Tag Archives | Summer

Healthy Root Beer Float with Zevia

May 7, 2014 · Comments { 4 }

Recently the smart soda company, Zevia asked if I’d participate in a their “Flavors of Summer” campaign. I love Zevia, so it was a hands down yes. In fact, my family and I have been drinking Zevia sodas for years because they taste great and are sugar-free. What makes Zevia sweet you ask? The sweetness comes from the plant-based ingredient stevia – which makes it all natural and zero calories. Because there are no refined sugars or artificial sweeteners, Zevia is a healthier soda and a smart choice.

summertime root beer float table - simplified bee

For the campaign, Zevia asked me and a few other bloggers to create a summertime drink using one of their 15 yummy flavors. I polled my kids and they selected Zevia’s Ginger Root Beer. It’s what we use to create healthy root beer floats – the kids LOVE them. It also inspired me to created an intimate summertime root beer float party for kids.

healthy root beer float - simplified bee

Using a dairy free, coconut ice cream, I added two scoops to a chilled Zevia Ginger Root Beer, popped in a straw and a spoon – that’s it. So simple. It wouldn’t be the “Simplified Bee” if it was a complicated drink 😉

This healthy root beer is a great choice for kids with food allergies or sensitivities because with Zevia and coconut ice cream they can be made sugar-free, dairy-free and gluten free. It would be fun served at a summertime kids’ birthday party because always nice to have a dessert that the whole party can enjoy!

Check out all the other fun drink creations from other bloggers, vote for your favorite on Zevia’s site or Facebook page!

For the decor, I selected a festive southwestern inspired table runner. The beautiful pattern and muted color palette inspired me to create the box and tray. I’ll be covering how I did it in a follow-up post.

And how cute are the compostable wood cutlery with grey stars? Susty Party supplied them and the other party supplies (including the plate below) that are all non toxic, renewable and compostable. Love that!!!

I’ve pinned all of my party images on this Pinterest board. Zevia would like see your own party details and what flavor inspires you the most too! Enter the Zevia Flavors of Summer Pinterest Contest and you may win a $500 grocery gift card.

Can’t wait to see your which flavor of Zevia you choose!

Cristin

*this post was in collaboration with Zevia and Susty Party, but as always my opinions are my own

Read full story By Cristin on May 7, 2014 in Entertaining, Features, Holiday, Parties

Summer Entertaining :: Tablescape with Villeroy & Boch

August 6, 2013 · Comments { 4 }

There is still plenty of summer left for entertaining family and friends and so today I’m sharing a recent tablescape inspired by the warmth, color and bounty the season brings.

orange dinnerware tablescape - Simplified Bee

The beautiful plate with tangerine band by Villeroy & Boch, the creator of extraordinary dinnerware treasured worldwide, was the launching point for the vibrant color palette.

green and orange table setting

For a layered look, the classic plate was placed atop a glazed stoneware in grey. It’s an eclectic look, but it works because the fine platinum trim of the plate is picked up in the grey stoneware and green tablecloth.

The tabletop blooms are simply seasonal garden flowers and succulents that pull together the color scheme. They were arranged in a vintage milk glass vessel well below eye level so they wouldn’t impede conversation flow. I paired the floral arrangement with a bowl of tangerines also in a vintage milk glass bowl.

Hope this little tablescape inspires your next summer dinner party!

Cristin

Read full story By Cristin on August 6, 2013 in color, dining rooms, Entertaining, flowers, product review, tabletop, vintage

Beach Bag Essentials 2013

June 12, 2013 · Comments { 0 }

disclosure: This post contains an affiliate links, which means Simplified Bee receives commission if you make a purchase using this link.

Heading to the beach soon? Me too.

There’s nothing better than catching some rays, reading a book or simply taking in the sights at the shore. Keeping your beach visit relaxing means being prepared for the elements (sun, water, wind, etc.), so it’s important to pack accordingly.

With that said, here are a few fabulous beach bag essentials:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Enjoy!

Cristin

Read full story By Cristin on June 12, 2013 in fashion, Features, Get The Look, Organization

Friday Find: West Elm Summer 2013

March 22, 2013 · Comments { 6 }

Okay, I know. Spring just arrived and I’m rushing you into summer months! But, just had to show you images of what West Elm has in stores now for summer. One trends you’ll see in the collection is the use of vibrant color … from watermelon to lagoon blue there is sure to be a shade you’ll love! Adding a colorful new rug, chair or throw pillow is an easy way to give your home a fresh look for summer.

I’m leading off with my favorite image. I’m in love with these gorgeous silk pillows by Pauline Reyes (below). A native of Mexico City, Pauline’s pillows were inspired by the vibrant colors and patterns in the Talavera pots her mom had in the house.

mexican inspired throw pillows

pink and white paper flowers southwestern inspired pink and whtie rug mosaic tiled coffiee table affordable upholstered daybed sea glass bottles chic embroidered throw pillows