Tag: party

To Make a Mama’s Heart Melt

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Mama

Earlier this week I discovered that my iPhone would randomly make little memory movies using groups of photos stored on my device. Okay, so it was a news flash for me, but apparently no one else in this big ol’ world. When I realized my phone had completely taken over creative license of my life, I decided to send my husband a fun little video of his birthday celebration. Unfortunately the file size was too large to send, so I decided to create a You Tube page and upload it there for his viewing pleasure. What I didn’t realize was that apparently four years ago, I created a personal You Tube page for just this very purpose — I am so smart; I just forgot.

Much to my surprise, I found several short videos of our then two-year-old son doing just the cutest little things ever. I thought this discovery was so cool, but one video in particular absolutely made my heart melt. I have watched it over and over and think my chest might burst every single time I see it; and necessarily so, I have accosted at least one of my friends each day, forcing them to eww and ahh at the cutest kid in the world.

So in an effort to save my friends from being force feed kid videos, I decided to post my memory here today and will just assume that each and every one of you will naturally take a look (you might want to grab a tissue). Oh, and by the way those are balloon shaped candles from my birthday cake he is holding. This guy has always loved a good birthday party!

Setting the Scene for Thanksgiving

Posted on November 23, 2016November 23, 2016 by Mama

thanksgivebanner

For most Americans, tomorrow is a special day of gratitude, family dynamics and loads of delicious food. My sister-in-law is hosting the holiday gathering at her home this year, but in years past (and hopefully many years to come) we have embraced the craziness that comes along with a houseful of family, way too many cooks in the kitchen and too little space.

Even with the chaos, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays (no, it’s not the food), because I love to have loads of family around without the hyperactive exchange of brightly colored gifts, the shreds of wrapping paper floating all about and the over extravagance of way too many gifts (with way too many parts and pieces to keep track of) that accompanies our next big gathering at Christmas.

To me, Thanksgiving is pretty low key. If there is family, tasty food, a warm place to sit and a cozy place to watch the parade and football, I count it good. With that being said, if you’re hosting your own family gathering tomorrow, here are a few inspirational ideas that might help you set the mood, welcome your guests, embrace the chaos and come out the other side feeling. . . well, “thankful.”

Create a warm and inviting room (literally and figuratively).

Consider turning down the heater for your gathering and light a fire instead. Everyone loves the warm glow of crackling logs, but if your weather is too warm try lighting a few candles instead. Add some warm throws, even if no one plans to use them — they simply say “stay awhile.” Also add some fall color and simple rustic décor to quickly make a room more inviting.

Create seating that is conducive to conversation.

Arrange your seating so that people can have a direct line of sight with one another. This makes conversation so much easier and more natural. If you don’t own a sectional, try creating a sectional-type arrangement for a popular seating option.

Create a table that screams or even just whispers something special.

Thanksgiving table settings can be extravagant or simple, but they should make folks want to sit, stay and eat for a while. Make sure your display is short enough for guests to easily see over so they will hopefully want to linger long after the dessert is done.

Give your guests an opportunity to be thankful.

Set aside some time for guests to express their blessings either verbally or with the written word. Consider your family and how each member is comfortable sharing. You can even play some fun Thanksgiving games to lighten the mood.

Encourage guests to take it home.

Save some cleanup, refrigerator space and calories by stocking up on boxes, bags or plastic tubs your guests can load up and take home. Dress up the carryouts so that people will remember to take them along and provide a marker or pen for labeling.

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a blessed gathering!

Jack o’ Oranges Saved My Dignity. . . Okay, That’s an Exaggeration

Posted on October 29, 2015October 28, 2015 by Mama

After an epic fail in the Halloween school snack category, I decided to give a go at these quick jack o’ lantern Mandarin orange snack packs. Okay so let’s face it, I didn’t have time to give anything else a try before the preschool party, so I was delighted that these little fun-faced treats were a breeze to complete.

I bought several four-packs of the Mandarin oranges (peaches work great also) at my grocery store and dug out my black Sharpie to draw on faces. The store brand cost about $2.20 per four individual containers; but unfortunately the “best by” date was also stamped smack dab on top of the seals. Although the dates showed up more in my photos than real life, you might want to shop for a brand that prints the freshness info along the side.

The preschoolers didn’t seem overly impressed with this tasty (and healthy) treat, but they also didn’t seem too impressed with any of the other cute little spooky treats that decorated their party plates. Of course as long as the kudos are being passed around between the parents, it’s all good. Right?