See these two?

My sweet, sweet puppies when they were actually puppies.

(Stella at about 3 months, and Milo 5 months)

A month later.

And yes, that’s an entire roll of toilet paper.

And here they are in April of this year headed to a crawfish boil appropriately attired.

I know I’m biased, but good gracious they are the cutest little things.

Milo turned one at the end of May.

And Stella is right behind him turning one in July.

Time seems to be flying with these two little fur balls!

I decided to host their birthday pawty in between their two birthdays.

Want a peek at their theme?

Stella & Milo’s Barkery!

And of course….there was an apron involved.

How could there not be?!

For the record, I’m not one to go over the top for every single dog birthday. Not because I don’t love my dogs or think there’s anything wrong with that, but most will be simple, quiet celebrations with just us and some pupcakes being thankful for sharing another year with them.

But just this once, on their very 1st birthday, I got a little carried away.

I used the same photographer who did my Lucy’s pawty and I cannot wait to show you what she captured.

By far one of my most favorite (human or dog) parties to date!

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Have I got something sweet for you guys!

A while back, I did an apron makeover on one of Captain Leisure Tees super fun aprons.

I ruffled it. I added pockets. Gave it a fun flower pin. You know….I Aimee-fied it.

Here’s a refresher for that apron:  Body By Buttercream

So when the company contacted me and told me I could play with some more aprons, I got so excited!

I chose the Make Cookies Not War.

I’ll be honest, I liked the pink and brown color combo. And that peace dove holding a spatula? Too cute.

So, in true Aimee form I added a colorful ruffle.

And then…I did something unusual.

I added a matching band to the straps.

And I sort of fell in love with those straps.

You know what else I did?

I made some matching cookies. Because after all, the apron says “make cookies”.

Easiest cookies ever.

1 box of sugar cookie mix.

Bake and let cool.

Mix 2 1/2 cups of confectioners sugar, 1/4 (and then a little more) water, 1/2 tsp of almond extract.

Whisk together until completely smooth & slightly runny.

Dip your sugar cookie face down into the glaze.

Sort of swirl the excess off.

Then sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle some sprinkles or some pink nonpareils like I did.

That’s it. All done.

And now for what you really want.

To get your hands on that apron so you can make cookies of your own in it!

Well, here ya go:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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This past Friday night I spoke at the Central Louisiana Startup Weekend event.  I was asked to share my unusual story into the world of becoming an entrepreneur.

I really didn’t think I’d get nervous.

I mean, I can talk to a rock if necessary.

I made a fun little PowerPoint documenting my journey.

I practiced what I wanted to say.

Rehearsed the advice I wanted to give.

Even made mental notes of the encouragement I wanted to provide.

Then, BAM!

My brain decided to wing it instead, and who the heck knows what I actually said.

As I took my seat back in the audience, the  attorney sitting next to me and one of the event’s business coaches, Mr. Fred Jones commented “Aimee, you seem like a real go getter. I really enjoyed your presentation”.

Exhale.

Perhaps I made sense after all.

Via

Ya’ll, the room was full of budding entreprenuers with the most amazing ideas I’ve heard in a long time.

They were vying for a prize package worth $10,000 of branding, business coaching, web design and they seriously brought their A-game.

From a VIP sports event concierge , to an organic bakery, to some Kambucha tea to some Mexi-Cajun seasoning I can’t wait to get my little hands on, the ideas were abundant.

I was truly inspired by the attendees and the passion they brought to the event.

As I wrapped up my presentation, in true entrepreneur “spirit”,  I shared with them the next step in this little journey of mine.

I have worked on this project for awhile now and to see it beginning to take shape is truly worth the fear, the research, the financial investment, and more importantly the heart and soul it has taken to propel it forward.

Want a peek at the marketing?

I worked with Kori from KoriClark.Com on the new packaging.

 I needed it whimsy and fun, yet sophisticated and professional.

Kori is well known for her hand drawn illustrations, and I am beyond thrilled with what she created for this new adventure of mine.

So, what’s KITCHEN SPIRIT all about?

It’s about me stepping outside my comfort zone.

It’s about letting go of doing everything myself.

It’s about me answering the call to GROW.

It’s about expanding the LSU chevron aprons to include more monograms and polka dots for one….

But it’s more than that.

So. Much. More.

It’s about expanding the LSU apron style to other SEC schools.

Alabama, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, S. Carolina, Auburn, Texas.

Ole Miss made the line up too, and it might be one of my favorites. Sssshhhh…..

It’s about more monogrammed table runners.

It’s about hand chosen coordinating products from vendors I admire to compliment the aprons and runners I’ve become known for.

It’s about bringing the “spirit” of a tailgate into your home.

It’s about hosting the most fantastic watch party with handmade, high quality products at your fingertips.

It’s about giving the spirited fan…..more.

I’m so excited to share KITCHEN SPIRIT with you guys.

Soon, soon, oh so very soon!

PS: Look for a launch party announcement in early July.

PSS: I’m going to go ahead & use this post as our Monogram Me Monday item!

Happy Monday!!!

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Ya’ll, it’s  finally ready to go!

This fun little idea I had of creating a community around a frilly little vintage-ish eyelet apron, and the most scrumptious recipes you’ve got.

Graphic: Designs by Nicolina

I’m providing the apron, a recipe binder, and I’m even including some matching recipe cards!

Ever seen the movie Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants?

This will work the same way!

Let’s take a moment and marvel at the apron shall we?

Why yes, you’ll get a flower pin to play with too.

That’s linen and eyelet lace, ladies.

You excited as I am?

I’ll send the first person on the list a box full of “traveling goodies”.

Along with the apron and recipe binder, I’ll send two copies of my 3 favorite recipes.

One set goes into the binder for everyone to enjoy.

One set is for my person to keep.

My person will then have 2 weeks to twirl in the apron, perfect her recipes, and then send the traveling box on its way.

She will also choose 1 of the 3 recipes that is her absolute favorite, and email me a copy to be featured here on the blog.

That’s right. I’m going to make everything you ladies are dishing out, so make it yummy!

Be creative!

If you live in the South, include Southern recipes.

Live in the North? Include something us Southerners may have never tried.

Got a favorite family recipe? I’d love for you to share it!

Once the signup has ended, everyone will receive from me your expected date to receive your box, your travel buddy (who you’ll send your box to), and the downloadable file for the recipe cards.

Got fancy recipe cards of your own? Use them and show off!

Now, you’re probably thinking this is great and all but what if I don’t want to part with the apron? What a tease Aimee is!

Or, I was first on the list so there weren’t many recipes for me to benefit from.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Apron participants will have the ability of purchasing their very own traveling apron for half price (details coming soon) as a special thank you for playing along.

And, even better…..Once the binder returns to me safe and sound, I’ll be compiling ALL the participant recipes and sending each & every one an individual copy.

That’s right- Sisterhood of the Traveling Apron, A Collection of Recipes- Volume One will be in e-book form.

SQUEAL!!!!!

You’re gonna be famous, honey.

Ok, well maybe just to me. But seriously FAMOUS!

As fun as all this sounds, please, please, please do not sign up if you feel that you cannot fulfill the obligations set forth.

You will need to share recipes.

You will need to email me one recipe.

You will need to mail the box to your partner in a timely fashion.

If you drop the ball on mailing the traveling goodies, you’ll let your partner down.

You’ll let me down.

Doggone it, you’ll let the entire Sisterhood down.

So be a good sister.

Sign up here:

******UPDATE: Volume One of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Apron filled more quickly than expected. Even with TWO aprons traveling, volume one is COMPLETELY FILLED.  Thanks so much for your interest! *********

The first Sisterhood is limited to residents of the United States only.

I’ll accept signups through the weekend, and will remove the form on Monday, June 3rd.

If for some reason a zillion people sign up and we extend beyond 2013 traveling, I’ll implement a waiting list.

The goal is to have the binder back to me by New Year’s.

Welcome to the Sisterhood, it’s nice to have you here!

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One year ago, I said goodbye to my dear sweet Lucy.

Photo: Mark Eric Weddings

One year ago,  I realized how truly unprepared I was to deal with her loss.

One year ago, I wrapped myself in tears and tuned out most of the world.

She was gone. Unexpectedly.

And there was nothing anyone could say or do to comfort me.

One year ago, I  forced myself to be open to the idea of owning another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, despite knowing all too well the life threatening conditions they potentially face.

I frequented a local breeder,and friend’s home for “cavalier cuddle time” to get me through.

I wrote about it here.

In the three short years we owned Lucy, she provided more love than we could ever imagine.

More loyalty than we ever deserved.

More laughter than our smiles could handle.

But most of all, she taught us to live life as fearlessly as possible.

To not hesitate nor place limitations on yourself.

To play hard and love fiercely.

Lucy left behind a void so large, it has taken two Cavaliers to even come close to replacing her (my thoughts of merely “replacing” a dog later).

That tri-colored in the above picture? That’s Ace.

Little did I know at the time, that his little mis-marked black and tan offspring would become my sweet, sensitive Milo.

And two months later, spunky little Stella would travel across the country to join our family.

My love for these two little fur balls is intense.

Each have their own little personalities, quirks, and individual endearments.

Photo: Lida Matthews Photography

But these two don’t “replace” my Lucy.

They do, however,  provide me the opportunity to hold onto the happy memories of her and release some of the hurt.

I’m sure people find it odd that Stella & Milo’s dog bed  has Lucy’s name on it.

But there are some things that I refuse to part with.

I consider it Lucy’s little way of welcoming the two into our hearts.

I will always, always have moments when I cry my eyes out over not having her here.

Moments I see how close Stella & Milo are and regret that for her.

And moments that I feel downright robbed for the short little life she led.

But that little dog touched more people in her 3 years, than many people do in a lifetime.

She will forever be in our hearts.

So, this year as we prepare for our weekend activities that last year were cancelled I am counting my blessings for Stella & Milo and remembering the happy times with Lucy.

I miss you my sweet, sweet Lucy Goose.

Photo: Lacey Rabalais Photography

PS: I realize there are shelter dogs without homes.  I donate my time, efforts, and money to several of their causes. So before you comment that I should’ve considered a dog without health concerns, please be sensitive. Until you have owned a Cavalier, you have no room to judge another person’s desires. Thank you.

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Have big plans this Memorial Day weekend?

The husband and I have a bit too much on the agenda this weekend, but I’m always one to try to make it all work.

For starters, it’s the Bayou Country Superfest weekend. I’m not a huge country fan but I do love Lady Antebellum and am most excited about seeing them.

It’s also the weekend for the annual Jambalaya Festival and I’m not one to pass up sampling jambalaya’s from the competition cook off.

Add an extra day for barbecuing and acknowledging our military and you’ve got one packed weekend!

If you find yourself juggling multiple events this weekend and need a simple, quick, delicious color coordinated cocktail, then may I propose this:

Hawaiian Punch Infused Pina Colada in less than 2 minutes.

(minus the actual freeze time)

Begin with a ready made, alcohol included individual sized pina colada package.

Then add a SMALL squirt of Hawaiian Punch Water Enhancer. I used Fruit Juicy Red.

Why small? This stuff is potent and I say small squirt because otherwise you’re going to have really, really red lips.

Swirl, swirl, swirl.

If you want to go the extra mile, freeze some mini ice cubes in your Hawaiian Punch flavor, and drop those into your glass too.

Add a coordinating straw.

Maybe make some Hawaiian Punch Berry Blue Typhoon flavored Pina Coladas to match your monogrammed gingham cooler.

And if you’re not into the adult beverages this Memorial Day, just pack some matching vintage jars in your gingham cooler.

You’ll sure look snazzy.

And can we chat about this gingham cooler I scored at Target for a whopping $3?

That’s right, people.

Three dollars.

Even if you don’t have access to an embroidery machine, and you paid someone $6 or so to put your initials on it  that’s still a really inexpensive gift and/or addition to your summer.

In Louisiana, one is not caught dead without a cooler.

It’s H-O-T-T here already.

Hot with 2 t’s.

PS: Target had yellow gingham too! But not the Target by me. I bought all the red & yellow gingham they had.

Sorry, friends. But one knows a good deal when she sees it.

Have an incredible weekend!

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Want to know a secret?

The Southern Craft Academy will be hosting a PIE-jamma party!

I’ve wanted to throw a PIE-jamma party ever since I spotted Sandy from Firefly Confections rocking pj pants with actual pies on them.

And since one of our sessions at Southern Craft Academy will include my infamous DIY ruffled capri pj pants, I found it only appropriate that we incorporate the pies.

I mean we’re already having a slumber party.

With fantastic pj pants.

Include some pie, and we’re golden.

You know what else we’ll need?

Pie pops.

That’s right. Little pies on sticks.

Lucky for the Academy, I took it upon myself to test out my pie on stick making skills.

Not bad for the trial run.

Of course, there will be actual pies.

And other super fun surPIEses.

Get it? Sur-PIE-ise? I crack myself up sometimes.

I don’t want to have to say I told you so, but if you aren’t coming to Southern Craft Academy in August you’re probably going to want to get your booty on the Spring 2014 waiting list.

Like now.

I am having way too much fun with the planning process and cannot wait to share my state with the 12 ladies comprising the inaugural  Southern Craft Academy.

Ya’ll, it’s going to be FABULOUS.

PS: For a tutorial on how to make these little lovelies without the pie making apparatus, I referred to Bakerella’s Easy As Pie Tutorial.

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Ya’ll, I completely missed Monogram Monday yesterday.

I don’t think anyone noticed, but if you did….I’ll make up for it later in the week!

Life is just so darn crazy right now.

Crazy, but full of some great opportunities.

Crazy, but thrilling over a shop expansion and bringing someone new onto the team soon.

Crazy, but exciting with fun summertime partnerships.

Crazy, trying to get our house prepared to place on the market and one step closer to obtaining our dream home.

Crazy, and beyond blessed that I’ll be SPEAKING in front of a group of entrepreneurs in a couple of weeks to share my story.

See? Crazy.

In the midst of the craziness, my father in law coordinated a special lunch for my mother in law this past weekend to celebrate Mother’s Day.

I was in charge of the dessert.

I’ll be sharing the dessert soon, but in case you’re wondering I made a Butter Pecan Cake with Brown Butter Frosting and Candied Pecan Topping.

Sinful.

And for the lady who has everything, I decided to make her something this year rather than shop.

A fun little ruffled linen fabric tea towel with Mason Jar applique in the ever so popular shade of vintage blue.

A tea towel with delicate ruffles.

A ruffled tea towel that she won’t spot in a big box retail store.

Have I told you lately how much I love ruffles?

I love them a lot.

And vintage blue jars with antique keys?

I love those a lot, too.

It just so happened that my stationery matched, too.

Thank goodness I purchased enough linen to make myself one or two or ten.

I hear Ball Jar Co. will be coming out with additional colors.

I’m going to need one in each color. Yep. I can see it now.

See you tomorrow for a Southern Craft Academy sneak peek!

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It all started last weekend when I was at the cutest kitchen shop in Savannah, GA- Kitchens on the Square.

I spotted a Louisiana shaped cookie cutter and needed it in my life even though I had no idea that I would actually make Louisiana shaped cookies. I mean I like my state and all, but come on.

If you follow me on Instagram, you already saw this photo.

 So I had the cute little cutter without any real purpose until……

I learned the new family who moved in two houses down, did so from Texas.

I remember how I felt when entering a new neighborhood, and how much it meant to have fresh bread brought over so I wanted to do something similar for these folks.

So I thought, I’ll make them some Louisiana cookies with my Louisiana cookie cutter !

 I added some Tabasco sauce to give the gift some spice.

Did you know that the McIlhenny Co, makers of the renowned Tabasco sauce is located on Avery Island, right here in Louisiana?

I’m an affiliate for them, and will be sharing a tour of how the secret sauce is made in a few weeks.

The tutorial for the lacy burlap runner can be found here:  Lacy Burlap Runner How To.

They got one of those too.

I posted a picture of the cookie yesterday, and within 10 minutes I received the most fabulous file in my inbox from Magnolia Creative Co.

It is EXACTLY what my gift needed to tie it all together.

 Add some cellophane and raffia, tie it all together and voila!

A sweet little Welcome to Louisiana gift for the new neighbor’s door step.

Do you gift your new neighbors? If so, what do you give?

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I’ve been seeing the monogrammed sun hats everywhere, and each time I talk myself out of one, another one will pop up and make me reconsider.

And such was the case this past weekend as women across the South celebrated the Kentucky Derby.

Here are some of my favorite monogrammed sun hats that you may have seen me pin on Pinterest:

The floppy hat with flower  is from Tiny Tulip and I’ve currently got my finger on the order button. It just screams fun!

These ladies are representing KT Merry.

Nothing was linked on Pinterest for source, but a quick search seems to possibly belong to KT Merry Photography. However, when I searched monogram hats- I got nothing. It’s a fabulous photo.

This one from Shop LaRoque had me literally run to my fabric stash and double check that I had shantung silk on hand.

Why yes, yes I shall be whipping myself up a monogrammed sash for my floppy sun hat.

Once I find myself a floppy sun hat that is.

And then, as if I need any further validation that I “needed” a monogrammed floppy sun hat in my life.

This happened.

My friend and fellow Southern Craft Academy founder,  She’s Kinda Crafty hosted the most precious Derby inspired party for her daughter Piper’s birthday and what’s that I spy? They’re all wearing those darn monogrammed sun hats!!!

And do they not look stinkin adorable doing it?

It’s official. I’m ordering one.

And making myself a sash for another.

Why have one floppy hat, when you can have two?

A girl needs options.

Happy Monday!

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