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

Closet Intervention-A Must!

Mrs. Hart – It’s me, Heidi Ducato, Stylish Stepmom! Coming to your closet and holiday rescue! I read your latest posting and decided I better do more than just vote – but, make a few comments too!

First – all the crazy Christmas sweaters were great in the 80’s! And, yes, you will still find people wearing them in the malls, stores, and streets during the holidays. But, that doesn’t mean they should be wearing them! Now, don’t get me wrong, I say that – but, then, I’m the first one to buy a cute holiday t-shirt! What am I saying – multiple holiday t-shirts and wear them all season long! So, it’s a bit of a double edged sword. There is a fine line of being/looking festive and looking dated (out-dated). So, keep that in mind when you are pulling out your holiday wardrobe (no matter what holiday it is). Kudos for not being afraid to show your holiday spirit – just make sure it fits you, your personality and the current era! J

Second – as the New Year is upon us, people have a tendency to run with the phrase “out with the old and in with the new”. They do this in a variety of ways – dieting, exercising, organizing, etc. This is a great time to take an inventory of your wardrobe and decide what stays and what goes (and, I’d be happy to help with that, if you need/want it!)! If you have been holding on to an item(s) for more than 6 months to a year and haven’t worn it – it’s time for it to go!

So, Mrs. Hart, although your holiday sweaters definitely show your holiday spirit, the best place for them is at your next holiday tacky sweater party! Strictly – my opinion – they are festive, but, they cross the line to being dated (out-dated)! And, speaking of holiday tacky sweater party, I have one coming up – can I use one of your sweaters? J

(I mean all of this in fun – with a splash of reality!)

Helping you stay stylish – one step at a time!


Heidi



Correction from Stylish Stepmom:
Since this posting was written,Thursday, there has been a resurgence in the holiday sweater. Such a popularity, that Good Morning America picked it up and did a story Friday morning 12/9/11 on the tacky holiday sweater! Tacky or not - wear it proudly!! Happy Holidays!

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Christmas Wardrobe Dilemna

I think admit I may have a problem. I seriously may need a local fashion intervention either by close friends, my fellow RHOKers or by local professional stylish consultant, Stylish Stepmom Heidi Ducato. This is serious. I keep hearing and reading about these parties called "ugly" Christmas sweater parties, and then my friend Mrs. Melissa wrote in her guest post yesterday about a "lovely" wearing Christmas vest lady who gave her and her cute little daughter LuLu a hard time for doing a jingle in the Wal-Mart baking aisle.

I own a total of seven, yes SEVEN Christmas/Winter type sweaters. Now bear in mind, I HAVE NOT wore these sweaters in several years, I just haven't parted with them.

What? I was in bank management for 10 years and was required to dress up. I know, I haven't had to dress the part in almost five years, but those sweaters cost a lot of moolah and they will come back into style, right?

Okay, I can argue until I am blue in the face, so I am just going to let YOU decide for me. I have taken a picture of three of the sweaters and you get to tell me what to do.

 Keep, Donate, or Save for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

Christmas Sweater #1 What should I do about Christmas Sweater #1? Keep Donate Save for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party View Result blog poll

Christmas Sweater #2 What should I do about Christmas Sweater #2? Keep Donate Save for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party View Result blog poll

Christmas Sweater #3 What should I do about Christmas Sweater #3? Keep Donate Save for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party View Result blog poll

Okay, I am at your fashion mercy. Praying that I do not have to resort to a larger intervention here. Although, if you do want to call TLC's Stacy & Clinton go right ahead. My entire closet really does need the help. (I really do still have the entire bank wardrobe)

♥Mrs. Hart♥

*NOTE: At press time the poll widgets were telling us unavailable. Please try them and if they are still saying unavailable leave your vote in the comments. We apologize for this inconvenience.