Happy Thanksgiving...Merry Christmas!

Ok, I know it's Thanksgiving, but really it's the beginning of the Christmas Holiday!

I need not ask if you're ready...but have you started preparing?  I'm not talking about the Black Friday madness.  What about getting your house ready for all the extra guests...the holiday dishes...the decorating...all of THAT can be overwhelming.

We give thanks for our life, family, and friends, yet the holidays can be stressful - that's just what you're NOT supposed to be doing.  The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, cherished, treasured, and remembered for years to come.  Here's a few tips.

Take some time to write your wish list - Things You Wish To Get Done.  Take time each day to do one thing on your list.

Also, don't go all over town looking for decorations and such, you may already possess a wealth of treasures right at home.  Remember, re-purposing is a great way to redecorate!

Plan a day with your family and friends to holiday decorate - make a party out of it!  You just may start another holiday tradition.

So after you finish your Thanksgiving turkey and prepare to hit the stores, take some time and get your holiday plan together - the one that will keep you sane and happy this holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Holidays Everyone!
AND DON'T STRESS!!!

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Happy Autum!

Well, it's the first day of Fall!  This is a wonderful time of the year to start making changes in your home and exterior, especially since there are several holidays coming up like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and everyone's favorite, Christmas.  When your getting your rake & leaf blower out to do your lawn, why not invite some folks over, work together, and have some nice outdoor eats & hot apple cider to celebrate the season.  There's always time to entertain!  Oh, and here's a a tip how to take care of your lawn too.
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Getting Back To School

School days!!  School days!!

For the kids, it seems like summer came and left pretty fast (for the adults, it may mean you can get a break).  Some states start as early as next week, and some a little later in the month.  Everyone is now running around buying up school supplies, clothes, etc., but instead of running from store to store, why not get a plan?

It makes it easier on you (and your budget), to start developing a list and checking who may have the best sales by scrubbing the internet.  Also, this may be a good time to put your craftiness to work - decorate and repurpose some of the things you may have and/or need.

If you want to make it fun, have a Back-To School party.  Gather up the kids and some of their friends (along with the adults), fix up some quick & easy dishes, and while the kids are having fun in one room, you and the other parents can be in another, planning how you all can survive another school year.

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Time For Spring Cleaning

Now that the snow has past (at least we think it has) and the flowers are blooming, spring is in full gear.    It's time to get your house in order, but where do you start?

First, don't panic.  If you have you a lot to do, take your time.  

Second, figure out your target areas.  Don't try to conquer too much in one day or at one time.  

Third, call in reinforcements.  Know what you can't don by yourself and ask those around you to pitch in.  

In fact, you can even have a Spring Cleaning Party.  Call up some family and/or friends, whip up some hors d'oeuvres, go out and buy some inexpensive buckets and cleaning tools.  Get some small gifts and have a contest - see which individual or "clean team" can get the job done and done right.   Everyone can have a good time while scrubbing, dusting, and re-organizing...who knew!  

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a chore.  Make it easy, and make it fun!

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The Feder Seder

For the season of Passover, I like to something that is not a traditional seder, I call it the Seder Feder!

I chose to have a PARTY (which is not traditional to emphasis the celebration of the freedom.).  

I always start the party with a cocktail hour.  The beverage served is potato vodka (made in USA) which is acceptable because certain grains are not permitted during the week of passover, therefore potato vodka is signature twist that I have been doing for several years.

I set the table ahead (feel free to use disposables).  You're celebrating your freedom, who wants to slave over dishes for 60!

Seder plates traditionally have the following items:

Maror - bitter herbs, which symbolized the harshness of slavery 

                                                                                           

Charoset- a sweet mixture of apples, cinnamon and walnuts, that symbolizes the mortar between the bricks.

                                                                                           

Karpas - a green vegetable, symbolizing spring, but it is dipped in salt water which symbolizes the tears.

                                                                                           

Z'roa - The shank bone, represents the sacrificial lamb.

                                                                                           

Beitzah - A hard boiled egg symbolizing mourning.  

                                                                                           

Matzah - unleavened bread, represents the exodus from Egypt.  

*Please note the orange, which is not traditional, but represents women's freedom.   (A rabbi once said, "there will be women rabbi's when there is a orange on the seder plate...today there are woman rabbi's).  

That's my way of celebrating, I would like to hear about some of yours!  Please send me a message and check out my facebook page for my pictures of the Seder Feder!

Potluck - A Great Get Together!

This summer has been an interesting one.  Between the traveling and hot temperatures, planning a Get-Together may be the furthest thing from your mind.  But...this is still a good time to gather with your friends and loved ones, so, why not host a Potluck Party!

It can be real simple and easy, plus, all you do is supply the place and accessories, and let your guest help provide the dishes.  You don't necessarily need a theme, but you can come up with anything like celebration of a new book or movie, or watching your favorite Olympic event.  Come up with a list of dishes you want, and doesn't matter if it's a Brunch, Luncheon, or Dinner - make the event your own!  Remember, sometimes it's not about the type of event how much you spend, it's how great a time you have when together.

Now I have a boat load of recipes, but I found this cool website that has just as many.  Check out this link at http://www.food.com/recipes/potluck, plan your menu, and go from there!

Send me some pics and recipes of your own parties!  I would love to see some of YOUR ideas!

Another Impromptu Party!

Hey!  These are pictures of a party I did for a client.  They were having a small dinner party and wanted a Moroccan theme.  I re-purposed the home to have a "moroccan" feel, but not be too overwhelming.  If your ever hosting a party and don't have a lot of time or money, here are some tips...

Tip #1 - always look around to see what are your best places to display your food or centerpiece...

Tip #2 - make sure you have a stylish and comfortable area with room to create...

Tip #3 - Even if its a small area, you can decorate it to catch the eye of your guests...

Tip #4 - You can always look around your home to see what you may have to accent.  I didn't have to add too many pieces to entertain, and it came out great!

Look at what I came up with!

Simple and elegant!  If you need any tips, or have any more me, please e-mail me at caronfeder@caronhomeec.com, or like me on Facebook or Twitter.  I would love to hear from you or see what you come up with!