Best Bardot Styles for Summer

I know the off-the-shoulder cut doesn’t immediately register as a look most of us want to rock, but it’s actually more flattering then you think, especially when the silhouette is loose and blousy. Here are some of my favorite takes on the bardot style for the summer of ’16 (and I’m working on a DIY too)…

Love the longer ruffle on this one: Tennessee Dress from The Reformation.

Eyelet balcony off-the-shoulder top in mystic yellow from Madewell

This bright red is ballsy and I love it: Piper Bogo Embroidered Off Shoulder Romper from ASOS.

I don’t love the drawstring waist on this (not great with my large chest), but it would look adorable on many: Embroidered indigo mercado dress also from Madewell.

Love this low-cost version: Off-Shoulder Tie-Belt Dress for Women from Old Navy.

Love the color on this one: Embroidered Bardot Dress from Topshop.

I love florals on black, so I love this Retro Bardot Frill Off-The-Shoulder Top from Topshop.

I love some stretch. Just cause we are curvy doesn’t mean we can’t go off-shoulder. Get out your best strapless bra and rock this one: ASOS Curve Bardot Romper from ASOS.

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Summer is Upon Us

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This is where I would typically share about being nervous regarding school ending and the terror of keeping my kids busy for the next three months but for some reason, this year, I’m all about Summer. Aside from those induced by Quinn’s plan to be home schooled,  by me, every day, the entire Summer, I have had no episodes of extreme anxiety. I mean really, I would be the worst homeschooler ever. She will soon see.

I do however, excel at lazy days by the pool and the occasional craft project. Here are some of my favorites from Pretty Prudent that are sure to delight the young and old. It’s going to be a great Summer. Don’t worry. I promise.

https://www.prettyprudent.com/2016/03/entertaining-food/how-to-build-a-campfire-cookies/

https://www.prettyprudent.com/2011/08/baby-kid/how-to-make-a-gods-eye-2/

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The Best New Outdoor Toys for Summer

Here all the toys Scarlet has or wants for this summer. Well, one of them is for me. That first one. I want a giant inflatable pool swan, which I can get on Amazon. But, for this I really need a pool. I mean, I guess I could sit on it in the yard?

Wet Head Game This game is the follow up to last summer’s crazy Pie Face Game. We have had so much fun playing this one… the squeals from Scarlet every time someone pulls a pin are hilarious! And when someone finally gets all wet it’s hilarious. Find it on Amazon.

Little Monkey Playground Jungle Gym I love this for smaller kids, because you can climb all over it, or with a few towels it makes the perfect fort hideaway. And its only $125 on Amazon right now.

Poof Pop Fly They can play catch with themselves, ha. They stomp the paddle and a beanbag or ball is launched into the air. On Amazon.

Nerf Rebelle Scarlet found one of these for 99 cents at the 99 cent store. It shoots foam darts at stuff, in her case she stacks up paper cups or makes herself targets. She LOVES it. Here is a similar one on Amazon, but seriously go to your local dollar store and see if you can find the 99 cent version.

Triple Water Slide. This one is from H2OGO. We have it and its held up pretty well and is as fun as you can get without having a pool. Find it on Amazon.

I hope y’all have some great fun in your backyard this summer. Any toys you would suggest for my little monkey?

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Happy Birthday Jacinda! Here is your cake.

In honor of Jacinda’s birthday, I made her a cake. No I didn’t… but I made her a post of cakes that she made. She is really good at making cakes.

First here is a perfectly iced cake with our How to Ice a Cake Tutorial. This tutorial was one of our early big hits on the site, it’s really well done and easy to follow. I reference it every time I actually make a cake, which is rare but does happen occasionally. How to Ice a Cake

Here is a tutorial on how to ice any cake with a star tip. This is a great way to get a pro looking cake even if you don’t have mad cake skills. How to Use a Star Tip

This is the cake I know she would want to eat the most: The Smörgåstårta or Swedish Sandwich Cake. Smorgastarta

Here is an ombre petal cake for you Jacinda.

I hope your day is full of New England lobsters and love! Happy Birthday!

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I Freaking Love Tangerines: Pop Edition

These pops would probably be prettier if I tossed some tangerine slices in the molds (like on my Sweet Tea Pops). They would probably be even more delicious with a bit of creaminess and some vanilla, like my Peaches & Cream Pops. But when it comes to backyard tangerines, I guess I am a purist. I like my tangerines straight up, or straight juiced.

Recipe: Juice approximately 2,846 tangerines. This will take approx. 2 hours. Strain the juice several hundred times. Pour it into pop molds. If your juice isn’t sweet enough for you, mix some simple syrup in before pouring into molds. This is our favorite pop mold: Norpro Ice Pop Maker. Soak your popsicle sticks in warm water. After an hour in the freezer, insert popsicle sticks. Freeze for four to six hours, but preferably overnight.

Try some of our other pop-ular pop recipes (har) if you’re looking for something more fancy for a party or BBQ.
Jaime’s Famous Strawberry Basil Balsamic Pop Recipe
Mango Sriracha Popsicles
Cucumber Mint Pops
Blueberry and Honey Wellness Pops
Magical Matcha Green Tea Pops

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Lunchtime Tabouli Recipe

Lunchtime Tabouli RecipeI work from home, or running in and out of my home all day long… which means I eat at home. If I don’t make myself a big container full of something healthy at the beginning of the week, I will eat a bag of goldfish crackers and 8 pieces of cheese for lunch. So on Sundays I will hit up the farmers market and make something healthy and stick it in the fridge, then attack it with a fork on the go throughout the week.

Now it’s spring, which means I want bright flavors and herbs herbs herbs. Here is how I make my tabouli, and eat it all week long. Get my tabouli recipe after the jump… (more…)

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Make Your Own Fine Art Garden Stone

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How to make a garden stepping stone

Hand prints and names forever imprinted in cement are so sweet but why not let your little artist (or your inner artist) turn a garden stepping stone into a work of fine art? They will be so proud to have their handiwork on display in your beautiful yard. Our friends at Ortho® asked us to come up with a project that would compliment the gorgeous green and weed-free lawn that so many of us strive to have, and we knew a chic DIY garden stone would be the perfect touch.

Like most people, I face a constant struggle with weeds in my lawn – dandelions, crabgrass, clover and other weeds that I don’t even recognize. So frustrating! It’s amazing to see how quickly Weed B Gon gets rid of those pesky plants and lets me enjoy my yard without being lured away from the fun by a weed that catches my eye.

Read on for the step by step instructions on how you and your family can create your own Garden Stone.

How to make a garden stepping stone

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Tissue Paper Rosette Letters

Tissue Paper Rosette Sign Scarlet and I were looking for a fun craft to while away an afternoon, and my studio contains massive amounts of tissue paper (we love tissue paper). She’d been wanting to make a sign to put on the door to her room, and I wanted to try a new way of making a tissue paper sign. So, we rolled a bunch of cute little rosettes and made her a beautiful “S”. This project is easy-peasy and turns out so pretty! Let me show you how we made our Tissue Paper Rosette Letter after the jump… (more…)

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