Seven Great Last Minute Ideas For Throwing A Fabulous New Years Eve Party

1. Sugar those rims - Nothing screams fabulous like a decked out sugared rim. Think margarita salt but for mocktails. Use superfine sugar and a couple of drops of food coloring in a Ziploc bag. Seal and shake so that the food coloring distributes itself evenly. Use a lemon wedge to wet the rim of the glass and dip it in a shallow plate of colored sugar (or graham crackers, cinnamon-sugar, crushed candies, etc.)


2. Accessorize! - It's tough to be bummed when you've got choices. Offer your guests individual candy canes to hook on their glasses, mini cinnamon candies to drop into their "cocktail", frozen cranberries to jazz things up and even fun mini fruit skewers (think sliced star fruit or kumquats).

3. Have cool options - Nothing is worse than screaming "I'm the designated driver!" by requesting the only non-alcoholic beverage at the bar, bubble water with a twist. Offer your guests lots of non-alcoholic alternatives using interesting juices, flavors and mocktail combos they might never thought of. Think passion fruit juice, real ginger soda, fizzy lemonade and sparkling peach juice.

4. Go shopping and get colorful - Sitting at home trying to get creative can be a little challenging so get online and go and visit a few major liquor store chains and search out some cool non-alcoholic additives. These days there are tons of mixers that don't contain any alcohol at all but can look like the full on martini (for adults or kids!)

5. Get decorative - Use funky vinyl decals to trick out all of your basic holiday glasses so everyone can focus on the visual feast or just rent frosted glasses, different colored martini ones or throw in a few lit ice cubes or neon stirrer sticks!

6. Don't forget the kids - Most of us don't want the little ones running around half cocked, nor do they want to be left out of the fun. Come up with drinks that they already enjoy and jazz them up. Think pink milk (with a little red food coloring), a sugared rim and a candy cane stirrer.

7. Remember the hot stuff! - The holidays are as much about good friends and festive decorations as they are about wonderful smells of the season. Why not put some hot cider on the stove with cloves and cinnamon or some hot, fresh ginger tea? You can even make "cappuccinos" by brewing a pot of coffee and frothing your own milk with a little hand held number from IKEA. As long as you have alternatives, your guests will forget they aren't totally trashed!

I got these ideas from a Leading Entertainment Expert, Entrepreneur, TV Personality, Coach, Author and Sought After Speaker, Marley Majcher.  She is the CEO of The Party Goddess! and publisher of the ezine, "How To Be A Party Goddess". http://www.howtobeapartygoddess.com/



Best Wishes,

Tiff
http://www.diamondeventsbytiffany.com/

A wonderful alternative to the Champagne Toast

Here is a great drink to toast in the new year.  If you are tired of the old Champagne toast, try something new.  Here is a sample of what MyPunchBowl.com has to offer in drink recipes.
Kiwi Sparkle


Enjoy this unexpected take on champagne. Garnish with a slice of kiwi to give guests a hint at what’s inside.

3 oz champagne
½ oz kiwi liqueur
1 oz kiwi juice

To make this alcohol free, try sparkling cider.

Be sure to check out http://www.mypunchbowl.com/ for all of your party and entertaining needs.  They have many more champagne coctails to try.

Best Wishes,

Tiff
http://www.diamondeventsbytiffany.com/

Six Flags Holiday in the Park (Arlington, Texas)

One of the holiday traditions my family and I share is going to Six Flags Holiday in the Park.  We have been going, every Holiday Season, since we were children.  Now, we are "grown-ups" and are able to share this tradition with our significant others and children. 

When I was younger, I was always the one to wait and wait and wait while most everyone else rode the big roller coasters.  I am not a roller coaster kind of gal....and I am so happy that my loving husband agrees and sits with me while we are waiting for others to enjoy the ride.  I did brave Tony Hawks Big Spin, however, and OMG....I LOVED IT!!!! 

We have our favorite rides.  We enjoy the snake thingie in Spain, that used to be the Bobsled (before they called this section Spain, I think....a bobsled would not work well in "Spain"), El Concistidor, the ship that swings back and forth....when I was younger, I used to be afraid that this ONE TIME would be the ONE TIME it went all the way around....leaving us hanging upside down (ok...I admit, I still think like this), the swings, and of course, the old time cars.

This is just a fun time to act like a child and let loose.  The lights and holiday decorations really get you in the spirit.  If you have some free time this next week, take the drive to Arlington and spend the day.  Be sure to stay until dark so you do not miss the best of the lights.  Holiday in the Park is open thru January 3rd, so get out there and have some fun.

The lines are not as long as they can get during the summer.  We did plan ahead and bought our tickets and parking pass online at http://www.sixflags.com/.  Also, I believe that Albertsons has discount tickets that you can purchase ahead of time.

Best Wishes,

Tiff
http://www.diamondeventsbytiffany.com/

It is not too late to get your holiday cards to those you love...

So many of us get super busy during the holidays. The kids’ activities holiday and end of the year parties, and of course the end of the year brings a multitude of things to take care of, at the office. It is no wonder we forgot to get the annual holiday cards in the mail. It is not too late to send them out, just do it by email, instead.


It is preferable to keep holiday greetings personal, and with eCards, you can still be unique. There are many sites you can join, to create eCards, such as www.ecards.com and www.Evite.com. Each of these sites has many options to choose from and all you have to do is sign up to be a member. As a member, you also get tips and tricks for party planning sent to your email inbox.

Another site, www.mypunchbowl.com, gives these tips when sending ecards:

1) Make a special video. The great thing about annual holiday greetings is that you get to show everyone the latest picture of your family or just of the kids or your pets. Video cameras like the flip make it easy to take and upload videos. Bring your eCard to life with a video of the kids singing their favorite holiday classic. You could also give a quick video update about what the family has been up to this year rather than having recipients read a long message.

2) Take a holiday picture. My friend took the cutest picture of her 6-month old daughter surrounded by stuffed dreidles for their Hanukkah cards this year. The holiday-inspired picture was a really nice touch on her holiday cards. With digital cameras, you can take as many photos as you need to get one that works - trust me, I know that can be tough, especially with little kids and pets. A nice picture by the Christmas tree, outside playing in the snow, or sitting on Santa's lap are just a few ideas for holiday pictures

3) Seal it with a KISS. Keep it simple, sweetie. No one wants to read a family update that goes on and on and on. If you don't opt for a video update, write up a family update that is thorough yet concise. One editing tip is to type our your update, then reread it a couple of times to see what you can cut out. Your recipients will appreciate the extra few minutes you took to edit it down. (I found these tips @ mypunchbowl.com)

If you are like me, you prefer the old-fashioned way to send a greeting, but let's face it...time has a way to get away from us. With ecards you can still get your greeting out while making a vow to do better NEXT year. ; )

Best Wishes,

Tiff
http://www.diamondeventsbytiffany.com/

Bacon Wrapped Turkey Fingers: Low Carb Holiday Treat

Here is another low carb appetizer to get you thru the holidays.  These are very good, but I skip the tabasco when I prefer something a little less spicey.  You can also get creative with spices.  Add what you like and enjoy.

Makes 16


1 lb turkey breast 

8 thin slices bacon
2 tablespoons Kraft Light Done Right ranch dressing

5 shakes Tabasco sauce
garlic powder
fresh cracked black pepper

Very simple appetizer for entertaining, Kimkins snacking or portable work lunches.


In a small dish mix ranch dressing with Tabasco and a couple shakes of pepper. Stir and pour into a Ziploc baggie, squeezing out all of the air and sealing.

Cut turkey into 16 narrow pieces of about the same size. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt & pepper. Cut bacon strips in half lengthwise to make long narrow strips.

Snip the tip off of the Ziploc baggie and squeeze a narrow ribbon of salad dressing along the bacon strips. Take each bacon strip and wrap in a spiral around the turkey finger. May need to secure with a toothpick and remove after cooking.

In a nonstick skillet treated with cooking spray, place the turkey fingers. Spray with cooking spray and cook on medium, turning to cook evenly. Cook until bacon is crispy and turkey is done. Serve hot as is or with dip.

Tip: Make it quicker with precooked smoked turkey from the deli section and cook as above.

Calories: 49
Carbs: 0 gram
Protein: 8 grams
Fat: 1.5 gram

Enjoy!

Tiff
http://www.diamondeventsbytiffany.com/

Six Fundamental Mistakes When Selecting THE Ring...

Six Fundamental Mistakes When Selecting THE Ring...


Now that we are in the Holiday Season, Chanukah is well underway and Christmas is right around the corner, couples young and old are getting engaged.  This is what, we in the wedding industry, call "Engagement Season".  Buying an engagement ring can be a bit overwhelming, or so I hear.  I have never bought one so I turned to my wonderful husband on what advice he might have for a gentleman buying THE ring.  He directed me to the Robbins Brother's website, http://www.robbinsbros.com/.  They are "The World's Largest Engagement Ring Store" and are very helpful when it comes to educating their clients on pick the best ring. 

Here are some of the mistakes Robbins Brothers advises to avoid, when selecting a ring:

1. Don't buy a ring without the Manufacturer's Trademark stamp.

2. Beware of gold that may be under-karated, even if it's stamped.

3. Beware of buying a diamond that may be fracture-filled to temporarily hide inclusions or laser-drilled to remove dark inclusions.

4. Beware of buying a diamond of lower color than promised.
 

5. Beware of buying a diamond of lower clarity than promised.

6. Beware of buying diamonds that have less carat-weight than quoted.

 

For more tips and a fabulous selection of engagement rings, visit The World's Largest Engagment Ring Store, Robins Brothers.  They have retail stores located in Dallas (close to the Dallas Galleria, off of the North Dallas Tollway,  14080 Dallas Pkwy. Dallas, TX  75240) and Arlington, if you live in the great state of Texas and in Southern California.  My husband got my ring at the Dallas location and we HIGHLY recommend them.  The staff was very helpful.

http://www.robbinsbros.com/

This is a very important purchase, she will wear this for many years to come, hopefully the rest of her life.  Be sure to get the best quality for your money.  Personally, I would prefer quality over the size of a diamond.

Best Wishes,

Tiff

http://www.diamondeventsbytiffany.com/

Party Bites. Low Carb and Easy: Cheese Lovers Zucchini Puffs

The holidays can wreck a diet.  But why sacrafice taste and feel deprived at the many holiday gatherings you may attend?  In our most perfect world, we would be able to mingle, have a great time, and stay AWAY from the food table.  I know my willpower is not that grand.  Offer to bring a few hors d'overs and be assured you will have something yummy to snack on.

Here is one to get you started:

Cheese Lovers Zucchini Puffs

Makes 36


2 medium zucchini
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon basil or favorite herb
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions:
Preheat broiler to 500 degrees.
Slice zucchini into about 18 rounds
In a large bowl, mix cheese, mayo, basil, and pepper (I add a little garlic)
Spread about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture on each of the zucchini rounds
place on a greased (just a light spray of pam to keep this light) baking pan.
broil for about 60 seconds, or until cheese starts to bubble and melt.

Serving size is 2 rounds
Calories: 23
Carbs: 1 grams
Protein: 1 grams
Fat:  1.5 grams

I know, as a recent Bride myself, that it is hard to stick to a diet plan with all of the celebrations.  Add the holidays to the mix and you might as well just throw in the towel, right?  NO!!!  Be creative, keep your hands busy, mingle AWAY from the food....but if temptation gets the better of you, find something that will not bust out the stays in your corsetted wedding dress.  Those are expensive to repair!!!

Tiff
http://www.diamondeventsbytiffany.com/

ICE @ the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas

Ice at the Gaylord Texan

Gaylord Texan has the ICE experience every year but 2009 is different because they have How the Grinch Stole Christmas on display. In fact, that was what most of the exhibit featured. This was our first year to go and we had no idea the line would be SO LONG. It took longer to get thru the line than it did to walk thru the exhibit...and we bought tickets online BEFORE we got there...AND we were the first in line for our "seating". I think they sell so many for each "seating" that they get so far behind. Do not go thinking you will see the exhibit at 5:30...or even 7pm if you buy a 5:30 "seating".  They did have a few distractions while we were waiting.  There were a group of carolers that did a few songs and a lady with a really cute monkey.  He was not shy and seemed to enjoy the attention....much like David.

Every time you turn a corner or walk thru another door, you think it is time to go in...Ha ha ha...FOOLED again, you are just going to stand in another LINE. Then they give you the coats / parkas (whatever) and you get all bundled up and start getting in the mood to experience ICE...and then you wait in another LONG line...and burn up because you put on the coat. LOL.

Once you FINALLY get in, it is really cool. The sculptures are beautiful. I love Grinch so that was fun. I cannot imagine how long this takes to build...so let's look on their website at http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-texan/lone-star-christmas/the-ice-experience.html. "ICE! will be created by dozens of artisans who migrate to the Dallas / Ft. Worth area each year from Harbin, China to craft this elaborate attraction out of nearly 2 million pounds of ice. It takes them nearly an entire month of 12-hour shifts to transform the refrigerated tent where the exhibit is held into a remarkable icy wonderland."

You do not even realize this is in a tent. They say it is 9 degrees, and I believe it. Even though you get a parka, dress warm and bring gloves.



My favorite part was the ice slide. It was actually made of ICE. I am a big girl and was a little uneasy about going down the slide...but I am glad I did. I would have liked to go again but, of course, the lines were too long.

                

All of the major scenes and memorable characters of Whoville were featured. The colors were beautiful. My niece asked if they used Kool-Aid to get the ice to change colors. We teased that we were going to taste the ice to see. I do not know what they used but it was pretty.

At the end of the exhibit, there were other sculptures of the typical Christmas scenes. I do not remember other religions represented, it would have been nice to see something about Hanukkah. Shame.



After waiting in the lines, I felt rushed to get thru the exhibit. Maybe there is a less busy time to go. We went the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so maybe a...Tuesday morning would be better. LOL.

All in all, this was a fun outing...but we all agreed it is not to be a family tradition.  We did enjoy the Gaylord and all the pretty holiday decorations.  We try to get out there every year.  I will blog and post some photos of the hotel later this week.  If you have a chance, get out and see the hotel....and if you have over two hours to stand in line...go see ICE. 

Tiff

http://www.diamondeventsbytiffany.com/

Budget Tip for a Fun Holiday Party

Here we are, the holiday season. This means gifts, family time, making memories, and PARTIES!!! If you are one who likes to host parties but your budget does not have much wiggle room, there are ways you can still be a wonderful host without breaking the bank.

One of the best ways to save on any party is to not host at a mealtime. Instead, have a dessert party. One of the wonderful things about the holidays is all of the yummy sweets. Christmas cookies, cakes, tarts, candies, and pies...OH MY!!! Hunt thru your recipe box and pick a few to serve, or better yet, introduce a new dessert you have been wanting to try (you might want to have a trial before your guests arrive). We all have family favorites that bring back memories, so invite your neighbors over and share.


Here is a new and colorful cookie I want to try this year.  I found this on http://www.epicurious.com

Seven-Layer Cookies Gourmet

 Deep almond flavor and sophisticated apricot and pure chocolate accents give these cookies a cosmopolitan air.






Yield: Makes about 5 dozen cookies
Active Time: 1 1/2 hr
Total Time: 11 hr

4 large eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 (8-oz) can almond paste
2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
25 drops red food coloring
25 drops green food coloring
1 (12-oz) jar apricot preserves, heated and strained
7 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped


Special equipment: a heavy-duty stand mixer; a small offset spatula

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 13- by 9-inch baking pan and line bottom with wax paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 ends, then butter paper.

Beat whites in mixer fitted with whisk attachment at medium-high speed until they just hold stiff peaks. Add 1/4 cup sugar a little at a time, beating at high speed until whites hold stiff, slightly glossy peaks. Transfer to another bowl.

Switch to paddle attachment, then beat together almond paste and remaining 3/4 cup sugar until well blended, about 3 minutes. Add butter and beat until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add yolks and almond extract and beat until combined well, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low, then add flour and salt and mix until just combined.

Fold half of egg white mixture into almond mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly.

Divide batter among 3 bowls. Stir red food coloring into one and green food coloring into another, leaving the third batch plain. Set white batter aside. Chill green batter, covered. Pour red batter into prepared pan and spread evenly with offset spatula (layer will be about 1/4 inch thick).

Bake red layer 8 to 10 minutes, until just set. (It is important to undercook.)

Using paper overhang, transfer layer to a rack to cool, about 15 minutes. Clean pan, then line with wax paper and butter paper in same manner as above. Bake white layer in prepared pan until just set. As white layer bakes, bring green batter to room temperature. Transfer white layer to a rack. Prepare pan as above, then bake green layer in same manner as before. Transfer to a rack to cool.

When all layers are cool, invert green onto a wax-paper-lined large baking sheet. Discard paper from layer and spread with half of preserves. Invert white on top of green layer, discarding paper. Spread with remaining preserves. Invert red layer on top of white layer and discard wax paper.

Cover with plastic wrap and weight with a large baking pan. Chill at least 8 hours.

Remove weight and plastic wrap. Bring layers to room temperature. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. Keep chocolate over water.

Trim edges of assembled layers with a long serrated knife. Quickly spread half of chocolate in a thin layer on top of cake. Chill, uncovered, until chocolate is firm, about 15 minutes. Cover with another sheet of wax paper and place another baking sheet on top, then invert cake onto sheet and remove paper. Quickly spread with remaining chocolate. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.

Cut lengthwise into 4 strips. Cut strips crosswise into 3/4-inch-wide cookies.

Cooks' note:

Cookies keep, layered between sheets of wax paper or parchment, in an airtight container at room temperature 2 weeks.

Enjoy.

Tiff
http://www.diamondeventsbytiffany.com/

Snow is Falling

Snow is falling
From the sky above

Snow is falling
Put on scarf and glove

Snow is falling
Go look outside
Snow is falling
The old landscape it hide

Snow is falling
What a beautiful sight
Snow is falling
It sparkles in the light
Snow is falling
Soft cotton wool flakes
Snow is falling
A white blanket it makes

Snow is falling
Short flowers disappear         
Snow is falling
The cold is here

Snow is falling
Its time to play
Snow is falling
Lets make snowmen today :)

~Micron


The photos are the view I have from my window.  Absolutly beautiful.  I was thinking last night, that 2 months ago, I was on my way to Hawaii.  I was pretty down thinking how cold I was last night and wishing I was going to the beach, instead.  But now, looking out the window of the home I share with my wonderful husband, David, I am so happy to be here and enjoying the beautiful view.  I know, living in Texas, this will not last.  It is melting, as I type.  I can here the "drip, drip, drip" of the snow melting.....but I will enjoy it while it lasts.

I am looking forward to a nice fire in the fireplace tonight.  I wish all of you a safe trip home, if you are out and about today.

Tiff