Date Night at Home: Play Restaurant!

Date nights aren't cheap these days. Even in troubled economic times, a night out can set you back $200 or more (of course, a tasty bottle of wine at dinner adds to the cost.) So, last weekend, when we were in desperate need of a night out, we decided to "play restaurant," just like my kid play, but instead of pretend food, we'd use the real thing.

And, of course I enlisted the help of my 2 kids to be the sous chefs and waiters... then voila... Trattoria Valentino!


Even though the date night didn't relieve me of much of the dinner prep, the change in pace was definitely what the family needed. Just the act of setting a "fancy" table and sitting in a different spot than usual made the night feel different.

The candles, the real napkins, table cloth, champagne and hand designed menus also set the tone! During dinner we played an italian CD called "Bella Luna." The ambience was just right.

So, I don't suggest completely getting rid of nights out-- for sanity, adult time is a must... but to shake things up a bit, try the restaurant at home... and if you're smart, perhaps have your kids sit at their own table!

Ciao.

So, You Want Be President?

For some reason, even though there always is a school holiday for Presidents Day, we never seem to celebrate the meaning of the day... So, this weekend, when we went to the library, I checked out a great book to read to the kids, "So You Want to Be President," by Judith St. George and David Small.
It's quite a humorous read... giving all sorts of facts about past Presidents, and things they shared or didn't share in common. For instance, if you're name is James, you may have a better chance of being president, since there has been 5 presidents named James!

For a family tradition idea, I tasked my kids to come up with a slogan they'd use if they ran for president. My daughter said she'd declare the national food to be candy... and my son, well he didn't really say it, but I think he'd promote thumb-sucking at any age!

So, Happy Birthday George and Abe, and have a nice President's Day.

A Little Romance

Everyone needs a little romance in their life! Here are some images of one of my latest party kits, A Little Romance Party... Although Valentines may seem like the perfect night for this party, it may be just as good on your anniversary, or just a night when you feel like being romantic!

"Roses are red, violets are blue..." a lovely invitation for you!

Invitations and Thank You Cards

The full kit- invitations, thank yous, banner, frame and planning guide.

Up, up and away... Have a Happy Valentines Day!

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

This wall hanging sure can come in handy... After a day like yesterday, I'm not quite sure if my husband should have immediately flipped this over to He Loves Me Not, or if he should have kept it at He Loves Me...
After a pretty frustrating day with my kids, my husband arrived home to hear me rant about the fighting, the whining and the constant refereeing then entertaining that was required of me. I'm sure after his busy day, this was not what he wanted to be greeted with... but he patiently listened as I moaned and groaned (This is about the moment when he should have flipped the wall hanging to, "He Loves Me Not.")

But, no, he listened, he gave a couple sparse words of advice, and handed me a delicious glass of wine so I could cook dinner.

So, the sign stayed on "He Loves Me" the whole time... Valentines must be coming soon!

Valentine Countdown Continue: Bisous for You!

I woke up with a headache this morning. Not the way to start the week. After popping my dutiful Advil, though, things started to look up. As I parted ways with my husband this morning-- him off to drop my son at school then work, me off to drop off my daughter, then some work-- he gave me the sweetest kiss, and said, "I hope your headache is better."

Well, lo and behold, I felt great. A little bisous-- kiss-- is sometimes all it takes!

Happy Valentines week!

Valentine Countdown

When I saw this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Thou art to me a delicious torment," I just LOVED it. Anything with the word delicious in it that isn't referring to food is just brilliant... Then to top it off, the word delicious is describing a torment. How intriguing! This quote just had to go with a Marie Antoinette inspired image I had. I can only imagine what a torment that woman was... and a delicious one at that.

So, to kick off your the Valentines brigade, here are some delicious, glittery tags to check out. For more details, check out the Valentines section at bnute.com.

Also, take a look at the upcoming Marie Antoinette book from the folks at Somerset Studio... should be quite inspiring.

Winter Party Goodie Bag Idea #1

Well, it's official. Punxsutawney Phil says 6 more weeks of winter. Given the prediction, I thought it might be helpful to write about a great winter party goodie bag idea.

Whether you're having a skating party, a sledding party, a broomball party, or just any kind of party in the winter, why not give a goodie bag that will actually be used-- a colorful fleece scarf and mittens.
This idea couldn't be simpler to put together... no sewing necessary! Head to your local fabric store and pick out some fleece fabric. At home, cut the fleece into strips, and fringe the edges. (A child's scarf should be approximately 5' long [1 2/3 yds.], and 6" wide.) Pick up some inexpensive gloves at the local drugstore or Target, and there you have it!


A great way to end the party would be to have all the kids put on their scarves and mittens and take a group picture!

Happy Groundhogs Day!