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

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

Party Mimosa Recipe from Allrecipes.com

Check out this recipe I found on Allrecipes.com!

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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.

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

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!

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!

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!