Summer Bucket List 2016

July 20, 2016July 20, 2016 Caitlyn1 Comment

Lately I’ve seen a few blogs with lists of things to try to squeeze in before summer is over. I just keep thinking–but friends, we’re only about a month in! And while I am a bit late in posting this year’s Summer Bucket List, I have a great excuse: I moved countries AND I have a baby. Forgive me? 🙂 Summer Bucket List 2016 I like making seasonal bucket lists because they help me remember the fun things I do over the seasons. They remind me to do more and to try new things, too. This is my 4th Summer Bucket List on the blog, and each time I’ve made one I’ve tried to add some things I know I’ll do with a reminder (though it doesn’t seem like eating s’mores should need a reminder!), as well as some things I hope to try/do. This year’s list has some tried and true things to check off, like making the watermelon rind pickles enjoyed at the Pretentious Tea Party again or going to the beach and grilling. It also has new things, like lots of fun stuff with our Lily (we’ve already finished the summer reading program at our local library!) and attempting to replicate amazing choux cream pastries I had at my favorite bakery in Japan.

Despite posting my list after summer already started, I have started checking things off. I’m looking forward to sharing my summer adventures with you, but in the meantime, what are some fun things you’ve got planned?

xx Caitlyn

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List: A “Pretentious” Tea Party

July 26, 2014August 4, 2014 Caitlyn4 Comments

Earlier this week, some lovely ladies got together at my house for a “pretentious” tea party. I am so excited to share pretty pictures from the event with you!

First off, allow me to introduce the guests! Left to right above: Me, Amanda, Caitlin and Tia.

Also present (and behind the camera of many of the photos): Ariel!

Next up, take a look at our pretty spread! Amanda brought most of the fine dishes and decor for the party, Caitlin brought the elegant flowers, and everyone contributed to the delicious food and tea.The food: Lemon bars, tea brined chicken, cranberry feta salad, pickle wraps, fruit salad, tartlets, coconut macarons, watermelon pickles, and vanilla orange biscotti. The tea: Blueberry Green, Amazon Lemon (green Yerbe matte), French Breakfast, and Moroccan Mint.

Are you drooling over how delicious this looks? I know, I was too. Please just pat your lips delicately with a napkin so we can keep up the pretense, okay? Hello, dessert. (You may remember Dame Eyola’s Lemon Tart? That recipe is nearly identical to the lemon bars I made. Oh, and remember when Ariel made similar coconut macarons before?) I was pretty happy with my tartlets as that was the first time I made pie crust from scratch. It was surprisingly easy! Caitlin was responsible for the delicious biscotti, which paired wonderfully with the French Breakfast tea. Tartlets and watermelon pickles

After lots of talking, laughing, and eating, we all teamed up for clean-up time. We were able to get everything put away in no time (though that could have to do with the fact that we gave up on manners after about five minutes and started indulging in food like no one was watching, hence leaving little food to put away!).For a perfect end to the evening, we headed to Odd Side Ales for a beer. How we had room in our tummies after that delectable meal is something of a mystery, but you know how I love a good beer. What a successful evening!

Have you ever attended a tea party? What is your favorite dish for tea party events? (Check out my pinterest board for other tea party ideas in the future!)

Take care darlings!

xx Caitlyn