Desperately Seeking Gina

Sign Up for the DSG Newsletter

Patriotic Flameless Torches

These star spangled patriotic flameless torches are extemely fun to make and they make an excellent kid’s activity or even a sparkler alternative! They’re simple and easy enough for kids to make, too, with a little help with the cutting. I love projects that use simple and easy-to-find supplies and this craft checks off those boxes. They can be found in most party and dollar stores. Of course, you can always order online as well. Sometimes that’s just easier than getting out and hitting up multiple stores, #amiright?

**Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links meaning if you click and make a purchase, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclosure policy for more info**

Patriotic flamelesstorches made out of paper cups and paper straws.

How cute would these be for a night out at the local fireworks display instead of sparklers? Super cute, I say!

[Read more…] about Patriotic Flameless Torches

Summer Playlist for Feelin’ Good

I’ve never officially declared a summer song or created a summer playlist. There was that one summer when Thom and I loved Somebody That I Used to Know by Goyte. We cranked that up even though it’s not actually a “feel good” kind of song.

And then there was the summer I couldn’t get Call Me Maybe outta my head. I still love it, hence the addition to my 2018 list.

Summer Playlist for jammin' all summer long.

To be completely honest, I don’t listen to music on a regular basis. I’m not one to have it playing as I read or peruse the internet. Mostly I associate music with cleaning or driving. This summer I’m going to change that.

[Read more…] about Summer Playlist for Feelin’ Good

Balsamic Tomato Salad

Every year I am astounded by our basil crop. And, by “our,” I mean Thom’s basil crop. Balsamic Tomato Salad may be my creation, but the real star of the show is Thom’s basil. Year after year he grows the best basil. So much of it, in fact, that we wind up not using as much as we should. Looking back through my recipes, I have only two basil recipes that stand out: Basil Pesto (SO SO GOOD) and Basil Sorbet (an interesting but SUPER refreshing use of this voracious herb).

**Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you.**

Balsamic Tomato Salad

Definitely let this balsamic tomato salad marinate at least an hour before serving. The flavors meld so nicely and the mozzarella softens to just the most lovely texture and soaks up all that balsamic goodness!

[Read more…] about Balsamic Tomato Salad

Pepperjack, Corn, Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers

Culinary confession: I’ve never had stuffed peppers. I’ve always enjoyed looking at them on food blogs and in magazines but I’ve never taken the initiative to make my own stuffed peppers.

Until now. I’m so glad I finally did. I always imagined making them to be time consuming and a long, drawn-out process. But, with so few ingredients and working in stages, these come together quickly and easily. (Not that long and drawn out isn’t a great way to cook. My Vegetable Lasasgna is amazing, if I say so myself. And, I do.)

**Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links meaning if you click and purchase, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you.**

Pepperjack, corn, brown rice stuffed peppers

Love these stuffed peppers as a side dish, or served as a meal with a side of chips and salsa.

[Read more…] about Pepperjack, Corn, Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers

Farmhouse Inspired Mini Crate Shelf

This farmhouse inspired mini crate shelf is a testament to slowing down and learning new techniques, learning to enjoy the process, and gaining patience for DIY. My normal go-to when doing any paint project is to hand it off to Thom. He loves the process. He loves the prep. And, he’s great at it. How will I ever learn to do it myself if I’m always handing it off? Right? So I’m putting this out there; I will learn to enjoy the process from start to finish. This mini crate shelf was a good stepping stone.

••Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Oriental Trading and contains affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

DIY Farmhouse Inspired Mini Crate Shelf to display farmhouse style decor

I found that breaking the steps down into manageable chunks made the painting process less stressful.

[Read more…] about Farmhouse Inspired Mini Crate Shelf