Real Parties

Blue & White Porch Party


Breakfast Soiree

Cupcakes & Cartwheels


Bumble Bee Birthday Party



via The Party Dress

5 Unique Bridal Showers

The Craft Shower
A perfect solution for hosts on a budget or for the bride who has everything, the craft shower allows guests to get creative and have a great time making something the bride can really use. Gather scrap-booking supplies and encourage guests to bring photographs, recipes, and other memorabilia from the friendships. The project of the party will be to adorn the pages of a keepsake book for the bride to take home.
Expense: $
Gift suggestion: Paper Page Album


The Wine and Cheese-Tasting Shower
Nothing breaks the ice better than food, so why not make the shower all about exciting peoples' palates? Wine or cheese tastings encourage guests to nibble, compare, and talk. Local cheesemongers and wine merchants are usually happy to select a tasting menu, but you can also turn to online cheese and wine specialists for reliable, easy, delicious results.
Expense: $-$$
Gift suggestions:Cheese of the Month Subscription,Cheese Knives, Cheese Board and Knives Set, Wine Glasses, Fancy Wine-Bottle Opener



The Spa Shower
Let someone else do the work of relaxing the crowd. You can bring the group to a spa or have aestheticians come to you with their magic potions and talents. Note: If guests want to have facials done, you shouldn't plan this shower too close to the wedding date. No one wants to be blotchy on the big day.
Expense: $$$
Gift suggestions:Handmade Bath Supplies, Home Spa Kits, Cozy Bathrobe



The Yoga Shower
Maybe the bride is a yoga aficionado, but even if the guests have never pronounced the word “namaste,” a yoga session can bring everyone's shoulders down. Hire an instructor to guide an all-level class for the shower crowd (and possibly provide hints for how to relax in the nervous weeks leading up to the wedding), either at home or in a yoga studio. Food and drink possibilities are highly variable, since you can embrace healthy spa cuisine for snacks or use the virtue of having just exercised to indulge in some petit fours.
Expense: $$
Gift suggestions:Yoga-Inspired Jewelry, Yoga Gym Bag


The Bowling Shower
Bringing the shower to a bowling alley is a perfect solution when the hosts have small apartments and restless crowds. No special skills are necessary and even shy guests can let the game break the ice for them. Embrace the tasty cheesy fried delights that characterize bowling alley cuisine or some alleys can help you plan a more upscale menu.
Expense: $$-$$$
Gift suggestion: Waring Professional Kitchen Blender



Via - Real Simple

4th of July Party Ideas

Invite ideas from PaperStyle








4th of July Brunch ideas from HWTM




Cocktail Ideas



1. Fourth of July Cocktail from Guy Fieri
A thin slice of jalapeno or serrano pepper adds a fiery kick to this tequila-based cocktail, which gets it's pretty colors from cranberry juice, watermelon schnapps, and blue curacao.
{via Food Network}


2. Strawberry Sucker
Strawberry schnapps, vodka, and club soda make up this sweet & fizzy afternoon drink. Add a skewer of blueberries for a splash of blue!
{via Rachael Ray}

3. Watermelon Mint Cooler
Ingredients
• 4 cups seedless watermelon chunks (about 1 pound)
• 1 1/2 cups lemonade
• 1/2 cup fresh mint
• blackberries for garnish (optional)
Directions
In a blender, puree the watermelon and lemonade; strain if desired.
Stir in the mint and serve over ice.
For an instant cocktail: Stir in 1/2 cup vodka or tequila before serving.
Garnish with a blackberries.
{via Real Simple}

4. Patriotic Margarita
This pretty drink gets it's striped look from a layer of blue HPNOTIQ Liqueur topped with a red layer made from strawberry puree, dark rum, coconut milk, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and crushed ice.
{via Coastal Living}

5. Red, White, and HPNOTIQ Blue Martini
Blue liqueur and grenadine give this citrus vodka-based martini it's patriotic flair. Garnished coconut adds a touch of white!
{via Bar None Drinks}

Via RealSimple.com

Ice Cream Party Ideas

So I'm sitting at home now working on some ideas and I began to think. I ran errands earlier this morning and at 8:30 a.m. it was blazing HOT!!!! So, my mind has taken me away from my work to ice cream. So here is some ice cream inspiration. . . enjoy!




Invation from Micrsoft



Invitation from Allthingsicecream.com




Cute bowls from Allthingsicecream.com




Bowls from Wrapables




Ice Cream Sundae Kit from Allthingsicecream.com



Cute favor from Beau Coup

Here are some display ideas:



Courtesy of The Bridal Blog



Courtesy of Taste of Home



Courtesy of Hostess With the Mostess






Enjoy!

DIY: Creating Decorative Shadow Boxes

Turn Your Keepsakes into Wall Art

A trio of framed boxes can capture highlights from family members’ lives. Luggage labels, maps, and postcards commemorate an overseas trip, while report cards, badges, and awards intermingle with wooden blocks and varsity numbers to mark childhood memories.

Do It Yourself: 3 Steps


Step 1
Focus on a theme. Gather and mix mementos, such as handwritten letters and passport pages, with photos



Step 2
Arrange and layer the elements using pins, tacks, or even brooches within a box.


Step 3
Hammer a picture hook into the wall where you’d like to display the shadow box and hang it up.

Courtesy of Real Simple

15 Things A Perfect Bridesmaid Will Do

1.Give you Honest, but gentle opinions when you try on dresses.

2.Weep along with you mom, when you finally emergy from the dressing room
wearing The One.

3.Create a "tasteful" bachelorette party wardrobe for you - diamond tiara,
fluffy pink boa.

4.Offer to do your hair and makeup on the wedding day.

5.Stuff 167 candy favor bags without complaining or eating one single
jelly bean.

6.Record gifts at your bridal shower.

7.Run out to pick up last minute items on the wedding day.

8.Call you out for bad behavior (i.e. making the matron of honor promise
not get pregnant before the wedding).

9.Lend you a shoulder to cry on when the stress gets to be too much.

10.Spend the night before the wedding at your place to talk, laugh,
and calm your nerves.

11.Decorate the outdoor reception venue in scorching afternoon heat,
minus any whining.

12.Start dancing to get the reception crowd up.

13.Give your mom special attention at the wedding- it's her day too.

14.Deal with the DJ the second he starts spinning "Who let the dogs out?,"
which she knows is song number one on your "don't play ever" list.

15.Text you post-honeymoon for drinks on Thursday night. . . like always.

Father's Day Gift Ideas

If you're looking for a last minute gift idea for Father's Day or looking to prepare a special meal for your father, here are some ideas from Real Simple.



Flight 001 Travel Bar

No need to raid the pricey minibar. This set of collapsible cups, flasks, a bottle opener, and more means Dad’s signature cocktail is always just a mix away.
To buy: $58, flight001.com.


Ambient Devices Baseball Scorecast
With this desktop gadget, he won’t have to constantly refresh his browser window to see how his team is doing. The ScoreCast wirelessly receives real-time updates on all Major League Baseball teams. All he has to do is muffle those cheers and jeers. To buy: $130, ambientdevices.com.



“Jokes Every Man Should Know”
Do the whole family a favor and put an end to Dad’s corny one-liners. This little black book offers more than a hundred alternatives (some G-rated, others requiring earmuffs).To buy: $10, barnesandnoble.com.

Ballpark Pens
Crafted from salvaged wooden seats from 13 historic stadiums, like Fenway and Atlanta Fulton County, these pens make the leap from ball game to ballpoint. Hand him one from his favorite park and he’ll always have a pen on deck.
To buy: $140 to $260 each, uncommongoods.com.


Six Special Father's Day Recipes


King Creole Tuna Steaks
Serves 6
Hands-On Time: 30m
Total Time: 1hr 00m
Ingredients
1 large yellow onion
1 large yellow summer squash
1 red pepper, seeded
1 green pepper, seeded
2 ribs celery
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups crushed plum tomatoes
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
2 cups white rice
2 pounds fresh tuna, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick steaks
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground lack pepper
Directions
Roughly chop the onion, squash, peppers, and celery. Pulse in a food processor to mince.
Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the minced vegetables, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the cayenne. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft and the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer about 25 minutes, stirring frequently.
Meanwhile, prepare the rice according to the package directions.
Season both sides of the tuna with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet and sear the tuna on both sides, working in batches if necessary, until the flesh is just pink in the center, about 6 minutes total. Arrange the tuna over the rice and cover with the Creole vegetable sauce.



Linguine Marvini
Serves 4-6
Hands-On Time: 20m
Total Time: 45m
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
20 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup butter, cut in small pieces
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
several sprigs fresh basil (about 14 leaves)
1 pound thin linguine
Directions
In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in the butter, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan. Remove from heat. Add all but one sprig of the basil. Cover and let stand.
Meanwhile, cook the linguine according to the package directions. Toss the warm linguine with the Marvini sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and garnish with the basil.


Baked Beans
Serves 6-8
Hands-On Time: 15m
Total Time: 00m
Ingredients
1 pound dry navy or soldier beans
1/3 cup molasses
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large white onion, quartered
1/4 pound salt pork or slab bacon, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
Directions
Place the beans in a large bowl. Add enough water to cover by three inches. Let stand at least 10 hours. Drain and transfer to a large saucepan. Add just enough water to cover. Let simmer, adjusting the water level so the beans remain just covered, until the skins open readily, about 1 hour.
Meanwhile, whisk together the molasses, vinegar, mustard, sugar, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of water.
Drain the beans. Place the onion in a 2-quart Dutch oven. Add the beans. Cover with the salt pork or bacon. Cover with the molasses mixture. Heat oven to 300° F. Cover Dutch oven and bake, checking often, until the beans are tender, the meat is falling apart, and the liquid is thick and bubbly, about 6 hours. Add more water (or even a second batch of the molasses mixture) if the beans start to dry out. Serve with buttered bread.



Chicken Stroganoff
Serves 6
Hands-On Time: 30m
Total Time: 1hr 00m
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced into rings
1 green pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces (15 medium) button mushrooms, thinly sliced
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch-thick strips
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 8 minutes. Add the green pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, and the mushrooms. Continue cooking until the mushrooms give up their liquid, about 6 minutes, and are tender.
Place the vegetables in a colander, reserving both vegetables and liquid. You should have about 1/2 cup of liquid.
Return pan to heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Season the chicken with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add it to the vegetables.
Pour the wine, broth, and vegetable liquid into the pan and bring to a boil. With a wooden spoon, loosen any brown bits stuck to the pan and let cook in the sauce.
Add the barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, mustard, and hot sauce. Whisk until smooth. Boil until the liquid has reduced by half, to about 1 1/2 cups. The liquid should thicken slightly.
Reduce heat and whisk in the sour cream. Do not let the sauce boil. Return the vegetables and chicken to the pan and simmer until heated through. Serve over rice, pasta, or toast.


Apple Kuchen
Serves 6-8
Hands-On Time: 30m
Total Time: 1hr 30m
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons for the topping
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
8 McIntosh apples, peeled, cored, and cut into eighths
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 cup apricot jam
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
Heat oven to 350° F.
Butter a 10-inch tart pan and set aside.
In the large bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar at high speed. Lower to medium and add the egg. Combine the flour and baking powder, then gradually add to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated. The dough will be very soft.
With floured fingers, push the dough into the tart pan to form an even crust. Arrange the apples in concentric circles, then sprinkle with the cinnamon and the remaining sugar. Bake for 50 minutes or until the crust has browned. Let cool.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan on medium-low heat, combine the apricot jam and lemon juice, mixing them into a thin liquid. Remove from heat and brush gently over the entire kuchen. Serve plain or with vanilla ice cream.



Slow-Roasted Roast Beef
Serves 6-8
Ingredients
1 1 3/4-pound rib roast, bone in
3 cloves garlic, peeled and slivered
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Directions
With a sharp paring knife, cut 12 slits just under the fat of the roast and insert the garlic slices. Season the roast with the salt, pepper, and oregano. Place it, fat-side down, on a roasting rack. Place rack in a roasting pan and fill with water, just skimming the bottom of the roast.
Heat grill to medium high. If using a charcoal grill, build a very hot fire. When the coals are white hot, add another layer of charcoal. This will ensure the grill stays hot enough to cook the meat.
Place pan directly on grill. Cover grill and allow the roast to cook slowly. Cook about 20 minutes per pound for medium rare or until a meat thermometer reads about 130° F. Halfway through, turn the roast and add more water if needed. Let rest about 10 minutes before carving.

You're Engaged, Now What?

photo courtesy of Luster Studios


Firtst Things First


Start Spreading the News
You may want to let people in on your engagement as soon as the ring is slipped on your finger. Or you might want to keep the moment private a bit longer. However you share the information, even if you veer from tradition, you should tell your parents first, then other family and friends. You'll make phone calls, of course, but you can also send email or a letter or use a service like pingg to send an announcement. You could even throw a party.


Discuss a Date
Once the word is out, expect lots of questions, including "When are you getting married?" Reveal a date if you have one, or let curious friends know plans are in the works -- as they should be, especially if you want to hold your wedding at a popular time of year, such as June or over a holiday. Locations, photographers, caterers, and other professionals book up early, sometimes a year in advance.

Think About the Big Picture
Envision the type of wedding you both want -- maybe it's the event of childhood dreams or one that reflects your grown-up tastes. Even if you are set on a formal event in a ballroom, considering other possibilities, such as a seaside ceremony or a Sunday brunch, may change your mind or reinforce your choice. The same holds true for selecting the time of day and mood of the wedding.

Set a Budget
Prior to making any decisions about the style, location, etc., figure out what you have to spend and whether your families will contribute. Make sure you and your fiance are in agreement about your priorities before talking to your parents about budget and logistics.

Register for Gifts
Surprising as it may seem, as soon as people find out about your impending nuptials, presents will start flowing in. It's never too early to register, not only to help ensure you get something you like and need, but also to make it easier on friends and family who are pondering what to purchase. Even if you don't select everything right away, at least go to one store and decide on some things for your list. You can always add more later and register at other stores. Try to limit your registry to three places. This way, it'll be easier to manage. And, in case you don't get everything you put down, many stores will keep your registry active for as long as a few years.

Insure Your Ring
You may never want to take off your priceless new treasure, but realistically, you'll have to at times. It's a good idea to talk to an insurance agent about coverage in case the stones or the ring itself ever need to be repaired or replaced.

You will first need an appraisal by a certified independent gemologist; most jewelers will provide this service upon purchase. And make sure you understand all the terms of the policy. Find out whether you are covered if the ring is lost, stolen, or damaged, and what stipulations there are, if any. If the ring is damaged, does the company give you a check so you can have it repaired by the jeweler of your choice, or do you have to use one of their jewelers? You'll also want to know how long the claims process takes.

You might be able to add a jewelry rider to your existing homeowner's or renter's policy; if not, set up a separate policy. And, most important, take very good care of your ring -- when you're wearing it and when you're not -- because that's the best insurance of all.

Do It Yourself Week - Day 4

Today's Do It Yourself Project is one of my favorites. . . Candy Buffet Table




Presentation
Use a color scheme that matches your wedding palette: wedding colors aren’t just for the flowers and bridesmaids dresses! Taking advantage of the colors you’ve already established can enhance your candy table’s presence, and bring cohesion to your entire reception.

Create depth and height in your display: with simple boxes or even phone books, you can sculpt a beautiful landscape on your table. You can wrap the boxes in decorative paper, or even leave them bare and covered with matching linens for a refined, free-flowing cascade.

Take advantage of your centerpieces: whether they be flowers, candles, or tiny little goldfish, using an extra centerpiece or two will not only tie into the rest of your reception, but it can also add life and freshness to your candy table.

Don’t be afraid to use trimmings: details like good quality linens, ribbons, and paper can add nice touches to your overall display.


Less is more: trimmings are definitely your friends, but don’t go overboard! Too many space fillers can potentially clutter your table and cause sensory overload!

Consider the table: where will it be located? Will there be a nice backdrop or wall behind it for pictures? Or will it be open so people can access it from all sides? Will it even have sides, or will it be round? These are all good questions to ask yourself before deciding on a set-up design.





Candy
Color is key: as mentioned before, having a specific color scheme can really make your table pop. Monochromatic palettes can also be striking and elegant. Make sure to consider different hues and shades – for example, if your colors are red and brown, don’t be afraid of using different shades of reds and pinks. If using primarily dark colors, try to use trimmings in lighter shades to bring energy to your table.


Check the weather: Will it be hot or sunny? Will the table be indoors or outdoors? If indoor, will there be AC? If you’re worried about warmth, save the stress and avoid candies that could easily melt (unfortunately this includes most chocolates)!


Fruit seasons: if you’re planning to use fresh fruit on your table (e.g. chocolate dipped strawberries), make sure you consider if they are even in season. Strawberries in the winter might not be as sweet as when they’re at their peak in the summer!

Not just candy: if you’re open to treats in other forms, consider mini cookies, kettle corn, or spiced nuts as sweet additions. Placing the wedding cake or groom's cake on the same table can add visual diversity.

Be creative: candy isn’t just made to be eaten, but also to play with! Bundle large lollipops together like a bouquet of flowers, or skewer some marshmallows to simulate kabobs – the possibilities are endless.

Keep it simple: having a variety of flavors and different types of candy can be satisfying to everyone, but don’t be afraid to go with a specific flavor profile. Whether it be a gummy bear bar or a chocolate truffle tribute, your guests will definitely enjoy the sugar rush!

Don’t buy too much! It’s easy to worry about not having enough for everyone, but if you’re planning to include a meal and cake in your reception, guests probably won’t be stuffing themselves with extra sugar. A small portion of ½ cup (4 oz) or less is a good estimate per person. If you want to buy in bulk for a visual effect, save large containers for popular candies so you won’t have too many leftovers.



Containers and Supplies
More than jars: apothecary jars and similar containers tend to be the standard, but don’t miss out on other shapes and sizes you can find elsewhere! Vases are fabulously inexpensive alternatives, and are easy to find. If you’re going for opaque containers, small pails can give a rustic vibe, and wicker baskets can be cute and lighthearted. Don’t be afraid to use cake stands, flat platters, and other serving ware to give your guests a variety of ways to choose their sweets!

Scoops and things: when choosing containers, make sure you keep in mind how your guests are going to get the candy out! Scoops, tongs, and other serving ware should be small enough to get the goods!

Individual containers: if your table is set up as a DIY favor station, little bags or mini boxes can be great take-homes. Dress them up with a little label and ribbon and your guests have a tasty treat for later. Small, clear plastic cups or even napkins are also cheap ideas if you prefer the candy to be eaten on the spot.

Do It Yourself Week - Day 3

Today the focus is DIY favors, below are great ideas for not only a wedding, but a summer party, baby or bridal shower.




Lemonade Favors

A great favor for a summer wedding!




Using your favorite lemonade recipe, make large batches of homemade lemonade, then use these pretty Italian bottles to package. We affixed a custom label but all these classic bottles need is a ribbon and they are set.

Materials Needed:
-Favorite Lemonade Recipe Made in Bulk
-Italian Bottles (from Ikea: $3/each)
-A Funnel
-Custom Labels or a Ribbon


Candy Favors




Chocolate candies in gold wrapping
Unbleached parchment paper
Rayon trimming ribbon

1. Wrap the candies in parchment paper and secure with double stick tape.
2. Wrap with rayon trimming ribbon.
3. Line them up to display or place one on each napkin.



Enjoy!


courtesy of Project Wedding