Summer Wedding {{Dressing Little Boys}}

These hazy, hot, lazy days of summer are fine for a night at the boardwalk or a day at the pool when children are clad in swimsuits and play clothes, but what to do when you have a function.  A "casual chic" wedding.

We have a wedding in early August. I'm looking for different options for the boys, because I am certainly not going to put them in suits.  Even if we had them.

Seersucker Shorts in Neon Lime

Navy Striped Silk Bow Tie

White Poplin Shirt

Sea Horse Tie in Blue

Sun-faded Chino Slim Fit in Antigue Linen

Garment Dyed Shirt in Vivid Palm

Finish up the look with pairs of simple, classic Sperry's and a smattering of freckles :)

They shall be bright and sunny!  Most of all, they will be comfortable.  Happy kids, happy parents!

All photos & clothing courtesy of J.Crew.

Right now you can get an extra 30% off of final sale items using the promo code EXTRA30.

Independence Day {Recap}

Island Heights, NJ

Beautiful Porches

Hammock swinging

Heading to the Riverside

Daisies

Patriotic bunting

Spectacular sunsets

All-American kids

Pick your spot

Ice Cream trucks parked on every corner

Here we go!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

Thanks for visiting!

Marinated Mako Tacos w/ Homemade Guacamole {Recipe Swap}

Marinated & Grilled Mako Tacos

½ cup orange juice

2 tablespoons light soy sauce

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

Few twists of the Pepper grinder

1 tablespoon olive oil

Mako Shark (or any firm fish)

Lettuce

Tomatoes

Sharp cheddar

Flour tortillas

Sour cream

Hot sauce

Easy homemade guacamole, see below

Mix first 6 ingredients, add fish, and place in a heavy duty Ziploc bag and stick in fridge.  I marinated the fish for 6 hours, turning a couple of times.

Prep your grill by scrubbing, cleaning and oiling the grill.  Preheat grill...I cooked on medium-high.  My steaks were thick, I grilled the mako for 7 minutes, each side.  Fish will start to flake.  Once you remove fish from the grill, cover with foil and let rest/steam for 10 minutes.

At this time, prep your fixin's:  Shred lettuce & cheese, warm soft tortillas, chop tomatoes and prepare...

Easy Homemade Guacamole:

2-3 Avocados, pitted and mashed

2 tablespoons of Wildtree Guacamole Seasoning, or any Mexican blend

1 cup of Rotel Original, drained

Mix it all up and serve with your tacos.

Back to the tacos....flake fish and mix in a bowl with all of your ingredients.  That's right toss tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and fish in a bowl.  Scoop mixture into flour tortillas, add some guac and sour cream, give it a dash of hot sauce and you have a delicious summer meal.

Thanks to our friends who fish who share the bounty with us!

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful 4th of July holiday!

My poor, neglected little blog

I swear I don't know where the time goes.  June has been a whirlwind of activities.

Never leave home without these ^^^^

Amazing Reggae at Union Landing

Father's Day weekend was spent at the annual an fishing tournament & festivities.  See more here for why we participate it.

Controlling kids on the fly bridge.

Still instagramming OOTD's, if only I could get rid of my mummy tummy & hips :-/

Cousins at the beach

The foreclosure across the street...eerie.  Jimmy the Ice Cream Man can always brighten a dreary day.  The rain and storms have been weird lately, it rains almost every evening.  Florida-esque.

I've been pinning some door inspiration.  Working on a redo of our side entrance, it's looking a bit...ghetto.  I will {hopefully} be posting before's & afters some time in July {bad blogger}

The Summer 2013 Picnic Pal.  Ketchup, relish, 2 kinds of mustard, hot sauce and malt vinegar. Ready at a moments notice

I've been lax in the cooking department as well.  Sticking to easy, weeknight fare.  I'm waiting with bated breath for the Jersey Tomatoes to come in.  At that point, all we will need is a loaf of Wonder bread and a jar of mayo.  

How's your summer?

Thanks for visiting!

Homes I Love...

Sea Girt, NJ ~ Circa 2009

Back to my Friday real estate posts.  The Jersey Shore is full of unique, beautiful homes.  This one is no exception. From the Realtor:

Excellence prevails in this superbly crafted Christopher Rice designed 6B,6.5b spacious home ideally planned for effortless entertaining. Indulge your taste for quality with the endless amenities such as the spectacular gourmet kitchen, marble countertops, custom archways, coffered ceiling, walnut flooring & stairs, mahogany doors & porches, bluestone covered back porch, custom pool, cabana, & mature landscaping. Live life's best moments in this lovely home making memories at the seashore. Enjoy!

This can all be yours for $3,199,000.

Thanks for visiting and have a lovely weekend!

Skinnier Buffalo Chicken Dip {Recipe Swap}

Skinnier Buffalo Chicken Dip

4 Ounces (half block) Neufchatel Cheese (softened)

1 Cup of Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Cup of Reduced Fat Mexican Cheese Blend (I used Sargento)

½ Cup of Hot Sauce (or to taste)

1 T of Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning…dry

3 Cups of Marinated, Boiled and Shredded Chicken

Paprika (optional)

Mix all ingredients well and transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle lightly with paprika, if desired.  Cook in a 350* oven for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. I will also broil for a few minutes if I am serving immediately.

With the Summer season just beginning, this is a lighter appetizer that is less guilty than the full fat version.  Serve with celery, carrots and/or whole wheat pretzel twists. Perfect to serve, or take to, those parties & barbecues!

This is also pairs nicely with the FF version of Spinach Dip.  FF mayo & sour cream, thawed chopped spinach and a packet of Lipton vegetable soup mix.  Mix all, let rest for a bit in the fridge (stir occasionally) and serve in a Pumpernickel bread bowl.

Thanks for visiting!