I know I used that line before. Only last year in fact, when we were filming this video about Chinese New Year. That doesn't matter though. Know what matters? Plum sauce. THAT’S what matters. And chicken balls. They matter too (just ask a chicken).
Potluck is not a dirty word, so why do we feel guilty even saying it? Potluck parties are not cheap, nor lazy. I mean, Lady Gaga potlucks, so clearly it's hip and happenin'. Potlucks rule for the following reasons:
We’re busy!! Though we’d LIKE to make the entire meal ourselves, from scratch, our hectic lifestyles kind of make this impossible.
"What can I bring?" The question asked by any good guest upon receiving a party invitation.
Wine, an appetizer, dessert...are all appreciated, but here's another simple and well-received offering—a pitcher of cocktails!
Premix the ingredients at home (I made a batch in a 60 oz. juice pitcher with a lid). Bring a cocktail shaker and garnishes with you. Hopefully your host will have appropriate glassware. If not, bring your own (confirm ahead and also ask if they have ice).
When the first Christmas card arrives in my mailbox it signals the beginning of the holiday season (and generates guilt because I never seem to get around to sending out any of my own...next year, for sure...maybe).
But, what to do with these lovely cards when the season is over? Don't you feel terrible about tossing them into the recycle bin? I do. So instead, I reuse them.
Cut off the message portion and toss that bit. It sounds Grinchy, but the sentiments are forever preserved in your heart. *bats eyelashes sweetly*
Whether it’s the hairbrush-optional atmosphere or the absent boss, there are days (Monday-Sunday) when I find it hard to focus. When you work at home like I do, the promise of a break is the only way to stay on track. After I complete a task from my to-do list, I reward myself with a little digital mingling. I hop online and connect with people or write a blog post. It may not be a traditional break (with coffee and muffins and live people), but this is life in a digital era...Less face time and more Facebook.
Ever since I was hit between the eyes with an elastic band as a child (one of those big fat ones...the elastic band I mean, I was rather slender), I've been afraid of flying objects. I suspect this is why I duck for cover whenever anyone opens a bottle of champagne.
Did you know that the number one New Year’s injury in France is caused by flying champagne corks to the eye? I kid you not. A champagne cork leaves the bottle at a velocity of approximately 38-40 mph, but has been clocked at speeds as fast as 100 mph.
For me, the word “bubbles” conjures up images of blowing endless soapy spheres for my kids until I pass out. But with New Year’s Eve approaching, it’s time to burst those parental connotations and embrace the most effervescent image of all – “Bubbly.” Bring on the champers!
Did you know there are approximately 49 million bubbles in the average bottle of champagne? Now that’s bubbly baby (Just a little Cliff Clavin trivia for you to share during your New Year’s celebration).
For the past few years, on Christmas Eve, we've borrowed from the Mexican celebration Noche Buena and hosted a “Feliz Navidad Festivus.” Why, you ask? Any excuse to eat guacamole is reason enough for me.
We shake maracas and indulge in fajitas, nachos, con queso and of course, guacamole. A few margaritas or a Corona while wrapping gifts, and you've got yourself a festive fiesta.
My son told his class that our family celebrates Hanukkah. News to me since we’re not actually Jewish. But since it's great to teach kids about all kinds of celebrations, I dug through my teacher box in the basement and found my copy of “Latkes and Applesauce."
When I told my friend we were celebrating Hanukkah she said, “I don’t know a lot about it.”
Whether it's a huge bash or a small group by the fire, parties make my world go round. I live for the lively conversation and the warmth of friends. I also really dig the whole party planning process. Making detailed lists is my thing (I’m fairly certain my mother dropped me on my head as an infant).
This does not mean I’m a naturally calm or STRESS-FREE hostess. Oooooh, noooo. I stress.
I'm clueless when it comes to home decor. That's my pal Sarah Gunn's domain. Luckily, my husband takes care of our home decor. The man has flair. He lovestolerates becomes irritated when I share that with people.
In the weeks leading up to the holidays, I imagine myself making shortbread cookies from scratch, trussing a turkey and gaily wrapping gifts while humming Christmas carols. I snap out of this reverie when the five year old gets strep throat, my mini-van is rear ended in the mall parking lot and I suddenly develop a raging case of holiday stress induced insomnia. I work from home, supply teach and have two little kids who keep me on my toes. Life is nuts and lately I'm too tired to be inspired.
I'm a play-ah. Not in a rapper kind of way. As in, player of board games. I adore them and force ask people to play with me. A girlfriend (who clearly knows me very well) gave me "Loaded Questions" as a birthday gift. It instantly became our go-to GNI game. I found the creator on Twitter and professed my love for his hilarious game. I also told him I planned on trying his newest version, "Adult Loaded Questions."
I'm not screaming from ghostly fear. I'm howling because I'm not ready! This holiday is one of my favourites yet I'm ashamed to say, I'm grossly unprepared. So, today I took a ghoulish tour around the inter(cob)web, on the haunt, I mean hunt, for some Halloween inspiration. Here's what I found!
I love Halloween, but I clearly don't embrace the Halloween spirit as much as my friend Angela (@PartyMomma). Read her "Halloween On A Budget" tips below and check out how she and her ghostly posse scare up some spooky fun in their Mississauga, Ontario neighbourhood.
Over the summer, I started a batch of wine for our first “YMC Wine Club!” Two months later, the batch was ready for bottling and we would finally taste the fruits of our labour. Four wine bottling parties were planned where I’d get to meet my fellow wine making mummies - two groups in Toronto and two in Vancouver.
I try to buy produce when it’s in season and support Canadian companies whenever I can. Going local is a concept I embrace. Apparently Canyon Creek restaurants, here in Ontario, feel the same way. Until the end of October, they’re featuring several “Local Harvest” selections on their menu.
Making school lunches is my least favourite parental chore. It doesn’t help matters that my youngest child turns her nose up at every speck of food. In theory, I could send her same uneaten lunch to school every day for a week and rid myself of this repetitive task. No? Sigh.
When I heard about a milestone birthday on the horizon for my friend and yummy leader, Erica Ehm, I knew I wanted to do something special. Erica has done so much for me personally, I wanted to show my appreciation. So, I did what I do best - I planned a party.
We’re busy!! Though we’d LIKE to make the entire meal ourselves, from scratch, our hectic lifestyles kind of make this impossible.
