Friday, February 26, 2010

The Queen of the Mixers


Introducing the newest team member to the party planning crew...
I got a new friend and helper in my kitchen before Christmas.
I have been waiting to post and thank my Mother-In-Law for my new friend...

My KitchenAid Mixer!

Thank You Kathy!
This was hers and I love it!

Introducing the behind the scenes "Cast Members"
The little and mighty turquoise mixer is so cherished...
This was my Mother's. She got it for a shower gift....
Next in the line up is a friend that has been around for a long time:
And introducing the Mighty Queen....
I cherish them all...
Happy Baking!

Banana Bread Recipe

Cheryl's Traditional Banana Bread
This is my basic but always good banana bread recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 bananas very ripe and mashed
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh blueberries

Heat oven to 350. Grease 2 loaf pans. In large bowl beat together sugar and oil. Add bananas, yogurt, vanilla, and eggs.  Add flour, salt, and baking soda. Gently stir in blueberries. Pour into greased pans. Bake 40 to 50 minutes.

Yummy!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Spa Party

Sabrina's "Spa-tacular" Birthday Party!
Valentine's Day is Sabrina's Birthday!
She turned 10 this year, and we decided to have a Spa Party!
There are lots of photos, it was too much fun to plan to not include the set-up and the party photos!
The Set Up Photos:
the dining area for the "Spa Lunch"
The "Sweets and Treats" table...Hail to the Queen, Amy Atlas....she has taught us well!
these are her Birthday cupcakes, I made chocolate hearts on parchment paper first!


This is the Facial table
Hair Area
Mak-Up area
Pedicure area (I borrowed the pedicure home tubs) and used outdoor chairs!
The Manicure and Pedicure Table
We covered the couch with old sheets
The goody bags, where also useful during the party.
The got shower caddies with the velcro wraps, turbie twists for their hair, lip gloss, brush, and play money....for tips!

Now Time for the Party....Welcome to Sabrina's Spa Day...
This was our "welcome toast" they had their own champagne glasses with their names on them, we gave out goody bags, changed and went through the "Spa Menu" for their upcoming activities

Facial time
relaxing time
of course Daddy had to be included!
We were the Spa Workers..we all dressed in black and had name tags...
Miss Cookie (Hair)
Miss Ling Ling (nails)
Miss Betty (nails)

this is the Massage Station...I borrowed portable back massagers and set them up in an area...also included were "tween" magazines by the pedicure, and massage area
The Birthday Girl enjoying a snack!
Miss Cookies Hair Salon was a big hit..the girls loved the rollers and loved putting on their own Make-up (they all helped each other!)

This was the "Spa Lunch"
They enjoyed being served a healthy, refreshing lunch:
Green Salad
Home-Made Mac & Cheese
Healthy Fruit Salad...
after lunch we played "Pass the Mirror"
We passed a mirror and all the girls said something they liked about they way they looked and something that is good about them in the "inside"
i.e. "I like my hair", and "I am a good friend"
I was trying to remind them..."Be Pretty on the Inside!"
Next was a craft, they made Homemade Bath Gel. They just added color and scents!
Happy Birthday Sabrina! xoxo

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Valentine's Day "Teachers Gift Idea"


This is an easy an inexpensive teacher gift for Valentine's Day...
I bought hand sanitizer and stickers. I added ribbon and a card....
The hardest part is getting the labels off...you will need a lot of Goo Gone!

Click here for the link, to where I first saw this great gift idea.

p.s. sorry for such a long time between posting...stay tuned for a good party coming soon! Hint: My Daughter's birthday is Valentine's Day!

p.s.s. I love hearing from you, please feel free to add comments, ideas, or suggestions!