How to win a Halloween Costume Contest

I am typically not very competitive but I love the idea of winning a Halloween Costume Contest. My parents won when my son, their first grandchild, was born. He was born a few days before Halloween so they wore baseball caps that said "I am a grandma" and "I am a grandpa" and then developed photos of my son on 16 x 20 foam board and wore them around their necks! They were so cute and everyone was impressed with their creativity! Here are few tips so that you can take home the prize:

• Before you begin planning your costume, find out how you are going to be judged and what the prize categories are. Also ask about the judges!
• Costumes that make people laugh or that are based on current events are always a hit.
• Do research on the web and find out what details could set your costume apart from the crowd.
• Know your strengths. If you can sew, then put that skill to use. If you are good with tools, then add on bells and whistles!
• Get into character. Have fun with your costume and act the part. Take on the voice, tone and personality of your costume. It isn't just what you wear but how you wear it!

Renting a Tux? Here is a road map....

Are you going to need a rent a tux this fall?  Here is a road map to help you navigate the rental road!

1. Be sure to plan ahead.  You should head in to a rental shop anywhere from four to eight weeks ahead to have your measurements taken.

2. Having the right fit means your tux will be more flattering!

3. If you are making plans to dress a wedding party, be sure to pick a store that has multiple locations across the county.  It will be easier to find the inventory for your crew but it will also be easier for your out of town buddies to get their measurements taken.  If they don't have a location in your pal's hometown, ask the shop for a list of necessary measurements.  Your groomsman can take that to a local tailor and have them fill it in.

4. Budget between $100 and $200.  This should include everything you will need from head to toe including socks and shoes!

5. For the most formal look, ask about a white tie option with tails!  For a day time wedding, ask about a formal morning suit.

6. Don't forget to return it!

Partners Card: A time to support, shop, and celebrate

Partners Card is an opportunity to feel great about treating yourself while giving back to the community. It allows us to support one wonderful foundation while being thanked by the 750 stores and restaurants that grant us a 20% discount, from October 29th all the way through November 7th. The Partners Card event is a 10 day span, during which, you can purchase a card for just $60, and then 100% of the collected earnings from the cards purchased go to The Family Place. The Family Place is the largest anti- violence service provider in the Dallas area. They provide emergency shelter, crisis counseling, and perform interventions in order to improve and save the lives of children, women, and men.

I was curious to learn more about how The Family Place distributed and transformed the money earned into a beneficial experience for the thousands who sought a life without violence. I wanted to know more and dig a little deeper so I called my friend Nancy. Nancy contributes to RSVPCalendar.com blog and I thought she might be able to tell me a bit about the services that The Family Place provides. I was so excited when she got back to me with more than just a bit of information. She responded with more answers than questions asked! Then she also connected me with Melissa, the Development Director at The Family Place.

I couldn’t wait to share with all of you, the information, which these two amazing ladies compiled for me. So for those of your who have participated in Partners card for the past 17 years, here is what you have been supporting and for those of you who have not yet taken part in the amazing opportunity, here are some reasons to join in:

-One Partners Card purchased for $60 pays for one night of shelter at The Family Place.

-The shelter has services and housing for both the 30 day program and the transitional program

-When clients first come to TFP, they go through the 30 day program of counseling. Some have a place to stay. For those that don't, they can stay at the shelter.

-Clients can apply for the transitional program which is 18-24months. TFP can help them learn job skills through a community college. There is also housing at the shelter as well as throughout Dallas. They will also continue to get counseling as well as learn life skills such as budgeting, dressing for success.

-There is both a child care and elementary school through 2nd grade (soon to be 3rd) on campus.

-Other services TFP provides: Counseling for children and adults affected by family violence whether they remain at the shelter or not. Some people have places to stay.Counseling for batterers. A program for teens that teaches about dating violence, bullying.

With the increased pressure of the bad economy, there are more people than ever affected by family violence that had to be turned away b/c there wasn't any room. So Partners Card and its success is more critical than ever!

Visit a participating retailer or The Family Place website to purchase your Partners Card before October 29th!

On line invitations has gone to a new level!

I am often asked how I feel about emailing invitations.  I actually have such a passion for paper that I prefer snail mail but I completely understand that email is often the way to go these days!  One of the things that makes me happy about on-line invitations are the great design elements that can be found from websites like PaperlessPost.com and CoCoDot.com.    I love the new Halloween designs at CoCoDot!  They are so adorable and you will have plenty of time to get something sent out for a trick or treat night!
CoCoDot is a lot like Evite but it is ad-free and has 1000's of fantastic designs.  You can add your own music, edit fonts and colors, upload photos and logos and track and manage your replies.  You can even send it out via Facebook!  The monthly memberships start at $4.95.
But if you are like me and you still want to send something via the postman, CoCoDot's chic designs can be printed on eco-friendly papers with non-toxic inks!

Feather Your Nest!

It is Feather Your Nest time again and this luncheon is going to be wonderful!  I can hardly wait to hear my good friend and etiquette expert Colleen Rickenbacher speak.  Colleen is certified in so many ways.  The letters CMP, CSEP, CPC, and CTA all follow her name so you know she is an expert among experts!!!
I truly hope to meet you at our next event!

Colleen A. Rickenbacher, CMP, CSEP, CPC, CTA
November 12, 2010

Etiquette and Protocol:
Just in Time for the Holidays

Holidays should be a time of togetherness with friends and family, but so many of us associate the holidays with stress, excessive spending, too many trips to the mall, fighting for a parking space, crowds, airplane trips with overweight luggage, attending all those holiday parties and trying to figure out what to wear.

Holidays should be a wonderful time, but at times we let the moment get away from us.

Colleen would love to help with a few suggestions to help bring back the holiday cheer:

• The holiday office parties including exchanging gifts, gifts for the hosts, what to wear,
  and when to arrive (and leave), or should you even attend?
• RSVPs and thank you notes
• Gifts for your children's teacher for the holidays
• Having gifts in reserve and "regifting." What happens if you are given a gift and do not
  have one in return?
• Holiday cards
• Tipping for the holidays

All of this and much more can be very tricky including how much do you spend, do you continue to give a gift to a person you are not as close over the past year, do you give the boss a gift and does the boss give his/her employees a gift? Remember that this special time of the year is shared and celebrated differently by various cultures and religions, so handling them properly will help avoid any faux pas.

Come and share this interactive luncheon to ask questions you have always wondered or to gain a little insight to help make this time of the year more enjoyable. Keep the holidays fun and a time to share with family and friends.

Colleen A. Rickenbacher, CMP, CSEP, CPC, CTA

Colleen Rickenbacher is a business owner, author, speaker, trainer and consultant.

Speaking engagements on the importance of protocol and etiquette in your professional and personal life have taken Colleen around the World. She can be seen and heard regularly on national television and radio.

Colleen was recognized by Meeting News Magazine as One of the Top 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry. Most recently she was inducted into the Hall of Fame and awarded the Lifetime Achievement designation by Texas Meetings & Events magazine, which is their highest honor.

Her book Be On Your Best Business Behavior covers all areas of practical business and dining skills. The tips she provides will strengthen your image and provide the necessary guidelines to you and/or your organization.

Be On Your Best Cultural Behavior covers the proper etiquette and protocol in 33 countries. These guidelines will allow you to navigate globally in our international climate whether you do business in other countries, visit for pleasure, work or entertain guests in your own backyard.

Her latest book with co-author Edward Scannell is The Big Book of People Skills Games(McGraw Hill). These quick and effective activities are designed for making great impressions, boosting problem-solving skills and improving customer service.

Colleen has achieved her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), her Certified Protocol Consultant (CPC), and most recently her Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA).

Click here to register!

Girls' Night In

Recently, one of my girl friends decided that for her birthday she definitely wanted to celebrate, but she didn't want anything too elaborate- to be quite honest, she really preferred not to go out at all. My first thought was, how are we going to celebrate without going out or throwing a dinner party? But then I thought about how we used to celebrate our birthdays before we got to the point in our lives when dinner parties were common and going out for drinks wasn't an option, due to legal restrictions, of course. Then the idea sparked. We can have a girls' night in! We're never too old for a girls' night and I don't think we'll ever forget the essentials for throwing a successful girls' night in...or even a slumber party! If I think back to the last time I attended a planned night in, completely dedicated to relaxation and indulgence, with only girlfriends, the first things I remember are movies, chocolate, and comfy nightwear. So here are some suggestions for how you can throw a proper girls night or slumber party for you and your friends!

Shoe Check: Instead of a coat check have your guests check their shoes at the door for a more comfy pair of slippers or flips flops. When purchasing the footwear keep in mind your friends’ sizes, but don’t stress if the size isn’t perfect. Slippers aren’t restricting so you can even find slippers that come in sizes small, medium, or large. If you are really unsure about the sizing always get a larger size to be safe.

Chocolate!: Chocolate is a must at any night with girlfriends. Whether the night consists of you and just one friend, or in this instance, a whole party of girlfriends. Spoon Fudge is a delicious chocolate treat that I came across and let me tell you, it is almost dangerous! All it is, is a jar of smooth, decadent fudge that can be paired with fruit or baked in with snacks, but the best part of all is the spoon that comes along with it! Why is that the best part? Because it's inviting you to eat the fudge right from the jar, guilt free! You can have one 5oz. jar for just $5.95 or if you plan on having a party, you'll probably need two jars for only $10.95...oh, and the yummy fudge comes in 15 different flavors!

Drinks: The drink options have changed a bit. Our list has expanded beyond colas, juices, and hot chocolate. It might be nice to still include those beverages, but what I love for a girls’ night, and think would be perfect for a birthday occasion, is individual size champagne bottles. Champagne is always festive and these mini bottles are just so easy, and cute!

Sleeping arrangements: Invite your friends to spend the night. After a couple of champagne minis it might be a must! But if the girls do not feel like reverting back to their high school and college days (or should I say, nights) of sleeping on couches, then it is just as cute to suggest to have their husbands pick them up at the end of the evening. Sort of reminiscent of when our fathers were responsible for that task.

Movie list: Let's just have on record, all of these may not be my favorite movies but they are great movies to watch with your girlfriends!

-Pretty Woman

-Bridget Jones' Diary

-When Harry Met Sally

-My Best Friend's Wedding

-The Holiday

-Sleepless in Seattle

-Terms of Endearment

-Breakfast at Tiffany's

-or you could do a marathon of a season of one of your favorite shows! I spent a whole night watching season one of Glee with a girlfriend!

Goody bags: I can't sleep with out an eye mask over my eyes! I travel with them and have a few in my bed side table! I was so pleased with the unique shape of a silk one I recieved as a gift one time. The shape was perfect because it didn't leave little lines on my cheeks! I haven't been able to find any more to purchase so I had some made instead! I used vintage silk scarves that I found at the flea market in Paris and new silk on the back. The fun color combinations and unique shape have been so popular that I started selling them! If you want one for yourself, you can email me at rsvp@rsvpcalendar.com or stop into the Linen Boutique at 5500 West Lovers Lane in Dallas. ($65)

Now that you had a little sneak peak into my planned girls' night in, maybe it's time for you to throw one for you and your girlsfriends! It will be so fun and you deserve it!

Win Wednesday! Willliam Yeoward's "At Home"

I have been a big William Yeoward fan for quite some time now. I love all of the treasures in his tabletop and entertaining line but I especially love his books! He has a great style all of his own and I am so happy that my sister, Kari, recently registered for some of his crystal so that I can borrow it!

One thing I won't need to borrow is his new book William Yeoward At Home and you won't need to borrow one either if you win our give away! Check out the end our our blog for entry details and good luck!

Here are a few of William Yeoward's tips for entertaining:

-Alfresco dining is perfect for an October in Texas. Yeoward writes that "fresh air sharpens one's taste buds." Take a peek at my Fine Living video on Al Fresco Entertaining.

-Make pillows and cushions for your dining benches and chairs from remnants of damaged tablecloths.

-Use tall glasses or pitchers as vases for a casual alfresco style.

-"Dining rooms are like chameleons - their appearance can be changed to suit different circumstances." For Yeoward, setting the dining room table is all about establishing ambiance. The items you use and the style you set will determine the mood of the dinner.

- I wholeheartedly agree with Yeoward when he writes "don't be shy, bring out the best china and crystal, reach for the silver, light the candles." Your beautiful things are meant to be enjoyed!

For a chance to meet Mr. Yeoward and to have him sign a copy of his book, his crystal, or glass, you can stop in to Madison (45A Highland Park Village, Dallas 75205) on Thursday, October 21st from Ten until Two o'clock or call 214-528-8118 to order your autographed copy.

For a chance to win a copy of William Yoeward At Home you can please follow my blog or sign up for my newsletter. If you already do both, you can enter by leaving a comment here!

October isn't only about candy and costumes...

There is a much more cuddly cause to celebrate! This month is the American Humane Association's Adopt- A- Dog Month.

Adopting a pet is certainly the farthest thing from a new idea but chances are, it probably would be new for most of us to truly consider driving down to the nearest shelter to pick out a pup. I know how unreasonable it might be to ask if you would just hop in your car, on a whim, to take in an animal that requires your love and attention. However, if you and your family have been contemplating a canine addition then hopefully you can keep open minds and hearts while I tell you some reasons for, and benfits of adopting a dog from your nearest shelter.
-Many shelters offer great support services to answer anything and everything you would like to know about your future family member. These people are all animal lovers and would love nothing more than to educate you on caring for your pet. The shelters usually assess each of the dogs for a full week so that they can tell you facts about their compatability with your lifestyle.

-Many of the dogs in shelters are already trained or housebroken. This is because many of these dogs, actually 80% of them, are in the shelter due to previous, unfit living situations. Some of the animals were given away because the families were moving into a new home or because they were expecting a child and didn't think that it would be responsible to keep an energetic dog around their baby.

-You will have done a good thing by saving a life.

So if you are considering adopting a dog, here are some good questions to ask to ensure a positive experience for both you and your pet:

1. What size dog is the best fit for my lifestyle?

2. Ask about each dog's general behavior. What is the dog's personality like? What are his habits? What is his temprament like? What will I feed him?

3. Something that we rarely think about is the size of our property in relation to the size of our pet. Yes, the size of your home might cross your mind, but your dog is going to need to have some space outdoors as well. Large dogs do not just want to have the freedom to run around, but they also need the exercise in order to live a long and healthy life.

All of these dogs can be adopted today and it's as easy as going to Operation Kindness' website.

The sham is over!

When we go shopping for linens the stress and confusion can overpower the excitement of it all. I know what a dust ruffle, sham, and duvet are, but thread count, ply, matelasse, percale..those terms can persuade me to break out my acting skills. Not knowing the terminology that backs the world of bed linens can be embarrassing at times, but more importantly, it can cause you to purchase something without knowing if it’s what you want or need. SFERRA has come to our rescue and will allow us to hold our heads high while we shop for our new 500 thread count (that’s 500 threads per square inch), Egyptian cotton (A variety of cotton, grown in the Nile region, known for its extra long staples, and is the finest quality in the world) pillow cases.

SFERRA educates us on the “anatomy of a bed” and gives video tips for learning how to care for your linens properly. They tell the importance of changing your bed with the seasons, how we can improve our bedroom comfort, and they even discuss hints for folding a fitted sheet. My friend, Ronda Carmen, creator of www.AllTheBestBlog.com first told me about SFERRA's thread count tips.    It's always so difficult to pick out new sheets while getting lost in the labels of linen language.  Thank you Ronda because the SFERRA site's section on bed anatomy taught me to add a blanket between my sheets and duvet for warmth and color, and we should welcome accents like a cashmere throws (or any soft blanket) to our clean, monochromatic bedding.

Here is what I learned from SFERRA's Loose Count Video:

Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch.  The higher the count, the better right?  Well, not exactly!  There are really four more important elements to take into consideration: wieght, fiber, finish and feel.

Weight - Weight preferences can vary from season to season.  I like a light sheet almost year round in Texas but if you live in a cooler climate, you might want to select something heavier in the winter.

Fiber - The finer the fiber, the finer the sheet.  Egyptian cotton is the best!  Look for that label when buying new linens.

Finish - A linen's texture, color and softness are all developed during the finishing process.  Most luxury linen companies keep their finishing techniques top secret and it is really considered an art form!

Feel - Everyone's taste is different so put some thought into the feel that you are longing for.  I love sheets that are "angel soft" but I have friends who prefer real linen for it's crispness!  What do you like?


If you still need more clarification on your bedding vocabulary, check out SFERRA's bedding glossary.

Alfresco Entertaining-Fine Living

Lee Jofa and de la Renta together at last...

Oscar de la Renta’s collections are filled with timeless pieces and the structure of each garment is simply unparalleled by most high fashion designers’. When you wear his creations, from his sunglasses and accessories to his ball gowns and outerwear, de la Renta allows his clients, followers, and admirers to feel powerful and luxurious. With that said, when I heard that Oscar was partnering with Lee Jofa to launch Oscar de la Renta Home, my heart rate must have jumped to dangerous levels. On top of that exciting news came something truly thrilling! The skirts, which were designed exclusively for Lee Jofa’s announcement regarding the release of the new Home collection, are going to be auctioned off for charity until November 30, 2010. The proceeds from the auction will go to Casa del Nino, a wonderful charity completely benefiting children of the Dominican Republic.
The skirts are all handmade by Oscar, himself, and the make- up of each designer size 4 skirt is a combination of linen and silk fabrics, accented with intricate beading and embroidery, accompanied by velvet and linen stripes. Extraordinary creations complimented by a philanthropic twist. What could be more beautiful?

Let's make the most of this halloween tradition!

So last Halloween, if you can recall, I posted an entry and aired a radio segment on how to avoid the messiness of the season's tradition- pumpkin carving. This year, however, I've decided that confronting the untidy task is a must! Carving Jack-o-lanterns is a fun project for our kids and we can make delicious snacks out of the remaining seeds when the lantern is lit and the mess is cleaned up. So here, I have put together a few reasons why we should welcome one day of chaos in the kitchen during this Halloween season:


It will be fun to carve a pumpkin with your kids while you tell them the history or story of the Jack-o-lantern. It might also be a fun conversation starter at dinner. The story varies depending on your source but here is the true history of the Jack-o-lantern:

• Jack-o-lanterns originated in Ireland and were carved out of turnips, pears, and gourds. In order to make the Jack-o-lantern glow, lumps of burning coal were placed inside of the hollowed fruit. It was then traditional to place the lantern on the porch or in a window to ward off any unwanted spirits. Some say it also welcomed the spirits of passed loved ones (I like that notion better). By the late 1800s, after the Europeans began settling in America, the tradition of the Jack-o-lantern began to spread, but when people discovered that pumpkins made for easier carving, it became more common to see a large orange lantern carved rather than the smaller turnips, pears, or gourds. Because the pumpkins were larger it was also more practical to use a candle to light the lantern instead of burning coal. As a result of the old Irish tradition, today, we place our festive pumpkins outside to celebrate such a fun part of the year- Halloween!

Everyone likes a good monogram so why not get creative with your pumpkins and carve your family's initials into this year's Jack-o-lantern. Take a look at these sorority pumpkins that inspired my monogramming idea! It's so simple and they will definitely stand out amongst the others' to really impress your trick or treaters!



This should be reason enough for us to want to carve our pumpkins this year! Pumpkin seeds are a tasty treat and so easy to make. Here is a recipe that I found from Martha Stewart's friend, Emeril. Try just one batch of these and you will fall in love!


Ingredients you will need:
1 1/3 cups pumpkin seeds, cleaned and rinsed
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper


The directions for baking a variation of pumpkin seeds that you might even take on as a tradition:


-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
-Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Combine the pumpkin seeds with the garlic
powder, salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper on prepared baking sheet and toss to
combine.
-Bake for about 15 minutes, or until seeds are crispy and light golden brown.
-Remove from the oven and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to release any seeds that have
stuck to the baking sheet, and cool completely before serving.
-Roasted seeds will keep in an airtight storage container for up to 1 week.

Cook's Note: recipe may be scaled up proportionately.

Now that we have these three great ideas, I think we should relax about the dreaded mess and replace the thought with excitement! Let's get carving!

Pick the Perfect Pumpkin!

Picking the perfect pumpkin is actually easier than it sounds! A trip to the Pumpkin Patch is a fun filled rite of passage for the Fall Season but how do you know which pumpkin to purchase? Here are few simple tips to help:

• Select a pumpkin that is completely orange. A partially green pumpkin might not ripen any further.
• A ripe pumpkin has a hard shell taht does not dent or scratch easily when pressing on it with a thumbnail. Do this on the bottom of the fruit.
• Examine the entire pumpkin carefully for soft spots. If you find even one soft spot, go on the the next pumpkin.
• Size is an important factor in pumpkin picking. Medium pumpkins are best for carving a jack-o-lantern. Small pumpkins are best for cooking.
• Selecting the shape is a matter of personal preference. Some like tall and others like round! Often, people select shapes to fit the carving patterns they will use. As you make your selection, try to picture your carving on the pumpkin and use it's shape for inspiration.
• Check the pumpkin for cracks or splits.

Shopping for a pumpkin can be scary! Here are few tips to take the edge off:

• Bring a small wagon with you. It is a much easier way to haul both pumpkins and tired kids!
• Wear boots or old sneakers. It can often be wet and muddy at the pumpkin patch.
• Have fun with it!

Visit www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org to find a pumpkin patch in your area!

Michael's Great Pumpkin Event is taking place from 10 to 1 on the 10th of October. Visit a Michael's store in your area and you will get everything you need to decorate your pumpkin for only $5! Visit www.Michaels.com for details.

Halloween made easy with DIY decor

Sometimes it's difficult to decorate the interior of your home for Halloween. Our friend at Simplified Bee always has the best advice for how to avoid the clutter and soften your Halloween decor with sophistication. The amazing part is that you can do it all yourself!

With this eye- catching ivy mantel arrangement your home will appear well- dressed for the holiday without giving you even the slightest urge to wince! How do you achieve this clean and almost elegant look? It is so easy!

• Purchase three small/medium pumpkins. You can usually buy them in the lighter tint, as pictured above, or you can paint your orange pumpkins, white.
  


• With marker, write the letters, "B" "O" and "O," onto the light colored pumpkins.



• Use black spray paint to color either artificial or real ivy, then arrange the pieces however you'd like them. Be sure not to go overboard though. The heaviness can cause the crowded look that we are trying to avoid.

If you are planning a casual Halloween gathering or even a dinner party around the holiday, then this mini tree with hanging gift bags will add so much charm to the evening! You can fill them with anything from candy to gift soaps.


To create the Halloween tree all you have to do is...

• Place foam securely into a pot
  
• Find sturdy fallen branches outside (or you can buy artificial branches) and stick them into the foam.
• After the tree has been created, add aesthetic appeal by covering the foam with either decorative stones or crunched autumn leaves.
• Hang the gift bags carefully and evenly amongst the tree.

Two things that are immediately associated with Halloween are candy and pumpkins, but it's not very often that we can think of ways to mix the pair. Well, Martha Stewart has created candy jars with pumpkin lids! These adorable candy holders are not only functional but they are also decorative.

Tools and Materials
Good & Plenty
Miniature marshmallows
Twizzler licorice bites (Black)
Gummy teeth
Licorice wheels
Candy corn
Neapolitan licorice
Ball pins
Glass canisters
Scissors
Small pumpkin

Halloween-Candy Face
How-To:

1. Secure the candy to the pumpkin with ball pins that match the color of the treats so they aren't too noticeable.
Tip: Chewy candy is easier to bend and snip.
2. Place pumpkin on glass canisters or reuse large glass jars for candy.




I hope these decorating ideas will inspire you this Halloween season!

Soccer Season, Simple Snacks

Soccer season is approaching which means it's time to begin preparing for soccer snack duty. Half of the excitement for our children on the field is the re- energizing treat that breaks up the tiresome game or the special snack that gets packed up in the car with them when the event is all over. Why don't we really excite the kids this soccer season by making homemade (or semi- homemade) treats! All it really takes is fifteen extra minutes to prepare something that will make their tummies rumble and their eyes light up! Here are a few ideas that are quick and easy for mom but still special for our little athletes.


Soccer Cupcakes

If you don't already have the tools required to make this fun cupcake that I found on Wilton.com, then it might take a bit more ambition than the cute snacks suggested below. Cupcakes, however, are never an overly difficult dessert to make so if you have the time then you might want to give these a try!

Soccer Ball Cookies

All this adorable snack, from Dipity, requires is store bought cookies (any flavor) and some white and black icing to add the soccer snack touch! If you have the time, you can add each player's name or their uniform number to the cookie; otherwise the soccer ball cookie stands alone nicely without personalization.

Soccer Oreos

When I saw these on CoutureParties' Twitter, I thought they were the perfect combination of unique and simple. This idea is so cute and with the help of your little soccer player, the process can be completed in just minutes! All you need is one package of Oreos, little sugary soccer balls, and a bag of white chocolate buttons.

Sweet Treat Halloween Bags

Since I have Halloween on my mind I think it would only be appropriate throw in a pumpkin or candy theme! You can purchase little cellophane bags with Halloween patterns on them and fill the bags with candy. The kids will be thrilled and their parents will think the Halloween twist is adorable, or at the very least, creative!

• After sustained activity, children are at their hungriest so I understand how parents might find post- soccer game to be a good opportunity for introducing veggies and other healthy foods into their children's diet. If that sounds like you then maybe you'd like to replace the candy with a snack like Goldfish, pretzles, or maybe even some pumpkin seeds. The Halloween bags will be just as fun!
  
  

For all of you non-DIYers out there, no need to let your nerves run rampant. There are plenty of cute options that will leave you in a positive light, radiating creativity! This adorable (and yummy) Halloween ghost cookie is only $5 from eatZi's. Just one stop at the bakery will have your soccer snack set in no time!

With these crowd pleasing snacks your kids are sure to stay happy and energized!

The RSVP Calendar

The RSVP Calendar is very dear to me. It was established decades ago by women in our city who recognized the need for a social calendar in Dallas. The calendar was originally printed and mailed on a subscription and quarterly basis. I purchased the calendar in 1999 and quickly found that in mere weeks after the calendar was mailed, the phone was frequently ringing with event detail changes and cancellations.


I immediately began envisioning a new interactive online calendar that would allow changes to be made quickly while serving as an up-to-the-minute resource for the most recent information on happenings in Dallas & Collin County. When the calendar launched online, guests were then able to conveniently submit their events and changes in an instant. Today, thousands visit the calendar to submit their events, find the best date to schedule an event in the future, or to learn what is going on each week in their city. The calendar has expanded into a blog and newsletter as well! I hope you enjoy the RSVP Calendar as much as I enjoy expanding it. I'm not sure what my personal calendar would look like without it!

The RSVP Calendar

The RSVP Calendar is very dear to me. It was established decades ago by women in our city who recognized the need for a social calendar in Dallas. The calendar was originally printed and mailed on a subscription and quarterly basis. I purchased the calendar in 1999 and quickly found that in mere weeks after the calendar was mailed, the phone was frequently ringing with event detail changes and cancellations.


I immediately began envisioning a new interactive online calendar that would allow changes to be made quickly while serving as an up-to-the-minute resource for the most recent information on happenings in Dallas & Collin County. When the calendar launched online, guests were then able to conveniently submit their events and changes in an instant. Today, thousands visit the calendar to submit their events, find the best date to schedule an event in the future, or to learn what is going on each week in their city. The calendar has expanded into a blog and newsletter as well! I hope you enjoy the RSVP Calendar as much as I enjoy expanding it. I'm not sure what my personal calendar would look like without it!

Tailgating Time! Five Star Tailgate Recipe Included!

Tailgating Time has arrived!  Our weather has been gorgeous and the football has been fantastic!  

Here are few tips for a tailgate with tailored style:

I am obsessed with this Vintage Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler from Orvis.  It is $149 but well worth it for the size and the charm!  It is a timeless way to keep your drinks cool!  I found it while searching for an alternative to our cooler which Justin claims isn't deep enough to hold the "things he needs" inside.

Instead of napkins, pack up a few inexpensive Dish Towels! Some of them are simple and charming and will be perfect for wiping rib-stained hands and faces!  Many are so inexpensive that you can throw them away at the end of your party!

Cover your table or the ground in this classic white check tablecloth from Sur La Table.  Using a cloth will add charm and style to your tailgate!  

Provide seating for your guests.  I love to use bamboo folding chairs when I need more seating.  They are comfy and they look terrific with any style of decor!  Check out POSH Event Rentals for a selection to suit your event.  

Don't forget the music!  Add a radio to your list of supplies so that you can play your favorite tunes or catch the pre-game talk.  

Set up a trash can in plain sight so that your guests will be able to keep your space tidy.  You can add some decals in your teams colors!  

Dress the part:  Don't forget to wear your team's colors and celebrate in style!  This doesn't mean that you need to wear a jersey!  You can look just as spirited dressed in grey jeans and a navy sweater (Go Cowboys!)

We are super duper lucky to have a recipe for "The Best Baby Back Ribs" from master chef Ben Ackland.  Ben is a family friend of mine with an amazing resume that spans the globe.  The amazing thing about Ben is that this true gentleman grew up in the UK and works in five star spots but still has a passion for Tailgating!  Pretty cool to have a five-star Tailgate recipe!

The Best Baby Back Ribs

Serves 4 people

Ingredients:

2 racks pork baby back ribs

For the Rub:

1tbsp kosher salt

1tbsp course ground black pepper

2tbsp soft brown sugar

1tbsp smoked paprika

½ tbsp cayenne pepper

1tsp onion powder

For the Sauce:

½ quart tomato ketchup

½ cup soy sauce

1 cup honey

1 small tin chipotle peppers

1 tbsp Worcester sauce

½ cup pineapple juice

Method:

Pre heat the oven to 250f

The first part of this dish is to prepare the ribs. I usually give them a rinse when I take them out of the packet, to wash off any unwanted debris or blood that accumulates in the bags. I then pat the ribs dry with some paper towel. Turn over the ribs and check to see if the membrane has been removed from the back of the ribs.  If not score the membrane with a sharp knife and peel of the it off.

Mix together all of the dry ingredients and rub into both sides of the ribs

Next the ribs must be wrapped in parchment paper and then aluminum foil.

Pinch the edges of the ribs to create an airtight envelope.

Place the ribs in the oven and set the timer for 2¾ hrs

For the Sauce:

Reduce the pineapple juice in a saucepan and add the other sauce ingredients. Cook for 10 mins on a medium heat so all of the flavours mingle.

Next blend the sauce with a hand blender. Be careful not to splatter any of the sauce on yourself. It will burn!

When to ribs are out of the oven let them cool down in the aluminum foil packets.

Preheat the BBQ.

When you are ready to eat, take the ribs out of the packets and and place them on the grill face down.

Using a brush, apply the BBQ sauce to the ribs liberally.

Turn the ribs every 3 mins and keep brushing on the sauce to form a glaze.

When the ribs are piping hot all the way through they are ready to serve.  

Centsational inspiration for ready set redesign!

I have seen few things as impressive as this! Yes, Martha Stewart is phenomenal and genius with home design, but I've discovered an individual who is truly centsational!


Spelled correctly, Centsational Girl, is a blog written by Kate, ex- attorney and a mother of three, turned DIY blogger. A recent Centsational Girl blog post that caught my attention was her entry that was completely dedicated to spray painting. One can of paint will transform your thrifty finds into one-of-a-kind pieces...as long as you follow Kate's instruction, of course.Take a look at this tired looking chair on the left. Can you believe the gorgeous white chair on the right is the same piece? That is, after Kate got her crafty hands on it!


And this charming French- style nightstand...

[before]

[after]So aside from being temporarily stunned, mesmerized, and impressed by these images, I was also inspired by the tips and answers that Centsational Girl shared with her readers. Here you can find out more about spray painting projects and if you find one you like you may want to make a weekend out of it! For now, here are some of the tidbits that I found most helpful and fun!

When we imagine spray paint the first place we probably imagine it is on the outer brick walls of dilapidated buildings, but after reading Centsational Girl I was enlightened! Spray paint can be used on plenty of surfaces other than the one mentioned above. When Kate was questioned about the types of materials that can be transformed beautifully by spray paint, here is what she responded with:

• Plastic, metal, fiberglass, mirror, glass, wood, wicker, masonry, plaster, concrete, canvas, ceramics, MDF, laminate and particle board.

Her tips on how to avoid messy drips were also helpful. Instead of using one thick coat of spray paint, it's much more effective to take the time to paint two thin layers. The way I think about it is similar to the way nail polish works. One thick coat looks terrible and you can tell it was done unprofessionally but two thin layers look fresh like a brand new manicure!

If you've had experience spray painting but didn't find much success then Centsational Girl has wonderful tips for how to bounce back and recover! For cracks, wrinkles, bumps, and bubbles, Centsational Girl suggests a coat of oil based primer.

For this and more creative ideas and inexpensive options visit Kate. She really is sensational!

*Now, if you are someone who has had experience with DIY decorating- not necessarily just with spray paint- then I have exciting news for you! Dwell with Dignity is having their first national fundraiser, Ready Aim ReDesign . A before and after furniture face lift contest that goes to a great cause and the winner reaps fantastic benefits! Visit their site to hear more about this wonderful opportunity.

Guest Blogger: Shay Geyer, The Designer Detective!

Here are the amazing Shay Geyer's Five Tips for Creating a Unique Interior for Your Home:

1. Invest in great art. It doesn’t have to be a Picasso or cost millions of dollars. Be on the look out for local or up & coming artists. Buy pieces that you love & you feel a connection with. Art is a fabulous way to express your personal style in your home as well as bring in color.

2. Hand painted finishes on furniture are a marvelous way to add a unique touch. Whether you custom order a piece with a special finish or find a fabulous vintage piece & paint it yourself, a piece like this can add lots of style to your home. One of my favorite furniture lines, Hickory Chair, allows you to customize their pieces with any Benjamin Moore paint color.

3. It’s ok to mix & match. If you don’t fall into one of the traditional design style categories, it’s ok to blur the lines. Traditional looks are getting a fresh update these days with cleaner & more modern lines. The transitional style was born out of a desire to mix traditional pieces with more modern or contemporary looks. You do have to be careful though. A mixture of too many different styles can easily become busy & confusing to the eye. Some styles also don’t mix well. Shabby Chic & modern would not complement each other in the same space. There still needs to be a cohesive feel to your design. A neoclassical console table with a refined straight edge can be balanced with a more transitional sofa with a track arm and straight back. The straight angular lines of the pieces are what help tie them together.

4. Select pieces with designer details. Not every piece in your room has to be custom, but it’s nice to have some of your larger pieces tailored to your liking. Designer details such as tapes, nail head designs, contrasting welt cords & unique finishes help create a truly one-of-a- kind piece that will have your signature on it. Custom does not have to mean expensive either. It helps to work with an interior designer to create custom furniture so that they can help you stay on target with your budget.

5. Every home needs great accessories! Accessories are like jewelry for your home. Lamps are a MUST! There are so many gorgeous lamps in the market. This is such an easy way to add instant style & freshen up a room. I also love to pick up unique finds while I’m traveling. Displaying items that have a special meaning to you help tell your personal story & add character throughout your home. Less is more! Not every inch of your tabletop or bookshelves needs to be covered. Pick the accessories that have the most significance to your home. Use items that relate to your color palette & design style. My favorite must have accessory is coffee table books. You can stack them to vary the height of your other accessories. I also love to use geodes, hand blown glass & fabulous photo frames.

Trend- set & Treat with FEED bag and Candy Catchers

Halloween is just around the corner but it's not too late to add a few extra touches onto your costume! You and your kids can trick-or-treat in style with these fashion friendly bags.

For the kids:

Pottery Barn has introduced an extensive assortment of candy bags for our kids to enjoy! They are both festive and fun, but best of all they are reusable!  Kick up your kid-o's costume's flare factor and walk the streets with one of these Halloween treat totes or candy bags starting at only $12.

These precious Trick or Treat Bags by lilandkalle are so cute!  They are personalized and feature either a girl or boy ghost!  Adorable at $24 and found on Etsy.com.

For you (and your kids):

Can we really combined fashion, charity, and candy? FEED, HSN, and UNICEF have done it and I can barely put my excitement into words! In honor the the 60th anniversary of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, and to mark the partnership between these three fantastic organizations, FEED has created a fashionable bag for the Halloween season. This bag is perfect for trick-or-treating or even to use as a carryall tote for the whole month of October.100% of the profit, which HSN will receive from the Trick-or-Treat bags, will be donated to UNICEF's nutrition programs. We can look like trend setters while supporting one of the largest charities in the world for only $13.20! What a bargain.

Superhero Tablescapes with NACE!

NACE or The National Association of Catering Executives hosts an amazing Tablescapes event every year and this year, they kindly asked me to be the judge! I loved seeing all of the amazing table settings that their members set to show off their Superhero's Theme. It was a tough theme to design a beautiful table around but each and every table was out of this world! The event raised funds for HERO's for Children, an incredible charity that provides assistance for the families of children who are battling cancer. The Superhero theme was absolutely appropriate as the people who dedicate their time to helping these families are right on par with the theme. Here are some of the fun Tablescapes:



Elektra (or Jennifer Garner as she was referred to all evening!) was created by Beth Berk and Marcella Vantarakis of M&M Special Events and The Urban Blossom Flowers. It was sexy and full of drama. I love the red roses raining down above the table and the candle light made a huge impact! The entire table top was covered in red rose petals!

Sleeping Beauty was truly gorgeous. Created by Sarabeth Quattlebaum, Amanda Taylor and Fallon Dages of the AACWP (American Association of Certified Wedding Planners), this table was so romantic. The colors were wonderful and the rich pinks, peaches and golds were glowing underneath the ivy arches.

The Spiderman Table was wonderful because it's creators from ISES (The International Events Society) thought beyond the tablescape to the people who would be seated around the table enjoying the meal. They had actors sitting around the table pointing at the image of Spiderman who was making his way to the table!

The Incredible Hulk, created by RedSole Events team of Erin Daniels Holme, Heather Ketter, and Kevin Holme, was one of my favorites. It was soooo clever! The iridescent green cloth was glowing and the leaves and green flowers were so beautiful! In contrast, the green hulk hands were breaking out of the table and elements of the table were cracked and broken! The china and glassware was broken and all of the flatware was bent! There was even green juice in the glasses! It was so clever!

The Silver Surfer table was my number one pick! I loved it because it was so stylish and elegant yet did not skip out on the dramatic Superhero department one bit! The huge silver surfer looked like he had arrived and landed in the center of a table set with geodes and rock crystals. Every detail of the table which was stretched in a Vivid Stretch cloth was chic and was something that I would re-create in my own home! It was completely on trend and I loved every bit of it. Kudos to Jennifer Harris and Todd Richter of Wynnwood Culinary Art Expressions and Vivid.

Sonic the Hedgehog by Michele Stoute-Smith, Angie Bricker, Sarah Sawai and Jay Cooper from NACE was really cool! They had an interactive area where people could play the Sonic the Hedgehog game and two tables set up. The tables were set with menu cards shaped like a Ninendo Game Boy!

The Buzz Lightyear table was created by Angela Dupont, Deanie Yuska and Kelly Simants for the Association of Bridal Consultants or ABC. It was precious! They had really cool leather chairs and they also had space age triangle shaped plates. Buzz was the centerpiece and the purple and lime green linens were the perfect complement.

The Superman Table was created by Junior Villanueva, Melanie Lott and Erin Guinan of The Garden Gate and BBJ Linen. It was awesome! The bold superman colors were found in every element of the tablescape from the linens to the flowers. Every detail was carefully included and the story unfolded as you continued to look at the presentation. Clark Kent's shirts, fresh from the dry cleaners with the name printed inside, were displayed in each corner and the glass chargers had a space age Kryptonite look to them. Junior and his design team even included specimen samples of "Kryptonite" in covered glass jars.

What Superhero event could be complete with out a Captain Underpants table? Stacey Murdoch of The Wildflower did a great job with her tricky theme and her sense of humor abounded. The stack of books as the centerpiece held a balloon wearing underpants and each chair cover had an extra large pair of underpants wrapped around it! Upholstery at it's finest!

I didn't know much about Underdog but anyone who knows me know that I love anything DOG! This tablescape was no exception. The amazing place settings were made from all sorts of doggie bowls and utensils and the napkins were wrapped in dog collars. The centerpiece was a telephone booth capped off with a gorgeous arrangement of white flowers. The table was created by Heather Wilmoth of H Weddings.

Batman's table had an exceptional guest list made up of all of the characters that make up his story. Each character had a customized cupcake representing their personality and costume. They were amazing! The flowers were fantastic and I loved the comic strip signs emerging from the bright flowers. Congratulations to Sarah Pittman, Laura Kelsey and Karen Higginbotham of June Wedding, Inc.

Another one off my favorites, Wonder Woman, was amazing. It was beautiful and feminine yet powerful and stylish. I loved the gold flowers and the use of Wonder Woman's favorite fabrics through out the tablescape. The "chandelier" made of Wonder Woman images looked so beautiful and gave the table a dramatic effect. It was worth all of the effort that Debby Jewesson and Paige Chenault from Branching Out Floral & Event Design and Paige Chenault Events put into it!

I had a great time judging the event and to me, every table was a winner! I gave each of the groups a copy of my book!