Thursday, August 6, 2009

Island Living


Growing up I love to eat Caribbean food. One of my favorite food to eat on the island is meat pattie. This summer my sister and her family traveled back to the islands and brought me back the best thing ever...an island cookbook pack with recipes of the foods I remember and love! It had receipes for ginger beer, coconut tart, johnny cake, pick-up saltfish and so much more, but the best thing of all was a receipe for meat pattie!!! Truthfully, I was a little intimidated at first, but at my husband's request I decided to make the patties. Well, check out my masterpiece...they were fantastic! I could not believe it, I was standing in my kitchen eating meat pattie and drinking ginger beer (talk about memories). I plan on sharing these receipes with you soon...Happy Thursday!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Movie Night

Movie Night is a great theme for a casual party. It’s perfect for a any night with friends that’s simple and fun. But, even a low-key movie night needs a theme. Choose one or two movie categories (Horror, Classics, Oscar worthy) to make party planning easier. Set up a drink station, several bowls of popcorn, candy (similar to ones at the theatre) and that’s all it takes to throw a simple casual movie night.

PS: My new favorite movie....Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Friday, July 24, 2009

TGIF!!

TGIF!! What's a great way to welcome in the weekend - have a "TGIF" party. Call up family and friends and invite them to your impromptu party. This is a great way to bring everyone together after a long week and enjoy the company of the people you love. Get some quick appetizers (BW3 is a great choice), desserts (brownie cupcakes are great), and of course drinks. Play games, sing songs, dance...just enjoy and RELAX!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Overcooked Broccoli?


We've all done it...overcooked the broccoli, and who wants to eat that. Don't worry, help is on the way. If you've read my blog then you know how much I love the Food Network and one of my favorite host Paula Deen has a video showing how to turn overcooked broccoli into cream of broccoli soup (doesn't that sound good). When I looked at this video, I was amazed at how quick and easy she made that soup. I haven't try it yet, but I can't wait for my next bunch of overcooked broccoli. So try not to overcook the broccoli, but if you do try this quick fix.


http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/fast-recipe-fixes/24927.html

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/down-home-with-the-neelys/broccoli-soup-recipe/index.html


Wednesday, July 8, 2009

I'll have some wine with that...

I recently read a great article that talked about "Nice Whites for $9". These fresh finds are said to be refreshing and great for a picnic. I like my wine (very rare occasion) icy cold and these wines promise not to lose its flavor when cold. So if you're sassy, bright, and flowery then the Rex-Goliath California Pinot Grigio is for you. If you rather your wine juicy and crisp try Fetzer Valley Oaks Sauvignon Blanc. But if you're like me "sweet as pie" then J. Lohr "Bay Mist" Monterey White Riesling is the one for you. You know which wine I'll be drinking so join me and tell me which wine you think is best. Cheers to you!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Fit for a King (Queen)


My husband and I are PB&J junkies. But every now and then I like to spice my sandwich up a bit. I found this delicious Paula Deen fried peanut butter and banana sandwich that is to die for (this is an Elvis Presley favorite). It's a great lunch treat for you or your kids. Best of all, it's quick, easy and as always very affordable. So the next time you feel like having a PB&J sandwich...try this one and tell me what you think. Happy Monday!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

A Thoughtful Hostess

Are you A Hostess Inspired by Martha Stewart; A Casual Hostess; or A Thoughtful Hostess. Ever wondered what kind of hostess you are? I did while planning my daughter's birthday party. Guess what, there's a quiz for that (I know crazy, but true). I took the 10 question quiz given by none other than Martha Stewart and it turns out that I'm "A Thoughtful Hostess". A Thoughtful Hostess is a person that plans ahead to ensure that the events you host are special and that your guests feel welcome. Your friends feel comfortable in your home and enjoy bringing signature dishes to your table. You feature unique touches without going overboard. I thought that summed me up perfectly. So the next time you're get ready to plan a party ask yourself...What kind of hostess am I and take this quiz to find out. HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

http://www.marthastewart.com/entertaining?lnc=c479cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD&rsc=navigationglobal_Homepage_Homepage

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMERON!!!


Today, my youngest daughter Cameron turns two! What an exciting time in her life... it's her special day. Since her birthday falls in the middle of a work week, last night I was making CUPCAKES. No big deal right...wrong. My daughter as many children out there have food allergies. She is allergic to milk, eggs, butter, dairy, and peanuts (nuts). You might be asking yourself...what kind of cupcakes can you make? My sister found an awesome allergen-free recipe and I wanted to share it with you. Divvies Chocolate Cupcakes (pictured) was featured on the Martha Stewart show in 2008 and ever since then we've made these cupcakes for our kids. Check it out: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/divvies-chocolate-cupcakes?autonomy_kw=allergy-free%20cupcake&rsc=header_2 So, if you have a child with allergies or know someone tell them about this recipe. Not into baking, check out My Fave Five and click on the Divves link.

Happy Birthday Cameron...I wish you all the happiness you deserve. I Love you always!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

What's for dinner?

As a working Mom, I'm always wondering...What's for dinner? For me, dinner has to be on the table within 30 minutes or less. You might ask, what can you make that is healthy, filling, affordable and most important quick. One of my favorite meals to prepare is meatloaf muffins w/barbecue sauce. The first time I saw Rachael Ray prepare this on the Food Network, I was hooked! I paired the meatloaf muffins with garlic mashed potato or mashed sweet potato and broccoli. I love it, my kids love it and my husband love it. So try it for yourself... tell me what you think. Bon Appetite!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/meatloaf-muffins-with-barbecue-sauce-recipe/index.html

Monday, June 29, 2009

Setting the table

I'm a Food Network junkie and one of my faviorte host is Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa). She is so at ease in the kitchen no matter if she is preparing a meal for her husband or for a party of 12. She is the master of tablesetting (in my opinion) but I'm sure she's had a lot of practice. First thing to remember in "setting the table" is keep it simple. Mix and match...use a combination of plate, this will create a colorful and festive table setting. In the summertime I love the look of a wood charger against any type of plate setting. Second use "real" napkins. If your plates are colorful, then a plain white napkin will do. To finish the look, add fresh flowers to the table, name cards to each setting and if time permits...personalize the card with something fun.

http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/dinnerware-entertaining/dinnerware-entertaining-sale/dinnerware-sale/index.cfm

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Party Mimosa Recipe from Allrecipes.com

Check out this recipe I found on Allrecipes.com!

Posted using ShareThis

What about Brunch?

Have you ever thought about throwing a Brunch party? If you have then you know how easy it can be. For those of you who have not, let's take a look at the food. Think about it...ham and spinach quiche, omelets or egg casserole, croissants, pastries, mimosa, and of course coffee or tea. Makes me hungry just thinking about it. So for your next party make it Brunch.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Great Music

What make a great party...great music. I mean the kind of music that takes you back in time. Do you remember Rock with you, BAD, Beat It...and of course Thriller. One of my favorite songs was Billie Jean. From the signature moonwalk to the leg kick...Michael Jackson was a living legend and will be missed. RIP - MJ

Thursday, June 25, 2009

My July Party

Not only is July filled with sun and fun, but for me it's extra special. Why...because I get to plan a birthday party for my daughter. With July being so hot, what better party to have but a beach party. Not only is it fun, but it's affordable. A great way to cut the cost is to make the food yourself. I know, it could be a lot of work depending on the number of people invited, but the savings will be worth it. Make a simple menu (hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, onion rings, cake, drinks), and buy in bulk. To make my parties extra special I add a "bonus feature". For the beach party, the "bonus feature" is getting a local ice cream truck to stop by and serve the guest for 1/2 hour...not only will you be the talk of the neighborhood, but you will be your child's hero. (TIP: PUT A LIMIT ON THE AMOUNT YOU WANT TO SPEND FOR THE ICE CREAM.) Check out this easy BBQ Baked Beans Recipe that is quick and easy to add to your menu http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/down-home-with-the-neelys/barbeque-baked-beans-recipe/index.html Eat well and Enjoy!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

July 4th Bash

What better way to get ready for Summer but to have a 4th of July bash! I love summer, and July 4th is a day for celebration with family and friends...but best of all I don't have to work!! So now is the perfect time for a P-A-R-T-Y!

Send out invitiations. A great way to get to everyone in a short amount of time is by email. Let's face it who doesn't have an email account these days. Just make it short and sweet, but include all relevant information (BBQ, potluck, time/place). A July 4th BBQ potluck party is quick and easy to organize.

You can find quick summer recepies on the food network website. http://www.foodnetwork.com/ Have fun, eat well, ENJOY!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Party Planning 411

When planning a party first thing to do is make a list. A list will help to organize your ideas (good or bad) and will help keep you on budget. Some things that you can put on your list could be:

  • Theme

  • Number of people

  • Location

  • Date/Time

  • Type of Food

  • Entertainment

Just like any other event, start planning early. Tomorrow we will begin to "Organize for Success" and get Party Planning 411 started!

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