Birthdays are good for you.  Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest. —Larry Lorenzoni

Who doesn’t love a birthday celebration? A birthday is one day devoted to celebrating a human being’s presence in this world and is one day that you should celebrate “you”! Frequently Mothers don’t get a proper birthday celebration because, let’s be honest, many times we have to plan them ourselves and it doesn’t feel right.  However, we are here to tell you it is right!

This year, make sure to view your birthday as an important day and treat it as such. Embrace it and celebrate it in a new way to mark the day this world changed because you entered it.   Take charge, plan something special for yourself and carve out the necessary time to do it.

Tips:
1.  Be realistic and consider your resources – time and money.  It doesn’t take much to fill you up – a little “me” time can go a long way!

2. Plan ahead and put everyone on notice.

3. Accept help or be willing to pay for it as a treat to yourself.

Here are some fun ideas to get you started. Turn MOM into ME and . . .

Give yourself a “Time Out”. Ask your husband to take the day off from work and take it off yourself.  Ask him to relieve you of all your daily responsibilities and pamper yourself for a day (you can return the favor on his birthday).  Head to the spa, library, beach, park, movie theater, or friend’s house and do what you love.  Do you remember what that is?  Think about it in the weeks preceding your birthday and make a plan.  After the day is done, head back home to enjoy a nice dinner with your family– one of your biggest blessings. If an entire day isn’t in the cards for you, take the evening off.  Hire a babysitter and head out with your husband or girlfriends for a nice dinner.

Throw yourself a party. Most days Moms keep up a frenetic pace, getting breakfast on the table, packing lunches, going to work, carpooling, cheering on or coaching the team, helping with homework, doing laundry, telling bedtime stories, cleaning up, etc….  Days seem rushed and we hurry through moments with our friends and family without enjoying them.  So this year give yourself a real present and pick a weekday night or weekend to celebrate, relax and connect with those you love.  Invite friends and family over for a few hours for a Birthday Party – yours!  You plan them for the kids all the time so why shouldn’t you plan one for yourself. Invite guests to celebrate your birthday because spending time with loved ones is the best present you can receive. To keep it simple, make your party potluck style and ask each guest, in lieu of a present, to bring something to contribute to the meal. Be efficient and assign each guest a dish whether it’s an appetizer, main course or dessert.   Then spend a few hours with the people you love most and soak up lots of birthday love!

Turn a teaching moment into a treat for yourself. If some quality time with the kids is what you crave, spend the day with them or pick a day near your birthday to spend with them. Teach them how to bake a cake and then let them decorate it for your birthday.   Give your kids a box filled with craft supplies and let them make birthday cards for you.  Have them interview you to discover your favorite color, food and hobby – it’s good for them to learn what you love. Then they can draw pictures as gifts that incorporate these things.  Enlist the help of older siblings to watch younger ones so that you can take a bubble bath or have them do some of your chores for the day. Equip and empower your children to do something special for you. As Mom, you need to give your children some guidance and the responsibility to help make your day special.  In turn, they will learn an important lesson and how good it feels to give back at home.  A true Win –Win!

It’s that time of year again.  September is truly a transitional month, when we’re thinking fall but feeling summer.  When it comes to your table, summer decor is really out and it’s definitely too early to pull out the  pine cones and pumpkins!  However it is time to switch your color palate from light and bright to neutral.  A great tip is to look out your window and use the colors you see outside, browns, greens and maybe a splash of yellow.

Here’s an idea I employ all year round because, well it’s simple and special, just the way I like it.  Grab clear glass jars, vases or even bowls from around your home.  You may be surprised how many you have – think about all the flower arrangements you have received over the years and dig out all the vases you saved.  These are perfect to use.

You will need at least three.  If they are the same size set them out in a row like the picture of the table above.  Place them on a table runner to finish the look.  If they are different heights, group them in a cluster and set them on a pretty tray or large platter.  Then fill them with neutral toned items.   I love beans, seeds, apples, acorns and green button mums.  You only need to fill the jars or vases half way to the top.  Have fun and send me pictures of your table.  I will feature them in a post – I’d love to see what you create!

Image credit: Pottery Barn – you can purchase the jars shown above at http://www.potterybarn.com

After a summer of hamburgers and hot dogs, ribs feel a bit more like fall.  This recipe is comes from McCormick Spice and with just 5 minutes prep time you can pop ‘em in the oven and enjoy spending time with friends and family.  

Spice-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs

Recipe and Image from McCormick.com
Makes 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

• 3 to 4 pounds pork baby back ribs
• 6 to 8 tablespoons McCormick® Grill Mates® Pork Rub

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place ribs on foil-lined baking pan. Rub Pork Rub evenly over both sides of ribs. Cover with foil.

2. Bake 1 hour or until meat starts to pull away from bones. Transfer ribs to grill or cover and refrigerate until you are ready.

3. Grill over medium-high heat 1 to 2 minutes per side or until evenly browned. Cut into portions to serve.

Note: Use 2 tablespoons Pork Rub per pound of ribs.

Go to the head of the class and invite your friends over for a Back To School Night party.  Celebrate September with cupcakes and cocktails and get an “A” for a simple and special idea. Make it a ladies night and toast to another school year.  Go with an apple theme, teachers are not the only ones that love them.  Serve up Green Apple Martinis and Candy Apple Cupcakes.  Decorate with red and green apples and if you want extra credit, try cute apple shaped candles.

Cocktail: Green Apple Martini

Recipe by Scripps Howard News Service on the Food Network

Ingredients

• Cinnamon and sugar for rimming glass
• 5 tablespoons vodka
• 5 tablespoons sour-apple schnapps
• 5 tablespoons lemonade
• 5 tablespoons lemon-lime soda (such as 7-Up or Sprite)

Directions
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, schnapps, lemonade and lemon-lime soda. Cover and shake vigorously. Dip rim edge of martini glasses in a shallow dish with 1/4-inch water, then in a shallow dish with 1/4-inch of equal parts sugar and cinnamon mixture. Strain shaken mixture into prepared glasses and serve.

Cupcakes : Candy Apple Cupcakes
By Woman’s Day Kitchen from Woman’s Day

Ingredients

Cupcakes

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs

Glaze

• 1 pkg (14 oz) 50 caramel candies
• 2 Tbsp heavy cream
• Ice cream sticks

Garnish:Red jimmies or sprinkles

Preparation
1. Heat oven to 350°F. You’ll need 24 muffin cups lined with paper liners.
2. Cupcakes: Combine flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Beat applesauce, sugars, butter, sour cream and eggs in a bowl with mixer on low speed just to combine. in flour mixture until well blended.
4. Divide batter among muffin cups. 30 minutes until a wooden pick inserted in cupcakes comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely.
5. Glaze: Heat caramels in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted. Add heavy cream and stir until combined. Cool 2 minutes. Working quickly, while mixture is still warm, spread top of each cupcake with 2 tsp of glaze. If glaze gets hard to spread, heat on low, stirring until more melted. Insert an ice cream stick into center and top with jimmies or sprinkles, if using. Place in freezer for 5 minutes to set.

I am re-posting this cocktail recipe in celebration of the first day of sales for our book “Plan to Party”!  It’s one of our favorites and after you try it I am sure it will be one of yours too.

This weekend take a moment to celebrate that which is special in your life!   If you are looking for a great cocktail to toast with try the French 75 .

Cheers to this classic cocktail. Our twist, fresh lemon, agave and cognac. Enjoy.

Please drink responsibly we care about you!

GUEST POST BY MISSY FERRARO

On u jewelry is created by Donna Silvestri who is now based in Richmond, Virginia. What began as a hobby while commuting on a train each day to Manhattan has become a complete jewelry line with bracelets, necklaces and earrings.  This special and unique jewelry line  is sold in select boutiques, on line and in the Richmond store. I knew the day I spotted it, that it was exceptional. People are always inquiring where I purchased my Gatsby bracelets and I have in turn, given quite a few of Donna’s pieces as gifts.

On u jewelry features intricately made hand beaded necklaces, bracelets, earrings and anklets that are created with glass, vintage and semi-precious beads.  Many of the pieces include antique or vintage buttons as a finishing touch and some are even one of a kind.
Two of my favorites are…..

The Slip Knot: sterling silver rings and baubles slipped between specialty knots and brown leather finished with an antique button….$90 onujewelry.com

The Gatsby (in bone): real antique bone hand sewn onto rich brown Grecian leather…..$60 onujewelry.com

Check out the complete line at www.onujewelry.com and let me know which is your favorite?

French Bull just introduced a handbag collection, the latest addition to their lifestyle brand, and I love them!  It really gives new meaning to the word “tablewear“.  I’ve been a fan of French Bull for a long time . Their products are unmistakable and can turn a table into a work of art.  So, I was thrilled to see the same bold and bright patterns on plates, platters and bowls now on bags made of poly and soft buttery leather.  They, no doubt, will add a fun, fabulous flair to your wardrobe this fall.

Pictured above and below are two of the French Bull signature patterns that are available: Harlequin and Fantasia. Solids are sold in a tony palette of black, green tea, espresso and fanta (orange).  In addition, there is a 12 piece collection of leather pouches representing every sign in the zodiac.  A perfect gift idea.

Check out the site to see the full line here>

The image above is the Cooking Light version (recipe link below) .

Light and Luxe Versions!

It’s zucchini and tomato season, so make the most of this fresh fare while you can.   I’m a pasta lover and this summer recipe is a delicious way to feature both.  My best advice is to make sure not to overcook the vegetables.  You want the zucchini soft but still firm and the tomatoes should be heated till they start to pop open, no more.  Top with fresh basil and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, add a glass of cool Chianti and you are in heaven!  I also found a wonderful light version of this dish from Cooking Light Magazine.  It uses fresh ricotta and mint.  I love it too, check out their recipe here>

My Version…

Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Zucchini – serves 4

• 1/2 lb of your favorite pasta
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise, then cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
• sea salt
• fresh basil sliced thin
• freshly ground black pepper
• Parmigiano Reggiano, for shaving

Directions

• Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to al dente directions.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of quality olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion.
• Cook for about until onion becomes translucent.
• Add the zucchini and garlic and cook 5 minutes, until the zucchini is tender but still firm.
• Add the tomatoes.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Cook until the tomatoes begin to burst open, about 4 – 5 minutes.
• Drain the pasta and put it in a large shallow serving bowl.
• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and toss.
• Add the tomato and zucchini to the pasta and toss well.
• Drizzle with more oil, if desired.
• Top with the basil and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.  For an added kick, I like to sprinkle on some crushed red pepper.

Must Haves: Berries, Sponge Cake, Ice Cream and Whipped Cream.

Mix store bought with fresh and serve the combo anyway you like.  It’s a Summer Sunday pleasure for everyone and a sweet ending to weekend!  My version and Elizabeth’s:  Store bought individual sponge cake (so we’re enjoying Sunday with the family and not baking), fresh berries, vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped cream, stacked high!

Grilled Italian sausage, peppers and onions is classic combination and a perfect choice for an easy backyard BBQ.  It you need a break from hamburgers and hot dogs, mix it up Italian style and mangia!  You can grill everything together and then serve it up on the same platter.  Let guests dish it up the way they like. Include a basket of fresh Italian rolls (to make a sandwich) and toss a nice green salad with a light dressing.   A great complement to this meal is a cool Chianti (I like Da Vinci) and Pellegrino Limonata.

Grilled Sausage, Peppers and Onions
Serve with Italian Rolls  – serves 4

• 2 large onions, halved and sliced, about 4 cups
• 3 red bell peppers, cored, seeded and sliced
• salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound uncooked sweet Italian sausage
• 1 pound uncooked hot Italian sausage
• 4 Fresh Italian Rolls (Hoagie, Sub or Grinder Size)

Tips for Grilling :

• Simmer sausage in boiling water first for about 20 minutes.  Then remove and grill.  Cook for about 10 minutes, or until browned, turning frequently to avoid burning.
• Use a grill topper for the peppers and onions to keep them from burning.