BBQ Cupcakes

With summer just around the corner, I can already smell the delicious aroma of BBQ in the air. Imagine serving these cupcake beauties at your next shindig. Wow!

Burger with all the fixings!

Nothing says July 4th like hot dogs!

Shish-ka-bob anyone?

And what BBQ would be complete without some corn on the cob?!

Photos via flickr

DIY Vanilla Sugar

source

Vanilla sugar is super simple to make, keeps indefinitely and is quite possibly one of the tastiest items you can keep in your kitchen. The aroma is incredible and it's delicious in coffee, when sprinkled on fruit, and can pretty much be used with anything that calls for granulated sugar.

Vanilla Sugar

1 vanilla bean, whole or scraped

2 cups granulated sugar

If vanilla bean is whole, slice down side of bean with back of knife and scrape seed into airtight container with the sugar. Bury bean in sugar & seal tightly with lid. Let sit for 1 to 2 weeks. Replenish with fresh sugar or additional vanilla beans as necessary to make more.

I'm thinking of storing the vanilla sugar in some cool glass jars & giving them as gifts during the holidays. They'd be a perfect hostess gift or go-to gift for unexpected guests. Add a tag or label with the recipe so the recipient can make themselves more when they run out.

Altoid Mini Toolboxes

I posted this awhile back, but with Father' Day around the corner, it's too cute to not bring back. Using Altoid mint tins, create cute little tool boxes filled with treats for Dad. These would also be adorable favor boxes for a Handy Manny or tool-theme party. Get the details here.

DIY Father’s Day Gift for Your Superhero

This Father's Day let the kids show their real-life hero some appreciation with this adorable DIY care package filled with his favorite treats. Head over to Alphamom for all the fun details and free printable labels.

DIY Cupcake Dome

Make individual cupcake carriers at Givers Log using deli containers & drawer pulls (now I'm on the hunt for cute knobs).

What a fun way to present a single cupcake! All packaged and ready to be sent home with guests, including a handle for easy carrying! Cute!

Happy Summer Gift Tags

Get these adorable popsicle printables from The Rubber Punkin on Executive Homemaker. Attach them to a real popsicle & share with classmates, teachers & friends. Or cut out just the popsicle, attach with a real stick & insert into cupcakes for fun cupcake toppers. I'm going to add some glitter for a hint of icy shimmer (cause isn't everything better with some sparkle?!)

Mini Root Beer Float Cupcakes

Get the recipe to make these mini root beer float cupcakes from Gourmet Mom on-the-go. What an adorable presentation using shot glasses!