For some, the year is broken up into 2 seasons... Winter, and Patio Season.  With the mindset that there can never be enough outdoor restaurant seating, I believe I fall into in the latter camp.  Now for any of you city dwellers pioneering the urban landscape, a rooftop patio is the pièce de résistance of patio season and the envy of all patio revelers.  You may not have a lot of green space to spread out your picnicking accoutrements, but the horizontally challenged party space is unique and coveted all the same. ...more

Need some fun and easy craft ideas to brighten up your Mother's Day table?  This colorful bouquet made out of chenille sticks (aka pipe cleaners) from Make and Takes are a warm and fuzzy addition for heart and home.  Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make your first stem, and then let your creativity shine through.  You can put your bouquet in a ornamental vase, make a topiary in a small flower pot, or create a virtual flower garden.   Happy Mother's Day! ...more

Opening day at the races might be the best excuse yet to play dress up in decidedly flamboyant attire and act all sophisticated.  Including a HAT!  I mean, how many opportunities do we ladies get to do that?  The gents can come sporting linen or seersucker, with a great looking bow tie for a finishing touch.  Of course we all know dressing up for a party 99% guarantees a fabulous time... ...more

Nothing like the first sunburn of the season to suggest that summer is almost here!  When everything is bright and lush, the sun is shining and there is not a cloud in the sky, it's time to get outside and rejoice.  Whether that means planting in the garden or tidying up your green space, why not kick off the summer with a cheerful Garden Party.  This can be anything from a luncheon on the lawn to sparking up the grill and flippin' burgers; the important thing here is that we are dining in the great outdoors. ...more

I find it hard to believe that there are people out there that don't even know what boba tea is!?!  What the heck?  Don't miss out on this drink that eats like a meal!  Originating from Taiwan, Boba tea, aka pearl or bubble tea is a sweetened tea drink which often has milk and tapioca pearls added.  It is also my current addiction.  Well, to be honest, I have been feeding this addiction on a regular basis for oh, the past 9 months or so.  Lately, it has been getting out of hand, that is to say a daily addiction, so I have decided to investigate a home made solution. ...more

No turning into a pumpkin at midnight on prom night!  When you are all dressed up, you need somewhere to strut your style.  Most grads want to keep the fun going all night, and with some advanced planning, you can put together an action packed evening that will keep you going until sunrise.  Here are the top five ideas for a memorable and entertaining post prom party. ...more

Prom night may very well be the most anticipated night of high school, if not one's entire school career.   And why not?  It has been 12 hard-earned years in the making.  To get the most out of your evening, why not host a pre prom party to start the night off in style.  It is also a great way to get some memorable photos before the night gets going and you let your hair down.  You can select a theme for your party, or if your friends are game, you can even theme your entire group... ...more

You know how a lot of food blogs have really cool web names based on their favorite dish?  If I was a food blogger, mine would be called hotcrossedbuns.com, because you guessed it, I LOVE me some HCB.  Well, that site might get blocked since it sounds X rated.  And maybe it should be, seeing that it would have the most awesome hot crossed buns ever!  On second thought, probably not such a good idea considering they are only eaten once a year.  Too bad, because buns this tasty should be eaten year round... ...more

Easter is all about eggs and pastel colors.  I can't get enough of this stuff.  How much fun am I having tooling about the internet exploring all things Easter?!?  It's like my laptop has been bathed in pepto bismol, which is just fine by me.  AND I learned something new while watching this Easter decorating video... pipe cleaners are now referred to as "chenille sticks".  Who knew?  I'm down with it... although it sounds a bit precious, I can't say as I have used the aforementioned as a tool for cleaning pipes. Ever. ...more

What occasion has almost as much eager anticipation as waking up on Christmas morning?  Easter!  In fact, with the trail of puzzles and games the Easter Bunny leaves behind, it might actually be better.  Being the puzzler that I am, I couldn't wait to hunt for the stash of Easter eggs hidden outside, left behind by the Easter Bunny hopping along his merry way. ...more