Recipes

Appetizers, casseroles, and delicious desserts all your guests will enjoy.

Party Themes

Looking to invite your friends over for a night of fun, these themed parties will entertain them till the party is over.

Traditions

Creative ideas for instilling your children with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Design

Looking to redecorate or need some inspiration. These are my favorite looks.

Gifts from the heart

Nothing is more personal than when you make a gift and share it with your loved ones. Here are some creative ideas.

Look for love

My thoughts on love and why you should always look for it. You never know when or where it will show up.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

30 days of Christmas Tree Ideas

Decorating for the holidays is a tradition in our home.  My favorite part is opening the box of ornaments I've collected over the years. Every ornament has sentimental value to us, otherwise it doesn't get hung on our tree.  My favorites are the pictures of family members I make every year through Kodak Gallery and the original "crafty" school projects I usually have to mend.   Hanging the vacation ornaments of places we've been always get us reminiscing about the good (and bad) times we've experienced.  The collection of angels and crosses gets bigger every year as does the addition of a bible verse or quote I like to focus on.  The tree is complete when the burgundy and gold-trimmed hydrangeas are placed throughout and edible See's Candy Climber Canes get hung on the branches.  
Our tree is a reflection of our family and a story is told with every step around and glance down. Although I would never change my style it doesn't stop me from enjoying the various themes of Christmas Trees available.  So for the next 30 days, we will be having a Christmas Tree decorating contest.  All you have to do is upload a picture of your tree to the NEW! 30daysof page on Facebook and you can win a $100 gift certificate to the TaiPan Trading Company

Here are 30 styles of trees to choose from:
Wine and Cheese Tree
Gumdrop Candy Tree
Religious Tree 
Fruit Tree
Silver and Blue Tree - Hanakkah - Tree Topper
12 days of Christmas Tree
Animal Tree
Snowman Tree
Toy Tree

What does your tree look like?  What tradition do you follow every holiday?  Send a picture to the facebook Fan page or comment below.  You will be entered to win a gift certificate to the greatest decor store in California.  



Monday, November 23, 2009

30daysof...Trader Joes Favs!

So many friends and family of mine have not discovered the many hidden secrets and treasures you can find at Trader Joe's. In fact, most of them think it's only gourmet food that no one really eats. Showcased here are 30 of the best things that Traders Joe's has to offer.

Holiday Favorites
Maple Cookies
Pumpkin Tart
Pumpkin Butter
Pumpkin Pancakes
Corn Bread Stuffing

Hostess Gifts
Dark Chocolate Bar w/Bottle of Port or Red Wine
Unique Beers
Organic Soaps
Cheese and Salami Baskets

Secret Sauces
Peanut Sauce Vinaigrette
Alfredo Sauce
Chipotle Salsa
Almond Peanut Butter
Pizza Sauce (goes with Pizza Dough)

Easy 1-step Meals
Quiche
Chocolate Croissants
Pecan Tarts

For Kids
The Apple walks into a Bar
Make your own Trail Mix
Cinammon Applesauce
Carrot w/ranch packs
Celery w/peanut butter packs
Jack Cheese Packets
Pizza Dough (best with Pizza Sauce)

Fabulously Frozen
Garlic French Fries
Brown Rice Packets

Each of these will have links eventually for the best use. Until then become a fan of Trader Joes on Facebook.