Raspberry Jam Lychee Apple Ice Pops

 So it turns out that I don't think the jam ever completely froze because of the preservatives, but It's a really nice kick to popsicles when used in moderation and possibly blended into the popsicle mixture in the food processor/blender. I added chunks of raspberry jam thinking it wouldn't make a difference, but in fact- it makes the popsicles look a bit massacred. Haha! Anyway- jam in moderation- remember that!

Raspberry Jam Lychee Apple Ice Pops:

(mix together in blender)

2 spoonfuls of raspberry jam

1/2 organic fresh apple, sliced and diced

10 blueberries

1/4 cup of ice water

2 lychee fruits, cut in half 
Yields 3 pops 

love, polly

Happy 4th of July!

The fourth of July has always been a big holiday in my family- and it's my Great Grandma Polly's 98th birthday today. She looked so put together and happy when we went to visit her at the nursing home... I want to surround her with love and let her know that I am there for her, even though she doesn't remember me. These feelings are contrasted with the new lives of my cousins who I got to know a little better at the parade today... no matter what- life goes on. Here's to freedom and new life. Cherish everything you have today. I'm off to watch the fireworks at my cousin Lindsey's house. 

love, polly 

Lychee Strawberry Blood Orange Syrup Pops

A few years ago I used to work as a barista at a Korean owned frozen yogurt shoppe called Cocomero where I was first introduced to Lychee. It looked like a big... white.... raspberry to me at first- but I quickly fell in love with putting it in my bubble tea, frozen yogurt, smoothies, cookies, you name it! It's so sweet. Hannah and I visited the AmKo (American-Korean) supermarket yesterday after we had lunch and I went kind of nuts. I had to buy a can of Lychees and Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream... the best!

Lychee Strawberry Blood Orange Syrup Pops:
(Mix together in blender)

Pulp from one blood orange

3-4 Lychee fruits, chopped in half (from a can)

5 large strawberries, chopped

1/2 of the "heavy syrup" from the Lychee can.. (Korean heavy syrup is SO much lighter than the American kind... trust me!)

Pour into your mold and freeze. I used some of my new straws from etsy as holders this time- and they worked quite well without getting too weak and bending!
Yields: 4 Pops

love, polly

Cherry Ginger Banana Coconut Almond Milk Pops

Do you ever just want something......... sweet and cold, yet... spicy? This is exactly what I was craving and these hit the spot! They're a perfect summer treat, AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND eating them with the coconut shavings! (Do you like coconut?!)

Anyway, here's what you do......!

Cherry Ginger Banana Coconut Almondmilk Pops

2 small coins of peeled ginger chopped

8 Rainier Cherries, sliced and pitted

2 pinches of coconut

1 banana

1/2 cup almond milk

Blend together in blender until smooth and pour into your molds. Would anyone like to read more about popsicle molds? Any tips? ;D

Yields: 3 pops

love, polly

Outfit: Exploring Busey Woods

Today Nathan Adhikari and I went on a search to find Busey Woods which is located near Crystal Lake where we did our first shoot together 3 years ago. When we found this bridge we knew we found what we had been looking for and despite the mosquitos- we stayed. He also brought a vintage 1970's Yashica camera to snap photos with which is owned by his girlfriend Sarah's father. Thank you, Sarah! There was a wonderful breeze out today and the sun wasn't too hot... it was perfect weather to explore.

I am really loving this new dress sent to me from Persunmall. The color is a perfect hue of mint and the flying spirals on the skirt make me feel like Peter Pan and a blooming flower at the same time. It's really comfortable and I just love the design. Visit their facebook, website, and twitter to shop at their store! Thank you, Persunmall! ♥.

Photos taken by my long time friend Nathan Adhikari. If you live in the Chicago or Illinois area- visit Adhikariphotography.com for his rates for weddings, portraits, engagement shoots, and more!

Outfit details: dress courtesy of Persunmall

shoes courtesy of B.A.I.T. Footwear (Penelope in Cornflower Blue)

knee socks & parasol from Dallas & Co.

vintage 1950's fascinator from Adrienne Weber

white and yellow striped scarf gifted to me from Elsie Larson of A Beautiful Mess

suitcase gifted to me from my Aunt Jan

Orange Earrings- made by me, Paulie Antiques
*Enter my beauty giveaway here!
See this outfit on Teen Vogue!

love, polly

Fresh Squeezed Orange Coconut Creamsicles

So.... I've decided to instate a daily "Popsicle of the Day" on this blog... and I think it's one of the best ideas I have had in a while! I love waking up every morning to a new popsicle to try! These orange creamsicles turned out just as well as any store bought creamsicle and I didn't even use orange or vanilla extract! How, you ask? I'll tell you! 

Fresh Squeezed Orange Coconut Creamsicle Recipe:

(mix together in a blender)

1 pinch of shredded coconut flakes

1/2 cup of Almond Creamer

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

4 large oranges, juice squeezed

Enjoy!

Don't forget to enter my beauty giveaway!

love, polly

A Visit from my Sister Emily

Last week my sister Emily and her husband Errick came to Illinois visit for two days and we shared a lot of genuine moments. I loved driving to and from Chicago with them playing the guitar and melodica in my backseat and I will never forget singing along with them for the first time. I am shy about my voice- but Errick encouraged me to step out into the light and sing... so I chose a Bright Eyes song, of course.... haha!

 On the last day of their visit, they surprised me with a picnic at work and after I got off we went slack-lining (my first time! What a blast and very addicting!). I want to join the circus- so this is perfect. Ha!

Emily has an absolutely beautiful voice and I remember hearing her play the piano when we had a house together in Edwardsville. We had piano lessons together and themed parties... I miss living with her so much. If you'd like to hear some of her songs, visit her Youtube Page! Also, here is a link to her last visit, antique shopping with her, downtown Champaign with her, & my visit with her in Chicago. Thank you for being in my life, Emily. It was wonderful meeting you, Errick! See you two soon!

love, polly