Today is our sweet Holly’s birthday and last night we celebrated by watching the Golden Globes and eating lots of comfort food.

I am lazy today because Eric has the day off and we are going to the theater to see The Artist. But I wanted to share these pics of our fun time last night.

Lasagna and garlic bread with lemon layer cake were balanced beautifully by John’s fresh spinach salad with a gorgeous raspberry vinaigrette. Add lots of yelling at the tv and you’ve got yourself a party.

We started with the Peppermint Pattitini’s from this post on New Year’s Eve. Oh, they were so good! If you make them yourself, I would use just a smidge less peppermint.

Top with whipped cream for extra calories. It's a party, y'all!

Extra sparkly is needed when celebrating a birthday.

My three favorites.

Then we started with John’s lovely salad. I could eat this everyday.

John's Beautiful Salad.

And of course, the lasagna.

Lasagna makes everything better.

After we watched part of the Golden Globes, it was time for cake. This was a white cake, with lemon curd filling, 7-minute frosting and a fancy “H” for Holly crafted from butterfly sprinkles. It may not look like it came from the bakery, but it was made with love.

Happy Happy Birthday Holly! You make everyday special by just being you.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Rare Earth – I Just Want to Celebrate

Yesterday was my Sweetie’s birthday and although he is a bit under the weather, cake was in order.

Did you know that Krispy Kreme has discontinued their Boston Cream doughnut? Quelle horreur! And that is my husband’s favorite!

No worries, how about a real homemade Boston Cream Pie? With a little help from my Betty Crocker Cookbook, we were able to make Eric smile.

Would you like a slice?

Boston Cream Pie
Adapted from The Betty Crocker Cookbook

Cake:

1 1/2 c. cake flour or 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. milk
1/3 c. shortening
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour square pan, 8 x 8 x 2 inches or 9 x 9 x 2 inches. Measure all ingredients into large mixer bowl. Blend 1/2 minute on low speed, scraping bowl constantly. Beat 3 minutes high speed scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on cooling rack.

Filling
Truthfully? I used French Vanilla Pudding mix. It worked perfectly.

Frosting
3 tbsp. butter
2 sq. (1 oz. each) unsweetened chocolate
1 c. powdered sugar
3/4 tsp. vanilla
1 – 2 tbsp. hot water
Heat butter and chocolate in 1 quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat; stir in powdered sugar and vanilla. Stir in water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until smooth and of spreading consistency.

There you go! Now you can make one for your sugar pies!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Boston – More Than A Feeling

Ok, I have yet to stump you with the last two items. How about this one?

What is this?

Can you guess what this is?

It’s pretty, isn’t it? And no, it is not a comb for your hair. You use it in the kitchen.

Time to guess!!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Cake – Short Skirt/Long Jacket

As I sit here in my office at my tiny desk, on my birthday Friday (actual birthday on Sunday), I can’t help but be so grateful for everything in my life. My incredible husband, Eric, my amazing besties, my good friends, and all of you out there in tv land. Or blog land, I don’t judge.

Happy Birthday To Me!

But since I love you so much, I thought I should give you a gift. CSN has so graciously offered a $65 gift card to their massive online store. Last time we did a giveaway with them, my bestie Clint won and couldn’t say enough great things about the wine glasses and linens he received. Clint said everything was packaged in the most pristine way and both items were gorgeous. And they have virtually everything you could want. You could buy me an offset spatula! Or, holy Toledo, they have Le Creuset, too! Check out this set of bright yellow cookware – wouldn’t this make you smile everyday?

Just like sunshine!

So, my little darlings…comment away. I would love to hear your idea for my perfect birthday celebration. The winner will be announced on Wednesday by a random drawing.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Marvin Gaye – Got to Give It Up, Part I (because it’s my birthday and this is my favorite song, of all time..)

Last week my good friend and neighbor, Shane, celebrated a landmark birthday. Yes, he is now 21……

And of course, all the neighbors were there to toast him. We love a good party, you know. So Shane ordered up some pizza, we brought wine and beer and showed up. We are always good for bringing the adult beverages. We’re good like that.

With my buddy Shane.

Not so bad.

Shane seemed happy enough with it.

And so we gathered and ate pizza and cake, washed down by wine and beer. A good time was had by all.

Lovely photo of Valerie and Shane....

...photobombed by Justin. lol

Tracy and Crystal

Jay and Rick

The guys enjoy a slice.

Humphrey was so good all night!

It was another great night in the neighborhood. Happy Birthday, Shane!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to the Paul Weston Orchestra – The Theme From Shane

It was the weekend of birthdays this past week. Fun! First, we had Valerie’s birthday wine tour, then it was time for dear friend Tami H. of Running With Tweezers to have her big day.

And what a big day it was! Set up by her sweet boyfriend, Mike, who took great pains to keep it secret. Mike even put together a Chopped Challenge as part of the party. You know what Chopped is, right? It’s a reality/challenge show on Food Network where chefs compete for the highest score from the judges.

Mike chose all the ingredients for the Chopped “Slider” Challenge. Three teams of two competed in the kitchen of friends Brian and Terri. It was a hoot.

But first, Tami had to arrive. A ruse was invented to get her to Terri and Brian’s house and we were all gathered when she arrived, including an dear friend of hers from NYC who had flown in especially for the party. Don’t you love those types of surprises?

The cake was made by Christina Arpante of Mele Cotte. It was the coolest cake I have ever seen.

Camera Cake. Yes, That's Cake.

You would think that making a camera cake would be enough for one person. Well, you don’t know Chris. She had to bake cupcakes, too. Gorgeous  cupcakes. Filled with yummy things cupcakes. OMG. Cupcakes.

Cupcakes!

Brian and Terri did a great job of keeping us all happy before Tami arrived. They fed us and we hung out and talked about, what else? Food.

Nosh, Nosh, Nosh...Gab, Gab, Gab

And finally, the main event – Tami Arrives! Yay! She was so surprised. Um, really surprised. She thought she was going swimming. But she looked super cute all the same!

Surprise!

Oh, she was so thrilled to see everyone there. Especially her best buddy Mike.

Surprise Guest Mike

But before the challenge, Tami must check out that incredible cake!

Tami & Chris

And then the Chopped Challenge began. Just like on television, but with cocktails. It’s a party, after all.

Team 1 – Tami & Mike
Team 2 – Chris & Erin
Team 3 – Martin & Brian

Emcee – Mike Boutte (Tami’s beau)

And we’re off!

Mike Explains The Rules

The teams pick their ingredients.

Decisions

Erin and Chris Plan Their Strategy

One Group Of Ingredients - Banana Chips?

Martin's Secret Weapons - Schlitz Beer & Wasabi Peas

While The Kitchen Heated Up, Terri & I Giggled In The Dining Room

And boy, was the kitchen busy! We were told not to get in the kitchen during the challenge, but, hey, there was cooking going on and pictures to take. Sorry!

Tami Has It All Under Control

Or Was It Mike That Had It All Under Control?

Anyhoo, it was fun, fun, fun.

Mike Lights The Grills - Don't You Love The Tee?

Mason & Margaret Arrive

Now, it’s time for the judging. I thought everyone was going to be super sweet – we’re all friends here..but no. It was brutal. Funny, but brutal.

Terri & Zack Judge The Turkey Burger by Mike and Tami

Looks like a thumbs up from Judge Zack.

Next up – Chris & Erin’s burger with a cabbage slaw on top. Looked yummy.

And Erin Juggles, Too!

The judges really liked this one. They deemed it tasted like a “swedish meatball.” Then it was Martin & Brian’s turn for judging.

Martin & Brian's Buffalo Burgers

Judges said it was perfectly cooked, but flavorless and the green beans on the side were dry. Brutally honest. Foodies. LOL

Winner? Erin and Chris’s swedish meatball burger. A round for everyone!

Happy Birthday, Tami – this was the coolest idea for a party and we had a ball!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Debbie Reynolds – Tammy

Memorial Day is finally here and that means picnics. Here in Atlanta, that means Piedmont Park, Screen on the Green (back in Piedmont Park, y’all!), Lake Lanier and getaways to the beach and the North Georgia Mountains.  I love a fancy picnic basket, but there are all types to fit your budget (even toy baskets for your little ones!)

The Girls And I Are Hitting The Road

I suppose you could carry your supplies in plastic bags, but wouldn’t a gorgeous new picnic hamper do wonders for your picnic experience? Sure it would!

Top of the Line – The Windsor Picnic Basket $229.00

You Would Never Have To Buy Another Picnic Basket Again!

Holy deviled eggs, Batman! This set has everything – four porcelain plates, four 8-ounce wine glasses, four sets of stainless steel utensils, four double-wall stainless steel mugs, four cotton napkins, one hardwood cutting board, one cheese knife with wooden handle, one set stainless steel salt and pepper shakers, one stainless steel waiter’s style corkscrew, one bottle stopper, one stainless steel vacuum flask, one insulated corduroy cooler bag, one fully insulated corduroy wine duffle, two food containers with lids, and a matching 50-inch by 60-inch fleece blanket that can be attached to the top of the basket using the leather straps. You might never want to go home!

A Little More Reasonable – The Excalibur $51.99

Holds Enough For Four!

I think the name is a hoot! And since Eric and I plan to visit the Renaissance Festival this weekend (giant turkey legs! mud wrestling! beer wenches!) I thought this basket was a peach. It even has the requisite blanket. Let’s check out the other features – serving for four includes plates, silverware, glasses and napkins. You even get a bottle opener, and a bottle storage compartment big enough for a bottle of wine. And it’s a backpack, for all you hiking types out there.

For The Kids – Alex Toys 18 Piece Picnic Basket Set $28.01

Isn't This Adorable?

You know the kids love to help, now they can be just like mom and dad with their own picnic basket ( you might be able to stuff an extra bottle of wine in it, too!) This set includes 4 tin cups, 4 tin plates, 4 plastic spoons, 4 plastic forks, and tablecloth and wicker basket. Dishes are light blue. Tablecloth and inside of basket is bright colored plaid. I would like a grown-up version of this, please.

Okay, so you’ve picked out your basket, how are you going to fill it?  Wine, of course, but you are going to need a little more than that, right? Maybe not, but for those of you who like to whip up a little something for your alfresco feast, may I suggest this menu?

Deviled Eggs – Nothing but deviled eggs! Add tons of crumbled bacon on top please, just like Crystal makes

Dilled Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Fresh Caesar Salad

Peppermint Brownies

Copious Amounts of Wine and Beer, Don’t Forget Your Designated Driver

That should do it! Pack up your goodies and go!

See you on Tuesday, Darlings!

xoxo, Patti

Today, Blogging to Short Skirt, Long Jacket by Cake

Oh, this weekend was a hoot. Starting with everybody’s favorite bestie, Clint, and his funtime dance birthday party (and yes, you CAN call it a party! yay!)  To know Clint is to love him and anyone who has ever met him would agree. So when his partner Matt decided to throw him a dance party at his loft, our only response was – “which dancing shoes to wear?”  I mean, it was jam packed full of fabulous people wishing Clint the best birthday ever, with some of the best music ever and some of the yummiest cake ever.

You have got to see the photos!

Say Hello To My Favorite Birthday Boy, Clint

Now, Matt’s loft is filled with some of the coolest treasures ever – like a player piano that really works (!), and some of the coolest self produced art you have ever seen (is there nothing these two cannot do?)  So just hanging at the loft is always a treat. But to be there with everyone that loves Clint was the greatest night ever.

Before the party, there was a mini pre-party at our house with Holly, Crystal, Teague, Eric and me. Then we headed over to the mega-party. Such fun!

Calvin, Patti and Sweet Steve

Adorable Carrie and Dear Carla, Who Kept Us Secure All Night Long

Carrie And Our Host With The Most, Matt

Clint and Carrie Share A Hug

Clint With Pretty Friend, Sherri

My Perfect Husband, Eric, Enjoying The Festivities

Everyone Was There To Toast Clint!

Happy Birthday Clint!!

The Bar is Now OPEN!

Beautiful Bestie Holly

Might Be The Cutest Shot of The Night - Holly, Clint & Carrie

Holly & Crystal With Our New Bff, Scottie

Scottie and I met and admired each other’s earrings – so we traded! Scottie is Matt’s sister in law and hopefully will not be a stranger to us – she is adorable!!

Those Handsome Belfi Boys - Keith and Matt

Me, With New Bestie, Keith

Keith is so fab – he designs sets and props for the likes of Alton Brown and Tyler Perry. And not only that – he is so kind and funny!

Keith & Scottie Belfi (wearing the earrings we traded!) So Cute!

All This Photography Can Be Tiring, So Says Our Party Guests....

Me, With One Of My Favorite Folks, Ever - Our Birthday Guy, Clint

Matt and Keith

Scottie and Me, Post Earring Swap

Note to Scottie:  I am still loving the earrings!! Let me know when we can go shopping!

Matt and Me

Everybody Had A Ball!

But all good things must come to an end. But not before there’s CAKE! Happy Birthday Monkey Boy!

A Sure Sign That Cake Is A'Coming

Ready For Clint To Make A Wish

I Hope Every Wish Comes True, Sweetie!

2 a.m. Came Awfully Fast. Nite, nite!

It was a fantastic party, filled with the coolest people (as always). Thanks, Matt for being the best host ever and thanks, Clint, for being the best friend ever. I love you both!

xoxo, Patti

This past Friday was my sweet Taruan’s birthday date of birth celebration day. Called a “get together” by his partner, Chioke. Tomato, tomahto – I call it a party. And it was such fun!

Chioke always has something surprising and fun at his parties get togethers and this time was no different. Take a look at the outside of their house as we walked up.

Nope, That Doesn't Scream "Party". Not One Bit.

How about we call it a “birthday roundup”? Maybe that sounds too much like a rodeo. Anyhoo…

More surprises awaited us inside. Chioke had rented a frozen drink machine for making margaritas and daquiris. Mmmmmm!

Still Not A Party?

And there was pizza from Slice. And beer. And Jenga. And Trouble – anyone remember Trouble from their childhood? Yup, we played that, too.

Frozen Drinks Give You A Brain Freeze? How About A Stella?

Crystal brought her wicked deviled eggs (really, this seems like a party)…I consumed as many as I could before they were all gone. I’m not kidding, these things could be a food group.

Our Bestie, And Host for The Evening, Chioke

And we played Jenga. We are a Jenga lovin’ bunch, I tell you.

Tiffany Takes Her Turn At Jenga

PJ, Chioke and Tauran - Who May or May Not Have Had A Birthday Party...

Jenga Break

From the Top, Marcus, Sean, Julian, Val and Leila

Eric and Tiffany Enjoy the, uh, Round Up!

Next up, Trouble. Hilariously played as adults.

Remember? I'm Sure That Popping Noise Drove My Mother Insane When I Was A Kid

Taruan and I Playing Trouble

And there were card games, too. Are you sure this isn’t a party, Chioke?

PJ and Taruan Play Spades, But Not At A Party, Mind You...

And there were tons of laughs.

Our Newest Friends and Neighbors, Sean and Marcus

Ashley, Tiffany and Val

Harold and Brandon At the Card Table

My Number One Darling

And then, all of a sudden, a HUGE cake appeared. With candles. And gummy bears.  I don’t know about you, but cake always says party to me. Although, this could just be the dessert portion of the night. You decide.

Dessert For The Date Of Birth Gathering

And then Taruan made a wish and blew out all the candles. But don’t call this a party.

Blowing Out the Get Together Dessert Candles. Still, NOT A PARTY...

Oh, who is anyone kidding? This was every bit a party and a great one, at that. Thanks, Chioke for your constant inspiration and to you and Taruan both for being the dearest friends. We love you!

xoxo, Patti

I had the sweetest time in NOLA with my darling husband, but the birthday celebration didn’t stop there.  This past Friday night, 22 of us gathered to celebrate some more at Karaoke Melody, a terrific spot on Buford Highway that has private karaoke rooms. Most.Fun.Ever.

The photos really tell the story here, so lets begin!

Teague Checking The Mics

Lisa Arrives

Lisa Made Party Favors - Filled With Peppermint Patties!

Eric Checks Out The Stage

A Hug For My Sweetie

At first, Eric, Teague, John, Danny, Crystal, Holly, Lisa and I sang a few songs  before everyone else arrived. “Paradise By The Dashboard Light” is one tough song to sing. But we muddled through, giggling til the end.

Matt With Clint Laughing Through "Punk Rock Girl"

Me and My Girls, Crystal, Holly and Lisa

Tim, Becky and I, Wearing the Darling Apron They Had Custom Made For Me

Sweet Miss Diane

Teague Opens With La Bamba - "It's In Spanish!"

Shane In The Hall

Danny and I Belting Out The Lyrics to Something

New Neighbor Dean Brings Down The House With His Rendition of "Lets Get It On"

My Crooners - John and Taruan

Shane And Eric Take A Beverage Break

Holly and Danny Cut Up For The Camera

Val and Leila Share a Moment

In Honor Of Johnny Cash's Birthday, Eric & I Pair Up To Sing "Jackson"

Like All Good Southern Girls, Crystal and I Sing "Delta Dawn"

Diane and I Having A Giggle

Taruan and Chioke Enjoying The Evening

Shane and Teague Sing "The Time Warp"

and if you are going to sing The Time Warp, you know that right behind are folks that…

Are Going to Sing and Dance With You. Guaranteed.

and sing and dance some more…

More Time Warp Fun

Me, Getting A Chance To Thank Everyone For Coming

But there is one (maybe two…) more surprises to come…

Lisa Wrote Custom Lyrics To "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", Just For Me!

This tickled me to no end. I was so thrilled.

I just wasn’t ready for the party to end. And so, six of us brought it on home.

Because no birthday is complete without…

a Pink and White Cake, Complete With Adorable Candles!

It was a fabulous birthday and I was so thrilled with all our guests. We have the best friends ever.

xoxo, Patti