Gourmet Mother's Day

I ventured up to my parents house for the whole day yesterday, which was Mother's Day. My father had prepared a wonderful meal for me and my own mum. He had marinated steaks, baked sweet potatoes, shrimp, slice watermelon and and array of cheese and crackers. For a sweet treat he made these beautiful chocolate covered strawberries! He did the dipping and decorating himself. I was definitely full all day long.




My little kids came with me and spent the day playing with Nana and Papa. They played so hard that Ryan fell asleep on the way home (rare) and both are still a little cranky this morning. A nice relaxing day filled with naps sounds like a good idea.

My mother has collected some of the Biltmore Inspirations' dishes including the Olmsted Collection and the Lotus Leaf Bowls and Platter. It made for some beautiful decor, and perfect for serving the strawberries!

The colors on this platter are just spectacular! As the lighting in your house changes, so do the highlights on these dishes. I had fun playing photo shoot just because I don't have these dishes yet!

All Things Paisley

Well, in just over a week my little Brooklyn will officially be 1 year old. What?! Yes, she's already a year. Since the first 6 months are usually a blur, I really feel like she's only 6 months old. I had a hard time calling Ryan a toddler after he turned one - it just can't be!

Needless to say, I've been preparing for her birthday. I've fallen in love with all things paisley, and I found a sweet little paisley butterfly online that I am having piped onto a cake, and now I am loving paisley and butterflies! Here's a sneak peak into some of the crafts I've been diving into to make her 1st a one-of-a-kind day. 

Beginnings of butterfly favors

This is the paisley butterfly that will be on her cake

Working on the favors

Renewed Candle with ribbon and jewels

 Just as with Ryan's 1st birthday party, I do believe I am having the most fun with this! More pictures and details to come as things come together. I really love having all these "crafty" things to do. I have a feeling I'm going to be one of those moms that shoves her kids aside during their kindergarten craft day just to make my own, then I'm going to point at some kids "art" and laugh. Just kidding. I would never do that. But I probably would make my own craft. 

A poem for you:

We have special day in May,
Where you can join for half price,
Get the whole kit,
Isn't this awesome and so nice?

So come join the fun,
On the 7th of May,
Just go to my website,
And sign up that day!

Then welcome to the company,
The fun and excitement begin,
This is the best job for you,
And all you can do is win!

So what's next?

And even though it's only the start of May, it's time to start planning your parties for June too! Just think, with each party you get FREE items, food or wine accessories! One of my new FAVORITE items is the host special for June: the Lotus Leaf Bowl Set. These bowls are, yes, bowls! Of all different sizes you can serve food, use as a vase or candle holder, or make a fancy centerpiece. I'm not kidding when I say this is a great deal!





 Do YOU want these Lotus bowls? Just ask me how easy it is to get them - you know I don't lie - just by hosting a party. Hosting? What that really means is making the food I give you and then inviting all your friends, co-workers and neighbors! I do the rest!







And just for fun I saw this photo on a friend's Facebook  page and I wanted to share it with you. It fits my blog since you have a glass of wine with almost anything! Or just a glass. Either way, here's a fun way to stay fit while enjoying your vino.