memorial music

Yesterday was Memorial Day, and I simply love this holiday. Perhaps it's that feeling that summer is about to begin. Everyone is outdoors doing some kind of activity. The fireflies are out, there's still a faint spring breeze in the air before the summer humidity kicks in, and everyone is off work and in dandy spirits. The Husband and I are lucky enough to live within walking distance of Flagpole Hill. Each Memorial Day, the Dallas Symphony sets up on the hill to play followed by a fireworks show. Last night around 8, we trudged up there, blanket under arm, and made camp under a towering, leafy oak within perfect view of the bandstand. I peered down the hill and thoroughly enjoyed watching children weave in and out of the crowd with their glow-in-the-dark swords, couples sipping wine and chewing on grapes, and feet bobbing back and forth during the uplifting, patriotic movements of the orchestra. It was lovely.

summer parfait

For my mom's recent birthday party, I whipped up this chocolate-strawberry parfait. It was pretty darn tasty. My sister wanted seconds before we had finished serving everyone. It's incredibly easy and provides a nice, cool dessert for summer. Here's the recipe!

Chocolate-Strawberry Parfait

1 box dark chocolate cake

1 large tub of Cool Whip

1 large can of strawberry pie filling

Fresh strawberries

Prepare cake according to package instructions. Let cool completely. Cut cake into mini squares and place one layer on the bottom of a glass serving dish. Cover this layer with half of the strawberry pie filling. Then put down a layer of Cool Whip. Repeat layers. On top, garnish with fresh cut strawberries. (You will most likely have leftover chocolate cake.) Refrigerate parfait for about two hours before serving.

nursery swoon

Big time swoons for this nursery by Denai Jones at Petunia Pickle Bottom. It is the inspiration behind our yet-to-be-born baby girl's nursery. I abhor most nursery decor (probably because it's usually powder blue or a hideous shade of pink). So I wanted to find something that was more me, yet something that would be soothing for the baby. I've opted for two shades for the walls, "Forest Lichen" and "Bird's Nest." I plan to incorporate mostly white furniture and dress it up with a vintage modern bird theme. The walls are painted, but that's about it for now. I'll post some pics when it's all done! In the meantime, you can gaze at more beautiful photos of my inspiration here.