Jul 19, 2019 | Parties, Snacks, Uncategorized
June is National Rose Month. Did you know that on November 20, 1986 then President Ronald Reagan signed a resolution making the rose the national floral emblem? And he signed it at a ceremony held where else but the White House Rose Garden!
Almost everyone loves roses, these beautiful blooms come in many sizes and colors, and have a wonderful scent. They are the symbol of love and romance, after all who can resist a gift of roses from their significant other?
Celebrate National Rose Month with a Vintage Rose Garden Tea Party! This theme can be used for anything from an intimate tea party for two, a bridal or baby shower, birthday party, and what ever occasion you like. Roses and tea parties are an awesome combination. Here are some ideas to inspire you!
Set up tea service on an old dresser. You can paint the mirror with black chalkboard paint and write or draw anything you want. Drawers filled with roses make it extra sweet.
This would work well for a small get together, perhaps a tea for the bridal party.
Use a wheeled tea cart for sweets.
For small parties, like a tea for two, forget table and chairs, spread out a pretty floral blanket and add some pillows for an intimate tea party.
Set up an intimate tea under a rose covered arbor or between the roses in your rose garden.
For larger parties set up a tent and decorate with paper lanterns and bunting. You can set up a buffet or place stands of sandwiches and sweet treats on each table.
Learn how to make your own tiered stands click here!
A vintage tea party isn’t complete without pretty dainty cups and tea pots. Find them at discount stores, thrift shops, and even garage sales.
You can use them to serve tea or as decor!
Setting up a beverage station is a great idea for a children’s tea party. Adding lace makes it super cute!
Finger sandwiches are a tea party must. Serve them on tiered stands decorated with fresh roses.
Learn how to make your own tiered stands click here!
Jun 1, 2019 | Bridal and Baby Showers, Corner, DIY Boys Party, DIY Crafts, DIY Girls Party, DIY Holiday Crafts, FREE Patterns, FREE Printables
Should your baby shower have a theme? Here we’ll help you find the perfect theme to kick off your new life with your baby as you explore dozens of creative baby shower theme ideas.
Picking a baby shower theme should reflect the personality and interests of the parents, but narrowing down all of the options can be a hassle. Depending on if your shower is a neighborhood potluck, a gender reveal or a simple Sunday brunch, we’ve gathered hundreds of baby shower theme ideas that will delight any parent-to-be.
This gender neutral baby shower theme features vintage toys, sweet baby’s breath flowers, and white decorations.
Elephants make great baby shower themes for girls that your guests will never forget!
Your favorite iconic children’s toy is great inspiration for a baby boy shower theme, like the classic sock monkey.
Skulls and cactii from the desert are the ultimate decor for a modern chic themed baby shower right now.
An amazing boy baby shower always includes adorable decorations, sweet printable details, a delicious assortment of desserts (cake, cookies, and candy) and charming details. This yellow vintage baby shower features the cutest duck printables, old children’s books, gingham checks and vintage glassware. You will be smiling over all of the bright, cheerful details.
A new baby definitely calls for tossing some confetti in celebration! This confetti baby shower is a unique theme and fun way to honor an expectant mother. Recreate the look by incorporating plenty of confetti inspired dots throughout the decorations and treats. You can DIY paper circle garlands by punching circles of varying sizes in party colors and sewing them into strings for hanging. Wrap boxes in polka dot paper to display a variety of delicious treats like cookies, cupcakes and cake pops.
May 24, 2019 | Adult Parties & Events, Appetizers, Recipes
Memorial Day is always the last Monday in May. It is of course the day to remember all the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to this great nation.
But it is also marks the beginning of summer, Yay!
Traditionally it’s the first day one can wear white colored pants (remember back in the day when wearing white pants was only acceptable between Memorial and Labor Days?). It’s a day of rest and relaxation; a day to spend with family and friends; and a day to barbecue!
A Memorial Day barbecue was something I always looked forward to growing up in New York. It was the first day my dad would fire up the backyard grill and the women would bring out all sorts of meats to grill, tons of side dishes, and my favorite part all the dessert! Yes Memorial Day was a big deal at our humble home in Queens.
I’m not too sure if it was a big deal because my grandfather was a Captain in the Philippine/American Army led by General MacArthur during WWII, or that my great uncle survived the forced march to Corrigedor with his fellow soldiers (American and Filipino) during that same war, or if we were just a house full of first generation immigrants thankful for the welcome we received from our newly adopted country and all the opportunities it offered. Whatever the reason my family took to celebrating Memorial Day (and all the other American holidays) with a gusto only grateful immigrants can muster. So for us a Memorial Day barbecue was a definite must!
Now a Memorial Day barbecue doesn’t mean you’ll just throw some hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, although you can if you like, it can be so much more fun! You can decorate using a patriotic theme, grill all sorts of meats, have all types of sides, and whatever desserts your heart desires. Think of your Memorial Day Barbecue as a trial run for the big event…your 4th. of July Barbecue! Here are some ideas and recipes to get you started!
Decorate the front door (or anywhere) with a basket of flags!
Just grab a bunch of small flags from Walmart or Target and fill up a small basket and tack it to your door. Or if you prefer grab some larger flags and fill up a basket you can place on the table top or even on the ground.
You can even stick the flags in potted plants!
Wood Pallets
Paint wooden pallets of any size in patriotic colors. You can add a wooden star, or not, or paint on the stars if you’re so inclined.
You can get small pallets at craft stores or even Walmart’s craft department. They make great wall or door plaques.
You can find larger pallets at home improvement stores or ask your local stores if they have any from their deliveries. They’ll more than likely be happy to give you a pallet or two just so they don’t have to throw them away.
Mason Jars
Paint mason jars in patriotic colors using acrylic paints. They make great vases and utensil caddies for your table.
Painted Cans
You can also paint cans to use as utensil caddies, napkin holders, vases, centerpieces, etc.
This is a cute and inexpensive way to decorate for your Memorial Day Barbecue.
Colored Water Vases
Don’t want to paint? No problem turn clear jars or bowls into patriotic vases with food coloring. So simple yet so pretty!
Of course the most important part of any Memorial Day Barbecue is the food! Here are some yummy recipes you can try for your Barbecue!
Try these Butter Burgers they are the best burgers ever!
Click here for the recipe!
Kalbi Beef Kebabs
Looking for something other than burgers and dogs? Try these Kalbi Beef Kebabs, they are awesome!
You can even use them to fill small corn tortillas. Add some shredded cabbage and sprinkle with chopped green onions and you’ve got the perfect Kalbi Street Tacos! Click here for the recipe!
Chipotle Lime Corn On the Cob
No barbecue is complete without some corn on the cob.
Try these Chipotle Lime Corn on the Cob, they are super delish!
Click here for the recipe!
Skillet Frozen Corn
Prefer your corn off the cob? Try this Skillet Corn dish using frozen corn.
Use the same seasoned butter used in the Chipotle Lime Corn on the Cob (click here for that recipe)
Melt the seasoned butter in a cast iron skillet.
Add Frozen Corn
Sprinkle with 1 Tbs. Smoked Paprika and 1 Tbs. Chipotle Pepper Powder
Keep mixing the corn so it doesn’t burn and evenly distribute the seasoning.
When the corn is cooked sprinkle with chopped cilantro and squeeze the juice of 1/2 of a lime over all before serving.
Garlic Parmesan Asparagus Spears
Take advantage of summer veggies like asparagus.
These Garlic Parmesan Asparagus Spears are super easy to make in the oven.
Just take 2 lbs. spears with bottom ends cut off and arrange them in a baking pan.
Mix together: 1 Tbs. Lemon Pepper, 2 Tbs. Olive Oil, 1 Tbs. Minced Garlic and drizzle over asparagus spears.
Sprinkle with 1/2 Cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in 425º oven for 15 -20 minutes.
Click here for more Memorial Day Barbecue ideas and recipes!
May 19, 2019 | Health & Fitness, House Hold Tips, Main Course, Parenting Tips, Parties, Recipes, Snacks, Thanksgiving
Do you know how the products you are buying were made? Are they environmentally friendly? Do you budget? If you answer yes to these questions then it means you are a conscious consumer.
Over the past decade consumption levels have increased across the globe. As the income level rises, so is the greater access to a wide variety of consumer products. Presently, unconscious and unethical consumerism has brought about several problems such as pollution and erosion of income savings. It is for this reason that the idea of a conscious consumer is being propagated.
Therefore, how do you become a conscious consumer?
Know the Product Background
Ever wondered how your favorite snack or t-shirt is manufactured? Well, many people are not aware of how many of the products they consume are made.
Over the years, several companies have been accused of unethical and inhumane manufacturing practices regarding their products. So, to be a conscious consumer, it is prudent of you to dig a little and find out the background details. How are they made? Where are they manufactured? Who manufactures them? How are they shipped?
Knowing all this will ensure that you consume products that have been ethically produced. Besides, it will allow you to hold accountable the companies should they contravene the consumer protection laws and regulations.
Avoid Unbudgeted Spending
Currently, consumption rates have increased tremendously as people’s spending powers also increase. However, it is prudent to undertake sound budgeting to ensure conscious consumption every day. It calls for sound financial and budgeting skills.
Start by determining your net monthly income and then use it to budget as per your needs. As a conscious consumer, you should be able to meet most of your monthly needs comfortably without feeling the need to overspend. Moreover, with a budget, you will minimize spending your money on unnecessary purchases.
Aim for Lower Cost Purchases
Well, with lots of money comes the power to spend. Nonetheless, it is imperative to cut on cost where necessary. Shop well, shop less, and shop consciously.
If you can find a way to make purchases at a lower price, then take it. By doing so, you will be able to save extra cash on the side for other essential life investments such as education.
Aim to cultivate a more conscious consumer mindset by distinguishing between wants and needs. For instance, you could make purchases on second hand retail stores, where surprisingly, you will find quality stuff for low prices. But as you do that, also be mindful of the quality of your purchases. You do not want to buy a piece of furniture only for it to break within a few days.
Embrace Environmental Consciousness
Much of the products people consume have their raw materials sourced from the environment. So, it makes sense to take care of Mother Nature in return.
One way would be to ensure that you minimize using plastic products and embracing disposable and biodegradable made products. For instance, instead of buying products from fast food stores that serve using plastic cups and plates, you could opt to visit a store that uses disposable take out boxes.
Proper management of trash is also an excellent way to cultivate ethical consumer consciousness. As a conscious consumer, you should prioritize on recycling and reusing where necessary.
May 17, 2019 | Adult Parties & Events, Bridal and Baby Showers, Corner, DIY Kid's Parties, Parties, Recipes, Sides
Summer is almost here! And in our family that means outdoor entertaining! It’s always a good idea to take advantage of good weather and dine alfresco every chance you get!
I know that outdoor entertaining means backyard barbecues complete with grilled meats, corn on the cob, and other mouth watering goodies we can make outside. Don’t forget the S’mores! But really outdoor entertaining isn’t limited to cooking stuff on your grill, there are so many ways you can enjoy dining on your patio or backyard. It could be an intimate breakfast for two, a rambunctious kids’ birthday party, or a more serene adult dinner party for friends and family.
To get your creative juices flowing I’ve got 7 ideas you can build on to take your summer time entertaining outdoors! By the way outdoor entertaining doesn’t mean you have to invite the whole neighborhood; you can enjoy a nice quite meal outdoors with just your immediate household!
How about an intimate breakfast for 2?
They’ve always said breakfast is the most important meal of the day; how better to start your day than with breakfast outdoors with your spouse or partner?
You don’t have to go all out. A nice cup of coffee and a croissant will do; or if you’re feeling inclined a plate of bacon and egg and some warm biscuits will hit the spot. Whatever the menu all you’ll really need is a simple table and chairs on the patio or in the backyard. (And maybe keep the kids indoors so you can have some quiet time!)
If you’re not a morning person then make it lunch or dinner for two. Remember the idea is to relax and enjoy some couples time!
Vintage Garden Tea Party
Tea is my favorite method of entertaining and a Vintage Garden Party is a great to entertain outdoors. I love tea parties, they’re simple and easy to prepare, they make you and your guests feel pampered, and they are so pretty!
Have everyone dress up in pretty summer frocks to make it an extra special event. You don’t have to limit tea parties to adult parties, children, particularly little girls will adore a princess tea party for her birthday! Our you can have a Teddy Bear Tea Party for boys and girls; each child is invited to bring along their favorite plush animal for the garden party. Kids love it!
Kids’ Birthday Party
In my opinion kids’ parties should always be held outdoors, weather permitting of course.
There are so many options and themes for outdoor birthday parties. The kids love it because they have room to run around and parents love it because it keeps the mess out of the house and makes clean up easier.
If your patio or yard isn’t big enough to let the kids run around then take your party to your neighborhood park! Just be sure to clean up and place your trash in the trash containers.
Boho Adult Dinner Party
Adult Outdoor parties don’t always have to include grilled meats or barbecued anything for that matter!
A Boho themed or any themed outdoor party works for any occasion and it’s great if you don’t have enough outdoor tables and chairs. Just stock up on large floor pillows or even picnic blankets. Use low tables or a piece of plywood resting on cement tiles for your “dining table”. Just be sure you cover it with a pretty tablecloth!
As for food serve anything your heart desires!
Baby or Bridal Showers
Who says indoor sofas and shelves can’t go outside? Bring the indoors out and host your bridal or baby shower in the backyard.
It’s amazing what a bit of “redecorating” can do!
This works great if you have a small indoor living area and have lots of friends and family to invite!
Outdoor Weddings
I just love outdoor weddings! They can be as low key or as fancy as the bride wants.
Lots of brides have learned to think outside of the box and hired some wonderful wedding venues. You can check out vineyards, parks, beaches, and even zoos!
Depending on the venue outdoor weddings might take a bit more planning so it’s important to have a great wedding planner on your team!
Outdoor Barbecue
I can’t talk about outdoor entertaining without including the outdoor barbecue. Take advantage of summer and take dinner (or lunch) outside.
You’ll definitely have lots of opportunities to host an outdoor barbecue between Memorial and Labor Days you’ve got Father’s Day, the Fourth of July, possibly a birthday or two. Not to mention you don’t need a special occasion to barbecue, you can have one for the family just because!
Now one of my favorite things at an outdoor barbecue is the corn on the cob! A barbecue isn’t complete without it. I’m sure you’ve heard of Elotes, Mexican Street Corn, it’s super yummy! Well it has mayo on it and my son will not touch anything with mayo. So I had to find a way to make something similar to Elotes without the mayo and I came up with my Chipotle Lime Corn on the Cob. Here’s my recipe!
Chipotle Lime Corn on the Cob
Ingredients:
Corn
(For the corn – I used frozen mini cobs or niblets and boiled on the stove – you can use frozen or fresh and boil it, bake it, or grill it. This recipe is to boil frozen corn.)
16 Niblets – Frozen
1 Pot water
1 Cup Milk
Topping:
1/2 Cup butter softened
1 Tbs. Chipotle Pepper Powder
1 Tsp. Cumin
1 Tsp. Garlic Powder
1 Tsp. Honey
Queso Fresco – crumbled
Cilantro – chopped
1 Lime – cut into wedges
Directions:
Make the topping by mixing butter, honey, and powdered seasonings together. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate until you’re ready to use.
Boil corn in water/milk mixture for about 20 minutes or until done. Drain corn and transfer to a baking pan.
Place spoonfuls of butter topping on each cob. Butter topping will melt. Roll cobs in melted butter until all sides are covered.
Sprinkle with queso fresco and cilantro.
Serve with lime wedges for each person to squeeze over cob if they want to.
You can keep this warm in the oven until ready to serve.
You can store any extra butter topping in the fridge and use for other things. I like to use it to saute chicken or even veggies. Pretty much anything you want to add a bit of spice to!
May 3, 2019 | DIY Boys Party, DIY Girls Party, DIY Kid's Parties, Parties
Don’t you find it harder and harder each year to come up with a fun party theme for your little one? Sure when they were babies and toddlers you could pretty much do whatever cute thing you liked. Um…that lasted til about their third birthday if you’re lucky. Now that they’re older they want to have their say, and of course they should with a teeny bit of help from mom, dad, and in our case Nana! One of my favorite party themes is a Science Birthday Party!
Why do I like it so much? Well, it’s age appropriate until they’re almost in high school, just change the science! A Science Birthday Party is such a broad theme you could literally use it every year until the kids are in high school just by changing the focus. I mean science is such a broad term, it could mean chemistry, geology, botany, anatomy, medicine, space, and even computers!
Having said that here are a few ideas to get you started!
This post contains affiliate links
Ice Cream or Soda Lab
I love this Ice Cream Lab by Left Brain Craft Brain! I mean a Science Birthday Party would not be complete without a lab right?
If you prefer make it a Soda Lab and the guests can add different syrups to their sodas which of course will be served in beakers! And the toppings can be placed in test tubes!
Or how about we combine the two and make an Ice Cream Soda Lab!
Here’s a cute idea – serve ice cream, soda, or whatever in DIY “Beakers”
Just make lines on clear plastic cups with a sharper and you’ve got “Beakers”!
Science Themed Labels
Add science themed labels, tags, and decor. Love the water bottle labels by Clever Pink Pirate!
Looking for a photo booth backdrop? How about covering the wall with the Periodic table using a piece of construction paper for each element?
Use Science supplies for food like these Petri Jello! Love this idea from One Project Closer!
Fun Badges make great party favors
I just love the badges pictured above. Just print out a name tag on card stock for each guest then place them in transparent holders with lanyards to wear around their necks. Make it even more fun and give each kid a “Top Secret” clearance!
Science Themed Games and Activities
There are many science “projects” the kids can do to keep them busy, like building molecules with toothpicks and gumdrops – mini marshmallows work too!
You can make your own experiments or buy kits the kids can use. There are many to choose from! They can dig for fossils; create crystals; or build a volcano!
You don’t have to buy pre-made kits, think back to your school days. Remember building and electromagnet? All you need is a large battery, wire, and nails! Or play a game of Operation!
Whatever game or activity you decide on just be sure it’s age appropriate and doesn’t contain sharp objects or harmful chemicals. I wouldn’t suggest dissecting a frog just yet!
Butter Burgers
