Mason Jar Madness

First, I want to say “What did we do without Pinterest?” I have used Pinterest for a multiude of events, TV segments, etc. It is so much fun…and addictive! 

With the 4th of July upon us, this idea is really intriguing me. The holiday is known for the picnics, park festivities, and family fun. And, I think this is a PERFECT twist to the traditional picnic. Mason Jar Meals! Serve the food in mason jars.

(From blog- Jones is Hungry)

Forget the serving bowls, forget the paper plates, and serve everything in mason jars. From the appetizers to the main course, you can find fun ways to put your meal in a jar. 

Now, there would be a bit of investment going into the jars, as well as the fact that the jars are glass. So, keep in mind, how many people are attending your picnic, as well as the location and activities that will be going along with it. You don’t want to bring a ton of glass jars filled with food and realize that the majority of the picnic attendees are children 6 and under.

(From Babble- The Family Kitchen)

And, this one takes the cake! Who wouldn’t want to at least END the 4th of July picnic with a BANG and serve cake in a jar? This is a fun and easy recipe where you pick the colors of the cake. Hmm, I think I will pick red, white, and blue food coloring for this particular event? 

Mason jar meals are definitely on my ‘to do’ list! And, hope they will be for you too! If you give it a try, please share. I would love to hear how it goes and the response from your picnic goers. 

Why not give a little style to your 4th of July picnics? 

May you all have a safe 4th of July holiday and take time to reflect WHY we celebrate… 

Stay Stylish – 

Mrs. Stylish Stepmom 

StylishStepmom.com

Fashion Night Out Tulsa

Who doesn't wish for a makeover? Be one of two lucky winners where the wish will come true through Fashion's Night Out Tulsa! HURRY - deadline is June 5th! AND, one of the stylists is me, Stylish Stepmom!

On Sept 6th, 2012, The City of Tulsa will host the city's second Fashion’s Night Out. Fashion's Night Out is a collaboration between Vogue, CFDA, NYC&CO and the City of New York. Be sure to follow on Twitter @FNOtulsa, #FNO. Good luck!

 

Mrs. Stylish Stepmom

 

stylishstepmom.com

What Do You Want? I Don't Know...

I, recently, celebrated a birthday. But, a few weeks before the day arrived, my hubby always starts asking, “What do you want for your birthday?” “Your birthday is only a few weeks away, what do you want?” Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my hubby and he always does well when the day arrives…but, it got me thinking…I get a little annoyed with this question.

I get annoyed, because my mind always draws a blank when this question is asked. I don’t care if it’s my birthday, Christmas, whatever holiday…if you put me on the spot, I can’t think of anything- but, if you ask me AFTER a holiday, I will probably think of 42 things…it never fails. Ask me what to get someone else, ideas are flowing…ask about ideas for myself…and picture “deer in the headlights”. Can’t think of anything.

Am I the only one that has this problem?

I never know what I want. Wait, I take that back….clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories…those are ALWAYS top on my list. But, a lot of times, I can think of things throughout the year UNTIL it comes time for people to start asking me and then I seem to lose every idea I had…

Again, am I the only one who has this problem?

Hang in there…I do have a point to this blog. Mother’s Day is soon approaching and, my guess is, this question will come up. So, I’m asking all the housewives and moms out there…what do YOU want for Mother’s Day? Are there any things/services/products that are on your wish list?

Please share and help me out with my own wish list!
(As well as – I may share on my Mother’s Day Gift Ideas blog on www.stylishstepmom.com too!)

Stay Stylish –

Mrs. Stylish Stepmom

Color = POW!

When I think of color, I think of the words “BAM” and “POW”! Can you tell that I have a 7YO boy under my roof? It’s all about super heroes, Transformers, and every other character that has magic and power.

But, in all seriousness, color IS powerful. It creates a confidence, it’s eye-catching, and can ‘stop traffic’! Wouldn’t you want to stop traffic? Well, in a good way!

Color is a great way to break out of ‘the norm’. We, especially women, have a tendency to fall into the world of neutrals, because it’s safe. It’s slimming and safe! (Yes, I wouldn’t have even had to say the word ‘safe’, because, as women, we only hear the word ‘slimming’.) There is nothing wrong with the neutral world – it’s a basic canvas of where we can infuse color.

If you are ‘new’ to color, this is a perfect time of year to try it, because color is EVERYWHERE. This spring season has exploded with varying shades of color from pretty pastels to the neon shades of the 80’s. So, pick your favorite shades and give it a try!

Just keep these few things in mind:

1. Don’t go head to toe in color, or more, specific ONE color and/or varying shades of that color.
2. You can go ‘all color’ by color blocking your outfit. Just make sure not to use more than 3 colors in your color blocking combination.
3. Infuse color into your outfit/wardrobe where you are comfortable. Maybe, a dress in a bright color is too much. You could try a blouse, scarf, or a fabulous pair of shoes as a way to ease into the color world.
4. Make a statement with color. Don’t be afraid to pick your brightest and boldest shade of your favorite color. Be confident and proud.
5. Avoid being too ‘matchy-matchy’ with your accessories and your outfit. It’s okay to pull in the neutrals or balance one color with a complimentary color.
6. Have fun! Color is a confidence builder. It is guaranteed to put a little extra spring in your step when you look in the mirror and even make that smile a little bit bigger.

I bought my first pair of colored denim – TURQUOISE! Can’t wait to wear them!

Tis’ the season for color! Enjoy!

Mrs. Stylish Stepmom

 

Love Your Heart

In addition to Valentine’s Day, which is filled with heart shaped balloons, cards, and candy, February is heart awareness month.

In the simplest of terms, what I can say is this, “LOVE YOUR HEART!” God gave you one heart to live and love…so, take care of it!

Did you know that 1 in 3 women die of heart disease? 1 in 3! I bet you can think of 3 important women in your life pretty easily – and than imagine life without one of them! Not a thought you want to have, is it?

And, here is a kicker…heart disease is the number one killer in women above ALL cancers combined…yet, approximately 80% of heart disease can be prevented. A life-threatening disease CAN BE PREVENTED! Besides, hereditary genes and/or other disease that can lead to cardiovascular disease, most issues related to heart disease can be prevented by taking care of yourself and your heart!

The three simplest ways to take care of your heart:
1. Eat healthy and/or healthier. We all know we are not perfect and have our “favorite foods” that are not so healthy. Just be smart about it – and pay attention to your diet.
2. Exercise regularly. It’s as simple as parking further away in a parking lot. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Start small and incorporate exercise into your regular routine.
3. Go see your doctor. Don’t wait until something is wrong to see your doctor. Schedule regular doctor check-ups to prevent and/or for early detection.

The other thing I ask of you this month – GET INVOLVED! Heart disease is not bias – it affects men, women, and children! So, the American Heart Association needs your help to continue creating awareness and raising funds for research and development. The heart walk is coming up in April (for Tulsa) – form a team – make it a group effort to start living healthier together. And/or attend the Go Red for Women Luncheon in May (for Tulsa) – get a group of friends together and enjoy a fun event that supports the cause!

The best “stylish advice” I can give for the month of February is what I said earlier: LOVE YOUR HEART!

Being heart healthy should be a lifestyle and not a doctor’s order!

To learn more go to:
www.goredforwomen.org
www.heart.org


Mrs. Stylish Stepmom
www.stylishstepmom.com