Category Archives: Things I like

Making Memories In the Kitchen

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Making Memories In The KitchenPhoto Source:

The goal of any Stay at Home or Work from Home Mom is to make it through the summer with her sanity in check, while still making memories with her little ones.  That is just the reality of it, or at least it is for this Mom.  My girls are both at the age where they are showing an interest in the kitchen and cooking.  So, I came up with the bright idea to let them learn how to do a few more things around the kitchen.

So, I started looking around for recipes that met the following criteria: a) Easy b) Fast c) Required Very Few Ingredients d) Consisted of a Food they already Love.

While browsing Pinterest,  I found the link to the recipe for Mini Personal Size Pizzas on Pillsbury.com here.

This was definitely, my kind of recipe.  Four Ingredients, Two Steps,  Ten Minutes Prep Time, 25 Minutes, Total Cook Time, and Eight Servings (which means there would be enough for me and Daddy too.)

Family Pizza Day

Even though Our Pizzas were not as Aesthetically Pleasing as the Photo Shown on the Pillsbury Site.  They tasted incredible and we had a lot of fun making them, even if the girl’s faces are all business here.  They took their jobs seriously.

My Notes:  I really let them do their thing.  I gave them the instructions and then let them go at it.  I think maybe, we could have used a little more Pizza Sauce and Cheese.  We used Turkey Pepperoni instead of what the recipe called for, and we added some veggies to the mix.  This was only our first go round.  I trust that we will get better in time.  I will let you know how our next attempt turns out.

What activities do you have planned for your little ones this summer?

Stage Presents Event Stylist – Cassandra Scully of Creative Elegance

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Stage Presents - Fuest Interview with Event Stylist Cassandra Scully of Creative Elegance

WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU HAD A KNACK FOR THE CREATIVE?

In 2003, I became a certified wedding and event planner, but it was not  until I took a Merchandising course, that I realized my love for all things creative. Making this career move, has really made me think outside of the box. It has caused me to create my famous “Panty Bouquet,” in addition to the single panty roses and panty cupcakes. Most popular for bachelorette parties and bridal showers.  My knack for the creative allows me to create new and innovative ideas that compliment traditional pieces.

TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

Creative Elegance is an event styling company. Event styling consists of beautiful stylings of bouquets, center pieces, décor and more! Some may call me a miracle worker because I can turn your wedding from cheap to chic! We also love to personalize every bit of your wedding from your invitations to personalized printables. Creative Elegance styles events such as children’s parties, Sweet Sixteens’, Bridal Parties and so much more! Creative Elegance is now offering Home Staging Services, as well. You can now benefit from the luxury of having the Creative Elegance touch inside your home whether you’re buying – selling – moving or staying!

WHAT DEMOGRAPHIC DO YOU CATER TO?

I am proud to say that Creative Elegance doesn’t have a set demographic.  Creative Elegance caters to all ages. We do themed children’s parties, girls night out parties, baptisms and christenings, baby showers, weddings, to name a few. Creative Elegance boasts of being able to bring a playful and whimsical side that will ensure that your children’s parties are a hit, and the modern, classic and mature side to fulfill your wedding expectations.

TO DATE WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE EVENT AND WHY?

To date, my favorite event has been A “Sweet Six”.   It was a modern twist on the sweet sixteen or the classic sixth birthday. We had slideshows, a mini dance recital, dancing, music and mini-activity stations. Trends show that children’s parties are getting bigger and bigger.  The Sweet Six was the perfect size.  It allowed there to be a This event had a quaint and playful feel.  The guests of honor wore  tutu dresses designed by Creative Elegance.  And featured a candy table/bar that the kids could enjoy. The menu consisted of modern, yet sophisticated kid friendly food.  It gave Creative Elegance freedom for creativity. It is definitely a new signature in the Creative Elegance vault.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU THIS YEAR, THAT IS DIFFERENT THAN WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY DONE?

My brand is expanding, and we are now offering new products and services, some of which are: custom/bridal TuTu Skirts, printed Bridal Tanks & Tees and gum ball necklaces/bracelets for kids events.  Creative Elegance is now venturing into the staging industry both residential and commercial. In addition to all these amazing services,  look out for future collaborations with two other amazing event planners in Toronto (Heavenz Décor & Ki-Events), together we have formed an organization calledCAKEvents. CAKEvents is an organization that focuses on the youths and brides on a budget, as well giving back to our community.

IF YOU WERE GOING TO GIVE ADVICE TO  SOMEONE WITH A FLAIR FOR THE CREATIVE LIKE YOURSELF, THAT WAS JUST STARTING OUT WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The advice I would give to an upcoming individual with that creative flair is to be true to themselves, and to live their truth. Let your individuality shine through and do not compromise yourself to “fit in”.   You are creative, you were meant to STAND OUT.

Creations by Creative Elegance Events - Styled by Cassandra Scully

CREATIVE ELEGANCE WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU KNOW:

They can and will exceed your expectations, regardless of your age, event or specifications.  Creative Elegance has over 10 years of experience and knowledge in the event planning industry.  We are based in Toronto, Canada  and welcomes the opportunity to work with you to make your event a memorable and satisfying experience.

** I truly enjoyed interviewing Cassandra and being able to pick her mind and find out what makes her such a force in the Toronto Event Planning Industry.  She has a fresh perspective on Event Styling and a Definite Passion for what she does.  If you are in the Toronto Area, seek her out.  She gets the Stage Presents Stamp of Approval!!

You can find Cassandra and Creative Elegance all over the web at:

Via Email

Via Her Website

Via Facebook

Follow her on Twitter

Get Ready for Selfie Season with the New Warby Parker Summer Collection

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Warby Parker Summer Collection HERO IMAGE

Photo Source: Warby Parker

As Summer approaches the number of Selfies to Flood Social Media increase in droves.  Let’s face it when it comes to Feeling Good, there is nothing quiet like the rays of the hot sun on your body, a cool drink and the perfect shades.

Nothings says summer like Warby Parker‘s New Summer Collection!! The shapes and shades in this collection will have you both camera and adventure ready for whatever the long, hot summer days may bring. Glasses and sunglasses feature frame hues that are inspired by all the things we love about the  season – the beach, the ocean, lemonade, root beer, the moonlight and more.

Here’s a look at of some of the new optical glasses and sunglasses in Warby Parker‘s new Summer Collection.  The Winston in Ginger Lemonade is my absolute favorite!!

Winston – in Ginger Lemonade.

Jennings – in Striped Beach.

Stockton in Sea Green Crystal

 

In addition to the wide variety that Warby Parker Affords you, they also give you the option to Try On up to 5 Pairs of Glasses from the Comfort of Home, before deciding on the pair that you want to make your own.  Try On Warby Parker’s New Summer 2015 Collection

Pick out your favorite Summer 2015 shades at WarbyParker.com!

The Amazing Selection and Jaw Dropping prices not enough for you?  Still need convincing??  For Each Pair of Glasses Purchased Warby Parker gives a monthly donation to Non Profit Partners.  Who in turn, train men and women in developing countries to give basic eye exams and sell glasses to their communities at affordable prices.  These men and women work hard to spread awareness and make eye care available to their communities.

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Daddy Bakes — Irish Creme Topped Brownie Dessert

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Irish Cream Topped Brownie Dessert

Today, we are launching a new segment of Our Blog – called “Daddy Bakes”.  I am super excited and not just because it means yummy desserts for me.  But, because it was no easy task to get my Hubby to agree to it.  He often tries his hand at different recipes and they are always a SCORE.  So I am elated to be able to share this with you.

Narrated by Mr.Stage Presents:
Last weekend, my wife and I enjoyed the pleasant sounds of a kid free weekend. Thank God for grandparents. After dinner,  my wife suggested that we make a dessert instead of purchasing or eating something pre-made. We both hopped on the internet and after a few moments of searching and spinning our wheels, I suggested that we make some type of brownie and ice cream concoction that most restaurants serve. I came across a recipe for an Irish cream-topped brownie dessert on Pillsbury.com. I chose the recipe based on the extremely short prep time, although we did not have any of the ingredients at home. Thankfully Kroger is only 2 minutes away. Afer a quick trip to Kroger, I returned home, baked the brownies, prepared the topping, and refrigerated the Irish cream topped brownies. The recipe called for refrigerating the brownies for 2 hours but ours ended up being refrigerated overnight. I failed to mention that our little brownie project began around 11 pm, so the taste test had to wait until morning. Well, the brownies were well worth the wait. Most brownies taste the same but the topping is what sets this brownie apart…light and candy filled.

Daddy Bakes Collage

What more needs to be said. I give this recipe 5 out of 5 stars and I have listed a few things that I would do differently based on my personal preferences.

I would:

Follow the brownie directions on the box/package.
Use a brownie mix that creates a fudge center.
Use a Heath bar for the toffee candy topping.
Increase the Irish cream content in the topping as well as the brownie.
Mix the toffee candy into the topping.
Drizzle caramel over the topping.

You have just finished reading Daddy Bakes Irish Cream-Topped Brownie Dessert.  Please consider leaving a comment below.

Fun Friday – The Top Ten Shuffle

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FunFridayiPhoneonShuffle

They say you can tell a lot about a person by the music they listen to.  I am not sure how true that is.  But, for Fun Friday this week, I decided to give you a Glimpse into the Avenues of my Soul(giggle).  So I put my iPhone on Shuffle and recorded the first 10 songs that popped up.

1.  Baby’s In Love (featuring Kid Ink) – Jamie Foxx

2.  Backup Plan – Angie Stone

3.  Best Friend Remix – Olivia & 50 Cent

4.  Best of Me – Anthony Hamilton

5.  Black Roses (featuring Claire Bowen) – Nashville Cast

6.  Brave – Sara Bareilles

7.  A Change is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke

8.  Cost is Too High (Not to Love) – Adaline

9.  Dreaming with a Broken Heart – John Mayer

10.  She’s Got A Way – Billy Joel

That took some Bravery on my part.  Enjoy the Official Video for Brave by Sara Bareilles

That was fun!!  Ok, now that I spilled the beans.  Time for you to Share the first 10 Songs that show up in Your iPhone Shuffle.  I’d love to get to know you.  Consider sharing using #toptenshuffle.

6 Things That I’m Currently Obsessed With + A Treat for my One Tree Hill Fans.

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5 Things I'm Currently Obsessed WithIt’s Friday!!  We made it ….  The Weekend is here, and yes, I had my doubts….

If you follow us on Facebook, you know that I am always talking about how my favorite emails are the ones that start with Your Order has been Shipped.  This American Flag scarf is my latest purchase.  I live for a great scarf.  I am always thinking ahead when it come to outfits.  So when I saw this scarf over on Jane.com … I had to have it.  I think it will be the perfect pop to a simple white or blue t shirt for the fourth of July festivities.  Even if I am not sure what they are right now.

My next obsession is the Wireless Speaker that hubby bought me for my birthday.  There is nothing I enjoy more than being able to play my music really loud and tune out the world.  I still get texts from him asking if my music is loud enough.  But, I think he gets it that sometimes I just need to escape…

I’m crushing hard on  the awesome coasters that my Aunt sent me from Belize(she retired there).  It feeds both my love of wood and my love of coasters.  Even if I do have to remind myself that they are to protect my furniture and not just for show.  I tend to get annoyed when cleaning up and I realize someone spilled something on them.

I live on my cell phone.  So more likely than not the battery is low, which is why I have such a serious relationship with my iPhone charger.   I always need my car charger to be up and running.  On Saturday, my charger met its untimely death.  Thankfully, it was under warranty so i went to Radio Shack to replace it.  The Radio Shack closest to me is going out of business, so they couldn’t honor my Warranty.  So, I had to travel way out of my way to get to the next closest one.  They didn’t have the charger that I wanted, so they gave me a replacement that was supposedly an upgrade.  When she told me that I immediately gave her the side eye, because I LOVED the charger that I had before.  Sure enough the charger worked for the trip home and that was it.  So, I have to return it, but in the mean time I ran into the Radio Shack closest to me, and not only did they have my charger it was 60% off.  So I bought 2 one for now, and one for when I wear the other one out.  And, just in case you just have to know what Charger I use it’s Made by Digital Energy found here.  (The last ones I had were pink, so they come in pink too.)

Yes, I am still obsessed with the Hoop earrings that Hubby got me for Christmas.  The reason – I can pull my hair back in a ponytail, apply lip gloss, a little bit of eyeliner, throw on my Hoop Earrings and a Scarf and my other wise Mom outfit just got transformed into something cute and stylish.

As I started to type out this list, I suppose almost all of these items are gifts  from the Hubby.  Sue me, I may be a bit spoiled.  But, I adore this Mug because well… it’s Lenox, it’s Kate Spade, it has Black and White Stripes and …. it say’s S on it… What’s not to love.

I have always been that girl who want’s what she wants.  My earliest memory of this was going shopping with my Mom, and I would set my mind on something that I saw within the first few minutes of shopping.  And, she would try to show me this and that.  But, nope, my mind had already been made up.  I hope that my girls won’t be like that, because if they are I am sure I have some rough years ahead of me.

You have just finished reading 6 Things That I am Currently Obsessed With, consider leaving a comment.  What are the little things that you are currently obsessed with?

Hope this song will make you smile.  It’s a Flash Back for all my One Tree Hill Fans, closeted or otherwise.  And, if you are Tangled fan then I am sure you will recognize it as well.

Flowers for Mommy – Free Printable Coloring Sheet

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Mother's Day Printable

Mother’s Day Printable

She lights up your world.  And, you can’t imagine life without her.  Help the kids show Mom just how special she is, with this Super Cute “Flowers for Mommy” Mother’s Day Printable.

To Download:  Right Click and Save Image as to Download and  or Print.

10 Tech Tools that Run My Life

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10 Tech Tool Apps that Run My LifeThe Right Tools are Essential in Every Area of Life.  Check out my Go To List of Tech Tools that Run My Life.

1.  Google Calendar.  Even though I am still very much a Pen + Paper Girl, I keep my appointments in Google Calendar, as well.  Mostly, because of the Reminder Feature.  I like the option of being able to set (2) reminders for myself.  I also like the option of being able to share my Calendar with my Hubby and share appointments or events with others. When my Sissy was pregnant with the twins, she shared all her appointments with me and it helped to keep me on track.  Plus thanks to Google Calendar, I very RARELY forget a birthday or important event.  If you made it on to my Google Calendar, you have ARRIVED (jk, sorta).

2.  Notes:  The Note App on my iPhone could very well hold the secrets to TAKE OVER THE WORLD.  Or maybe, I just use it because my 38 years are starting to catch up with me.  We all know that my Phone goes every where I go.  So, whenever creative genius strikes, or I get a blog idea, think of something I think I need to remember later.  I will whip it out and type it in.  Not to mention, that I use it to make impromptu grocery lists, or plan out my To Do list, before I leave the house.  It is the ultimate tool to keep me from being a hot scatterbrained mess.

3.  Sell on Etsy App:  I am sure this one is NO SURPRISE.  I love being able to see my orders come in for my Etsy Shop,  no matter where I am.  Also on shipping days, I can just sit in the car outside of the Post Office and send all of my Tracking Confirmations.  It also affords me the luxury of being able to have immediate conversations with customers, see what the traffic is to the site each day, and know what items are popular.  I almost forgot the most important thing the Cha-Ching!!  **Every time you make a sale the App makes the Cha-Ching aka Cash Register Sound.  The high that you get from that sound if enough to make the APP worth it, even if it did nothing else.

4.  Facebook Pages App:  For those of you who don’t know, this is where you can Manage your Business FB Page.  I do at least half of my FB Posting & Content Creation from my phone or my iPad.  Even though admittedly I still spend a lot of time in front of the computer, this still keeps me functional when I can’t be.  When we add new items to the Shop I can post them directly from Etsy to the Business Page with ease.  I can also respond to Messages and Comments.

5.  Instagram & Pinterest:  I am going to combine these two, because for me their purpose is similar.  I find inspiration there in droves, not to mention that I have met some amazing like minded people, fostered great networking relationships and have been directed to some phenomenal blogs, websites, and local events.

6.  Bank of America App:  I think this one is self explanatory.  I like to keep a close watch on whats going on in our Accounts, especially with Identity Theft being soo rampant.

7.  Threadflip, Groupon & Living Social:  Retail Therapy…Retail Therapy…Retail Therapy (all clickable links)

8.   SIMS Freeplay & Word With Friends:  Stress Relief…  It can’t be business all the time, sometimes you need a little play.

9.    TweetCaster:  This is the app that I use to manage my Twitter Page.  There are a million different kinds on Twitter Type Apps.  But, this is my favorite.  Very User Friendly.

10.  Kindle App & Feedly: I’m  a Book Worm.  I LOVE to read, I always have.   If I don’t know about something I will try to find out about it.  I am not a fan of paying for books, even though I do. So, I also love all the Free Kindle Books.  I try to post the links to them on our Facebook Page, whenever I can.  So if you are an avid reader as well, follow us on Facebook.  The only thing I enjoy reading as much as books, are good blogs.  There are soo many I couldn’t possibly share or read them all.  But, the Feedly app combines them all in one place, and whenever I get some time I indulge.

“ONE OF THE GREATEST AND SIMPLEST TOOLS FOR LEARNING MORE AND GROWING MORE IS DOING MORE.” – WASHINGTON IRVING

What are some of the  Tech Tools or Apps that you just couldn’t do with out?

Home Decor Trend: Adding Depth & Character With Maps

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MapTrend

Photo Collage Sources: 1 2 3 4

With the economy on an upward swing came the re-introduction of Wanderlust.

wan·der·lust  ˈwändərˌləst/ noun – a strong desire to travel, and a love of all things travel related

And, the evidence of this is becoming more and more clear in the latest design trend of Decorating with Maps.  Decorating with Maps adds both depth and character to an otherwise blank canvas. Our cultures and traditions are often tied into Geography, where we grow up whether in the north, south, east or west coasts, urban, rustic, or suburban neighborhoods often shapes our varied tastes and preferences.  The things that bring us comfort and peace are often bits and pieces of home, no matter how far we travel.  We gravitate to the familiar.
The Choices are Limitless on how to use Maps, here are a few of my Favorite Places and Ways to Display Them in your home.

1.  Maps in a Child’s Room or Play Space:

I love seeing maps in a Kid’s Living Space.  I think it speaks to the vast possibilities that lay ahead in their lives.  They can go anywhere and be anything that they could possible conceive.  It’s almost like a subliminal message!!  I have seen Maps tied into the Dr. Seuss Theme – “Oh The Places You’ll Go.”  for nurseries, play rooms, and even for party themes.  Maps scream Endless Adventure!!

2.  Maps in a Dining Room or Family Living Area:

Often Maps used in a common living space are used as a means to connect you to the past.  I often see it in homes of older people  or transplanted families who want to bring a piece of the home land into their current space.   It often serves as a reminder of the Culture and Tradition that is still with them, even if they have transplanted to different parts of the world.  Nostalgic Memorabilia

3.  Maps that Tell A Story:

Wedding locations or even maps that document where you met your significant other are becoming very popular.  If you have moved around a lot or had multiple homes over the course of your relationship, these maps hold a meaning that maybe not every one else will understand but between the two of you, or even just your immediate family.  They speak volumes.

Where to Find Maps:

These days most Home Decor Stores carry Maps, for the most part all of the Maps that I have seen have been framed.  But, if you want to be a little adventurous Antique Stores offer some great Vintage Options, and a one of a kind look.  Then there is always the option the to go Digital.  Digital Maps give you more options, regarding size and layout.  Check out some of the Maps we have available in Our Etsy Store.

Interesting-Facts-300x300

 

 

Did you know that many Vintage World Maps have hidden text, as well as hidden pictures that are not visible to the Naked Eye?  Viewing some of these maps with a telescope or under different lighting can be quite the experience.  We found maps that even had some risque pics on it.  So, if you are looking to display maps in a space that has a PG Audience, be sure to check for Hidden Treasure.

 

 

Do you use Maps to decorate your home?  What has been your favorite landing place and the meaning behind the maps you used?

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Photo Source:

Fun Friday: The Best of the 90’s Playlist

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FunFriday35

You remember the 90’s right?  Life was still so very easy.  I don’t know about you, but back in those days my biggest concern was finding the perfect look for the day and having a Great Hair Day.  I sure miss those days, but even more than I miss those days.  I miss the music.  When your turned on your radio back then, you were gonna move your body. Thank God for Pandora and iTunes Radio that can tailor your music to your preference.

So let’s have some fun – here are our Top 30 Favorites for the 90’s:

1.  Snoop Dog – What’s My Name

2.  Notorious BIG – Juicy

3.  No Doubt – Don’t Speak

4.  Lauren Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing)

5.  Weezer – Buddy Holly

6.  Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit

7.  Bryan Adams – Everything I Do, I Do It For You

8.  Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under The Bridge

9.  LeAnn Rimes – How Do I Live

10.  Boyz II Men – End of the Road

11.  Shania Twain – You’re Still The One

12.  Van Halen – Right Now

13.  Arrested Development – Tennessee

14.  Bell Biv Devoe – Poison

15.  Janet Jackson – Escapade

16.  Stereo MC’s – Connected

17.  Ini Kamoze – Here Come’s the Hot Stepper

18.  Blackstreet – No Diggity

19.  Soul Asylum – Runaway Train

20.  Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing

21.  Backstreet Boys – I Want it That Way

22.  Green Day – When I Come Around

23.  Eminem – My Name Is

24.  Missy Elliott – The Rain

25.  Public Enemy – 911 is a Joke

26.  Cher – Believe

27.  Gin Blossoms – Hey Jealousy

28.  Outkast – Rosa Parks

29. Mary J. Blige – Real Love

30.  SWV – Weak

I had a ball listening to these songs as I was going through the list.  What is your favorite 90’s song from the list?  Do you think we missed one?  Let us know in the comments section below.

Happy Friday!!