Casual Holiday Party Time....

As we know Christmas will be here before  we know it and it is no time like the present to come up with ideas to make Christmas 2013 a festive one. Are you planning on throwing a Christmas, Boxing Day or New Year's Eve holiday party at home? Would you like to do that as nice and inexpensive as possible.

First, remember it's all about presentation.  You can attain elegance on a budget, by keeping your decorations simple and the food table brightly colored.  The idea is to use as much of what you already have on hand to make things look good.   For instance, use real plates, cutlery and cloth or fancy paper napkins. 

 

    .  Send an e-card or e-vite instead of paper invitations.

    .  Almost every town has a dollar store, discount emporiums or
   low cost retailer.  Shop there for decorations that you don't already
   have around your house.   Use white tea &/or floating candles
   along with pillar candles wrapped with ribbon.  Surround them
   with pinecones for a more festive look.  You can also fill your
   fireplace with the candles and/or pine cones.  Use tree decorations 
   to string along stairs or over mantels.  Wine glasses can be turned
   upside down if you run out of holders.  You can also fill glasses
   with sand, cat box filler or decorative rocks to hold taper
   candles in place.

•     .       For inexpensive holiday scents simmer some apple cider, fresh cloves and cinnamon on your stove, instead of buying pricey pre-made potpourri; you can also try simmering cinnamon and vanilla extract.  It gives the aroma of freshly baked goodies. 
             Use a roll of quilting batting as a tablecloth.  You can make snowflakes to hang using copy paper and glitter then hang with fishing line.
  
  

 

•     Offer appetizers and desserts.   Make party mix instead of 
      nuts.  Do vegetable trays instead of meat trays or at least make
      a larger vegetable tray than meat tray.  Have crock-pots or
      warmers filled with pre-made (chestnut, etc.) soup, chowder,
      chili. Add a crunchy breadbasket.   You can also try layering
      veggies and dip in individual servings.  Fill votive
      candleholders with berry salad.  If you are good at baking,
      make your own desert; if not try buying some festive deserts.
  
  

•     .      To minimize the cost of alcohol you can make available lemonade, coffee, tea or other soft drinks and a big bowl of alcoholic fruit punch.  Or, tell friends to bring a bottle of their favorite alcoholic beverage to introduce to others.  You can also empty box wines (like black box) into decanters.
      .       Here are a few more ideas for your table snacks.

* Warm a mix of olive types with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of crushed red pepper in a sauté pan. Serve in small bowls as a pre-dinner snack.
* Roast whole raw almonds in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes. Toss with Kosher salt, a touch of olive oil, and some citrus zest.

* Make your own gourmet chips by toasting pita bread in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and olive oil.   

* Cube cheese, maraschino cherries, and olives skewers and place with assorted crackers and/or assorted crunchy bread.

*Stuffed baby Red potatoes or twice baked potatoes.

*Baked ziti.   

*Hot Spinach Spread with Pita Chips.

*Spicy meatballs.  

*Variety grilled chicken wings.

*Stuffed baby Red .

Rent Christmas CDs from the library and play them during the party.  You can also play old fashion board games or watch movies.  Have children make and decorate ornaments.

• 
  
      .  If you are a guest at a party.
      .  Bring something along.  A bottle of wine, dessert, etc.
      .  Don't arrive late.
      .  Don't be a wallflower.
      .  Don't lose control, especially at a work party.
      .  Don't show up your boss at a work party.
      .  Don't tell racy jokes, especially at a work party.
     .   Most of all HAVE FUN!!!!
  
  
  

  

  
  

Guacamole

Guacamole
Four ripe avocados
Juice from 2 small limes
Half Tablespoon garlic powder
Half Tablespoon chili pepper
Half a chopped red onion
Four seeded cherry tomatoes, chopped
Half Tablespoon Hot Sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
For extra spicy, add half a chopped chipotle peppe
Halve and empty contents of avocados into a large bowl.
Use a fork to crush into chunks
Add garlic powder and chili pepper, mix well
Fold in onion, tomatoes, and chipotle pepper (if using)
Mix hot sauce and lime juice together
Add to guacamole and mix well
Salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving

I'm told the game kicks off on NBC around 6P (EST).  Don't forget Madonna and Cirque du Soleil will perform during this year's half time festivities.

If all else fails and you REALLY don't want  to watch the game then set up a separate room for the non-sports fans to watch movies!!!

Chivalry isn't dead....and, I like it!

Chivalry is the traditional code of conduct associated with medieval knighthood.  Over time its meaning has been refined to emphasize ideals such as, knightly virtues, honor and courtly love, and less about.....back up....courtly, that's the definition I'm looking for....Being a gentleman never goes out of style.  Now, you can’t fault a guy for abstaining from chivalry altogether. This stuff is confusing.  IKES!  These days, a lot of men, perhaps even you, fall short.  However, if you make chivalry a part of your life, good things will surely follow

1. Open the door for her.  

2. Even the car door; sure she can open her own door once you hit the clicker, but I guarantee she'll notice when you open the car door for her. 

3.Pull the chair out for her (not from under her) when you take her out to dinner.  

4.Gently push in the chair so that she can sit down.  

5.Don't shove the chair in, unless she's in need of the Heimlich maneuver. :-)  This will likely cause a strike against you.  

6.  Help her to put her coat on and off, ONLY if she's struggling with it.  Otherwise you risk coming off as "creepy dude".

7. Stand when she does.  If she rises to go to the restroom, etc. stand until she departs.  As soon as she returns stand again. 

"She might not notice if you don't do it.  She'll definitely notice if you do."

8. Be sure to feed her.  Even if our time together doesn't include food.  Bring her a snack.   :-)   Ladies, stop fooling the gents that all you eat is a salad.   Once you get him home, he'll be shocked to see you pick up the fridge and shake the contents into your open mouth!   

9. Take an interest in her safety.  (Don't creep her out by following her home.)  Sure she can get home on her own, but if you call or text her, your likely to get noticed.  If you have a car, at least offer to pick her up.  Don't take offense if she turns you down.   Always offer to walk, take a cab, or drive her home.  (If she let's you escort her home, walk her to the door.  But don't show any expectation of being invited in.)  You might get some browney points if you go to her neighborhood for the second or third date. 

10. Make her laugh...if she snorts, all the better!  {:8)

11. If you are having a good time, ask her out before the end of the night.  Honestly, why play games, you aren't getting any younger!

12.Speaking of dates.  Plan the first date.  Have a plan and a back up plan. 

13. Pay attention to what she's told you and try to take her in that direction.  If you know she loves flowers, the botanical gardens would be a great place to take her on a first date.

14. Listen as much as you speak.  It'll make for a nice date....even if there isn't a spark.

15. Put an arm around her or offering your coat if it's cold.  This is a natural way to touch her and you won't come across as "creepy dude". 

16. Watch her purse.  No you don't have to carry it while you walk through the mall.  But, don't freak out if she runs to the restroom and asks you to watch it.  

17. Letting her order first is cool.  Ordering for her, puts you in the category of "creepy dude"!

It's cool to offer her a bite of you food.  If you try to feed her the bite...."creepy dude"!

18. Offer to carry her packages.  She'll notice if you let her do the heavy lifting.

19.Walk on the outside, closest to the street, as high heels tend to get stuck in grates. 

Also,  she won’t risk being splashed by puddles as cars drive by and it removes her from the dangers of traffic. 

20. If it's raining hold the umbrella and/or go get the car, so she doesn't have to get wet.

 It's really nice for your to pay for the meal.  If she offers to chip in it's not because she doesn't like you, it's because she really wants to pay.  Plus, she likes spending time with you and doesn't want you to think she's taking advantage of getting a free meal. Ladies if you don't really want to pay.  Don't offer to, it's disingenuous and sets your relationship on a dishonest course.

.....let's get back to this one.....

If you're not generally attentive, she's going to think somethings up.  Review the above and do only what you are comfortable doing and what comes naturally.  They are some good tips to earn major points with your lady friend and it's all pretty simple to do.  

So you might be wondering what triggered this post.  #20 did. 

  Quite often my shoelaces become untied (like a 10 year old boy) and people are constantly pointing it out to me.  On one recent untying, a gentleman friend simply knelt and tied my lace.  Now that might not seem very chivalrous, but it was honest, natural and frankly I liked it!

That's What Friends Are For...

Acquaintances...Real friends...Benefit friends...Best...Intimate friends...Good friends...

Dione Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Gladys Knight had a huge hit, "That's what friends are for".  

Of late, I've been thinking a lot about he meaning of friendship.   The investments we make are often irreplaceable, but sometimes they get lost in time.  

To me friendships are bridges.  I honestly believe that every connection happens for a reason.  Some are meant to take you from one place to another, in your life.  Some carry you the miles that life has to offer.  At times they are like a oneway street, with both people heading in the same direction.   Sometimes the relationship is like a super highway with one person surpassing the other; At other times you head in different directions and sadly endings.       

There are friend's that show up just when they need you.

 Friend's you've had for a lifetime.

Friend's who have your back.

There has to be chemistry.  Some you fall in love with for  a lifetime.

Friendships are often imbalanced and based on need.  Ultimately they are necessary, unique, non transferable and aid in a desire to be loved.

Sticky Riblets, Garlic Mash and Asparagus

Ingredients (Riblets):
5 lb                        pork riblets
1/3 cup                  ketchup
1 tsp                       salt
3 cloves garlic      (minced or thinly sliced or coarsely chopped)
1/3 cup                   soy sauce
1 bottle                   vinegar
2                              limes
4 stalks                  scallion/green onion minced or chopped.
2"                            ginger root peeled and minced or chopped
4 rings of sliced pepper (Jalapeno, chili, habanero, scotch bonnet, etc. seeds removed.)
1/3-1/2 c                Honey      

Directions (Riblets):
1. Cut/separate ribs while partially thawed.
2. Place riblets in a bowl and wash in generous amounts of vinegar and lime juice (apx 2 minutes) Pour off excess liquid and repeat.  Combine all ingredients while constantly coating the meat.   Add the honey last. (Refrigerate to marinate overnight or let stand 30 minutes.  The longer it marinates the better the flavor.)
3.  Arrange riblets in a foil lined baking pan; and cover with marinade and foil.  Spoon marinade in the pan over the ribs occasionally.
4.  Cook 30-45 minutes or until meat starts to pull away from the bone, in a 350 ºF oven.


Ingredients (Garlic Mash Potatoes):


1-3 heads                   Garlic (separate by cloves.)
3 TBSP                       Olive Oil
2  pounds                   Potatoes (peeled and diced)
1/2-1 stick                   Butter (cubed)
1/2-1 cup                    Whole milk
Salt & pepper to taste.



Directions (Garlic Mash Potatoes):
1. Place garlic in a pie pan and drizzle with olive oil. (Reserve 1 clove to boil with potatoes. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Place in 450ºF oven until tender and brown.  Let cool.
2. Boil potatoes in salted water (12-15 minutes), until tender.  Remove and drain. Return the potatoes to the pot.
3. Using a fork, crush the garlic until smooth.
4. Add garlic and butter to potatoes, then cream or mash.  Add milk until desired texture is achieved.
5. Season with salt and pepper as necessary.


Ingredients (Asparagus):

1 bunch      Medium asparagus (apx 1lb)
2 TBSP       Extra virgin Olive Oil
2 TBSP       Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 TSP         lemon zest (Freshly grated lemon rind)

Salt & freshly ground (cracked) black pepper.


Directions (Asparagus):
1.  Rinse asparagus thoroughly.  Break off any tough or white bottoms and discard.  (Optional - diagonally slice into 1-2" sections.)
2. Fill a saucepan half way up, and bring to a boil.   Submerge asparagus and reduce heat to slightly simmer.  Parboil asparagus for 2 minutes.  Drain the water and toss in a olive oil, Parmesan and lemon rind mixture. Salt and pepper to taste.  Serve warm or at room temperature.  (Asparagus should be al dente.)


Serves 6

Me

"Smile", he said, "you will not lose"
"You can pick or choose"
But, I had no faith in me
I don't take chances, 'cause it might bring pain
No love, no fame, and I'm not being me
Standing here in the rain
I watch my life passing by
Sadness held deep inside me....


So what do I do now?
Where do I go from here?
Where do I find the happiness to replace what keeps me down?

I wanna find my voice, I see my face
I wanna be recognized for me, oh, feet don't fail me
I just wanna be, me; oh, I just wanna be me

Waiting for my time, can't let them down
I'm playing a role, that's why I've disappeared
As the time passes, I am the same
All these people, all these places, they just get me down
I can't seem to say goodbye
Watching as they pass me by, oh by

So what do I do now?
Where do I go from here?
Where do I find the happiness to replace what keeps me down?

I wanna find my voice, I see my face
I wanna be recognized for me, oh, feet don't fail me now
I just wanna be, me; oh, I just wanna be me

So when my time comes around
I'll be ready for my time
I will not be a victim, of me

So what do I do now?
Where do I go from here?
Where do I find the happiness to replace what keeps me down?

Think I found my voice, I see my face
Can I be recognized for me? Oh, my feet will carry on.
I just wanna be, me (just me)
Think I found my place, (just me) I think I found my voice (just me)
I think I can let go of all the things that weigh me down (just me).
I think I found my voice (just me) and now I can be (just me).

Love Is Love

‎"You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back." ~ Anonymous

A few months ago I was doing research for a Valentine's Day blog post, and I came across and article on interracial relationships.  To paraphrase, "Are you getting your swirl on?".  Since I'm always at the front of the line when it comes to race, I was intrigued.  I hadn't heard the term swirl.  Frankly, when I thought of swirl the first thing that came to mind was soft Ice cream.  I also like the push the envelope on almost every topic; so, of course I clicked the link. The truth is, love is love. It's an unbreakable union between two souls.  The rules for romantic love are no different that that of platonic love.

Put "You" first - People who spend time honoring themselves have happier unions than those who always put their partner's needs first. 

Go to bed angry - Sometimes, "sleeping on it" gives new perspective.

Respect your relationship - Keepfacebook, twitter, etc. out of your personal business.

Avoid toxic people - Some people are always trying ti bring you and/or your relationships down.

Disconnect from work - Just like you shouldn't take your home "stuff" to work, don't bring your work "stuff" home to your loved ones.

Send the housework out - This is one of my favorites, if you and your hubby, roommate, family, fill in the ________, can't agree on housework, splurge every once in a while and have a service do it.

Get a pre-nup - I know your thinking, how on earth am I supposed to get a pre-nup with my brother....well that's not the legal terminology for it, but money is a factor in virtually every relationship.  Some financial structure in any relationship is absolutely necessary.  Think of it as relationship protection.  Are you going to loan money if necessary?  Do you both look at it as a loan?  Is what yours, what's mine? I bet you thought all these things were just for married people.

So take heed and then head first into your relationships.  Be fearless in your approach to love.  Yes you can get hurt. Yes you might make mistakes.  Yes you might walk away with the most valuable and irreplaceable experiences.  A not to the single people who are looking for wedding.  Skip the marriage, put on fancy dress clothes, have a big party and love yourself.   I mean really, who's going to love you if you don't! 

Mini Crab Cakes

8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
1 large egg
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
4 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper
6 ounces fresh lump crab meat, picked over, patted dry, coarsely shredded
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Fresh chives or green onions, cut into pieces



With a mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/4 cup Parmesan and egg; beat to blend. Beat in sour cream, citrus peels, 4 teaspoons chopped chives, coarse salt, and cayenne pepper. Fold in crab meat. (DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)



Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter 2 mini muffin pans. Toss breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and 2 tablespoons chopped chives in small bowl. Drizzle 1/4 cup melted butter over, tossing with fork until evenly moistened. Press 1 rounded tablespoon breadcrumbs mixture into bottom of each muffin cup, forming crust. Spoon 1 generous tablespoon crab mixture into each cup. Sprinkle rounded teaspoon of breadcrumbs mixture over each (some may be left over).
Bake crab cakes until golden on top and set, about 30 minutes. Cool in pans 5 minutes. Run knife around each cake and gently lift out of pan. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Arrange on baking sheet; let stand at room temperature. Rewarm in 350°F oven 6 to 8 minutes.
Arrange crab cakes on serving platter; sprinkle with chives.


Special equipment: 2 mini muffin pans

A Wish

I don't know, is it the fact that I hope a little too much somehow upon this one thing do not lead me to anything at all or is it just that time has not come? I do admit, I have always hope for good things and its hard for me to blame myself cause I'm just that one person who's pretty much an optimist. Yet at the same time, reality does bites and I'm very much aware of it. So really, I'm pretty much trapped with this clueless wonders in my head, always at the back of my head, they don't seem to leave me. Its pathetic! There are just times I wish I could do bad things you know, just to let go off my frustration or something. But, I know its not right so I don't do it. My life, to be really honest, is set of with rules, The rules has always been there and i'd accept it willingly. Hands down, So why am I complaining right? What do I do when frustration strikes besides turning to my Creator and pray so He'd strengthen your faith ? Well in my case, The answer is, Nothing. :) And that is the best thing I could and should do. And if you think I'm not making any sense, (LOL) well that's the beauty of it! hahaha Gosh. this seems like its going no where, but it makes perfect sense to me. :p

Am I too embarrassing and bold to say that I am honestly upset to see people , who sets no rule to life, When they are in fact was born stamped with that rule. I'm not perfect and I never will be, but I try to be better, and being better is not easy. Simple as giving away a smile. Some people just don't smile, but if you try, you'll be rewarded. isn't that just great??? ( LOL I don't know why I'm preaching, well take this a different way of looking at life). I wish I was a better person, I wish God will keep me grounded till the last day and my last breath. I wish everyone could a better person and I wish everyone the will to take hold of your destiny. You see, when you believe, when you know the Greatest, the Almighty is there, you will never stop wishing. You CAN NEVER stop wishing. But wishing doesn't let alone as A wish. You work, you strive. (and you pray to God!)

What Happened To Facebook!

I am writing this since I find it so hard to keep up with social networking, now days especially facebook. For those of you that know me personally you must know I do nothing half ass. When I post something I try my best to respond to every comment left for me. I also try to respond to every email although I must admit I may be short sometimes since I have so many. I am starting a new job soon in a new City which I am looking forward to. The truth about me deactivating my facebook pages was simply this. I had a certain amount of time for my move, and although I know I am loved and appreciated everything became so overwhelming for me. Everyone wanting to make plans for my departure and I had so many important things left to be done and a short time in which to do it all. I could not tell these people that I love no, so I ignored everyone and everything in hopes that it would just go away. I mean there is but, one one me and I cannot stretch myself to make everyone happy. There was so much from wanting to take me to the beach, come to visit me, and 3 going away parties. But, OMG I appreciate all these people and I pray they will someday find it in there heart to forgive me. It was nothing personal and I would have loved to do everything, but time would not allow me that privilege. I am sincerely thinking about closing my facebook pages and just keeping my email and blogger page. For those I hope I am deeply sorry.