A Warming Steppe

With the thought of moving into a new apartment and my boyfriend buying a condo, house warming ideas are floating through my head.  A house warming party is a great time to have your friends over to show off your new digs.  You’ve just moved in so keeping it simple is key, once you have settled in you can have friends over for a big sit down dinner.

http://www.punchbowl.com/p/host-a-homey-housewarming-party

The focus is to show of your new place with those that matter.  Before the party make sure that you do a thorough cleaning of the new digs, people are going to be checking everything out!  Sharing your new place with your friends and family doesn’t mean trashing the place.  If the floors are a concern, make sure to have guests remove shoes.  Be sure to offer inexpensive flip flops or slippers for guests to wear.

http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/basket-of-slippers-for-guests

Keep food simple with food, easy to pick up, finger foods.  Be sure to stock your bar, if you are going to be serving alcoholic beverages.  Keep on hand: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, bourbon, wine and beer.  You should also have mixers such as tonic, seltzer, orange juice, soda pop, cranberry juice, and lemonade.  Having these mixers on hand, also leaves options for those who do not want to drink.

http://ideas.thenest.com/dinner-recipes/wine-cocktails-drinks/articles/stocking-the-bar.aspx

Before the party you need to decide if you will showing guests around or kindly asking a friend to.  If you decide you will be doing the tour guide, nominate a friend to answer the door and greet guests.  You can also have the option of self guided tours, print a floor layout for guests and label each room, and state any added details (such as renovations or note worthy décor).

Keep the atmosphere warm and inviting with music playing in the background.  Plug in your Ipod but be sure not to crank too loudly you want people to be able to interact.

1. Our House – Crosby, Stills, and Nash

2. Home – Foo Fighters

3. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd

4. He Calls Home – Candlebox

5. Home – Michael Buble

6. Mama I’m Coming Home – Ozzy Osborne

7. Down Home Blues – Etta James and Otis Redding

8. I’m Coming Home – Diddy ft. Skylar Grey

Keep music moving with choices for everyone

9. I Got Friends In Low Places – Garth Brooks

10. Home – Chris Daughtry

Just a few choices, notice the theme??

A house warming party is about bringing your friends and family together to embark on this new step in your life.  Some guests may feel inclined to bring presents but by NO means should you expect or request gifts.

“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” Unknown author.

Green with Envy Steppe

While I may not be Irish, St.  Patrick’s Day has easily become one of my favorite holidays through the years.  The older I get the better it seems to get.  It is one of the few days a year where I can be assured that all my friends will come together.  As a kid it meant donning head to toe green.  As a teenager it meant a smile brought on by the Shamrock shake (thank you McDonald’s).   In my 20’s it easily was the largest drinking party of the year.  Now in my 30’s it has become a day to bring friends together, filled with great food (I could eat corn beef and cabbage everyday!!!) and a still some drinking (goodbye to the days of binge drinking though).  Below find my inspiration board for a great Irish get together!

Photos from left to right): http://www.twirlandtaste.com/2009_03_01_archive.html, http://www.mahalo.com/answers/green-beer-origin, http://www.createmyevent.com/2009/03/index.html, http://www.designspongeonline.com/2007/03/flowers-and-tables-2.htmlhttp://www.homeandfamilynetwork.com/holiday/st-patricks-day/ ,  http://www.gather.com/viewImage.jsp?fileId=3096224744062515, http://www.smosh.com/smosh-pit/lists/7-ways-hook-leprechaun

As I said Saint Patrick’s Day to me means good eats.  Find some tasty and different finds for your Saint Patrick’s Day feast below.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/corned-beef-and-cabbage-rolls-recipe/index.html

Corn Beef and Cabbage Rolls:

Cook 6 Savoy cabbage leaves in boiling water, about 2 minutes. Rinse under cold water and pat dry; slice in half. Mix 1/4 cup each mayonnaise and chopped parsley and/or dill; spread on the cabbage leaves. Cut 2 slices rye bread into strips. Slice 1/2 pound corned beef into strips and toss with a spoonful of whole-grain mustard. Top the cabbage leaves with a few strips each of the bread and corned beef. Roll up and slice in half.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/irish-grilled-cheese-recipe/index.html

Irish Grilled Cheese: (I am a sucker for grilled cheese, it just gives me that all over good feeling so there had to be a way to work it into my St. Patrick’s Day feast)

Mash 4 tablespoons softened butter with 2 tablespoons each chopped parsley, scallions and chives. Spread the mixture on 4 slices white bread; top each with sliced Irish cheddar cheese and bread-and-butter pickles. Cover with 4 more bread slices. Spread plain butter on the outside of the sandwiches and fry in a skillet until golden on both sides. Spread the remaining herb butter on the warm sandwiches. Slice into quarters, then press the cut sides in more chopped herbs.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/beer-battered-broccoli-recipe/index.html

Beer Battered Broccoli

Whisk 1 cup beer, 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup chopped parsley and a pinch of salt. Let the batter rest 1 hour. Dip 4 cups broccoli florets in the batter and fry in 375 degrees F vegetable oil until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve with sour cream.

Whatever you may decide to do with your St. Patrick’s Day be sure to bring out your inner Irish.  With some of these above recipes you will certainly inspire some green envy from party guests!

A Seuss Steppe

What a perfect day for National Read Across America Day, as it is the one and only Dr. Seuss’s birthday (actual name Theodor Seuss Geisel).

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." Dr. Seuss (I Can Read With My Eyes Shut)

Dr. Seuss books were always a childhood favorite, and still remain some favorites.  He definitely began my love of books.  Gather up your favorite Dr. Seuss books and have a reading marathon with your favorite little one.

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..." Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You’ll Go).

If you don’t have a little one in your life you can pay homage to the man of riddles with a Seuss inspired menu. 

A grown up version of Green Eggs and Ham: (looks delish)

http://www.ifood.tv/recipe/spaghetti-with-braised-kale

1 cup Cookin’ Greens Spinach (cooked & chilled)

24 Hard-Boiled Eggs (medium or large)

½ cup (125 ml) low-fat mayonnaise

½ cup (125 ml) low-fat cream cheese

1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard

1/8 tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp (2 ml) sea salt

1/8 tsp (0.5 ml) black pepper

2 slices (12 g) pancetta, cooked until crisp and

broken into 1/2” pieces

2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped chives

1. Using a thin paring knife, cut eggs in half lengthwise.
2. Carefully remove yolks and place into a mixing bowl.
3. Mash with a fork until as smooth as possible. Set aside.
4. Arrange whites cut side up onto a parchment lined tray,
   cover, and refrigerate until needed.
5. Add Cookin’ Greens – Chopped Spinach, mayonnaise,
   cream cheese, and Dijon mustard to the bowl of a food
   processor. Puree until combined thoroughly.
6. Add mashed egg yolks, cayenne pepper, salt, and black
   pepper to spinach mixture, and pulse until smooth.
7. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to chill.
   To Serve
   Using a piping bag, carefully pipe spinach and egg filling into
   each egg white half. Garnish with chives and a sliver of
   crisp pancetta. Serve immediately.
   COOKIN’ GREENS TIP: To help eggs sit upright on the
   serving tray, carefully cut a small slice from the rounded
   side of each egg white 1/2.

Be sure to wash your eggs down with a Pink Yink Ink Drink:

• ½ pint fresh or ½ cup frozen blackberries
• 1 cup milk
• 6 fresh strawberries (green tops removed) or ½ cup frozen strawberries, thawed
• 1 tsp honey

1. Put the blackberries in a blender and puree them.
2. Pour into a large glass.
3. Put the milk, strawberries and honey in a blender and blend.
4. Strain the mixture (optional).
5. Pour the strawberry mixture carefully on top of the blackberry mixture

http://www.parentsconnect.com/recipes/dr-seuss-smoothie-recipe.jhtml

"Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope." Dr. Seuss

A Red Carpet Step

Sunday, February 27th, 2011 marks the 83rd Academy Awards Show.  What a great time to roll out the red carpet and get glammed up with your girlfriends.  Two of Hollywood’s hot young stars are hosting this years awards, James Franco and Anne Hathaway.  I’ll be tuning in just to see what their energy brings to the table this year.

http://partyinvitations.specialeventticketing.com/home.cfm/page/products/category/9/title/39/ticket/198/Academy_Awards_Three.html

When you send out invites to your party be sure to also send out this years Oscar ballots.  This way guests can fill out their chooses prior to coming to the party. (http://a.oscar.go.com/media/2011/pdf/oscar_ballot_2011.pdf) Make sure to have everyone dress in black tie.  How often do we get to get dressed up?  As guest enter the party snap lots of “paparazzi” photos.  Guests can be asked to bring food tying in to their favorite nominees.  For “True Grit” someone could bring grits, Irish soda bread for “The Fighter”, and perhaps good ole caramel popcorn for “Toy Story 3”.

http://www.livinglocurto.com/2011/02/oscar-party-ideas-free-printables

Of course every good Oscar party needs champagne.  Here’s a great Oscar worthy drink idea: (From Katie Lee, who will be serving this up to the actual stars)

Moet's Silver Screen Punch

1 (6 ounce) can pink lemonade concentrate, partially thawed
8 ounces pineapple juice
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1 cup vodka
1 bottle Moët & Chandon
1 pineapple, cut into rings and frozen

In a blender, combine pink lemonade concentrate, pineapple juice, strawberries, and ginger. Blend until smooth. Pour into a punch bowl. Add vodka and stir to combine. Just before serving, pour in Moet. Add frozen pineapple rings.

You can also send everyone home with they’re very own Oscar. One simple version would be to top cupcakes with an “Oscar”.

http://partycupcakeideas.com/making-academy-award-oscar-cupcakes

Of course if you have enough time, and are as skilled as the baking gurus at Bakerella then you could whip up your guests there very own Oscar cookies. 

http://www.bakerella.com/and-the-winner-is%e2%80%a6

Enjoy the Oscars!! I am sure there will be some surprises, tune in early to check out the red carpet.  The fun will begin at 8pm Eastern on ABC.

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