Sniffle, Sniffle....Ah-Choo!

For weeks I have been fighting a cold but it seems to have finally caught up with me today. My nose is running and my throat hurts - no fun at all. But what IS fun is finding all of these smile inducing gifts, perfect for cheering up anyone feeling under the weather:

No one likes to take medicine, but it is definitely more appealing to take your antibiotics when they come from this adorable pill case by Sanrio courtesy of Strapya World.

 

Love this card by Good Gosh. A great combination of mixed media and photography.

I also laugh out loud every time I read this card from Wry and Ginger. Their entire line of greeting cards are unique and hysterical. 

Normally I love a good cup of hot tea, but when I am sick it is like an herbal overload. I drink so much of it that it becomes a chore to get another drop down, except for Pearl River's Orange Tea. Not only is the metal container bright and cheerful, but the tea itself smells amazing and has such a refreshing taste that I never get tired of it. 

OMG do I want this tea kettle - The Creativi -Tea. It is a solid white vessel until heated and then the graphics appear on the base. I am in LOVE with the Space Invaders version!

So typically I hate tissue covers. I feel like everyone knows there are tissues there so why try to camouflage it with a crocheted doily? But Nerd Approved has changed my mind with this adorable Milk Carton Tissue Holder.

And finally....

Once you're starting to feel better, there is nothing like a shot of liquor to clear the system, lol. This novelty drink dispenser from Boys Stuff is a reminder of all the reasons to get better soon!

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How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! ~Maya Angelou

Still planning your Memorial Day bash?

Here are some inspirations on what to wear, what to serve and quick and easy ways to decorate.

Meryl Streep, classy and gorgeous as always in a patriotic Catherine Malandrino dress.  

If head-to-toe red, white and blue too much for you, this simple yet stunning leather necklace is a DIY piece of cake. M&J Trimming has a great tutorial that will show you how to put this together in about 20 minutes.

 

Not a do-it-yourself type of girl? Any outfit from a sundress to a pair of old shorts and a tank top looks chic and put together with a great hat. I am especially in love with this floppy striped hat from the Gap.

 

Since Memorial Day marks the start of summer, start it off hot in a traffic stopping, party starting bombshell sundress from Pin-up Girl Clothing.

Now YOU look good, Let's quickly dress your party. 

Photo courtesy of www.Anitaarts.com

The dollar store has hundreds of pinwheels this time of year - snag a handful and place in white or glass containers scattered across the table and you've got a playful centerpiece.

Photo courtesy of faveflowers on Flickr

Glass containers of any type can be found at the dollar store and you probably have some in your house already.  Fill them with alternating layers of any appropriately colored items. Fave Flowers (above) used petals but blue colored candy, rice or white mints and red hots (all available at the dollar store or local grocery store) would work as well.

Whew! All done - now....ready for a drink?

Slash Food introduced me to one of my favorite Americana inspired drinks - the Starfruit and Stripes Daquiri. Visit their site for the recipe for this sweet (and potent) drink and many more. 

Since I am no grill master and I do believe Memorial Day is all about BBQ, I will let someone else blog about the main courses but for dessert, I have a few personal faves:

Cream Cheese Strawberries are delicious and a snap to make. People expect it to be white chocolate so it is a pleasing cheesecake like surprise.  Find the simple steps here.

Photo courtesy of www.Annies-Eats.com

Bake these fresh or use a favorite cheat of mine. Go to your local bakery and pick up plain cupcakes and just top with fresh fruit. No one will know you didn't make the entire thing.

You know you have made Jell-o shots so you know how to do this. Grab a star shaped cookie cutter and some food coloring and go to town.  You can't mess this up.

Have fun and enjoy your weekend. Be safe and I will see you back here Tuesday!