Tuesday, February 8, 2011

.Fun Group Activity.

Happy Tuesday Friends! Hope your all Smiling Happy :)

So, today I thought I'd share a fun activity that I'm actually a part of. It's a wonderful idea (if I don't say so myself) that involves getting out there and going for it. It's shared between a group of friends (our's happen to be ALL ladies - 10 to be exact), and has been a very fun and exciting experience that I look forward to each month (especially when it's 'your' month....read on below to understand). This idea was brought to my attention from a Wonderful friend of mine (and she's been awarded bonus friend points as she's also a 'Follower' on the Fancy Napkin) Maegen, who asked me if I'd be interested. I instantly replied "YES". So happy I did.
I hope you find your Group and Enjoy this as much as we have!

Monthly Activity Group (aka. Ladies Nights!)
1) Get a group of 10 ladies (note: fun to mix it up between your good friends and some new acquaintances so that you can get to know some new people) who can all meet once a month for 10 months (you can do this up to 12 people for 12 months, get it?)

2) Every month there would be a different "hostess" - who will plan and arrange the activity for all of the group to do (determine each hostess's month upon your first greet and meet)
3) Each lady would bring $50 each month - $25 goes toward the activity, and $25 goes toward the hostess of that month (see why 'your' month is the best!). The hostess would get $250 to spend on herself, and herself alone - no groceries, no gas - strictly treat herself to something she desires (unless you really, really desire gas and groceries!) Plus, the next meeting she has to share with us how she chose to spend her "fun" money!
4) The activity has to be under $25/person - and trust me, there are A LOT of fun, unique things to do in and around Edmonton (or wherever you happen to live!)

Rules (I know, not fun, but there has to be something to keep things working!)
1) Every single person in the group MUST commit to the full 10 months - this ensures that it's fair for all of us, and you just don't "take the money and run", so to speak. Note: If someone can't make it (because it does happen), then make sure that they still pay the $50 so that no one misses out on there hostess month gift. Also note: that any extra money left over from a cheaper activity, etc. needs to go with the group. You can then use this towards a more expensive activity or for some drinks at the finish of all months!
2) Be open and willing to try new things - no complaining! We won't do anything that's dangerous, or unsafe (because those activities are WAY more than $25/person!!!). Trust me, you must keep this rule open in your head for the full 10 months (our ladies group has already done Rock climbing, Cooking class, Sumo Suit Wrestling, and a Lap dance class!!)
3) HAVE FUN!

That's it! Easy right, and so much fun. Isn't this an awesome way to escape the every day routine/stresses and give you a chance to try new things, meet new people, and have a lot of fun in the process!!!
Try and get creative with you ideas, but here are some to get you started:
  • Dance (this includes pole dancing classes, lap dance classes, aerobics, etc)
  • Cooking
  • Art (painting, drawing, etc.)
  • Pottery
  • Card Making
  • Outdoor sports (rock climbing, kayaking, etc)
  • Scrap booking
  • Photography
  • Sewing or Crafting
  • Horseback riding
  • Fencing (hey why not!)
  • Karate
  • Swimming
Can anyone think of a few more creative ideas? Let me know!

Girls Night Lap Dance Classes
 **Sorry about the quality of the picture. Crappy camera!

Monday, February 7, 2011

.Shopping.

Plain and simple, I enjoy a good day of retail therapy. But lately it's been satisfied by sitting on my couch, and browsing the web. My gosh there are some wonderful things out there that can ship right to your front door! Can you believe this? You don't have to get all bundled up, drive on our ice packed roads, or brave the crowds at the malls! What a new Wonderful World we live in! Now, I'm sure your thinking "Welcome to the World Erinn" as my 'new' way of shopping isn't so new anymore (or at least since the inception of the Internet!), but my question is this: Why didn't someone show me this before?
Ohh, I know why. Because you know me. Because it's certainly easier to spend all our money on things that I probably don't really need by the click of a button. Click, click, click. It's so easy, but seriously, it feels so good.
Some new Favorites on my 'Hit-List' (notice the huge home decor kick I'm on right now):
1) CB2
I must get this clear console table to go behind my sectional. I would need 2 of them to stretch the length of the sofa, but it would look perfect!

I absolutely MUST get this old-school Abacus Wall art! Would bring that little bit of color in my TV room that it needs!

The hanging Pendent lights would look really cool above our Island in the Kitchen. Yes, please!

 Since I'm re-doing our Home Office, I think this Bamboo dry erase board would be pretty cool. I'm also am loving these clear desk accessories. 

I love the Curved Lamp in the top left picture. Must have this for our TV room. And I'm loving this large twin chair. Something so warm and cozy about it, but with clean crisp lines. I could curl up and read a good book in this chair. BONUS: It turns into a twin sofa bed!
2) ETSY

Beautiful "Words of Wisdom" Picture. Inspiring, and Gorgeous.

Loving this Grey + Mustard Yellow Combo. I'm doing mustard in our TV room, so this would fit in nicely.


A homage to one of my Best Friends who is British.....Would look lovely in my new office.
So true. Very inspiring. Another hit for my office.

3) Melanie Auld Designs
Such classic beauties. I ordered my wedding earrings through this talented lady, and loved the quality of them so much! I'd recommend over and over again. I think these would be a nice addition to my collection.


Sunday, February 6, 2011

.Coca Cola Cake.

I've decided that today is a day for indulging. Since I'm all hopped up on soda anyways, I figured that I'd share a little bit of Chocolate Heaven that I wouldn't normally make. 
If you know me at all, you know that our happy little home doesn't usually stock chips, chocolate, soda, or basically anything that would be deemed "unhealthy" (well, besides the few items I sneak past the guard, aka. the hubby), so today is a very special day. Plus the fact that the Super Bowl is on, which means I'll be eating 'junk' anyways I think we're all allowed to have a guilt free, sinfully sweet day every now and again. So please, make this delicious (and so not 'healthy') cake if you're having a day like today. Hope you Enjoy.

Coca Cola Cake
(adapted from Southern Living)

1  cup  Coca-Cola
1/2  cup  buttermilk
1  cup  butter or margarine, softened
1 3/4  cups  sugar
2  large eggs, lightly beaten
2  teaspoons  vanilla extract
2  cups  all-purpose flour
1/4  cup  cocoa
1  teaspoon  baking soda
1 1/2  cups  miniature marshmallows

1) Combine Coca-Cola and buttermilk; set aside.
2) Beat butter at low speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar; beat until blended. Add egg and vanilla; beat at low speed until blended.

3) Combine flour, cocoa, and soda. Add to butter mixture alternately with cola mixture; begin and end with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended.

4) Stir in marshmallows. Pour batter into a greased and floured 13- x 9-inch pan. Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven; cool 10 minutes.

5) Add your favorite frosting. And try not to eat the whole cake in one sitting.


I'm actually not sure if it's the slightly burnt marshmallows (umm, s'mores anyone?!?) or the magical brew of carbonated cola that's the secret to this tender and tasty texture. Ohh, and believe it or not, this isn't super sweet. Just plain delish!

.Super Bowl Sunday.

Happy Sunday Friends! Or should I say Happy 'Super Bowl' Sunday Friends!
I wish I had some intelligent post for you followed with my educated opinion on who's going to win the game, the stats of each quarterback, or anything relevant to todays HUGE event. But sadly I don't. I simply know nothing about football. So today usually turns to out to be a Giant bucket of chicken wings, beer and clamato, Ceasars, and cheering for the Underdog (always). Pretty darn good Sunday (or any day for that matter), but I always wish I could participate more. That's what got me thinking - Maybe I do know something that would make today a little more fun. Throwing a good ol' fashioned party.Yes, that's something I do know a thing or two about, and well, what better time than to post this lovely party idea. Maybe next year folks.....

Check out this Great Idea for a Ceasar Bar (shown here for a Bloody Mary bar, but you get the idea).

Building your Own Ceasar Bar!

Some Delicious Garnish Ideas: Pickled Asparagus (Yummy!), Pickles, Pepperoni Sticks, Limes, Lemons, Pickled Green Beans (My Favorite), Celery, Olives, and Pepperocinis. 

Love this Idea: Drink Tag and mini Tabasco Bottles tied around the rim! Cute!

Adventurous Idea: Use those new flavored Vodka's such as Tomato Vodka for your liquor of choice!

You can buy this Bloody Mary kit from http://www.etsy.com/listing/66165821/argyle-hail-mary-party-printables for only $3.00!

A Few Great Food Ideas:
-Homemade Salted Pretzels (Recipe in previous posts)
-Veggies + Dips (think healthy: Try different Flavored Hummus - Roasted red peppers, Carmelized onions, Olive, Garlic, etc.)
-Coca Cola Chicken Wings (See recipe in previous posts)
-Popcorn (see varying flavors in previous posts)
-Chili (and don't forget some homemade warm buns!)
-Pulled Pork Sandwichs
-Coleslaw
-Loaded Nachoes

And here's a Fabulous Idea for a Super Bowl Party! May be for the slightly younger crowd, but you can always tweak it to attract the Super Bowl Fanatics.


"We want to take  TIME OUT to thank you for coming"



Always an easy way to add that something extra: Cool napkins rings!



Cute Field Cupcakes!














For more of this cute party check out:
http://karaspartyideas.blogspot.com/search/label/Superbowl%20party%20ideas
Hope your Super Bowl Sunday is fabulous whatever way your spending it.
xx

Friday, February 4, 2011

.Loveliest idea.

So today I feel the need to share one of the best, and most creative ideas I've ever heard of. It's part of a personal project from a friend of mine (we might even be best friends in my mind - she just doesn't know it) and I can't help swoon over each and every photo this fabulous gal takes. You can vary this idea even if you don't have children, or save it for future use (like I am). So here's the idea:
1) Choose a loved one (child, animal, hubby, parent, grandparent, even your entire family)
2) Photograph that loved one each and every day (sound like A LOT of work? Well, tweak it - Do this weekly, or even monthly) for the entire year.
3) Enter the Time and Date of the photo.
4) Add a Caption of activity or feeling being portrayed.
5) Post for all to enjoy!

Party Time

Seriously right! What a cool idea to share with your family and loved ones. I mean, I've only met little Miss Lila once, and I check the following blog every single day  http://lilawashere.com/ . In fact, I look forward to it. It's incredible, and what a beautiful keepsake for her when she grows up. Brilliant Andrea, you keep me coming back for more.
xx
You can also check out more from this creative momma at http://pinksugarphotography.typepad.com/

.all bundled up.