Archive for June, 2009

Congratulations to EMMA – she’ll be receiving a fabulous party package from Party Designers!

My mom always says that more than two people is a party, and that’s exactly what we had for Father’s Day dinner – me, Mom, and Dad. My husband was supposed to join us, but he got called into work. Too bad, because he missed a serious spread! Luckily, there are lots of leftovers…

Spicy Cilantro Hummus
Deluxe Garlic Ribs
Asian Super Slaw
Steamed Potatoes with Thyme
Fabulous Fruit Flan

As much as I’d love to pass everything off as my own – my mom even said that the ribs were better than her recipe – Andrea at Party Designers is the real Hostess With The Mostess behind my Father’s Day dinner. After completing a short survey at Party Designers, including questions about my cooking ability, the type of gathering, how many people will be attending, any special dietary needs, and any foods I’d like to feature and/or exclude from the menu, Andrea put together the amazing menu that you see above. Andrea also supplies detailed recipes, a grocery list, party planning and organizational tips, and a planning schedule, which really help everything go smoothly, even for our little gathering. Take a look at her sample menu and grocery list to see what I mean. I didn’t forget a single ingredient thanks to the grocery list.

Andrea’s love of entertaining and planning is apparent in her attention to detail and personalized party plans, and she can totally help you plan the perfect graduation party, summer BBQ, cocktail party, or any other soiree you have planned this summer. If you’d like Andrea to help with one of your upcoming parties, she’s graciously offered to plan a menu for one lucky winner! You’ll receive a mouth-watering menu with recipes, grocery list and planning schedule, as well as planning and party tips that you can use for any gathering.

Here’s how to enter:

  • Leave a comment and let Andrea know what upcoming event you need help planning.
  • Follow @CorrinRenee and @PartyDesigner on Twitter
  • Twitter the following:

@CorrinRenee @PartyDesigner please help me plan my next party! http://tinyurl.com/ndvuts

Please leave a separate comment for each entry! And consider subscribing to my feed because I have a few other awesome giveaways up my sleeve this summer!

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The fine print…Entries will be accepted until midnight, Friday, June 26th. Winners will be chosen at random and announced on Saturday, June 27th. Winners will be contacted by email and/or Twitter and will have 48 hours to respond. Please use your real first name and a valid email address when entering. I am not responsible for incorrect contact information. Winner will receive a gift card directly from Party Designers.


filed under This and That, Yum Yum

The anniversary video that I made for Mike was such a hit that I thought it only appropriate that I make one for my dad for Father’s Day. There’s some pretty funny pictures and I went to great lengths to pick a song that wouldn’t make any one cry, so try not to tear up, okay?

Be warned that my naked two-year-old self makes an appearance. You’ll have officially seen it all once you’ve watched the video.



filed under Oldie Moldies

We’re beverage purists in our home – water, juice, and (occasionally) cola line our refrigerator shelves. To this day, I’ve never had an energy drink (and that includes Mountain Dew – if you can believe that) because I’ve always thought them to be loaded with sugar and empty calories, and they aren’t cheap either! But lately I’ve been hearing Twitter and blog buzz about BluFrog – a healthy energy drink with only 68 calories! It’s full of organic fruits, vitamins, and herbs and comes in a slim 8.3 oz can. I’m looking forward to trying BlueFrog at IZEAfest this October, where they are one of the official sponsors!

blucanUntil then, BluFrog is giving away five amazing trips on their blog, http://itsabluworld.com. Whether you’re a gamer, an extreme sports fanatic, a speed demon, have an ear for music, or love the big apple, BluFrog has an adventure for you. There’s three ways to win – comment on their blog, send out a message on Twitter, and blog about the contest. A company after my own heart – that’s for sure!

I’m torn between the trip to see Lollapalooza in my home town and the trip to New York City to ring in the new year in Times Square! Both include airfare, swanky hotels, and lots of entertainment. And I’m sure they’ll be a can of two of BluFrog waiting in your room when you arrive!

Have you tried BluFrog? What do your taste buds think? Which trip would you choose?

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filed under Buy Buy Buy, Ciao Baby, Yum Yum

iNV 4C LogoI’m a big fan of Nature Valley granola bars. They are high in protein and really fill me up when I’m trying to cut out the junk, so they are always on my grocery list – Honey ‘n Oat and Almond Crunch are my favorites. When MyBlogSpark asked if I wanted to sample all four flavors of Nature Valley’s new Granola Nut Clusters – Honey Roasted Peanut, Roasted Almond, Nut Lovers, and Roasted Cashew – I was quick to jump on the opportunity. Try a new product? From one of my favorite companies? For free? Yes, please!

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The samples arrived yesterday and I’m almost embarrassed to admit that all four bags are nearly empty – they are that good. All four flavors are the perfect combination of salty and sweet, and they’d be great for a snack or with a cup of hot coffee for breakfast.

Mike quickly bogarted the bag of Honey Roasted Peanut – and even threw another bag in the cart when we went to the grocery last night! That right there is the biggest endorsement Nature Valley Granola Nut Custer can get because my husband normally doesn’t eat anything found in nature, and these are 100% natural.

Thanks to MyBlogSpark and Nature Valley for the samples – they are delish and are a new favorite in our house!


filed under Buy Buy Buy, Yum Yum

Fun, Crafts and RecipesI’m playing catch-up this week (or ketchup, if that’s more FFOF appropriate). You can jump in any time by visiting Fun Crafts and Recipes for the latest Four Foods on Friday questions!

Last week:

1, Kelly’s question. What is your favorite memory associated with the smell of a certain food? As in, you smell it, close your eyes and are instantly drawn back to a magical moment in time….

When I smell cinnamon and sugar, I think of the roasted nut carts at Disney World.

2. Name something red that is in your cabinets.

Mike’s favorite glass. A red plastic IU beer mug.

3. Ice. Do you have an ice maker, use ice cube trays or buy by the bag?

No ice at home, unless I’m at my parent’s house and use their crushed ice maker.

4. Pepper. What kind do you use most often? Is it in a grinder or a shaker?

Grinder. It’s extra peppery from the grinder.

This week:

1. bestmomma’s question. If you could copy the cooking expertise and ability of one person, who would it be?

Julia Child, of course! She cooked some nasty shit (re: anything submerged in gelatin – especially meat) but she was amazing!

2. What’s the first red food that comes to your mind?

Cherries. Just bought some at the grocery last night!

3. How do you eat your strawberries?

With sugar.

4. Share a recipe that uses cherries.cherry muffins

I eat my cherries straight up, but my mom makes Cherry Merry Muffins (I don’t think this is the exact recipe – but it’s close):

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup red candied cherries, chopped

Directions:

In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the egg, yogurt and extract. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into creamed mixture just until moistened. Fold in cherries.

Fill greased or paper-lined miniature muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Yield: about 2 dozen.

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filed under Yum Yum