We have a ton of fresh basil in our garden, so I’ve been looking for different ways to put it to use. I’ve been making a ton of Strawberry Basil Margaritas, so I thought why not transition that to a salad dressing? Since we’ve been trying to eat more salads, this Strawberry Basil Salad Dressing was a delicious way to switch things up from my normal balsamic and olive oil dressing. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and good for you!

Here’s the recipe:

Strawberry Basil Dressing

4-6 strawberries, quartered
6-8 Basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender. Blend until creamy, or desired consistency. Add more oil or vinegars to taste.

Initially, I started with about 5 basil leaves, but I kept adding more because I wanted a stronger basil taste, so if you want a less basil taste, use less leaves. I served this dressing over mixed greens, grilled chicken, feta and red onion. This was so easy that it inspired me to be more creative with salad dressings, what should I try next?

What about you – do you experiment with your own salad dressings?

Well, the heat isn’t literally on, especially not here in NJ because it is going to be in the high 90s today. Gross!

I’ve mentioned several times in the past that we’re working on fixing up our basement, and this past weekend a few friends came over to help us out. While they were here we started talking about heating up our house and how they have an old radiator that is expensive and doesn’t get the job done that well. So, then because I really didn’t know too much about radiators and all that, I started looking and stumbled upon these electric heaters.

And now I want one! First of all, they aren’t that bad looking, and secondly, you can control them with a remote. [I’m so lazy]

This site offers electric heater advice and electric heater running costs – something I’m definitely going to pass on to our friends. To determine running costs, they actually did a live document of how much it cost per month to heat a cottage and a warehouse.

I can’t say that I ever thought electric heaters could be so interesting – did you? Do you have any experience with electric radiators?

Disclosure

Today marks the opening of the 5th annual Kitchen of the Year from House Beautiful. This year, the kitchen was designed by Mick de Giulio. It can be viewed from July 16 – July 20 in Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

Above are some images taken from a different kitchen designed by de Giulio, which used to be a barn. Mick de Giulio transformed this barn with three stables into a dream kitchen. And although I wouldn’t say that it’s my personal dream kitchen, it does have some beautiful aspects and drool-worthy appliances.

What are your thoughts on this kitchen? Will you be taking a look at the House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year, either online or in person?

Happy Friday the 13th!!

I didn’t realize it was going to be Friday the 13th until yesterday. Hope that doesn’t mean spooky things are coming my way! If that’s the case, I stay shelled up at home with my computer, catching up on some reading. What are your plans for the weekend? Here’s this week’s Weekly Six to keep you at least a little bit occupied!

1 – Did you know you can eat corn raw? Maybe I was living under a rock, but I had no idea. Now that I know, I want to try this Raw Corn Salad to see how it tastes.

2 – How gorgeous is that dimensional mirror? Need one ASAP!

3 – An awesome round-up of 10 classy and refreshing cocktails – I hope I have enough summer left to try each of them.

4 – How magnificent is this malachite bathroom? The neutral colors give it just the right effect.

5 – Thinking of purchasing one of these gold gilded posters for my living room.

6 – I may be living under a rock on this one as well, but here’s a fun DIY to make chalkboard paint in whatever color you desire. I could go crazy with this!

If you have anything to share, please pass it along in the comments!

A few weeks ago, I posted some photos of white hydrangeas around my home. While I love the beauty of the white, sometimes I need a pick-me-up with a round of colorful gerber daisies. Typically, I’m not one for mixing and matching colors; I’ll usually buy the bright pink ones in a single bouquet when they go on sale at the grocery store!

But my dear fiance brought me home this sweet arrangement and the brightness it added to our kitchen fit in perfectly with the happy summer feel you get from being lazy by the pool for a few days!

Do you ever decorate with bright gerber daisies? What colors are your favorites?

You can also use these images as inspiration for your postcard printing design.

Disclosure

I don’t know about you, but I’m totally intrigued by this space. With all of the different flowery and traditional patterns going on, it doesn’t favor the modern side, but there are definitely some prominent elements that do. For example, the shelves and the bright clean colors appear modern to me. And then of course you have the Saarinen chairs and table. But how about that sofa in the living room? The structure is quite contemporary, but the upholstery is not.

So to me, it feels like modern granny chic [I think I just like saying that]. Personally, I love the look of the kitchen because it is more modern than anything else in the space and it is surprising with all of the patterns and trinkets. The living room, however, I could do without.

What about you – do you love the look of this modern granny chic space?

[Images via Desire to Inspire]