Hostess with the Mostess®

I’m absolutely in love with the October cover of Living this year… partially due to the fact that I’m in the midst of planning a Woodland Forest baby shower for a friend and loving all things toadstool right now, but this is also just such a clever idea – and something I personally haven’t seen done with pumpkins before. It would make such a cute tablescape for Thanksgiving, too – or really any sort of Fall party!

Here’s a peek at some more highlights from this issue of Living… starting with a few extremely crafty face masks:

This next shot is pretty clever… “incognito” birdwatchers! Read More…

Sam Zien – known to most as “Sam the Cooking Guy” – and his super-fun cooking classes are a local favorites here in San Diego, but you can also get a taste of him on his Discovery Health show (nationally), his own show (certain markets), and in his first cookbook – Just a Bunch of Recipes.

He also recently hooked up with Fresh Express to help promote their new line of Seasonal Salads, and hosted a little get-together at his house last week to give a personal demo of what you can do with these salads… delivered in his signature funny, laid-back style of course!

{photos courtesy of Shawna Parks}

Sam whipped up 3 different types of salads, which we happily taste-tested: steak & goat cheese, spicy grilled shrimp, and a Mediterranean spinach salad with roasted tomatoes (plus a fabulous Pesto Pizza appetizer!). All of the recipes were quick & easy, featured minimal dressing – and, most importantly – tasted super DELICIOUS!

Here’s the full recipe for the Steak Salad (pictured above). Read More…

In continuation of the Pink Party series, here’s another centerpiece idea that’s both simple & chic. Swap out your favorite flowers and paper patterns to customize this idea for your own party!

Here are all the DIY details… Read More…

The special Halloween Tricks & Treats issue of Better Homes and Gardens that’s currently on stands is totally packed with the TONS of great ideas for Halloween! I picked up a copy this weekend and was instantly smitten with several of the ideas – especially the Gothic Gala (great adult party), Magic Show (cute kids party), and Eeerie Edibles articles.

5 favorites from Eerie Edibles are pictured above and below. Are these Cockeyed Cuckoo sandwiches adorable or what?! Made from meatballs and marinara atop ciabatta rolls, plus cream cheese & black olive “eyes”, sweet pepper “beaks” and “brows”, and snipped chives or shredded carrots for the “feather tops”. Genius!

This Spooky Stew is super cute too… individual servings of shepherd’s pie topped with whipped potatoes piped into the shape of a ghost. Green caper “eyes” add the perfect finishing touch! Read More…

I’m so excited to share this new Real Party from Sarah {of Jack and Izzy} with you… it’s such a creative & fun way to for parents-to-be to celebrate their big news! Here are all the details, as told by Sarah…

*****
“On Friday afternoon, Garret and I had our 20 week ultrasound, and we got to find out the sex of the baby. I was SO EXCITED! I had been counting down the days, hours, and minutes until we would know if we were having a boy or a girl! Since it was such exciting news, we had our family over for a “Gender Party” on Friday night for the big reveal.

These were the invitations I sent out, and the whole inspiration for the party decorations came from this design. I searched high and low for some kind of giraffe pattern in yellow and orange. These were blank Giraffe Greeting Cards from Rock Scissor Paper, and I printed the “Boy or Girl?” strip and adhered it to the front.

The inside read, “Come be the first to know!” and it gave all the times and details. Read More…

I’m loving the designs in this 17 Frightfully Good Halloween Cupcakes gallery from BHG for 2 reasons: 1. They’re clever & creative. 2. Most of them seem pretty simple & easy!

A few favorites pictured above, {clockwise from top left}:
1. Peeking Monster – would actually be great for Monster birthday parties year-round, too… and could even be modified for a dinosaur theme!
2.Who’s There? – also great for an Owl Theme baby shower or birthday party… might even be cute without the coconut.
3. Witch Feet – definitely modifying this one to “Santa Feet” for Christmas!
4. Green Goblin – cutest goblin I’ve ever seen!

Read More…