My Favorite Rock Lobster Recipe

One of the best parts of summer is the bounty of vibrant fresh produce.

I have become a little obsessed with fun, easy ways to serve them.

Watermelon always catches my eye at the market and I wanted surprise my kids with silly treat.

Cue the B52s, my beloved cookie cutter and a bed of sea glass 

and you've got...

Rock Lobster!

With this recipe, the lobster comes out perfectly every time...

and I always finish it with a dusting of my favorite rock salt or sea salt 

for a taste of the ocean...

Who doesn't love a perfect Red Lobster?

Fall Watermelon Agua Fresca

The beginning of Fall in California is confusing.

There a days when there is a slight crisp chill in the air and the next day it's 88 degrees.

We still have tons of Summer fruit and vegetables in the stores.

For instance today,  

I grabbed a pumpkin along with a watermelon.

We are gearing up for warm week ahead, 

so I decided to put a twist on the classic Agua Fresca...

because you've got to stay hydrated in the Autumn too, right?

I keep my Agua Fresca simple with just 

watermelon, lime, water, sugar and salt...

and as it chills in the refrigerator, 

I grab a handful of mint...

then "Autumn-ize" them.

A quick cut with a clean paper punch...

and you have an instant Fall drink garnish!

Fall Watermelon Agua Fresca, 

it was "mint" to be...

Fall Watermelon Agua Fresca
makes about 6 glasses

4 cups cubed watermelon
2 cups of cold water
juice of one lime (about 1/4 cup)
2 teaspoons lime zest
1 Tablespoon course salt

Combine all ingredients in blender until smooth and chill at least 2 hours in refrigerator.  Serve on ice and top with Fall mint leaves and enjoy.

5 more ways to use Everything but the Bagel

Sometimes just a dash is all you need to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning seems to have that magic touch.

A few months ago I posted 5 ways to use this amazing spice and now I'm back with 5 more.

You'll be amazed with the flavor when you put it on

sliced watermelon...

edamame...

grilled corn...

fried eggs...

(or scrambled, poached, hard boiled)

or mix it with cottage cheese or sour cream for an incredible dip...

Quick, easy and flavor beyond compare!

America the Beautiful - Olympic Watermelon Pops

In just a few short weeks the chants of 

USA, USA will be filling the Olympic air.

It's an exciting time of thrilling competition and patriotic pride.

What better way to celebrate our country, while watching the games, than with 

USA Watermelon Ice Pops?!?

They are easy to make and as fun to wave as Old Glory...

Use cookie cutters on thick sliced watermelon...

and insert popsicle stick.

Sprinkle with lemon juice and a touch a salt for added zest,

or leave unseasoned and place in freezer for at least 2 hours.

America the Beautiful, indeed!

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Flamingo Fruit

The warm, sunny days of backyard bbqs, 

pool parties and sideline snacks are back.

I've decided it is time to flaunt some flamingos at our next event.

Bright and fun fruit that won't ruffle any feathers...

and pineapple is always a good idea...

Don't you love fun fruit?

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I'm a sucker for watermelons!

"Summer is when 

Laziness finds Respectability"

 -Sam Keen

Well my

 "Watermelon cupcakes"

 are definitely a fun way to be respectably lazy.

Just a little sweet summer treat...

Store bought watermelon lollipops,

inserted into lime slice, lined cupcake holders...

and filled with fresh, ripe melon balls...

Come on, get lazy with me!

Tutti Frutti - Summer Fruit Dessert Bar

With the bounty of fabulous summer fruit available,

it is the perfect time for a Fruity Dessert Bar.

Last night I surprised my family with this...

A juicy, sweet pineapple for

upside-down cake...

LOVE-ly berries for

strawberry "heart" cakes...

and everyone knows that the watermelon seeds are the best part...

It is no secret that I love to entertain,

I love a festive display and

I love things that are quick and easy.

Well, Bright Star Kids could not have made my fruit buffet signs any cuter or simpler.

Their colorful, graphic fruit chalkboard stickers are my newest obsession.

You adhere the magic chalkboard sticker to the center,

peel the fruit off of the paper and stick it on where ever you need them.

Then go ahead and write on them with chalk and wipe off with a damp towel to remove.

Perfect for parties, grocery lists, lunch boxes, decorating...

the uses are endless

and have you seen liquid chalk pens???

Amazing for writing on any surface you would use chalk.

Bright Star Kids has a little something for everyone and

is a great source for back to school...

gifts, clothes, labels, lunch boxes, back packs.

But for now,

enjoy the rest of the summer and get fruity!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Bright Star Kids. 

 The opinions and text are all mine.

Thank you for your support as I work with fabulous brands 

to be able to keep creating for Jaco'lyn Murphy Designs.

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Watermelon Macarons

In my never ending quest to like Watermelon,
this fun and easy "macaron" may be our signature dessert of the summer.

I am sharing all the details on 

Design Dazzle Summer Camp today.

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Yes! I finally like Watermelon...

I have a confession to make, 

I am not a huge fan of watermelon.

I love the idea of it, 

the colors, the happiness it evokes, 

how it screams SUMMER!

Well this recipe rocked my world...

Chilled watermelon 

topped with burrata cheese, basil and dusted with sea salt.

It is refreshing, savory and the perfect festive summer appetizer...

I am so delighted to be in the 

Watermelon Club...