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My favorite little red head, Hattie, turned the BIG TWO this past weekend and we all got to celebrate! Miss Hattie is an independent and vivacious little firecracker that would choose to spend everyday picking flowers and playing in the backyard if she could. There have been many times that I have arrived home to find little cups of wildflowers hand plucked and delivered by Hattie via the Radio Flyer. When thinking about ways to celebrate her second birthday, there was no doubt that it had to be in the garden amidst all of her favorite things (flowers, dirt, trees, rocks, snails, etc…).
I was the amateur iPhone photographer for the day. I tried but none of my tricks got her to look at the camera.
“Hattie’s Seed Company” packets adorned the backyard along with Burlap, Sunflowers, Wellies planted with succulents and all sorts of other goodies. Hattie’s banner was a joint effort created with love!
All of the guests participated and brought something special to add to Hattie’s Garden Party. Abby (Hattie’s NINE year old niece) amazed all of us with her chick cupcakes. Yes, I did say that she is 9 years old and she made these. I will be sure to share her information when she opens up her bakery!
Thanks to Cookies by Design, we all got to decorate flower cookies.
Hattie decorated her cookies and then made sure she shared them with everyone.
Happy Birthday Hattie!!!
It is a rare occasion that I get to be in New England for one of my niece’s or nephew’s birthday parties and I was so excited to have been able to celebrate with Preston James on his second birthday. Preston LOVES the carousel so it was only fitting that we throw him and all of his two year old buddies a Birthday Carousel Carnival at the oldest Loof Carousel in the World! I am certain that fact meant a lot to Preston…
While our birthday boy spent all of his time on the 90 mph carousel (at least that is what it felt like to me!) some of his friends enjoyed face painting and balloon animals. After taking the quick course in face painting, I was on hand to create unicorns, cupcakes, clowns and dolphins on some sweet little faces. Each of the kids got a carnival box full of animal crackers and carnival stickers, pinwheels and popcorn cupcakes. The avid carousel riders took a break when the donut clown cake was served and the candles blown out! Oh to be TWO!
It was a blast for Auntie Liz to be part of the party!
Happy Birthday Preston James!
I am back in my hometown of Grafton, Massachusetts this week for all sorts of family activities. The weekend started with a first ever Family Reunion and ended with a Carousel Birthday Party. Not exactly the typical weekend but it was so much fun party planning with family!
Yours truly was responsible for collecting all of our family’s baby pictures to put together a family tree. I have to give props to any of you that have done this before because let me tell you it is A LOT of work and this was only for 3 generations of my father’s side of the family. It was, however, definitely worth every bit of effort to watch family enjoy it.
I thought I would share the finished product (finished for now anyways…).
Mark your calendars… WUW is LAUNCHING!!! Time to Celebrate.
Wish Upon a Wedding is a non-profit organization granting weddings to couples facing life altering circumstances, often related to an illness. There are a multitude of chapters across the country doing these great works and we’re so excited to be launching a chapter here in San Diego.
We are so honored and excited to be part of this amazing organization and hope you will join us…
Learn more about this event and RSVP here.
We have officially started our Memorial Day Weekend and for many, that means an extra day off inclusive of outdoor activities and the onset of SUMMER! Time to put your sunblock on and get outside to embrace the sunshine. San Diego does not disappoint with things to do and places to go…
These are some of our Memorial Day top picks:
Saturday, May 28, 2011
San Diego Rubik’s Cube Competition
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m
Puzzle pros converge at the Fleet for the 6th Annual San Diego Rubik’s Cube Competition. You can enter to compete or watch “Cube Masters” tackle a series of mind-boggling events, including solving the iconic puzzle in less than 30 seconds…or while blindfolded! Plus, learn how basic mathematical algorithms make solving the puzzle quick and easy.
American Freedom Festival San Diego
The Midway Museum on the Embarcadero , 7:30pm
This fundraising event features Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Kenny Loggins with special guest, the U.S. Army’s own, Rena Marie Cunningham. The concert will benefit the Veterans Village of San Diego Armed Services YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County, United Through Reading and other local charities supporting Veterans.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Victory Nightlife Presents: The Block Party
House of Blues, San Diego, 9:00p
The highly anticipated Block Party presented by Victory Nightlife & House of Blues returns. Get ready to witness Southern California’s most celebrated DJs, dancers, and artists all under one roof at the world famous House of Blues in Downtown San Diego.
Fortune’s Memorial Day Pool Party
Ivy Rooftop, San Diego, 12:00p
Fortune’s Holiday Pool Party series is back again for 2011. A full day of sunshine, house music, fashion, dancing, poolside lounging and most importantly all of your favorite San Diego locals that you want to party with! Celebrating six stories high on the Ivy Rooftop at the Andaz Hotel, you will love this beautiful property (formerly Ivy Hotel) that takes up an entire city block and has a 180 degree panoramic view of the beautiful San Diego skyline!
House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in Balboa Park, 10:30am-5pm
Annual event features food, music and dance from around the world. Current members include the Houses of Argentina, Austria, China, Colombia, Czech & Slovak Republics, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Norway, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, and USA.
Valley View Casino Center, 7:30pm
On the heels of blockbuster ratings for the post-Super Bowl episode Sunday night, Twentieth Century Fox Television and “Glee” co-creator Ryan Murphy are pleased to announce that the critically acclaimed “Glee Live! If you are a fan of the show, you are going to love it LIVE!
Monday. May 30, 2011
The Kensington Memorial Day Parade
Kensington, San Diego County, 10am
A long-running local staple, it involves school children, marching bands, the usual politicians and of course fun and entertainment. Marlborough Drive is the main parade route. It stretches from Palisades Road to Adams Avenue. Unlike some of the other events, this one has a distinct neighborhood feel, as do most of the festivities around this San Diego County locale.
As much fun as we have this weekend, let’s not forget to observe our fallen military heroes and their families.
I have been checking the mail but still no invitation from Buckingham Palace. It looks as if we are going to be watching the ROYAL WEDDING on this side of the pond. Not to worry, there are a lot of places around town rolling out the red carpet for William and Kate and you ARE invited!
Shakespeare Pub & Grille (3701 India Street, Middletown) – The Royal Wedding watching festivities will begin at 6:00 a.m.* A special breakfast will be offered during the celebration: Eggs Benedict or Wild Smoked Salmon & Bagels followed by seasonal fruit. Like any good wedding reception, complimentary champagne will be poured throughout the ceremony. The cost is $19.95 per person and reservations are required. Please call (619) 299-0230, Extension 5. In a nod to the UK’s love of millinery, a prize will be awarded to the lady wearing the best hat.
All Things Bright And British (8401 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa) – Bill, the owner, has plans to broadcast the Royal Wedding live at his charming British goods establishment in La Mesa. He is planning the live wedding watching event as we type. For the latest information, please call him at (619) 464-2298. He plans on having an open house all weekend long so the merriment will go on past Friday morning. Additionally, if you plan on having your own Royal Wedding watching party, you can stock up on real British goods ‘Made in England.’ If you like candy, tea, Cornish Pasties, bangers, Wensleydale cheese, and real Cadbury Chocolate bars (the U.S. ones are made by Hershey), make a mad dash to Bill’s place before the BIG DAY.
Don’t plan on making an outing of it? YouTube has received an official sanction to broadcast four hours of live Internet coverage on The Royal Channel which will include the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the procession to Buckingham Palace, and the newlyweds’ appearance on the palace balcony for “The Kiss.”
Royal Wedding Day Schedule
8: 15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. – The general congregation will arrive at the Great North Door of Westminster Abbey.
9:50 a.m. – Governors-General and Prime Ministers of Realm Countries,the Diplomatic Corps, and other distinguished guests arrive at the Abbey.
10:10 a.m. – Prince William and Prince Henry of Wales leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey.
10:20 a.m. – Members of Foreign Royal Families and Mrs. Michael (Carole) Middleton and Mr. James Middleton arrive at Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace.
10:25 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. – Members of the Royal Family (except those listed below) leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey.
10:38 a.m. – The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla) leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey.
10:40 a.m. – The Queen (Elizabeth II) and The Duke of Edinburgh leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey.
10:48 a.m. – The Bridesmaids and Pages leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey.
10:51 a.m. – The Bride (Kate), accompanied by Mr. Michael Middleton, leaves the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey.
11: 00 a.m. – The Marriage Service begins.
12:15 p.m. – The Carriage Procession of the Bride and Bridegroom with a Captain’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, followed by The Queen’s Procession with a Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, leaves Westminster Abbey for Buckingham Palace.
12:30 p.m. – The Bride’s Carriage Procession arrives at Buckingham Palace.
12:40 p.m. – Members of the Royal Family and Members of Foreign Royal Families and other guests for the reception arrive at Buckingham Palace.
1:25 p.m. – The Queen and the Bride and Bridegroom, together with their Families, appear on the Balcony.
1:30 p.m. – Fly Past by the Royal Air Force and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
I was driving this morning and flipped on the radio only to hear the voice of David Wasserman of Joes on the Nose talking about the immense growth of food trucks. He inspired me to do a little impromptu post…
I don’t know what you think of when you hear the words “food truck” but a lot of people think of the “roach coach” that pulls up in a parking lot at lunch time. While those still may exist, the new trend in food trucks is gourmet and organic. Restaurant quality food served on wheels! If you have been to one of our local Farmer’s Markets recently, you know exactly what I am talking about.
Beach bonfires and pre-wedding guest outings are just some of the things that come to mind when I think of a food truck. How easy to order your favorite gourmet food and it rolls up to your event complete with all of the fixings. Of course, the late night food truck snack goes without saying…
Mark your calendars:
Friday, April 15 5:00pm- Fifty Seven Degrees, San Diego
I have some of my favorites listed below:
- Devilicious
- Flippin’ Pizza
- India On Wheels
- Joes On the Nose
- MangiaMangia
- Super Q Food Truck
- Sweet Treats Truck
- The Gathering Spot Bistrotruck
- Two for the Road
- The Green Truck
- SD Street Eats
As much as we would like to, we know that it is unrealistic to think we can all hop on a plane and go assist in the relief efforts in Japan. That does not mean we can’t do our part.
Thanks to Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours, our wedding community has a direct resource to contribute. Their starting goal of $5,000 has turned into over $54,000 within 7 days. That means approximately 530 people will be directly helped through the generosity and caring spirits of people like YOU!
Join us in sending love to Japan…
Thank you very much for joining us in this cause to help the victims in Japan. Your donation really means a lot to us and to Shelter Box USA. With love and gratitude, Utterly Engaged & Ever Ours
What would the holidays be without a little Christmas Cheer? When entertaining, there is nothing like a specialty cocktail to bring the celebration to life. I have tried a few new recipes this year and am excited to share. Thanks to the Festive Holiday Cocktails app for my ipad, I will have a fabulous holiday cocktail recipe with me wherever I go!
Cheers to a Happy and Healthy Holiday!
Brandy Eggnog
Ingredients:
1/2 oz sugar syrup or to taste
1-1/2 oz brandy
1 egg
1 cup milk
Freshly ground nutmeg
Mixing instructions:
Mix all ingredients, except nutmeg, with cracked ice in a shaker or blender and strain into a chilled highball glass. Sprinkle with nutmeg.
Bourbon Ginger Snap
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup honey
1 3-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
6 cups fresh orange juice
4 cups pear nectar
1 liter bourbon
2 lemons, thinly sliced
ice, for serving
Mixing instructions:
In a large saucepan, combine 2 quarts water, the fresh lemon juice,
honey, and ginger; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain into a large bowl; let cool.
Add the orange juice, pear nectar, bourbon, and lemons to the lemon syrup. Serve over ice.
Candy Cane Martini
Ingredients:
3/4 oz Peppermint Schnapps
3/4 oz Creme de Cacao
1/4 oz Grenadine
1/4 oz Half & Half
a splash of 7-Up
Mixing instructions:
In a cocktail shaker half filled with ice, combine peppermint schnapps, white creme de cacao & grenadine. Add half and half and top with a splash of 7-up. Garnish with a small candy cane and enjoy!
Tezon Mistletoe
Ingredients:
1 oz. Tezon Blanco Tequila
1/2 oz. Triple sec
1/2 oz. Pomegranate juice
Mixing instructions:
Pour the tequila, triple sec and pomegranate juice in a chilled champagne flute.
Fill with champagne
Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
It is hard to believe that we are entering into Memorial Day weekend. Summer is right around the corner which means outdoor dining. Friends, family, sunshine, good food and fun! Summer, here we come!!!
The Essentials of Summer Entertaining
1. The Menu
(1) Scallops with Wilted Spinach and Arugula (2) Green Bean, Corn and Tomato Salad (3) Honeyed Tofu on Udon with Cucumber Ribbons (4) Peach Crisp
2. The Beverages
(1) Sugar Rims (2) Olé (3)Brazilian Lemonade (4) Sangria
3. The Activities
(1) Bocce (2)Croquet (3) Badminton (4) Horsehoes
4. The Decor
(1) Design Sponge (2) Parade of Blooms (3) Beach (4) Crudite
5. The Planning
Here is a task list to keep you on track.
Find out what kind of planner you are by taking Martha’s quiz.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!!
Bustle Blog By Liz Beck 
