Are you watching the World Cup?  Can I tell you a secret?  I know nothing about soccer - except that it takes forever and you kick a ball a lot.  Despite that, Mr. Hedin and I have found ourselves watching the games more than expected because of the high level of drama in the players.  They are really phenomenal actors.  Loving that.

Also, since the games are being held in Brazil, it's the perfect excuse for a tropical inspired cocktail.  I mixed mine with coconut, pineapple, and a squeeze of lime.  Ole!

Just like a Manhattan, only on the rocks and with a splash of this

fabby apple juice

!  The absolute perfect drink for toasting dad this weekend.  Cheers to the weekend!

With Father's Day fast approaching, the struggle for what to get for Mr. Hedin wages on.  The dads in my life tend to buy themselves the things they need and aren't interested in excess stuff - thus making gift giving nearly impossible.  Luckily, there is always room at the bar for a new glass - especially when their kids made them.  

Lars helped me make these and they were incredibly simple.  And he is incredibly proud of them.  Which makes this a win win.  Plus, it's a great excuse for a crazy good cocktail {try this one}.  

You'll need

Adhesive Stencil Film

Glass Barware

Q-tips

Glass Paint

Step 1 :: 

Clean glass surface completely

Step 2 ::  

Cut out letter or shape from the adhesive stencil material and adhere to the glass

Step 3  ::  

Lightly apply paint using the q-tip.  Don't add too much!

Step 4  :: 

 Immediately remove the stencil and allow paint to dry.  Follow paint instructions to set paint.  

Simon Pearce decanter

 ::  

custom napkins

 ::  

Mikasa swizzle sticks

Is anything more deliciously summery and Italian than a Negroni?  This week is 

Negroni Week

 so  

find a bar near you

that's participating in the event raising money for great causes across the country.  Don't forget to take a picture of yourself cocktailing and post with the #negroniweek.  

Salute!

This week was our first station party and holy heavens was it awesome.  We had so much fun, drank a little wine, ate a little food and laughed a lot.  I really wanted to share it all with you, but how on earth do you capture an evening of fun?  I decided the best part of the evening was the Instagram images our guests took and a little video of our fun together.  I hope you can join us for the next one!

instagram image from /crawn2160 

instagram image from /supisa

instagram image from /crawn2160

Mr. Hedin and I decided a few weeks ago to try a juice cleanse.  It lasted about a half of a day.  I hated it, he loved it.  The last remnant of our attempt is surprisingly good green drink that I've been having almost daily.  It's especially helpful - for me - when I need to feel more focused, more energetic, and less hung over.

Waring Pro Blender

 ::  

ZICO Coconut Water

Target Highball Glasses

 ::  

Original Recipe from Martha Stewart

 {boozy additions by me}

Martha Stewart's Tuna Nicoise Sandwich

 ::  

Martha Stewart's Ham & Swiss Sandwich

 ::  

Martha Stewart's BLT Sandwich

I adore a picnic.  It's my children's favorite thing to do too.  Sometimes we'll just pack up whatever we've planned on eating for dinner and take it outside.  Something about lounging about on the grass and eating is lovely.  It's part of what inspired me to keep a picnic bag in the basement with a blanket, thermos, and everything else we may need for a picnic {like a wine opener}

How about you?  Do you picnic?  Picnics are a great way to have a family dinner that doesn't feel too fancy.  Also a great way to spend a t-ball/baseball/kite flying afternoon.

Pressed sandwiches are one of my favorite picnic foods.  Martha Stewart has buckets of sandwich ideas.  I made the 

Tuna Nicoise Sandwich

 with fresh fruit and a

Honeydew Aqua Fresca

{hot tip - Honeydew Aqua Fresca is amazing with rum!}

Follow Alexandra Hedin's board Inspired by a picnic on Pinterest.

These items are from the Martha Stewart Collection, exclusively at Macy's and part of the 'American Icons'

Martha Stewart Collection White Wicker Picnic Basket for 2

   ::  Martha Stewart Collection Sea Stripe Picnic/Beach Blanket Bag (not available online)  ::  

Martha Stewart Collection for 'American Icons

' 

Set of 3 Star-Spangled Melamine Nested Storage Containers

)

Product ℅ 

Martha Stewart Collection available exclusively at Macy's

Happy Mother's Day!  What are your plans?  Do you know what you can't go wrong with?  Champagne + fruit.  It's a winner every time.  Toast the mother's in your life with a fabulous glass of sparkles and enjoy the weekend!