Loving: Family Get-togethers
Setting my table to have guests over is one of my favorite things to do. I have never claimed to be a great cook so I try to make up for it by making my table as pretty as possible!
I am a firm believer that bigger is better for almost everything in life…if you use a few large items that become your focal point you can build from there without making things seem too cluttered.
I also love height… some people think that it can obstruct ones view, but until you actually sit down to eat it isn’t a problem, and it looks really pretty until then. If you end up needing to move a couple of the items off the table while you are eating, I don’t think it’s a big deal.
I have a lot of fun mixing things up… I love using different plates mixed together or even using two or three different types of place settings. It makes it interesting. The same can be said for flatware, glasses and even chairs, mix them up too. Napkins in different colors are really fun as well.
I don’t love tablecloths as I love the contrast of the plates on a wood table, but if you need a tablecloth, Try and find one that touches the ground. It looks much more polished, even in a casual setting.
I don’t like place-mats either so I always use some type of a charger that serves as a place-mat.
I always do everything that I possibly can in odd numbers… and mix different heights in odd numbers too.
I love candles and don’t think that you can ever have too many! I recently had 21 votive candles on a table for 6, mixed in with 12 other candles as well. It was beautiful!
Make sure to check that you have set your table correctly as it is really tacky when it is not set properly or you are missing a utensil that you need to use with your meal. It will change depending on what you are serving.
Flowers are almost always a must… I love mixing many flowers together and use them in several different height containers.
Whatever you end up doing, make sure you enjoy the day... Happy Easter!
- Mar 28, 2018
Never know what to do with all of those colored Easter eggs? My favorite thing is to make deviled eggs... these are so easy and quick, you can wait until the last minute to make and serve these at your Easter gathering!
Easy Deviled Eggs
Ingredients:
One dozen hard-boiled eggs
1/2-cup mayonnaise
1/4-cup mustard
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 TBSP finely chopped chives
1 tsp. paprika
Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions:
Using a sharp knife, half eggs.
Gently scoop yolks into a bowl.
Mash yolks with a potato masher or fork, until crumbly.
Add garlic powder and chives, use salt and pepper to taste.
Stir yolks and dry ingredients until well mixed, gently fold in mayonnaise and mustard. Stir until smooth.
Chill for 15-30 minutes.
Using a melon baller or small scoop, place one scoop in each egg white half.
For a fancier look, use a decorating bag with a tip to pipe the yolk mixture into each egg-half. (Careful, if chives are not super-fine, they will clog the tip)
When finished, sprinkle with lightly with paprika for decoration.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.
* If eggs are small, decrease the mayonnaise and mustard slightly.
- Mar 25, 2018
Loving Yourself
Add this, "do-it-yourself bath bomb", to your bath for a relaxing spa-like treat; YOU deserve it!
Your skin will thank you and feel amazing!
Heavenly Lavender Spearmint Bath Bombs
This is by far the easiest DIY bath bomb recipe I have formulated yet – that is, after many failed attempts.
Directions:
Use 2 stainless steel bowls
Measuring spoons and cups
1-cup baking soda
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup Epsom salts
4 tablespoons cream of tartar
2 ½ tablespoons coconut oil (avocado oil or walnut oil can be substituted)
2 teaspoons essential oil (lavender and spearmint are my faves)
3-6 drops of purple food coloring
¾ tablespoon water
Plastic mold (I used a circle mold, that was actually a plastic ornament that separates, but choose your own shape as you like!)
In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients (Baking soda, cornstarch, Epsom salts and cream of tartar) and whisk together.
In a smaller, separate bowl, mix all wet ingredients, (oil, essential oils, food coloring and water)
Slowly pour small amounts of liquid mixture into dry ingredients working together slowly, using your hands (wear gloves!) The texture should be dry and crumbly to start out.
Continue to mix ingredients together by hand until desired color and scent have been achieved.
Gently but firmly press into desired mold.
Let dry overnight or a minimum of 12 hours.
Gently remove bath bombs from mold.
Store in a mason jar or other sealed container for future use or give as gifts.
