The Hostess Chick

Where the Wild Things Are Party

2010-01-17T09:16:00.001-08:00

I'm catching up on my to do list. A while ago, I told you guys about my son's Kindergarten class having a "Where the Wild Things Are" Party in October. Here are some pictures from all the fun.

Max's Crown:

I went to Burger King, and they were nice enough to give me crowns for the class. The only problem was that the month that I went, was Spongebob's Anniversary. So my son, and I spent the evening spraypainting crowns gold. Ms. Beaver had an array of fur and jewels for the kids to bling up their crowns.

Monster Puppets
I manned the monster puppet station. The kids had a great time. I think the only thing I would have done differently, would be to cut out my teeth, noses, and other items ahead of time. But overall, creativity took over.

Monster Cupcakes
The monster cupcakes were a hit. One of the moms baked and iced the cupcakes. She had dirt(sprinkles), candy corn, and other tasty accessories for the kids to make their own cupcake creations.

Monster Mix
The kids also made Monster Mix, or Chick Mix if you are me. They combined several things like marshmellows, pretzels, and M & Ms to create a yummy treat.

The party was great for more pictures, check out Mrs Beaver's Blog or my previous post for more inspiration.

Image Source:http://beauclercbeavers.blogspot.com/

Hostess Chick For Haiti

2010-01-16T19:02:00.001-08:00

So, unless you are hiding under a rock, you have heard about the devastating earthquake that crippled the nation of Haiti. I am not Haitian, nor do I have any close friends from the country. But this tragedy is really touching my heart. Maybe its the 24 hour coverage, the 100's of tweets of organizations begging for our aid, the high energy biscuits from the World Food Program, or maybe it's the picture of dead babies lying in the street. Maybe it's all of the above. As part of the human race, I feel like we have to do something.

Just like people rallied the troops during the Presidential Election, hosting parties and giving money. Let's find that same spirit, and give to the people of Haiti.

You guys know I love a party. So If you want to have a Party for Haiti, and collect money to donate to the Red Cross, World Food Program, or other reputable organization, here are some tips.

Incorporate the colors of the country. The vibrant hues of red and blue can be used in the foods served like blueberries and strawberries.

Have a theme in mind, and make sure you inform your guests. My friends chuckle when I talk about Hoarders for Haiti, but I really do think we can save Haiti by cleaning out the homes of hoarders. I just envision an abundance of clothes, blankets, and basic items in the closets of Americans. There are organizations like Abundant Ground, and many churches that are gathering clothing and shoes to give to the people of Haiti, once we get through this initial phase of the Disaster. (I could not think of something as clever for monetary donations, but I just thought about Hygeine for Haiti -- again providing basic necessities for people in Haiti such as toothbrushes, wipes, sanitary napkins, deodorant, and diapers.

Plan something for a few months from now. The rebuilding and recovery efforts for Haiti will be long. Hopefully, we will be able to teach them to fish, and help them rebuild on a more solid future than the foundation of their past.

I chose to donate to the World Food Program. My interest peaked about the organization, mainly because they were already in Haiti even before the Earthquake began,and also because the WFP Spokesperson Bettina Luescher talked about the high energy bars that they were giving out from Day 1 of this disaster. The bars are supposed to have all the nutritional value that one would need in a day. My friend Shawanda from You Have More than You Think was nice enough to find me a recipe from Recipe Czaar for the biscuits. I'll try to make them, but in case I don't...let me know where I can buy some or how your's turned out.

Personalizing a DIY Wedding Invitation

2009-12-06T09:08:00.001-08:00

My sister’s wedding weekend is officially over. We managed to pull it together in less than three months and for less than $5,000. Although, the savings were huge, we did not skimp on the chic details.

Let’s start with the invitations. We went back and forth. We thought about designing our own, we searched etsy and found some beautiful designs, and we even thought about using a local printer. In the end, we went with a classic diy kit from Joann’s. Not only was it classic, and elegant, but we also had a coupon for 40% off. Luckily for us, this wedding was small. (But print out a few coupons, make a few trips, and you could save big!)

Note: The invitations we used were slightly different. It’s always important to go to the stores. They always have more options than you will see online.

Now for my brides that scoff the idea of having such a generic invitation for such a grand event as your wedding, let me give you my best tip on dressing up a basic invitation. Nothing says personal like your a wedding monogram. It sets the tone for the event, and it’s a simple way to add consistency. We went with a digital monogram from Etsy. She created the digital logo for only 6.00! We used this logo on the programs for the Engagement dinner, the wedding programs, menu cards and other touches that helped create a cohesive link to this wedding. You could also purchase a Monogram Stamp from your local print shop or Expressionary.com

Ten tips to make your invitations set the town, for a fabulous wedding.

1. Take your time. If your rush it will show.
2. Make sure your hands are clean. Sounds simple enough, right.
3. Use glue dots. I know its tempting to bust out your kid’s Elmer’s School Glue, but trust me…You will see the difference.
4. If you don’t have beautiful penmanship, save yourself and your guests by using mailing labels.
5. Make sure you include postage on your RSVPs.
6. Make sure your postage is pretty. The post office has pretty postage. Also check out perfectpostage.com
7. Make sure you include your return address!
8. Make sure you have enough postage on your invitations.
9. If you are having a small wedding, don’t feel bad about emphasizing the importance of RSVPs and adhering to the number of guests invited.
10. Check out this post about wedding invitation etiquette and basics.

Next wedding post, I'll talk about the details...and when to splurge.

Chick Recipe: Engagement Chicken

2009-11-15T08:32:00.001-08:00

So, this is not an original post. An engaged friend sent me this article from Glamour. If you try it and it works, let me this chick know!

First comes chicken, then comes marriage? Be skeptical if you must, but this recipe may be charmed. It all began 26 years ago, when then-Glamour fashion editor Kim Bonnell gave the recipe to her assistant, Kathy Suder, who made the chicken for her boyfriend, who, a month later, asked her to marry him. "It's a meal your wife would make. It got me thinking," says Jon Suder, who now has three children with Kathy. Details of the simple dish passed from assistant to assistant like a culinary chain letter. When Bonnell heard that her recipe had inspired three weddings, she dubbed it Engagement Chicken. Try the recipe, give it to a friend--oh, and let us know when it works!

Engagement chicken
Serves 2 to 3

1 whole chicken (approx. 3 lb.)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Kosher or sea salt
Ground black pepper
2 lemons, plus 1 for garnish
Fresh herbs for garnish

Place rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Remove giblets, wash chicken inside and out with cold water, then let it drain, cavity down, in a colander until it reaches room temperature (about 15 minutes). Pat dry with paper towels. Pour lemon juice all over the chicken (inside and outside). Season with salt and pepper. Prick two whole lemons three times with a fork and place deep inside the cavity. (Tip: If lemons are hard, roll on countertop with your palm to get juices flowing.) Place bird breast-side down on a rack in a roasting pan, lower heat to 350°F and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and turn it breast-side up (use wooden spoons!); return it to oven for 35 minutes more. Test for doneness--a meat thermometer inserted in the thigh should read 180°F, or juices should run clear when chicken is pricked with a fork. Continue baking if necessary. Let chicken cool for a few minutes before carving. Serve with juices. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon.

Source:http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/2006/07/engagement-chicken-recipe

Chick Links 11/04/09

2009-11-04T04:08:00.000-08:00

Ten Ways to Cut Wedding Costs

Real Wedding, Fall Themed

An American Idol Wedding

DIY Ce nterpieces

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

2009-11-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

My friend Shawanda is a personal finance blogger. Her blog is You Have More Than You Think. She has been ragging me about not updating my blog. I have a million posts in my head, but oops I forget to put them on paper. So I'm thanking her in advance for inspiring this post. Follow her on twitter (@theycallmecheap) or read her column on Savvy Saving Sister on SistersSpace.com

So here is a recap of a few things that I've been up to last month. Hopefully they will materialize into more substantial posts sooner rather than later.

1. Trip to DC - Lots of Pictures to share. I loved visiting DC. Everyone has their own sense of style. My favorite part of this trip was a toss up between visiting Eastern Market and the Lincoln Memorial. Eastern Market is like a chic farmers market, full of fresh food, and local artisans with some really eclectic items. We bought beautifully knitted , jewelry, and yummy calorie-free donuts.

2. My sister is getting married!- Which means she has been putting me to work. I look forward to sharing a blog post on how everything turns out. The colors are chocolate and rust. I worked with Gerri-Ann with Ardesign to design her bouquet. It should be in the mail this week.

3.I am the room mom for my kid's class. On friday, we had a "Where the Wild Things Are" Party. I got some inspiration from all over the web. One of the things we made were monster puppets.

So the The Hostess Chick has been busy, making the world a prettier place. If you want to share you party pics or crafts or something nifty on the web send me an email at tia@tialjones.com or find me on twitter @thehostesschick.

Back to School

2009-08-23T05:19:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, my baby is going to Kindergarten. When I tell folks this, the first thing they say is aww. Do you think you are going to cry? Of course, I’m going to cry.

But this morning, I got excited and said maybe we’ll have a PARTY!!! The last few months have been shaky. Things are finally starting to calm down and what better way to celebrate a storm passing than with a party. I am still unpacking, but I have moved into a new place and the layout is to die for.

My initial thought was to have a housewarming party, now I’m thinking two parties, one for me and one for the boy. I’m still brainstorming a theme for my party, but for Todd, a Back to School theme is perfect.

Why?

Everything is on sale. Always use that to your advantage when planning a themed party. (If you want to have a Christmas in July party buy your decorations in January.)
It will keep him and his friends excited about school.
New party theme, can you say YAY!

I’ll let you know what I come up with, but here are some ideas I found all over the web!

merry B events

A Southern Accent

Party Wishes

Image Source:

http://www.dealio.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/back_to_school_banner.jpg
http://partywishesscv.blogspot.com/2009/08/back-to-school-party-for-scouts.html
http://southernstuf.blogspot.com/2009/08/back-to-school-party.html
http://merrybevents.blogspot.com/2009/08/back-to-school-party-ideas.html

Just like Mama Used To Make

2009-08-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

I have a girlfriend, who comes from a long line of cheerleaders. Her precious daughter has now picked up the family pom poms, and we have been googling the net for the coolest competition out fit that you could find...on a budget.

One of her ideas is for the girls to wear the ultra cool Arm Warmers. My sister was a dancer so i remember her and all of the other Flash dancers of the 80s rocking them. Well they have made a come back in the most fashionable way.

In my head I'm the craftiest chic on the block. In my reality, I'm a blogger. Check out these arm warmers that are available for purchase.

Jillian's Drawers

Baby Legs
The Chick Shop
Sock Dreams

If you are feeling adventurious, check out this site and try to make your own. Send me a picture of your finished product at tia@tialjones.com

http://everythingyourmamamade.com/2008/01/21/make-your-own-baby-leg-warmers/

Image Sources:

http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/img/ucart/images/prodtext2/464/babylegsonbabyyellowsport.jpg

http://www.sockdreams.com/

Real Parties 08/10/09

2009-08-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

Two Cutie Patootie parties, I stumbled across on the web.

Fairyland Birthday Party

Mad Hatter Party

A picture is worth a thousand words.

2009-08-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

So the other day, I was looking for some inspiration for a banner for one of my clients. I stumbled across this site called Wordle.net.

Wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like. You can print them out, or save them to the Wordle gallery to share with your friends.

You can do a number of things with wordle.

-Make personalized art prints or t-shirts

Also, if you have kids or teach you can use Wordle to stimulate learning

19 Interesting Ways To Use Wordle ~ Elementary

View more presentations from katygal.

Source:
http://www.wordle.net
http://www.weebabystuff.com/lilybee/posts/518-use-wordle-to-make-free-nursery-art-two-ways
http://www.spreadshirt.com/us/US/Create-t-shirt/Create-your-own-59/design/3301633

Be Creative. Reinvent your storage.

2009-06-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

This chick has a secret to share. Well it’s not really a secret if you have ever been to my home. I am a clutter bird from knick-knacks to my third grade science paper, check one of my closets and you will find it. I have a love affair with stuff!

But lately, since I’m getting older and the thought of moving all this stuff to a new place has caused me to do some downsizing in my life.

To all the pack chicks like myself, I’ve read that if you just do a purging you will end up right where you started. You have to make a lifestyle change, just as you would with losing weight. Check out clutterdiet.com to get tips on how to reduce the clutter in your life.

Here are some tips that I have used in the last few months.

Be creative with your storage.
1. Once I started getting rid of clutter my first thought was to buy all these cute new boxes for storage. But my sister was more creative. I had bright colored chip bins in my kitchen that were used for my son’s birthday party ages ago. They became bins for crayons, stray pens, and markers.

2. My old coffee table fit perfectly in my closet, and became the perfect place to store the bins, and place laundry baskets on.

3. I bought a shoe organizer, so I no longer needed all of the old NIKE shoe boxes. But the NIKE shoe box forced me to hunt down every stray photo in my home and put it away until I have time to get to my scrapbooking.

4. I have mountains of art work in waiting, I’ll post some tips about that displaying art work during another post. But a trick I learned is to grab an unused pizza box and use it for art work storage. It is deep and wide enough to hold tons of art, inexpensive, and does not take up a lot of space.

5. An underutilized drawer in my bathroom became the perfect place to tuck magazines.

Do you have any good tips to share?

Chick Links 5/14/09

2009-05-14T04:40:00.000-07:00

Enter to win a pair of Parasols

Lil' Tweet Baby Shower

Organizing with Pretty Labels

Bridal Tea Goodie Bags

Graduation Surprise

Out of the Nest Alert

2009-05-14T04:39:00.000-07:00

Hi Chicks,

Sorry, this chick has been out of the nest. Regular posts coming soon and can't wait for you to see the new layout that I have been working on for the site. If you have any ideas, blogs, or just want to shout out your products send me an email at tia@tialjones.com.

Breakfast at Tia's - My Top 5 for Your Tiffany Wedding

2009-04-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, so not really... And I guess I must be honest, I've never even seen the movie. But I do like the sound of a Breakfast at Tia's brunch type doo hickey.

While I'm planning my Breakfast at Tia's I wanted to be honest... I got the ideas from a few friends and friends of friends that have used the Tiffany theme for their bridal showers and weddings. I've always thought that it was a beautiful color palette, ever since my girl Toni Braxton tied the knot in 1998.

On to my list of my favorite things for the modern Tiffany Bride...

1. Invitations: Modern Tiffany
Wedding Paper Divas has a lot of nice invitations. This invitation has the Tiffany blue, but the black & white toile adds a modern spin to the them.

2. Favors: GO Green

What better way to show your commitment to each other, than by showing your commitment to Planet Earth. These Seed Cards frolm Beau-Coup are a great way of going green, being chic, and still carrying out the Tiffany theme.

3.Bridesmaid Gifts: Jewelry

Jewelry is always a nice touch, especially with a Tiffany theme.
But a customized box like this gives it a contemporary edge.

4. BridesMaid Dresses

Saw this dress on David's Bridal. It seems very modern day Audrey Hepburn.

5. Reception Decor

This picture is from Garcelle B.'s Baby Shower. I think the colors are perfect and the decor is simple and elegant.

Hope you enjoyed this post. For more Tiffany themed inspirations check
out these blogs:

http://www.weddingbycolor.com/weddings/color/blue

http://queencitybride.blogspot.com/

http://www.favorideas.com/wedding-themes/beach-themes/aqua-blue-wedding-theme/

http://www.thoughtfullysimple.com/blue-wedding-ideas-tiffany-blue/

Chick Bit: Duct Duct Goose

2009-04-22T13:09:00.001-07:00

Today I saw the coolest thing... Designer Duct Tape. Do you remember McGyver? If not, he's like 24's Jack Baur. That man could get his way out of anything. If you are handy(or atleast want to look the part) and want to be chic with it you have to order some. It's only $10 bucks on spoonsisters.com (One of my new favorite sites). Think outside the construction site on this one and let your imagination soar. Spiff-up an old cane, decorate a worn-out picnic table for a barbeque, spruce up a rusty bike; the possibilities are endless.

Chick Bit: Something Blue

2009-04-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I was watching Platinum Weddings on WE and to my surprise I saw one of my teammates from Business School. When we were in college, he did racing on the weekends. Now he is a professional race car driver. Their wedding was in Vegas on a 250K budget. I thought the wedding was beautiful and all, but my highlight of the show was his wife’s something blue. This stylish chick rocked some patent leather Blue Betsy Ross Ballerina Flats. She said she paid $800 bucks for them, I found this little nifty pair on Overstock for 99 bucks.

To Check out their wedding album click here

The Tia Necklace

2009-04-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

I heart Etsy. I am not sure if you have heard of Etsy but it is an online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade. I love Etsy for many reasons. It is an entrepreneur’s dream. If you have a gift of making anything from jewelry to knitting then Etsy is the place for you. Within a matter of minutes and cents on the dollar, you can open your own online store.

Etsy has a blog called Quit Your Day Job where people blog about how their Etsy businesses have taken off and they have quit their full-time jobs. I plan to open shop with my some digital designs really soon. Until them I must live vicariously through this blog and share all the cool things that I find.

I suggested Etsy to a friend who makes beautiful jewelry. Within days of opening her store, she had her first sale. She called me the other day and told me that she had added new items to the shop. I was very surprised and excited to see the “Tia” necklace.

Check out the Description:

Simply chic. Dark and elegant. The Tia necklace features Jet black and clear swarovski crystals, Hematite colored Czech glass beads, and a beautiful sterling silver clasp. Perfect for dressing up a casual outfit or understated elegance at a formal affair.

Checkout her shop http://carolinecouture.etsy.com/

Chick Pick:Designs by Jehan

2009-04-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I am the WebMistress for SistersSpace. We have an online business directory. For $25 dollars, Sisterpreneurs can advertise their sites. Being an advocate for entrepreneurs and all things chic, I checked out Designs by Jehan (jehan.etsy.com).

Designs by Jehan is an Etsy shop that sells many home-made items but her signature item are her Soy candles. I ordered some a few months ago and let me tell you they smell so yummy. She has over 60 fragrances and they are great for your home, hostess, or gifts to have on hand.

Her fragrances include:
Fruity: Lemon, Peach, Northern Star(spicey citrus), Cucumber Melon, Strawberries & Champagne, Coconut Lime Verbena, Blackberry, Forbidden fruit (berry spice), Island Sunset ( Mango & other tropical fruits), Raspberry Sorbet, Butt Naked, Cherry Vanilla Sundae, Black Cherry, Cranberry

Baked Goods: Buttercream, Strawberry Cheesecake, Vanilla, Caramel, Blueberry Muffins, Grandma's Kitchen, Pumpkin Spice, Sugar Cookie, Gingerbread, Keylime Pie, Hazelnut, Cinnamon Bun, Hot Apple Pie, Pecan Pie, Oatmeal Milk & Honey, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Banana Nut Bread, Chocolate Covered Cherries, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Vanilla Spice, Ginger Spice, Almond

Floral & Fresh: Lavender, Mountain Lake, Midnight Masquerage (smells like Drakkar), Fireplace, Jasmine, Rose, Patchouli, Ginger Patchouli, Baby Powder, Bayberry, Fresh Linen, Aqua Spa, White Tea & Ginger, Clove, Lemongrass, Sandalwood, Lilac, Ambiance (amber), Sage & Citrus, Freesia, Plumeria, Woods & Spices, Peppermint

Bellies,Bears, & Blocks

2009-03-22T07:19:00.001-07:00

Last fall, I helped throw my sorority sister’s baby shower. I went to PosePrints.com to create the cute avatar above of my line sister for the advice box.The theme was teddy bears. The colors were blues and browns.

For the Invitation, I found a photo album template from Microsoft Office, teddy bear images from a google search, and a digital scrapbook page for the background to create this look.

My decoration idea was to have teddy bears everywhere. I rounded up all my bears, borrowed a few, and checked out the local Goodwill and scooped up a few more. I purchased a variety of 12 x 12 scrapbook papers to add a little more color to the tables. On the snack table, I took a page from Amy … and purchased different size glass containers and filled them with various candies in our party colors.

I knew I wanted to find a favor that was adorable, unique and affordable. I purchased plain white favor boxes and used ribbon, scrapbook paper, and tissue paper to create an individual treat for all the guests. The box contained the teddy bear soap, and a lotion sample from Mary Kay. The total costs to make my favors were about 1.30 per person.

I created large blocks with diaper boxes, packing paper, scrapbook paper, and crepe paper.

To view pictures from my pre-shower planning click here

Just In Case

2009-03-19T04:21:00.000-07:00

Three months ago, I graduated with my MBA. I was very excited about graduating but I was even more excited about my gifts. I’m not one to expect gifts, but it was a pleasant surprise for people to honor my accomplishments. My mentee surprised me with a beautiful business card case with my name engraved. It was a wake up call of look at me. That I was entering into a new phase of my life.

But when I’m not this super professional, I’m The Hostess Chick. I’m full of personality and I love to show it. You can personalize almost anything these days. Check out these business card cases perfect for the professional woman, the super mom, and anyone in between.

I design mommy cards. I’ll be loading my designs on Etsy soon. In the meantime send me an email if you would like me to design you one (for a fee of course).

Check out the following links to find the perfect case for you:

Gifts for Professionals

LillianVernon

ChickBerry

2009-02-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

So don’t laugh at me, but I have finally upgraded my cell phone status. I had an old school Sanyo phone that I could always drop, always had signal, lasted without charging, the list goes on. I mean this was a phone meant for the Super Mom of the 80s. My coworker used to pick up me and hold up a container of Lysol wipes and imitate me on the phone.

So I decided to treat myself with my bonus, I mean after all how often do you get a bonus in a recession. So I purchased the Blackberry Curve. It took me a while to learn how to do the simple things like answer the phone and send a text message. But that I have the basics down, I’ve moved on to the advanced features. I recorded my son’s basketball game, has it synced to my calendar, watched TV and more. This is definitely the phone for the SuperMom of 2009. I mean the president has one. I think that says it all.

I found this shortcut page for Chickberry Newbies.

I’ve also been working on personalizing my phone.. I have decent case from Verizon but I am on the prowl for a cutie patootie case.

Check out my Chick Nest for more designs

DIY Wedding Invitations

2009-01-25T13:19:00.001-08:00

A few posts ago, I showed you guys my friend's cutie patootie Engagement Announcement. Well their wedding is slated for May 2009, which means that there will be more wedding posts!

Right now, they are shopping for wedding invitations. Who knew that there were a million options. I'm not sure of their budget just yet, but here are some of my favorites.

There are many DIY Kits for Wedding Invitations. I have a few ideas on how to make your wedding chic, even if its on a budget.

Even though you are purchasing DIY invitation kits, take it to a professional printer. For about .07 per invitation, Office Depot will print your invitations for you. Checkout mountaincow.com, target.com, or your local Michaels.

Proofread and Spell Check your invitations. Nothing says homemade like "Weding Cerimony."

Match your color scheme. If your wedding colors are blue, do not have a purple invitation. It will confuse your guests...that like to color coordinate for your big day.

Etiquette is everything. Even if you are an untraditional bride, please make sure you have the right wording. Real Simple.com has a great article.

Less is more. If you can not afford the invitation of your dreams, don't embellish keep it simple.

Some of my new favorite invitation sites include:

weddingpaperdivas.com

rexcraft.com

papershouts.com

Is the glass half empty or half full?

2009-01-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

Is the glass half empty or half full?

Who cares, as long as it's pretty. This week my sorority celebrated its 101st anniversary. One of the traditions of the sorority is to create gifts for new members. One of the gifts that I created was a beautiful glass ( I am still searching for a picture bear with me). I used peals, pink roses, and ribbon to tie together my theme. Nostalgia inspired this post, and I believe I will be working on creating some custom glasses in the near future. Until then, here are some inspirations....

Sandlapperant.com ,Lozierglassstudio.com, Gotmartini.com.lesliepaintedglass.com

Feel inspired, here are some tips to do it yourself.

Things You’ll Need:
Various sizes of paintbrushes
Acrylic paints
Plastic paint pallet
Glass surface
Rubbing alcohol
Cotton swabs
Bowl of water
Paper towel

Step One
Begin by cleaning the surface of the glass with soap and water or glass cleaner in preparation for the painting.

Step Two
Let the glass dry completely after cleaning.

Step Three
Squeeze the paint onto the paint pallet. Mix the paints together to get the desired color.

Step Four
Wet the brush and mix a very small amount of water with the paint so it can move more easily. You can add water to acrylics to make them more transparent and thinner, but for this glass project, you need the paint to be very thick.

Step Five
Hold the piece of glass horizontal while painting so that it does not run. The paint should dry quickly if not much water is added.

Step Six
Create a pattern on the paint using the paint brushes. When switching colors, rinse the brush well in the bowl of water, and then dab the brush dry on a paper towel. On glass, it works best to create small and detailed designs with dots or tiny strokes of color, instead of big blocks of color.

Step Seven
Correct mistakes by removing the paint with rubbing alcohol.

htp://www.ehow.com/how_224066_paint-glass-acrylic-paints.html

The Brown Bag goes Chic

2009-01-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

So I know I have to make some changes. Its already January 3rd, and I need to get on track if this Chick is going to Italy in 2010. So one of the things that I am going to do to save money is take my lunch to work more often.

This neat little trick can be good for money saving and dieting. You should make lunch pretty. You heard me right! We are going to make lunch pretty with a lunchbox face lift. I found so many pretty bags on the web. You can't go wrong.

Check out more bags in the Chick Shop. Wrapables, or Etsy.

Also here is a list of 5 ways to save money with lunch.

Fruit it out: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, they say, so it’s a good idea to have something hearty in the morning. A health food place near to where I work does porridge for £1 and what better way to start of the day then with those nutritious oats?This gives a slow release of energy which will allow you to carry on for most of the day. By eating several items of fruit throughout the day you can easily skip lunch without feeling hungry or fatigued, as well as boost your ‘5-a-day’ count of fruit and veg.

Meet with clients over lunch: My clients seem to love me, and I have a lot of them. Where possible it’s a good idea to meet with them to discuss vital parts of their portfolios and the working relationship between us. It’s good to see clients face to face where possible, as it shows you care. Meeting over lunch is also nice, as it means it’s slightly less formal than in a stuffy meeting room, but more formal than if you had gone to a bar. Sometimes the client will offer to pay for your lunch, especially if you have traveled across the city to see them; otherwise you offer to pay for them and the lunch goes onto company expenses. Who said there’s no such thing as a free lunch?

Round Robin with workmates: I’m sure everyone at work will be spending pretty much the same amount on lunch as I do. They go to the same places a lot of the time, and so it does stand to reason (I can make a little money by offering to buy their lunch, taking their cash, and them not bothering about the few pence change they have). Why not arrange with 4 co-workers that you will each cook lunch for each other one day a week? You then go home and cook an extra large portion of something yummy - and probably costing no more than $15 total - and you get to save $15 per week by the fact you do this once, and then eat whatever someone else has cooked. The only problem with this is if someone cooks something you don’t like…such as a horrible curry dish.

Stock up on sandwich stuffs: Many workplaces have a fridge that you can keep some stuff in - I know mine does. Grab yourself a loaf of bread, some tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce and cut meat from a local supermarket and you’ll probably find you can spend $10 on food which you can use over 3 lunches. Although this can be boring, especially if you eat the same thing a few days in a row, stocking up on tins of tuna, corned beef, sardines and salmon will offer a bit of variation to the daily routine.

Cook lunch and bring to work: The best way to save money over lunch, and to have it varied and tasty, is to cook for yourself and bring it in to work.If you cook a nice risotto, stew or casserole at home - make that little bit extra and put the rest into a tight container to take into work and reheat the next day. It takes very little effort to do this, and once you get into a routine you will be able to do this most days if you have cooked for yourself the night before. Routine is the key for this one, as if I don’t do it often I find that I either leave the extra food at home and forget to take it in for lunch, or that I do take it in to work and put it in the fridge, but forget it’s there by the time lunch comes around, in which case I go out and buy lunch anyway.
If you don’t wish to have the same food for lunch as you did for dinner the night before, simply place the excess food into the freezer for another time.

List Source: sirlistalot.com

Smilebox

2008-12-31T20:53:00.000-08:00

A few months ago my girlfriend got engaged. You know what that means, wedding planning, bridal showers, and all that goodstuff. She decided to send out an engagement announcement.

I'm old school. I immediately thought about all the dainty and beautiful invitations that would announce their whirlwind romance to the world. She chose to share their love through what else...the internet. She put me on to a site called Smilebox. It is like Hallmark E-cards meets digital scrapbooking...on steroids.

Here's her blog post from "The Hostess Chick Network"

Now, I'm usually not one to totally rip off of someone elses idea. But when my fiance proposed July I just had to snag this nifty idea...

Rewind to spring '08. I'm just plucking along through my email when what do I spy?

Subject: K & E's Engagement!

When I opened the email, I had my very own little smilebox waiting for me. "Smilebox you say? What on earth is a Smilebox?" I know, maybe I'm a dinosaur when it comes to the internet, but I had never heard of such a thing.

Well, turns out, the Smilebox is a really chic way to send out annoucements, postcards, and photo books to friends and family on a dime.

I opened the photobook and a cascade of beautiful happy couple photos came pouring out. It even had romatic music too!

So as I'm weaping for joy and maybe feeling a slight twinge of jealously, I make a mental note to myself..."When he asks, remember this site!" And I did. Just a few months later, I was on my computer putting together my very own Smilebox.

Now there are some key features to the Smilebox that you ought to know:

- Its customizable. I picked a template that I liked. It even allowed me to move around the page formats and some of the seemingly static decor.

- It has great music options. FREE is always my first choice, but they have some really wonderful music if you pay the nominal $2.99 for a premium Smilebox. Not bad in comparison to paper invitations!

- It allows you to add text. I went with a short "Story of US" and added some details about the proposal. Of course, you can customize anyway you like.

The proof in in the pudding chicks! And I certainly got rave reviews for my Smilebox engagement announcement. So if you're looking for something fun, unique, and thrify you might want to try a Smilebox....

Check it out.

The Pretty Girl Hostess

2008-12-30T13:45:00.000-08:00

Batman has his cape. Spiderman has his web. Hancock had his liquor. Every superhero has to have a trademark. For The Hostess Chick or Domestic Diva in your life, you have to get her one of these. I found these at Wrapables.com. Check out the site for more chic aprons.

Aprons

Baby Blue Floral Mocha Apron
A54245
$31.99

Jessie Steele Onyx Apron
A58486
$29.95

Jessie Steele Leopard Apron
$26.99
A60120

Buy any 3 different items and automatically get free ground shipping!
Click Here!

Who is this Hostess Chick!

2008-12-30T13:39:00.000-08:00

So it seems like it happened overnight. I became The Hostess Chick. My sister's event planner genes and partying antics have taken over me. I love parties,and thanks to the internet I have a new love for pretty, dainty, and vintage things.

Some ask why The Hostess Chick. Well, I l alfo fell in love with various things related to birds. You will see them through out my postings. Plus I want this site to have a pseudo urban flair.

This site will be a hodge of podges from showing real parties to unique gifts. Its my party, and you're invited.

THC

Chick Pick - M Mimi Pie

2008-12-28T09:58:00.000-08:00

I was on one of my favorite Networking Sites, Black Business Women Online and stumbled across this site, My Mimi Pie

I love finding sites that promote us. Take a look at some of her products

How she got started...

MiMi Pie was inspired by baby Emmia…

Erika Barnes got the idea to start her own business when she was looking for African-American Princess Invitations for her daughter's first birthday party. She couldn't find exactly what she wanted – and previously designing and created her own wedding invitations, she decided to do the same for her daughter’s birthday invitations.

Invitations designed by Erika for baby Emmia’s first birthday got rave reviews. The feedback was so overwhelmingly positive, that Erika received a number of requests from people wanting their own custom made invitations for events such as: birthdays, weddings, and baby/wedding showers.

MiMi Pie’s custom creations were so desirable that Erika started to expand her offerings, designing African-American stationary, multi ethnic baby announcements, and ethnic note cards and candy wrappers. Ms. Barnes is passionate about diversifying her product line to include a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

In addition to the African-American Princess line, Erika created a special line of multi cultural products called, “The MiMi Pie Sisterhood,” which represents the pride and beauty of numerous ethnicities - and offers paper creations, apparel and accessories, that celebrate diversity and multi cultural unity.

Erika is building an empire of customized stationary goods, while being a stay-at-home mom. Baby Emmia is the inspiration behind all of Erika’s designs – this is why she named her business, MiMi Pie, after her daughter Emmia.

Chick Pick

2008-12-28T09:57:00.001-08:00

Jones & Rose Bath & Body Products

This sister duo is from Jacksonville, Florida. I was in the salon today, and saw their product. I met the creators over a year ago. Their products smell and feel wonderful.

Check out their site. Jonesandrose.com

Your purse could be making you sick, but we found a chic solution...

2008-12-28T09:56:00.002-08:00

Your Purse Could Be
Women rarely go anywhere without a purse, which means that if a woman enters a place full of germs, so does her bag. That could mean she ends up carrying around microbes that could make her sick all day long.

Using a hand-held germ meter, Gerba demonstrated how much bacteria can grow on a woman's purse for ABC News, with results that ranged from scary to downright terrifying. Health experts worry when the meter reads over 200, which means thousands of bacteria are present.

Click here to read the rest of the Article.

Instead of buying a new purse, check out these cool purse holders on Luxe Link

This Chick Loves Paper

2008-12-28T09:54:00.002-08:00

If you love (1) modern style and (2) all things paper, then here’s a third thing you just might love too: modern paper shop Three Wheels Design! The personalized stationery, invitations, and announcements at Three Wheels have a wonderfully contemporary + whimsical flair. Take, for example, this fabulous plaid bird design…

They have notecards and stationary for every occasion. Check out some of my favorites!

Peeped at The Hostess Blog

Amy Atlast Buffet Dessert Buffets

2008-12-28T09:54:00.001-08:00

I peeped this over at The Hostess with the Mostess.

About Amy Atlas:

Amy is an event planner specializing in high end dessert tables. She treats each endeavor as a unique, art project and designs each dessert table to fit the client. Not only are her tables fashionable and fun, Amy personally samples the products from her hand-picked list of suppliers to ensure that the desserts are as delicious as they look!

I did something similiar with the glass containers for my sorority sister's baby shower. I will post a blog about the shower soon! For Monique's shower, I combed the thrift store for glass jars to mirror this effect. I was able to get three glass containers for .99 a piece.

Bottle Wrap

2008-12-28T09:53:00.001-08:00

This quick folding trick helps you get a handle on picnic wines, then yields a place to lay your outdoor feast. Start with a square tablecloth that's at least 36 inches. Lay it right side down.

1. Place one bottle on each side of the bottom corner, as pictured. Pull the bottom corner up over the bottles, then roll the bottles forward to opposite corner.

2. Holding the cloth in place, stand up the bottles.

3. Twist ends in opposite directions; knot them to secure.

Source:http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/bottle-wrap

New Chick Blog: Style Me Pretty

2008-12-28T09:51:00.001-08:00

I stumbled across a new blog today. Style Me Pretty is blog/resource for wedding ideas. I know, I know. There is more to a hostess chick than weddings. There are tons of creative ideas that can be used for any type of event on their site.

Some of the cute Ideas that I saw included Gumball Favors. Instructions here.

<
Lip Balm Pockets- Too Cute!!

Love Story Books-- Perfect for Anniversaries, Weddings, Personal Celebrations

Holiday Party Planning - December and Beyond

2008-12-28T09:49:00.002-08:00

Author: Jane Saeman

Planning a holiday party could be a fun and exciting event for everyone that is involved. The creativity and designs shine through the party guest. There are various styles of parties a person could host and arrange to suit the holiday spirit. The style of party depends of course on the day itself. Various resources online could assist a person in maintaining and throwing the best holiday bash imaginable. Everything must be creative and extraordinary. Invitations must draw the guests to the event. The food is vital to keep every person happy and full. Entertainment is an important step in keeping every individual amused. The refreshments are essential for the style and elegance of the party. It is vital to invite individuals weeks in advance so they could be prepared to come.

Decorations for each party are important because it is usually the first thing the invited guests view and enjoy. The decorations need to be well thought out and designed for the special occasion. Party stores have seasonal and year-round decorations for each style imaginable. Different celebrations must have a unique touch designed accordingly. Enlist the help of family or good friends to assist in the decoration and invitation process. It is always a great idea to take in suggestions on how to complete the decorations perfectly.

Food and drink is what keeps an individual at a party. They want to be happy, merry and full. Alcoholic beverages are almost a must at every gathering. As the host, it is vital to be aware of who is consuming too much of the good stuff and ask them if they have a driver or cut them off.

Offer free cab rides for individual who are enjoying the festivities a bit too much, if the local taxi company does not offer these amenities. The food should reflect the holiday that is being celebrated as well as the drinks that are being served. Seasonal recipes and others may be found around the internet. It is vital to have enough snacks and food for each guest to consume.

The entertainment aspect of a party is an important step as well. This method could make or break the party. Dancing, music and games could be a wonderful way to keep each partygoer entertained and amused. Seasonal, board, card and drinking games could all be an entertaining option. Music, dancing and conversation are another excellent source. IF it is a major holiday celebration, the ball game of the day could be playing in the background.

An individual could accomplish a well defined party in simple and straightforward techniques. It is always an excellent idea to enlist certain friends and family to help in ideas and setting up decorations. A person could throw a fantastic holiday party with trouble-free thoughts and creative ideas. It is a fabulous way to enjoy the festivities with friends and family. Every one should host at least one holiday party each year. They are a fantastic way to come together and have a great time.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/holiday-party-planning-december-and-beyond-148508.html

About the Author:

Jane Saeman has a Chocolate Fountain catering business. She goes to lots of parties and comes back with lots of ideas.
Read about them onher blog at my website which is at http://www.ChocolateFountainDecadenceSite.com

The Single Mom's Guide to Affordable Entertaining

2008-12-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

Does the idea of having a few friends over a la Sex and the City seem out of reach for you because of your dwindling finances? Entertaining on a budget doesn't have to mean plastic utensils or hotdogs and chips. Gone too, are the days were pot luck means pork and beans, green bean casseroles, and red jello with sliced bananas. You can make your next get together fun and flirty or host a sexy cocktail party without going broke.

Here are a few of the get togethers that I have hosted this year:

-Game Night

-Sex and the City Night

-Casual Cocktail Party

-Luau Night

The reason that this single mom was able to host these and other get togethers successfully and still have rent money at the end of the month is because I use what is available to me. When you have buckets full of money you can totally start with a theme or idea and then go around and have a shop-a-thon to gather the neccasary items and food stuffs.

What I do is just the opposite of that.

For the Luau Night I didn't decide on that as a theme at first, I instead decided to ask some questions. I remembered that a co-workers cousin had a carribean themed reception, so I asked her if there were any leis left over that I could buy

Source:http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/937165/the_single_moms_guide_to_affordable.html?cat=7

Entertaining on a Budget

2008-12-28T09:47:00.002-08:00

Who doesn't enjoy entertaining? Unfortunately, entertaining can become quite expensive. This usually means you don't get to entertain as often as you would like. Luckily, entertaining on a budget isn't rocket science. There are several ways you get together with your friends and have a nice time while still sticking to a budget.

Entertaining on a Budget Idea #1: Entertain at Home

Entertaining on a budget is so easy when you entertain at home. Entertaining at home allows you to control the cost of the meal. When you take your friends out to eat, you can expect to spend a couple hundred dollars, but when you entertain at home you will be able to easily stick to your budget.

Entertaining on a Budget Idea #2: Fix Affordable Meals

Entertaining on a budget doesn't mean you have to skip a wonderful meal. In fact, there are several meals that are very affordable and easy on your budget. Pasta dishes for example, are very affordable. You can add roasted vegetables, some chicken, and sauce to your pasta for very affordable and healthy meal. You can even fix steak for your friends and still stay on budget. After all, steaks will only cost a fraction of the price when bought at the grocery store. If you need to stretch your budget a little further, cut up the steak and make chili or beef stew. Entertaining on a budget is even more affordable if you ask your friends to bring the dessert.

Entertaining on a Budget Idea #3: Have a Movie Marathon

Going to the movies is no longer an affordable way of entertaining. For people who want to entertain on a budget, a more affordable option would be to have a movie marathon at home. One of my favorite ways to have a movie marathon is to have a theme night. For example, you could watch award winning films and serve fancy finger foods like they would at a Hollywood party. This is a very affordable way of entertaining that your friends will really enjoy.

Entertaining on a Budget Idea #4: Have a Barbeque
Barbeques are extremely easy on a budget. You can buy large packages of hamburger patties and hot dogs which are very affordable. You can even buy packages of chicken that would also be an affordable option. The side dishes that are typically served at a barbeque literally cost a few dollars to make. When it comes to drinks, I suggest serving beverages like tea, lemonade, and other drinks that can be made in large batches. These drinks are easier on the budget. If your friends ask if they can bring anything, ask them to bring a dessert.

Entertaining on a Budget Idea #5: Have a Game Night

Game night is usually reserved for families, but why? Instead, why not gather up all your favorite games and share them with your friends. Entertaining this way is not only easy on your budget, but it's also fun. I find that the best games to entertain with are trivia games. When entertaining this way, I suggest serving either pizza or appetizers.

Source:http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/160512/entertaining_on_a_budget.html?page=2&cat=11

Paper Chicks - Obama Edition

2008-12-28T09:47:00.001-08:00

I don't know too many of us that aren't excited about our new first family. One of my soon to be favorite past times after graduation is Scrapbooking. This is such an important moment in our history. I welcome you to join me in creating a photobook/scrapbook in honor of this historic event. I've included some links for some pictures, and a 7 Step Guide for Your First Scrapbook.

Sample Scrapbook Pages

ObamaScrapbook.com

Photos
Barack Obama's Flickr Page

1. Decide on the photos you will stick on the scrapbook page. Are they themed (e.g. baby photos, birthday party) or are they miscellaneous? With this in mind, ensure that you pick out its papers to match, only if you want them to match!

2. Types of papers are used for scrapbooking recommended are acid-free papers for longevity of your scrapbook. The papers used should be solid, so that when and if glue is used, it does not affect the other side and your photos will not seem too heavy for it.

3. Choose one photo as the main focus for each page, and try to ensure that it correlates with the theme of the scrapbook. You may of course add other photos on the same page but try to keep their sizes smaller than the main one.

4. You should always stick your photo on its own individual solid paper cut out for it before sticking it onto the solid paper used in for the scrapbook. This is to guarantee it stands out.

5. Use wrapping paper to facilitate decorating the background. You can cover the whole page or only the areas you will not be sticking photos on. Another option is to decorate it with drawings and adding stickers to it as well.

6. Journaling helps in explaining the photos or adding a few things the photos do not show which happened the time the photos were taken. You should leave enough space for any journaling you wish to do whilst making the scrapbook or maybe even for the future. Try to avoid writing directly onto the scrapbook's paper. Write or print whatever you wish to write about on cardstock paper, in case of mistakes, cardstock paper can easily be removed and replaced.

7. Set all your photos and page decorations on the scrapbook page before gluing them to verify that the sizes are right and the designs are the way you like. After you are satisfied with everything you can begin to glue everything, beginning with the background then until the foreground. You then have your first scrapbook.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/scrapbooking-articles/7-step-guide-for-your-first-scrapbook-561718.html

About the Author:

Lisa is the owner of Modzy.com, the #1 online scrapbooking supplies store. Find thousands of scrapbook products and low prices everyday at http://www.modzy.com

You can also read the scrapbooking blog for the latest tips, tricks, ideas and articles at http://blog.modzy.com

I'm in love with a...Cupcake

2008-12-28T09:46:00.001-08:00

The Chick pic of this week comes with great pleasure to my taste buds, and displeasure to my hips. After spying a red velvet cupcake in a pretty pink box on my coworker's desk...I knew I had to check the place out.

I am not sure what impressed me most... the fact that I had the most moist and delectable cupcake in my 27 years of life, or the fact that the woman who has this business is a sista. If you are in the Jacksonville area, and looking for a perfect complement to your party..check out CamiCakes.

If you love cake decorating, imagine getting paid to do what you love! You can when you start your own cake decorating business or cupcake business.

Jennifer James, author of the FabJob Guide to Become a Cake Decorator, says there are many benefits when you become a professional cake decorator and start a cake decorating business (also known as a cake design business) or cupcake business.

"There's never been a better time to start up a cake decorating business," says Jennifer. "With the low-carb craze over with, there has been a return to the idea of eating for pleasure, ushered in largely by the popular book French Women Don't Get Fat. Single servings and the personal touch are in - cupcakes are very popular right now, as are gourmet mini-cakes." Here is Jennifer's advice about the cake design business and why it's a great time to start a cake decorating business:

Professional cake decorators tap into the fact that people love to feel special, and are always looking for something new and unique. Clients who are tired of the supermarket's tired-old sheet cake with a cartoon character are looking for handmade, out-of-the ordinary cakes that truly reflect the theme of the celebration... and when they do, they'll come to you.

Cakes are getting more creative all the time, and the only limitation is your imagination. Three-dimensional designs are in vogue right now, resulting in cakes that look like pillows, animals, handbags, or whatever you can dream up. Contemporary cake towers rising up many feet in the air and can lean every which way, stabilized by mysterious forces known only to the cake decorator (that is, you!)

And it doesn't stop there. How about a cake + cupcake combo, with each cupcake sporting a unique design, or personalized for each guest? Floral toppers or edible pearls just might complete an elegant look perfectly. The finishing materials (glazes and dusting powders) available on today's market let you give your cake and decorations a look that is so real, your clients will hardly believe they are made of sugar.

Not only are people looking for custom, creative cakes, they are willing to pay for them too. The average amount spent on a wedding has nearly doubled in the last 20 years, and the average cost of wedding cake is $543, according to the Bridal Association of America. Prices of artisan cakes for special occasions range from $3 to $10 or even more per slice, depending on the complexity of the design.

If you're wondering if cake decorating is the right business for you, here are some more benefits of this career according to Jennifer:

Be Creative

If you want to work with your hands and experience with all five senses, cake decorating is the career for you, from smelling the yummy baking, to tasting new flavors of icing or filling, to piping delicate beads or roses on your cakes and cupcakes. No wonder many cake decorators call themselves sugar artists!

"I was involved in early childhood education, but I wanted to switch careers to something that would challenge my creative outlets. I learned that I had this talent and discovered a passion for the art of designing cakes. Creative talent and passion are so important," says acclaimed cake decorator Yvonne Zensner.

Be Your Own Boss

No more taking orders from anyone else - other than your many customers, of course! When you run your own cake decorating business, you make the decisions. You can choose to specialize in anything from wedding cakes, to children's birthday cakes, to cupcakes, to cakes shaped like fantasy castles... whatever you most enjoy. As boss of your own cake decorating, you decide your policies, your prices, and when you're going to take those well-deserved days off.

Let Them Eat Cake

By "them" we mean you, your friends, and your family. When you start a cake decorating business you'll be able to practice your new ideas by making cakes for your own family celebrations, or liven up a mid-week meal with some cake "leftovers" you cut off while shaping and creating. You can even save some cash when you give your cakes for wedding and birthday presents. It's great practice, and you'll land additional clients whenever your cakes or cupcakes are seen and admired.

You Can Start Right Now

A cake decorating business can be started simply or part-time if you wish, in many cases right from your own home. If you already bake cakes or cupcakes as a hobby, you may very well have much of the equipment on hand that you will need to get started. You don't need a certificate to call yourself a professional cake decorator or cake designer, either - you're in business as a professional cake decorator as soon as you are paid for your very first cake.

If you're ready to tap into the lucrative and growing cake decorating market, don't wait any longer. It's time to turn your pipe dreams into piping bags, trade in your overtime for oven mitts, and create your own sweet success story by starting a cake decorating business.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cooking-tips-articles/should-you-start-a-cake-decorating-business-or-cupcake-business-333178.html

About the Author:

Tag Goulet is co-founder of FabJob.com. For step-by-step advice on how to become a professional cake decorator and start a cake decorating business (also known as a cake design business) or cupcake business, download the FabJob Guide to Become a Cake Decorator at http://www.FabJob.com/cakedecorator.asp

Source:http://www.martiniboys.com/Toronto/citystock/Ladieswear/1264.html

Bedtime Baby Shower

2008-12-28T09:45:00.001-08:00

This is the cutest idea ever.
Turn standard 6-ft banquet tables into "beds" using sheets, blankets, inexpensive duvet covers, and/or tablecloths in the style and colors of your choice!

In the images above, we used a white tablecloth to act as the bottom "sheet" and inexpensive twin-sized duvet sets from IKEA for the bedspread and pillowcase. (These duvet sets from IKEA were about the same price to purchase as it would cost to rent a tablecloth from a party supply for one day!)

Once the bed is made, top it off with a pillow, stuffed animal, story book, and your place settings.

If you're setting more than one table, mix up the fabrics & looks of the beds for a fun, eclectic feel. This theme will actually look much better with different styles to each bed, as opposed to identical looks - just make sure that the colors of the different tables mesh well and are tied together somehow. For example, in the images above, the blue "bed" is accented with an orange plush toy to coordinate with the orange color palette of the other "bed".

http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/themes/baby_showers/bedtime_story_baby_shower/tabletop

2008-12-28T09:43:00.001-08:00

Hi Chicks,

I fell in love with a new site. Its called Toasts & Tables. It's all about centerpieces and flowers.

TEA PARTY TABLE AND OCEAN THEMED TABLE SETTING

Play up the look with mismatched china cups, more than one teapot, posies from the garden,
and cupcakes frosted in a multitude of floral hues. Use plastic plates and utensils for a casual
sea-themed party. Sea shells function as flower vases, decorative centerpieces, and place
setting embellishments.

BANDANNA TABLE SETTING AND PINK TABLE SETTING

A humble picnic table can be set with as much care as your fine dining table. Dress up
a wooden picnic table with an embroidered cotton or lace runner, and use a few
strategically placed bowls and plates, like these bandanna-printed ones, to anchor
the cloth. Mix vivid flowers, saturated colors, and patterns to set an exotic scene.

for more ideas click here

5 Event Planning Tips for a Tight Budget

2008-12-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

One easy way you can cut cost is the time of day you decide to have your event. For events such as weddings or birthdays or baby showers, holding them in the afternoon definitely puts less of a dent to your pocketbook. You would definitely have lower expenses for afternoon events which require less food and catering such as light snacks and beverages such as punch or tea or coffee, as opposed to full course meals and full bar for evening events.

Another factor to consider for event planning is whether you need to hire a caterer. For small events, you could probably get away with most of the planning and cooking by yourself. However, for bigger sized events, caterers can provide invaluable assistance.

If your event planning budget is really tight, then probably the best idea for slashing cost in the food area is to host a potluck where every guest supplies either food or drinks, with some bringing salad or entrée, and others bringing soda or wine. The event planner needs to communicate and coordinate closely with the guests so that there is a nice variety of food and drinks with something for everyone, and also so that guests do not bring similar dishes. This is a wonderful way to include all the guests in the event planning process, and guests usually delight in the fact that they are able to contribute and be a part of the party.

Food is not the only area where you can save on. You can also focus on other areas such as the entertainment or the decoration. For example, for children's birthday parties you can ask parents, friends or relatives to entertain the kids with simple songs or magic tricks, or to make balloon animals or to hold water fights.

Decorations also do not have to break the bank. For example, for children's parties you can buy a bunch of balloons and streamers. Or for a garden party, instead of buying expensive outdoor lighting that you probably will never use again, you can buy a couple of outdoor torches and use the outdoor lights that usually adorn your trees and bushes on special occasions in your garden to create beautiful, soft lighting. Your guests will never know the difference between expensive and cheap lighting, and probably won't even care as long as the ambience is cozy and the party fun.

Putting careful thought into planning the event would allow your dollar to go a long way yet still allow you to hold an event that is great fun for everyone.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/5-event-planning-ideas-for-a-very-tight-budget-228960.html

About the Author:
For More Article Visit :: http://www.thearticleinsiders.com/