Ice Cream Social

One item on the kids summer bucket list was to throw a party.

We decided on an ice cream sundae party & we invited everyone on our street.

I didn't get many pictures because I was running around the whole time trying to scoop ice cream. One thing to keep in mind, kids show up ON TIME for an ice cream party!

We picked out several flavors of ice cream & toppings galore. 

The kids had a lot of fun planning & helping us get ready for the party. They made all the signs & helped clean & organize for the event. It was definitely a family affair which was awesome.

Despite very short notice, we had a huge turnout for the party - over 50 people! Luckily the weather cooperated & we could hold it outside.

We were gone so much this summer, it was really fun to catch up with neighbors - and even meet a few  neighbors for the first time too.

 Here's what I learned from our party:

1. Chocolate sauce goes a lot further than the bottle implies.

2. Caramel sauce is not a big seller (I love it!)

3. You can never have too many mini marshmallows.

4. A surprising number of grown ups really like gummy bears.

5. We bought too much ice cream. Most adults indulged in a drink instead.

6. Ice cream is expensive. If you are cutting costs, go potluck with the toppings. 

7. Have lots of ice water - we went through over 4 gallons.

We have slipped out of the entertaining mode since leaving Salt Lake. With each move, it seems to be harder & harder to find the energy to invite people to our house. But, we had so much fun with this one, we hope to make this an annual event. Who knows, maybe we will even throw another party or two before the end of the year.

Tween Birthday Party

Someone turned 10 recently & needed a suitably fabulous party for her celebration.

She nixed the sleepover & decided to host a brunch for her friends. Girlfriend likes her sleep too much. Plus, Rocky is the type of guest who would get right in there & cuddle with everyone whether they like dogs or not.

The cake batter pancakes made a great conversation piece.

Ella put together her musical play list for background music during the party.  The party started with a photo booth with plenty of props. I let the girls use my instant camera and my little point & shoot. Plus, half the girls had their own smart phone.

The girls decorated frames to hold photos from the party.  We painted the frames before the party (I used chalkboard paint for the first time) & let them add jewels. My thought was that we would send a digital print to everyone, but the girls preferred instamax prints. 

The finger tattoos were a big hit.

We had a cereal bar, bacon, blueberry muffins, fruit skewers

and a very popular hot chocolate bar with toppings.

For the past few years, instead of receiving gifts from her friends, Ella has hosted a stuffed animal exchange.

After photos, the gift exchange, frame decorating, lots of bacon & hot chocolate, the girls were ready for a dance off. Two hours was the perfect time frame for the party. Ella was very happy with how the party turned out.

In case you were curious:

Number of girls: 9
Number of glasses of OJ: 2
Number of fruit skewers eaten: 5
Number of mugs of cocoa: 9
Number of bacon slices consumed: 832
Number of napkins used: 0
Bowls of cereal eaten: 3
Number of times I heard I'm Gonna Pop Some Tags: 7
Cans of whipped topping needed: 1
Slices of cake eaten: 3
Number of times I heard "Trouble" by Taylor Swift: 5
Number of One Direction Songs Played: 8
Number of Justin Bieber Songs Played: 0
Rolls of Instant Film Used: 6
Digital Photos Taken: 83

How to Host a Bacon Fest

The second annual Bacon Fest is quickly approaching & I never shared photos from last year's fete.

Hosting a bacon fest is fairly simple.

Start with an inspiration dish & men (because honestly this is not the type of party that would be planned by a woman). Since we served the bacon wrapped grissini at a holiday party at our house, we were lucky that a friend volunteered to host the bacon party.

Inspiration dish - bacon wrapped brisket. 

Select your pièce de résistance 

We've got lots of Texans here - beans & bacon are a must.

Appetizers - Jalapeño poppers.

Pick a day when the doors can be open. The bacon smell is inevitable, but ventilation is crucial! 

Invite your friends to bring a dish honoring bacon.

Encourage creativity & a clearance note from the doctor before the meal starts.
Bacon wrapped scallops
Potato Casserole 

You don't need large servings or large plates - a little bacon goes a long way!
Bacon lasagna

Don't forget the greens!
Bacon Ranch Salad.

Take care of your guests.  Have some type of physical activity to raise those heart rates & combat the bacon.

And really, what's a party without a little karaoke?

Don't forget the desserts just because it's a bacon party.
Chocolate peanut butter bacon cupcakes.

Maple bacon cupcakes.
Ensure your pantry is stocked with takeaway containers so that you don't have 3 weeks worth of leftovers at your house. I promise that you won't want to eat bacon for a very long time after this indulgence!

Holiday Brunch

We hosted a holiday brunch recently. It was nice because the main course (quiche & breakfast burritos) was catered. I just hit Trader Joe's for some pre-made goodies (baking hasn't been a priorty this year). Chocolate covered waffle cookies, chocolate covered cherries, peppermint candy canes, chocolate covered Jo Jos, and pretzel m&ms were the biggest hits.

We set up a mimosa/OJ/water/coffee station.

Made a mega fruit salad.

And then waited for the party to arrive.

It was Nick's first White Elephant experience & I think he had fun. The kids loved selecting  & opening the gifts. The only thing we need to figure out before next year is how to accommodate 20 more people with seating for lunch. I think we might be investing in some card tables & folding chairs.

Run for the Roses

Who's your favorite in today's race? As an Indiana girl, May sports meant only one thing – the Indy 500.  That changed when I was 16.  I was flying alone for the first time – between New York City and Indianapolis.   It was a memorable trip for several reasons, but my most visual memory was that of tiny, little men boarding the plane.  These small but powerful men commanded the attention of everyone on the plane.  The jockeys were on their way to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby.

Flash forward 8 years.  I was living in Virginia.  When you go to school in the South, you meet a lot of bourbon drinkers.  This inevitably leads to much excitement come Kentucky Derby time and when a friend moved to Louisville for a job, we knew what weekend we would visit.

You only see photos of dressed up race goers with fancy hats.   Apparently, the non-rich & famous get stuck in the not-so-glamorous infield.   We may or may not have seen people duct taping contraband bags of bourbon to their person to save money. 

 We are spending today cheering on softball & t-ball players.  However, if I were to host a Kentucky Derby Party, I would have several vases of deep red roses in the house and the party fare would include BBQ ribs, fresh green salad and derby pie.

 

And, of course, I would serve mint juleps in frosted silver cups.  I think I hear the call to the posts now.

S'more Fun

We sold our old patio set before we left Salt Lake City. When I envisioned living in New Mexico, I saw sprawling yards - each with a personal kiva and breathtaking views. I was disappointed to discover that land is expensive here & most yards are more like little patios. Our house did not have a kiva, so a fire pit was the next best thing.  

We hosted an impromptu party to christen the fire pit.  If you don't have friends who can come over on a moments notice & are willing to overlook the dinner dishes, start interviewing new applicants immediately - it makes last minute entertaining much more fun.  We were happy that Jodi & the girls were willing to come over after dinner & celebrate with us.

Given the placement of the food, Hogan was certain that he was the guest of honor.Food & drinks for the evening were simple - s'more fixings & whatever else we could find in the pantry.  

It was a perfect night - crisp, but not too cold & breezy, but not crazy Albuquerque winds.

It was a great taste of summer - we are looking forward to many more nights by the fire & hopefully a few camping weekends too.

Season's Best Garden Party

Jessica & Kevin hosted our Dinner Group on Saturday night. Each month, a different person hosts & provides the main course & drinks. All other attendees bring a dish. We've been a part of the group for 7 years now & have met some wonderful friends. 24 people are currently in the group, but monthly attendance fluctuates. This month, about 12 people attended a LOVELY garden soiree. The yard looked fantastic & the food was delicious. People really had a great time & enjoyed the food & intimate gathering. The home brew really got the party hoppin' (pun intended)!