Homemade and Healthy: Superbowl Party Dips

Recipes via SHAPE

Throw on the table with a spread of veggies, pita wedges and blue chips and you've got a plethora of healthy options to munch on while the Seahawks crush the Patriots!

Design on a dime with paper napkins

Want to add a pop of color at your next gathering? Don't want to spend a fortune on decor?

Solution: Paper Napkins. Make an easy, inexpensive table runner for your next get-together with assorted, patterned paper napkins. Lay out napkins (lunch size seems to work best but cocktail size would also work) in desired design, tape the edges together and flip over.

Add a mason jar of fresh cut flowers and you've successfully designed on a dime!

You can find a great selection of napkins HERE.

Summer Sipping: Drinks that won't kill your waistline

With summer officially underway, there are many more opportunities - lounging poolside, backyard bbq's, beach vacays - that can sobotage your diet. If you've been reading this blog long enough, you should all know by now that I'm a huge advocate for not drinking your calories. But - and a heavy but - I am all about enjoying a few cocktails.

While I'm not a big beer drinker as I don't like the stomach bloat that comes after and red wine on a hot day does not sound appealing, I stick to a "skinny" cocktail. Knowing that traditional umbrella drinks can contain 400-1,000 calories per drink, I've found other ready to pour, yummy, summery picks besides the boring 'ol vodka soda that will get your swigging alittle smarter on a hot day:

Skinnygirl - Pina Colada ($15)
Coconut cream usually takes this rum treat into waist-widening territory. But testers of this coconut and pineapple juice concotion didn't seem to miss it. So put on grass skirt and shake the night away as you sip this low cal alternative. 89 calories for 4 oz.

Jose Cuervo - Authenic Wild Berry Light Margarita ($15)
No salt rim required for this fruity with a kick margi. Each serving combines a shot of tequila with the flavors of strawberries, blackberries, and with the tartness of lime. Yum! 95 calories for 4 oz.

VNC Cocktails - Vodka Mojito ($12)
Put down your muddler! Traditionally made with rum, this mojito mix is a concotion of vodka, real lime juice, and fresh mint. This preservative-free libation is a "ringer for the real thing," according to a satisfied tester - with none of the usual taxing handiwork. Hallelujah!! 111 calories for 3.4 oz.

Eppa - SupraFruta Red Sangria ($12)
If you can't give up your red wine, this is a refreshing life from a melange of organic pomegranate, blueberry, blood orange, and acai juices. Just chill and serve. 120 calories for 5 oz.

Enjoy and sip smart and safe!!

Sweet Sunday

Citrus meets creamy sweetness in this refreshing dessert. A low fat summer hit around my house courtesy of Shape.com.

~Lemonade Mousse~
Serves: 12
Prep time: 10 min

Ingredients:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs, crushed
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp light butter, melted
1 14-ounce can fat-free sweetened, condensed milk
3/4 cup (6 ounces) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
2 cups frozen nondairy whipped topping, thawed

Directions:
1) Using a fork, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter.
2) Lightly press 3/4 of the graham-cracker mixture on the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan (or single serving cups).
3) In a large bowl, mix together condensed milk and lemonade.
4) Fold in the whipped topping.
5) Pour over the graham cracker crust.
6) Sprinkle remaining graham crumbs over the lemonade mixture.
7) Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Nutrition Score per serving: (1/2 cup) 183 calories, 73 g carbs(2.9%), 4.16 g fat(20%), 0.3 g fiber, 7 g protein(35.5%)

I hope this ends your weekend on a sweet note! And happiest of days to all the father's out there!

Fancy Friday: Sweet Pea Apple Wine

It never fails that if I stand long enough in line, I will be suckered into buying something within reach. This week: Sweet Pea Apple Wine from Cost Plus World Market.

Initially drawn to the adorable packaging (I mean c'mon, LOOK at it) and the name, it didn't help that it was on sale for $5.99. Intrigued by the whole "apple wine" novelty factor, into the cart it went.

As I got to the front of the line, the cashier acknowledges that wine and says, "Oh this is sooo good. Not too sweet. Such a nice summer wine. It's been flying off the shelf."

Well if that's the case - I grabbed the remaining five off the display. Nothing worse than wanting something you can't have, right?

That night I took one bottle to a girl's gathering. Literally gone in four minutes.

Hence why this made the Fancy Friday list. If you're looking for a new summer drink, give this a try. Even if you're a traditionalist who likes bold red wine, you might like this refreshing change up on a warm summer night.

Pleasing as peach cobbler and refreshing as a cool glass of cider, Sweet Pea is ripe with 100% real Washington (shout-out to my home state!) grown golden delicious apple flavors, hints of peachy sweetness and a crisp, clean finish. An excellent and affordable substitute to high caloric fruity cocktails.

Who says housewives have to be desperate?

Available at Cost Plus World Market & Total Wine.

Sweet Sunday

Who doesn't love kabobs?! I mean seriously, this might just be the easiest summer dessert evah. No baking and ready in minutes. Plus they look cute too. You could even doctor them up with bananas or blackberries. Your call. And I like to serve with a dollop of whip cream for dipping. Perfect for a summer BBQ or 4th of July shindig. Or better yet - whip them up tomorrow for Memorial Day!

~Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs~

Ingredients: Serves 4
16 medium strawberries, hulled                                                 
Angel food or pound cake, purchased at local grocery store                                               
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 T reduced-calorie margarine
Whip cream, optional

Directions:
1) Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper
2) Alternately thread 4 strawberries and 3 shortcake quarters onto each of 4 wood or metal skewers
3) Combine chocolate chips and margarine inn a small saucepan
4) Melt over low heat, stirring, until smooth and well-blended
5) Drizzle chocolate over kabobs
6) Refrigerate until set, about 4 minutes

I hope this ends your weekend on a sweet note!

Sweet Sunday

In need of a last minute Super Bowl dessert? This might just be your saving grace thanks to Cookiesandcups.com. This recipe includes a boxed cake mix which always makes baking easy peasy, four ingredients total and is ooey gooey. A dessert must in my book.

~Rolo Cake Mix Bars~

Ingredients:
1 box (18.25 oz) yellow, vanilla or white cake mix (I used Duncan Hines)
1, 5 oz can evaporated milk
1/4 cup melted butter
40 Rolo Candies, unwrapped and cut in half

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350°.
2) Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.
3) With your mixer, beat cake mix, evaporated milk and butter until combined. Mixture will be thick and sticky.
4) Divide batter in half and press 1 half into the bottom of the pan.
5) Bake until just set, approximately 8-9 minutes.

6) Remove base from oven and place Rolo candies, caramel-side down on top.

7) Drop remaining batter on top of Rolos in teaspoon sized amounts.
8) Bake for 20-24 minutes longer until top begins to golden.
9) Cool completely before cutting into squares.

I hope this ends your weekend on a sweet note!

Party Time: Whip up the dips

Got a sudden urge to have people over? Maybe you've just decided that a little Super Bowl gathering this Sunday is a must. These are two top rated, easy speedy dip recipes from Food Network magazine that are sure to keep the guests hovering around the appetizer table.

Avocado? Hummus? Pizza? Yes please.

~Avocado Hummus~

Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas, drained
2 avocados, sliced
Juice of 1 lemon
2-3 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika

Directions:
1) Place the first five ingredients in a food processor (chickpeas, avocados, lemon juice, garlic, and water). Pulse until blended.
2) Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking, pulse to combine.
3) Begin drizzling in the olive oil until the hummus gets to the right consistency, it should be nice and creamy.
4) Blend until smooth and serve topped with paprika and garnish with chopped cilantro (optional) and a drizzle of avocado oil (optional).
5) Place one of the avocado pits at the bottom of the dish. It helps prevent the avocados from turning brown. Serve with pita chips or alongside a veggie platter.

If you want to whip this up super fast, simply puree two avocados and stir in a 7 oz tub of store-bought hummus with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Super good too on a tortilla wrapped with turkey or chicken and some lettuce and tomato for lunch. Num numm! And as a St. Patrick's Day dip as well!

~Pizza in a Pot Dip~

Ingredients:
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
package of pepperoni
Mozzarella (diced)

Directions:
1) Warm 2 ups tomato sauce in a saucepan.
2) Top with 1 cup ricotta and heat until warmed through.
3) Put mixture in a small ovenproof dish.
4) Sprinkle with desired amount of diced mozzarella and sliced pepperoni. Or try sauteed mushrooms or crumbled cooked sausage.
5) Bake at 350 degrees F until bubbling, about 10 minutes.
6) Top with torn fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with crostini, baguettes or small pieces of french bread.

Both dips serve about 8-10 guests.

Neither of these doing it for you? Check out Food Network's 50 Super Bowl Snacks; everything from easy dips, sliders, snack mixes and more.

If you're serving an entire meal and need a little inspiration, check out my last year's Super Bowl Menu Ideas Post. From apps to desserts and everything in between.

Fancy Friday

Wondering what tickled my fancy (aka; something I enjoyed, adored or was satisfied by) this week?

Hands down the Chicken Taco Chili I made in the crock pot. Similar to last week's "Meal in a Can" recipe but with a little more kick and ingredients. This is so freakin' easy. Beyond delicious on a chilly evening. High in protein and fiber and of course low in fat. Would I make it if it was any other way?!? Nada. And if you're a Weight Watchers guru, it's low in points too! Bonus.

Having a Super Bowl gathering at your house? Whip up a big batch of this with some corn bread and you've got yourself a crowd pleaser. Great for the kids too!

~Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili~
Recipe courtesy of skinnytaste.com

Ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
1 16-oz can black beans
1 16-oz can kidney beans
1 8-oz can tomato sauce
10 oz package frozen corn kernels or 1 16 oz. can of corn
2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies (mild or spicy depending on your tolerance)
3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 packet taco seasoning
1 tbsp cumin (optional)
1 tbsp chili powder (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions:
1) Combine both beans with their juices, onion, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder and taco seasoning in a slow cooker.
2) Place chicken (can be frozen or thawed) on top and cover.
3) Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours.
4) Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred.
5) Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in.
6) Top with fresh cilantro if you wish.

We particularly enjoyed it as a true chili with a dollop of sour cream and low fat shredded Mexican cheese mixed in. But you can also beef it up and serve it over rice. Enjoy!

Party Perfect

Have a few holiday parties on the calendar in the coming weeks? Feeling pressure to look holiday fab? I sure am even though I'm learning in my wise old age that no one really cares - or remembers. But it's the holidays. It's a time to do up your 'do, slip on a sequins dress and dust off those high heels you haven't seen since you had kids.

Not sure about you but when it comes to stepping out of my day-to-day make-up and hair routine (aka -- pony tail, mascara and a dusting of bronzer) I go absolutely brain dead. So when I saw this Glamour tip come to my email this week, it was like God was telling me, "Hailey, DO THIS. Don't spend all week stressing about how you're going to spice it up. Just do this."

If you too are looking for a quick and easy way to take your look from drab to fab, DO THIS:

1) Line under your eye with black eyeliner pencil.
2) Swipe your upper lids with a liquid eyeliner.
3) Apply a gray shadow over the top to soften the dark black line.
4) Dust some sparkly pink over the entire lid.
5) Apply lighter gray into the creases of her eyes for shading.
6) Pair with a peachy lip and don't forget the mascara!

Overall this look is a little friendlier than most smoky eye looks, which means it's perfect for an office party or anywhere you're going for "festive" over "sexy."

Want to shop for a liquid liner or a shimmery pink eyeshadow now? Start your shopping here.

DECORATE: BIG statement, LITTLE effort

Whenever the holidays roll around and I know we have family coming into town, I put this crazy stupid pressure on myself to want to change up the decor in my house. Above and beyond the festive cornucopia table centerpiece and gourds on the mantle. As if they remember what it looked like in the first place or even care for that matter. Regardless I lay in bed and think about what I can do differently to 'spice' up my predictable Pottery Barn'esk interior. You know - white couches, brown walls, floral area rugs, red accent pieces.

If you find yourself in the same mental predicament but don't have a lot of time or money to be making drastic changes, here are a few ideas that make a big statement with little effort:

1) Change out your pillows: Mix in a wild or bold print - possibly zebra or yellow - to add some contrast to a simple couch and inject some personality. For $20, you can transform a boring, drab room with a few decorative pillows from TJ Maxx or Marshalls. Tip: Toss a few large throw pillows onto your couch rather than a jumble of smaller ones for a cleaner design.

2) Bring in flowers: Perk up a room (inexpensively) with a bouquet of vibrant flowers set in an equally vibrant vase. If you're like me and can't seem to keep anything alive longer than a few days, find a Michael's 50% off coupon and go buy a bundle of fake flowers. Nobody knows if you don't tell.

3) Paint a wall: Introduce color on the walls to add a pop of liveliness and warmth. A blue like this is as versatile as a neutral, such as beige or gray. Pick a wall or two and have some fun with an unexpected color. For $15, this will change your room from drab to fab!

4) Use mirrors as art: Have a bare wall and can't afford expensive artwork? No worries. Target has pages of fantastic inexpensive large mirrors online that will fill the space and actually make a room appear brighter and larger by positioning a mirror to reflect light and a view. Find a big, cool clock you like? That works too!

5) Hang a gallery of photos: Mine your albums for your best shots (pick a theme: weddings, birthday parties, vacations) and put them in identical frames. Hang in a tight grid or a long line - you can’t go wrong if you stick to a geometric arrangement. Best spot in town to find simple, super inexpensive frames to achieve this look - IKEA. The Ribba series frames range from $2.99-$24.99.

6) Bring in shades of color: Colored lamp shades can make a bold statement. Limit the colors to one per room, and select other lamp shades in neutral tones, such as parchment and white. If you're super crafty, you can pick out a fabric of your choice and re-cover an existing lamp shade yourself.


7) And for no money at all - Re-arrange your furniture: My favorite. Just a quick shift of the furniture and it will feel like an entirely new, inviting space.

Recipes to the rescue: SLIDERS

Entertaining this 4th of July weekend? Tired of the same 'ol boring BBQ menu? Step it up this 4th of July with these delicious slider recipes. These are a sure hit and perfect when feeding a large group. Everyone loves finger foods. Everyone loves sliders. Just make sure to make enough. Everyone goes back for slider seconds.

~Chipotle Sliders~

Ingredients:
Chipotle Mayonnaise:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 chipotles in adobo sauce (ask man at grocery store on where to find!)
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
1/2 lime, juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Sliders:
1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck, 80/20
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cheese slices, your choice
Mini burger buns

Burger Bar (if desired):
Chipotle Mayonnaise
Pickles
Red onion slices

Directions:

Chipotle Mayonnaise:
Add all the ingredients to a food processor and puree. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Sliders:
Preheat grill over medium-high heat.
Form the meat into 2 to 3-ounce portions, packed tightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the sliders on the grill. Wait until they are nice and crusty on the first side, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Flip and cook another 4 minutes.

When the sliders are about done, top with desired cheese and close the grill, allowing the cheese to melt.
Place the slider on mini burger buns and top with chipotle mayonnaise and any other desired toppings.


~Chicken Salad Sliders~

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3 1/2 cups finely diced cooked chicken
1 cup finely diced celery
1/3 cup slivered almonds
12 mini slider rolls

Directions:
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, mayonnaise and salt. Toss with the chicken, celery, and almonds in a medium bowl.

Serve on mini slider rolls.

Enjoy!

PARTY STARTER: 4th of July Cocktail

Looking for a new concoction to kick off your 4th of July festivities? Give this red, white and blue spritzer a try.

~4th of July Cocktail~
Courtesy of The Food Network Magazine

Ingredients:
1 ounce watermelon schnapps
1 big splash cranberry juice
1 slice lemon
1 slice lime
1 1/2 ounces tequila
1/4 ounce blue curacao
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Watermelon wedge, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Mix the schnapps and cranberry juice in a shaker; pour into an ice-filled glass.
Muddle the lemon and lime slices, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup (to make a batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill) in the shaker. Slowly strain into the glass over the red layer. Garnish with watermelon, if desired.
Cheers!

Table ETIQUETTE 101

We do our fair share of entertaining and I can not for the life of me remember how to set the table correctly. I always have to stand over the table and think hard about what goes where. Maybe it's because I am out of practice. Nowadays the extent of my table settings consists of a truck fork, an Ikea animal placemat, a plastic divided train plate and a sippy cup. Regardless, these are things I need to know and remember even if I am sleep deprived and ready to pull my hair out come dinner/entertaining time.

Do you know how to properly set a table?

According to Emily Post's Etipedia (Etiquette + Encyclopedia), setting a table is not as difficult as it seems. The basic rule is: Utensils are placed in the order of use, that is, from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions is: forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. A third rule of thumb: utensils are placed one inch from the edge of the table.

Here are some table etiquette rules that will help you or your kids remember how to properly set the table;

For a basic table setting:


1.Picture the word "FORKS." The order, left to right, is: F for Fork, O for the Plate (the shape!), K for Knives and S for Spoons. (Okay - you have to forget the R, but you get the idea!)
2.Holding your hands in front of you, touch the tips of your thumbs to the tips of your forefingers to make a lowercase 'b' with your left hand and a lowercase 'd' with your right hand. This reminds you that "bread and butter" go to the left of the place setting and "drinks" go on the right.

Some other things to know:
•Knife blades always face the plate
•The napkin goes to the left of the fork, or on the plate
•The bread and butter knife are optional

For an informal table setting (ie - casual dinner party with friends, etc):


This illustration shows how a table would be set for the following menu:
•Soup course
•Salad or first course
•Entree
•Dessert

(a) Dinner plate: This is the "hub of the wheel" and is usually the first thing to be set on the table. In the illustration, the dinner plate would be placed where the napkin is, with the napkin on top of the plate.

(b) Two Forks: The forks are placed to the left of the plate. The dinner fork, the larger of the two forks, is used for the main course; the smaller fork is used for a salad or an appetizer. The forks are arranged according to when you need to use them, following an "outside-in" order. If the small fork is needed for an appetizer or a salad served before the main course, then it is placed on the left (outside) of the dinner fork; if the salad is served after the main course, then the small fork is placed to the right (inside) of the dinner fork, next to the plate.

(c) Napkin: The napkin is folded or put in a napkin ring and placed either to the left of the forks or on the center of the dinner plate. Sometimes, a folded napkin is placed under the forks.

(d) Dinner Knife: The dinner knife is set immediately to the right of the plate, cutting edge facing inward. (If the main course is meat, a steak knife can take the place of the dinner knife.) At an informal meal, the dinner knife may be used for all courses, but a dirty knife should never be placed on the table, placemat or tablecloth.

(e) Spoons: Spoons go to the right of the knife. In our illustration, soup is being served first, so the soupspoon goes to the far (outside) right of the dinner knife; the teaspoon or dessert spoon, which will be used last, goes to the left (inside) of the soupspoon, next to the dinner knife.

(f) Glasses: Drinking glasses of any kind -- water, wine, juice, iced tea -- are placed at the top right of the dinner plate, above the knives and spoons.

Other dishes and utensils are optional, depending on what is being served, but may include:

(g) Salad Plate: This is placed to the left of the forks. If salad is to be eaten with the meal, you can forgo the salad plate and serve it directly on the dinner plate. However, if the entree contains gravy or anything runny, it is better to serve the salad on a separate plate to keep things neater.

(h) Bread Plate with Butter Knife: If used, the bread plate goes above the forks, with the butter knife placed diagonally across the edge of the plate, handle on the right side and blade facing down.

(i) Dessert Spoon and Fork: These can be placed either horizontally above the dinner plate (the spoon on top with its handle facing to the right; the fork below with its handle facing left); or beside the plate. If placed beside the plate, the fork goes on the left side, closest to the plate (because it will be the last fork used) and the spoon goes on the right side of the plate, to the right of the dinner knife and to the left of the soupspoon.

(j) Coffee Cup and Saucer: Our illustration shows a table setting that would be common in a restaurant serving a large number of people at once, with coffee bieing served during the meal. The coffee cup and saucer are placed above and to the right of the knife and spoons. At home, most people serve coffee after the meal. In that case the cups and saucers are brought tot he table and placed above and to the right of the knives and spoons.

Graduation PAR-TAY

Yesterday I received several texts and emails thanking me for the graduation gift idea post. I'm so happy I could help relieve some stress on that end. From that post another cry for help surfaced - the graduation party. What to serve? Decorations? If you're looking for a little party planning motivation, here are a few ideas and websites I personally love;

For menu ideas and recipes; check out http://www.celebrations.com/graduationparty.

This site is also a great reference for recipes, activities, and fun drink ideas.

For tips on how to streamline your party planning; check out this article from Real Simple Magazine. Follow her advice and you might just enjoy the days leading up to the party! http://simplystated.realsimple.com/celebrations/2008/05/easy-party-plan.html

My absolute favorite party planning website however is Hostess with the Mostess. This site is truly inspiring - and a tad overwhelming. It is though the ultimate website if you want to replicate a party theme or need inspiration on how to display food or desserts. Their tagline: "Entertaining with a modern twist." Check it out - http://www.hwtm.com/.

Want to be a little more creative than a store bought sheet cake for dessert? I'm a big fan of an ice cream sundae bar. It serves as both a dessert and an "activity" for the guests. All you need is some chocolate sauce, nuts, whip cream and some candy in the school colors to make your dessert table a hit! The timing of ice cream and keeping it cold however is definitely more high maintenance than just plopping a cake down on the table. To eliminate this problem, you need to serve your ice cream in individual glass jars or glasses. To do this, you need to scoop small balls of ice cream the night before into tupperware (make a single layer) and put in the freezer. You will also need to freeze the empty mason jars/glass in the freezer the night before. The day of, place the ice cream scoops in the mason jars (really frozen ice cream keeps the jars clean from drips.) Then put the serving tray right back in the freezer until you are ready to serve. This fun twist on ice cream makes both preparing ahead and serving a cinch. Both kids and adults love concocting their own ice cream sundae.


Another creative idea and a fun twist on a guest book, is to make a Good Luck jar. This will leave the graduate with plenty of well wishes and encouraging words to send them into their next adventure.


All you need is a large mason jar (you can find at Target or Ikea) and decorate as you wish. Then supply your guests with a paper and pen to write their good luck wishes on. So simple!

And my last tip: HAVE IT CATERED!!!! You may spend a little more but it will save you on the stress. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Mexican is always a hit and pretty cheap too. Best of luck in planning a smashing Graduation party!

I {LOVE}...

...my girlfriends. Period. Piggybacking on the whole idea of giving the gift of time, women need girl time. Time spent with girlfriends venting their life's highs and lows. Now I know finding time is easier said then done but if you're looking for a good excuse to get the girl's you love together, I suggest hosting a fun evening doing the following:

1) Accessory Swap: A spin-off of a clothing swap but with just accessories. If you and your girlfriends are all about the same size in clothes, you can do both but if you're all over the board, I suggest just doing purses, jewelry, belts and scarves. You can opt to have rules or not. I suggest to keep it fair that if you bring three items, you only get to take three items. They don't have to be like for like though. At the end of the night, you'll go home with fun, new accessories for FREE!!!

2) Favorites Party: I LOVE this idea! Invite an intimate group of your favorite girls over and have each one of them bring their favorite thing that is under $5.00. It can be a favorite candle. Favorite cleaning product. Favorite candy bar. Simple gifts that you particularly love. At the end of the night, each girl will go home with a handful of new favorite things!

3) Spray Tan Party: This one is for the very close group of girls. Yes you may see a little more leg but for the modest girls, have no fear - you'll be hidden. Negotiate a discount with a gal that runs a mobile spray tan business and get your tan on. At the end of the night, each girl will leave with a golden glow and a night of memories!

4) Wine Tasting Party: This is such a fun (and tipsy) idea. Have each girl bring a bottle of wine that is under $10 and one that is between $10-$20. Then have each girl do a blind taste test. It's always fun to see who can tell the difference between the different priced wines. At the end of the night, you'll know more about wine and wake up the next day with a pounding headache!

So there you go - my girly time party suggestions! Wondering about food? Save yourself the stress and just serve desserts. Women, laughter and sweets go hand in hand!

Super Bowl Menu Ideas

Hosting a Super Bowl party and need some inspiration as to what to serve? Just as the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers are revving up their engines for this Sunday's Super Bowl, it too is time to rev up your creative juices and start planning that menu. Best advice I can give when planning a Super Bowl party is to keep it super low key. It's football for God's sake. There's no reason to make it some fancy-shmancy event. Although it's easy to get wrapped up in finding matching plates and cute cupcake toppers, keep in mind that as long as you have chips, dips and unlimited beer, your party is a smashing success.

It's also important to keep in mind that not everything has to be homemade. Major pet peeve of mine is the expectation that if you're having guests over it all has to be made from scratch. As if it qualifies us as being a better person. Get over it.

Below I've put together five different menu options that won't have you slaving for days in the kitchen;

Menu Option 1: Southern

Appetizers -
Vegetable platter with hummus dip & Ranch dressing
Pita chips with Spinach dip

Main Course -
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Coleslaw
Corn on the cob

Dessert -
Texas Sheet Cake

*If this were my party, I'd buy the Veggie platter, Stacy's Pita Chips, Hummus, Spinach Dip, Pork and Corn from Costco.

Menu Option 2: Mexican

Appetizer -
Tortilla chips with 7-layer dip and Guacamole

Hailey's Shrimp Sensation

Main Course -
Enchiladas
Spanish Rice
Corn Salad

Dessert -
Cookie Brownies

*If it were my party, depending on the size, I'd probably have the Enchiladas and Spanish Rice catered from a local Mexican restaurant.

Menu Option #3: Italian

Appetizer -

Cheese & Cracker platter with dried fruit and nuts

Main Course -

Caesar Salad

Lasagna

French Bread

Dessert -

Rice Crispy Roll-Ups

*If it were my party, I'd buy the Cheese & Cracker platter from Whole Foods, the Caesar Salad, Lasagna and French Bread from Costco.

Menu Option 4: Lightweight

Appetizer -

Shrimp platter with Cocktail Sauce

Cheese and Crackers platter

Main Course -

Sandwich Platter

Fruit Salad

Macaroni Salad

Dessert-

Cupcakes

*If it were my party, I'd buy the Shrimp platter and Fruit Salad at Costco and the Cheese & Cracker platter and the Sandwich platter from Whole Foods. Or Subway for the sandwiches.

Menu Option #5: All-American

Appetizer -

Assorted chips with Cheese & Bean Dip

Buffalo Wings

Main Dish -

Green Salad

Chili

Cornbread

Dessert -

Apple Pie

*If it were my party, I'd have the Buffalo Wings, Chili and Cornbread catered from a local BBQ restaurant. And would order the pies from Costco.