So, instead of actually PACKING for our Christmas trip to Miami on Friday, I am on Polyvore, playing around and making the travel outfit I wish I had to wear on the plane. (This counts for something, right?)
An Impromptu Holiday Open House
December 19, 2011 By 5 Comments
The best laid plans…
Even among our event-filled December calendar, I managed to preserve one day without any activities, outings or commitments. It was going to be Sunday, December 18th – the last day of the last weekend before Christmas and I was going to spend the day organizing gifts, packing for our Miami trip and baking treats for our lovely neighbors.
Meanwhile, Hubby mentioned to me that he was going to invite his cousin over for a visit. She had recently moved to the area and we have not yet had a chance to meet her. Cool! No problem. Then my sister said she was going to drop by because we hadn’t seen her in over a week – always a treat, so again, no problem. Then, Hubby invited over a friend of his from college who is also fairly new to the area, along with his beautiful family. Ok! By Saturday night, it was apparent to me that my Day of Getting Ish Done was not happening. But…it was all good because we all know that I revel in any chance to entertain.
And so, Operation Throw Together a Last-Minute Holiday Gathering was in full effect.
I spent the morning tidying up the house as best I could with my crew running around AND with two extra boys adding to the melee (one of my BFFs had an emergency and she dropped her boys over for a few hours). Then, I hit the grocery at about 1pm with a loose plan in mind. I needed it to be Easy, Tasty, Presentable. Here’s what I came up with:
- Boursin & Crackers Tray
- Fruit Platter
- Turkey Chili Bar (assorted toppings, crusty bread, rice, tortilla chips)
- Caramel Cake (store-bought!)
- Candy Bowls
- Holiday Beverage Bar (Spiked Egg Nog, Hot Chocolate, Sparkling Berry Lemonades)
- Sugar Cookies for the kids to decorate
The guests arrived at 3pm on the nose and I was 98% ready for them. The table looked pretty and the food was a hit. Hubby played bartender and everyone settled in for football and conversation while the kids occupied themselves doing goodness knows what.
Whoops! Moments: I completely forgot to put out the candy in bowls (my table would have been so much prettier!). So I ended up giving some of it to the kids to decorate their cookies and the rest Chatterbox took to school this morning to use on her Gingerbread House Class Activity. I also forgot to offer the Hot Chocolate, but no one was the wiser and everyone seemed content with the Egg Nog. I did not even think about parting gifts, but did end up giving our couple friend a bottle of my favorite Middle Sister Wine to take home because we had been talking about it. I totally should have given our cousin the Cookie Mix in a Jar that I purchased a couple of weeks ago for occasions exactly like this. Duh.
Things I Wish I Had Handy: cilantro for the rice (it looks so bland); mint for the fruit platter (it needed a contrasting color).
And there you have it. A perfectly enjoyable Impromptu Holiday Open House assembled in exactly 2 hours. Merry Merry!
Gnocchi Gratin with Gorgonzola Dolce: Comfort Food to the Next
December 19, 2011 By 3 Comments
Saw this recipe flipping through my December 2011 issue of Bon Appetit and stopped cold. Potato? Dumplings? Cheese? Gorgy? Cream? Breadcrumbs?
*faints*
Happy #NationalCupcakeDay!
December 15, 2011 By 1 Comment
I see a lovely dessert box from Crumbs Bakeshop in my immediate future.
Countdown to Christmas
December 14, 2011 By 2 Comments
Chatterbox said yesterday: “Mom, I CANNOT wait for Christmas Day!!! Can you?” And I confessed that, while Christmas Day is indeed awesome, I actually enjoy the weeks leading up to Christmas more. There’s something about the anticipation and celebration of the season that is magical. Then, once December 25th is here, it’s all over!
I’m a sucker for anticipation.
Year before last I took the week before Christmas off from work. It was one of the best holidays in recent memory! I used each day to throw myself into the spirit by baking up a storm – I made a different treat each day. A holiday tradition we always follow is counting down the days with an advent calendar. We always use the chocolate kind from the grocery store but this year, my brilliant friend TeachMama gave me the idea to do an activity based advent calendar. LOVE IT.
We found our countdown tree in the Target dollar bins! Score. {But how much do I love this one by NaturalMommie?}
Once December started, we came up with a plan to do something holiday related each weekend. So far we’ve:
- Seen ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas performance at Adventure Theatre
- Visited the ICE! Experience at the Gaylord National
- Baked Christmas cookies, made hot chocolate and watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (does it ever get old?)
This weekend we’re going to take a drive to see the Christmas lights (and I’m having a My Favorite Things Gift Exchange Dinner with some friends). We’ll also bake up some treats for the neighbors.
Then, to further add to our anticipation, we’re looking forward to flying to Florida next Friday to spend the holidays with our families in Miami. The Countdown is On!
ICE! ICE! Baby
December 12, 2011 By 2 Comments
{I couldn’t resist.}
Last weekend my kiddos and I had the opportunity to enjoy the ICE! Experience, featuring DreamWorks’ Merry Madagascar characters at the Gaylord National Harbor. You already know that I am a fan of the Gaylord Hotels given that Blogalicious 2011 took place there. Seeing the hotel completely transformed into a winter wonderland was magical – there were no shortage of gorgeously decorated Christmas trees and twinkling lights.
Having the Gaylord so closeby (it’s about a 30 minute drive) is like having a theme park in our backyard. Every season, the Gaylord has a slew of creative and over-the-top experiences that are perfect for families. For the holiday season, the property goes all out with an entire itinerary of events all wrapped up in a The Christmassy Dreamworks Package.
We started out at the Character Passport Meet & Greets:
Description: The DreamWorks gang is all here, and you can meet them all with a “Character Passport.” Stroll through Shrek’s beloved swamp for a face-to-face encounter with the green ogre himself; explore the island of Madagascar, where you can see Alex the Lion, King Julien and the Penguins; discover China’s ancient Valley of Peace where Po, The Kung Fu Panda, has become a true kung fu master; and greet Gingy in a giant gingerbread house! You can even meet the star of DreamWorks’ newest film – Puss in Boots!
Then headed over to the headliner – the ICE! Experience:
Description: Gaylord National’s popular ICE! winter holiday attraction returns with an all-new, hilarious theme: ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ Merry Madagascar. From Nov. 18 to Jan. 8, the DreamWorks Animation holiday TV special will be brought to life in an interactive world of colorful ice sculptures carved entirely from TWO-MILLION pounds of ice. Relive the story as you stroll through this amazing attraction featuring scenes such as how Santa and his reindeer crash-landed onto the island of Madagascar, and why Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman and the wacky penguins must figure out how to save Christmas by delivering all the presents themselves. Even the mischievous lemur King Julien learns the true meaning of the holiday and manages to get himself off the “naughty list” once and for all.
We had to get all bundled up – the event provides extra parkas for an added layer of warmth. The kids were mesmerized by the ice sculptures (they were pretty amazing) but the highlight of course were the ice slides.
They must have gone down them about 8 times – the only reason they stopped was because they were freezing! On our way out, we saw an entire nativity scene carved out of ice, and that was beautiful and a nice reminder of the reason for the season.
We were beat after the slides, but there was still more fun to be had: In the ICE! Pavillion, there’s an indoor ice-skating rink, hot chocolate bars, a holiday train ride on the Potomac Express and an elaborate gift shop.
There are tons more activities that make up the Christmassy Experience – a Puss In Boots Quest for the Magic Beans Scavenger Hunt; a Shrek Feast Interactive Character Meal; and Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating activity.
We’re already planning to go back this weekend!
Disclosure: My family was gifted with a complimentary admission to the ICE! Experience and related events. That said, all opinions are my own!
Taking Care of Business: Getting My Affairs In Order Starting with UPromise.com
December 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
It’s a crying shame. I’m going to be 35 next year and I’m a lawyer, who intellectually knows how important it is to have your personal, legal and financial affairs in order. But for whatever reason, here we are, 3 kids later, and still no: (1) dedicated college funds; and (2) outdated wills.
See? I told you. A crying shame.
Of course we have a savings account, so perhaps that can count as a college fund, but I do like the idea of investing in a 529 plan or something specifically designed to support a college education. Getting these items up and running have been on my To Do List for ages, and I’m finally putting the plan in motion to get things underway, starting with UPromise.com.
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I was chosen to be a Holiday Ambassador for UPromise.com and the opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time. What with the holidays around the corner and the ton of online shopping I’ve been doing to plan a “destination Santa visit” since we’ll be spending the holidays in Miami with grandparents, I can start racking up between 1% and 25% money back that can be applied to savings for college simply by shopping online through UPromise. Not only that, but I can also earn up to 8% back on every meal I eat out by signing up as a Preferred Diner. Also, each month UPromise posts new eCoupons that are paperless coupons you can select. On average they are worth $20 a month. You select the eCoupon you want, go shopping at your participating grocery store and they scan your store loyalty card which you’ve registered on Upromise.com. You don’t have to bring paper coupons to the store. The value of the coupon (most are .50 or $1) is added to your Upromise account.
All my earnings will go directly into my Upromise account. Then, I decide if I’d like to a) invest them in a 529 college savings plan, b) use them to pay down student loans, or c) receive a check for college expenses.
With three children to save for, I know I’ve got my work cut out for me. But I’m looking forward to getting started with this small and easy savings program.
Special Note: With 12 days to wrap up shopping, this Friday Upromise will double all college cash as well as provide free shipping!
Disclosure: I wrote this post as part of a paid campaign for UPromise.com. All opinions are my own!
Life IS The Party: 2011 Holiday Gift Guide & Giveaway Event!
December 8, 2011 By 3 Comments
Need some inspiration for holiday gifts? Never fear – my holiday gift guide and event is back for the 4th year in a row!
For the Foodie: Mini Pies Cookbook
Founders of Seattle’s Mini Empire Bakery, Morgan Greenseth and Christy Beaver have supplied restaurants and cafes with cup- cake-sized pies since 2009. Both women learned to bake as young girls by assisting their mothers and grandmothers in the kitchen. greenseth, who has recently relocated to New york, will expand Mini Empire to the East Coast. With Mini Pies they wanted to make pie accessible for bakers at every level with step-by-step instructions for both sweet and savory pies.
For the New Mom: Sock Ons
Keeping socks on babies feet is no simple task. Little kick, tug at the toes and they’re off! Invented by a mom of five boys who always lost their socks, Sock Ons are clever little things that keep those socks on. The garment is worn over the sock and ‘locks’ it into place with a patent pending design. Resembling something like a ‘sock jacket’, Sock Ons slip on over the sock and ‘locks’ it into place. The design lies in the fact that if the sock is pulled from the toes, the sock gets locked into the hole around the heel, thus preventing it from slipping off.
For the Beauty Buff: JASON Simple Comforts Holiday Gift Sets
JASON Simple Comforts Holiday Gift Sets offer a fragrant body wash and recycled material sponge that’s perfect for any mom, friend, or even yourself! You’ll be dancing out of the shower to tunes from the Nutcracker and thinking of sweet treats made of Oranges and Cloves, without gaining a pound. At under $10, these gift sets are not only natural, but cost efficient. Give friends a little indulgence this year, and encourage some R&R with JASON!
For the Entertainer: Ice Cream Happy Hour Recipe Book
Ice Cream Happy Hour is the first book of its kind, with 50-plus ice cream recipes based on your favorite classic shots, cocktails and blended beverages – Coffee with Kahlúa, Chocolate Martini, and Strawberry Daiquiri. These 21-and-over homemade frozen delights not only taste amazing, they also serve up a surprising kick – there’s a shot of alcohol in each cup!
For the Stylish Homemaker: Southern Living Style
Despite today’s tight living quarters, and tighter schedules, Southern Living Style makes Southern decor oh so simple.
Like a gracious host, Southern Living Style serves as a visual, step-by-step guide on crafting homes that are traditional, eclectic, and always unexpected. The book offers gorgeous rooms that have graced the pages of Southern Living magazine, plus countless helpful trends and tips – recently showcased on The Nate Berkus Show!
The Giveaways! Enter to win any one of these gifts – all you have to do is: (1) subscribe to my Rock YOUR Party! Newsletter; (2) tweet your entry in this giveaway; and (3) leave me a comment telling me that you did those 2 things. Easy peasy. And since you have 5 chances to win, the odds are great! Deadline to enter is Friday, December 16 at midnight. Happy Holidays!
{Updated} Five Golden Rings: Win Gourmet Gifts from Yola DC
December 5, 2011 By 24 Comments
Yola is a one-of-a-kind yogurt bar serving fresh, not frozen, yogurt in Washington, D.C., including parfaits and smoothies made from locally sourced – from Trickling Springs Creamery, Keany Produce Co. – all-natural ingredients.
Co-founders David and Laura, both longtime D.C. residents, are a father-daughter team. The idea for Yola came up during a family dinner in 2009. Laura had seen a similar concept in Europe and wondered why D.C. didn’t have anything like it. David and Laura put their heads together and a year and a half later, Yola was born.
I haven’t been to Yola yet, but it’s on my list of places to try. When it comes to breakfast, I’m not a heavy, pancake-french toast-grits type of gal; I prefer my breakfasts tasty, but light: a boiled egg and toast; a muffin and fruit; yogurt and granola. So the idea of a place that offers a Build-Your-Own Yogurt Parfait menu featuring toppings ranging from dried cherries to Nutella, is really exciting in my book.
And now you have a chance to have a taste of Yola! As part of the 12 Days of Christmas event, I am giving away:
- a $25 gift card to Yola
- 1lb of Counter Culture Coffee
- 1 bag of 6 chocolate macaroons; and
- a Silly Cow hot chocolate
All you have to do to enter to win is:
- “Like” Yola on Facebook
- Follow Yola on Twitter
- Subscribe to my Rock YOUR Party Newsletter
- “Like” Justice Fergie on Facebook
- Follow me on Twitter
Leave me a comment telling me that you did all of the above.
Happy 5th Day of Christmas!
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Updated to add that Elaine of Connor and Helen Grow Up is the giveaway winner! Congrats!!
12 Days of Christmas Giveaway (DC Metro Area)
December 2, 2011 By 2 Comments
It’s official! December is here. I’m in my element what with all the holiday parties, gatherings, gift exchanges and good cheer on the horizon. To kick off the season for my local DC Metro Area readers, I am excited to announce the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway hosted by my friend Rohan at District365.com. Each day for the first 12 days of December, a local food blog will be giving away a delectable prize donated by a DC-area business and you can enter all twelve! My day is Day 5, so make sure to check back here on Monday to enter.
In the meantime, you can head over to these blogs to enter to win their exciting prizes:
- A Partridge In a Pear Tree: District 365.com is giving away a $100 gift card to CoCo Sala
- Two Turtle Doves: Dining In DC is giving away 2 tickets valued at $150 to the Friday Night Game Roast at Todd Gray’s Watershed
You can find the complete listing of giveaway participants here: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway
Good luck and Happy Holidays!
