Think Spring!

The weather is unpredictable these days, especially in the South...one day it's 40 degrees and the next it's near 80! So while we can't completely change over our closets yet we can definitely let our minds go to warmer days and sunny skies. We think these fabulous new cell phone cases will do just the trick!

Celebrate the Steam Clean!

Okay...so today's post really doesn't have anything to do with celebrating life to fullest but let's face it...some days we have to be domestic! Two kids, two cats and a dog can really take it's toll on carpet and ours had reached an all time low! Finally giving up on scheduling a carpet cleaning I tried something I found on Pinterest and VIOLA...clean carpets! I thought I would share the quick fix miracle with you...1 part ammonia, 1 part HOT water....mix in a spray bottle. Spray stain with ammonia mixture, cover with white towel and iron on steam...stains be gone!!!! Seriously, maybe this is about celebrating life...I have to admit, I did a happy dance! Cheers y'all!

Original post by: onegoodthingbyjillee.com

It's almost our Birthday ...month!

We hope you will join us in celebrating this February...(we don't share which birthday this is, but...please still celebrate with us!) US? Yes, Febraury is a big month for my family and friends...my daddy, my daughter, a best friend, a best friend's daughter, a best friend's husband, my cousin, George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Jennifer Anniston...I'm sure I've forgotten someone...oh yeah, ME! Why do we wait a whole year to celebrate? Each day is a gift and each day deserves celebrating...so raise up your glasses and say "Cheers Y'all!"

Life deserves celebrating every day!

I love a rainy day in the kitchen

There is nothing like a rainy day to inspire creativity in the Kitchen! Today I brought out an old family favorite for some cooler weather comfort and was reminded how much I love spending the day in the kitchen, sharing and laughing with my children! Today we made Chicken Enchiladas with what we call "Coleman's Favorite Rice". We took this recipe on a ski weekend with friends and, as a 5 year old, "Coleman" couldn't get enough of this side! We thought we'd share it with you because it's easy and oh, so delicious!

1 cup of uncooked rice

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 jar of your favorite salsa

2 cups chicken broth

1 can of corn

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Mix all the ingredients together except for the cheese and bake @ 350 degrees for 1 hour. Cover with cheese and b ake until cheese is melted.

Like I said, easy and oh, so delicious! Enjoy!

Back to School Already?

Well, the Summer is unofficially over! Labor Day has come and gone and according to the Fashion Czars wearing white is no longer acceptable (even though it's still 100+ degrees here in the South!) Back to School routines have begun...some of us have been doing this for several weeks and the routines are already old. Homework, back to school clothes, quizzes, tests, projects, reports, early morning alarm clocks...we've even caught our first official back to school cold of the season! But with the routines come the fun...Friday night football games, dances, back to school clothes ;), lockers, fun with friends, TGIF and looking forward to the weekends! Let's take the good with the not so bad and enjoy the change of seasons! Looking forward to the cooler temps and the changing leaves... It's almost Fall y'all!

A Recipe for a Perfect Summer!

Wow! Is it really July 18th? I can't believe we are going back to school in just 3 weeks! We have had an amazing Summer and I don't want it to end! We've made the most of this one and it's been one of my favorites! As we do every Summer we headed off to my family's farm in Lexington, Kentucky. It amazes me how beautiful this part of the country is every time I see it. I was warned to bring a few sweaters but hearing that when it was already in the 100's here in the deep South I neglected to heed the warnings. Thankfully I was able to raid my grandmother's closet for a jacket or two when needed. The tradition is that every Summer my entire family, my parents, both sisters and our families, head to The Farm for as long as we possibly can. The Farm is the result of a dream come true for my Grandparents (they no longer live there), and it has become our annual Summer retreat. Some people go to the Hamptons, we go to The Farm! It's very Summer-Campy...lots of fishing, no tv or video games (occaisionally we'll put in a movie), tons of laughter, good food (my favorite is the Big Blue BLT!), quiet time every afternoon and every day must start with a game of SCRABBLE and end with a game of cards or the day is not complete! There is even a trophy for the grandchild who catches the biggest Bass of the trip, it's a hard fought battle each year but a healthy competition.

Returning to reality after being in a bubble for 3 to 4 weeks is very hard. Of course, with today's technology we do get bits and pieces of news and Hollywood gossip but, for the most part, we are in La La Land at The Farm. I keep asking myself when my teenage children will liken our time at The Farm to being on restriction but they haven't yet, and to be honest...I think they enjoyed this year the most. Fishing, ping-pong, long walks in the fields, board games, tire swings, water fights, popsicles, blackberry picking...even the farm work was fun! Ugh...I miss it! I'm already counting down the days until next year's trip...just 339 more days until The Farm!

Baby Shower Southern Style!

We were so honored to be included in, what we think, was the Baby Shower of the Century! A dear friend is expecting her first baby in May and her girlfriends (50 of us!) gathered to celebrate her precious blessing!

The Low Country setting was amazing but it was the love and excitement for our friend that made the day so special. As the guests arrived they were welcomed at the door and given the choice of almond tea or a mimosa...I had the mimosa, of course! It was hand delivered and served in a Silver Goblet, monogrammed... of course! As guests mingled and posed for pictures the hostesses (with the mostest, I must add. They throw the most fabulous parties) set out a buffet for queens! The centerpiece carried out the theme on the invitation of bird nests. A tiered wrought iron piece adorned with nests with eggs and bird votives made for a perfect central focus. The food...delicious! Ham biscuits, of course! A delicious salad of mandarian oranges and raman noodles with a seasoned rice wine dressing and finally, marinated shrimp that made me contemplate giving up my own first born for the recipe! (not really, but the shrimp were just that good!) The dessert...you can guess, butterscotch bird nests topped with chocolate eggs...divine! The table was simple and elegant and should totally be the cover of the next Southern Living Magazine. One single long table (that could seat 50 mind you!) with glass votives potted with wheat grass down the center (party favors!), lavender linen napkins and more Silver Goblets filled with water! The backdrop of the May River was just icing on the cake!

As the Mother-to-Be began opening the plentiful gifts it was clear that her precious daughter would not want for ruffles or bows for atleast the first 3 years of her life! Being the monogram queen that I am, I was stumped not knowing the baby's name...so we gave her a precious white frilly dress with a tag that was monogrammed with"tBa" ...to be announced! and a pair of bloomers that said "Jesus loves me". Just because the name is a secret doesn't mean we have to give up on a southern tradition...we'll monogram the dress when this precious blessing arrives.

Please check out invitations and other party accessories at http://www.confetti.getpapered.com/ and http://www.shopconfetti.com/

Enjoy life, live it to the fullest!

The New Year is always inspiring new routines, new resolutions, new ideas, and new goals...this year ours is "Enjoy life, live it to the fullest!" It really isn't a new idea for us, it's how http://www.shopconfetti.com/ got it's start. It's the details in life that make it interesting and we LOVE finding the perfect gift or accessory for every occasion. Whether it's the invitation for a party, or a hostess gift for a weekend getaway or a birthday present for that special person, we can help you find it. As we tip toe into the first few days of 2011 we are excited about the opportunities to take on life and live it to the fullest. If you're planning a party or just want to accessorize your life, let us help...because life deserves a little Confetti!

Visit us at http://www.shopconfetti.com/ today!

Wishing you a Blessed New Year!

Happy 2011! Before you undeck the halls and pack away Christmas for another year, we have a great suggestion for those beautiful Christmas cards everyone sent you. I hate throwing all those wonderful cards away so our family puts them on a ring (bought at any office supply store) and use them as a prayer ring. Every night as we pray we flip to the next family and pray for them specifically. So know if you sent us a Christmas card your family will be prayed for. We wish you all a very blessed 2011!

2010 Holiday Gift Guide for The Traveler on Your List

We know you've got lots of people to buy for this Christmas Season so we thought we'd throw a few ideas your way...today, we'll share ideas for The Traveler! For the person on your list who is always on the go we suggest these fabulous "Off We Go" Totes! They just look like they were made for a weekend in the mountains or trip to the cottage! Handles are the perfect length for carrying and the waterproof fabric is just the right detail for fashion AND function! We also love the whimsical luggage tag designs offered at http://www.shopconfetti.com/ by Just Exquisite! They would make great stocking stuffers. So many colors and fun designs to choose from, you'll find one for every personality! We also love the new terry Cosmetic Bags with the cupcake graphic or initial design. The large is perfect for packing all the weekend essentials and the small size is just the right thing to throw in your purse for a day full of fun! You can find each of these items at http://www.shopconfetti.com/ and are still available to order in time for Christmas delivery! HO HO HO!

Wishing you were here!

Since we last blogged...well, it's been a little overwhelming here! 2 computers crashed, 1 printer went out, 2 major main water lines broke, 3 floors damaged, 4 weeks of workmen, 2 completely new ceilings, countless new walls, brand new carpeting and tile. and paint, too! ..if you put this to the tune of the 12 Days of Christmas, we have a new diddy to sing when we go caroling this year! Yes, construction at the holidays isn't pretty but we should have a new house by Christmas! Oh, I forgot that the kitchen is bubbled off so no cooking for this chick this week and my husband thinks he has has pink eye... I have to say my eyes were a little swollen shut this morning, too, I thought it was the dust or possibly the Sesame Chicken my daughter ordered last night (did you know I have a severe sesame allergy?) OOPS! The workmen just blew a fuse...gotta run! Thanks for listening (and not laughing at me like my mother did! just kidding, Mom)

Surviving the Tweens!

We love throwing parties: big parties, small parties, birthday parties, anniversary parties, christening parties, dinner parties, cocktail parties, you name it parties, but...Tween BOY Parties? What do you do with 10 to 12 tween boys for 3 hours? Ugh! We played out a double entendre with a SURVIVOR Party! Fun games for the boys and truly "survival" for the adults that were present! Tween boys are tough but this group enjoyed an afternoon of tough competitions and some slithery confections! We started with a tribal ritual of tattoos and body paint- while waiting for everyone to arrive the boys could "accessorize" for the afternoon! Once the guests had arrived the games began! We had several but you can never have too many, tween boys have the attention span of a flea! First up, Rifelry...yes, we let them play with guns, well...one gun, under the strict supervision of the Tribal Leader (DAD!) Each boy got 3 shots at 3 targets. What is it about boys and guns? They LOVED it! Next up was a blind folded competition about teamwork. The boys were divided into 2 teams and each team selected a "seeker". The "seeker" was blindfolded and then had to depend on his teammates to verbally direct him to 5 hidden frisbees in the yard. (The frisbees don't have to be hidden well, this is all about communication, which they are not good at at this age!) We did one last game...and yes, it was food related! We made vats and vats of chocolate pudding and served it up with some plastic bugs! The object of the game was to collect all of the bugs out of the pudding using ...yes, only your face! NO HANDS ALLOWED! Tween boys love gross stuff and they LOVED this game! Be sure to have a camera ready because the pics from this will be the best! After some cleaning up we had tribal council (opening presents) and a super creepy, slithery cake. Seriously, we bought the cake at Walmart and accessorized with some plastic critters from the toy section! The Birthday Boy loved it! An easy and fun party for those hard to please tween boys!

Sharing Sweet Treats!

There is a chill in the air and the leaves are beginning to change colors! Fall is here and that means the Holidays are just around the corner! During the Holiday Season many people share delicious goodies with family, friends and neighbors and we think that these personalized ink stamps are a creative way to create great packaging for those sweet treats! You can use the "From the Kitchen of..." stamper to make personalized labels, recipe and gift cards, even wrapping paper! They can be used year round, anytime you're delivering homemade goodies! (They even make store bought treats look festive and fun!)

Order yours at http://www.shopconfetti.com/

It's almost Fall Y'all!

Oh, yes...we did! We love monograms and we LOVE our monogrammed pumpkin idea! This way he can sit on your porch all Fall not just in October! We used a real pumpkin here but you can also buy one of those realistic looking ones at art supply stores and bring him out year after year!

The topiary spider, you ask? We made him! Plug a styrofoam ball with fake ivy branches and use black pipe cleaners for the legs!

To order the monogram decal and see more ideas for Fall, please visit http://www.shopconfetti.com/.

Oh, the places you'll go!

Oh, the places you'll go...and look great doing it with these fabulous luggage tags! We just adore them! So many whimsical and colorful designs to choose from! The perfect accessory for luggage, back packs, beach totes, sports bags, lunch boxes, diaper bags...on and on and on.

Check out all of the Just Exquisite designs by Exquisite Papers at http://www.shopconfetti.com/ !

We love the art of a handwritten letter!

We love the art of the handwritten letter and love the helpful hints in "How to Write a Charming Thank-You Note" in the September 2010 issue of Southern Living Magazine. We thought we'd share them with you.

1. Start with the date and salutation: Send your note, written in black in within a week of receiving a gift.

2. Say thanks right off the bat: Be specific about why you are writing the note. If you are thanking someone for a monetary gift, refer to their generosity, instead of mentioning the amount.

3. Compliment the kind gesture: Do not be afraid to go over the top - everyone loves an effusive compliment, as long as it is heartfelt.

4. Allude to the future: Anticipate another get together, or if you are writing about a gift, be sure to tell them how you plan to use it.

5. Finish with sincere regards: Reiterate your gratitude, then close the letter on an intimate note, signing your first and last name. Don't forget to proofread before you postmark!

From the September 2010 Southern Living Magazine

Okay, so I know the temperatures don't feel like football season is around the corner, but it is! Let's start planning now for a fantastic Fall full of football and friends!

Parking on Campus, sorority girls and pearls, fraternity houses, tents after tents, school colors, pom poms, cheerleaders, chips and dips, the smokey smell of yumminess on the grill, the Quad, marching bands, the school store, fold out chairs, party tubs filled with ice cold beverages (served in monogrammed cups, of course!), mascots, burgers and dogs, deviled eggs, good friends, arch rivals, SMACK talking, traditions...it feels cooler already! Get ready to cheer, football season is nearly here!

5 Things I've Learned Since My Kids Went Back to School

1. 6:00 a.m is for the birds!

2. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day! (the Nacho's the school serves actually counts as a nutritionally balanced meal?)

3. Grocery shopping was meant to be a job for one person. My grocery bill has gone down dramatically without dragging two kids saying "Mom, can we get_____?" every 3 seconds.

4. School clothes require ironing!

5. Last but not least, I miss my kids! Can't wait for the weekend!

Closets don't get Cancer

One afternoon last May I received a phone call from my Mom that literally brought me to my knees-my younger sister had been diagnosed with Kidney Cancer! You know, the kind that doesn't get diagnosed until it has found it's way into everything and it's too late to do anything about it...that kind of Kidney Cancer! By the grace of God, and some very persistant doctors, hers had been caught early. A total fluke, her symptons had nothing to do with the golf ball sized tumor in her kidney but while looking at an ultrasound they saw the little bugger. Thank you, GOD! After a very long and invasive surgery a week later she was CANCER FREE! She is a Cancer survivor and I couldn't be prouder of her!

Needless to say, our family has spent the summer celebrating life and realizing that each and every day is a gift. It's been an amazing summer! So many laughs and good times shared. After returning home from our Annual Fourth of July trip to The Farm, I was readjusting to reality and getting ready for the Back to School craziness. My parents had taken the kids for the weekend and I was using the opportunity to clean out some closets and get organized. My sisters called and suggested I come for the weekend and continue the summer of fun. I told them I couldn't that I HAD to get the closets cleaned before the kids came back...that's when she said it..."Kate, closets don't get Cancer, they can wait." Yep, closets don't get Cancer, what a reminder to live each day. We constantly need this ...life is to be lived, so get out there and live it to the fullest! (the messy closets will still be there when you get back!)

Cheers!

Every year for as long as I can remember we have spent summer time fun on "The Farm". "The Farm" is a well earned, dream come true for two of my favorite people, Pop and Gigi (my grandparents). Eighty acres of the most beautiful part of the country, the Bluegrass! Yeah, I'm an Alabama girl when it comes to football, but my heart lives in Kentucky! The kids, my sisters, my Mom and I go for as long as life (and our husbands) let us go, usually about a month. It's like a time capsule-we don't hook up the cable (yes, on purpose), no tv, no video games, just old fashioned fun! Lots of board games, cards, reading, crafts, some of the best fishing around, lots of laughs, tons of SCRABBLE and best of all, fun in the kitchen!

One afternoon after devouring the newest edition of a cooking magazine, I took a challenge that the magazine offered and turned it into our afternoon activity (and snack!) Bacon! The challenge: to create a recipe using BACON as a secret ingredient! And the afternoon activity began...my sister and I sat on the porch and threw out ideas using some of our favorite dessert, yes, dessert recipes using bacon in them. Needless to say there may have been some wine involved in this process that brought up lots of child-like laughter. I threw out "S'mores", which is a staple on The Farm, and our eyes got big and bright. It wasn't minutes before the bacon was in the oven and all 5 kids were gathering the graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows (that were the size of my head, by the way. We had to cut those in half.) Any way, we cooked the bacon half way through and then wrapped the graham crackers with it and finished baking it in the oven. When the timer went off we topped it with a chocolate square and marshmallow and popped it back in the oven to brown the top! Minutes later we were enjoying what was quite possibly the best "S'more" ever! Bacon S'more's...I know it won't replace the traditonal and most of you think I'm crazy but...it was so indulgent and yummy! Bacon really does make everything better! Those of you who know me, know that I live by this belief! So I never entered the recipe contest but...it sure was a fun (and delicious) afternoon on The Farm!