Martha Monday--St. Patrick's Day fare

St. Patrick's Day is all about the gold, the shamrocks, the leprechauns...and the corned beef and soda bread, which is what I usually focus on.  This year, I might change it up a bit and make a few other Irish-themed dishes and treats for St. Patrick's Day.  Thanks for the inspiration, Martha!

I'm liking this Irish Beef and Stout Stew:

This Cheddar-Topped Shepherd's Pie is going to be a huge hit with my family:

Irish Beef Hand Pies?  Yes, please!

After any of those hearty meals, Irish Coffee Cupcakes would be a delicious dessert:

Topped off with a Hot Nutty Irishman, of course!

What are your plans for St. Patrick's Day?  If nothing else, make sure they involve a hot, nutty Irishman. He sounds like a lot of fun!

Valentine's Day printables

In years past Valentine's Day has not gotten its due at the TMI household, but now that I have two small children who get excited about any holiday that involves candy, Valentine's Day is becoming a big deal. 

We are making homemade Valentines for Little Guy's preschool class, as well as for Little Guy and Miss's friends and cousins.  Additionally, I'm decorating the house a bit.  Always mindful about budget (Little Miss's birthday parties right around the corner so I need to save my pennies for those) and time (I have none to spare), I found these free, easy and gorgeous Valentine's Day printables featured on Catch My Party.

All you need to do is download, print, cut out and enjoy.  Voila! Valentines for everyone, and all is right with the world. There are 13 sets of free Valentine's Day printables at Catch My Party, and I had a hard time choosing my favorite.  Here are my top five collections in no particular order:

First up is this "Sweetheart" collection from Paper and Pigtails.  Her invitation, banner and tent cards are completely editable so you can personalize these items for your party.

The "So Sweet" collection from Anna and Blue Paperie is just that--so sweet!  Little Miss is totally into polka dots right now, and I know these printables are going to be a huge hit with her.

The banner is going over my mantle, and I might use these candy stickers for workplace treats:

The "Happy Heart" collection from Magnolia Creative Co. offers another great banner and some cute Valentines cards, among other adorable things.

This next collection has a soft pink and gray palette which is a more sophisticated take on the usual red and pink Valentine's Day color scheme. "So Sweet" by Love the Day includes a heart-shaped treat holder and cute Valentines.

The entire "Cupcake" collection from Green Apple Paperie is adorable, but I especially like the tented cards with the soft pink striped background.  These would make perfect treat signs for a Valentine's Day party.

With these easy printables, I am all set for Valentine's Day.  Thanks to all the designers for sharing their work, and thanks to Catch My Party for hosting all the downloads.  Hugs and kisses for everyone!

Sign up now for 'Happy Holidays!'

For the fall semester, my Live Well, Spend Less! course has been divided into three one-night seminars for a fun "Happy Holidays" series:


Creative Gift Solutions at the downtown Aurora campus
Monday, October 24, 7:15-8:45pm
Cost: $19.00 (The cost of $59.00 as listed in the WCC course catalog is incorrect.)
We'll focus on fabulous and frugal gifts for everyone on your list, as well as great gifts for families, online deals and homemade goodies that friends and family will be delighted to receive. I'll have great ideas to help you shop for even the hardest-to-please person on your list.  I understand that resources are limited, and my suggestions for holiday gift-giving will leave you with time and money to spare!

Perfect Party Solutions at the Sugar Grove campus
Monday, November 7, 7:15-8:45pm
Cost: $19.00
Does the thought of hosting a holiday gathering have you stressed? I'll have tips and tricks for organizing and hosting everything from office cocktail parties to family feasts that will make you the host with the most!  Whether it's a simple gathering for friends or a 7-course meal for fussy in-laws, I'll help you create a memorable event.  Be careful, following my suggestions could have your family begging you to host the holidays every year!

Holiday Activities for the Whole Family at the Plano campus
Monday, November 21, 7:15-8:45pm
Cost: $19.00
I firmly believe that the holidays should be a time for fun, family and friends...if your holiday preparations have you threatening to cancel the whole season, then something must change! Let me help you find ways to reconnect with your family during this busy season, whether it be by creating new traditions, improving upon old ones, or finding ways to tackle holiday chores in ways that will leave the entire family feeling merry.

Registration information is at the links.  As always, you can find all of my Waubonsee Community College courses listed to the right. I hope to see you in one soon!

Martha Monday--Good things for the holidays

The holidays are rapidly approaching, which means Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia is full speed ahead with awesome crafts, recipes, holiday plans and more.  Here's a few things that have my attention:

1. For the month of November, MSLO has teamed up with Pier One Imports for a daily giveaway.  They are giving away one $50.00 gift card each day.  Be aware that the first entry form is also a subscription form to receive Martha Stewart Living.  There is an option to enter the contest without subscribing, so be sure to click on that link if you already receive the magazine or just want to enter the contest.

2.  Baking season is upon us.  Get $1.00 off Martha Stewart's Holiday Cookies here.  The big headline on the magazine is "The very best gifts to bake and share."  I must have this!

3. Martha is a planner, as am I, which is why I so appreciate her planning calenders.  Click here for month-by-month planning calenders, and see what needs to be done when for Thanksgiving, Christmas, homekeeping and more.  Organization makes me giddy!

I hope everyone is excited about the holidays, and not stressed.  Breathe deep, take a few minutes to get organized, and then get to work.  It will be the best holiday yet! 

PS. Thanks to everyone who has joined me on facebook.  I heart you all!

April Fool's Day, again

This is from last April Fool's Day.  I'm reposting because, well, The Onion article is just too funny.  Enjoy!
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I wonder what Martha does for April Fool's Day.

I'm coming up blank.

However, in the spirit of April Fool's Day, and in celebration of Martha, I present to you a delightful article from the Onion.

Martha Stewart Stalker Can Barely Keep Up

Enjoy!

Martha Monday--Martha's St. Patrick's Day menu

St. Patrick's Day is Wednesday, so for those of you looking to do something special, there's still plenty of time.  Martha shares her St. Patrick's Day menu and recipes here. 

I don't know if I'll get to the entire meal, but the Little Guy and I might take a stab at the soda bread. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!