Super Bowl Fun

Those of us living in Boston are still trying to figure out what happened in the playoffs game with the Pats. Just terrible! But if you are having folks over to watch the game here are some fun ideas for snacks.

For party favors, how about one of these COOKIES favors wrapped in cello bags with a red and purple ribbons.

Make the Football Whoppie Pies - so cute! RECIPE

Finger food with a bit more flair than chips and salsa. All the details HERE

Mini Burgers from BITE BY BITE by our friend Peter Callahan

Or Baked Ravioli RECIPE

And Garlic Bread RECIPE

Shades of Grey

While I hated the book, I do love the color!

Best Find in 2012

Now you don't have to be a socialite or a Wall Streeter to have a driver at your service.  My best find in 2012 is UBER - your own private car service.

Download the app on your iPhone and you can order a town car in minutes for prices competitive with a cab. Genius! It is all billed through your phone (tip too) and you get a text when your car is en route and when it is pulling up to your door (or wherever you may be).

The drivers are so professional and it is so easy. I am addicted. Uber is in many major US cities so check it out! Besides...you should arrive at your next event in style!

Photos: Huffington Post, New York Times and Uber

Wowed by Wu

I rarely post about fashion on this blog, but I decided to make an exception for the crazy talented Jason Wu.

Most of us learned about him when Michelle Obama wore one of this dresses to the first inaugural ball. Simply stunning.

And then Mrs. Obama did a two-peat and wore another one of his dresses on Monday. I am loving this bold red dress!

Wu's sketch for the dress that he shared on Twitter.

I started being interested in Wu when I learned we both graduated from the same boarding school - Loomis Chaffee. Go LC! Since he is still young it will be terrific to watch the progress of his career. Congrats to Jason!

Photos: Beauty and the Beat Blog, US Magazine, Luxq, Huffington Post

Winter Sledding Party

Here in New England it has been quite chilly. After months of mild weather, temps in the 20s are a bit of a shock! The upside? Skiing, snow shoeing and sledding. I LOVED the Sledding Party in the current issue of COUNTRY LIVING created by event planner KATE MARTIN.

The invites - adorable!

 Beverages for the kids - hot chocolate RECIPE

Or add a dash of rum or vodka for the adults. Note the hand stenciled table cloth with snowflakes!

Of course the dogs are invited too

A sweets table

And roasting marshmallows

Gathering around the bonfire at the end of the night - so fun!

Photos: John Dolan and Country Living

Let's Dish: Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Leave it to the uber talented folks at SUNDAY SUPPERS to come up with these adorable and delicious mini chicken pot pies

Luh-ve! RECIPE

Images: Sunday Suppers

Because I Love It

Wouldn't you love to snow shoe through the mountains of Colorado to have dinner with friends under the stars? 

Photo: The Little Corner

Under the Tuscan Sun

If I had to pick a favorite spot out of all the places I been around the globe, it would be Italy. And if I had to pick one spot in Italy, it would be Tuscany. If you have never been, you need to go at least once! 

If you want to experience Tuscany at home, then pick up a copy of a book from Frances Mayes.  

Of course, most people know her famous book, UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN, but two of my other favorites are IN TUSCANY

And BRINGING TUSCANY HOME

Some images of Frances' home - Bramasole

And a few recipes from Frances' blog which you can view HERE

FOCACCIA

CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK

PLUM TART

CHOCOLATE CAKE

Image: Made in Italy, Travel Across Italy, Frances Mayes, Cook and Click