A Good Time Was Had By All…

4th of July Recap ~We had 20 guests and it was a great day. Tiaras for the ladies and balsa wood airplanes for the guys to play with. Croquet, home made ice cream ~ chocolate, Cherry Garcia, strawberry and black raspberry. The yard was filled with dozens of candles, torches and lanterns hanging in the trees. But where are the pictures??? I was so busy flitting around I didn’t think to take any! It is my huge regret that I… [Read More]

Behind Every Successful American Is A Good Woman

Liberty Bell Decorated Cookie

  Behind every successful American is a good woman. Dreams and spirits can soar in our land. We are ‘One Nation, under God’. Even if we are individual stars. We may have suffered a few cracks along the way but we are forged together with strong beliefs of freedom and equality which ring true for all to hear. My cookies and I would like to wish you a wonderful, safe and happy 4th of July with all the wonderment and… [Read More]

“…and the winner is….”.

Thank you to all who entered the book pass-along and give-away that included the essence of Coco. There were 62 entries and number 33 was chosen by Random.org. … and the winner is… High Heeled Life Congratulations! HHL, please email me so I can send your goodies to you. I’ve got a give-away planned for the season premier of Mad Men so there will be another chance to win a little something then. Hint~ think “Betty”. Have an inspired day!… [Read More]

Red, White & Blue Daiquiris

Make a batch of each color daiquiri ahead of time and have them ready in your freezer in plastic containers. Your guests can choose one flavor or layer all three in a glass. Make all three cocktails from the same base recipe with slight variations. 1 – 6-oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate (2/3 c.)1/2 of a 6-oz. can frozen limeade concentrate (1/3c.)1 juice can light rum (2/3 c.)1/4 to 1/3 cup powdered sugar (or more to taste)3 c. ice cubesGarnish… [Read More]

More 4th of July Party Decorations

I found some fast and simple 4th of July decorations from Kate’s Paperie.Utensil Holder Starry Streamers Now why didn’t I think of this? 😉 SHARE THIS POST:

Kate Spade’s ‘Twirl’ Fragrance

“Kate, you had me at ‘Twirl’.” I’m thoroughly captivated by this description ~ “Twirl opens with pink watermelon, blackberry and red currant; enhanced with a hint of fresh flowers including orange blossom, star jasmine, tiare flower and sweet magnolia, and finishes with luminous musk and a touch of French macaroon (straight from the patisserie, of course).” Ah, how scrumptious does this sound? ‘Twirl’ is the new Kate Spade fragrance and is available by pre-order for deliveryJuly 10.Free ground shipping. $18… [Read More]

*Patriotic *Party *Paraphernalia

I always begin planning a party with the decorations and these will be so much fun! You twist the bottom to make them pop. No pulling the string on these babies. I’m hoping they are more than the impressive packaging and not a dud. Probably filled with little pieces of confetti that we will be finding all summer long. 🙂 Pier 1 $1.00/each.Next, I think about what can I add to the food or serving pieces to bring in my… [Read More]

Red, White & Blue “Cocktail Of The Month”

Today is cocktail day!The things I do for my readers! (Thank you!!) In planning for our July 4th party I came across this cranberry martini recipe that uses Pop Rocks for the garnish around the rim. What a fun idea ~ fireworks in your mouth! Boston Pops Martini Lime WedgePackage of Cherry Pop Rocks Candy2 1/2 oz. Cranberry Vodka1/2 oz. Blue CuracaoSplash of Lemon-Lime Soda Take the lime wedge or Rose’s Lime Juice and run it around the glass rim…. [Read More]

Preamble to a 4th of July Party

4th of july party invitation

I love the 4th of July!In the past we’ve been in parades riding our vintage bicycles and even cruised the main drag in a purple Prowler. We’ve clapped rhythmically to Sousa marches at the Hollywood Bowl. We’ve watched the spectacular Rose Bowl fireworks from a turn-of-the-century Pasadena villa eating more than our fair share of homemade ice cream. But having a party at home is my favorite thing to do and this week I’m doing a lot of the prep… [Read More]

Recipes from Table 24, Rutland, VT Maple Marinated Pork Tenderloin

Happy first day of summer! I’m hosting a give-away with Coco Mademoiselle with my pass along give-away read so click HERE and leave a comment if you’d like. I’ve got lots of things planned this week ~ 4th of July party planning, some killer cocktails to post but before I move ahead I want to thank everyone who left me a comment for my birthday. Your wishes meant a great deal to me, were so sweet and added to the… [Read More]