InvitingSmiles Blog

In today’s economy, you may need to cook more to save money! While our family loves to eat out, it can be costly. We, like many families, are trying to see where we can cut costs at our house, so we are eating more meals at home.

I asked my daughter for some suggestions as to what she would like for dinner this week. She thought of her favorite restaurant and suggested chicken scampi. I told her to search the internet and find the restaurant’s recipe. Last night, we had a delicious chicken scampi dinner prepared at home. Everyone was pleased.

The rest of my family members are now thinking of their favorite restaurant choices and searching for the recipe. Children can learn to plan a menu, shop for value, help prepare the food and be proud of their accomplishments.

Once you have found what works for the family, let the children invite a friend on ‘their’ dinner night. Who says you have to spend a lot of money to have a healthy, tasty, and fun dinner? 

InvitingSmiles.com

It has been all over the news lately, Stump wins in dog show! Stump is a Sussex spaniel and has now been named the number 1 dog at the Westminster Dog Show. What makes this a momentous occasion is that Stump is 10 years old and the oldest dog to ever win.

Reading about this adorable pooch is very inspirational. While he has competed in the past, he became very ill, spent many days in the hospital, and had to be taken out of competition for a while. Stump’s handler, Scott Sommer, decided that they would try one more time.  So, this year Stump traveled to Madison Square Garden to strut his stuff. 

Stump’s little 10 year old personality, attitude and style, won him a few awards. He was named the best in his breed, top dog in the Sporting Group and finally the number 1 grand prize winner! Not bad for a 70 year old (in people years).

What a wonderful, inspirational story for us all. Tell your children how Stump never gave up. Share this story with someone you may know that is suffering from an illness right now. This may be just the pick-me-up they need. And, what an inspiring story for the elderly person that might think they are too old to try something new.

In today’s economy and ever changing world we can all use a little encouragement from a grand story about a dog who has won the hearts of many. Never give up! 

InvitingSmiles.com

If you have recently married, you may be sitting with you’re head in your hands thinking of what to say on your thank you notes. 

Here are some items that may help you out:

* Address the person as you would if you were to walk up to them. If they are good friends, then address them by their first names. If they are someone you do not know well, then you may address them as Mr. and Mrs. If they are a family member then make it personal and address them as such; ie. Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary.

* Give thanks from both the bride and groom. Mention both of your names.

* Mention the exact gift, such as Bob and I would like to thank you for the toaster, or china set, wine glasses, towel set, etc.

* You may mention how you intend on using the product, or how it matches your décor so well.

* If your note card recipient was at the wedding, you may thank them for attending and witnessing your special occasion.

Your verbiage should be personal, heartfelt and well thought out. This may take time, but is well worth the effort as to not offend the generosity of your family and friends. 

InvitingSmiles.com

If you are tired of the same ole birthday cake dessert at parties, here are some party dessert alternatives.

Cupcakes – While cake based, these are easy to serve and fun to make.

Ice Cream Sundaes – Have all the fixings and let the children create their own personalized sundae. You may have to put some limits for those overzealous sweet lovers!

Cookie Cake – These can be bought at several bakeries including grocery stores. You can also make these and have our birthday child help decorate.

Ice Cream Cake – Once again this can be ordered, or made on your own. An easy recipe is crushed Oreo Cookie crust, vanilla ice cream filling and whipped cream on top.

Here are some more tasty alternatives: Brownies, Rice Krispies Treats, Strawberry Shortcake, Pudding, Pie, Trifle!

All of these are flavorful and can be made colorful. Use your imagination and creative containers to add fun to your tasty treat!

InvitingSmiles.com

Are you a superstitious bride? Will you allow your groom to see you before the wedding? Does that really cause bad luck? There are so many things to think about when you are a bride. Of course, you want your wedding to be perfect, but before fretting over this superstition let’s understand where the superstition originated.

Why would anyone think it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding? I always thought he wasn’t supposed to see the bride in her wedding gown before the ceremony. I assumed that was so the groom could be overcome by his radiant bride as she walked down the isle in her beautiful gown. I was wrong.

This superstition originated when marriages were arranged. Many grooms changed their mind when they actually met the bride before the wedding, maybe due to the bride’s appearance, or attitude. So, fathers, who had worked so hard to arrange the marriage, did not allow the groom to see their daughter before the wedding. To make sure the groom stayed at the altar the bride wore a veil which was to be kept over her face until after the vows were made.

Thank goodness things have changed!

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