Candy Corn Jell-O Shots

While not consider the best to serve at a black tie affair I do think Jell-O shots can be a fun addition to a party.  With Halloween just around the corner I thought it would be fun to share a candy corn Jell-O shot that I created as the perfect treat for your Halloween party. 

Here are the easy directions:

- 1 package lemon flavored Jell-O
- 1 package orange flavored Jell-O
- Regular vodka
- Whipped cream

Prepare the lemon flavored Jell-O using 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 cup vodka.  Bring the water to a boil, then add in the Jell-O and vodka.  Stir until well mixed then pour into small glasses (I use clear votive holders since they are the perfect size).  One Rabido I would like to share is to spray the inside of the glass lightly with Pam so the Jell-O comes out of the glass easily. Also, Rabidon't have these in a place where kids have open access to them.  Fill the glasses just under half way, refrigerate until set.  Then prepare the orange Jell-O using the same directions as the lemon, filling the glasses but leaving room at the top to add whipped cream.  Just before you are ready to serve the Jell-O shots add the whipped cream for the finishing touch.

The result is a tasty treat your guests will love.  As we get closer to Halloween I will be sharing more fun food, drink and decorating tips.  

Cheers!

The real story behind seven Fall food traditions

As I am sure you all know from previous posts, I love the Fall season that is finally here!  I also love cooking and trying new recipes which is why I am addicted to the website KitchenDaily.com.  I am constantly finding wonderful new recipes on the site.

The other day they had a really interesting article about some Fall food items that we just take for granted.  I thought this would be great to share with you.  

The Real Story

Enjoy the article and check out Kitchen Daily.

and...

Cheers!

It is not too early to start planning for the Holidays!

I know you are going to hate me for saying this but it really is true.  As a planner it is my job to think ahead and not get caught having to do everything at the last minute.

To help you in the planning process I encourage you to take a look at the Holiday collection offered by Shawn Rabideau Stationery.  You can find it on line at FineStationery.com or at one of these great local retailers.  Shawn Rabideau Stationery Stores.

Let me be the first to wish you a Happy Holiday Season and...

Cheers!

5 Reasons I find Fall entertaining fun and easy!

I love fall!  And with the first day of fall just around the corner I am excited to start cooking and decorating.  So I thought I would share five of my favorite things you can do to make Fall Entertaining fun and easy!

1. Fall decorating doesn't have to be time consuming. A quick trip to the produce section at your grocer and you can get everything you need to decorate for the Fall like apples, pears, and even gourds!  To keep decorating simple, use baskets, decorative bowls or vases you already have at home, fill them with a variety of gourds, apples and other seasonal fruits and veggies.  This makes decorating easy, quick and colorful!

Rabido Tip - 
Shop at home first for a variety of containers and baskets.  No need to purchase new items!

2. You can do almost anything with a pumpkin.  Carve out a large pumpkin, fill it with ice and chill your favorite beer and wine.  Carve and fill a small pumpkin with your favorite pumpkin dip, or decorate a small pumpkin with an old fish net stocking!  And my favorite idea is to carve a pumpkin, add a beer tap, fill with your favorite beer and, voila, you have a pumpkin keg! The possibilities are endless because there is so much more you can do with a pumpkin than just carving it!  Check out the photos below for some really fun ideas.

Rabidon't Tip - 
Don't over - think pumpkins.  Let them speak to you.  Paint them all one color like silver, gold or copper and they will make a beautiful and elegant addition to your decor that will last almost all season.

3. Apple cider cocktails are perhaps some of my favorite cocktails!  Hot or cold, there are countless drinks you can create using apple cider.  One of my favorites is this simple Salted Carmel Apple Cocktail. Mix 1/2 part vanilla vodka, 1 part salted carmel vodka, top off with apple cider.  Sip, enjoy!

Rabido Tip - 
Garnish with a cinnamon stick

4. Soups are the perfect fall comfort food.  So hearty and delicious and really easy to make!  I like to spend my Sunday's making tomato soup, fire roasted tomato chili, cauliflower soup and more.  And the best part is; they stretch into other meals and are quick when you're on the go.

Rabido Tip - 
Freeze your soups in 1 quart plastic freezer bags.  Lie them flat in your freezer and they will take up little space and they thaw quickly on those really cold nights when you need something warm!

5. Wine and cheese parties are easy to plan and relativity inexpensive.  Just pick-up your favorite wines, a variety of cheeses and a fresh baguette and you are ready to host family or friends for a great evening.  

Rabido Tip
Or, if you want to add to the fun, ask your guests to bring a variety of red and white wines from different regions from around the world.  You never know what new wines you're going to find!

All this talk of food, drink and entertaining have me wanting to rush off to the grocery store!  Wishing all a happy Fall!

Until next time...Cheers!

Shawn Rabideau Stationery - Now at a store near you

I am excited to announce the list of stores now carrying the full line of Shawn Rabideau Stationery!  You can now go to one of these amazing Stationery Stores to see my full line of Invitations for your next event.  And, with the holidays approaching, don't forget to check all of my great holiday cards and invitations!

Happy Shopping and ...

Cheers!

Alabama

Please Reply, Birmingham, AL  205-870-4773

Kyle Fine Stationery, Tuscaloosa, AL  205-722-2291

Arkansas

The Social Type, Little Rock, AR  501-661-9929

Colorado

The Envelope Please, Boulder, CO  303-443-1606

Scribbles, Denver, CO  303-477-1677

Connecticut

Fabulously Yours Invitations, Trumbull, CT 203-400-9058

Delaware

Apropos, Inc., Greenville, Delaware  302-356-4880

Florida

Papers at Duh, Pensacola, FL  850-439-0640

Matilda’s, Stuart, FL  772-221-8280

The Write Stuff, Tampa, FL  813-837-0400

Illinois

Ashley’s Custom Stationery, Clarendon Hills, IL  630-794-0804

The Stationery Station, Highland, Park, IL  847-432-3044

Massachusetts

No Regrets, Newton, MA  617-527-0602

Michigan

Lee’s Specialty, Bloomfield Hills, MI  248-646-6700

New Jersey

Little Black Dress, Bernardsville, NJ  908-221-0986

Julie Maloof Designs, Chatham, NJ  973-615-6952

Pauline’s Paperie, Fair Haven, NJ  732-212-1071

Paper Susan, Roselane, NJ  201-960-1995

Paper Parfait, West Orange, NJ  973-464-1453

New York

Always Invited Events, Monroe, New York  845-782-0291

Alpine Creative Group, New York, New York  212-989-4198

By Invitation Only, New York, NY  212-877-9666

Michael Zac Design Group, New York, NY  212-688-2256

Paper, Etc., White Plains, NY 914-328-8457

Ohio

Designs by Dawson, Cincinnati, OH 513-827-9100

Pennsylvania

The Ardmore Paperia, Ardmore, PA  610-896-0968

Pen & Paper, Bryn Mawr, PA  610-525-6870

Nota Bene, Pittsburgh, PA  412-782-6300

Argus Printing & Invitation Studio, Wayne, PA  610-687-0411

Texas

Moon Mippy Boerne, Boerne, TX  830-331-9596

The Write Invite, Dallas, TX  214-956-9996

Write Selection, Dallas, TX  214-750-0531

Moon Mippy, San Antonio, TX  210-495-9100

Virginia

The Pretty Pink Pony, McLean, VA  703-556-3237

Name Day

I love traveling and learning about different cultures when I am away.  Recently I had a chance to visit the Czech Republic, which was absolutely amazing, and I learned about their tradition of "Name Day".

In Prague's Old Town Square, there is a mechanical and astronomic clock that dates back to 1410.  Below this clock is a calendar and corresponding to each date is a specific name. 

In the Czech Republic it is a common practice to celebrate your "Name Day" with small gifts, almost as you would a birthday.  I love the idea that you get to not only celebrate your Birthday but also have the bonus of your Name Day.

To find out what your own Name Day is, go to the link below and find your name and the corresponding Name Day.

http://www.myczechrepublic.com/czech_culture/czech_name_days/

Of course, if you are like me, your name may not be exactly the same in the Czech language, for example, in Czech, "Shawn" would be interpreted as "Jan".  To make sure you find the correct day, I also found a site that will allow you to interpret your name, just click on the following link.

http://www.behindthename.com/translate.php

As I said earlier, I think it is fun to learn about different cultures and traditions.  Check out all of he links and have a happy "Name Day"!

Cheers!