Springtime Finds

Wow, "time is a jet!"  I can't believe it's already July & my last post was for Easter.  I've been keeping busy over the past few months & coming across lots of great Philadelphia venues & event nuggets in my travels, so I'll catch you up with my discoveries starting with my Springtime Finds.

In April I had a great time volunteering some of my time to the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce to assist with setup for the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival's Sakura Sunday celebration. Setup was a breeze & it was a beautiful day so I had a wonderful time exploring the celebration and scenery once I had finished my duties.

The grounds of the Horticulture Center are absolutely gorgeous and the perfect setting for a garden party or wedding. There are also options for indoor ceremonies & functions http://www.weddings-delval.com/horticulturecenter/.

View from Pavilion in the Trees

Pavilion in the Trees

While walking the grounds I came across the Pavilion in the Trees: a treehouse like structure 24 feet above ground.

I'm sure that space could serve as an exceptionally unique setting for the Adventurous Couple looking to host a small but Unforgettable wedding surrounded by nature! (Background info: http://www.fpaa.org/child/dpaip_pavilion.html & more pics: Pavilion-in-the-trees-fairmount-park Images  Pavilion In The Trees Pic).

Some Easter Fun

If you're like me you enjoy Easter Egg Hunts, egg dying & making fun desserts with the kids every year. 

Some years back I discovered a fun/unique egg dying technique from Martha Stewart that my God-children still love today. It's not as messy as some of the more traditional methods and produces some fabulous designs. You wrap the eggs in silk (design side on the egg) then re-wrap them in plain fabric before boiling. 

Click here for Complete Instructions: Silk Dyed Easter Eggs

Note: Don't limit yourself; use ties, old scarves, boxers, torn blouses, etc.  

One shortcut I used was to buy a cheap set of plain handkerchiefs. They were the perfect size for re-wrapping the eggs before boiling (vs. cutting old sheets, etc.) which cut down on prep time.

 

  

Another Easter favorite of mine is the Jello Poke Cake.  It's easy to make & can be done as a sheet or layer cake. Once the cake has cooled holes are poked in it, then jello is poured over the holes before the cake is cooled again & topped with cool whip to create a tasty treat with a fun, colorful filling.

Note: For pink filling use strawberry kiwi jello.

Click here for Sheet Cake Recipe

 









Click here for Layer Cake Recipe

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY!...Enjoy! ;)

MY FINAL FOUR

It’s time to keep the MARCH MADNESS going now that The NCAA Men’s Final Four have been determined.  I suggest having some DiGiorno Pizza ready for some quick, tasty, convenient game-time snacking.

I had the pleasure of being a DIGIORNO^® Pizza & Hoops House Party™ host on March 19^th.  My guests & I enjoyed delicious DiGiorno Pizzas while watching some March Madness/NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament action.  It was lots of fun & with the yummy eats provided by DiGiorno we couldn’t go wrong!  We tried several different varieties of pizza & they were all good but some were more popular than others.

My FINAL FOUR Favorites are:

• The Tuscan Chicken Crispy Flatbread Pizza - This was a hit during Friday night’s test run & apparently very popular as it was out of stock when I went back to the store for more the next day.  ;(

•  The Spicy Chicken Supreme Pizza

• The Four Cheese Garlic Bread

• The Spinach Mushroom & Garlic Pizza

Check out House Party for details on how you can host your own company sponsored House Party^™

MARDI GRAS

Get ready for FAT TUESDAY - March 8th with some great recipes and party ideas at the following links:

FAT TUESDAY RECIPES

 

Throwing a Mardi Gras Party

Mardi Gras facts/history

Last Minute Valentines Day Ideas

There's still time to get your Valentine's Day plans in order.

If you're in Philly:

Consider Haru's Two-Person Tasting Menu for $35 http://bit.ly/dIwik6

Or treat your Little Lady to a day of Pampering at Little Ladies Day Spa & Party Cafe'

Or pick up some tasty treats for your sweeties at Naked Chocolate Cafe or Philly Cupcake

If you're adventurous & like to cook try some of these Valentines Day Recipes from Food Network's favorite stars

Or use the recipe at the following link to make your own Champagne Cupcakes

Whatever you do have fun, enjoy & remember to Love Yourself 1st! ;)

Great Valentine's Day Ideas

Time to get ready to show your Sweetie how Special they are to you on Valentine's Day - next Monday 2/14.  Here's some ideas:

 

Check out Fit Sugar's list of Recipes including Foods known to be Aphrodisiacs:

http://www.fitsugar.com/Aphrodisiac-Foods-Recipes-Valentines-Day-2784113

Or try some flaming hot recipes from Yummy Sugar:

http://www.yumsugar.com/Recipes-Creme-Brulee-Other-Flaming-Hot-Valentines-Day-Dishes-13571432

Make the basic cake special by investing in some Heart Cake Pans for those Valentine's Day Desserts from the Heart: Wilton Heart 4pc Cake Pan Set:Target target.com/Wilton-Heart-4… via @Target

For my folks in the Philadelphia area:  

(Gentlemen treat your ladies) or Ladies: Pamper YOURSELVES for Valentine's Day with a Massage/"Pamper Party" by http://www.just1touch.com/ (tell em ClassiqueAffairs sent ya!)

  

Don't Want to Cook for Valentine's Day? Check out this Living Social Deal: Romantic Chef-Made Three-Course Dinner for Two ($139), Prepared Meal Plan for Two ($200), or Cooking Class for Two ($80) http://t.co/UEy2h0j via @LivingSocial

Or have a great Valentine's Dinner at The Witch American Bistro in the QueenVillage/Pennsport section of the city. It's a cozy/intimate spot with friendly staff & good food. (tell em ClassiqueAffairs sent ya!)

	We will be open Monday Valentine's day from 5 to 9 1401 E. Moyamensing Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19147 P: 215.462.1200 First Course *Classic Caesar *Baby spinach with onion, strawberries, goat cheese and a champagne vinaigrette *Crab bisque Entrees *Grilled 10 ounce veal chop with mushroom glace  $39 *Grilled 5 ounce filet mignon and butter poached 5 ounce lobster tail  $39 *Braised beef short rib with a maple chipotle reduction  $30 *Butter poached twin 5 ounce lobster tails with citrus scallion salad  $40 *Jumbo lump crab cake with horseradish cream  $29 *Pan seared Atlantic Salmon with charred tomato vinaigrette  $29 (all served with asparagus and roasted potatoes) Desserts *Plum-waffle bread pudding with a champagne creme anglaise *Fresh berries with creme anglaise *Chocolate covered strawberries Call for reservations soon so you don't miss out!!!!!! Price does not include drinks, tax, or gratuity
http://www.thewitchbistro.com

EASY CHEESY SUPERBOWL DIP

TRY THIS CHILLI CHEESE DIP FOR SUPERBOWL! It’s Delish & so easy to prepare, Anyone can make it!

YOU’LL NEED:

8oz. Pkg. Kraft Shredded Mexican Taco Cheese 

26 oz. Jar Great Value Peach Pineapple Salsa 

1 Can Hormel chili turkey (no beans) 

1 8 oz Pkg Kraft Philadelphia Plain Cream Cheese – (melts best when left out to SOFTEN) 

Combine ingredients in microwavable container (preferably glass), cover & cook on high 5 minutes then stir/check for even melting.

Continue microwaving/stirring in 5 minute intervals until evenly melted & serve with Tortilla Chips or Scoops. 

Best served warm so keep mixture heated/reheat as necessary.

Substitute the ingredients according to your taste (i.e. try chilli with beans or a salsa with more heat/spice).  Make it your own!  

Thanks to Mrs. K. Blackwell for sharing this fabulous recipe with me years ago.  It's a timeless hit!