Super duper Superbowl snack

Yes, it's almost here!  The Superbowl - Feb 3 2013!!

So if you are planning a party or going to one you might want to try some of these snacks...

BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP



4 oz of soft cream cheese
1/2 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of Frank's Red Hot or just 1/4 of another hot sauce
Add 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken.

Mix all of these ingredients together and spread in a baking dish.

Sprinkle with celery seed, chopped scallions and shredded cheese

Bake at 425 degrees for about 20 mins or until bubbling

Top with crumbled Blue cheese and serve with carrots, celery and crackers

This will be a huge hit with guests.

**Use the remaining rotisserie chicken by shredding it and mixing with some wing sauce add it to pizza and have 'Chicken Wing Pizza' , psst my husband loves it!

Some other great ideas...try adding some diced mango and red onion to guacamole for a sweet and yangy kick - serve with blue corn chips and/or naan crackers

New Years' Resolutions

The new year is a perfect time to set goals - it's a fresh start and it's the beginning of a whole new year - the possibilities are endless...what do you want to achieve this year? Big or small, it's important to have a goal that you are working towards but be sure to set SMART goals for yourself otherwise you may just be setting yourself up for disappointment.



What are SMART goals?

S- Specific.  Example: don't say - I want to get to the gym more.  Say: I want to get to the gym 3 times a week. 

M- Measureable.  Example: don't say - I want to lose weight.  Say : I want to lose those last 10 pounds.

A- Attainable. the goals you set should be something within your reach.  Not too easy but challenging enough to keep you going but not so far out that you get discouraged.

R - Realisitc.  Example: don't say : I want to look like a Victoria's Secret supermodel  Say: I want to be more toned overall (and if you need a visual look at age, body type and someone not airbrushed and photoshopped)

T- Time You need to set a time for your goal, so if it is losing weight try saying I want to lose 10 pounds by Easter weekend. 

Without setting SMART goals you may just find yourself wandering without any direction

I also like to set some personal and professional goals. Work and life balance are so important

An alternative to candles

I love the candles!  The light they give off, the feeling, the mood they add to a room...but candles and kids do not mix!  So a great alternative that I love is battery operated candles.

There are so many options with this flameless option.  In terms of scent, size and colour.



They are available in so many locations, ranging from Wal-Mart to HomeSense to Michaels and more....

If you are hosting a party where children are welcome these are perfect for setting the mood without any potential for disaster, even if there aren't kids around these are safe and still give off the same look and feel plus the wick won't burn out.

I have some extra large cream coloured flameless pillar candles in my family room and they give me the look without the worry.  I use them often (entertaining or just relaxing at home) and it really adds a softness to the space.  the scented ones are nice, too.

These are also a great option for an open house.  If you are selling your home and want that extra touch to set your home apart and want to create an inviting atmosphere for potential buyers - talk to your real estate agent about using flameless candles and don't forget about using the right scent to make an inviting home.