WE LOVE: DOLCETTI

Since it is officially summer for this week's "we love" we are sharing a delicious local gelato place!  Dolcetti is by far our favorite local place to get dessert. They have the absolute best flavors of gelato. My favorites are coconut sticky rice and rosemary + olive oil. I know I have mentioned this gelato before, but seriously, it's that good. Honestly, I don't know if I could choose just one if my life depended on it. They change their flavors every day, so you never know if they will have your favorite. Elliott is often disappointed to find they are out of strawberry, but then settles for mango or pomegranate or another fruity flavor pretty quickly. We especially love it because it is within walking distance so it makes for a nice family outing. If you're in the area you need to go. And you need to invite us. Pretty please? 

FOURTH OF JULY SPARKLER HOLDERS DIY

The fourth of July is next week! I can't believe it. When I was a kid I loved sparklers (still do!) but I would always hold it with the very tips of my fingers for fear of getting burned. Knowing that Elliott is a lot like me in that way, I made these little sparkler holders to help prevent that. They worked like a charm! I made them in stars and USA maps to keep with the patriotic theme. Though the map was a bit harder to make, it's my favorite. If you're spending the fourth with littles and sparklers, then these are perfect for you! 
Start off printing off the shapes you would like. I just borrowed some images from google. Super easy. Then cut them out. 
Next, trace the shapes onto some cut up cardboard. I used a wheat thins box, but any thinner cardboard will do.
Then cut out your shapes! Again, the stars were way easier than the map, but I still think the map was worth the hand cramp.
 Now grab some patriotic duct tape and cover your shapes! 
You can trim off the tape one of two ways. You can try scissors which can be a little frustrating but still works, or grab a cutting mat and an exacto knife. It's way faster and cleaner with the knife.
Now that your shapes are all trimmed up, use an awl to make a hole in the center for the sparklers to fit through. You could use a hole punch as well, but the hole will be bigger.
 Now stick the sparklers in and you're ready to party!

AROUND HERE

I hope you all had a great weekend! On Saturday, we went to a little carnival with bouncy houses, a petting zoo and Zoltar. It was a good time. We also went to our favorite restaurant with some good friends and we tried our hand at some homemade ice cream. The flavor was great, but I think something went wrong with the texture. I'll have to keep trying and let you know how it goes. This week is going to be full of everything! We have dinner parties, a soccer game, a few projects and of course some work. I hope your week is off to a great start!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Happy first day of summer! It's felt like summer for a while, but it's nice to know it's official. To kick it off, we are making some homemade ice cream complete with sprinkles tonight. I am going to do my darndest to re-create some of the best ice cream ever (salted oreo!) if it works out I will definitely share the recipe. Our plans for the weekend are a little up in the air, which is alright by me! I would be happy doing anything that's semi-relaxing. I hope you have a great first of summer weekend!