ON VACATION IN SCOTLAND

EILEAN DONAN CASTLE, SCOTLAND - PHOTO CREDIT HERE

This will be my last post for a couple weeks as Mr. Squareview and I are off to Scotland.  My parents & brothers emigrated from Scotland a few years before my birth and most of my extended family still lives there.  Because of the family, I've been several times throughout the years, but this is Mr. Squareview's first trip.  I'm excited to share one of my favorite places with him. As this will likely not be our last trip to Scotland, we decided to just scratch the surface on this go. We'll be spending just a few days in each Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberfeldy.

While its reputation has been improving, Scotland hasn't been well known for its culinary skills.  That said, they do comfort food really well - think FRIED everything.  One of my favorite comfort 'foods' is a pop called Irn Bru.  It is a neon orange disgustingly sweet drink and while there, I intend to consume copious amount of it as you can't really get it in the states.  I'll leave you with this little commercial advertising it. I'd be impressed if you can understand what they are actually saying as there's a lot of slang used, but I think the message is universal.  Enjoy!

MUSIC MONDAY vol 51

Tomorrow, Mr. Squareview and I are headed off for a much needed 2 week vacation.  To give you a little taste of the destination, I give you the musical styling of some favorite local sons.  Big Country with In A Big Country.

FREEBIE FRIDAY: PRINTABLE GRADUATION BUNTING

Happy Friday! Carrying on with the cute and simple graduation party theme from yesterday, I've put together some printable bunting for you.  Each flag is about 5 x 7 inches and will come two to a PDF page for easy printing. Along with the word 'congratulations', this bunting comes with a 'hip hip' and a 'hooray' flags as well as a 2013 flag.

I had intentions of taking photographs for this post, but my those went out the window when my week got away from me.  Instead, I'll leave it up to you to imagine how cute these babies are.  As always, if you use them for your party, I'd love to see pictures!  Enjoy!

PRINTABLE GRADUATION INVITATIONS

Summer is just around the corner and that means that school is coming to an end.  In most cases, college students are already home for break while high school is just about to finish for the year.  For many, that also means graduation time!

I was designing some graduation party pretties the other day and I created this graduation cap for that project.  I got such a kick out of it, I wanted to use it for a freebie downloadable for the blog.

So, without further ado, I give you a simple but cute grad party invite for your downloading pleasure.

As always, if you use this for your celebration, I'd love to see pictures! Enjoy!

MUSIC MONDAY vol 50

My most featured band here on Music Monday, The National, has released a new album - yea!  Definitely check it out.  Love it.

Today, I give you Don't Swallow the Cap.  Enjoy!

WELCOME SIGNS & FOOD TENTS

This air traffic control nonsense is making it challenging to get the heck out of Boston. On a lighter note, I have some cute downloads to share today.

Start the celebration of Mom off right by welcoming Mom with this pretty door sign. Then immediately point her to the goodies with these darling food tents. I hope you all have an amazing weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

(trying to get) ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Headed to Boston for a quick overnight trip and just heard my 3rd flight delay notice. This view isn't encouraging. Wish me luck....

MOTHER'S DAY CUPCAKE TOPPERS & GIFT TAGS

By now it may be obvious that I'm a big fan of creating gift tags and I love sharing them.  I've put these together for you because, quite frankly,  if anyone deserves cute gift tags, it's Mom. Use them for cupcake toppers as well.

Download them below and if you use them, I'd love to see your photos!  Stay tuned for more Mother's Day items on Friday.

HOW GREAT LEADERS INSPIRE ACTION by Simon Sinek

If you've been reading, you know that I'm a big fan of Jess Lively. She posted a set of videos the other day that empower and inspire under the clever heading of Power Hour (as they will take you just about an hour to watch).  I particularly liked this TED Talk by Simon Sinek and thought I'd share.  It puts an interesting perspective on the what, how & why of business planning.  Definitely take a look and make sure you check out the other ones on Jess Lively's site here. Enjoy!

MUSIC MONDAY vol 49

Happy Monday!  Today, enjoy and oldie but goodie from Andrew Bird.  I give you Tenuousness.

CINCO DE MAYO PARTY DECOR - MARGARITA BAR

RITZ CARLTON MARGARITA find it here

Last but not least, we have to take care of the drinks.  Margaritas are of course the drink of choice and this yummy recipe is one your guest will definitely enjoy.

SERVES 4

– 1 3/4 cups Tequila Reposado
– 1/4-cup orange liqueur
– 3/4-cup water
– 3/4-cup Fresh lime juice
– 1 tablespoon lime zest, finely grated
– 2/3-cup sugar

For Rim of Glass

– 1/4-cup course sea salt
– 1 lime wedges per glass

Mix all ingredients in a blender with ice, except limes and salt. Spread the salt on a shallow dish, rub the rims of four margarita glasses with the cut side of a lime wedge, then dip each glass rim into the salt. Shake off the excess. Add margarita mixture to glass, garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

Now that you have the recipe, this simple little 4x6 sign will fit in any picture frame and will point your guests in the right direction for a yummy cocktail.

I hope your Cinco de Mayo party goes off without a hitch.  I'd love to see your party pictures if you use any of the printables.

Happy Cinco de Mayo Everyone!

CINCO DE MAYO PARTY DECOR - FOOD TENTS

Next up, the food! Use these cute food tents to label all you delicious offerings. I've put together some of my favorites for you (carne asade, tortas & tacos, flan and chips & salsa - oh my!).  If your menu plans are similar, great. If not, you can also download blank food tents below.

Yum!  I'd love to hear about your Cinco de Mayo menu favorites.  Enjoy.

CINCO DE MAYO PARTY DECOR - WELCOME SIGN

The party continues! Welcome your guests to the fiesta with this door sign.  Click below to download.