Do you like candy bars? How about ice cream? Ever been known to enjoy a sprinkle or two? Well, this colorful summer treat has all three! Check out this heavenly sweet combination of candy bars, ice cream and those bright sprinkles that we all love. From kids to adults, I think this dessert would be enjoyed at any celebration! I think I’ll serve this at our next birthday party- so clever!

If you think these look yummy too, get the full recipe over at Let’s Entertain and enjoy :).

Posted by Myriam under Party Food | No Comments »

A lot of party preparation cannot be done until a couple of days before you plan to have guests over. However, there is one thing that you can (and should) do about a week before- CLEAN. Here are a few areas that you might not clean on a daily basis but should be given a little attention when you are having guests over (especially if they will be staying overnight).

- The inside of your refrigerator and freezer

-The outside of your kitchen cabinets

-Your coat closet

-Wipe down any patio furniture

A little elbow grease about a week ahead of your party and you will not only have less to do the day of but you will also be able to rest assured that no guests will be turning up their nose at the sight of jumbled coat closet.

Posted by Myriam under All About the Home | No Comments »

July 4th is right around the corner so it is about time that you start thinking about those red, white and blue details. Add little patriotic details to your family dinner or large celebration to make the day feel festive. Here are a couple simple ideas that will help to turn the everyday into a patriotic day!

Add simple flags to whatever food you dish up– burgers to veggies.

Brighten up your party table with these bold serving pieces. Serve up your beverages in this Sengware Pitcher in Pimento and your pasta dishes in this blue Sengware serving bowl for the perfect patriotic feel!

Posted by Myriam under Holiday Entertaining | No Comments »

I love to garden. There is something so soothing about dewy grass and the smell of soil to me. During Spring and Summer, I like to be outdoors in the garden as much as possible. If you like to garden as well, I am sure you will enjoy these fabulous Etsy garden goodies I discovered. Bring a bit of your love for the garden indoors. Take a look!

I love to browse through Etsy finds and discover new items. My garden goodie search was very successful! Above: Handmade Garden Pillow ($39.00), Garden bound Journal ($10.00), and Stoneware Herb Pot Gift Set ($36.00).

Posted by Myriam under All About the Home | No Comments »

Sure, your dad (or husband) deserves the best and most extravagant Father’s Day gift money can buy- but unfortunately your wallet isn’t overflowing with money. If you are on a very tight budget this Father’s Day but still want to give your the dad in your life something that shows how much you appreciate him, thing of service rather than spending. Get the kids together and plan to do something that Dad will appreciate rather than buying something. Not only will your gift of service mean more to him, it won’t break the bank.

You can:

1. Wash his car

2. Mow the Lawn

3. Do his household chores (ie taking out the trash)

4. Make him a great meal

5. Clean out the garage

If you get creative, the best Father’s Day gifts do not have to cost anything- just a little bit of your time.

Posted by Myriam under Occasions | No Comments »

Here are some bright finds for your summer entertaining!

Entertaining outdoors is a great excuse to use bold and bright accent pieces. Here are a couple that I have had my eye on.

Summer outdoor accessories: Polka dot serving platter, bright glass oil lamp stakes and round summer place mats.

Posted by Myriam under Summer Entertaining | No Comments »

Going out for entertainment might not be in your budget, yet entertaining in your home might still be too costly. When it comes to planning your party menu- look for ways to save and you’ll be able to enjoy having friends over while not busting your grocery budget.

1. Serve Salads- Salads are so versatile. They can be fancy or simple, exotic or traditional. Putting together a couple different large salads is a great way to save money on  your party menu with out looking like you cut costs.

2. Have a Potluck- Your friends have called to ask, “what can we bring,” resist the instinct to tell them the usual “oh nothing, just yourselves,” and actually give them something to bring. After all, they asked and will most likely be pleased to contribute to the gathering. Ask them to bring a pasta salad, crackers and cheese, or whatever else you need.

3. Dish up a Casserole- Casseroles are filling and good! Why not serve up a large casserole? Just think outside the box and steer clear of the tune noodle.

Posted by Myriam under Party Food | No Comments »

When planning and preparing a menu for a dinner party, I get most excited (and nervous) about the dessert course! I love dessert and often I make these grand plans with giant expectations and then get discouraged when my edible masterpiece falls short.

For real dessert inspiration that is doable (and still very impressive), I turn to my favorite dessert blog, Bakerella. The creative dessert expert behind this blog not only shares her amazing creations with the readers- but always offers a very visual and understandable how-to. Brilliant! Here are a few of my favorite creations from Bakerella:

Decadent looking Cheesecake…yum! See how simple Bakerella makes this look and check out her how-to.

Pumpkin….Pecan…..Chocolate………Oh My! I make and east these year round- delicious! See Bakerella’s cookie recipe.

This exotic cupcake recipe includes chocolate, cinnamon, and chipotle! Sounds unique…well it is and only Bakerella can create such a fabulous cupcake! See how she does it and try for yourself!

I bet you’re hungry now! I’d love to know where you get your sweet tooth inspiration, please do tell!

Posted by Myriam under Party Food | No Comments »

You’re getting ready for that big dinner party and cleaning like a mad person…put down the toxic cleaning spray and use what is already in your cabinets! Here are a few of my favorite “green” household cleaners:

1. Vinegar! For what? Bathrooms, mirrors, floors, etc. Add one part vinegar to two parts water and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh scent.

2. Baking Soda! For what? Scrubbing out your sinks, cleaning smelly sponges, cleaning your stove top. Simple make a past using baking soda and water, scrub, then rinse!

3. Lemons! For What? Freshening up you smelly sinks. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice in your kitchen sink, garbage disposal, and bathroom sinks to freshen them up!

Posted by Myriam under All About the Home | No Comments »