It’s finally Friday, once again. Is it hot by you? It’s been scorching in NJ this week, but I’m not complaining. Hope you have a lovely weekend, and as always, feel free to share your favorite finds from the week in the comments!

1 – Simple DIY for an awesome fringe garland

2 – Beautiful glass lamps

3 – A dark dramatic living room

4 – How to tell if an avocado is perfectly ripe

5 – 8 ideas for a home office

6 – Mid-century modern wallpapers for the design lovers

Maybe I’ve been hiding under a rock, but I had never seen flowers in ice cubes until I saw the first image above on Glitter Guide last week. As you can imagine, I’m newly obsessed and want to make these immediately! They would be the perfect added touch to a bridal or baby shower, a wedding, or just a fun dinner party. And so easy to make. [Image #4 is from Martha, who offers instructions and where to buy edible flowers and large ice cube trays]

Have you ever made floral ice cubes before?

[Images: 1 – 2– 3]

I’m SO excited that Summer is finally here. Well, technically not until 7 pm tonight! It is so unbelievably hot in NJ today – and that’s ok with me. It’s been in the 70s, so it’s nice to have a real hot one – I don’t even care how hot my car will be or how frizzy my hair is going to get once I step outside. I think I’m just excited to relax and enjoy the pool!

Are you excited for Summer or do you prefer the cooler temps?

To curb [or maybe encourage] my excitement for the start of Summer, I rounded up my Summer faves from Pinterest. What reminds you of Summer?

[Pins: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5]

This past Sunday, we had some of my fiance’s family over for a Father’s Day BBQ. Although the weather was a bit chilly, we still had a good time enjoying good food, beverages and conversations while the kids splashed in the pool. For dessert, my fiance’s stepmom brought over this simple papaya salad. This salad contains only a few ingredients, making it a quick and easy fix for a refreshing salad with a quick zing to it. It even keeps well for a few days after – the leftovers just made me the perfect afternoon snack!

Simple Papaya Salad

1 papaya, cubed
2 tablespoons of basil, chopped
Olive Oil
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Peel and remove the seeds from the papaya. (If you need a how-to, here’s a good video!) Cut the papaya into cubes and place into a large bowl. Add the chopped basil. Drizzle the salad with about one or two teaspoons of olive oil, just enough to lightly coat the fruit. If you like a little spice mixed with sweet, add some red pepper flakes and stir the salad to mix it all together. If you prefer to eliminate the pepper, no worries – the papaya is still delicious without!

Given the popularity of cowhide rugs and other animal outlines draped on living room and bedroom floors, it’s interesting to see the look in a different way, as on the comforter of the bed within the first image.

As the throw shown above is a hotel room, I think that it would be more functional in a room like that – or perhaps a guest room. I don’t know about you, but I’d get tired of taking that thing off every night and then rearranging it in the morning!

If you absolutely had to display an zebra or leopard rug or throw, which look would you rather – as a throw on a bed or as a rug on the floor?

Images: 1 – 2

Happy Friday! Do you have anything planned for this Father’s Day weekend? I’m hoping for a lot of sun which means a lot of pool time.

As per usual, here’s the weekly six for this week. What have you found this week worth sharing?

1 – Perfect for save-the-dates or wedding programs – customized couple stamps.

2 – Can’t go wrong with colorful parque floors.

3 – I’ll be testing out these strawberry-basil margaritas by the pool this weekend.

4 – Couldn’t you stare at this art all day long?

5 – These color-blocked DIY coasters add color and sparkle to any room.

6 – I’m dying to go check out this pink lake in Senegal!

Have a great weekend!