Hosting Your Own Backyard Movie Night

A few years ago we hosted a backyard movie night for the high school marching band. With over 80 teenagers the evening was a lot of fun and something I always wanted to do again for our family and friends. Not knowing what we needed back then we rented the equipment for the night which included an inflatable screen, speakers and a projector. The menu for the night was pure concession stand nostalgia: hotdogs in paper boats, boxed candy, soda… [Read More]

Another Round of Margarita Cookies

decorated margarita cookies

A sweet gal emailed me after seeing my margarita cookies and wondered if I would make them for a party she was giving to honor her mom on her 50th birthday. I thought her thoughtfulness and love for her mom was so sweet that I told her I’d be happy to RSVP with my cookies. The regular and strawberry margarita cookies would be served. I wrote a post on how to decorate margarita cookies but this time I made the… [Read More]

Remembering the 4th of July on the 8th

paper lanterns in the trees

We gathered for a happy, relaxed time together. The lanterns and bunting were hung in place. Party favors for everyone! The vintage mid-century bottle opener was also invited to the party. It was tied onto the drink tub with a festive ribbon. Several croquet games ensued. There were some very impressive wicked wicket shots and who knew croquet could become a contact sport! And of course there were plenty of frozen red, white and blue daiquiris. I thank my lucky… [Read More]

Bridal Shower ‘Tushie Cookies’!

bridal shower tushie cookies

I can hardly believe I am saying this especially after my Granny Panties post last Friday, but I was totally inspired to make these cookies by the bridal “I Do” thong I gave my niece for one of her shower gifts this past weekend.   These aren’t your mama’s bridal shower cookies but they sure got a lot of laughs and attention! I made a few just for fun. I wrapped them up and told Jennifer, the bride, I made… [Read More]

Marshmallow Bunny Pops!

marshmallow bunny pops

These bunny marshmallow pops are perfect to find in an Easter basket, for spring time bake sales, as a friendship gift or to make with the kids! Here’s how and what You’ll Need: 3 extra-large marshmallows 2 regular (large) sized marshmallows (the kind you find in the store) 1 mini marshmallow 1 twisty marshmallow candy writer in white. This is not frosting but candy coating. pan of hot water, not boiling 12″ long lollipop sticks, 1 for each bunny pink… [Read More]

Molded Sugar Roses and Leaves

I’m reposting this how-to from last May since a lot of people seem to be searching for it and it’s not coming up in my search window. I hope this makes it more accessible. Molded sugar makes for a very pretty presentation at tea time and they’re very easy and quick to make. This project took me less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Things you will need: Superfine or regular Sugar Food Coloring Water Plastic Candy Mold Cardboard… [Read More]

Eggnog Martini

While ‘researching’ cocktails for Christmas I came across this recipe for an Eggnog Martini. Eggnog never looked so good as in a martini glass! It’s a fun change from the typical eggnog and rum concoction placed in a mug or punch cup. Eggnog Martini ~ 2 cups store-bought eggnog2 cups amaretto liqueur2 cups vodkagingersnap cookiesground cinnamonground nutmeg Combine the eggnog, amaretto and vodka in a pitcher and chill at least 30 minutes.Crush gingersnaps in a food processor until they almost… [Read More]

“Cupcake Goodies Kit” {Give-Away}

Halloween Cupcakes

Sometimes the easiest and simplest decorations are the best so I’ve put together a “Cupcake Goodies Kit Give-Away.”I’ve included the paper cup liners, pastry bags and star tip to the wrappers, toppers and sprinkles so you can make these cupcakes yourself! Wilton has the cutest kit of fence wrappers and toppers so I’m including the package of 12 each. But of course every cupcake needs sprinkles! Mini pumpkins, ghosts and bats… ..and mysterious black orbs! Did I tell you I’m… [Read More]

Scaredy Cat Napkin Holder/Place Card

As a continuation of my Halloween decorations, making the napkin holder/place card is so easy. Take an extra cat cut-out from the ideas on the “Hissy Fit Halloween Garland Post” and use the punched out holes on the cat’s back to thread 6mm ribbon through. In the ribbon loop on the back of the cat place the napkin. Pull the ribbon taut and tie in a bow. You can write the name of your guest on the cat with a… [Read More]

“Hissy Fit” Halloween Garland!

halloween cat garland with pom poms

I love Halloween decorations whether I’m hosting a big monster mash bash or a small intimate dinner party which I’ll be doing this year.When I was at Paper Source I saw these cute scaredy cat cut-outs. It’s actually a kit of 8 cut-outs and some silver cording but it would be very to easy to make your own. If I wasn’t pressed for time with my NYC trip coming up next week, I would use my large cat cookie cutter… [Read More]