Spring Table

April 6, 2018 courtnee

I know among bloggers and avid Instagram users there seems to be a consensus that Fall is the best season of the year. Boots, and sweaters, and pumpkin spice, oh my! What's not to love?! But for me, Spring is where it's at! Warmer temps are finally making their debut. Things are starting to turn green and all of my favorite flowers are starting to bloom! Allergies aside, I adore spring!

While I'm sure it's connected to the "rebirth" messages that are intrinsically linked to the season, I always start to think a great deal about memories, occasions and celebrations and the way we seem to want to box them off. Reserve them for something we deem deserving of the festivities. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that our everyday lives are worthy of celebrating too! So even if you're just grabbing a pizza on your way home from work, why not break out your fancy dishes and treat yourself?!

Oh Baby!

March 27, 2018 courtnee

If you follow me on Instagram or know me in real life, then you know that last October my daughter and son-in-law announced that they were expecting their first baby! I'm going to be a grandma, a Gigi, a Mimi, a Gran...I'm campaigning hard for Gray(which is a combination of my first and middle name!)but my family remains unconvinced.

A few weeks ago, we had a house full of friends and family to celebrate with Rian and welcome baby Olivia to the family. Her one request was nothing too over the top girly because it was a co-ed shower. Instead of a theme, I opted to for a color palette of pale pink, peach, gold and light wood accents. I found some clip art on Etsy that I thought would be perfect for the invitations and signs at the shower.

We decided to have a brunch mostly because I wanted to have a biscuit bar! Neither of us is a fan of shower games. In lieu of sniffing diapers or melting ice cubes with tiny babies in them, I set up a headband station. Everyone including the guys had fun being creative and making darling headpieces for our girl.

It was a laidback afternoon with family and friends. It gave me such joy to host this day. I'm already so in love with you Olivia! Get here soon, your grandpa and I can't wait to meet you!

rowan's dinosaur bash

March 23, 2016 courtnee

rowan will turn two on friday! since this weekend is easter and already full of events we celebrated his birthday last week with lots of family and friends.

learning from last year, i decided to keep things fairly simple and as stress-free as possible. note to self: setting up a party for a toddler with the toddler at home is no easy feat! i chose a dinosaur theme and focused on a few fun details.

my parents are both in their eighties! i love seeing them enjoy time with their youngest(of 14) and last grandchild!

i know this little nugget had an amazing time! thanks to all ofour loved ones that shared the day with us!

{oh my heart and home} get your game on!

January 22, 2016 courtnee

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HomeBowlParty #CollectiveBias

the end of january is almost here and that means the end of football season. cue sad trombones. while i'm not the biggest football fan, i am a huge fan of any occasion that lets me throw a party and eat a ton of delicious food!

over the years i've learned to keep things simple when hosting. there is nothing worse than having so many ambitious party plans that the you run yourself ragged trying to execute everything. as far as decor, i'm a big believer in using what you have. this is why i tend to use "real" dinnerware, etc instead of disposable. it's less for me to buy. a few simple elements, classic white dishes and flowers(i am a florist so that's non-negotiable!) are all you need to create a festive party!

i drew inspiration from the idea of a gentlemen's study. i wanted it to look masculine but not scream FOOTBALL. i settled on a little bit of plaid, denim, metallics and a touch of vintage.

i love the way it turned out! it's a little sophisticated but relaxed enough that my husband and his friends can enjoy the spread.

this brings us to the most important thing when hosting a #homebowlparty...the food! i grabbed some of these cute REESE'S footballs(because chocolate!),a few 6 packs of Coca-Cola and saved some money by using my CARTWHEEL app while making my weekly, err... every other day, target run. i knew these would be perfect to round out the party menu which included pulled pork sliders, homemade kitchen chips, and coleslaw. i decided to set up a DIY float station with the Coca-Cola. And, a party just isn't a party with dessert! these REESE'S cup mini cheesecakes are sublime!

INGREDIENTS

Crust

4 graham crackers
1 Tbs Sugar
2 Tbs melted butter
a pinch of salt
8 REESE’S Miniatures

Cheesecake

7 ounces of whipped cream cheese
1 large egg
¼ cup Ricotta cheese
2 Tbs Flour
½ cup white sugar
½ tsp vanilla

TOPPING

½ cup chocolate chips (melted)

INSTRUCTIONS

Use blender or food processor to pulse graham crackers into almost a flour.
Stir sugar into the graham crackers, and add melted butter, mix together and add a dash of salt.
In a separate bowl cream together the cream cheese, ricotta, vanilla and sugar.
Add in egg, and blend with hand mixer until fully incorporated.
Mix in 2 Tbs flour until fully incorporated
Use a muffin tin, and line with cupcake liners.
Spoon about a tablespoon of graham cracker crust mixture into the bottom of each liner. Press firmly with the back of a spoon.
Unwrap a REESE’S Miniature, and place one in the center of each liner.
Fill the cup with cheesecake mixture.
You should have 4 empty muffin slots, fill each of these with ¼ cup of water, the water will help the cheesecake bake more evenly.
Bake at 350 for 20-22 minutes, until just set in center. Do not overcook.
Remove from oven.
Let cool in pan for 15 minutes, remove from pan to cooling rack, and let cool an additional 45 minutes.
Put in fridge for a few hours to set.
Remove from fridge and top with cut up REESE'S Miniature.
Melt chocolate in microwave for about 35 seconds.
Drizzle melted chocolate on top