Why Pineapple Hill?

The pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality since the days of the early American colonies. According to legend, the symbol began with the sea captains of New England who would spear a pineapple on a fence post outside their home to let the community know of their safe return home and to invite friends to visit and share their hospitality.

Likewise, we hope Pineapple Hill Designs boutique will make you feel “Welcome”! We know how important it is to find something special for that certain someone or just the right accessory to complete a room. We believe everyday is a day to celebrate, and we have just the thing to help you create something special out of the ordinary.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Patriotic Cupcake Flags


Patriotic Cupcake Flags!
http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q3//mld105369_0710_stand_l.jpg
 From Martha Stewart Living, July 2010
Print these patriotic Toothpick flags and  give your cupcakes a flavor of Americana.
Tools and Materials
  • Printer
  • Toothpicks
  • Double-sided tape
  • Scallop scissors
Set your printer's margins to zero (or as narrow as possible). Print clip art (choose Flags or George Washington), and cut out individual flags. 
Fold each flag over 1 end of a toothpick, and use double-sided tape to secure. Trim edge of each flag with scallop scissors.


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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Tuesday Tip-Corn on the Cob

Just in time for summer barbecues

 http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/Field-Corn-Stalks-REGFOOD0805-de.jpg
 via Country Living

A dampened paper towel or terry cloth brushed downward on a cob of corn will remove every strand of corn silk.

Tip via Paula Deen


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Monday, June 28, 2010

New in Shop

Celebrate Summer at Pineapple Hill!
We're in the process of adding "lots" of fun gifts and accessories.
Stop by and take a peek.
Shop re-opens 7/6!
Here's a Coupon Code for you:
[ sosummer ]
offer valid 7/6 - 7/31
one coupon per customer

Nautical Stripe Cobalt on Red Plate

 
Personalized Towel Wrap

Lobster Red on Indigo Plate


Partridge Nest Tealight Holder
Shabby Elegance Chandelier

Romantic Hurricane Candle Lamp 


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Star Spangled Fruit Tart

This crispy, creamy dessert is perfect for a Fourth of July celebration! With patriotic colors and a light, fluffy filling, this summery delight will be the hit of your get-together. 

(Recipe from Renae Moncur Burley, Idaho)

http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps33304_TH1195008D51A.jpg

Photo by: Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 tube (18 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough, softened
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 cup halved fresh strawberries

Directions

  • Press cookie dough onto an ungreased 12-in. pizza pan. Bake at 350° for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
  • In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and extract until smooth. Spread over crust. In center of tart, arrange berries in the shape of a star; add a berry border. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 16 servings.

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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Simply Delicious Strawberry Cake

 Celebrate Summer 

with this

"Simply Delicious Strawberry Cake"

 
Recipe and Photo via Paul Deen

Ingredients:

1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix
1 (3-ounce) box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
1 (15-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
Strawberry cream cheese frosting, recipe follows
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
7 cups confectioners’ sugar
Freshly sliced strawberries, for garnish, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix and gelatin. Add pureed strawberries, eggs, oil, and water; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into prepared pans, and bake for 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.
For the frosting:
In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree and the strawberry extract. (The rest of the puree is leftover but can be used in smoothies or on ice cream for a delicious treat.) Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating until smooth.
Spread frosting in between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries, if desired.


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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Tuesday Tip - no-fuss dessert


Try this fresh, no-fuss dessert. 
via Lulu Powers Party Tips



Sprinkle watermelon slices with sea salt, a dash of lime juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.


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Friday, June 18, 2010

Lawn Mower Cupcakes

pineapple
CUTEST CUPCAKE for DAD
These sweet lawn mower cupcakes are a cut-above choice for Father's Day.
lawnmowercupcake
courtesy of Family Fun
 
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

  • Chocolate-frosted cupcakes
  • Coconut, flaked
  • Green food coloring
  • Hershey's Nuggets
  • M&M's
  • Frosting
  • Black licorice laces

  1. For each cupcake, mix a handful of flaked coconut with a few drops of green food coloring. Press a chocolate-frosted cupcake into the coconut to cover.
  2. The mower is made with a dark chocolate Hershey's Nuggets body, brown M&M's wheels, and a red M&M's engine, held in place with dabs of frosting.
  3. Shape the handle from a piece of black licorice lace, then insert the ends into the cupcake.
It will leave him wanting MOWER!


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Thursday, June 17, 2010

Southern Living Pecan- Peach Cobbler

Pecan-Peach Cobbler
via Southern Living

Ingredients

  • 12  to 15 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 16 cups)
  • 1/3  cup  all-purpose flour
  • 1/2  teaspoon  ground nutmeg
  • 3  cups  sugar
  • 2/3  cup  butter
  • 1 1/2  teaspoons  vanilla extract
  • 2  (15-oz.) packages refrigerated piecrusts
  • 1/2  cup  chopped pecans, toasted
  • 5  tablespoons  sugar, divided
  • Sweetened whipped cream

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 475°. Stir together peaches, flour, nutmeg, and 3 cups sugar in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Spoon half of mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
2. Unroll 2 piecrusts. Sprinkle 1/4 cup pecans and 2 Tbsp. sugar over 1 piecrust; top with other piecrust. Roll to a 14- x 10-inch rectangle. Trim sides to fit baking dish. Place pastry over peach mixture in dish.
3. Bake at 475° for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Unroll remaining 2 piecrusts. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. sugar and remaining 1/4 cup pecans over 1 piecrust; top with remaining piecrust. Roll into a 12-inch circle. Cut into 1-inch strips, using a fluted pastry wheel. Spoon remaining peach mixture over baked pastry. Arrange pastry strips over peach mixture; sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbsp. sugar. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream.

Southern Living, JUNE 2010

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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Tuesday Tip-10 Ways to Get Better Sleep

     
10 Ways to Get Better Sleep
The all important beauty sleep. And it literally is that – weight gain, dark circles, eye bags, bloodshot eyes and dull skin are results of lack of sleep. Not to mention your bad mood, tired body and grumpy attitude – not pretty for anyone!
Here are some tips to getting a better night’s rest, that will never prompt the comment, “you look really tired today.” I mean seriously, what do you say to something like that?! (Although, if sleep really is a problem, you should go to a doctor.)
1. Regular sleeping hours. 
Try sleeping and getting up around the same time each day, creating a healthy sleep cycle. Eventually, your body will become conditioned to unwind and sleep at a regular schedule. 
 
2. Get your daily dose of sunlight. 
Wake up the direct sunlight or very bright lights. Sunlight helps the body’s internal clock rest itself for the day and cuts down on melatonin – so this is a great trick for jet lag. Get an hour of morning sunlight within 15 minutes of awakening, to really ‘wake you up’.
3. Stay away from stimulants. 
Caffeine, chocolate, and caffeinated sodas before sleep (or the whole day, if you have real trouble sleeping) can really affect your sleep – avoid them. Alcohol, whilst it can help you fall asleep (or pass out), fragments sleep, which causes you to wake up several times a night and be very tired the next day. Also, if you are one who wakes up for the bathroom during the night, try not to drink any fluids two hours before bed time. Even better, try not to be too full or too hungry before you go to bed.
4. Keep the bedroom dark. 
Make sure your bedroom is a bedroom, so that it really is an area for rest. Try to eliminate all sources of light while you sleep (or keep it very dim).
Some say a digital clock next to your bedside is a bad idea – even though you may be sleeping, you wouldn’t sleep as deep if your room was as dark as possible. This is also the case for me – when I was younger I was afraid of the dark and would always have to have a nightlight or lava lamp on. Now, I cannot fall asleep until it’s a complete blackout – try it!
5. Exercise. 
A lack of physical exertion could be interrupting your sleep – sleep is when your body repairs and recovers, so there could be nothing to repair and recover from! Don’t exercise right before bed though – it will make your muscles tired, which actually make you more awake. Experts say you shouldn’t exercise at least 3 hours before bedtime.
6. Develop a relaxing, peaceful routine before bed. 
I have read you should start to ‘wind down’ an hour before bed time, to get your body ready for rest. This could include listening to soothing music, a bubble bath, stretching, or anything else that relaxes you. Try not to engage in activities such as watching TV, listening to loud music, or physical activity. Playing with your pet is extremely de-stressing and relaxing, too (just not tug o’ war).
7. Get rid of distractions. 
Don’t keep your cellphone, laptop, TV, food or anything near where you sleep. Turn off everything (or to silent) before bed time. My trick? I throw the cellphone and laptop under my bed!
8. Avoid having pets in the room. 
I know, I know – you love them! But this should go under ‘distractions’. If you wake up easily in the night, their movements or allergies can wake you up and interrupt your sleep.
My dog doesn’t sleep in my room anymore. The reason? That tiny thing snores like a beast! 
(But isn’t the beast cute? Here she is relaxing by the pool.)
9. Clear your mind. 
Anxieties and worry can crop up as you lie in bed, since this is the time you’re alone with your thoughts. Worrying produces the chemical epinephrine, which keeps you awake. Try to sort out any worries throughout the day, and try to visually imagine them floating away from you. Or, you can write them down somewhere and tell yourself, I’ll deal with it tomorrow. If you’re spiritual, meditation and prayer helps greatly.
Stressed throughout the day? My post 7 Beauty Ways to Relax and De-Stress at Beauty Fool,may be of interest. While some stress is good for us, stress is one of the big causes of many health issues, so really take care of yourself. Some options in that post, even if done once a week, could help greatly.
Also, worrying about not falling asleep because you may have a long day or a big presentation coming up (for example) will disrupt your sleep greatly. To avoid this, make sure there is no way for you to check for the time. You know what I’m talking about … you’re lying in bed, and you wonder what time it is, and dang! It’s 4:23am, and you start to panic. Just relax, and hide that clock!
10. Pamper your bed.
Fluffy pillows, homemade blankets, your Hannah Montana soft toy – whatever it is, create a nice, peaceful, comfortable place to sleep. I invested in a great mattress and covers some years ago and it was so worth it – I’ve been told it’s the most comfortable bed in the world!

Sweet Dreams!
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Monday, June 14, 2010

Make a Happy Fourth of July Sign

from Country Living Magazine

Expect a Fourth of July filled with old-fashioned fun when you create easy, inexpensive decorations with paper, basic craft supplies, and enchanting Victoriana printables. 

Inspired by turn-of-the-century celebrations, this joyful tribute to red, white, and blue harkens to a time when impromptu hats were folded from leftover newspapers, and marching bands, firecrackers, and lawn games marked the day. "It was a very big holiday," explains expert crafer Melissa Neufeld. "Postcards with patriotic greetings were mailed out in much the same way as we now send out seasonal holiday cards." 

These projects by Melissa can be made ahead of time to decorate for the holiday, or assembled with the help of family and young friends at the party itself.
To print the the instructions, click here!


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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Tuesday Tip - Lend Me Your Ear


Use Earrings as Pushpins
http://img4.realsimple.com/images/1001/sol-earring-push-pin_300.jpg
Face it: That long-lost earring is probably gallivanting with a wayward sock in Ye Olde Land of Misplaced Items.
Let its lonely, abandoned mate rebound as a pretty thumbtack on a bulletin board.

 Courtesy of  Bailey Mulholland of Appleton, Wisconsin 


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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Tuesday Tip - Fruit Filled Ice


Kick ice cubes up a notch. 
http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/bj/Lulu-Powers-Party-Tips-Ice-Cubes-Pom-Seeds-0510-de.jpg

Freeze pomegranate seeds or sprigs of fresh rosemary in water, then pop the cubes in glasses of  lemonade.
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