Practically Perfect Planner

One of the things that we really love about our lifestyle is that we have regular play-dates with our friends to share a simple meal, enjoyable conversations, and sometimes the girls like to beat the boys in a good game of cards. (FYI, Chris takes great exception to this last statement… LOL) Last week Jackie and Bill came to our house (we alternate every other month) for dinner and cards. Jackie brought the most delicious dessert that all of you ought to try – Oatmeal...

A SOUPER SENSATIONAL way to re-purpose left over green salad into soup! How many times have you felt remorse throwing a terrific salad with dressing into the trash because it just won’t keep another day? Weep no longer and whip yesterday’s lunch into today’s 1st course on the table in only five (5) magic minute steps. 1. Add left over veggies and lettuce to blender 2. Add in V8 Juice slowly and blend to desired consistency 3. Mix in extra dressing and a few dashes of Worcestershire...

Susan’s Italian Chicken, Rice Pilaf and Green Bean Almondine are our favorite caterer/frieder’s go-to recipes when serving up dinner for a crowd. Sometimes when it’s too hot to grill, a few make ahead favorites can help you dish-up these crowd pleasers without dealing with actual dishes, and as extra bonus you get a little down time with guests. Susan’s Italian Chicken: 8 whole chicken breasts, boneless and skinless 1 cup Italian bread crumbs 1 tablespoon garlic...

When out and about a few summer standouts caught my eye. And I just had to share them – What a “GRATE” idea! This vibrant fuchsia slicer and dicer ($ 6.99 at Winco) can add speed and convenience as you grate for all those summer salads with no muss or fuss…This good to go gadget comes with its own plastic container to catch as you grate. Keep an eye out as 3P uses this kitchen aid as another vehicle for a “Grate” gift. Iced Coffee Blend. Change...

  Holiday staples take a Summery spin…. Turkey: How ‘bout Turkey Burgers in the grill pan? INGREDIENTS 2 slices white sandwich bread (about 1 ounce each) 1 pound (93 percent lean) ground turkey 2 ounces cheddar and jack cheese, coarsely grated (about 1/2 cup) 1/2 small onion, coarsely grated other 1/2 small onion sliced for sautéing Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper 1 teaspoon olive oil 12 mini-size buns Lettuce, extra cheese, avocado, sliced tomatoes, ketchup,...

This Crock Pot Pulled Pork is the craze this summer! This slow and go 2 lb. pork shoulder roast combined with an 12 oz. can of root beer is all you need to have your main course ready for a meal time. Prep only takes minutes before popping in a Crock pot while you play or work without heating up the house. Depending on the guest count, this can easily be doubled. INGREDIENTS: 1 (2 pound) pork “butt”/shoulder 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle root beer 8 hamburger...

So the Practically Perfect Mom picked and packed a personal yet practical Bowl of Beauties to help Jessi move into her new home! 3P Tip # 1: Pick something that is personal. Jessi loves old fashioned Coca-Cola memorabilia – So instead of a bucket; the basket of choice is a pretty plastic bowl a-la Coke. 3P Tip #2: I wanted a practical buddy to accompany her in the front seat of her car and to be handy for all that household cleaning that happens first before...

Here’s a glimpse of how Craig and Ginny’s Festive 50th was unveiled. This: …turned into this: …and poof!  We had pretty tablescapes galore to delight both guests and guests of honor with just enough gold and glitz to say “Happy 50th Anniversary!” A few tips to take a Potluck to a party:  Have your largest table in the house dressed for the party and ready ahead of time, with linens, centerpiece and serving utensils. Use this table as your bountiful buffet, so...

Take a hike!….Our Carla (Gavin’s fiancé) and her Mom – Robin certainly DID, 500 miles from the start of their little jaunt at the border of Mexico, continuing then into the upper Southern California mountains they temporarily stopped, got on a bus to Barstow where I drove to pick them up. I then turned right around and brought them to Las Vegas for a well needed rest before they resumed their “Pacific Crest Trail” hiking adventure! (Mexican border to the Canadian...

I knew our 21st Anniversary was a few weeks away, but man were we busy…  Then it was a couple weeks away, then 8 days; and then THE WORD from Brenda; “don’t forget, it’s YOUR TURN to plan our Anniversary.”   Holy @#$%! I totally forgot that part! Well, think fast Mr. Caveman.  We’ve done a lot of anniversary things over 20 years, so thinking of something new and different (and with 8 days to go) seemed pretty daunting.  (I’m also limited to what...