cookout with the Kirks

I had a great lazy afternoon/evening at a cookout hosted by friends this weekend. LH carried out a picnic theme, using borrowed supplies from her mom. What a creative way to serve watermelon! It's a bug! 

They decorated with tissue flowers, which I didn't get a good picture of, jars, and pretty paper straws. 

Two of the guests brought three flavors of sangria they had made with homemade liqueurs. I didn't taste them, but they were beautiful! 

I didn't try the lawn games, either, though there was cornhole and a frisbee game. I tried for an action shot, instead. 

LH eats gluten free, which made for a fun baking challenge for those of us who decided to take desserts. I have been trying to eat healthier, especially cutting carbohydrates, so I was happy to have an event for which to give paleo cookies a go. 

By the way, could someone tell me what exactly paleo means? Between my best efforts to eat low carb and natural and having friends who don't tolerate gluten, I find myself making a lot of "paleo" recipes, but when my SIL asked me to define paleo, I couldn't. However, I do know what gluten is. (Thanks, LH, for this reference.)

LH's brother in law made these doughnuts using leftover coconut flour passed from Lindsay to LH to him. They passed on the flour because after using it to make gluten free foods, they decided they didn't like it. Well, he made doughnuts with it, and they were FABULOUS. I wanted the recipe but was scared to ask for fear that there's cups and cups of sugar. 

Lindsay made gluten free candy shaped cookies above and these Eiffel tower cookies. I sure do miss Paris! 

LH made pretty, pretty Pinterest-y dipped strawberries. 

Can you tell that sweet treats were the most photogenic aspects of the party? Isn't that always the case? The company was great, and the other food (hot dogs, pulled pork, salads, fruit) were delicious, too. I wish I had taken pictures of people and the gorgeous house! 

Thank you for including me, Kirks!

Father's Day gift ideas

If your dad is a bow tie man, get him a bow tie from Oak City Ties.  They are sewn locally, and some of the fabrics are even printed in Durham, NC.  The Tyson bow is conservative enough for a dad but still fun since the reversible pattern can be styled several ways.  Email oakcityties@gmail.com for information on the newest styles, or go by Anvil Gallery tonight from 6:00 to 9:00 for a special First Friday event.  Other retailers are listed here.

For a sleek, stylish, professional way for dad to hang onto his business cards, K.slademade recently came out with this monogrammed credit card sleeve.  It's also a good option for a streamlined wallet.  All of their products are made in the U.S.A.

Is your dad into boating on the lake or at the beach?  Y'all know I love bathing suits for myself.  My preference for men's bathing suits is what some may call a "dad" bathing suit.  The inseam must be short and the waist must be elastic.  Help dad get ready for the summer with the L.L. Bean Classic Sport Shorts, Columbia Backcast II Water Trunk, or Southern Marsh Dockside Swim Trunk.

Now.  If you want to go way over the top and thrill your dad, I've got two suggestions that would come with emphatic recommendations.

My dad loves his DR field and brush mower.  It takes out tall grass and even small trees.  If you want to send your dad outside for hours or need some help with your unruly yard, this is the ticket.

My dad's #1 wishlist item right now (well, okay, maybe after charts on his iPad) is a yard grill from GrillMan Grills.  These grills are basically one step down from pig cookers.  The company is based in New Bern, NC.

Father's Day gifts are much harder than Mother's Day!  If your parents are like mine, moms like stuff.  Dads do not like stuff.

What are you giving your dad for Father's Day?  If you are a father, what would you like to receive?