House Party Parties!!

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At the recommendation of my cousin, Samantha, I joined a site called House Party in September of 2010. I joined because I love entertaining and it sounded like a great opportunity...and she said she'd already had a few parties earlier that year. Well, I've been a member for a while now...and I completely love it! They have all kinds of parties to apply for, with all kinds of party packs! They have more recently really been involved online and look for hosts who are engaged on Facebook and Twitter. And, really love when someone does a blog post about House Party! Every little bit of sharing gives hosts an edge for that chance at a coveted host spot!

Well, I am not sure if it was just beginner's luck, but I got my very first party to host for November 2010. It was the Sabra House Party...I couldn't believe it, I got one so soon after joining! I loved hummus, so it was a great chance for me to try recipes using hummus and invited others to share in the fun! It was a huge success! A bunch of friends came over and we all enjoyed good food and laughs. What I did for this party -- I made it a dinner party and made a few of the recipes, then invited friends to bring some dishes as well. I decorated some and got Mediterranean type paper products...plus we played their trivia game.

Making hummus ravioli (hit of the party).

Different flavors of hummus.

Moi with the party food and some decorations.

It was a few months, and a few nos before I got my next party - Green Works New To You House Party for April 2011! Well, I was excited to have this party, because I love Green Works and we try to be environmentally conscientious...well...my friends weren't as excited. I had a really small turn-out and was quite bummed about that. Those that came though, made it a fun party, and then I shared extra samples and coupons with some others that couldn't make it to the party, but I know would enjoy. What I did for this party - I don't think I planned well, since my friends weren't so enthusiastic about joining - but I bought some full size products and gave them away as party favors to those that did join. I also had some light snacks and we all discussed how we try to live green.

The party spread with gift bags for guests.

Perfect time to try an organic vodka!

Again, some months went by...and I moved from Orlando to Columbia, SC...and there was a host opportunity that came up for a Budweiser Ultimate Backyard BBQ House Party...and I really wanted it! I wanted a chance to share with my boyfriend's family and hang out and get to know everyone a little better. House Party started something new...they passed out host assignments and then said...We are doing a Second Chance Host spots for 10 people...all you have to do is upload a 30 second video on why you'd be a great host or why you really want this party. Well...I don't really like video...but since I really wanted this party, I posted...can't win if you don't try! Well, I GOT A HOST SPOT! Woo! It turned out great...great food and a good time! What I did for this party - We had a big ol' BBQ with burgers and Budweiser...chips...potato salad...etc! I said I'd have the beer and burgers, and had everyone else bring the sides. And of course we decorated for the 4th of July because it was that weekend.

Everything to throw a great BBQ House Party with!

Blurry Welcome Sign!

Well, the longest stretch between parties has happened...and a lot more "Sorry..." In this timeframe is when they implemented the whole social aspect of House Party and host potential. I participate more when I really want a host spot. I have to say...I participated the minimum, but somehow got the RiceWorks Confess Your Snacking Sins House Party...which I'll be having this weekend! It's going to be fun...I sure hope! Going to make one recipe with the RiceWorks and we'll have a taste test of all the flavors...and I plan on making a good for your cocktail to enjoy with our good for us snacking. LOL - still will have alcohol, though! ;) And of course we'll all confess our snacking sins to each other and play a game...hehe. I have tried RiceWorks and have to say...everyone will love them..they are GREAT!

A party pack box!

Inside the RiceWorks Party Pack!

Join House Party NOW! It's a lot of fun...and when you get a House Party...it's AMAZING to see that You've been selected as a host! Notice - It can get addicting! ;) Well, as I prepare for my latest HP...know I'm still trying for my next one. Current House Parties available to apply to host are: Zatarain's Bring Mardi Gras Home House Party for 2/17-2/21, Courvoisier Soiree House Party for 2/11 (and limited states), Your Day, Your Way: Pull-Ups Potty Dance House Party for 2/18 and 2/25 (a friend got this party for 2/11 - and I'm going to take pics of all the little dancers since I don't have kiddos), Dole Salad Circle House Party for 2/25, HGTV House Hunters House Party for 2/17, and Benefit "Laughter is the best cosmetic" House Party for 3/24.

Definitely a few upcoming parties that I'd love to host - hehe! Zatarain's...House Hunters...or Benefit! ;) Can't wait to see what House Party does next and what potential hosting spots come up! 

These are my own opinions about House Party, they did not pay me and have only provided me with party packs per the rules of the parties that I've hosted.

2011 Highlights May thru August (Part 2)

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And now for Part 2 of the highlights of 2011, May through August.

May 2011 

We celebrated my birthday and our moving to South Carolina on May 7th.

We had a great turn-out and it was really wonderful to have such support from friends! 

On May 13th we drove to South Carolina...since we had a huge moving truck, my boyfriend's truck being towed by it, and my car full of stuff with the pets going...and the truck had to stay around 60mph the whole way..it took us quite a while to go the normal 7 hour drive. 

This wasn't even all of our boxes

Barely there, we celebrated my actual birthday in Columbia, SC with Pete's family. 

Pete and I went back to Orlando to clean up our rental there and see friends and go to Disney! When we went to Disney we went to EPCOT and saw our favorite tequila bartender - Francisco! And then to Hollywood Studios to ride the newly refurbished Star Tours (awesome by the way)!

June 2011 

I hosted a wine and cheese party - and it went very well! Tasty stuff.

We had a girl's night of mojitos and puzzles - mostly we drank and talked. ;)

July 2011

I hosted a Budweiser Ultimate Backyard BBQ that I won from House Party! Lots of food and Budweiser, of course! 

On Independence Day, a few of us went over to Charleston for the free evening at Patriot's Point and then to watch the fireworks.

Attended Elizabeth's Bachelorette Party - wondered around downtown Columbia.

We attended Elizabeth and Jeff's wedding - held in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Steve & K came to visit toward the end of the month...we all went out to dinner and got to chat it up two nights in a row. I only took a picture of their hotel, though!

August 2011

The big first big trip of the year started with a drive to visit my Uncle, Aunt, Cousin, Grandfather, and his wife in NC for a day. Sharing a picture of their cat, as not sure they'd like me to share their pics...

The next day we headed to NJ and on 8/5/11 we ate at the Americana Diner that I'd eaten at in 2007 when I went to NJ for work. Then that night, we attended Mike and Steph's wedding. It was really lovely. 

Onward we traveled to VT the very next day...phew a lot of driving. Met up with my Aunt, Uncle and some cousins in NY a couple days after arriving.

Spent the day with my niece, sister, nephew...and met up with my birth father. Also, saw my grandmother. Really nice day. 

Pete and I hiked to Lye Brook Falls in Manchester, VT. Wow...that was quite a work out for me! Really tough on the way up...then tough to get to the actual falls...then easier on the way down...but...still weird because all the rocks. Worth it though!

Visited all of my grandmothers in one day! And, also got to see my cousin Samantha, who I hadn't seen in many, many years...I think not since we were kids.

Once back in SC, I hosted a Martini Gold Martini Party! We tried 7 out of 8 of the recipes they provided. Even trying shot sizes...well...it got us all good and tipsy!