Ice Ice Baby

Whoever came up with the idea of edible flower ice cubes is a Pinterest genius! My mom and I discovered the idea about four years ago and have been spicing up our cocktails ever since.

Spring is here and I am sure that your foreseeable future is filled with cocktail parties. Get yourself a cute ice cube tray and try these out! They won't disappoint!

Materials:
Ice cube tray
Water
Edible flowers (I got mine from Wegmans)

Create:
Fill 1/3 of each ice cube mold with water.
Add edible flowers.
Freeze for a couple of hours.

Viola!

EASY. CHEAP. DARLING. END OF STORY.

Note: I have included pictures from my 21st birthday party. The flower ice cubes were a huge hit!

Naples Cheat Sheet

Naples, Florida is not a city full of must-see sights. Rather, it is the perfect place to bike, beach, people watch and eat. If you are looking to embrace your inner flâneur and escape the cold, then Naples is for you. I have put together my guide to the top things to do and restaurants to try on your next trip there!

Shop

Island Company

"Quit your job, buy a ticket, get a tan, fall in love, never return." Island Company's linen and outlook on life has made me a serious fan! If you have never been to this store, you have got to go! They have seven stores and one of them is in Naples. The best part about shopping at Island Company is that they have a fully stocked bar. What could be better? 

Address: 1290 3rd St. S, Naples, FL

Website:  www.islandcompany.com

Monogram Goods

If you are as crazy about monograms as me, then you are going to die when you walk into this store. From linens to custom beaded purses, this store has it all. Also, the Weekend Waterford cups are a must-have for the beach.

Address: 378 13th Ave S, Naples, FL

Website: www.monogramgoods.com

Gretchen Scott 

For all you Lilly lovers out there, Gretchen Scott is equally as colorful. She has an amazing assortment of fun patterned tunics, dresses and pants. Worried about bringing your significant other into the shop? Don't be, as there is a man cave with ESPN, couches, and drinks. 

Address: 1300 3rd St. S, Naples, FL

Website: www.gretchenscottdesigns.com

Fish

Book a fishing trip! From Barracuda to Goliath Grouper, Florida fishing charters are so much fun! Tyler, my fiance, and I love to fish when we can find the time. Tyler's brother, Matthew Hunt, is a mate on the Sea Legs, which docks at the Naples City port. If you are looking to book a trip, make sure to checkout Tommy Robinson's website. 

Photo taken with On a Mission Fishing Charters and Captain Wes Bedell

Eat

The Continental

In my opinion, this is the best restaurant in Naples. Although pricey, the ambiance of the outdoor seating, live music, and menu selections make it worth every penny.

Address: 1205 3rd St., Naples, FL

Chops City Grill

Surf and turf with an Asian twist. The presentation of the food and menu variety is fabulous. You have to try the teriyaki glazed sea bass. 

Address: 837 5th Ave S, Naples, FL

Sea Salt 

This is the place for contemporary seafood. The Venetian chef uses 130 different sea salts from around the world to season his dishes. If you are an oyster snob, this is your place. The service at Sea Salt isn't the best, but the food makes up for it.  

Address: 1186 3rd St. S, Naples, FL

Explore

Rent a bike or buggy and ride around the neighborhoods of Port Royal. You will be blown away by the grandeur of the old Naples homes and their perfectly landscaped yards. You can rent a beach buggy or scooter here.

 

Best Coffee Spot: Bad Ass Coffee - The frozen vanilla caramel latte is my favorite. 

Address: 1307 3rd St. S, Naples, FL 

Sunday Night Dancing: Sunset Beach Bar & Grill at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club - Best place to watch the sunset, enjoy libations, people watch and dance (every Sunday).

Address: 851 Gulf Shore Boulevard N, Naples, FL

The Pom-Pom Pillow

POM-POMS! These fluff balls are AMAZING and are so easy to make. I'd have to say that they also pair quite nicely with flamingos! If you have been making yarn pom-poms the old-school way (with a fork), then you need to try the Clover pom-pom maker. It is a game changer!

Pre-warning to my friends with upcoming birthdays, you may be receiving a pom-pom pillow. I've been pumping these things out like crazy. Weirdly enough, making pom-poms is somewhat fun and therapeutic. 

 ONE. TWO. THREE.

My mom got me the flamingo pillow covers for Christmas, but there are a ton of cheap options you can find here. I'm pretty obsessed with this one and this one.

Get Winding:
Step 1: Open the arms of the pom-pom maker.
Step 2: Wind the yarn around one side of arms. You want to wind the yarn liberally to ensure maximum coverage and a full pom-pom. Once complete, close the arm to the center.
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 for the other arm.
Step 4: Cut the wound yarn. Using your sharp shears, cut along the middle of each side. Your pom-pom maker should look like a macaron once you have completed all cutting.
Step 5: Cut a 6" to 8" piece of yarn and tie it in between the pom-pom maker. This will ensure that the pom-pom holds its shape. I suggest making a triple knot.
Step 6: Carefully lift the arms and pull the pom-pom maker apart.
Step 7: Fluff and trim.
Step 8: Using a needle and thread, sew the pom-poms along the edges of the pillow.

I still need to get the correct size pillow insert. I apologize for its wimpy appearance! :)

The Perfect Planter

Despite the recent cold weather, I think it is safe to say that Spring is here! Tis the season for flowers, and picnics, and hikes and CRAFTING, obviously. Which brings me to today's DIY: planters. Break out your old mason jars because I am going to teach you how to make gold leaf planters in a matter of minutes.

Supplies:
Sponge brush
Gold leaf sheets
Gold leaf adhesive
Mason jars (various sizes - I used these for my mini planters)
Clear finishing spray paint

Git-R-Gold:

1. Apply adhesive to the jar with your sponge brush. 
2. Break off pieces of your gold leaf and apply them to the adhesive in various patterns. GET CREATIVE. Use your sponge brush to smooth out the leaf. 
3. Allow the leaf to dry. 
4. Once dry, spray your planters with the crystal clear spray paint. This serves as a protective finish. 
5. Add your plants and you are done!!