Last weekend the Hubs and I went to a “shell” party that our friends threw. You are probably thinking to yourself… What the hell is a shell party?!?! That’s okay, because I had the same reaction when I first heard of it. So here’s what it basically is. Our friends are building their dream house and before the house is completed they threw their first party. Just the shell of the house is up. It was really cool and exciting to get the tour and walk through the rooms and try to imagine what it will look like when completed. I can’t wait to see the finished product!!!
So being that my momma raised me right, I couldn’t go to this shin-dig empty handed. I didn’t want to do wine or champagne. Too generic for this occasion… I wanted to do something different. So like any other person scratching their head for an original idea I went to Pinterest to rip a craft idea off of someone else. Let’s face it. We all do it, some of us even call it our own, but for me I like to give credit where it’s due. Thanks Pinterest! These house warming/ shell party mugs were a big hit!!!!
All you need is:
Permanent markers (whatever brand or color you fancy).
An oven heated to 350 degrees.
A ceramic mug, plate, or bowl.
A clock or timer and 30 minutes of patients.
And possibly some sort of minimal artistic ability.
Luckily, I have all of the above. I was set to get my craft on!
Here is how the final product turned out!!
I think I know what everyone is getting for any special occasion this year!!! 😉
I think in total this little crafty project took me about 50minutes.
Now I want to monogram all my china!!!! The Hubs thinks that’s going too far!!!
Oh well!
Until next time,
xoxo
the tasti life
I trust that everyone enjoyed their Valentine’s, Gal-entine’s or Pal-entines day/weekend. Whether you were spending it with your past gal pals or the love of your life I hope you had an amazing time.
Valentine’s Day is one of those special nights that many restaurants go all out for. They usually offer a special menu, a rose for the ladies, or some sort of special ambiance to draw a swooning couple in… Don’t worry there was nothing over the top or cliché about the local restaurants we went to.
What was your favorite part about Valentine’s Day or what did you like or not like about the restaurant you went to?? Please share.
Here is my weekend in review:
I was lucky enough to wake up to a snow day on Friday so I was extremely happy that my weekend could start early!!!
I was blissfully surprised when I walked downstairs to the table set and a beautiful brunch waiting for me! The Hubs sure knows how to treat his lady right! 🙂
He had mimosas, chocolate covered strawberries, and white roses (my favorite) set out on the table! He dazzled me with my favorite Eggs Benedict and hash browns with onions and peppers! So good! I think I may keep him for awhile
Valentines night, we decided to keep it low key… but we did go to one of our favorite bars. Newberry’s Yard of Ale. The hubs had been patiently waiting and craving their newest beer on tap and a very scrumptious beer we have been on the hunt to find for many months. Finally, Duclaw Sweet Baby Jesus beer is on tap at Newberry’s Yard of Ale! This beer is lightly sweet and Jesus it’s insanely tasty! After your first sip, you will definitely want to EXCLAIM its NAME!!! Sweet Baby Jesus!!! It is a dark, rich, chocolate peanut butter porter that finishes smooth with hints of espresso, peanut butter, and roasty notes of chocolate. AMAZING!
We sat at the bar and got one of the many friendly and talented bartenders. We ordered off of their special Valentines Lovers Menu and listened to the smooth and soulful vocals of musician Regina Sayles. Check out her website to see where she is playing next in the area and to hear how talented she is! You can also check out a feature article on Regina Sayles through Local Flair Magazine online. Local Flair Magazine is a premier lifestyle magazine of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Check out Local Flairs website to see all the happening in our area by clicking here!
There was a great crowd and an awesome atmosphere. I went with three blackened to perfection Jumbo sea scallops over arugula, wild mushrooms, and grilled asparagus.
For desert we ordered chocolate cream stuffed zeppolis and a traditional Irish coffee that was made with homemade whip cream. The fresh and fluffy cream was whipped up by our very talented bartender Gary. It was a perfect way to end the night!
Until Next Time,
xoxo
the tasti life
Tomorrow is the official day of love and romance… with that said, all you procrastinators what are your BIG plans for Valentine’s Day?! Oh, and let’s not forget… This year, Valentine’s Day gets stretched out over the whole weekend. It’s a weekend worth of love and spending money to show how much you really care.
You might be a last minute gift giver (and that’s ok) but you are probably thinking what is there really to do around the Pocono’s.
Have no fear… here are some of my favorite places to Wine and Dine and that will help you celebrate in style and flavor with your someone special.
Love is in the air at these local gems!
Peppe’s Bistro– Call to reserve your table- You and your sweetheart are going to LOVE this special menu.
Newberry’s Yard of Ale- featuring a special menu and the sweet and sultry vocals of renowned local musician Regina Sayles. Entertainment starting at 5pm.
Desakis– LOVE GROWS in The Garden at desakis.
Stroudsmoor Country Inn reservations are required.
Marco Antonio’s– The tables are set for ROMANCE
There is so much deliciously delicately crafted FLAVOR and outstanding atmosphere at all these neighborhood restaurants it is certainly going to be hard to decide!
Get out there and celebrate with your MAIN SQUEEZE!
****All my local followers, let me know where you ended up dining out for Valentine’ Day and what menu option was worth raving about!****
Until Next Time,
xoxo
thetastilife
**Photo credit: from Skippyhaha on Etsy
You can buy these 1970’s/80’s vintage honeymoon souvenir goblets at Skippyhaha Etsy shop
Now that I am on my summer break, I decided to treat myself to a day at the SPA. It was much needed and afterwards it put me in such an amazing mood that when the hubs got home from work I greeted him with a sparkling glass of wine with berries! Take THAT 1950’s housewives!!!!
Anyway, the spa was amazing! It was my second time going to The SPA at Mount Airy. Check out their site. If you are looking for a little getaway to explore the Pocono Mountains, gamble, eat at some really great restaurants, and get pampered like a queen at the spa, Mount Airy Casino and SPAÂ is the place for you!!!
I was in such a good mood the hubs said I should go more often, and I will definitely take him up on that offer!! 😉
After my treatment, I took full advantage of the strawberry infused water, the sauna, steam room, and hot aromatherapy shower. I was engulfed by bliss and serenity that I completely lost track of time.
By the time I got home I threw together a quick rub to put on a London broil and fired up the grill to surprise the hubs with dinner! (Silly man- thinks grills are just for boys) 😛
Until next time,
xoxo
the tasti life
Tonight the Hubs and I went to Newberry’s Yards of Ale located on Main Street in Stroudsburg to meet up for Happy Hour with the Pocono’s Young Professionals Group. There was a nice show of people from engineers to financial advisors to teachers and nurses and everything in between!! It was nice to meet new people and mingle with others at this Irish pub inspired bar that offers a wide variety of micro brews and craft beers (many on the more hoppy end). Tonight I opted for a crisp glass or 2 of Pinot Grigio. Delish!
After mingling and talking to other fellow fur parents. (Yes, we showed pictures and videos of our fur babies and are planning on a doggy play date… Don’t judge!) okay who am I kidding, judge away- ain’t nobody got time for that!
We decided to take a look at the menu and order some dinner.
I went with the grilled chicken salad with bacon, avocado, and gouda. The Hubs went with a BBQ chicken and bacon personalized pizza. Both were scrumptious!
The pizza was so delicious, I couldn’t get a picture in before the Hubs ate a slice!!!
After eating we explored the two levels that Newberry’s Yards of Ale has to offer. Like a cool basement hangout game room.
We also checked out the classic cigar smoking lounge, which I absolutely loved!!!!
We had a lot of fun. Too bad there wasn’t a ping pong table or we would have been there forever!
I love how Yards of Ale has an outside dinning space and an open airy feeling with the wall to ceiling sliding glass doors.
On the way out the sky turned gray and a storm was starting to roll in. Perfect cuddle weather!!! 😉
Good night and until next time
xoxo
the tasti life
thetastilife 