These tips for hosting a wine and cheese party have been sponsored but all opinions expressed here are my own.My husband is always suggesting that we have company over but the idea of entertaining often stresses me out so much that it is no longer fun. Why? Because I plan things that are way too complicated! Fancy cocktails and lots of appetizers sound delicious but they are very time-consuming for the hostess to whip up! I have been giving some thought to hosting a wine and cheese party to help simplify our entertaining. If the idea … [Read more...]
Simple Patriotic Party Ideas to Celebrate the Red, White and Blue!
May 16, 2017 by · 7 Comments
Whether you are celebrating the 4th of July, Memorial, Labor Day, Veteran's Day or any other patriotic holiday, having a party is always a fun way to enjoy it. If you are looking for patriotic party ideas, they don't have to be complicated or expensive. A dash of red, white and blue along with some food and a few crafts for the kids is all you really need. Sure, amazing fireworks and giant flags are nice but you don't really need them to get the point across. If you are looking for a few simple patriotic party ideas for your next … [Read more...]
Choosing the Right Wine for Your Meal Without Knowing Much About Wine!
March 3, 2017 by · 6 Comments
If you enjoy entertaining guests, choosing the right wine for your meal can be a challenge. My husband and I enjoy a glass of wine now and then. While we certainly do not consider ourselves wine snobs, we can definitely taste the difference between a $3.00 bottle of wine and a $25.00 bottle. I have learned over the years that I have definite preferences in terms of the variety of wine I enjoy. The food I serve with it also plays a big part in how the wine actually tastes. Food and wine can compliment one another or hinder your ability to … [Read more...]
A Tailgating Essentials List for Fall Sports Fans
August 14, 2016 by · Leave a Comment
With football season gearing up, this tailgating essentials list is going to be vital for my survival this fall. Why? Because this year I am the mother of two high school kids, one of which is in the high school marching band. When my kids started school last week, I was prepared for early morning bus pickups, a new schedule, and the trials and tribulations of my kids making new friends. What I was NOT prepared for, however, was high school football. All of a sudden, now that I have a highschool kid in band, I am expected to show an … [Read more...]
Strawberry Shortcake Jars and Healthier Outdoor Entertaining Tips
June 9, 2016 by · Leave a Comment
One of my favorite places in my house is not actually IN my house. Our stone patio is my family's go-to place for lounging, enjoying a fire or chatting over a cup of coffee. As we move into summer, I was looking for a few healthier outdoor entertaining tips and a recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Jars came up. Why are these strawberry shortcake jars healthier? Because they are small, bite-sized desserts that satisfy your sweet tooth without being hugely filling. I love dessert and if there is a full dessert table, I am going to be at it. … [Read more...]
Christmas Party Planning Tips and Artichoke & Kale Bruschetta Topper Recipe
December 4, 2015 by · Leave a Comment
This Christmas Party Planning Tips post is sponsored by NABISCO Cookies and Crackers for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.Christmas is a chaotic time of year. There are gifts to buy, trees to decorate and classroom parties to supervise. It's easy to forget the truly important things with all the stress surrounding us. What's really important during the holiday season is celebrating with friends and family. Having our loved ones (and the occasional annoying ones) around us on Christmas is what makes this holiday truly wonderous. Of … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving Leftovers Party Tips and a Turkey & Sweet Potato RITZwich Recipe
November 16, 2015 by · 5 Comments
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of NABISCO Cookies and Crackers for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.Every year, my neighbor hosts a Thanksgiving leftovers party on the day after Thanksgiving. Everyone seems to have an abundance of leftovers in the refrigerator that day, right? And aren't someone else's leftovers WAY more exciting than your own? Aren't you always wondering what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers? I know I certainly am! Thanksgiving leftovers can also be made into creative new recipes. … [Read more...]
Five Tips for a Happy and Healthy Plant-Based Thanksgiving
November 13, 2015 by · 5 Comments
Holidays are a lot of fun...the chaos of having all the aunts, uncles, cousins and friends over for a big meal is a memory that lasts a lifetime. Along with all those people eating at your home comes a wide array of dietary restrictions. My mother in law has Celiac disease and can't eat anything with gluten. I have friends who are vegetarian, some with high blood pressure who need low salt options, and others who are lactose intolerant who avoid dairy products. Navigating the array of dietary needs can sometimes be a bit intimidating! … [Read more...]
How to Make a Good First Impression at the Next Holiday Gathering
October 14, 2015 by · 6 Comments
I remember waayyyy back when I first met my husband in college. We were young and in love and then....the holidays arrived and it was time to meet the parents. I honestly was terrified about meeting his mom. What if she hated me? This was a guy I was really serious about. What would happen if his parents didn't like me? Thankfully, his mom is an absolute peach of a woman and my offering to wash the dinner dishes won her over in a heartbeat. I know a lot of people don't have quite as easy a time as I did! It's often a stressful situation … [Read more...]
Have an Elegant Rehearsal Dinner with Target #TargetWedding
November 3, 2013 by · 56 Comments
This rehearsal dinner discussion is sponsored by Target and Social Chorus but all opinions expressed here are my own.Yesterday, my husband and I celebrated our 17 year anniversary. I seriously cannot believe it has been that long since we got married. I still remember the stress of planning the wedding, finding a dress, picking a menu, and trying to not spend a fortune. My husband and I were pretty broke when we got married and while my parents were paying for most of the wedding, they didn't have a lot of money either. That meant a … [Read more...]
