This recipe has been in my family for 18 years and came to be through from my Irish Father. Way back then, he referred me to his friend and the owner of Cryan’s Beef and Ale located in South Orange NJ. I gathered the nerve to call him at the restaurant (this was before the days of internet) and since my Dad practically used to live there, he happily shared it with me.

I recommend getting a jump start top of the morning. It is super easy but will take several hours to simmer this to perfection. That is the key word, simmer. It is vital to sustain a slow simmer after you bring it to it’s first hard boil. Trust me, it will be incredibly delicious and will practically melt in your mouth.

For sandwiches that are just as good as the main meal, be sure to have a loaf of Rye bread, some quality stone ground mustard, horseradish and mayonnaise. (I love a good Reuben, so I’m going to add to that list sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing ~Stef)

For dessert, make sure to check out the Irish Bread pudding recipe (you won’t be sorry!)

Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds (flat cut) corned beef brisket with spice packet
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 to 3 rutabagas, cut in chunks
• 1 pound carrots, or about 8 to 10, trimmed, and left whole
• 10-15 small red potatoes
• 8 small whole onions, peeled
• 1-2 large head cabbage, cut into wedges

Directions:

1. Place corned beef in large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef and 1 bay leaf and onions. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Skim off foam. Simmer on low approximately 50 minutes per pound or until fork tender.

2. Add whole potatoes, rutabagas and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are almost tender. Add cabbage and cook for 15 more minutes. Remove meat and let rest 15 minutes.

3. Place vegetables in a bowl and cover. Add as much broth (cooking liquid reserved in the Dutch oven or large pot) as you want. Slice meat across the grain. Serve corned beef surrounded with vegetables.

(serves 8-10)

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My basic, big-three tips for the bargain hunter are as follows:

• Research, research, research.
You have to know what makes a bargain and what does not! True story: two days ago I was in TJ Maxx for some payday fun. I was poring through the clearance racks (you can find some real gems there). They had a whole bunch of designer jeans in the clearance rack (think J. Brand, Joe’s Jeans, Rock & Republic), all priced between $50-$70. Two women nearby were exclaiming how $60 for a pair of jeans was ludicrous! I wanted to yell, “But $60 for a pair of jeans that would cost you $174 at Nordstrom IS a bargain!”

These shoppers didn’t care or know the difference; which is what I urge of you! Be aware of the good quality, big name brands and the latest trends to watch for in the racks. And know that a great name (or the latest cuts/styles/colors) doesn’t always work on everybody. However, if you know which line of jeans makes your butt look like a million bucks, then you know when to grab a great priced pair of demin. Same goes for well made, timeless pieces (even out of season) in hues that always flatter you; get it while you can, you will wear it later. As for seasonal trends, just be aware of their limited time appeal and budget accordingly (meaning the trendier pieces should be the smallest portion of your shopping budget).

Also, buy off season. Have your heart set on a collection of Christmas decorations or table setting? There are some unique finds to be had in January and February! Same idea if your looking for a cashmere sweater (buy in late spring) or patio furniture (early fall) – snap up big savings by buying just when the item goes out of season – stores need to clear their shelves for new arrivals and you will pocket the savings!

If you have your eye on a pair of jeans, or new bedding for your guest room, or whatever you are jonsing for next: take some time to first think of the ideal. What you would buy—and still love—if money were no object. How much does this ideal item cost? Now get on the internet (or start searching the aisles) and see if you can do better!

• Location, Location, Location.
You have to know where to shop for what!

Housewares: Tuesday Morning, TJMaxx, Marshalls, Ross, Overstock.com, plus the Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn outlet stores (We grew up in one of the Outlet Capitols – Reading, PA, and strongly agree, Outlets are where the shopping bargins are at! ~ Stef & Tyna)

Gifts: Shop for gifts in odd places. Who doesn’t love an antique/thrift store or craft mall?! Or the fun housewares section of the grocery store? Don’t forget good old Etsy, not only for unique, handcrafted, bargains but for it’s well-edited selection of vintage wares.

Clothes/Shoes: (for name brands) Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off-5th, Neiman Marcus Last Call, and of course the SALE rack at your favorite clothing retailer (Banana Republic, Guess, etc.).

The other trick to discount stores, especially places like Ross or TJ Maxx is that each location has something a little different, so it is often worth your while to go to two or three different locations in your area to see the variations in stock.

Plus be friendly with the sales associates – a little kindness and a smile can go a long way! Ask when they receive their shipments and when it is usually processed and out on the floor for sale – so you can arrive early and get the best pick!

• Supplement, supplement, supplement.
You can always add on to your savings. Scour the weekend newspaper for coupons and sales and promotion notifications. Sign up for the retailers e-mail list to find out when the sales start. Places like Hobby Lobby have 30% off this or 50% of that every week. Just watch for their circular in the paper or in your mailbox so you can might be able to wait out your heart’s desire at a steal-worthy price.

Online -ebates.

Cosmetics connoisseur, France fanatic, great gal; this post was brought to you by wht member and friend, Katie.

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And, of all the seas, the Dead Sea is known as the most transformative and perfect of all. The unique chemical composition and greater concentration of minerals has been known for it’s curative abilities since ancient times. It’s not a stretch, then, to think that skincare products of the sea, particularly the Dead Sea, should have this same perfection, this same ability to refresh, rejuvenate and transform. Many Dead Sea products try to capture this perfection, and one does it exceptionally well. Erno Laszlo’s Sea-Mud Soap really harnesses Poseidon’s potential.

Erno Laszlo himself was a dermatological visionary with a colorful history. Way back in 1927 in his native Hungary, Laszlo caused a commotion by introducing a skincare ritual involving splashing with soap and water instead of the here-to-then accepted use of cold cream to cleanse the skin. It was practically scandalous, but he healed the skin of Belgium’s Princess Stephanie and opened his first Institute of Scientific Cosmetology. Later, a move to the U.S. had Dr. Laszlo an early Hollywood hero with clients from Greta Garbo to—years later—Marilyn Monroe. He soon opened a U.S. Institute on Fifth Avenue in New York City with an elite, referral-only clientele including Jackie Kennedy. It wasn’t until 1962 that the famous Dr. Laszlo had a retail line.

Erno Laszlo created a “ritual” which begins with a water wash technique where splashing the face with “comfortably-hot” water is meant to deep cleanse, exfoliate, flush out toxins, strengthen and soften the skin, stimulate production of collagen, and allow for the better absorption of a moisturizer. It is with this ritual that I first used my Sea Mud Soap.

After opening my simple, almost masculine, marble looking soap dish, I found my Sea Mud Soap to be black in color (Dead Sea mud has a high concentration of Bitumen, a naturally-occurring tar) and immediately was reminded of the Lava soap my dad would keep in his workroom to scrub impossible stains from his hands. But this is definitely not Dad’s harsh, abrasive work-soap.

Sea Mud Soap is amazingly mild. Meant for oily or combination skin, the Sea Mud Soap strips oil from my face like a toner, but leaves my skin extraordinarily soft to the touch. This is the very paradoxical performance that I have always sought in my skincare routine. Some cleansers have come close, but I feel confident in saying that Erno Laszlo’s is the best I have tried. For my face to be oil-free yet not tight or dry is practically miraculous.

My pores also appeared smaller from the first wash. It seems almost like the soap knows how much oil is enough oil to strip. I know from my lifelong bout with oily skin that overstripping the oils from your skin makes your skin produce even more oil, kind of like your body in starvation mode. Sea Mud Soap doesn’t starve your skin of its essential oils; it just seems to remove the extraneous stuff.

A visit to Erno Laszlo’s site will show you how to “get a ritual.” A quick questionnaire and you are just a click away from a recommended routine. Use of the “Laszlo-Matic” tells you your skin type, confirms your individual concerns, and recommends products for day, for night, and for aging.

I can’t wait to find out if there are lots of (formally) shiny, happy people out there waiting to lavish praise on Sea Mud Soap and the Laszlo ritual. Don’t forget to check the comments for the we heart this review team’s thoughts on the Sea Mud Soap.

Start your own ritual:
Sea Mud Soap at Erno Laszlo
Sea-Mud Soap at Nordstrom

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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At some point, everyone has imagined themselves as a rock star; jumping on the bed and belting songs into a hairbrush, playing to thousands of adoring fans (or was that just me?) Maybe fantasizing the fabulous parties, amazing clothes and your own personal beauty stylist? While we may not have become the next Joan Jett, we can at least feel like an edgy glam-rocker or a ferocious sexpot with Armour Beauty lip gloss.

Armour Beauty is the brilliant creation of model/former Lunachicks front woman, Theo Kogan and makeup artist/handbag designer, Allison Burns. For the moment, they concentrate on bringing you the best glosses possible (the only product in their line), with shades available in both opaque and shimmer glosses. Armour Beauty is the brand that out rocks other glosses on the market. Inspired by rock and roll days gone by, the designers cleverly paid homage to some of their favorite songs, night clubs and female legends by giving their various shades names like Barracuda and Cat Club.

As a major Debbie Harry fan, I was thrilled to receive my sleek lucite tube of Dreaming, a sparkling, supple shade of rosy mauve from the shimmer collection and named for the Blondie song. Paraben free and with no animal testing ever, these glosses contain Vitamin E, grape seed and avocado oils, as well as mango and shea butters. Meaning your lips will look great, smell warm and slightly fruity and feel deliciously moisturized and kissable, while you’ll feel guilt free!

Not only does this gloss have an impressive staying power, even lasting through my multiple coffee fixes, but it also transitions easily from day to evening. Paired with simple, daytime makeup, the shimmer and hint of color was fun and flirty, but at night, the glimmer and shine of Armour Beauty when matched with smoky, come-hither eyes…hot!

While I can only attest to the lovely sheer purple of Dreaming, I can imagine that if you’re feeling particularly sassy, red shades like Barracuda or Shattered would be a sexy way to enhance any look. Or, exceptionally daring ladies could try Femme Fatale, an opaque black shade. With dark, dark, VERY dark lips showing up on runways and red carpets, this striking number would be an exciting way to punctuate your evening ensemble. Just remember to tone down the rest of your look to pull this off. I’m guessing most of us don’t walk the red carpet in our daily lives, so too much would be, well…too much. (Or use mix it with red for an equally dramatic, but more wearable vampy shade~wht)

Armour Beauty gloss has swiftly become a favorite amongst celebrities and make up artists with ladies like Lily Allen, Lady Gaga, and Karen O sporting various shades. And as we all know, these women definitely know how to rock the sexy. So even if you aren’t a rock star, you can afford a slice of the rock and roll lifestyle with these fantastic lip glosses.

Don’t forget to check the comments for the we heart this review team’s thoughts and experiences with Armour Beauty.

Kari is a Minneapolis based artist who drinks too much coffee and enjoys taking pictures of the strange foods she eats. She’s always running 10 minutes behind despite her clock being an hour fast. You can find her musings on art, music and food at her blog, Tuna Fish Casserole.

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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They were defiant, cool, unapologetic, and barely out of middle school.

In the mid-1980s, my most prized possession was a vinyl copy of The Runaways 1976 self-titled debut album. The cover photo of glitter-clad Cherie Currie wielding a microphone was the most thrilling thing I’d ever seen. I propped it up on my desk and dreamed of someday being an iota as cool.

Even now, as far as I’m concerned, the most fabulous girls ever in rock ‘n’ roll were The Runaways, five California teenagers who played their own instruments, sang wildly scandalous songs, and made an art form out of trashy attire– way back in the mid-1970s. With 2010’s big-name bio-pic scheduled to be released on March 17th, the world will get a fresh look at these seriously-ahead-of-their-time geniuses– not just musical geniuses, but fashion geniuses, too.

Almost a decade before Madonna revolutionized fashion by performing in her underwear, fifteen-year-old Cherie Currie sported a full merry widow on stage while belting out classics like Cherry Bomb or my personal favorite Neon Angels (On the Road to Ruin). Sixteen-year-old Joan Jett was already sporting her trademark inky black shag haircut and I’ll-kick-your-ass grin. Sometimes the band wore matching t-shirts with The Runaways’ logo and their individual names, like some kind of reform school sorority. And let’s not forget the biggest platform boots, the tightest jumpsuits, and the most sparkly makeup in existence.

Images from The Runaways page at Fanpop.com

In a less-innocent time, The Runaways might have been the biggest band in the world. As it was, they influenced the next generation of teenage girls, some of whom went on to form bands, others (like me) who just admired their style.

I can’t imagine Dakota Fanning (as Cherie) or Kristin Stewart (as Joan) will be nearly as charismatic as footage I’ve seen of the real Runaways (there’s a boatload of it on YouTube if you’re interested), but I’m still looking forward to checking out Hollywood’s version of their story.

The movie is based on Cherie Currie’s harrowing 1989 autobiography Neon Angel, in which she tells the tale of her dream-turned-nightmare years in the band. Long out of print, an updated version of the book, featuring a forward by Joan Jett, will finally be published in March to coincide with the movie’s release. Cherie’s story of touring the world without any responsible adult supervision and lots of sex, drugs and alcohol is possibly the most unique and engrossing autobiography I’ve ever read.

No matter how the movie turns out, The Runaways set the stage for girls to dream of being in a band and rocking out just like the boys. History should be kind to The Runaways’ legacy: their drive, their determination, their iconic bad girl style.

Catch up with The Runaways before the big screen debut:
The Runaways debut (Import only) at Amazon
The Best of the Runaways at Amazon
Pre-Order the reprint of Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway at Amazon

Melissa loves road trips, bargain shopping, drive-in movies, lip gloss and rock ‘n’ roll. She lives in Baltimore with her precious pup Zeus.

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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To be honest, St. Patty’s Day never really meant a whole lot to me prior to meeting Pam. It really just meant bad Irish accents on the radio and cheap green beer. But that all changed after trying the first bite of this Bread Pudding, a dish she makes every year at her annual St. Patrick’s Day party. The first time I attended she said a few words to me that I will pass on to the wht readers, “This is going to be one of the most delicious things you will ever eat.” No truer words have ever been spoken! It’s creamy, warm, sweet yet savory and insanely good.

If you ever find yourself in Santa Monica, you can stop by Finn McCool’s Irish Pub to try Gilliland’s Irish Bread Pudding first hand. Even better, Gilliland shared the recipe with the Los Angeles Times and just like Pam, you can make this incredible dessert at home to celebrate St. Patty’s Day (or any time you need a little luck of the Irish).

Gilliland’s Irish Bread Pudding With Caramel Whiskey Sauce
Image: Los Angeles Times

Pudding
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 12 (1/2-inch thick) white bread slices, crust removed
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup Irish whiskey, optional
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, slit lengthwise
• 8 eggs
• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

–Soak raisins in Irish whiskey (if using whiskey, which you should!)
–Brush butter over bread and toast lightly on 1 side. Cube and set aside.
–Combine milk and cream in saucepan. Scoop black seeds from vanilla bean into milk and cream and add pod. Heat, remove pod and allow mixture to cool.
–Beat eggs with 1-cup sugar and add milk mixture. Stir in bread cubes and raisins, and allow to stand 15 minutes.
–Pour bread mixture into buttered glass baking dish. Dot with additional butter. Mix together remaining 1-tablespoon sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over to taste. Bake at 350 degrees until set, about 1 hour.
–Serve with Caramel Irish Whiskey Sauce, fresh fruit or as is.

Caramel Irish Whiskey Sauce
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, plus more if needed
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup Irish Whiskey

– Melt sugar in water over low heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Boil without stirring until caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes.
–In separate pan, warm whipping cream. Add butter and whipping cream to sugar mixture and cook until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Cool, and then add whiskey and more cream for desired consistency.

Makes 6 servings (each with 1/4 cup sauce).

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Happy weekend we heart this readers! Our Photo of the Week is an image culled from the amazing collection of the Life Magazine Photo Archive hosted by Google. Here, Elizabeth Taylor reacts to winning her first Academy Award for Best Actress in Butterfield 8. You can view many more, incredible images from Oscar ceremonies past in the Academy Awards section. Great fashion, old Hollywood stars and black & white photography? Sounds like a good way to kill a few hours this weekend!

• Speaking of the Oscars, I heard two bits of news that have me looking forward to this years ceremony. First, my imaginary gay boyfriend, Neil Patrick Harris may be performing in the opening number (a rumor that has since been shot down, but I think they may be trying to keep the ceremony a secret – I’m hoping for a NPH cameo).

• Next, I’m hearing whispers that a John Hughes retrospective has been made for a special Oscar moment honoring the man that defined a generation (and I’ve got a little inside info on this one, it’s a go). Keep the tissues handy.

• And if you want to read up on the mind behind 16 Candles, The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, check out You Couldn’t Ignore Me If You Tried: The Brat Pack, John Hughes, and Their Impact on a Generation a new book from Susannah Gora that’s getting rave reviews for her in-depth and well researched look at John Hughes and the Brat pack phenomenon (thanks for the tip Kellie.)

• Lots of our readers have been drooling over the collaboration between MAC and Liberty of London that will be released on March 11th. Check out our coverage of the collection, Give Me Liberty of London including the unveiling party and swatches for all the details.

• If you need more from this eclectic British line, you are in luck! My favorite shopping destination, Target will be releasing their own line of Liberty of London pieces, including housewares and clothing in 8 days. Hop on over to their site for a sneak preview of the items and prints in this collection. Then head to Facebook and take the Patternality Quiz to find the Target/Liberty of London pattern that matches your personality.

Happy weekend lovelies – see you all Monday!

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With Hollywood’s most glamorous event, the Oscars, in two days and Fashion Week just behind us, I thought it would be fun to play stylist for the day. Our 4 for Friday picks may not come not from Rodeo, Robertson or Fifth Avenue, but they would fit right in at Hollywood’s biggest fashion event (awards, shmards, we want to see the fashion). We may not all be able to afford haute couture, but we can look like we do by shopping the fashion forward designers of Etsy. Add some Hollywood glam to your life with these red carpet worthy dresses:

• Of course, to me, red carpet = red dress. I dream of being able to pull off a striking red dress like this Silk Rose Gown. Standing still, the long, lean line of this dress with the ruffled hem floating on the floor is so elegant – when walking the layers of silk chiffon move with astonishing volume. I love the gathered silk roses at the shoulders and the trailing black sash down the back of this dress. $495

• Not an obvious Oscar choice, but I fell head (make that hoodie) over heels for this Ruffled Hoodie Dress at the RedDoll shop. It would make a great dress for someone like Kristen Stewart, an actress not in the running for an award (she’ll be presenting with Taylor Lautner) so she can push the fashion envelope. People always want to see some skin at the Oscars and I like the idea of showing some leg for a change of pace. This black Gabardine dress is young and edgy with an air of sophistication sure to get her noticed. $145

• Here’s another beautiful gown for the women that wants to be covered without looking like her dress was pulled from the Mother of the Bride rack. Ironically, this Shirtdress Style Gown is a popular wedding style, but since I’ve never purchased a single bridal magazine I plead ignorance – I just heart the dress. While stars can afford to go to Carolina Herrera for Oscar night, lucky Etsy shoppers can purchase this homage to the fashion designer. $980

• I always think there is something so elegant about deep blue gowns. For some reason, there is normally only one or two per award show, which always surprises me. The right blue can be such a flattering and slimming color. This Charmeuse Elegant Evening Gown with a chiffon halter neck and rhinestone trim would look fab with a sweeping updo and a few select pieces of jewelry. Quick – someone invite me to a Costume Oscar Party! $85

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The perfect nude lip – from Julie Hewett.

For truly red carpet worthy lips, look no further than Julie Hewett. You couldn’t possibly be in better hands! Not only has she worked on some of the biggest stars and sets in Hollywood, she’s one of only 150 members of the exclusive Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in the Hair and Makeup Category. But perhaps most exciting to me (and other lip product lovers), Julie’s philosophy is to work from the lips up. The lips guiding and anchoring the rest of the look.

We’ve previously featured her stellar line of Red lipsticks (the Noir Collection, which she developed while working on the set of Pearl Harbor). Today, we’re going to take a look at a nude lip, as seen through Julie’s talented eyes. While red might be the obvious choice for a big event, nude lips can have just as much impact.

I’m constantly on the search for the perfect nude lip. It’s the obvious choice to pair with dramatic, smoky eyes, but I also like to wear a nude lip with bright, spring eyeshadows as well. The trick is to find the shade that works perfectly with your coloring. Personally, I need just a tiny touch of color in my nude to keep me from looking too ghostly, whether it be a peach or a pink. And of course, a shimmering gloss will always help to add dimension to a nude lip (even when you do end up with a shade that looks like you applied concealer to your lips!)

(from left: Simone, Tish, Combined)

Julie Hewett’s perfect nude lip starts with Simone, from the Bijou lipstick collection, a nude with a hint of peach. The Bijou collection is Julie’s sheer lipsticks which contain the essence of orange blossom. One layer will give you just a hint of color, but further applications can be layered for more intense color. I found Simone to more on the peach side than nude, but the color is beautiful none the less.

Where as I like Simone, I love Tish. This gloss is what my nude lips have been seeking. It’s a true nude, packed (and I do mean packed) with 24k gold shimmer. Julie’s glosses, which she calls Lip Lush, have a high shine finish and contain just a tinge of ginger essence (enough to be slightly tingly and smell fabulous, but not be overpowering). Not only does this make a fabulous nude lip, the gold adds a bit of sparkling depth to any shade. So, how about it? Think you’re ready for your close up?

Don’t forget to check the comments for the we heart this review team’s thoughts and experiences with Julie Hewett’s Tish and Simone.

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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For this everyday Jane citizen of Hollywood, the only true difference in my routine is the additional time it takes getting to and from the we heart this mailbox office that is located mere blocks from the center of the action, The Kodak Theatre. Hollywood Boulevard is closed down, full of trucks, lights, and equipment and of course, golden statuettes as it gears up for the biggest event of the year. Our image above is a shot we took last year a few days before the show. For more, check out this post, Sort-of Behind the Scenes at the Academy Awards for more pictures and a Tim Gunn sighting (he’s wearing JEANS!).

While we may not be planning a walk down the red carpet, we definitely want in on the fun! Here’s some of our favorite links for ways to liven up your Oscar watching with Academy Award worthy food and drinks, as well as some tips for throwing a Hollywood style bash:

• Oscar Party Kits and Planning Ideas, including recipes and demos by Wolfgang Puck from The Academyof Motion Picture, Art & Design.

• How To Throw an Oscar Party from eHow, includes tips on dressing the part, seating and (my fave) a suggestion to plug in a microphone and “announce” your guests as they arrive. (I suggest hiding the mike around the third round of cocktails).

• Stunning D.I.Y party ideas from Twig & Thistle with downloadable, printable invites and snack bags (Oscar Party Part 1) plus Oscar ballots, candy bag toppers and an old school candy tray (Oscar Party Part 2).

• Awards Night Sugar Cookies – The one and only Bakerella does it again with these amazing Oscar shaped cookies. Get the step by step instructions (lots of photos too) for Oscar cookies and more movie treats to truly impress your party guests.

• Or just get them nice and tipsy! Serve the Golden Dream Cocktail described as “a liquid Creamsicle for grownups” from Apartment Therapy. This drink is a sweet and frothy, so it’s a great after dinner drink. Plus it’s golden hue is perfect for the occasion.

Anyone planning or attending an Oscar Watching Party? We’d love to hear your ideas!

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