Friendly Traditions - Start a Bunko Group

This year marks a 10-year monthly tradition of playing Bunko together. Our group started with 12 girls just married. A third of us were first time stay-at-home mommies deeply in need of adult conversation. Some wanted to reunite with old work friends and keep in touch better. We all wanted to GET OUT once a month - and spend fun time with friends.
We didn't set any rules except to supply dinner if you are a host and call if you can't make it. Themes were not mandatory but throughout the years, the themes these creative woman come up with is what I look forward to.
The latest party theme was a "Little Black Dress" Bunko by Karri. She set the table with elegant crystal and draped pearls around the napkins and centerpieces. She found initialed pearled ornaments and placed them next to each placesetting along with our personalized score card. For the main course she set up a mash-potatoe bar which was served in martini glasses. A light salad and shishkabobs skewered with tomotoe, mozzarella and basil were great accompaniments to the elegantly served carb. After dinner she read us an excerpt from the book, The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan. It is a moving essay about women's remarkable capacity to support each other, to laugh together, and to endure. And yes, I cried.
We played one round of bunko (which is usually one round too many for me) and afterword enjoyed cake and sugar cookies adorned with a picture of Audrey Hepburn and her signature black dress. The theme was very simple and elegant.
Many bunko groups begin and end within a matter of months. Most don't last becuase women let their busy lives get in the way. If you start a bunko group, make the effort. Show up and don't make excuses. Perfect your entertaining skills. It is in times of difficulty when we need our friends the most. It is a tradition I hope to continue until all of us are rolling our dentures and sharing pictures of our grandkids.

For your bunko group, do you have themes? Share your favorites here. In the meantime, enjoy the following video of a reading from The Middle Place.

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Monkey Bread

Luckily we participate in this tradition once a year because it takes a year to burn off the calories we consume enjoying it.  It's called Monkey Bread and EVERYONE loves it!  In our family, we prepare the monkey bread on Christmas Eve to serve on Christmas morning.  The recipe is so easy, the kids can practically do it all! 

While I make the sugar cookies for Santa. (another tradition)

Monkey Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon 1 1/2 stick of melted butter
1/2 cup raisins and/or pecans (these are optional, it's great with or without them)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚ and grease a monkey bread pan (bundt pan or angel food pan works great)

2. Mix all sugar and cinnamon in a large plastic bag. Cut the biscuits into quarters and place in the bag with the sugar.
Shake well as you coat all sides evenly.

3. Arrange pieces in the bottom of the greased pan. Continue layering until all the biscuit pieces are coated with sugar and in the pan. I sprinkle raisins and pecans throughout the layering process as well.

4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and pour on top of entire monkey bread evenly.  If you want to ensure an even coat, you can brush the butter atop each layer.

5. Bake for 35 minutes. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a plate.  Top with the icing while warm. 

Icing (pour on top or serve on side)

1 cup cream cheese
1 stick butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions:

1. Allow cream cheese and butter to get to room temperature.

2. Beat butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl with a mixer.

3. Slowly add in the pound of powdered sugar.

4. After all the powdered sugar is added mix for 12 minutes (do not mix less than that).

5. When almost done, add in the extract and lemon juice.

Lately my daughter has been requesting this for her birthday morning treat as well.  

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4th of July Traditions

What better reason to get together and celebrate if not for the birthday of the United States of America. Our family has carried on this tradition for over 30 years as of 2009.  The venue has changed numerous times from the beachy climate of Newport Beach to the hot dry heat of Kingman, Arizona, but the people and the fun get better with age.  

Our tradition begins on the 3rd with a pre-party.  We eat, drink, and decorate. The kids make Uncle Sam Hats for the parade out of dixie plates and construction paper.

At 9:00am we decorate scooters, bicycles, wagons, vehicles, and feet in preparation for the march.  All of us are led by the flag of the USA.  

Next we roll out a large roll of paper for the kids to draw what the 4th of July means to them. Usually it is fireworks and flags that are the most common elements kids symbolize the 4th with.  The winner gets their picture made into a puzzle.  See the post, Puzzled in America.

Water balloon fights and an obstacle course fill the day.  Since the kids were of various ages we made money the main prize.  Two teams competed in the obstacle course which was performed relay style.  Each member of the winning team received $20 (in fake bills) and the runner-ups (a better title than losers) received $10 (in fake bills).  Then it was pinata time.  We filled the pinata with plastic coins, rubber balls, tattoos, pencils, and of course - candy.  Three fake dollar bills were included as well.  The little ones went for the candy and the older ones went for the coins.  Mostly becuase whoever had the most coins and money at the end would receive a REAL $20.  The kids had to count all their money they earned from the day.  Whoever had the most, won the $20.  

Sparklers and swimming are always the most memorable activities for the kids, but the fireworks show is traditionally the best way to end a 4th of July celebration.

As for the food, hamburgers and hot dogs are an All-American classic. The side dishes we traditionally serve are: Aunt Jeanne's Macaroni Salad, Cousin Dar's Chili Bean Dip, and Shannon's 7-layer Bean Dip!  (Bean Dip Recipe recipe below) These items disappear faster than a handful of firecrackers on speed.

We are so grateful to live in this country and have the freedoms so many of us take for granted. What does 4th of July mean to you?  What freedom are you most grateful for being an American?

COUSIN DARLENE's CHILI CHEESE DIP (serves 6-7)

1 package (8oz) cream cheese softened

1/2 cup chunky salsa

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 can (16oz) bush's chili beans, undrained

3 tablespoons slices green onions

3 tablespoons sliced black olive (optional)

tortilla chips

Preheat oven to 350˚ Combine cream cheese and salsa and spread in bottom of 9in pie plate. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Spread chili beans over shredded cheese. Top with remaining cheese, sliced green onion and olives. Bake for 15-20 min until mixture is thoroughly heated and cheese is melted. Serve with tortilla chips.

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Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup - A Tradition

Whenever anyone is sick in our home, I make this traditional soup just like grandma used to make.  Ironically, the main ingredient is Grandma's Egg Noodles.  Kids and adults love it and it makes getting sick a little more enjoyable.  

 

INGREDIENTS

2 Packages of Grandma's Egg Noodles (in the freezer section of stores)

1 whole chicken

1 bunch carrots

1 stalk celery

2 onions

3 garlic cloves

4 chicken bouillon cubes

TO PREPARE

Place raw chicken in a pot.  Cover with water and boil.  While boiling, start chopping your carrots, onion and celery. Crush garlic. Add all vegetables and garlic to boiling water.  When chicken is cooked, pull it out and let cool.  Add 4 bouillon cubes to the broth.  Add the two packages of unfrozen egg noodles.  Be sure to pull apart. Remove the skin from the chicken.  Cut the chicken into bite size pieces (or chunky) and place back in the pot.  Let simmer for 20 minutes until all the noodles are the same consistency.  

Garnish with red pepper flakes, oyster crackers, or black pepper if desired. 

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Easter Bunny Cake - A Tradition

Since I was one, The Easter Bunny Cake has been served at our family Easter gatherings.  It is a tradition I still look forward to. (I have dibs on the left ear) Now a new generation of kids fight over who will get the other ear.  

To include this tradition in your Easter Day celebrations, here is the recipe.

What you will need:

1. Large cookie sheet

2. Jelly Beans

3. Coconut

4. Food Coloring

5. Cake Mix (We use Funfetti)

6. Frosting

7. 2 round cake pans

To Start:

- Prepare your batter (as shown on box) and pour it into two cake pans.  Bake as directed.

- While cake is baking, line a baking sheet with foil or green paper and prepare your colored coconut.  We make pink for the ears and cheeks (1/2 cup)  and blue for the bowtie (1 cup).  Set remaining coconut aside for the cake and the grass.

Decorate the Easter Bunny:

- After the cake has cooled, place one cake on the tray for the head. Frost it with the white frosting. 

- The second cake will be cut into a bowtie and the two ears (see diagram).

- Frost the three pieces with white frosting.

- Decorate the ears, cheeks, and bowtie with the colored coconut.

-Use Jelly Beans for the eyes, nose and mouth.  Or use other candy or icing you have to make it even more detailed. 

- Dye the remaining coconut green and use for the grass.

- Place the jelly beans or your favorite eggs around the rabbit.

Serve and Enjoy!  And don't get to upset when you see fingers going in and out of the cake during the whole party.  By the time dessert is served at our house, the jelly beans are all gone and we end up eating a faceless bunny.  

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Ladies Poker Night

You say, girls can't play poker. Want to bet? You'll lose that bet with our group of girls who recently finished our first evening playing texas hold'em. There were no cigars at this event, only margaritas, appetizers and a dessert...o.k. and a cheat sheet here and there. It was a blast! Not only did we laugh a lot, the competitive nature in all of us came out. Seriously, economic times are tough. Who can't use a couple extra bucks, even if you have to po"ker" or po"kem" to get it. If you want to plan a poker party of your own - here are some tips on how to get started.

The Lowdown:

- Invite 8 people to play and set table accordingly.

- 1 deck of cards per table

- Set out poker chips in increments of what your buy in set at. Our buy in was $20. 20 white

chips @.10 = $2.00, 25 blue chips @.20 = $5.00, and 13 black chips @ 1.00 = $13.00

- Set out cheat sheets of what wins for each girls.

Before the game starts you must determine the answers to these questions first:

- Do you want to end at a certain time and the person with the most chips wins?

Our pot was $140. First place received $80, second place - $40, and third place - $20.

- Do you want to increase the blinds every hour?

- Is there a max bet or do you want to be able to play - ALL in?

- Can the girls buy in again if they get out early?

Those are the basics of the game and should help you get started. Watch the poker channel or rent the movie ROUNDERS with Matt Damon. That should teach you the art of bluffing which is what poker is really all about. You can work on reading other players tell and perfecting your own strategy and keep the girls wondering what you are holding. (This of course didn't happen in our group and we played every hand to the river and "shared" with each other what we had. )

Half of us left with empty pockets but we all had full stomachs from the fabulous appetizers and desserts. Here is the recipe for the mini cheesecakes that were served.

For crust (put in food processor for best results)

-15 whole graham cracker (10 ounces total), broken.

-1 sticks chilled unsalted butter, diced

-1/2 cup packed golden brown sugar

For filling
- 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
- .875 cups sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1.25 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1.5 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3 medium eggs

For topping
2 cups sour cream
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Or Top with whip cream and a sliced strawberry as shown above.

Make crust:

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Get a mini cheescake pan. Combine graham crackers, butter and sugar in processor. Using on/off turns, blend until crumbs begin to stick together. Press crumbs onto bottom and 2 3/4 inches up sides of springform pan. Bake crust 10 minutes. Transfer to rack and cool while preparing filling. Maintain oven temperature.

Make filling:

Beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla and salt in large bowl until very smooth. Beat in flour. Add eggs and beat just until blended, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of bowl. Pour batter into crust just a sliver below the top of the tray.

Bake cheesecake until outer 2-inch edge of cake os puffed and slightly cracked, center is just set and top is brown in spots, about 20 minutes. Do not overbake. Transfer cake to rack. Cool 10 minutes. Maintain oven temperature.

Top with Topping. Chill in fridge for at least an hour.

Decorate your own poker centerpiece.

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Nail Art #8 - Worth their weight in Gold!

Instead of wearing your gold jewelry, decorate your toenails with gold.  Made with flecks of gold nail polish,  painted over brown.  

I imagine it would look great painted over 

red for the holidays.  

Rate this toenail design and you could win a free pedicure.  Leave your comment below.

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Appetizer 1 - Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños

These jalapeño peppers are delicious stuffed with a seasoned cream cheese and wrapped in bacon.

Here is how to make them:

STEP 1 -  Cut 6 large jalapeño peppers in half and clean thoroughly.

STEP  2 - Mix 1 cup of cream cheese and your favorite seasoning together in a Cuisinart. I use Trader Joes 21 Seasoning Salute or 1 8 oz container of  light garlic & herbs of Rondele Spreadable Cheese

STEP 3 - Stuff peppers with the cream cheese mixture and smooth flat.

STEP 4 - Cut bacon to wrap the pepper once and secure with a toothpick. I used turkey bacon but most people LOVE regular bacon better.  The best is from Trader Joe's in the packaged meat and cheese section.

Then put in the oven for 375˚F for 20 minutes. (30 minutes if you want the pepper to be tender)

Serve and enjoy!

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Make $ Stamping Your Creativity

In January, one of the resolutions the 30daysof...blog suggested was to send your sentiments in a real greeting card versus an email, text or facebook message.  It's just more personal.  For this reason, I was excited to learn more about the business opportunity Stampin' Up.  You can be creative AND make money doing it your way.  I interviewed Gina Shaw to learn more about the business opportunity.

30daysof: What is the name of your business?
GS: Cards by Gina. I'm an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

30daysof: Why did you get started in this business?
GS: I recently took a voluntary retirement package from Scholastic Inc. after working there for 18 years. In my most recent position, I was the Editorial Director of Original Publishing for the Scholastic Book Clubs. 
For more than five years now, I have been passionate about creating scrapbooks and greeting cards. My career counselor at The Five O'Clock Club helped me to realize that I wanted to follow my passion into my next job. She actually found a Stampin' Up! blog and told me to look at it. I did and I got in touch with the blog owner, Mary Fish, who told me all about the Stampin' Up! company and what it meant to become a demonstrator. I was hooked immediately! 

30daysof: Is there a start up cost? Describe the start up cost and what you need to do to qualify for promotion or revenues, trips, cars?
GS: Yes, there is a start-up cost since you do need to purchase the Demonstrator's Starter Kit for $199 and you can add on the Stampin' Memories kit for $50. Please note: This is the price in the SU! Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog. A new catalog will be released on July 1, 2009 and I'm not sure if there will be a change in price at that time. With these two kits, you have all the items you need to run workshops, host parties; etc. and you really get to see and use the quality products that Stampin' Up! has to offer. 
Stampin' Up! has been in business for 20 years and they have an excellent business model for helping you to run your own business (or, if you are a hobbyist and want to buy materials for your own pleasure). When you become a demonstrator, there are discounts on the products you purchase and what you need to earn is minimal in order to stay active. Again, this may change so I can't give a figure here. 

30daysof: How do you stay motivated? Books, quotes, people who inspire, etc...
GS: My upline Mary Fish and her group, the Stampin' Pretty Pals, as well as the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Web Services site keep me very motivated. There are always new techniques being shared; ideas for workshops being posted; stamping challenges you can take part in; great specials for my customers and my party hosts; etc. All of this and my love for the end result of cardmaking and scrapbooking keep me extremely motivated and inspired. 

30daysof: What is your favorite product or the best selling product (service) you offer?
GS: Wow! That's really hard to say. I love the stamp sets because they are high-quality and affordable--the best I've ever used--and SU! offers so many choices that you're sure to find more than one that you'll love; their paper is beautiful, with the color soaked through and through, and very easy to work with; SU! coordinates all of their colors--papers, ink pads, markers, designer papers; etc. so it's extremely easy to make beautiful projects. Their prices are great, too! 

30daysof: What is your biggest challenge in marketing your business?
GS: Getting the word out so that people can find me. My greatest joy as a demonstrator is to share what I know and what I learn by having access to SU's demonstrator's web services site and my Pals group. I love running hands-on workshops; showing techniques and products; and making people feel very creative! 

30daysof: How do you get paid? 
GS: I get a percentage of the products I sell as well as free merchandise, depending on the amount purchased by my customers.

30daysof:  Is there room for advancement (growth)?
GS: Yes, that's the beauty of Stampin' Up!. You can run your business any way you're comfortable with--as a hobby to a full-time business. Each demonstrator runs his/her business to suit his/her needs, time, etc.

30daysof: Who is your competition? Other companies that sell the same products or services? Why did you choose yours?
GS: My competition is all of the retail stores that sell rubber stamps and cardmaking and scrapbooking supplies. I chose Stampin' Up! because of the high-quality and affordablity of its products and because they don't sell into retail stores. They only sell through demonstrators. and with that comes so much information! 

30daysof: What is the best way for someone to contact you?
GS: My website address is: http://www.cardsbygina.stampinup.net and my
e-mail address is ginatshaw@gmail.com. It's helpful to put Stampin' Up! in the subject line of an e-mail. You can leave messages for me at both places.

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Nail Art #7 - I want to eat those toes!

Beware anyone who loves donuts and has a foot fetish...for these toes will drive them crazy.

Remember to leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE pedicure!

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