Did You Know That You Can Mail Plastic Easter Eggs?
I came across this cute idea on the blog Giverslog last week. Who would of thought that you could pop those traditional plastic easter eggs in the mailbox. I think it’s a great idea for sending a little Easter cheer to friends and family members who live far away.
Keep reading to see what AmberLee from Giverslog put in hers.
In Your Opinion: What Constitutes a Dinner Party?
I have to admit, I’m a bit baffled by the term dinner party, and how it’s different from just having friends over to dinner. If you asked me if my parents entertained while I was growing up, I would likely say no, but the truth is, we did have people over to the house for dinner on a fairly regular basis. Entertaining was reserved for Oktoberfest in our house, that’s when the fancy dishes came out, and that’s what I would consider a dinner party.
Now that I’m an adult and can entertain on my own, I’m a little bit murky on what constitutes a dinner party, and what is just a dinner with friends.
Keep reading for my loose definitions, and to share how you distinguish the two.
Did You Forget to Send a Card? Last-Minute E-Valentines
Just in case you didn’t get a card in the mail to your Valentine(s). Send one of these fun e-cards.
You can go artsy with cards from MoMA.
Akihiko Tsukamoto. Man Kiss + Lady Kisses = Love. 1982
An Offbeat Way to Save on Weddings: Tomb With a View
I’ve written a number of stories about how to save on weddings, including a piece on why the “average cost” of $18,000 is total bunk. Readers have also sent me a range of terrific ideas for reasonable nuptials. But no one suggested the truly unique angle featured in a recent story in The Indianapolis Star: getting married at a funeral home.
My Weekend Project: D.I.Y. Ornament Wreath
I debated about getting a Christmas tree for my apartment this year. For the first time since moving to New York, I have a living room that could accommodate a full size tree without requiring a storage unit for half of my furniture. In the end, I decided against getting one since I’m not having a holiday party, and I won’t be home much between now and the end of the year.
But I couldn’t let my apartment stay completely undecorated. My compromise was to hang a wreath in the living room, since there is a brick wall that was just aching for some decoration.
After considering a yarn wreath, a fresh green wreath or a light wreath, I settled on an ornament wreath. Luckily, Eddie Ross has a tutorial for making an ornament wreath on his website. Here’s how mine went:
I started out with a wire hanger and these shatterproof ornaments from Target. (I only spent $20 making this wreath. A steal in my mind.)
Lisa Birnbach Preps for her Real Simple Pop-Up Shop Appearance
This week the first-ever Real Simple Holiday Pop Up Shop opened in the heart of Rockefeller Center. If you’re in the neighborhood over the next few days, stop in and shop for gifts, take holiday photos with Santa, catch live demos and presentations by Real Simple editors, or check out some of the experts that are joining us for some fun festivities.
One expert you won’t want to miss is Lisa Birnbach, who just released a brand new book—True Prep: It’s a Whole New Old World—a follow-up to The Official Preppy Handbook.
Back in 1980 (yes, 30 years ago) Lisa first formally introduced us to Muffy and Biff. They inspired our wardrobe. (Hello, embroidered animals and grosgrain belts.) They instructed us to call Grandmother once a week, join the tennis team at the club, and replace our school bag with a monogrammed Boat and Tote. They also showed us that when pink is paired with Kelly green – it can look sharp on anyone.
We had a chance to chat with Lisa to find out why now–after 30 years–it was time for a preppy revival.
Turkey Day Troubleshooting
It’s the eve of my favorite Holiday, and I’ve got more to be thankful for this year than any other. I’ve just returned from the most incredible honeymoon in the history of honeymoons, which [...]
Survey: Best Bridesmaid Gift You’ve Ever Received?
I’m a big fan of the custom of giving your bridesmaids a special gift before the wedding – something to thank them for being a part of your special day. With my October wedding fast approaching, I’m in the process of whittling down a list of potential bridesmaid gifts.
I’m curious readers, what’s the best bridesmaid’s gift you’ve ever gotten?
Birthday Cake for Big Kids
When is the last time someone really went all out for your birthday? Childhood parties were full of balloons, silly hats, streamers (and the occasional scary clown). But the best part was always the cake. All eyes on you, people singing, yummy frosting, candles and a wish! Well, I say even big kids deserve a great birthday cake. In fact, it’s a surefire way to remind that special birthday someone to stay young at heart.
We recently celebrated my fiance’s birthday…three times in one week, in fact (lucky guy). It just kind of happened that way. One night we hosted friends for drinks at our place, then headed out to dinner with a fun group. On his actual birthday, I took him out to a fancy French restaurant (his favorite), just the two of us. Then my incredibly sweet mother hosted a family dinner party – and of all the celebrations, it quite literally took the cake. Look what she made!
