Learn how to make theseadorable hat napkins Hats Off To Spring Volume 10 ♥ Spring 2017
Table of Contents 53 28WELCOME IN THE SPOTLIGHT PARTIES & CELEBRATIONS3 Letter from the Editor 38 Philadelphia Flower Show 41 Spring Cleaning4 Your Hostesses 48 Flower Cart5 Our Favorite Things CONFETTI59 Capturing Memories 18 Interesting Facts About the AROUND THE WORLD 53 Top Ten Romantic Places toSEASONAL ENTERTAINING Academy Awards6 Leading Ladies 26 Napkin Hats Visit20 Hats Off to Spring 36 Jelly Bean Gospel28 Jammies and Jelly Beans 44 Natural Spring Cleaning OPHhnaottsotOhbyfefStoCheSorpivrLeinarmg as 62 Spring 2017
Letter from the Editor Hats Off to SpringPhoto by: Camela Brennand I am a neat freak. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s because I’ve never seen the rich and famous living in a messy home, so why should I – yes, I know they have maids. Well, to tell you the truth, the rich and famous have never invited me into their homes. I’ve just admired them from afar…across the room on my television set. Remember Robin Leach and his popular show, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous? I loved that show! How about you? Or maybe my cleaning streak comes from walking through the many model homes I have seen. They’re always so beautiful and…spotless! Better yet, it may be because I can think more clearlywhen my home is clean. Regardless, I love a sparkling clean home! Which may explain why I don’t mindcleaning (my home, not yours). Spring is the best time to deep clean the house and clear out the clutter. Sowhy not celebrate all that hard work with a cute Spring Cleaning lunch. Oh, and there’s one added benefit– no dishes to wash afterwards.If cleaning is not something you want to tackle now, but still want to celebrate the season, gather your friendsfor a Hats Off to Spring lunch. We’ve provided the instructions to our adorable oh-so-easy napkin hats,featured on our cover, so you can delight your amazing friends. They’ll feel so special. Just make sure theyput them on their laps and not their heads. Although, it might make for a humorous photo opportunity. Plus,when you sow laughable moments into your friendships, they’ll bloom into beautiful memories.Attending the Philadelphia Flower Show will also create beautiful memories, as you walk through theirgorgeous floral designs. You’ll feel like you’re in heaven…or Holland, since this year’s theme is based onthe landscape of the western coast of the Netherlands. We’ve featured the flower show in our In theSpotlight, so we hope you’ll consider attending it.Maybe your garden doesn’t look as heavenly as those seen at a flower show, so now’s the time to get it intoshape. Easter is right around the corner and every kid loves to scour the garden for Easter eggs. They lovesearching for those little plastic eggs filled with candy and flavored jelly beans. If its jelly beans they’relooking for, well look no further than our Jammies and Jelly Beans breakfast. Here every kid is allowed(or shall I say required) to show up in their jammies. This colorful breakfast will have them hopping throughthe bunny trail singing, “hippity, hoppity, Easter’s on its way.” Sheri Sheri Lamas 3www.youreinvitedmag.com
Meet Your HostessesLeft to right: Linda, Kathleen, Cindy, and Sheri Photo by: Camela BrennandCo-Founder / Editor-in-Chief / Co-Founder / Publisher / WriterCreative Director / WriterIndependent Food Editor / Writer Independent Copy Editor / Writer You’re Invited Magazine is published quarterly. All content is produced and presented in good faith, based on information we’ve researched from different sources. No liability for their use or misuse exists. All rights reserved. © 20174 Spring 2017
Our Favorite Things Sheri Lamas Linda YonanWhat is your all-time favorite classic movie? What is your all-time favorite classic movie?M y favorite is M y Fair Lady. I love the music, but I M y Fair Lady - I love the music, costumes and theabsolutely love when Eliza (played by Audrey wonderful story of Eliza Doolittle taking speechHepburn) shows up to the Ascot Races in a stunning lessons, so she could pass as a lady. Audreyoutfit. Hepburn was a true lady.What is your favorite Easter tradition? What is your favorite Easter tradition?Growing up, my mom would hide our Easter baskets Attending sunrise service at our church’s outdoorsomewhere in one of two rooms. I always enjoyed amphitheater and hearing how Jesus died for oursearching for my basket. sins. Just as Resurrection Sunday closes a beautifulWhat is your favorite jelly bean flavor? sunrise appears and you know \"He has risen.\"Pina Colada, because it tastes like I’ve escaped to a What is your favorite jelly bean flavor?tropical island getaway. Pina Colada, because I love the tropical flavor.What cleaning chore is your least favorite? What cleaning chore is your least favorite?I’m a neat freak, so cleaning is in my blood. I would I love cleaning. If I had to come up with one thing,have to say ironing would be my least favorite. it would be when I cleaned someone’s house before they moved. It was terrible! Cindy M. Lloyd Kathleen R. McKissickWhat is your all-time favorite classic movie?M y favorite classic movie is Gone With the Wind. What is your all-time favorite classic movie?I’ve seen it over 100 times and have lots of The Wizard of Oz! The story; the songs; thememorabilia. M unchkins; the sepia look of Kansas contrastedWhat is your favorite Easter tradition? against the colorful Land of Oz; Dorothy’s lovingI love hiding Easter baskets for my girls. They are family; helpful friends and Toto, too; good vs. bad;grown teenagers and they still have to search the and “there’s no place like home!” I can also do thehouse for their baskets Easter morning! voice of the Wicked Witch of the West and theWhat is your favorite jelly bean flavor? M unchkin voices.Cinnamon or Coconut. I love them both, but not What is your favorite Easter tradition?together! LOL I’ve been dressing up as the Easter Bunny sinceWhat cleaning chore is your least favorite? 1974 and it’s a treat to see the joy on the littleM y sisters would tell you all of them, but I would kid’s faces.have to say laundry. Since I do most everything What is your favorite jelly bean flavor?else, my husband is the laundry man in our house. For traditional jelly bean flavors it would have to be orange. What cleaning chore is your least favorite? Washing the windows, the curtains, and the blinds! 5www.youreinvitedmag.com
Photography by Gruen PhotographySeasonal Entertaining 6 Spring 2017
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Leading Ladies Menu Some Like it Hot Meatballs Southern Fried Chicken Scarlett's Green Beans Over the Rainbow Fruit Tart Spoonful of Sugar Pudding My Fair Lady Chocolates Shirley Temple Mocktails8 Spring 2017
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Some Like it Hot Meatballs Heat oven to 375° F. Line baking sheet with foil; spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. In Makes 6 servings large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until blended. Shape into 20 (1 inch) meatballs. Place Meatballs on baking sheet. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until 1/4 lb. lean ground beef golden brown and center is no longer pink. Set 1/4 lb. ground pork aside. In large saucepan, combine all sauce 2 1/2 tablespoons plain bread crumbs ingredients. Cook over medium heat 2 to 3 2 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped onion minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper meatballs to sauce; stir to coat. Cook 5 to 7 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot. 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander Southern Fried Chicken 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 small egg, slightly beaten Makes 6 servings Sauce Ingredients 1/2 cup red or amber hot jalapeño jelly 4 cups buttermilk 1/3 cup apple juice 3 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)10 Spring 2017
4 cups vegetable oil closest to you and releasing the other side away1 cup all-purpose flour from you to avoid any oil splashing and burning you. Cook until golden brown about 10 minutesPlace the buttermilk in a resealable plastic bag, on each side. To check doneness cut down to theadd half of salt (1 1/2 teaspoons), half of pepper bone, juices should run clear and there should be(1/2 teaspoon), thyme, and cayenne pepper. Seal no pink. Place chicken on wire rack and seasonand shake bag to combine. Add chicken to bag, with salt. Repeat with remaining pieces.seal, and shake again to coat all pieces. Refriger-ate 1 hour or overnight. When you’re ready to What if you don’t have a candycook the chicken, let it sit at room temperature thermometer?for 30 minutes. Set a wire rack over a bakingsheet and set it aside. In large frying pan, pour To test if your oil is hot enough,oil in until it reaches halfway up side. Heat on sprinkle a little flour in the oil, ifmedium heat until oil reaches 350°F to 360°F ona candy thermometer, about 20 minutes. the flour sizzles and quicklyCombine flour and remaining half of salt and dissipates your oil should be hotblack pepper in a shallow dish. Remove chickenpieces from buttermilk one by one letting excess enough.drip off; dredge through flour shaking off excess.Gently lay pieces in oil, first laying one side 11www.youreinvitedmag.com
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Scarlett's Fried Green Beans baking sheet or tray. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.Makes 6 servingsIngredients Fill a glass container withVegetable oil for frying delicious chocolates.1 cup beer1 cup all-purpose flour As God is my1/4 teaspoon onion powder witness, I ll never1/8 teaspoon garlic powder be hungry again.2 teaspoons salt, plus more for seasoning1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more Scarlett O’Harafor seasoning1 pound green beans, ends trimmed Gone with the Wind (1939)In large frying pan, pour oil in until it reaches 13www.youreinvitedmag.comhalfway up side. Preheat oil to 375°F with candythermometer. See note on page 11 if you do nothave a thermometer. Whisk beer, flour, onionpowder, garlic powder, salt and pepper untilsmooth. Dip green beans into batter to coat,letting excess drip off. Fry in oil in batches, untilthey are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Removefrom oil with spider strainer (handheld wirestrainer) and let drain on a paper towel lined
Over the Rainbow Fruit Tart 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Makes 6-8 servings 1/4 cup granulated sugar Crust: Preheat the oven to 350° F. To prepare crust: In 1/2 cup powdered sugar food processor, combine powdered sugar, flour, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and butter until mixture forms a ball. Spray a 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened and sliced 12-inch tart pan, with removable bottom, with non-stick cooking spray. Using your fingers, press Filling: dough into indentations in the sides and bottom 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened of pan making sure crust is even. Bake for 10 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar 12 minutes, until slightly browned. Set aside to 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract cool. 2 teaspoons milk To prepare filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and Topping: vanilla together until smooth. Spread over cooled Fresh strawberries, blueberries, kiwi slices, crust. Mandarin oranges To prepare topping: Cut tops off of strawberries Glaze: and then slice into two halves and arrange around 1 (6-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate, the edge of the crust. For the next circle, use thawed14 Spring 2017
blueberries. Add another circle of sliced kiwis.Ending with Mandarin oranges in center of tart.To prepare glaze: In a small saucepan combinelimeade, cornstarch, lime juice, and sugar heatinguntil clear and thick about 2 minutes. Let cool. Witha pastry brush, glaze tart. You will not use all ofglaze.Keep the fruit tart in the refrigerator. Remove 15minutes before serving.Spoonful of Sugar PuddingMakes 6 servingsIngredients1 box (3.4 oz) pistachio instant pudding2 cups cold milk1 1/2 cups Cool Whip® whipped toppingSilver edible dragéesPrepare pudding per package directions. Fold inCool Whip® whipped topping. Refrigerate for 30minutes, then serve in individual spoons and topwith dragées. Shirley Temple Mocktails Ingredients: Lemon-lime soda Grenadine syrup Maraschino cherries Fill glass with lemon-lime soda. Stir in about two tablespoons grenadine syrup. Add a cherry to each glass or one on the rim as garnish. 15www.youreinvitedmag.com
Confetti Our Favorite Leading Ladies That inspired our menu Audrey Hepburn Judy GarlandEliza Doolittle, My Fair Lady (1964) Dorthy Gale, Wizard of Oz (1939) Marilyn Monroe Shirley Temple Sugar \"Kane\" Kowalczyk, Some Like it Hot (1959)Shirley Blake, Bright Eyes (1934) Julie Andrews Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins (1964) Vivian Leigh Scarlett O’Hara, Gone With The Wind (1939)16 Spring 2017
Lights, Camera,© Can Stock Photo / iDesign and a wholeAlotcoftion 17www.youreinvitedmag.com
ConfettiInteresting Facts about DAcvademy Awards u By Kathleen R. McKissickIn 1927, the American Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (AAMPAS) held a dinner in the Crystal Ballroomof the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles in order to establish its goals. Among the topics discussed that night was howbest to honor outstanding moviemaking achievements and thereby encourage excellence in all facets of motion pictureproduction…and, as they say, the “Oscar” was born!I’m sure most of you watch the Oscars each year, whether it’s to see the fashions walking the red carpet, the Oscar winners andtheir thank you speeches, or the antics of the evening’s host, you might even watch it with a few friends. No matter how youenjoy watching the Oscars, here are some interesting facts with which you can dazzle your fellow Oscar enthusiasts.OSCAR STATUETTE FACTS AMERICAN ACADEMY of MOTION PICTURES, ARTS and SCIENCES» Official Name: Academy Award of Merit » The “birth of the Academy” was 1927, with Douglas» Nickname: Oscar. A popular story has it that the Academy’s Fairbanks as their first president. first librarian (and eventual executive director) Margaret Herrick remarked in 1931 that it resembled her Uncle » The first Academy Awards ceremony was held on May 16, Oscar. The Academy officially adopted the nickname in 1929 at the Roosevelt Hotel (Hollywood, California) with 1939. 270 attendees and the recipients were actually announced three months earlier. The next year the Academy kept the» Height: 13½ inches results secret, but gave an advance list to newspapers for publication at 11 p.m. However, in 1940 the Los Angeles» Weight: 8½ pounds Times published the winners in its evening edition! That is what prompted the sealed-envelope system in use today.» Design: A stylized figure of a knight holding a crusader's sword standing on a reel of film with five spokes signifying » The very first Oscars ceremony in 1929 was only 15 the five original branches of the Academy (actors, directors, minutes long! producers, technicians and writers). » The shortest Oscar telecast happened in 1959, running one» The statuettes presented at the initial ceremonies were hour and 40 minutes. gold-plated solid bronze. Within a few years, the statuette was made of Britannia metal, a pewter-like alloy, which is » The longest Oscars telecast ran for four hours and 23 then plated in copper, nickel silver, and finally, 24-karat minutes in 2002. gold. » The first televised Oscar ceremony in 1953, enabled» Due to a metal shortage during World War II, Oscars were millions throughout the United States and Canada to watch made of painted plaster for three years. Following the war, the proceedings. the Academy invited recipients to redeem the plaster figures for gold-plated metal ones. » The Oscars were telecast in color for the first time in 1966.» Since 1950, Oscar winners cannot officially sell their » The Oscars were broadcast internationally for the first time in 1969 and now the show reaches movie fans in over 225statuette without first offering it back to the Academy for countries.one dollar! However, Oscars awarded before 1950 are not » A single ticket to the first Oscars cost $5.00! Today they’re a whopping $750! Mezzanine seats are $375 and the \"nose-bound by this agreement. In 2011, Orson Welles’ 1941 bleed seats\" (top level) are $150 each.Oscar for was sold at auction for over » 1937 was the first year the Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress Academy Awards were presented for$860,000! performances in films of 1936.And the Oscar goes to…18 Spring 2017
» The first special award to honor a foreign language motion » Music composer John Williams is the most Oscar-nominat- ed person alive today, with 50 nominations (as of 2016) andpicture was given in 1947 to the Italian film . five wins.Seven more special awards were presented before ForeignLanguage Film became an annual category in 1956. » Alfred Hitchcock was nominated five times for Best Director, but never won an Oscar.» In 1964, the Special Effects category was divided into Sound Effects and Special Visual Effects. » Walt Disney won 22 Academy Awards from 59 nominations, and four honorary Academy Awards.» The Oscar ceremony was postponed from April 8 to April 10, 1968 out of respect for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who » Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro are the only actors who had been assassinated a few days earlier. have won an Oscar for playing the same character, that of» In 1981 the Awards were once again postponed, due to the Vito Corleone in (1972) and assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. (1974) respectively.» Makeup became an annual category in 1982, with Rick » Bob Hope has hosted the Oscars 19 times, making him the Baker winning for his work on most frequent host ever. . » Linda Hunt won an Oscar for playing a member of the» The \"In Memoriam\" segment has been part of the Oscar opposite sex for (1982). ceremony since 1993. » Greer Garson delivered the longest acceptance speech ever» The Animated Feature Film Award was established in 2002, (five minutes and 30 seconds) after winning her Best with winning for films released in 2001. Actress award for the film r (1942). Maybe that’s why the speech limit is now 45 seconds!OSCAR WINNERS, LOSERS, and » Hattie McDaniel was the first African American to win theOTHERS Best Actress in a Supporting role, for her role in (1939).» Youngest Award Winner was Tatum O'Neal. She won Best » In 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first African AmericanSupporting Actress for (1973) when she was to win the Best Actor award ( , 1963).only 10 years old. Shirley Temple won the short-lived » (1969) is the only X-rated film to win the Best Picture award.Juvenile Award at 6 years old.» At the age of 76, Henry Fonda became the oldest actor to » After winning an award for Best Actress for (1972), be presented the Best Actor award, for the film (1981). Liza Minnelli became the only Oscar recipient whose» At the age of 82, Christopher Plummer became the oldest parents were Oscar winners too. Liza’s mother, Judy Garland, received an honorary award in 1939 and herperson to win an Academy Award for Best Actor in a father, Vincente Minnelli, won Best Director for (1958).Supporting role for the film (2010). » Three of the most successful films in Oscar history are» (1955) was the shortest movie, at 90 minutes, to win (1959) (1997), and Best Picture. (2003), with each winning» At 234 minutes (including the overture and end credits' 11 Oscars. is the only one to win everymusic), (1939) is the longest of all award for which it was nominated.movies to win the Best Picture award. » Sound mixer Kevin O’Connell has 20 nominations, but no wins, making him “the unluckiest nominee” in the history» (1939) song, \"Somewhere Over the of the Academy Awards. Rainbow,\" was originally going to be deleted! It won Best Music/Original Song in 1940! » During the 1974 Academy Awards, a streaker ran across the stage (Robert Opel, a photographer and art gallery owner)!» The first Oscar award for Best Actor was presented to actor » Since the 2016 nominations, there have been 42 moviesEmil Jannings, who won for his performances in twomovies, (1928) and nominated in the \"Big Five\" categories (Best Picture, Actor(1927). in a Leading Role, Actress in a Leading Role, Directing, and» Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the Best Writing), but only three films in the history of the OscarsDirector award for her film (2009). have ever won all five of the top categories. They are:Bigelow beat out ex-husband James Cameron, who was (1934),nominated for the technological wonder . (1975) and (1991).¨ 19www.youreinvitedmag.com
Seasonal EntertainingHats OffSTporing Photography by Sheri Lamas20 Spring 2017
Bedazzle your table with colorful jewels.Name holders add a personal touch.Even for an informalgathering, they showjust how special your guests are to you. 21www.youreinvitedmag.com
Asian Chicken Salad Sesame DressingMakes 4-6 servings Ingredients 2/3 cup olive oilIngredients 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar4 boneless cooked chicken breasts, shredded 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar1 head Romaine lettuce, cut into bite size pieces 2 tablespoons sesame oil(about 3 cups) 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce1/4 head Napa cabbage, thinly shredded (about 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds3 cups)1/4 head red cabbage, shredded (about 2 cups) Whisk all ingredients in bowl until dressing is1 large carrot, shredded (about 2 cups) combined.1/4 cup chopped almonds1 (11-ounce) can Mandarin oranges in water, Garlic RollsdrainedSesame Dressing (see recipe) Serve with warm garlic rolls. Most grocery stores sell garlic rolls in the frozen section.In large bowl combine chicken, lettuce, bothcabbages, carrots and almonds. Toss withMandarin oranges and sesame dressing. Serveimmediately.22 Spring 2017
These oh-so-cute hat napkins are easy tomake and your friendswill love seeing them on your table. See page 26 for the instructions. 23www.youreinvitedmag.com
Rice Krispy® Treats Melt chocolate in deep small bowl according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup, set aside.Makes 4-6 servings Dip cereal treat into melted candy to cover half. Place treats on cookie sheet lined with waxIngredients paper. Refrigerate 5 minutes. Place reserved1 box Rice Krispy® cereal melted chocolate in a pastry bag or resealable2 bags mini marshmallows plastic bag. Cut off tip (or corner) of bag, then1 stick of butter, plus more for greasing the pan drizzle over dipped treat. Refrigerate for at least1 bag of orange chocolate candy melts or 30 minutes.wafersGenerously grease a 9×13″ cake pan or bakingdish with butter. In large pot melt butter. Stir inmarshmallows with heavy-duty spatula. Continuestirring until marshmallows are completely melt-ed. Add Rice Krispies slowly stirring until cereal iscompletely coated with marshmallow mixture.Pour mixture into greased baking dish.Butter your hands, then press down cereal intopan. Refrigerate for 45 minutes. Remove fromdish and cut into rectangles.24 Spring 2017
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Confetti Napkin Hats Materials Fabric napkin* Flower clip (found in craft stores) Feather on a 3-4 inch stem *Choose a napkin that is thick and crisp, as you want it to be sturdy enough to stand up on the plate. Iron napkins (use spray starch if necessary). Fold in half forming a large triangle. Fold again into a smaller triangle. Fold the longer bottom triangle edge up about 1 inch. Iron the napkin. Fold in half, so the 1 inch flap is facing out. Secure the napkin with a flower clip. Place feather through the top portion of the napkin in between the folds. Place napkin hats at each place setting.26 Spring 2017
O LORD, our Lord,How majestic is Thy name in all the earthWho hast displayed Thy splendor above the heavens! Psalms 8:1© Can Stock Photo / vnlit 27www.youreinvitedmag.com
Photography by Gruen PhotographySeasonal Entertaining Jammies and Jelly Beans 28 Spring 2017
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Top rainbow waffles with toothpick pinwheels. Always wear your cute pajamas to bed. You never know who you’ll meet in your dreams. Author UnknownRainbow Waffles each batter and stir until blended. Your colors will cook up much lighter so make sure you addMakes 6 servings enough food coloring for vibrant colors. Pour batter into piping bags and cut off tips. UsingIngredients different colors pipe batter in waffle iron. Cook2 eggs according to waffle iron directions.2 cups all-purpose flour1 3/4 cup milk Serve with butter and syrup.1/2 cup vegetable oil1 tablespoon sugar Serve with flavored syrups,4 teaspoons baking powder such as strawberry, blueberry1/4 teaspoon salt or consider making your own.1 teaspoon vanilla extractGel food coloring (assortment of colors) Take light corn syrup, add flavored extract and foodPreheat waffle iron. In a large bowl, beat eggsuntil fluffy. Add in flour, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, coloring (optional).baking powder, salt, and vanilla, and mix untilsmooth. Divide batter into as many colors youwould like to make. Add gel food coloring to color30 Spring 2017
Colorful Donuts We purchased plain raised and cake donuts from the local donut shop, then decorated them. For icing; we added a little water to powdered sugar, mixing until we had a slightly thick but smooth consistency. We dipped the donuts into the icing and turned upside down into separate bowls of colored sugars and sugar crystals. YUMMYAt each place setting,fill an Easter pail with artificial shredded grass. Add plastic eggs filled withgoodies, such as coins and candy. Be sure to include a jar of jelly beans. 31www.youreinvitedmag.com
Kid’s Activity Center ●Purchase colorful egg-shaped chalk for kids to use to draw on the driveway or sidewalk. ●Purchase small straw hats, artificial flowers and white glue. Have children glue flowers onto their hats creating their own Easter bonnet. ●Provide coloring books and crayons for kids to color. You may want to purchase religious images to share the real Easter story. ●Older kids will love painting clay pots with bunny faces. Add a straw hat and ears for your own Easter bunny. ● No Easter is complete without an Easter egg hunt.32 Spring 2017
Hippity, hoppity, Easter’s on it’s way. From the song: Here Comes Peter CottontailNow this is a kid’s table where they’ll all want to sit! 33www.youreinvitedmag.com
Cut fruit and place in small cups for Add decorative straws to kids to grab. drinks.34 Spring 2017
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The Jelly Bean GospelBlack – represents the darkness of my sin.Orange – represents the warmth of Christ’s love for me.Red – represents the blood of Christ that was shed for me.Yellow – represents the Son Rising on resurrection Sunday.White – represents the forgiveness of my sin when I put my faith in Thee.Purple – represents Christ’s royalty, as King of kings and Lord of lords.Green – represents growth in Christ as I read His Word and pray regularly.Pink – represents hope for tomorrow. Adapted from the web36 Spring 2017
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In the SpotlightPhiladelphia Flow38 Spring 2017
Holland: Flowering the World March 11-19, 2017 By Sheri Lamas Each spring, flowers bloom into exquisite works of art at the Philadelphia Flower Show! Landscape artists and floral designers work diligently to create stunning floral displays, which delight guests with their gorgeous creations. The beauty of the show draws more than 250,000 spectators, from novice gardeners to skilled horticulturists, to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Prominent competitions in horticulture and artistic floral design are offered for those who wish to compete and win the coveted first place ribbon. Special themed events, such as the Black Tie Preview Party, allow guests (and notably photographers) a glimpse of the beautiful floral displays before opening to the public. Awards are handed out at the Black Tie event to top floral and landscape designers. At the show, gardening presentations, workshops, and demonstrations are presented to educate guests. And to top it all off, there’s a massive indoor marketplace for visitors to shop to their hearts content and enjoy the delicious culinary cuisine, which occasionally reflects the theme of the show and ensures their guests leave satisfied. What began in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horti- cultural Society (PHS), has become the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event.wer Show Recently, they were endowed with the Grand ID 18774030 © Andrew Kazmierski | Dreamstime.com Pinnacle Gold award from the International Festivals and Events Association. This year, PHS will “welkom” guests from , with their theme – . A celebration of the Dutch culture and colorful landscape that will provide guests with the vibrant color palette they desire. 39www.youreinvitedmag.com
home of the liberty bell, found its [floral] twin sister on display at the convention center. In 2015, the show rolled out the red carpet to Celebrate the Movies in style. Familiar movie soundtracks could be heard overhead transporting guests into the magical world of cinema. Floral designers had a lot of fun creating displays from Disney and Pixar movies. The El Capitan Theater display read – “Lights, Camera, Bloom” on the marquee. ARTiculture was the theme for 2014, which displayed museum artwork. Some might say the show was a masterpiece. In 2013, the show was Brilliant!...literally. The British-inspired show welcomed guests in elegance as they admired the stunning Royal Gates when entering the showroom. The iconic Big Ben clock, the beautiful Crown Jewel and Mad Hatter’s Tea Party were all on display.ID 38926585 © Seashell317 | Dreamstime.com Everyone loves the Hawaiian Islands! In 2012, the Pennsylvania Convention Center was transformed into a tropical paradise. Islands of Aloha greeted guests with a virtual wave, a Hawaiian Hut with a real 25 foot waterfall, a “man cave” complete with fire pit. Palm trees, surfboards and exotic flowers also adorned the show.The landscape of the Netherlands is beautiful and a Other themes included:perfect theme for the show. From their rich multi- 2011 – Springtime in Pariscolored flower fields of Keukenhof Gardens, Amsterdam’s 2010 – Passport to the Worldwater canals and bridges, beautiful historic castle gar- 2009 – Bella Italiadens, and their signature windmills and wooden shoes 2008 – Jazz It Upare sure to be on display. Top designers from Holland 2007 – Legends of Irelandwill share their exceptional floral and garden styles at the 2006 – Enchanted Spring…A tribute to Mother Natureshow. Guests will also be able to taste Holland’s culinary 2005 – America the Beautifulcuisine of cheeses, chocolates, and beer. 2004 – Destination Paradise 2003 – Festival de las FloresThis year’s theme is sure to be a hit with guests. Past 2002 – The Pleasures of the gardenthemes have included: 2001 – Great Gardeners of the World 2000 – Gardens for the New MillenniumA big timber lodge and sounds of nature greeted guestsat the 2016 event where, Explore America: 100 If you’d like to see Amsterdam’s water canals andYears of the National Park Service, was the bridges, the flower fields of Keukenhof Gardens, andoverall theme. The National Parks provided the perfect Holland’s signature windmills brought to life througharchitectural landscape for floral designers and horticul- floral designers, I hope you’ll plan a trip to see theturists to create their historic exhibits. Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Flower Show this year.¨40 Spring 2017
Parties and CelebrationsSpring CleaningPhotography by Gruen Photography 41www.youreinvitedmag.com
Write names on sponges to act as place cards. Place sub-sandwiches, chips, drinks and napkin-wrapped silverware inside plastic portable totes. Purchase small spray bottles. Remove the nozzle and tie onto the top of the bottle. Fill bottles with Arctic Ice Gatorade® and place a straw inside. WARNING WARNING: Drinks are intended to resemble glass cleaner. Do not place any chemicals or cleaning supplies in food/drink containers or near the table.42 Spring 2017
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Natural Sprin By Kathleen R. McKissickIt’s that time of year for a chore my mother called White vinegar softens clothes and cuts detergent“spring cleaning.” Some people actually look forward to residue. For those with sensitive skin, add 1 cup to thethis annual event, others dread it, and there are those laundry rinse cycle instead of commercial fabricthat do spring cleaning winter, summer, and fall. softener.Since some people are allergic to some of the chemicals For dishwasher odor, fill a dishwasher safe bowlfound in commercially-made cleaning products, many (example: small glass Pyrex container) with 2 cups ofpeople have been turning to “natural” cleaners and vinegar and set on the top rack of the dishwasher. Runsome even make their own cleaners using regular through on a hot cycle in an empty dishwasher to cleanhousehold items. Many home-made cleaners contain and remove the musty odor.some of the same ingredients, so it would be a good ideato keep a supply of these items on hand…no matter the In the kitchen, use vinegar-and-water spray to cleanday, month, or season: countertops, lightly soiled range surfaces and back- splash areas.White Vinegar In the bathroom, spray countertops, floors and exteriorUndiluted white vinegar makes quick work of tougher surfaces of the toilet.cleaning problems. Mildly acidic white vinegar dissolvesdirt, soap scum and hard water deposits from smooth For really tough bathroom surfaces such as showersurfaces, yet it's gentle enough to use in solution to walls, pump up the cleaning power by heating theclean hardwood flooring. White vinegar is also a natural solution in the microwave until barely hot. Spraydeodorizer, absorbing odors instead of covering them shower walls generously with the warmed solution,up (the aroma disappears once dry). Plus, white vinegar allow to stand for 10–15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.won’t stain grout on tiled surfaces.Use it to clean the inside of the toilet bowl. Before you Because it cuts detergent residue, white vinegar alsobegin, dump a bucket of water into the toilet to force makes a great fabric softener substitute for familieswater out of the bowl and allow access to the sides. Pour with sensitive skin.undiluted white vinegar around the bowl and scrub witha toilet brush to remove stains and odor. Liquid Castile SoapClean showerheads that have been clogged with mineral Castile soap is a style of soap that’s made from 100%deposits with undiluted white vinegar. Place 1/4 to 1/2 plant oils (meaning it uses no animal products orcup vinegar in a plastic food storage bag, and secure the chemical detergents). It cleans and cuts through grease.bag around the showerhead with a rubber band. Letstand for 2 hours to overnight, then rinse, and buff the Baking Sodafixture. Baking soda's mild abrasive action and natural deodorizing properties make it a powerful replacement44 Spring 2017
ng Cleaningfor harsh commercial scouring powders. Sprinkle bak- made cleaning formulas, where no borax is ingested,ing soda onto a damp sponge to tackle grimy bathtub has not been shown to pose health hazards. Borax is arings, scour vanity units or remove food deposits from natural substance which is non-carcinogenic, does notthe kitchen sink. accumulate in the body, or is absorb through the skin.For tougher grime, make a paste of baking soda and Washing Sodawater, apply to the tub or sink, and allow to stand for10–20 minutes until the deposits have softened and can Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softensbe removed. water, cleans walls, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do notKeep bathroom drains running freely and smelling use on aluminum.sweet by pouring 1/2 to 3/4 cup baking soda into thedrain, and dribbling just enough hot water to wash the Rubbing Alcoholsolution down. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, andthen flush thoroughly with hot water (do not use on Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol provides the base for anblocked drains). evaporating cleaner to rival commercial window and glass cleaning solutions. Use it on windows, mirrors,A paste of baking soda and water cleans ovens without and chrome fixtures. Use it for a shiny finish on hard-the chemicals or the hassle of the self cleaning cycle. surface ceramic tiles.Just make a paste on the bottom of the oven, leave for afew hours and wipe off for a shiny, chemical free oven. Hydrogen PeroxideAdd 1/2 to 1 cup to your washer’s wash load to add a When it comes to homemade cleaners, one that youboost of freshness. absolutely need in your arsenal is hydrogen peroxide. Think of it as an \"oxi\" cleaner and is a terrific bleachA “flo-thru” baking soda box isn’t just for your fridge alternative. It's safe, inexpensive, anti-bacterial,and freezer. Try placing them near the litter box, in a earth-friendly, and odorless. Keep hydrogen peroxide incloset or drawer, any place that has a musty or strong an opaque spray bottle, as exposure to light kills itsodor. effectiveness.Borax AmmoniaFor soap scum, make a scouring powder with two parts An alkaline solution, clear ammonia creates strongerbaking soda, one part salt, and one part Borax. It will window and all-purpose cleaning recipes than acidiccut through even the toughest scum! Although it’s not vinegar. Choose a non-sudsing type, as the suds mayharmful to the environment, some are concerned with look as if they're working, but they're tough to rinse andborax’s health issues. However, use of borax in home- remove. 45www.youreinvitedmag.com
Essential Oils As with all home-made cleaning products, here are some safety and warning tips:Essential oils have gained popularity thanks to v Never combine ammonia-based cleaners witharomatherapy, but these naturally occurring plantcompounds also make great scent additions to home- chlorine bleach or products containing bleach, suchmade cleaning products (especially if you’re not into the as powdered dishwasher detergent. The fumessmell of vinegar). Essential oils are considered safe, but they'll create are extremely dangerous! Before doingkeep in mind these extracts can trigger allergies, so be any mixing, read the product labels carefully.careful when choosing a scent! v Never use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic clean- er on marble or granite surfaces, as it will eat intoSea or Course Salt the stone. v Always wear rubber gloves when trying new cleaningAdding either of these salts to a \"paste\" mixture, gives it products.a \"scrub\" texture. However, do not use if surface can be v Sources advise against mixing Castile soap (high onscratched by the salt. the pH scale) with vinegar or lemon juice (both are acidic), as the products basically cancel each otherLemons out when used in combination. v Make sure to keep all home-made formulasFor general cleaning purposes, you can substitute well-labeled, and out of the reach of children!lemon juice for white vinegar. v Always use caution when using any new product in your home.For garbage disposals, cut a lemon in half and place in v Before applying any homemade cleaning formulas,disposal grind the rind in it while running cool water test in a small hidden area if possible.down the drain. The oils in the rind clean the disposal v Consider using a glass spray bottle, as certainunit and sharpen the blades. substances can break down the plastic and leach it into the cleaning liquid.Tea Bags v Results may vary and cannot be guaranteed to be 100% safe and effective.Use as an air freshener or sachet. Place unused, dry teabag in your dresser drawer, shoes, or in your vehicle.Try using herbal, floral, or fruity teas for their lovelyaromas.Fill an empty container with used tea bags, place open Homemade cleaning products also offer many advantag-container in fridge and odors will disappear. es to cost-conscious households, as using on-hand in- gredients can be far less expensive than buyingTo deep clean your carpet, sprinkle used, dried (wet tea commercial cleaners, you won't generate discardedmay stain) contents of tea bags on your carpet. Wait product packaging, and the household avoids exposure15-20 minutes and vacuum. to harsh chemicals or toxic ingredients.Cleaning Cloths For those of you, like me, that think window cleaning is the worst chore, here’s a helpful tip: wipe the inside ofAn alternative to paper towels, are microfiber cloths! windows in one direction (either up and down or side toThey are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt, grease side) and the outside of windows in the other direction.and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals. A If you do have streaks, you’ll be able to tell which sidegood quality cloth can last for several years, which it’s on by the streak’s direction.means there’s less going to the landfill!46 Spring 2017
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Parties and CelebrationsThe Flower Cart By Cookies-Boutique48 Spring 2017 Photography by Sheri Lamas
Stamp bags with a cutesaying, fill with goodies and tie with a green bow. Marshmallow Ice Cream Cones Small flower pots wrapped in pink tissue paper and tied with a green bow. 49www.youreinvitedmag.com
Candies and cookies wrapped then placed in containers to resemble flowers.50 Spring 2017
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