wine bottle decor

my first attempt at wine bottle decor:

My Holiday Decor

More Christmas Decor

Christmas Decor 2010

Here's whats new for 2010-

• teal and copper for colors for ornaments and ribbon




• using feathers and other natural elements for Christmas decor

Here is where to find some beautiful items:

Christmas Central - one stop shopping for all that is holiday decor

Megamind Party

Josh wanted a Megamind birthday party this year. Unfortunately, they don't make Megamind party supplies as of yet. So... we made our own!

Halloween 2010

Thanks for the memories, Halloween 2010...

autumn fireplace decor

fall decor

It's time to start decorating for fall, so get your pumpkins, mums, and cornstalks while they're hot ;) Here are some other favs that I found on Amazon. I made a slideshow to share:

here are a few other tips:

line walkways with lit jack 'o lanterns
place mum plants in baskets on front porch
corn stalks, pumpkins,gourds, and indian corn are great for decorating your front porch
spread cobwebs attached to tree branches
create a spooky graveyard in your front yard
using old clothing, stuff a fake guy with a mask on. Set him on a straw bale on your porch.
decorate trees with orange and purple string lights
use caution/crime scene tape to tape off yard, garage door and/or front door
hang plastic bats in trees

Outdoor beauty

This summer I received this gorgeous iron spherical sundial. I love the way it's nestled in between my German Irises and Chinese Lanterns...


























A couple of years ago, my sister got me these Poetry Stones for my birthday. I had fun searching for a poem that I wanted to use. I have them planted in my flower bed with Trailing Thyme. In a couple of years this Thyme will fill in and look beautiful. I just have to be patient =)

Raspberry Crepes

Made these delish raspberry crepes today. Here is the recipe:
You'll need:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted

1.Sift together flour, sugar and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, beat eggs and milk together with an electric mixer. Beat in flour mixture until smooth; stir in melted butter.
2.Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 2 tablespoons for each crepe. Tip and rotate pan to spread batter as thinly as possible. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Filling:
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 TB sugar
Mash raspberries and sugar together. Spoon into middle of crepe and roll. Top with whipped cream.

Cyndi's Bruschetta

A twist on the usual bruschetta recipe:
First saute chopped yellow and grape tomatoes with fresh, chopped garlic in EVOO.
Slice a french bread loaf on the diagonal, about 1/2 inch thick slices. Brush with EVOO. Toast in oven until crispy. Spoon tomato/garlic mixture on top of each slice of toasted bread. Sprinkle shreaded Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
Delish!

Chocolate Souffles

Made these last night. Here's the recipe:
Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 cup/250 ml whole milk
1/3 cup/35 g unsweetened cocoa powder
3 large egg yolks
1/3 cup/65 g plus 1/4 cup/55 g sugar
1 tablespoon/10 g all purpose flour
2 teaspoons/6 g cornstarch (corn flour)
2 teaspoons/9 g unsalted butter
Additional unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
5 large egg whites
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Method:

To make the chocolate base:

Whisk the milk and 1/3 cup/35 g of the cocoa powder in a heavy medium saucepan to blend. Bring the chocolate milk to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, using a whisk, beat the egg yolks and 1/3 cup/65 g of sugar in a large bowl for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thick and light.

Whisk in the flour and cornstarch to blend. Gradually pour the simmering chocolate milk over the egg yolk mixture, whisking until smooth. Pour the chocolate custard back into the same saucepan. Over medium-low heat, continually whisk the custard for 4 minutes, or until it thickens and bubbles just begin to burst through the top of the custard.

Transfer the custard to a clean mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the custard on high speed for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it is thick and smooth and cools slightly. Cover the chocolate base with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold.

To finish the Soufflés:

Preheat the oven to 375°F/160°C. Coat six 6-ounce/170-ml soufflé dishes with butter and dust with cocoa powder to coat. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and remaining 1/4 cup/55 g of sugar in a large bowl just until medium stiff peaks form. Fold one-third of the egg white mixture into the chocolate base (this will help lighten the base). Gently fold in the remaining egg white mixture.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared soufflé cups, dividing equally. Place the soufflé dishes on a heavy large baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes or until soufflés have risen about 1 inch/ 2 1/2 cm above the dishes. Dust the soufflés with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Compliments of Take Home Chef- I love that show!

Anne Taintor

LOVE these! My friend brought me a pack of these with a bottle of wine at my last little get together... so CUTE!

summer party ideas

It's summertime and a great time to connect with friends and family! Time to grill out, camp out, hang out, and host a backyard summer party! Here are some fun themed ideas:

• Jimmy Buffett inspired 'flamingo' party


• patriotic parties - Ideas for Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day...
• garden party - Flowers, veggies, sun and fun!
  
• pool party - In the hot summer months, what's more fun than a pool party?
• 
  
• luau - Tiki bar, grass skirts, limbo and more...

• beach party - Invite your friends over for a 'life's a beach' party!




• child's bug/garden party - Host a backyard surprises birthday party for your little nature lover.


• camping party - Time to swap ghost stories, roast marshmallows, and sleep under the stars...
• clambake - Inspired by the 'barefoot contessa'....
• fabulous 50's car cruise - Time to show off your hot rods and celebrate the 50's!

for details on each of these themed parties, check out the site: www.itsapartyfullife.com/summertime_fun

Wild West Party Ideas

Need some ideas for planning a wild west party?

• decorate using cow print patterned fabric for tablecovers...
• line a wheelbarrow with plastic, fill with ice, and add bottles of sarsaparilla...
• use bandanas to wrap plasticware and secure with raffia or twine...
• make a big pot of homemade chili and cornbread muffins...
• set up an area for a game of horseshoes...
• hire a dance instructor to teach party guests how to squaredance...
• call a horse stable and inquire about pony rides at your party for smaller guests...

For more wild west party ideas check out the site!

Fun Grad Open House Ideas

Tips for a fun graduation open house:

• Make a scrapbook for the graduate. Start the book with baby pictures and all through school, with photos of friends and family, as well as, sports, awards, and activities. On the last pages, include what the graduate's aspirations and college plans are. Display on the gift table for all to enjoy.


• Videotape the party! They will have a keepsake to treasure and to share with others later.


• Decorate a box with an opening for cards for guests to put cards for the graduate.


• Hire a fortune teller or caricature artist for a unique and fun activity.


• Ask a friend or family member to take candid photos during the party. Then -- add pages to your scrapbook later with photos from the party!


• Set up volleyball, or croquet for all to play.


• Set a child's mini pool on top of a table and fill with ice. Place bowls of salads on top of ice to keep cool throughout the party.

Easter Basket Ideas

CUTE Easter baskets from All About Gifts and Baskets... great premade baskets all ready for Easter morning! Also great to deliver to your favorite people across the miles!

Other

Easter Basket Filler Ideas :

Kites, jump ropes,

Nerf balls, frisbees, Silly Putty, dvd movies, books, art supplies, Hot Wheel cars, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, barrettes, Webkinz, Playdough, puzzles, and small games...

Great places on the web to find Easter Basket fillers:

• Candy Crate
• Land of Nod
• Hearthsong

Mongolian Steak Stirfry

Do you love Mongolian BBQ like I do? Here is an easy way to make it at home. You'll Need:

1 sirloin steak, cut into bite size pieces or strips if you choose

1 small onion

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1/3 cup teriyaki sauce (Kikkoman)

1 TSpoon brown sugar

Extra virgin olive oil

Heat a small amount of olive oil on med in medium sized frypan. Add steak. Cook until steak is browned. Add onions and mushrooms. Cook until tender. Add teriyaki sauce and brown sugar. Stir and cook on low until sauce is thickened.

Serve over rice.

Serves 2

You can add any other vegetables of your choice. Note, potatoes will take longer to cook. Add before you add the other vegetables.

Prom planning

Planning a prom can be a heavy undertaking...but fun as well! Check out our ideas for prom planning at www.itsapartyfullife.com/prom_ideas.

Comfort Food - Chili

What is better on a snow day than homemade chili?


Here is a easy way to make it and it turns out oh-so-yummy!

You'll Need:
1 lb. ground beef
1 can Bush's mild chili beans
1- 16 ounce can tomato sauce
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c ketchup
chili powder to taste

Makes 4 servings

Brown ground beef with chopped onion. Drain grease. Add remaining ingredients. Stir and simmer for about 20 minutes. Season to taste. Serve with Colby Jack shredded cheese... and viola!

Top off with these great mini saltine crackers. Love 'em!