A Step for Love

The chaos of the holidays is now over.  But let us not forget that the day of cupid is fast approaching.  While many of us may still be putting away our holiday loot the holiday of love is just around the corner.  Perhaps you are waiting in baited anticipation for that little jewelry box.  But instead of making it about what you receive here are a few ways to make the day of love about both of you:

1.  Take this opportunity to take the pressure off your partner, tell him or her you are planning the evenings festivities.  Fill the night with your partners favorite things.  Cook his favorite meal or order his favorite in.  During dinner you have a playlist  filled with these great love songs: 

1. Lips of An Angel – Hinder
2. Rude Boy - Rihanna
3. Thank God I Found You – Mariah Carey
4. My Life Would Suck Without You – Kelly Clarkson
5. Love Me If  You Can – Toby Keith
6. Every Little Thing She Does is Magic – The Police
7. All I Want is You – U2
8. Whenever, Wherever – Shakira
9. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad – Def Leppard
10. Heaven – Bryan Adams
11. You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift
12. Crazy Love – Michael Buble

Perfect song to finish the playlist with

Follow dinner up with a montage of his favorite movies, when the lights are out who knows what may happen.

2.   Have your honey meet you out for a couples massage.  While there, be sure to buy the lotion they use.  That way the next time you are inclined to use it your partner will be reminded of this intimate relaxing moment you shared together

3.  Give him an album of photos from a  photo shoot for his eyes only.  Many companies are now specializing in these boudoir photos.  Some to look into in the Chicago area :

1. www.vavoompinups.com
2. www.meboudoir.com
3. www.argentinaleyva.com

4. Plan to act like kids.  Doing something carefree and void of holiday cliché will take the pressure off and you may find yourself valuing this more then that fancy dinner.  Perhaps tie on some rented shoes and bowl a few rounds, go a few rounds of air hockey at the arcade, or take each other on on the pool table.

Whatever you may do, remember the day is about celebrating your love.  It is not about what you do or don’t get but a time to remind that special person in your life how much you care.  Don’t put emphasis on the day being perfect just concentrate on your love for each other

A Super Steppe

Now this is my time to “partttttty”.  For those who don’t know I am a super football fanatic.  I am all for hosting a Super Bowl Extravaganza.  My beloved Patriots did not make it all the way this year but that is no reason to not embrace this fun occasion (with my boyfriend’s adored Steelers making a go at it I have even more reason to plan a little celebration). 

http://www.celebrations.com

The main focus of the day will definitely be the game, but this a perfect time to indulge in bar food.  You can keep things guest friendly by making mini servings.  Guests are then able to try more things and fill up during commercials. 

Having a plate of mini sliders will sure to please all guests….make sure to have plenty of toppings so guests can cater their burgers to their liking.

http://www.abigstory.blogspot.com

A great pairing to the sliders would be a crock pot of chili, which can also be used as a topping on the burgers.  You of course will need some wings, no super bowl party is complete without them.  Change it up a bit by having an assortment.  Some of my favorites: the classic buffalo wing, parmesan garlic, teriyaki, and Caribbean jerk.  

http://www.mariositaliangrill.com

Individual portions of nachos can be placed out.  Make a more grown up version with this recipe from Rachel Ray (my go to girl for easy people pleasing recipes):

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-index/appetizer-starter-recipes/Goat-Cheese-Nachos

• Two 15.5-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• Juice of 1 lime, plus lime wedges for serving
• 1/2 white onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• Pinch ground cumin
• Salt and pepper
• 20 ounces soft fresh goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 bags tortilla chips (18 to 24 ounces total)
• 3 ripe avocados, coarsely chopped
• 1 pint fresh pico de gallo or salsa
• 1 cup chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the black beans, lime juice, onion, olive oil, garlic, cayenne, cumin and a pinch salt and pepper. Cover and warm over medium-low heat, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer half of the mixture to a food processor; blend until smooth. Return the puree to the saucepan and stir; cover to keep warm.

2. In a medium, microwaveable bowl, stir the goat cheese with the heavy cream. Cover and microwave on high power for 90 seconds; whisk until creamy. Set aside.

3. Place a large handful of tortilla chips in individual paper bowls, drizzle with goat cheese sauce and top with the black bean mixture, avocado, pico de gallo and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges

In the words of Rachel “Yum-O”!  Super Bowl generally goes hand in hand with beer, pick up several different micro-brews to mix things up.  You can also serve bloody mary’s for those who do not want beer.

The décor for your game can be kept simple.  Plate your food on simple white platters for a clean and neutral look.  If you feel the need to add some flowers, to bring a little girl power to this testosterone  filled day, keep them simple as well.  Plain white buds in simple square vases will add just enough but not over power.  Most important is to make sure you have plenty of seating,  all with great views of the television.

Enjoy and remember GO STEELERS!!!!

http://www.totalwallpapers.com

An Apologetic Step

As I am sure many of you have noticed I have not dedicated a lot of time to this blog or event planning business as of late.  I blame that on the evil voice in my head that tells me “You don’t know what you are doing, there are others better then you, you’re just going to fail”.  Well I am taking a stand to that voice and I am shouting back “I AM THAT GOOD and I CAN DO THIS”.  Perhaps it is knowing that I am going home to be surrounded by the strong and amazing women in family.  Each in their own way have molded me and supported me in ways I could never imagine.  They are each inspirations to me.  Women I aspire to be!

I guess I am really writing this blog today to voice that in my road down entrepreneurialism, I have caved to self-doubt.  I have found though that the glimpse of doubt has now inspired me to try even harder.  I do not come from a family of quitters, having that blood in veins keeps me moving and trying again, and again.  With the love and support of allll the strong women in my life how could one fail.  We all fall off the rope a time or two but it is that willingness to get back on, that will push us further.

Whether you have cold feet in the direction you are going in life or you are having cold feet about upcoming nuptials look to your inspirational go to’s.  For me this is my mother (a single mother who never let me want for anything, the rock in my life), my grandmother (a women of pose and dignity), my aunt (a strong willed, outspoken lady who never let life’s catastrophes hold her back), Eleanor Roosevelt (read her quotes ladies she was a firecracker),   and Martha Stewart (despite her legal woos you still can not discredit her the empire she has built). 

I am looking forward to the holidays and being inspired by my wonderful family.  May you all find the inspiration you need.  The new year will bring many a blogs to all you Steppe Stone fans.  I again offer my sincere apologies for listening to the doubt in mind.  Know that I am moving forward with renewed faith in my talents and the belief in visualizing your happiest days!

http://mountainmetalarts.com

A Rustic Step

http://www.jacksonholenet.com

Breathtaking views, clean fresh air, and a home away from home feel, sound like a wonderful idea to you?  Well me too, while I am not packing my honeymoon bag Jackson Hole, Wyoming would make a great spot for honeymooners, as well as vacation goers. 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is known most for its close proximity to many ski resorts.  Ski season here is from December to April.  After hitting the slopes all day be sure to cozy up next to a romantic fireplace.   At $200 a night Hotel Terra offers a modern place to stay with flat screen TV's and those  fireplaces, complimented with sleek eco-friendly décor.   Another great $200 a night stay is the Rustic Inn, large private decks allow the perfect place to take in the wilderness around you.

http://www.worldonskis.com

Jackson is home to the National Museum of Wildlife Art.  A neat building made of native rocking blending into the wildlife around it.  Be sure to grab lunch at Rising Sage Café, if you do stop here.  Another great activity, (if stopping in Jackson between mid-December to April) is taking a horse-drawn sleigh through the National Elk Refuge.  The refuge is home to over 6,000 elk during these months.  You also MUST take a ride aboard “Big Red”, Jackson’s aerial tram.  Aboard the 100 passenger tram you will get 360-degree views of Snake River Valley and Grand Teton National Park.  There is also dogsledding and tubing down one of the many mountains to enjoy.

http://www.snowrev.com

Take your hubby and saddle up to the bar at Cowboy Bar, one of Jackson Hole’s oldest establishments. (This will be sure to please your man and entitle you to some local shopping).  Speaking of shopping, be sure to walk through the tall antler arches that frame Jackson Hole Town Square, to take on the many boutiques, art galleries, sport shops, and fine dining choices the town has to offer.

http://www.lonelyplanetimages.com

Whether taking on the slopes or the breathtaking  views, Jackson Hole, Wyoming is sure to have something for everyone.

http://www.blog.hotelclub.com

A Paired Step

If you are a “One shoe can change your life” girl like me then you have probably given careful consideration to your wedding day shoes.  Have you thought about your grooms though?  Has he put any thought into his big day shoes? 

If the answer is no, you should consider how your shoes will compliment each other, how they will compliment the look of day, and what the pairing says about you as a couple.

Will your shoes show off your ethnicity?

http://www.blushless.com

 

Will they show what a quirky, fun loving couple you are?

http://www.louisvilleweddingphotographer.com

 

Perhaps your shoes will define that this is a classic elegant event.

http://www.rowellphoto.com

 

Will you be colorful and tie in your wedding colors?

http://www.getmarried.com

 

Whatever you decide it is important to think of how this initial pairing will play into your big day.  After all, your shoes will be sitting next to each other”till death do us part”.

A Shopping Step

Holiday work parties, family gatherings, social networking events, and weddings galore are sure to abound the schedule this coming up season.  With so many different events to attend a major dress shopping spree is needed. 

When dress shopping, weather for a party dress or THE dress, there are a few guidelines one should follow.

1.  Have a visual in mind, know what you are leaning towards, pull pictures, really have a look in mind.

2.  Bring a good girlfriend, yes the one that will be brutally honest as opposed to the one that will tell you what you want to hear.  (For me this normally means bringing along my version of Jack)

3.  Can not be said enough but wear undergarments that flatter you.  Wear a convertible bra that lifts the girls, but can be changed around to fit the different dress styles you will be trying on.  Make sure your under wear is not leaving lines in all the wrong areas.

4.  Always remember to fit your largest area first, alterations are everyone’s friend.  You should definitely have a good seamstress in your rolodex!

Good luck with your holiday dress shopping!  Glam it up girls, this is the time we all get to experiment with new looks and have a little fun with our party outfits.  Look out Niemen Marcus and Nordstrom I am heading your way!

A Miss-Step

With everyone trying to make their wedding and parties stand out, we have seen some fumbles along the way!

Do NOT force your guests to dance!! Yes we all want to see a packed dance floor.  Guests being forced onto the dance floor with a rendition of “hot potato” will not result in a happy dance companion.  While on the topic of dancing full length organized dances ARE NOT FUN!  The “Cha-Cha Slide”, the “Macarena” and/or the “Electric Slide” should NEVER go over 3 minutes.  Anything longer then that will result in your guests clearing the floor.

Please don’t orchestrate an over the top garter extraction.  There are guests around and watching your groom riffle up your dress don’t make them uncomfortable!

http://www.mydeejay.com

As a guest please be careful who bring.  Don’t bring a guy/gal as a 1st date, likewise don’t bring a newly ended ex either.  Both can lead to awkwardness.  I have heard of many uncomfortable guests sitting threw a reenactment of a break-up during the reception.

Please, please, please when leaving the party don’t horde the favors.   Take the one that was meant for you, but don’t bring enough home for the neighborhood. 

Just a few reminders to keep in mind when planning or attending parties, especially with the upcoming party season.