Sunday Graces & the Weekend of Nothing-ness

Sorry for missing last week, we had company in town. This weekend the hubs and I both pinky-swore to each other that we would not make any plans. It was wonderful. It was the weekend of nothing. Friday night we ordered pizza and caught up on our shows or "programs," as my grandparents used to say. Saturday we hung out around the house and did some little projects. Today, I did the weekly grocery shopping and then cooked up a storm. I'm going to freeze the majority of the food, it makes it so much easier during the week. I think hubs got it right when he said "we have enough food for a month."

For this week's edition, I am going to share part of an article from House Beautiful. In their November issue they did "101 Party Do's & Don'ts." Well our scanner isn't hooked up and I don't have the patience to type all 101. So, I decided to pick ten items that I completely agree with and ten that I don't really agree with.

10 items I am down with:

1. Don't be afraid to throw a party because you think it will cost too much. You can have a good time for $10 with a bottle of wine and a bag of nuts. Thomas Jayne, Designer

2. Music should be just loud enough so that people have to talk above it slightly. Alexa Hampton, Designer

3. Don't serve only white liquors because you're afraid of spills. Richard Mishaan, Designer

4. Don't impose a dress code on people . . . leave them to their own devices and just see what turns up. Larry Laslo, Designer

5. Don't run low on the hooch! David Jimenez, Designer

6. The host's mood sets the tone. Emily Eerdmans

7. Always start with an empty dishwasher. Chesie Breen

8. People with big personalities are best in the center of the table. They can help carry the conversation from that place. Michael S. Smith, Designer

9. Not everyone drinks alcohol. Have fresh-squeezed juices and other delicious choices so you can mix a "mocktail" or two. Preston Bailey, Event Designer

10. Turn off cell phones! Joan Michaels Designer

10 tips that I don't necessarily agree with:

1. Always do favors. Amen Wardy (I don't think favors are necessary at every party, I feel like this has gotten a little out of hand lately.)

2. Put lamps on your buffet or server. Jan Showers (I just prefer candles. I am aware of the fire risk.)

3. Have beverages visible from the moment guests step in the door. Matt and Ted Lee (I think offering to get your guests a beverage is the better approach.)

4. Don't use assigned seating - allow guests to mingle and let the evening evolve organically. Deborah Lloyd. (Those of you that have been readers for a while know how I feel about this. If you are having a sit-down dinner, assigned seating is a must.)

5. As a host, don't sit at the head of the table - presumptuous and archaic. Darryl Carter (I believe that the host and hostess should sit at the heads of the table. The hostess sits at the head closest to the kitchen so that she can better accomodate her guests.)

I have to admit, when I was reading this article last night I thought there were a few more I disagreed with. I guess not! I agree with the other 96 items. This is a really great issue if you enjoy entertaining. Happy Sunday all!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

While I am a bit sad that this weekend signals the end of summer, I am thrilled about our destination. We are headed to the Holy City! We're going to see my brother and his cute new wife. I'm sure the weekend will include lots of good food, some boating, pretty scenery and maybe a few cocktails. Hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend!

Weekend Menu

We are having some family come visit on Saturday. Whenever I am having company, I like to plan out my menu in advance. It makes things so much easier. Here is what we are having:

For dinner on Saturday night, I am going classic Americana; burgers and brats. I am going to make my mother-in-law’s famous cheesy potatoes and a classic pasta salad. As an appetizer, I am going to make homemade salsa and cheese dip. The cheese dip is another recipe I inherited from my mother-in-law, it's so easy. I use a small block of Velveeta, a can of Rotele, and a can of chopped green chili’s. I’m sure most people know about it, but just in case, I thought I would share. It's always a hit at bbq’s.

For desert, Coca-cola cake. This is one of my favorites. Here is the recipe I will be using, courtesy of Southern Living.

Then for breakfast on Sunday morning, I am planning to do a traditional breakfast casserole. Anyone have any suggestions? Please show me some comment love.

Shopping Finds

On Saturday night I went to dinner and did some shopping. My friend and I were laughing because it felt a little like high school.

The Gap was having an amazing deal on jeans. Buy one, get one for $20. The bestie and I decided to both get a pair and split the deal.

I'm bringing the sexy back with these babies.

Banana Republic was also having a great sale . . . PLUS, all of their sale items included an additional 25% discount. I found a very cute plaid, button down with a ruffle. I think they must be sold out of it online because I can't find a picture. After the sale it was only about $12.

Mama Loves a Cocktail Party!

I love both going to cocktail parties and hosting them. You know what a cocktail party means . . . a new cocktail dress! In September, the man I live with (yes, that’s my husband) and I are having a cocktail party. We are having some of his work associates over.

Over the past few years I have learned that behind every great party is a great plan. Great planning has to start early. We decided to have hors d'oeuvres and obviously cocktails. I haven’t decided what kinds yet. Does anyone have any ideas? I also don’t know if I should go with a theme . . . thoughts on that?

As long as we’re on the subject of party planning, I bought this book recently. I love it! I often find that when I get a new party-planning book they recite basic etiquette, such as, you should always greet your guests at the door. Um, thanks for the tip, I never would have thought of that! This book has a lot of clever ideas and easy solutions. One idea they have is for a table protector under a tablecloth. They write about how normal table protectors are often bulky and uneven, I couldn’t agree more. They suggest using a thin fleece blanket. I plan on doing this – I just haven’t found the right blanket yet.

Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

We watched this movie last night. It was really good, once you got used to the subtitles. Parts of it were violent, but they didn't dominate the plot. I enjoyed it because it had a surprisingly happy ending. I've found that to be kind of uncommon for a murder mystery.

I am looking forward to the American remake. Hopefully I will have read the book by then!

It's hard to believe its been over a year since my last post. I was almost afraid that I had forgotten how to navigate blogger!

The Heartbreak Kid

We watched the Heartbreak Kid this weekend. We both thought it was very funny. Ben Stiller was great in his classic role of "Mr. Nice Guy." Jerry Stiller was excellent as well (sometimes I think he is funnier than Ben).

In a nutshell, Ben Stiller's character marries a girl on the fly and then he is bombarded with surprises on the honeymoon. I think my favorite line was when he says "I guess we can afford it, we're a two income family now" and she replies "oh really, did ya get a second job?"

Gone to the beach

I am going here for my friend L's bachelorette party. Its going to be a fun weekend! I hope you all have fun and safe weekends. Its hard to believe summer is almost over :(

Weekend Update with Etiquettely Correct

I hope you all had fabulous weekends! We had a great weekend. The weather was amazing, particularly for August. On Friday, we met up with some friends for drinks. Saturday, my sweet Fiance made me breakfast in bed. I love him, tons. He also surprised me with a cute new outfit. That boy knows me well . . . clothes + yummy breakfast = one very happy girl. We did a little shopping and hanging out then had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. After lunch we went to the pool. It was so nice outside – it wasn’t too hot and the sun was out, so pretty much perfect. We went to mass Saturday night and then saw The Dark Knight.

The movie was spectacular! It made me sad that Heath Ledger had died because he stole the show. He was simply amazing as the Joker. Fiance and I thought Christian Bale was good (and I thought very yummy to look at), but Heath Ledger was the best. The Joker was really funny in a dark humor kind of way. I don’t generally like these kinds of movies, however, I am excited to see what they come up with next. The costumes for the villains were so original and clever. Fiance taught me about all the other Batman villains afterwards. We topped the night off with Mexican food and a margarita for me. I almost needed a sweater outside! What did you do this weekend?

Lands' End at Sear's

I had my lovely pink and green shower this weekend! It was very nice and it was fun to be with friends. My Mom was so sweet; everything she gave me was pink and green. I opened the box and it was over-flowing with my favorite colors.

She found these napkins at Sear's! She said she wasn't sure if I would like them, so she only bought four, of course I loved them! So we went back yesterday and bought more so that I would have 12. The picture does not do them justice.

P.S. They are on sale right now!

Checking in

Sorry for my random posting lately. I had two friends staying with me this week and I was busy playing hostess. It was so fun and it was just like having roommates again. We watched Sex and the City, drank wine, did our hair and make-up and hit the town.

I am headed out of town this weekend. My bridesmaids are having a shower for me tomorrow! I hope you all have great weekends!

Made of Honor

I'm back! We had a great trip. The Royals won - so that always makes the game so much more fun. The brunch shower was lovely and my future mother in law out did herself. I received some really nice gifts. I can't wait to get them set up in my new house!

We saw Made of Honor on saturday night. I loved it! Of course, I always love these kinds of movies and I am a hopeless romantic. How was your weekend? I will be catching up on your blogs over the next few days :)

Off to Missouri

(Downtown Kansas City)

Hey Girls - sorry for being MIA, its been a busy week for me. I am off to Missouri this weekend! Fiance and I are visiting his parents. I am looking forward to a fun weekend. We are headed to a Royals game tonight. Hanging out tomorrow. Saturday my future mother-in-law is having a brunch shower for me. Then I am headed back Sunday. I hope everyone has a great weekend too!

My weekend in numbers

5 – open houses looked at
1 – shower invitation received
2 – number of nights we went out
0 – number of fireworks seen
8 – number of Harry Potter’s watched – at least according to Fiance
15 – wines tasted at the wine festival
3 – times getting caught in the rain
1 – dinner cooked
too hard to count – number of hugs from my sweet Fiance

Happy Fourth of July!

I hope you all have a safe and happy Fourth of July! Fiance is here and we have quite a few plans for the weekend. I am looking forward to it. We are meeting friends tonight. Tomorrow I think we are going to hang around our downtown area and then catch some fireworks. Then Saturday we are headed to a Music & Wine Festival. Have a great weekend everybody!

So they say its your birthday, well its MY birthday too!

Yes, it’s my birthday, June 20. I can hear my mom now, “2-- years ago today, Daddy was dropping me off at the hospital and I said, if this baby is a girl, its going to be named ____. Then I slammed the car door and had you. That’s what we named you.”

This weekend is going to be a celebration of my birth, according to Fiance, and that’s fine by me. I love celebrating my birthday. I don’t know if it’s because my birthday is in the summer and I always felt slighted, but I love to celebrate it.

Last year, was not the best birthday, I was studying for the bar. However, my Daddy may have topped all birthdays last year. He spent a good two minutes trying to get our dog to tell me “happy birthday.” He knew it would make me laugh.

Tonight, Fiance is taking me to dinner at my favorite restaurant and then I will be enjoying my birthday cake. I’m excited – can you tell?

I am including my horoscope from this month's Instyle. I don’t have a lot of faith in horoscopes, but this one was pretty right on. Out of pure curiosity, how many Gemini blog friends do I have?

“You’re witty, curious and up on the latest trends, not to mention a brilliant communicator. On the other hand . . . with so many varied interests, follow through is not always your strong suit. Stellar style, you choose clothes in classic shapes and styles but continually reinvent your look with statement pieces from your vast collection of accessories. Love personality . . . ever independent, you’re slow to settle down – and even when you do, you never give up the hobbies you love. Wise partners know that the way to win your heart is by stimulating your mind.”

I have to admit – that last line is my favorite. That’s one of the things I love about Fiance – our talks.

New Skirt

Hey girls! I am back home this weekend. I have just been "feathering" my new nest. I have been buying miscellaneous holiday things and entertaining ware, so I had to find a place to put them. I can't wait until I live with Fiance. I did pick up this little number on my way home. I think it will be perfect for a casual shower. I am not bold enough to wear a striped shirt with it, but perhaps a black stretchy tee. What do you think?

(photos from J. Crew)

Weekend Movie Madness

Fiance and I have very different tastes in movies, so this makes it hard to find movies that we both want to watch. We have some genres that we both like, including motivational sports movies, legal thrillers, dramedys, and comedies. We talk about movies that we both want to see and then try to save those for weekends we are together. This weekend we got caught up on some movies we have been waiting to watch. Here is what I thought . . . I am ranking the movies based on how much I liked them.

1. I LOVED Dan in Real Life. I had heard mixed reviews. Initially I wanted to see it because I love Steve Carell. I heard he had a more serious role, so I was prepared for a serious movie. It was really good. I think I would consider it a dramedy. If you haven't seen it, I would definitely recommend it.

2. Walk Hard - the movie was funny. It was definitely a parody of Walk the Line. If you aren't expecting much with this movie, you'll probably get a few good laughs.

3. I love Will Ferrell. He is one of my favorite comedians. However, Semi-Pro was one of the worst movies I have ever seen. I was most excited to watch this movie and I was the most disappointed with this one. It wasn't really funny and I felt like I was struggling to laugh at something in the movie. So, if you were on the fence, I would say to skip this one.

I'm proud to be an American

(Pentagon flag from 9/11)

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day Holiday. If you are serving our country, if you have a family member who is or has served our country, or if you have friends serving or who have served - please thank them for me. I am so proud of all of our service men and women who courageously serve our country. I thank them for protecting our freedoms and for risking their lives on behalf of all Americans.

I am off this weekend. We have our pre-marital counseling on saturday and then I think we are heading to the beach. Perhaps a little cook-out too. Have a great weekend!

My weekend update

Hey Ladies! I hope you all had great weekends. Fiance came to visit me. We had a lot of fun. On Friday, his brother Joe (remember the one from my wedding dream?) came over and we ordered pizza, I made a salad, and the boys watched basketball. I kind of watched but mostly worked on my wedding binder.

Saturday morning, we were up early . . . not by choice . . . some of my lovely neighbors decided to have a yard sale at 7:00 a.m. We had already planned to play tennis, but we just ended up playing a lot earlier than originally planned. Then we did some shopping . . . here is where it gets exciting - hee hee

There is a TJ Maxx in my town, but I had never been in. Well, we went this weekend and look what I found!!!!! Finally some Lilly. I was begining to think Lilly at TJ Maxx was an urban legend.

I have been wanting something to wear while I get ready for the wedding. I'm getting ready at my parents' house and the professionals are going to come to us. I think this little wrap will be perfect!

Finally, I realize this might not be as exciting as the Lilly, but it was for me. I found a Jones New York suit for $30. When you wear a suit to work everyday, finding a navy, wool, pinstripe, skirt suit for $30 is exciting. I'm a dork . . . I am okay with it.