oz can limeade concentrate

Fill a medium saucepan with water. The amount of water does not matter to brew the tea. Add tea bags and mint to the water and place on the stove on medium heat. You want to brew the tea until the water is about to boil, around 15 minutes. Discard the mint and tea bags. While the water is still hot, add two cups of sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the lemonade and limeade. Split the tea into two one gallon jugs and fill the jugs with cold water. The tea is best if you make it 1-2 days before serving. Enjoy! 

California Dreaming

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Hooray for vacations! In a couple weeks I will be going to California, and I can't wait. I will definitely be ready to leave the hot and humid south for the amazing California weather I have been hearing about. Here are a few things I'd love to pack in my suitcase.   

Peach Season

Peach crisp is something my family makes every summer. This family recipe started out as an apple crisp recipe from my great great grandmother, but when I was growing up, my mom started making this recipe using peaches instead of apples. The peaches and the streusel topping are the perfect combination for a summer dessert. I recommend serving warm with vanilla bean ice cream. You might even lick the bowl, trust me.

Peach Crisp

2 cups fresh peaches (I used about 12 small to medium size peaches)

3 tablespoons flour

⅓ cup sugar

½-1 teaspoon cinnamon depending on how much you like

Mix together and place in a 9x13 pan sprayed with non-stick spray.

Topping 

2 cups oats

1 cup sugar

½ cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons butter

Mix throughly. Press over the peaches. Bake 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees until the topping is golden. Enjoy with vanilla bean ice cream!

Now Open!

For the past couple of months, I have been making invitations and posters for friends and family.

I decided I could open a shop with some of the things I had made,
so I finally sat down one afternoon and opened my Etsy shop.

I am so happy Sweet Tea & Sparkles is now open!

Back Again

Where have I been??

These past couple of months have been filled with weekend trips, 

working on new projects (more info soon!), and enjoying the warm summer weather. 

I got to spend a weekend in Knoxville visiting friends 

and going to the Old Smokey Moonshine Distillery

My first NBA game visiting one of my closest friends in Memphis

The newest addition to the family!

 The beautiful streets of German Village in Columbus

Home sweet home

                                                                                                                                    

DIY Polka Dot Vase Inspired by Kate Spade

I am a sucker for polka dots, so when I saw this Kate Spade 'larabee dot' vase at Nordstrom I was in love. I have been wanting to try glass etching, so I thought I would try making my own. I had originally planned to use contact paper as the stencil, but I found this tutorial on A Beautiful Mess using reinforcement tabs. GENIUS!  

Supplies:

Clear vase (I got mine for $5.99 at T.J. Maxx)

Glass etching Cream

Reinforcement tabs 

Paint brush

Gloves

How To:

1. Clean the vase with soap and water to remove any fingerprints or smudges.

2. Place the reinforcement tabs around the vase. Make sure there aren't any bubbles for the etching cream to seep under.

3. Glass etching cream is pretty corrosive so wear gloves! Apply a thick layer of cream inside the tabs. Allow the cream to set for 30 minutes or as long as the directions indicate. 

4. Rinse the vase under warm water to remove the cream and tabs. 

5. Admire the beautiful etching!

Wishlist: Office Accessories

notebooks // flower vases // desk calendar // desk cubby // pin board frame // 

pencils // clock // address stamp // polka-dot pouf

I have a desk in my room but I can't remember the last time I used it for more than a place to pile my clothes. I couldn't take the clutter anymore, so I put my organizational skills to work and cleared everything off. Once I add some pretty accessories, it will be the perfect working space.