Over the weekend my friends and I threw a bridal shower for our best girl Lauren. She and I are both Event Planners and have coordinated our fair share of weddings, showers, next-day brunches, and so on. We know just how dramatic and over-done the whole process can become which is exactly why she wanted a laid-back and non-traditional shower. We followed her instructions carefully and promptly. We forgot about the toilet paper wedding dresses and antiquated gifts while focusing on a day filled with her favorite things. Luckily for all of us that included a Bloody Mary bar complete with Babybel cheese garnishes. 

A Bloody Mary bar was a perfect setup for a late morning bridal shower and will also be a GREAT idea for the upcoming football season. Making drinks to order for friends and family seems like a sure-fire way to miss the whole game, doesn't it? Here on the West Coast those early morning kick-offs require a Bloody Mary or two before other forms of alcohol become acceptable! 

Summertime is my favorite season of the year. I love the warm weather, the long days, and the cool and refreshing foods. Cold ice cream, iced teas and coffees, and ripe fresh fruits at their peak of flavor all speak to my heart and taste buds.

This Cool Watermelon and Cucumber Salad is a unique combination of fresh flavors. Fruit, vegetable, cheese, and fresh mint marry for a refreshing side dish. Make it for yourself or bring a big bowl to share with friends at your next summer BBQ. This salad keeps very well in the fridge and tastes even better after a day or two.