My Favorite Things Party Theme

Last night I went to a "My Favorite Things" party.  It is now one of my favorite party themes.  (see other party themes I've recommended in the past.) The hostess was inspired by the idea posted on the adorable blog Bushel and a Peck.  Thirty guests were invited and asked to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert as well as their favorite item (under $5) wrapped for 5 people.  I went to my favorite store, SurLaTable...

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Find the "Elf on the Shelf" Tradition

Although this is a Christmas tradition, I recommend getting this adorable book NOW because they do sell out.  Plus it makes a great gift. Elf on the Shelf is based on a tradition Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s. This cleverly rhymed children's book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. During the holiday season, the Elf on the shelf watches children by day...

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Raspberry Pretzel Casserole Dessert

Traditionally our bunko group has a Thanksgiving Potluck every November.  This year I made the Raspberry Pretzel Casserole Dessert to bring.  However, it didn't quite make it to the party because the jello hadn't firmly set in time.  It tasted fabulous when I got home though.  Make sure you make this the morning of your event if not the night before to be safe.  Here's how to make it: INGREDIENTS crust 2 1/2 cups of pretzels,...

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30daysof...the Vow

The Vow is an inspiring love story I can watch over and over! And I vow to keep a box of kleenex nearby. These are 30 things i learned from the story. 1 Always wear my seatbelt 2 Say yes when a cute guy gets the nerve to spontaneously ask you out* 3 The Chicago Art School is a place I must visit 4 I want to go into a bakery often enough to where I have a usual. 5 Vows mean everything 6 Big weddings are overrated 7 People are self serving 8 Follow your passion 9 Love like jesus loves 10 Always read the book first 11 Learn peoples tickle spots 12...

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Suessical the Musical

Sometimes I can't help rhyming and after seeing this play, this poem just popped into my head. Saw Suessical the Musical It was such a joy About a big faithful elephant and a thinking little boy Gertrude is spectacular with her one little plume As the Cat and the Hat makes JoJo fume There are bunches o hunches That glow in the dark And that Maizy - WOW She sure has a spark! Birds, fish & kangaroos All living above the land of the whos The cast is just brilliant, They have talent galore it's everything you expect from a cat show and...

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Fifty Shades of Grey Music

Just finished the books that all my friends have been raving about and let me tell you, I'm exhausted!  Well at least my finger is, flipping through the endless accounts of their sexual escapades.  As an avid reader who loves deep heavy topics such as A New Earth and A Million Little Pieces, and books like The Help, the time I spent reading these books was pure entertainment. And since I am an adventurous kind of lady, I will definately be applying some techniques to my marriage and file the Fifty Shades of Grey in my Self Help and How...

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Kick your habits into A Million Little Pieces

I just finished reading A Million Little Pieces by James Frey and it has inspired me more than ever to kick my bad habits and follow through with resolutions. A Million Little Pieces is a story of James and his life as a drug and alcohol addict. I was shocked to learn this topic would interest me as usually I've been judgmental with regard to people and their "weakness" to substance abuse. Especially if they came from a good loving family such as James. I was praying he would get through and "hold on" (page 194) I was hoping he wouldn't blame...

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30daysof...gift baskets

Feeling like a basket case because you were asked to put together a gift basket for a gift or fundraiser?  Well we know how you feel.  So here are 30 fabulous ideas to choose from and ease your mind. The secret to every basket's success is choosing a theme and collaborating with others so you minimize the cost and maximize the gift. The top five were our favorite baskets from the Wilson Charity Auction.   Spirits Around...

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Thin Mint© Ghiradelli© Brownies

If you like crunchy, chewy,  chocolate and mint...you will love these brownies.  I buy the big box of Triple Chocolate Ghiradelli Brownie Mix from Costco and keep on hand for last minute potlucks or dinner parties.  INGREDIENTS two packages of the brownie mix and prepare as directed on box (add oil, egg, water) 1 sleeve of thin mints cookies (crushed into bitesize pieces) HOW TO MAKE Lightly spray a 9x13 pan.  Pour mixed batter...

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Creamy Garlic Chicken, Artichoke and Sun Dried Tomatoe Lasagna

See picture on Pinterest. It looks much prettier.  Inspired by Tasty Tidbits blogpost, I had to pin this on my Casserole Board on Pinterest with a little modification to suit my families taste.  What did I do different? I added GARLIC of course. Ingredients 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts 1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained, chopped 1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided...

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