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Archive for August, 2010

Summer Sunset

Posted in Entertaining at Home, Musings, tagged , , on August 19, 2010| 2 Comments »

With the days of summer winding down toward fall, it seems even more important to grab on to every moment and squeeze all the fun, excitement and joy out of it we can. One of the best places to do that can be in your very own backyard.  Really!

How many of these beautiful summer evenings have you just sat and watched the world go by from your backyard? Not nearly, enough, I’m guessing. I know I haven’t.

At the party I was at last night, the hostess with the mostest had all her guests gather in her backyard. It was bliss! Everyone was relaxed and casual and enjoying one another. Isn’t that really what it is all about?  Relaxing, living in the moment, enjoying the company of family and friends?

Despite the often disastrous state of my own backyard, we can watch some of the most amazing sunsets take place over our neighbor’s pasture and beyond to the distant hills. Nature paints the most gorgeous portraits if we just take the time to really look at them and enjoy.

So I challenge you to slow down, take a deep breath and watch a few of these unbelievable summer sunsets while they last.

Happy Entertaining!

Shanna

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Smell the Roses

Posted in Hubby, Musings, tagged , , on August 18, 2010| 2 Comments »

My Wednesday Shout-Out this week goes to my Hubby.

Yes, I am sappy. I freely admit it. But you have to cut me some slack. Please. I kind of like Captain Cavedweller.

I’ve had some challenging days recently and the little bit of rope keeping me tied to my sanity is starting to unravel. Hubby is fully aware of the fact and has been on the suffering end of my craziness. So I was really surprised when I came home to find this beautiful bouquet of flowers from him.

Suddenly all the chaos didn’t seem quite as important.

It is really nice being married to someone who, when I need it most, reminds me to stop and smell the roses, to slow my run down to a walk, to take a deep breath and just be.

Maybe that’s why I like him so much. That and his panache.

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Garden’s Bounty Party Theme

Posted in Entertaining Ideas, Party Theme, tagged , , on August 17, 2010| Leave a Comment »

“Did you ever stop to taste a carrot?  Not just eat it, but taste it?  You can’t taste the beauty and energy of the earth in a Twinkie.” ~Astrid Alauda
There is something unique and mysterious and completely wonderful about feasting on the bounty of our gardens as summer makes is descent into fall. Think about inviting a few friends or fellow gardeners over for a fun Garden’s Bounty Party. Use fresh fruits and vegetables as not only your menu, but also as centerpieces.

Hold the party outdoors, of course! Set up a few tables, throw down some blankets and prepare to have fun.

For a super simple and easy centerpiece, fill a large basket with fruit or vegetables, or a mix of both. Tie with a raffia or muslin ribbon.

Use hollowed out vegetables like cabbage and peppers for serving containers. These are great for holding dips or mini salads.

Ask guests to bring a pot-luck dish that highlights their favorite fruit or vegetable. I guarantee it will be a fun and interesting meal. You can provide a main dish (how about ka-bobs with a mix of fresh veggies and meat) and beverages (lemonade, fruit juice, etc.).

Have everyone bring their prize-winning produce for a laid-back and entertaining contest.

Relax, enjoy and savor these last days of summer and your garden. Enjoy sharing the bounty with your friends! You’ll be glad you did!

Happy Entertaining!

Shanna



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He’s Got Panache

Posted in Hubby, Musings, tagged , , on August 16, 2010| 1 Comment »

Word of the Week: panache

pa·nache

puh-nahsh

–noun

a grand or flamboyant manner; verve; style; flair:

The other day, Hubby and I were having our typical end of the day chat about work, family and life in general when, during the course of conversation, he threw in the word “panache.”

I was so surprised, I think my jaw must have dropped and I was rendered utterly speechless. (Believe me, that doesn’t happen often!). In the 17 plus years I’ve known him, I have never once heard Hubby use the word “panache” let alone use it in such a way that it was not only properly used but also with a great deal of humor.

That Hubby of mine never fails to surprise me. Maybe it’s just part of his unique panache.

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