Party: The 87th Academy Awards, The Oscars

Are you counting down the days to this years 87th Academy Awards? The Oscars will take place this Sunday, February 22, 2015 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The host this year is Neil Patrick Harris! The pre-show starts at 3pm (Pacific time). We have to admit this is our favorite part! I love to see what everyone is wearing & watch them walk the red carpet.

Below are a few ideas to throw a fabulous Oscar party Connie & Jenn put together.

1. Dress up in Oscar worthy dresses (old prom dresses anyone?)
2. Print out ballots: Have a ballot for each main category & the person who gets the most right will receive a reward.
3. Oscar "photo-booth": Create a gold or black/white backdrop and have swanky props like champagne glasses, mustaches, top hats, kissy lips. Set up a photo stand or use a polaroid
4. Have a popcorn bar: since popcorn and a good movie go hand in hand. (Connie & I will have to skip this one because we gave it up for lent this year) 
5. Box candy from the theater
6. Drinks: champagne, champagne & more champagne
7. Fresh lobster is always great too!
8. Have gold stars everywhere for decoration

 

A re-cap of the big winners: WILL BE POSTED IN A FEW DAYS

We are really gunning for our favorite, American Sniper (pun intended ;))

Here is a direct link to the OSCARS nomination page http://oscar.go.com/nominees/

You can even choose you picks on here as well: http://oscar.go.com/mypicks

Stay Classy & fabulous! Until we blog again. XOXO, Connie & Jenn

Event: Tuesday, December 17, 2013: Jenn's Engaged!!!!

Wow, this year has been incredibly busy and we sort of forgot about our blog. I can't believe it is already August 14th, 2014. The next few blogs we post are going to be re-caps of big events or fun things that have happened in 2014.

Here are the details about Jenn's proposal to her wonderful fiancé Matt Coleman. Jenn was so surprised because they go out to watch the sunset a lot. Matter of fact the night before they were out on the beach with a sand snowman.

When it happened: Tuesday, December 17, 2013

 

 

How we got engaged:

On Tuesday December 17th, 2013 Matt asked Jenn to go watch the sunset with him. December was having beautiful sunsets so Jenn didn't think anything of it. She just said, "OK!" As they were walking along the sea wall to the pier they saw a small wedding going on. The couple, a harp player, an officiant and a witness were all under the pier on the beach. It was so random, "A wedding on a Tuesday?!" Matt & Jenn watched a little bit then went up on the pier. (Matt took it as a good omen). As they were walking along the pier Jenn noticed Matt was walking, "So fast!" "He didn't even stop to watch the surfers." Jenn thought he was racing to the restroom because he had to pee and even asked him. He said, "No". (Meanwhile, Matt thought he was walking REALLY slow). They watched the sunset at the end of the pier, even shared a kiss then headed back towards home. Matt asked if she wanted to walk along the beach, so they did. As they walked on the grassy area in front of tower two Jenn noticed Matt wasn't beside her and turned around. Matt stopped walking and had his arms spread wide open and said, "Jenn I didn't know where to do this but all I know is I can't imagine my life without you, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. (he got on his knee) and asked, "Will you marry me?" ...Jenn was laughing and they started hugging and kissing and they both don't remember what was said after that. At some point Jenn said, "Yes, Yes, Yes" and put the ring on.

After getting engaged Matt took Jenn over to his parents house where they popped a bottle of champagne & celebrated the good news. Jenn & Matt FaceTimed Connie & her parents to tell them the news as well. It was such a great night!

A few fun facts about the proposal:
It was a full moon and Matt planned it because his parents got married on a full moon. Jenn and Matt met on a Tuesday night & he ended up proposing on a Tuesday night. Also, there are 21 diamonds in Jenn's engagement ring and they met when Jenn was 21.

Until we blog again, Xoxo Con & Jenn

 

 

Event: The Fit Foodie 5k

The San Diego Fit Foodie 5k is a 3.1 mile race along the Bay. This was the first year of the race and I'm really happy I signed up. Doing a race is such a great way to start your Saturday morning. The view was amazing all along our run because it was along the waterfront.

 

 

 

After the race we got water, breakfast yogurt, granola, mini smoothies, beer and wine tastings and a lot of other food samples at the "finisher's village". Which is a mini San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival area. That area was at the Hilton San Diego Bay Front. We got A LOT of goodies! The shirts are awesome too, "will run for food".

 

 

Cooking Light and Health Magazines were there providing cooking demonstrations, Yoga, Dance & Fitness Exercises and food tastings.

 

 

Citi, Health Magazine & Cooking Light Magazine were the main sponsors of the event and they had a booths set up for all the racers. One of our favorite booths was the Cupcake Vineyards booth. Here is a photo of my friend Kelly & I after our race.

For more details & if you want to do it next year visit their website: http://www.sandiegowineclassic.com/thefitfoodie.html

I always feel good running and knowing the race is benefiting a good cause. This race benefits Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Until we blog again, Stay Fit, XoXo Sister Cook Jenn

Event: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Since October is the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, us sisters did a Hot Pink Fun Run 5k in Roseville, California this month for the cause. We had a great time running along the trail around Old Roseville and listening to music. We 💗'd seeing everyone in pink outfits and even costumes to celebrate boobs and women.

"The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services." - NBCAM.org

We were happy to put just a little bit of our time and money into such a great cause.

Until we blog again, XoXo, Connie & Jenn

Holiday: Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you all get to share this day with the people you love the most. This post is about little things you can do at home on Valentine's Day to make someone feel special. ((Especially if you want to skip the Valentine's Day crowds)). Starting in the morning with breakfast. Make breakfast for your loved one. Heart pancakes, Heart egg in a hole or yogurt parfait in a heart shaped bowl. See examples here: For a special evening with your man/woman the 1st thing you need is the perfect outfit: Ladies chose a cute but comfy outfit if you are staying in and maybe a sexy lingerie piece for after dinner. You may pick this ahead of time so you are not rushing the day of to find something to wear. lingerie piece ((black and red is always sexy)):   2nd thing decorations: You may decorate as little or as much as you would like. Here are a few examples below. An element of surprise is always fun!       3rd thing is the meal and table setting: If you are cooking at home some good choices are steak, lobster, Sushi, oysters, crab, fish and/or fondue. There are plenty of choices. Here are examples of what Connie & Jenn have done: 4th thing are drink options: Champagne is often the first thing people think of when celebrating so this is a good and easy choice. Below are some options to dress up your champagne. A few more drink options are specialty cocktails, chocolate liqueurs, if your significant other has a favorite drink making that would be a good choice as well. For water glasses you may add heart shaped ice cubes. Below is a picture of ice cubes made from crystal light. The red adds a little something extra.   5th thing is dessert: It is always fun to create something yummy and festive. Below are some examples of what we have made for our men:    (if your not much of a cook buying a treat works well too)   6th thing is the lighting: see previous post for making candles. A dim light will create a romantic atmosphere 7th thing: gift ideas. Here are a few gifts ideas; a fish - see quote below, a candy/power bar bouquet filled with love notes, a homemade card, scrapbook, photo album, basically anything from the heart.       If you decide to hit the town in San Diego, Roseville or wherever you are a nice idea is to try something new, fun and romantic so you can share a memory with your partner.  Try something that you wouldn't normally do. A few ideas; a hot air balloon ride, wine tasting, have a picnic and watch the sunset together, or do something active together like a bike ride, go hiking, Paddle boarding, kayaking. The most important part is spending quality time together. We wish you all romance and love on this day. Until we blog again, XOXO, Connie & Jenn

Party: New Year's Eve Party & Ideas

Wow, this holiday season just flew by and we neglected our blog due to the craziness. It has been months and we are very sorry! I want to do a re-cap. Starting with NYE.

My boyfriend Matt and I hosted a New Years Eve party this year. It was great.

 

 

Our friend Mike is a Photographer so we set up a Photo booth area. (the pictures above are from Michael's camera and lighting). He did a wonderful job and was very helpful.

 

When sending out an invitation you want it to be something unique, fun & catchy. You also want your invite to explain your party and what is expected. The invite we sent is:

 

The New Year’s rolling in;
We’re planning quite a bash.
Please arrive at 8pm.
So we can all get smashed!

The champagne will be flowing
On December 31st
At the house of the Coleman’s
Let’s party all night, right into January 1st

Be dressed up in your cocktail attire,
You may get wild, but don’t start a fire.

We’ll laugh and we’ll play, we’ll sing (karaoke) and dance,
By the time it hits midnight you’ll be in a trance

Bring your awesome self or "selves"
And what you want to drink.
And we’ll provide hors’ devours & stuff,
Including the kitchen sink!

When you let us know you’ll come,
We’ll smile & shout "Whoopee!"
So sit right down and respond
With your kind R.S.V.P!

Picking an outfit for New Years may be the most important thing. I chose a gold and black sparkle and sheer dress. For New Years it is a great idea to chose a statement piece that makes you feel great.

 

We had a snack table set up & guest brought more snacks as well. With all the champagne and drinking it is a good idea to have snacks on hand.

 

 

A fun thing I did was to make champagne, star and clock cookies. Sticking to the NYE theme. I was going to make a clock cake but I ran out of time.

We wanted to have some props and goodies for our guests so I made a little table of crowns, party hats, blow horns, beads and 2013 glow-in-the dark glasses for our guests.

We also had a band in the backyard near the fire pit. So Cal Vibes. Everything came together nicely and was a huge success! What did you do for NYE?

Until we blog again, xoxo,
Connie & Jenn

Food & Party: Oktoberfest in Ocean Beach

This past weekend was the annual O.B. (Ocean Beach) Oktoberfest, San Diego, CA. The event started Friday October 12th, 2012 and went into Saturday October 13th, 2012.

http://www.oboktoberfest.com/

Friday night I had a few friends over for Crockpot Hard Apple Cider before the Oktoberfest. I made the hard cider around 2pm and cooked it all day in the crock pot. It made my apartment smell wonderful. Once my friends came over and tried the hard cider, they loved it. It was the perfect drink to warm us up!

Crockpot Hard Apple Cider

Ingredients

4 cups apple cider

1/2 cup rum or brandy

1 cinnamon stick broken up or a tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. allspice and 1 tsp. nutmeg

2 tbsp. honey

peel of 1/2 lemon (or mulling spice tea bag)

Directions

Mix apple cider, brandy, spices & honey into the crockpot. Peel lemon zest from 1/2 of lemon peel (or mulling spice tea bag) and place into the crockpot. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.

  

The finished product - a delightful crowd pleasing rum cocktail.

When we arrived at OB Oktoberfest the band Hitman Honey (an 80's tribute band) was on stage. Our group knew all the songs and had a great time singing along while enjoying the live music. Not to mention, the beer garden was a great spot for people watching! Which is one of my favorite past times...

******

Saturday afternoon I had a mini brunch with a few friends over before going to Oktoberfest. I made Pumpkin Muffins, Apple Pear Sparkling Cider Champagne and Blood Orange Mimosas.

Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix (super moist)

1 (15oz) can of pumpkin

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. nutmeg

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cake mix, can of pumpkin and spices in a medium sized bowl. Add mixture into each lined muffin tray.  Cook for 20min. depending on size of muffins. Let cool & enjoy! Another option: Add cream cheese frosting or a little cinnamon & sugar on top.

The champagne drinks and mimosas are very easy to make just add the juice mixer of your choice.

The champagne brunch was a perfect start to our day. Below is a picture of us enjoying the festival.

Saturday evening we went left Oktoberfest to go to the beach for the AMAZING sunset. I am so grateful to live near the beach!

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Connie also made the pumpkin muffins recently for Bunco and everyone loves them!
She likes to use Spice Cake Mix & the can of pumpkin.
Connie said, "I told my friends the easy two ingredient recipe at Bunco and already 3 people have made it."
They are so easy to make and delicious!!
 

Until I blog again, Xoxo, Jenn