Tag: food

  • How To: The Perfect Girls’ Night out

    How To: The Perfect Girls’ Night out

    For most working women (stay at home moms counts, too), it continuously feels like there’s never enough hours in the day to relax. It doesn’t matter whether you’re married, you have kids, you’re in school, or you have a 9 to 5 job; attempting to find time to reconcile with your girlfriends is challenging. I kid you not, every single day, the same thought will cross my mind: you haven’t seen your friends in forever, you’re a horrible human being. 

    And it’s true; I am horrible for not managing to get together with some of my closest friends just because my working mom life sucks any energy out of me. 

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    Times like these, I take a deep breathe and remind myself how precious these friendships are to me, and missing out on time together was going to bite me in the ass in the long run. 

    So if one of your New Year’s goals is to spend more time with your loved ones, then we’re here to help you plan the perfect girl’s night out! 

    Indoors or Outdoors

    Yes, I know it says girls’ night out, but not all of us want to be out there. In public. In the wild

    You see, what happens is this: we hype the idea of a night out, we get insane and make all these plans, then when the time comes, we genuinely do not want to leave the house. 

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    Call it what you want, but the house we’re in 90% of the time is where we’re the most content, so why not? It’s best to understand what your girlfriends are most comfortable doing. So many more women are in the work field nowadays, and many prefer to stay indoors, while the stay-at-home mommies want a night out. It’s ok if nothing goes as planned, but deciding where you’re going to have a good time is a priority. 

    Movies Are Always a Good Idea 

    This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for Netflix, Hulu, HBO, LifeTime, Disney+, and every network out there that have succeeded in juicing my credit card every month. 

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    I don’t care if you’re having a night out in your backyard, because no matter where you decide to be, movie marathons are always an excellent idea. You can even have a drinking game for every time the male lead takes his shirt off, because if you’re not watching Channing Tatum get half-naked, then what are you doing?

    Who’s Buying Drinks?

    Alcohol. That’s it. I mean, please let that be it. If you invite me out for a girl’s night out and provide me with the correct amount of alcohol, I will be fine. I will not bother you for anything else, so let it be known. We’re all here to take some edge off, and what better way than to drink away the stress? Moderately, of course. 

    Carbs Don’t Exist Tonight. 

    I’m talking pasta, burgers, fries, pizza, garlic knots (duh), cakes, cookies, and a freakin’ chocolate fountain. I don’t want “snacks,” so it’s time to get your shit together and order a copious amount of chocolate from Amazon, Karen. Or you can hit up a restaurant you’ve had your eye on for a while! 

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    It’s difficult to speak for all women, but I’ll tell you this: if my girlfriends and an open buffet surround me, I will eat. It’s actually ridiculous how much I can eat when a two-year-old isn’t grabbing at my leg, begging for marshmallows dipped in peanut butter. 

    Don’t ask. 

    DIY Facials and Hair Braids

    Pinterest. Love it, can’t get enough of it, even though it’s basically Google but with pictures. It’s visually pleasing. There are thousands of DIY facial recipes online that require three or fewer ingredients. It’s always something you have in your cabinet, so there’s no need to spend money on supplies. 

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    Why hair brides? Because it’s an intimate act; it’s a bonding activity. I’m 25, and every time I visit my mother, I ask her to braid my hair. Does it have to be braids? Absolutely not! If you want to play salon, then go right ahead. 

    Can’t Spell Whine Without Wine

    I’m not an alcoholic, I promise, but wine is essential in this scenario. Ladies gather round, it’s time for a therapy session! Let it all out, because what are girlfriends for if not a shoulder to cry on? I love venting to my girlfriends because it’s cheaper than my last therapist. You gather encouraging words, advice from everyone’s experience, and a relieving feeling. This is a safe place!

    It’s Karaoke Time!

    I would suck at this. I can’t sing even if my life was on the line. It’s that bad. 

     

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    But you know what’s better than sucking at singing alone? Sucking at singing together, because I am Katy Perry compared to my girlfriends singing. Karaoke machines are expensive, and if we’re honest, utterly unnecessary unless you’re a karaoke bar. Smule is a karaoke app you can use that holds millions of songs and lyrics. 

    I know it’s supposed to be for “fun,” but if we’re singing, then we’re competing, so clear your throat and get ready for some major laughs. 

     

  • Tips on How to Keep Your Guests Comfortable at a Wedding

    Tips on How to Keep Your Guests Comfortable at a Wedding

    It seems like your whole wedding planning experience is focused on the dress, the cake, the reception, the food. It’s your special day so who else should you be focused on more than you? Sometimes, weddings are a once in a lifetime experience for us, so attempting to make it the best possible event is understandable. While only thinking of yourself is your God-given right on this particular day, there are some thoughts you need to leave room for. How are you going to make your close friends and loved ones more comfortable at your party?

    You can play both the beautiful bride and gracious host! Here are a few tips on how to make comfort priority at your reception. 

    Comfortable Seating

    How many times have you been to a wedding and had to sit for hours on an uncomfortable wooden chair until your ass got numb? 

    Please don’t be shy to admit it, because we’ve all been there. Safe to say, wedding chairs provided by the venue or family are not always the most comfortable. 

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    Hey, I get it, you’re looking to save as much coin as possible, and chairs are the last to cross your mind when it comes to comfort! Plus, you expect people to be more on their feet than their butts, so there’s not much to think about. Cushion pads such as these are a great way to add a tiny bit more comfort to your guests behind, and most are affordable so you hopefully won’t be breaking the bank. 

    Sandals /flip flops/socks

    If you like to throw your hands in the air and wave them like you just don’t care, then keep them up. 

    I’m just going to go right out and say it; if you go to a wedding and don’t get jiggy with it, then what are you doing there? If you’ve downed a drink or two and still haven’t found your way to the dancefloor, then you need to reassess critical parts of your life. 

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    Now, I’ve learned from past mistakes and now only show up to events wearing flats, or any other shoes that feel like Tempurpedic for my feet. You can find flip flops as low as 3 dollars and socks in bulk for an incredible price on amazon! If you’re a woman and you know the pain of dancing in heels, then providing your female (or male) guests with wearable footwear is an excellent idea!

    Toiletries in the bathrooms

    Storytime: when I first became a mother, I had to ditch my Michael Kors bag to a diaper bag. 

    Best. Decision. Ever. I could fit Narnia in that frikin’ diaper bag, but Michael Kors? A cell phone, car keys, wallet, and deodorant stick was the limit

    But I can’t bring a diaper bag to a wedding…or can I? Nope, I can’t. 

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    Aside from the bathrooms being clean and posh, placing baskets full of toiletries for both men and women is a lifesaver. It’s a wedding! Your guests are going to be dancing, laughing, and yes, sweating. Deodorant, sample perfumes, pads/tampons, combs, mouthwash, lotion, and body powder are just some idea of what could help ease your guest’s mind! 

    Easy access to entrances 

    I cannot stress this enough! Please keep in mind any of your handicapped and/or elderly guests. 

    When selecting a venue, make sure there ramps, elevators, and not too many stairs! The entry to your venue should be easily accessible, like the bathrooms, and other room you’re using for your celebration. 

    I once had a friend host her wedding on one floor, and dinner on the second floor. While most of the staff was there to help, why make it so difficult from the very beginning? With that said, please remind yourself to remember those of us who have a difficult time with such things. They may not thank you in person, but trust me, they are eternally grateful to be considered. 

    Weather appropriate accessories 

    Summer weddings are all the hype. With that said, know what to provide your guests with at every table. Items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, shade, and fans are a must in this summer heat.

    You should be willing to provide these simple items if your loved ones are coming out to celebrate, say, in the middle of July. 

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    Winter weddings don’t demand as much, but the weather can be very unpredictable. Providing simple favors such as blankets and umbrellas is an excellent way of thanking your guests and showing them you care. 

    Taxis on wait for tired/intoxicated guests 

    Not much to be said here. 

    Someone is bound to have one too many drinks and will need help when driving home. If they live far, make arrangements with the nearest hotels to let them know that guests may be coming to spend the night, and you are responsible for them. Their safety should be your priority. 

    Most importantly, food. 

    One, I don’t care what you serve and two, just make there’s enough to go around, ok? 

    No little salmon fillet with creamy lemon dill sauce that I can finish down in two bites, I beg you. I don’t have time to stop at the nearest Del Taco on my way home. Maybe you won’t hear it from anyone else, so here it is: I’ve been busy all day trying to figure out what to wear and what color eyeliner I should apply to bring out my brown eyes, that I forgot to eat. 

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    Yes, I know it’s your wedding, but that doesn’t mean I can’t look my best. Now that the truth has been set free…do your guests a favor and provide them with enough food. That’s all we ask.