All Things For All Parties

Clever Ideas to Make Life Easier

Hull strawberries easily using a straw.

Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes. Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes.

A New Secret to Having a Closer Marriage

Photo brought to you by Tiffany's

OK, it's the holidays and I know everyone is running around like a crazy person (including me) which is why I thought I would keep it short and sweet today and share with you an interesting study I read recently about how to have a closer marriage with your hubby.  Apparently, studies have proven that if you let your husband have more guys-only nights he will be a much happier person!  I know you are probably thinking...what the heck but it's true a Cornell University study revealed that husbands who regularly spend time alone with their male friends - to say, watch a game, play sports or drink a beer or two - feel closer to their wives than men who rarely get the chance at male bonding.  Giving him the freedom to spend time with the boys makes your guy feel more independent and masculine, which makes him happier with his life and you! 

My husband has always said that he loves me more because I don't make him feel suffocated so maybe this study is onto something.  Anyway, either way I thought it was a fun one to share and definitely always good to get the conversations going.  Love to read your thoughts.

Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Paint a pumpkin with black chalkboard paint and write a friendly greeting for all who pass by.

Tip:  Make your pumpkins last!  To keep your carved pumpkins from looking dull as the days go by, rub cut surfaces with vegetable oil to keep moisture in.

Liven up your yard!  Don't stop decorations at the porch!  Line the entrance to your house or backyard with pumpkins.

Don't be afraid to get creative - Halloween is the one time of year that uglier the better!  Get carried away with this day! 

Photos by Country Living and Home Made Simple

Host a Fondue Party

 
photo by Saidaonline.com

Host a Fondue Party

Looking for an excuse to throw a party or just gather friends for a night of laughter well I have just the thing for you...A Fondue Party!  I actually have 2 fondue pots...I know you are shocked but I had a party a while ago and everyone had so much fun that I thought it would be fun to share this idea with you.  The best thing about a fondue party is how easy it is to pull off. All you need is a fondue pot (call your Mom if you don't have one because I am sure she does...who cares if it's the '70s-looking avocado-green thing she's had in the cupboards all these years). Then, just prep a few ingredients and let your guests do the rest.

Fondue Party Menu

Start with a cheese fondue. Next prepare a fresh, green salad dressed with a delicious vinaigrette to pair with these simple dishes. If you like, you can serve the salad European-style -- after the entree, to help cleanse the palate before dessert. If you need an appetizer or something in between, try a simple spread of a French-style pate, sundried tomato spread, and baguette slices. For the entree, choose your meat (steak, chicken and seafood) accompanied by homemade dipping sauces and vegetables and for the grand finale (aka the dessert), wash out the pot, fill it with chocolate Fondue, and continue the cook-your-own fun.

To add an extra element of fun have everyone come dressed in their best 70's outfits.

The best thing about this party is the social aspect of it all...everyone is involved in the cooking of the meal.  If you have not had a fondue party I encourage you to give it a try at least once.  It's very groovy!

Resolutionary Ideas by Cat Doran

 

A friend of mine shared this article with me and I must confess this article is me to a tee.  It is absolutely hysterical...Anyway, I hope you get a kick out of it as much as I did and I hope your New Year's is off to a great start! 

Resolutionary Ideas:  A New Year’s trip into the closet begets a pledge to swear off shopping in the comfort zone by Cat Doran

I used to be the sort of person who didn’t make resolutions. I found their 100 percent possibility of failure depressing. Don’t say you’re going to stop eating sugar...smoking cigarettes...watching reality TV, because that will last only as long as the next trip to Sprinkles...the next season of Dancing with the Stars...the next Chateau party.

Then a few years ago something changed, and I decided my New Year’s resolve should focus on things that were practical—easy to implement but with some sort of big-picture bent. No “I will lose weight” vagaries for me.

Get "REAL" Savings with Offermatic

 

Ok who doesn't want to save money these days (especially during the holidays)?!  I don't know about you but I am always looking for a killer deal which is why I fell in love with Gilt Groupe, Rue La La, One Kings Lane and now "Offermatic!" 

They offer discounts between 50% to 90% - On Things You Already Buy. I love the fact that you only receive offers occasionally, and when you do: the savings are real!!!  I promise this is going to be the hottest new company around...Be the first of your friends to know!!

Here are a few key things to know about Offermatic...

Start a Book Club

 

The kids are back in school so you will probably need an excuse to get out of the house soon and I have the perfect reason...A Book Club.  If you love books this is a great way to indulge yourself and engage in lively conversations with friends. 

Start by organizing your group;  8 - 10 is the perfect number.  Don't just pick friends from your immediate circle; invite friends of acquaintances or friends of friends.  Plan to meet once a month for about an hour and half.  Meet at a local coffee shop, wine bar or a home.

SURPRISE GIVEAWAY: Table Topics

 

Winner Update 7/26: This giveaway is now closed. Thanks so much to everyone that entered and thanks for being a fan of both Social Couture and Table Topics! And the lucky, randomly selected winner is… Commenter #10 – Lauren, who said: "These cards are awesome! I'm a fan of both Social Couture and Table Topics on here and on facebook! It's such a neat giveaway!" Congrats, Lauren!

There are two things my family loves to do...ask questions and play games so I have to admit that I’m already envious of whoever wins today’s SURPRISE GIVEAWAY! That lucky someone is going to win a TableTopics cube and To-Go Set of their choice.

Mom of three, Cristy Clarke started playing a game with her young kids to kick off meal time conversation and the concept spurred into her business, TableTopics. Seven years later, the family card blocks ($25) help other busy parents reconnect with their offspring.

These great ice breaker games with definitely elevate the status of your next party from ho-hum to happening!!  At TableTopics.com, you can shop by theme or topic. You can also find great Table Topics questions on napkins, coasters and place cards to ensure a fun, fabulous time for everyone.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

• To be entered to win the contest, all you need to do is to comment on this blog post that you are a fan of Social Couture AND TableTopics (www.facebook.com/TableTopics) on Facebook.

• Giveaway ends, Friday July 23rd at midnight PST. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced here as soon as they’ve accepted the prize. Good luck!!

Let's Spend the Night Together

I know that seems like a funny title for a blog but it's Wedding Wednesday and this past weekend my husband and I went away for one night and it was just what the doctor ordered. During the trip I was reminded why I fell in love with my husband. The next day when we were heading home I started thinking about all of the couple's that are busy planning their weddings and how "stressful" that time was and then it hit me - ALL couples need a "Time Out" during the wedding planning - they just need one night together with no phones and no talk of "the wedding" so they can reconnect and remember the reasons they are on this course.  Most couple use their honeymoon for that time but I think it would be great to have one day and/or night before the "Big Day."

So, I say give it a try, de-stress with intimacy.  Doctors say sex has been linked to lower blood pressure and a heartier immune system and who doesn't want to be healthier and be less stressed.  "It also really relaxes you and helps strengthen your relationship with your partner, which in turn increases longevity" (the longevity of your relationship), explains Dr. Grossman. To wit, one study found that women who said they enjoyed sex lived longer than those who didn't.  Sorry - I think I just went a little Dr. Ruth on you.  Anyway, the point is why wait until the honeymoon to stop and enjoy each other and this time together - It really is one of the most incredible times in your life so enjoy it NOW!

Sign the Petition Now!

I have to get on the soap box for this cause. It hurts my heart to think that someone would ever be cruel to a child or an animal. They are helpless and they trust us to take care of them so I am doing my part today with this blog by reaching out to all of you. I hope you will sign this petition today and pass it on to all of your friends.

Does an animal abuser live in your neighborhood?

Communities have good reason to be concerned about the whereabouts of animal abusers. In story after heartbreaking story, abusers repeat their violent crimes against helpless animals, and often go on to victimize people as well. Keep your animals and your families safe.

Sign on to demand that your state require animal abusers to register in their communities.