Lisa Thornbury: Party Mummy

Feb
05
2011

Feeling Left Out Of The Party?

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to. But, I don't want to.

sad statue

Social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook are a lot like a real life cocktail party. People meet, hang out and chat (wine may or may not be involved).  It’s “virtual mingling”. As Deborah, a friend on Twitter said, “Everyone’s invited to the party.”  And she’s absolutely right. Everyone IS invited, but just because we’re all there, it doesn’t necessarily mean everyone feels included. Nobody should be left out of the party – online or in real life.

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Feb
03
2011

Superbowl Chili Bar

Score A Superbowl Party Culinary Touchdown

Chili

Throwing a Superbowl Party?

Obviously the game itself is exciting...if you like hot buff dudes in tight pants. What? Of course beer and a comfy perch to view the action is a must, but the essential element of any Superbowl party is...the food. It needs to be tasty and plentiful. Don't drop the ball on this. Like this cocky fool did. Check out his football faux pas below.

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Feb
01
2011

Add a few Asian inspired elements to your table and turn dinner time into party time...Chinese New Year style.

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Jan
28
2011

What NOT To Bring To A Party

Spinning A Sad Salad Tale

salad

I'm the Party Mummy. The Mum who likes to party. I know how to plan and host kick ass soirees. I can ream off any number of yummy appetizers, wine pairings and tasty cocktails off the top of my head.

And can I just say, that's a lot of pressure. Despite what you've heard (likely from me directly) I'm not perfect. And when the "Party Mummy" screws up, do you know what her supportive friends do? Sling an soothing arm over her shoulder and gently tell her it's ok? 

How about laugh their heads off? And the mocking, my god, the mocking...

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Jan
23
2011

Romantic Getaway

Deerhurst Resort Party Of Two

icicles

I slept with Barack Obama. 

Ok technically, not with...but near where he slept during the G8 Summit in Muskoka last summer. President Obama and a cast of super powers walked the same grounds, dined at the same restaurants and possibly slept on the same sheets as my husband and I only a months later.

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Jan
16
2011

A Get To Know You Meme

Youme Is The New Meme

Youme Meme

My party-mobile has been out of gas lately, so to speak. Ah...kids. They do drain your tank now and then don’t they? In lieu of a real life social outing, how about getting to know each other better here with some virtual small talk?  A little meme action might get this party started. I love memes. I enjoy filling in the blanks, but even more, I love memes. I enjoy filling in the blanks, but even more, I love reading what other people have to share.

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Jan
15
2011

How To Host A Twitter Party

Can't make it the actual Golden Globes after party? No matter, host your own awards show party on Twitter

Twitter party

One of the most anticipated social events in Hollywood is the Golden Globe Awards

Why do they always host these things on a Sunday-bleeding-night?! Why not a Saturday evening…the perfect party night? I’m usually in bed on Sunday by 10 p.m. and not exactly interested in going to a party. I know, nice "Party Mummy" I am. I have little kids who get up at 6 a.m. ok?

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Jan
10
2011

Too Pooped To Party

Party All Night Long? How About Until 10 pm?

Too Pooped To Party

Lionel Richie can party, Karamu, Fiesta, forever, All night long (all night), All night long (all night). Well, at least he did in his hay day. Now in his sixties it's more, All night long (til nine), All night long (with a nap).

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Jan
03
2011

Love means never having to say you're sorry. According to Ali MacGraw in "Love Story" anyway. I completely disagree. So hubby, sorry for being such a horrid dishwasher loader and for eating the last of your chocolate covered almonds.

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Dec
30
2010

A Hangover Cure

What's That Lassie? Somebody Has A Hangover?

hungover

Is there anything more ridiculous than the self-inflicted ailment - the hangover? The movie was funny, but the real deal? Not so much. By the way, that link takes you to the Urban Dictionary defintion of "hangover"...which made me laugh my head off.  Good thing I'm not hungover because laughing while hungover hurts. See? Real life hangovers are not funny.

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Dec
19
2010

A Christmas Breakfast Tradition

Serve Up A Holiday Breakfast To Make Santa Swoon

I love holiday traditions.  One of my favourites is the elfin house guest who arrives straight from the North Pole to live with us for the week before Christmas. By day, he's a stuffed toy. By night, he comes to life only to be discovered in the most ridiculous situations by morning.  The kids are amazed and delighted.  Know who else is delighted? My husband and I. We have a hoot every night deciding when, where and with whom to place the elf for the kids to find. Seriously, Christmas is THE best time to be a parent. 

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Dec
13
2010

DIY Gift Wrapping For Dummies

Festive But Frugal Gift Wrap

When I was asked me to share my tips for surviving the holidays, I knew exactly which topic to tackle...wrapping for dummies.  Me, being the biggest dummy of all.  Need proof? After watching an online tutorial on gift wrapping with foil, I decided to give it a try. The gift was supposed to resemble a silvery surprise, NOT a lasagne.

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Dec
07
2010

Make Your Own Wine At Home

Making Wine The Easy And Painless Way

My parents used to make their own wine. I remember the giant glass wine vats in the basement. And the tubing, my god the tubing. I’m making wine right now in my kitchen and the only tubes around here are my socks.  Tube socks. Get it?  No, I have not been drinking. This current batch of wine won’t be ready for another 18.5 days. Yes, I am counting.

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Nov
28
2010

Wow Your Guests With This Easy Trick

Be The Hostess With The Mostess And Serve Up A Little Cappuccino Art

Coffee stencils will tranform a cappuccino from ordinary to extraordinary in less than two minutes, thus bringing you one step closer to becoming a member of the Hostess Hall Of Fame.

You'll Need:

pretty coffee mug

cappuccino or latte - You can use a cappuccino maker if you have one, but a powder mixed with hot water works too or just top your regualr coffee with steamed milk, frothed.

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Nov
15
2010

Bite-Sized Fun: How To Host A Holiday Tasting Party

A Little Of This, A Little Of That. Sample The Flavours Of The Holiday Season

‘Tis the season to invite friends for some holiday cheer and a few nibbles and giggles (how many giggles may be directly linked to the quantity of holiday cheer).

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Nov
03
2010

Splitting The Bill Is Uncomfortable

I'll Have The Soup With A Side Of Awkward please