Kitchen Command Center

There is a hilarious clip from 'The Middle' where Molly Shannon and Patricia Heaton discuss 'organizational centers' are you a phone or frig family?  Watch the clip here, it awesome.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, we spend most of our time there, so doesn't it make sense that is where you put your 'organizational center' - I like to call mine the kitchen command center.  It's my 'go-to' - it houses my to-list, our meals for the week, and grocery list.

I also utilize the top shelf in my cabinet to store tape and sticky notes.  I also created a 'hanging folder' to hang on the inside of the cabinet for things like, recipients, invitations, coupons, etc.  This was easy to do, it's just 2 pages of coordinating scrapbook pages, on page cut in half and stapled to the other. 

How do you keep organized at home?

~Cyn

My Trip to the Wilton Tent Sale

If you like to bake, you are already familiar with the Wilton, and their line of baking and decorating products.  They have everything that you would need, from quality baking pans to decorating tips, to cake stands, if you need it for a baking project they have it!

We here in the Chicagoland area are lucky because once a year for Wilton holds there annual tent sale where everything is close to 50% regular retail price.  I use this as a chance to stock-up every year.  This sale has everything, wedding favors, cookie cutters, you name it, they have it.  This year I even found scrap booking supplies.

Since I love to bake and I love a good deal, this I one of favorite things to do each Spring.  I usually make a list that I try to follow, but I typically end up with more that I planned on!

So this year, I feel like I scored more bargains that usual.  I spent around $100 and managed to stock up on my supply of baking liners and sprinkles.  I also was able to replace some of my baking pans.  I also use the discount from this sale to try some new products. 

This is one of the products I'm anxious to try.  I have kinda of a problem with getting cakes out of pans, so I'm hoping this will help.

The sale runs, through Tuesday, June 18th.  You can find all the information you need at their website, Wilton Tent Sale.

Have Fun!!

~Cyn

Two Fat Guys...A Product Review

Hubby and I love to grill out, especially in the summer, so we are always on the lookout for something new.  Sometimes, it's as simply as a new spice, marinade or a sauce.  I actually, have to give all the credit to Hubby for this find, and the opinions expressed in this piece are mainly his, he is the one that found this, stood in line, and forked over the cash, so he gets the credit on this one.  I also made him do the work, so...

This is his favorite BBQ sauce.  It's called Two Fat Guys Gourmet Barbecue Sauce, and they are very proud that it is actually made by Two Fat Guys.  It comes in 4 flavors, Mild (my old favorite), Smoky, Spicy (my new favorite), and Lava Hot (this is the only flavor that we haven't tried).  The part I like the best, is that they don't seem to be over processed.

Last week we tried the Spicy and Smoky on pork chops.  Hubby was in charge, he marinated the pork chops for 24 hours, perfectly seasoned, puts the on the grill and then 3/4 of they way through, the propane tank runs out!  So, we finished them off in the oven. 

I am not really a fun of smoky, I don't like smoked meats, but I have to say that I really like the taste of this sauce.  It wasn't over bearing.  The spicy sauce is tremendous, it's not over bearing and the flavor of the spices really come through.  Honestly, Hubby loved them both and is already making plans for the Lava Hot.

We found them last summer when I took him along to the flea market and while I was running around looking at every Pyrex bowl in the place, he managed to find the food.  I think he would admit that he was at first drawn in by the free samples.  Later, I found him bottle in hand, smile on his face.  Now, I don't have any issue with getting him to go to the flea market with me.

Head over to there website, I Love Two Fat Guys, to find out where you can find it, you will not be disappointed.

~Cyn

Choosing a Wedding Officiant

The newest trend in wedding ceremonies seems to be having a friend or family perform the ceremony.  Most of the them choose to become ordained on-line.  I have mixed feelings on this.  I have seen this go well, and have seen this go poorly. 

Not Everyone Can Officiate a Wedding

If a couple decides to go down the road of having a friend perform the ceremony, there are some important ground rules you will want to establish.

• Tone of your Ceremony - serious or silly, make sure you are on the same page
• Stick to a Script - ask to read what they plan to say before the big day, no surprises
• Attire - suits (matching tie to the wedding colors) - for the ladies a dress, that complements the wedding colors
• Make sure they attend the rehearsal, so they know what is expected
• Research the paperwork - make sure all the licenses needed are completed
• Treat them as part of the wedding party

Hiring a Professional

It may be your best option, and in my opinion the least stressful one.  Here are something to consider

Where do you find one?

• Ask for referrals - family, friends, co-workers
• The Knot - that is where I found mine!
• Ceremony Site - they will typically have a list of preferred officiants

What to ask them?

• What is your typical ceremony like?
• Will you give (or not give) a sermon?
• Will you allow us to personalize our ceremony?
• How many times will we meet prior to the wedding?
• Will you attend the rehearsal?
• Do you have any references we can call?

Typically, when you are paying an officiant they will let you do pretty much whatever you want to do, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

How much is a Wedding Officiant?

Budget to spend around $200 dollars.  Once you've paid the fee, and I would pay them up front before the date, it is completely acceptable to tip the remaining money you budgeted.  But, just like with having a friend, make sure they understand your vision for your day.

Couple of more things...

• Invite the officiant and their spouse/significant other to the wedding/reception
• Make sure to get a picture with them when you are signing the license

Wedding Traditions to Keep

I was recently reading an article about how all of these wedding traditions were out of style and how they needed to go away.  They were old fashion, today's couples don't want those things at there wedding.  Why not take the concept of these old traditions and modernize them? 

Having the Bride's Father Give Her Away

It is understandable in this world of step parents,  and adoptive parents, that sometimes there is more than one 'Dad' in your life.  Some Bride's choose not to pick between them for this honor, and walk alone down the aisle.  But, there are a lot of other solutions, the Bride could have both Dad's one on each side.  One Dad could walk her half way with the other taking her to the altar. 

I've been to many weddings where Mom(s) gave the Bride away.  Uncles are very popular, and don't forget about Grandfathers.  The important men in a Bride's (and Groom's) life can also be honored with a special dance after dinner.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

One of my favorites.  Easy to Update.  Be Creative!

Something Old -

Momma's pearls
Momma's dress
Pin one of your Grandmother's broaches to your flowers or the inside of your dress (or suit).
Momma's, Grandmother's, or Sister's Veil

Something New -

Dress (or Suit)
Shoes (go all out!)

Something Borrowed -

Momma's pearls
Dad's Handkerchief
Niece's Hair band, tied around your flowers
Nephew's Baseball Card tucked into your belt or sash

Something Blue -

ditch the blue garter...

Shoes (or just paint your wedding date in blue on the bottoms, which will make a great picture!)
Sash, ribbon or bow on the back of your dress
Undies
Jewelry, little accent pieces, small earrings, pendants

Throwing the Bouquet

I know, people don't like the little girls running around, you can have all the little ones come out and you can throw some candy for them and then let the big girls at the Bouquet.  Make sure that your florist makes a bouquet for to throw, because you will not want to give away yours.

Cutting the Cake

What is a wedding without cake?  Some many couples are choosing to move away from one large cake, and are serving actual dessert, or cupcakes.  These are not bad trends, but with most venue's offering a cake with the catering package, sometimes it doesn't make financial sense to turn down the free cake and pay for cupcakes. Go with the cake, do the ceremonial first bite (smashing is optional) and then have the entire cake (expect for the top layer) cut, and what your guests don't eat after dinner, have the leftovers put in cake boxes and left on the place card table for guests to grab when as they leave.  If you are essentially getting a free cake, you can still have the your sweet table thing.  What I don't like, is when people have one cake for their bridal party (or family) and then serve their guests sheet cake, if you are going to do that, skip the cake.

~Cyn

Our Day at America's Got Talent

About a month ago, Hubby and I had the chance to attend a 'America's Got Talent' audition taping.  We jumped at the chance since this is one of our favorite shows, plus the taping was a theatre that we are really familiar with and is close to our house, so we both played hookie (i.e.: took vacation days) from work and trotted our little behinds down there.

This year, the format of the show is alittle different, there are 4 judges instead of 3, and you only need 3 yes votes to move to the next round.  The returning judges are Howard Stern (I know), and Howie Mandel (annoying in a good way), and the new judges are Heidi Klum (most beautiful woman I have ever seen up close) and Mel B (yes, that would be Scary Spice). 

Our seats were pretty good, expect for the large crane in front of us, we were about 20 feet from Howard Stern's right side.  Now I will be honest, not a huge Stern fan, but he was really okay during the taping.  He was nice when I thought that he wouldn't be, and so sweet sometimes it surprised me.

Sorry this pic is so fuzzy, I was dodging a security guard with a flash light.

The taping itself was fun, it's been along time since I was a show taping and apparently Vanna White doesn't require as many touch ups to her hair as Mel B does. But, I forgot about how much there is to do before the show even starts.  Stand up, Stand up and Cheer, Stand  up and Boo, and don't get me started about how many times we sang "Living in America" and waved flags.

I won't give away what we saw, but I will be live tweeting every episode this season, so follow me at @cyndic88 - and comment on the acts that we saw, most of our group advanced to the next round!

We had a great time and can't wait to see what happens this season.  AGT premieres tomorrow, on NBC at 9/8 cst.  Set your DVR right now!

~Cyn

5 Easy Ways to be a Good Wedding Guest

 

With the beginning of wedding season upon us, take a minute to refresh your wedding guest Oh, that time of year is upon us.

#1 - Return your RSVP card.

Honestly, there is nothing more irritating than people who do not return their RSVPs. It is very
frustrating trying to figure out how many people to plan for when you have 20 RSVP floating around.  Seriously, you only have to check a box and sign your name, it could be worse, you could have to fill out this.

One final note on this, if you return your RSVP that you are coming at the last minute you can't make (I know it happens) - call the Bride (or her Mom or the Groom or his Mom) and tell them please.

#2 - Dress the Part

I can't believe I am saying this. 

• No Jeans
• No Shorts
• No printed logo t-shirts
• Men should not wear flip-flops

That is all.

#3 - Attend the Ceremony

I know the reception is the fun part, but there has been alot of planning and time spent on the ceremony as well.  Go and Enjoy.  Hold your partners hand while the Bride and Groom say their vows, it will remind you of yours.


#4 - Watch your fluid intake

The open bar is tempting. Remember you are a guest.   A couple of drinks will get you loosened up for the 'Electric Slide' - just don't get too loose, if you know what I mean.

 
#5 - Don't Forget the Gift

Wedding gifts are easy.  Cash is King.  Although as a precaution, I always advise people to write a check when possible, that way if something happens to the card box, you can stop payment, and write them a new one.  When determining an amount, keep in mind, that you at least want to cover your meal, and catered dinners go from $17 - $24 dollars.  Make the check out at least a $100 for a family of four.

Bonus Tip -  Enjoy Yourself

Eat, drink, dance.  Catch up with family and old friends, make some new ones!

~Cyn