Pop The Bubbly

I am itching to throw a dinner party.  Sometimes when you are not in the mood for traffic, crowds, or waiting for a table, a dinner party is the perfect solution.  

In my mind this dinner party I am throwing is coming together beautifully and I have my theme all worked out...

Mini champagne bottles at my door when you first walk in...

my table would look something like this

I have my menu all worked out

champagne and brie soup (amazing)

citrus salad with champagne vinaigrette 

Beef tenderloin with champagne mustard sauce

and how about this amazing dessert table

stocked with champagne-sicles

put your favorite fruit popsicle (Edy's Fruit Bars) in a wine glass and fill 1/4 with champagne


chocolate champagne truffles

champagne bubbles

champagne cake with fresh strawberries

in the goody bag for all my ladies

OPI Only Drink Champagne

Girl Friday

My middle child had a birthday on Wednesday so tonight is her party.  She invited a couple girls and we are heading downtown to Upper Limits for a little climbing

some parties are painful, like when I have to watch 10 kids running around Chuck E Cheese, but this one I am excited about.  I plan on climbing to the summit with the girls.

After we are finished climbing we are heading to The Melting Pot for a birthday dinner

Saturday is the big party, I have been working on the dessert table and I think it is almost ready

My friend has spared no expense for this party, she lives next door and I have seen a florist, beer delivery truck, a lighting company that has strung her yard with white lights, and a rental company that has erected a tent in her back yard.

It is going to be fabulous!!

The party will unofficially start at 4 when some girls and I take our fabulous host for a blow out

along with champs

Sunday I already know that I will most likely need this

this

and this

Paris Countdown!!

The hubs was definitely right when he said he likes to always have a vacation down on the calendar, a little something to look forward to!!  With that being said, I cannot believe we leave for our Paris/Ireland trip in 5 days.  I spent the better half of my weekend laying out clothes, but we also spent some time working on the itinerary.   We are in charge of the Paris part of the trip and our friends are planning Ireland.  Dr. Beautiful and I both lived over in Paris in our 20's and go and visit every 2 to 3 years.  I honestly feel like I have experienced most of what the city has to offer, but since this is the first visit for our friends I want to make sure we hit all the hot spots.

First and foremost, the Eiffel Tower.  This iconic structure is the universal symbol of Paris,  and the most recognizable in all of Europe.  Even my 3 year old knows the Eiffel Tower is in Paris.  The views from the top are amazing...

Just south of the river le seine is the left bank or the latin quarter, this is the mecca of bars and restaurants.  I love just walking through the latin quarter for some great people watching (and the best place for a gyro at 2 am)

The L'ouvre.  Paris is known for housing some of the most famous artwork in one of the most famous museums....

inside you will find, Ms. Mona Lisa

the Winged Victory...

and Venus de Milo...

We have also planned to see some of the city's beautiful cathedrals.

Notre Dame....

and the surrounding neighborhood...

then head north to Sacre Coeur...

(which I think has the best views of the city)

and take a stroll through the artist square just next to Sacre Coeur

this is where you will find some amazing artwork, I promise.  2 pieces I have in my family room were purchased at Montmartre Square about 10 years ago.

We are planning a little trip outside the city to the beautiful Palace of Versailles...

were King Louis XIV once lived.

In addition to sightseeing, there will be shopping...

eating...
some of my favorites, laduree

Brasserie de I'sle Saint-Louis

Jardin Notre Dame

and le timbre (probably my #1)

What is a trip to Paris without indulging in some wine?  The french are known for their wine, so we have a wine tasting scheduled..

and a night at the newly renovated champagne bar which is on the top floor of the tallest (and albeit ugliest) building in Paris.

So excited!! Je ne peux pas attendre!!

Girl Friday/Branson/Early Edition

Today after school I am heading about 4 hours south with my mom and my girls to Silver Dollar City.  This is a tradition I have done the past couple years with my kids.  I always have to leave Dr Beautiful behind to work, but this year I have to leave my son.  He started a new school this year, it is much more academic and pulling him out for 2 days is just not a good idea.  

I will miss my boys, but I know we will have a fantastic trip.  The lights alone are amazing...

we also plan to catch a performance of "AChristmas Carol"...

watch the giant tree light up every night...

ride the polar express...

 see the Christmas lights parade...

and it's a bit chilly but most of the rides are still open...

I will be rolling back into town Friday afternoon just in time for one of my favorite parties, the Nordstrom Holiday Event...

 In addition to some great deals, there will be a hot chocolate bar...

passed hors d'oeuvres from a fabulous catering company...

and the holiday martini...

I never pass up a chance to eat, shop and drink all at the same time!!



After the party, my friends and I are trying out the new champagne bar that opened a few weeks ago.

I hope I exercise some common sense Friday night, because Saturday I need to be in the most beautiful ballroom downtown at 8:30 am for our annual Breakfast with Santa...

breakfast with Santa last year...

Saturday night the hubs is working so I am hanging with the kiddos doing some of this...

and watching this...

Sunday we have another Breakfast with Santa, this one is a fundraiser for my daughters school..

Sunday I need to...

and...

I have a couple gift exchange parties coming up and I hate waiting until the last minute to shop and wrap!!

Have a beautiful weekend!!