A party Plan...

So I’m going to try something new here! It is called Five Minute Friday. It happens every Friday over at The Gypsy Mama. You just write for five minutes on a given topic. No editing. No censoring. Just free writing. So here goes my first Five Minute Friday.

This week’s prompt: If I knew I could, I would...

3:17 ready, set, GO

I love to party plan; bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, birthday parties…you name it I love it! If I lived in a city that could sustain a large scale planner I would make that a career in a heartbeat. One of my favorite blogs is Hostess with the Mostess. I get some of the most amazing ideas from all of her fabulous contributors.

I would own a shop, and have fun trendy frilly things like Sweet Lulu. I would have an amazing office where I could meet with my client’s coffee shop style in a fashion that would allow them to tell me their desires, and let my little hearts dreams soar (on someone else’s budget!).

So if I knew I could do it and keep my pay (but would gladly take more) I would love to design and implement parties that would create lasting memories for families. There is nothing better than stepping back at a party to see the joy on people’s faces.

3:22 (and a few seconds) STOP!

Wow, that 5 minutes went fast.

If you’re new thanks for stopping by!

“Jesus Is Risen” Buns

This weekend my sister and her girls shared with us a tasty treat to help children understand the meaning of Christ’s empty tomb, make this fun and tasty treat. They called them Jesus buns.

Ingredients:
1 Can Refrigerated Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
8 Large Marshmallows
Melted Butter
Cinnamon & Sugar Mixture

Directions:
1. Give each person one crescent roll triangle, (this represents Christ’s tomb) and one marshmallow (representing His body).
2. Have each person dip their marshmallow in the melted butter and roll around in the cinnamon and sugar (representing the oil and spices that were anointed on Christ’s body).
3. Next Lay the cinnamon and sugar covered marshmallow onto the crescent roll triangle then carefully wrap, making sure that all seems are closed.
4. Bake according to package directions and let cool.
5. Break open the ‘tomb’ and show how Christ has risen and the tomb is empty.

Happy Earth Day 2011

Happy Earth Day: the day intended to bring awareness and appreciation for the environment. Some choose to plant a tree or introduce some recycling bins in their home, while others help pick up trash. I think what people don't realize is that they can make a big difference for the environment in little ways.

At our house we save our cans and on Earth Day weekend, we take them in to be recycled. Something my hubby has done since the day I meet him. He sometimes takes the money and gives it to United Way.

For me,

I’m going to scoot around in my microfiber slippers and clean today! That is my way of celebrating Earth Day 2011!

One way you can make an impact is to use green household cleaners. Not only is it better for the earth but you will keep a lot of harsh chemicals out of your home and away from your family.

Nothing like last minute but after work today I am going home to clean for our Easter guests (arriving tonight) told you it was last minute.
When cleaning by bath and shower I use old dryer fabric softener sheets! Soap scum can be a struggle. One way to prevent it is to wipe down the tub or shower after each use. But really??? So, we have soap scum. But, it doesn't have to get out of control by using a common household laundry supply - the dryer sheet. I didn't believe it at first, but it really works! All you have to use is an old dryer sheet. You can use new ones but why not use old ones, they work just the same.

As far as the rest of the house, I love love love the smell of cleaning products. I have a fetish with buying them just not using them. But have you ever noticed how expensive some of the “green” products are? So there are ways you can make a great “green” product at home for pennies on the dollar.
All-Purpose Cleanser:

1 Cup Distilled Water
1/2 Cup Vinegar
1/2 Teaspoon Liquid Soap (optional)

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before use.

In general any cleaning supplies made out of Baking soda, water, vinegar or liquid soap or detergent are said to be “eco-friendly” and will do the job when it comes to cleaning.

Cheers to Earth Day AND my race to get the house clean before our guest arrive.

If only I were a Secret Millionaire

Within the last month or so, a reality show called "Secret Millionaire" has showered our TV screen on Sunday nights (along with Undercover Boss and Amazing Race). I don’t know about your house but at ours we've been intrigued ever since.

The premise is as follows: Millionaires go "undercover" into impoverished neighborhoods, living alongside the community and surviving on around $6.50 a day. Gawk-factor material is watching the millionaires adjust from private jets and beach mansions to moldy showers and no AC. At the same time they deal with this culture shock, they seek out worthy individuals and causes in the community. In the process, many of them grapple with their preconceived notions of poverty, gain new perspective on their wealth, and are humbled by those getting by on very little but still trying to do good. Our favorite part of the show was seeing how passionately and selflessly the community members spoke of their service work, completely unaware that they were in the presence of someone who could make them a large donation that may change the path of their life or organization.

One of my favorite was the one with Dani Johnson and Special Spaces that creates dream bedrooms for critically ill children. Such a touching organization and a few people with such passion for these little kids they don’t even know with the drive to do more rooms if only they had the financing.

Is it gimmicky reality TV emo-drama? Sure. A little uncomfortably condescending? Perhaps. Inspiring? Oh yes, thats why viewers are watching.

Now what about you? What if you were a “secret millionaire”? Who in your local area would you give to? What are you passionate about?

In my world:

Have you heard of that organization that goes in and surprises the working working moms with a clean house and sparkling clean car. I know I could find a way to qualify if we had one locally! Hahah can you tell what I am in need of today. In the dash from work to soccer to homework it’s hard to find the time to think some days. I would support any organization that praised the race of the working mama!

Secondly, I am forever grateful for the inexpensive afterschool care that Maci gets at boys and girls club. I know they would get a chunk of my change! In our area there are many organizations that would more than deserve a healthy financial gift. Some like the Harvest Church recognizing their support and ALL they do for kids and families (daydreaming of a swimming pool in the heights…aaaahhhh). I don't think I would have a hard time giving my money away:)

If only I were a “secret millionaire”!

Oh yeah, my names not Stella but I’ve got my grove back.

For Steph and me the zumba madness has begun. So brace yourself...because this mommy will be shaking, samba'ing, and ZUMBA FITTNESSING my way to a healthy & toned up me. Even if I have to get Zumba for Wii. I have struggled greatly this past year with the 25 pounds I put on after the wedding…nearly 2 years ago (crazy to believe).
The gym I go to offers a Zumba class. Zumba…the hip shaken, butt rocken, muffin top tackling work out. Not only is it QUITE a workout, but it's so much fun...I really didn’t realize I was even "working out”. In case you hadn’t heard of it, I’ll fill you in. It's the Latin-dance inspired aerobics class that's sweeping the nation. Zumba is probably the most fun you can have with your clothes on, especially if you're a Mom who doesn't go out dancing much anymore. What could be better than hopping around to fast, loud, Latin pop music and disco? The unbelievably sculpted, tanned, well-endowed teacher at my gym has you working on moves such as "the body roll," the mystifying "rib shake" and of course, hip wiggles and pelvic thrusts with some complicated little samba steps thrown in for spice. All while sweating profusely and laughing at yourself. At least Steph and I laughed at ourselves. Some of our fellow Zumb-ers seemed to take it more seriously. Many of them have become experts in the moves.

As a first timer, my goals were somewhat more modest. a) Do not fall down and b) Minimize the number of times I was facing the back wall while everyone else faced front or worse yet I was facing them when they should have been looking at my back side.

On a more positive note, there were moments when it all came together. For one whole song, I felt like I could keep up ("Yep, I'm facing front and so is everyone else!"). It even brought up memories of evenings from my pre-kids life, at the…here it comes…are ya ready…THE WEST!

If you have not tried Zumba, you should.