Yes, it’s true, Christmas Eve is almost here and what better way to enjoy such a holy, spiritual time as with your family and friends. Christmas Eve has an even more special meaning in the little hearts of the children, so here are a few ideas for Christmas Kids Activities to make it meet their expectations and have a good time together.

Christmas Kids Activities: 3 Fun Activities

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Christmas Kids Activities: 3 Fun Activities for Christmas Eve

1. Fill a Special Christmas Eve Box

Only to be opened on Christmas Eve, prepare a special box that is festively decorated for the kids and why not for the adults, too! Pack the box with items that will warm everyone’s hearts and add to the cozy feeling of this special evening. Add new pajamas with a seasonal theme, cozy slippers, some special-this-time-of-the-year snacks and drinks, a CD with Christmas Carols, a Christmas story book or a wonderful Christmas movie to enjoy together. Consider putting in some fun holiday color sheets or a Christmassy board game that you can play together. Another fun idea is to fill the box with some craft items to make some beautiful ornaments to add to the Christmas tree or to make some wintery decorations. You can involve the kids even more by asking them to fill or decorate the Christmas Eve’s boxes for each other or the parents.

2. Organize a Christmas Eve Scavenger Hunt

It’s easy to add some adventure to the Christmas Eve by organizing a fun Scavenger Hunt. Hide several seasonal items around the house, each one pointing to another one with creative clues like rhymes or puzzles, until the kids find the “prize”, which could be a gift or a treat. Another way to organize it is to print out some Christmassy items that the kids should spot, either inside the house, or if you’re up to it, outside of it. Whoever spots all the items or the most, can choose the next thing the family should do on this special evening.

3. Santa Cookie and Reindeer Food Preparation Station

Set up a Station with all necessary items to decorate cookies for Santa and to mix food for the reindeers that will be tired from all the gift-bringing this evening. It’s thoughtful and fun, not to mention that everybody gets to taste Santa’s cookies – just to make sure they’ re tasty, of course!

Choose any one of these 3 Fun Christmas Kids Activities to entertain your kids on Christmas Eve and give them memories that they will treasure for many years to come. The most important thing is for everybody to enjoy each other’s company, take a step back and breath in the atmospheric air that fills your house this magical evening.

For more holiday kids’ ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Tired of your boring outdoor home? Cool garage ideas are perfect if you intend to get more use out of the square footage in your home, rather than adding on an addition, the first place you might look is probably your garage. Many people who have successfully converted their garages can make it look as if this was never a place to store cars, to begin with. In order to do this, however, you have got to do some work.

Cool Garage Ideas to Transform it into Your Sanctuary

See our 19 Garage Organization Tips Too!

Don’t shy away from making your garage into a sanctuary if you’re concerned about too many upgrades. You can tap into the extra space offered up by your garage with a few simple upgrades. Finding the right choices and making it a place you’ll love to retreat to is easier than you think and you’ll be thrilled with how it looks when you’re done. If you’ve been thinking about changing your garage into a place you’ll love, look no further! There are so many benefits to making use of this extra space and you can do so in a way that suits your personal needs.

Cool Garage Ideas – Make it More Comfortable 

For many homeowners, cool garage ideas include putting a shop or garden area in the garage for added convenience.  If a man cave or other livable area in your garage is on your “to do” list you will need to make it comfortable temperature wise. One of the first things you need to do to evaluate adding a living space in your garage and making it into a sanctuary is exploring the insulation. If you live in an area that is subject to great temperature variation, you want to ensure that the insulation is appropriate for those changes in temperature such that you are comfortable out there no matter what time of the year it is. If you are concerned about keeping it cool during the summer as is a common problem with many garages, you might want to consider a ductless air conditioner.

A ductless mini split works differently from a central air conditioning unit and it is often recommended for those homes that don’t already have ducts installed in the area in which you intend to live. A ductless air conditioner can be much more easily installed than central air and allows you to seamlessly turn your garage into a living space right away.

Garage Organization is Better with Colors and Decor

One way to take the garage out of looking like a storage space and into the realm of becoming your sanctuary is to choose soothing and garage organization that and appeal to you. You’ll be more likely to spend time in the room if you love the decor. So, make some investments in comfortable furniture, wall hangings and curtains if necessary in order to make it look more like a place you would love to spend more time.

Cool Garage Ideas Need Awesome Entertainment

We love seeing creative man caves with great entertainment and ideas in them! Whether you are hoping to go to your sanctuary to read a book or to catch up on your favorite podcast or television show, make sure you have got all the necessary power plugs, book shelves or other necessary details in order to make the most of the area. You will be likely to spend more time out in your sanctuary when it is completely comfortable and has all the amenities you need.

Easter decorations are always fun to make this time of year. Winter has come and gone, and it is time to dress up your home for Easter. Whether you enjoy making things with your hands or simply prefer buying Easter decorations, there’s a lot you can do to show your love for the holiday. Fill your home with Easter-themed touches and make it a place where people linger.

How to Make Memorable Easter Decorations

Bring In the Outdoors this Easter holiday

There are many ways you can decorate your home with natural features. You can create a wreath using fresh succulents or display spring blooms uniquely. Natural wreaths look good indoors and out. Choose plants and flowers that spell spring and are easy to care for. Draw the oohs and aahs from your family and friends by putting plants in terra cotta pots. Once the bulbs bloom, transfer them to your garden.

Bring the outdoors to your Easter home

Image via: Flower Shop Network

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Try Unique Easter Decorating Ideas

The best thing about creating Easter decorations is that the rules are not set in stone. If you love painting eggs, add glitter to them and place them in a bed of moss. Revamp your mantel by filling pitchers with greenery. For an organic touch, add small faux birds nests, wicker chargers, and green eggs (painted or dyed). Why not bring Easter to your dinner table with cute dinnerware? We love these Easter decorating ideas for dishes at Pier 1 Imports.

Easter decorating ideas for your dinner table

Image via: Pier 1 Imports

Wouldn’t this bunny make a cute centerpiece for your Easter table?

How will you decorate your Easter table?

Image via: Kirkland’s

Focus on the Front Door

When people come to your home, the first thing they see is the front door. It goes without saying that the door should be attention-grabbing. You can hang a gorgeous wreath, a garland, an Easter basket, a succulent monogram, or hanging decorations. Make use of pastel hues and springtime elements and create a decoration that will warmly welcome guests into your home.

Image via: Etsy -Grand Entrance Wreaths… – Burlap Wreath for Easter

If you love Spring wreaths visit us on HowToMakeABurlapWreath

Make Different Easter Gifts

Nothing makes someone feel special like a thoughtful gift. This Easter, decide on the gifts you’ll give in advance and start working on them. If you have artistic or creative friends, make them Easter wreaths. You can make natural wreaths or artificial ones. If your friends are foodies, give them Easter gift baskets with delicious chocolates and bright candies. Kids will love cookies, painted eggs, washable chalk, or Easter toys.

Give unique gifts

Image via: Harry and David

Spring has sprung and it is time to get ready for Easter and all its highlights – colorful eggs, goody bags, and scavenger hunts. Have fun this Easter by creating memorable Easter decorations. When you get compliments on how beautiful your decorations are, you’ll know you did the right thing.

How do you make unforgettable Easter decorations?

Next to the kitchen, the bathroom is the most important room in a home. It is the place where people unwind after a long day or spend some time alone. If you recently updated your bathroom, don’t stop there. For the room to be a true sanctuary, continuous improvements are a must. Here are some ways you can enhance your small bathroom remodel.

How to Enhance Your Small Bathroom Remodel

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Browse Bathroom Remodel Ideas

Unless you are a professional interior designer, it’s hard to update your bathroom perfectly. Browse the internet and see how interior designers are remodeling bathrooms. You can get a lot of ideas on how to improve your remodel. For instance, you might have added pieces that decrease the room’s function when remodeling – like numerous trinkets or an extra-large shelf. Look for bathroom remodel ideas that will show you how to make your bathroom functional and stylish at the same time. Your bathroom will thank you.

Clear the Clutter

A small bathroom can run out of space pretty quickly. Many bathrooms are filled with unnecessary objects that have no use. Do you really need an additional towel rack when you already have one? To make your small bathroom feel spacious, declutter. Remove decorative objects and items you don’t use. Store things you need in the cabinet under the sink. Strip the room of inessentials and create more breathing space.

Change your Bathroom Lighting

Small bathrooms often feel like caves because they don’t have ample lighting. To make your bathroom feel more open, add lighting and reflective objects like mirrors. Lights make rooms brighter while mirrors reflect light, making a room feel bigger. You can install a mirror on the longest wall and add recessed lighting or other lighting fixtures. Open windows during the day to let in natural light.

Draw Inspiration from Bathroom Tile Ideas

If you are planning to install tile in your bathroom, carry out some research first to find out which is the best choice for the room. Tile is the most common material in bathrooms so picking the right one will kick up the room’s style. See how expert designers create stunning bathrooms with ceramic, marble, glass tile, and porcelain.

When enhancing your small bathroom remodel, there are many things you should keep in mind. However, these are the most important and will help you to make your bathroom a haven. A bathroom should be more than a place for personal hygiene activities, it should be a stylish spot.

For more bathroom ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Here’s links to the past ‘Best Of’ Stagetecture years:

Best of 2015 – No 5 – How to Make Cork Wreaths 

Recycle corks into a beautiful Christmas wreath

How to Make A Cork Christmas Wreath

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Creative Cork Christmas Crafts

It is worth recycling corks all year just to get to enjoy their versatility as a building material in December. Using wine corks as creative outlets, you children will grow with a healthy idea on how to recycle and reuse objects around them. Valuable not only as a fun material, but as a set of building blocks – I have seen amazing bathroom mats made from cork – cork has also inspired designers to use it for building modern furniture, like the Pushpin by Kenyon Yeh.

Miniature Cork Christmas Trees

Cork Christmas trees are a joy to look at – their simplicity adorns any corner of the house and choosing differently colored corks (or paint them yourself), the mini Christmas trees will look like adorned with Christmas tree globes. A small branch at the base will give your miniature trees that earthy edge and the perfect excuse to go look for the branch in the nearest park or forest. Scavenger hunts with your children will be greatly appreciated before the start of the holiday season.

Cork Christmas Wreath for a Welcoming Home

Instead of buying more and more decorations that follow each year’s Christmas trend, mind as well create our own Christmas decorations. This activity saves money, encourages creativity and co-work, not to mention it’s an eco-friendly way of decorating the home this holiday. Cork Christmas decorations can be enjoyed especially by children – this is how they learn that our endangered planet is theirs to save for their own children.

Miniature Reindeer in Herds

A small wine cork reindeer herd can decorate your mantel, the stairs or a strategically placed side table. Cork craft is easy and fun and can successfully be the original elements you change each year for the holidays. These wine cork ornaments can be displayed alongside treasured inherited ornaments – they are be as artistic as you are.

Corks and family

Around Christmas, the home becomes a playground for the whole family, regardless of age. Wine cork Christmas crafts can be introduced as part of a special social time among family members. Use recycled corks to write a welcoming message in tone with the holidays. “Merry Christmas” sounds like a good start. Each letter will be worth the patience and you will definitely want to teach someone how to work their way around cork lettering after you’ve done this project. The impermeable letters can be used to decorate the outdoors, too – imagine a special message for the whole neighborhood to see.

A small army of wine cork snowmen

Chances are your kids will fall in love with this easy to make Christmas project. Painted corks can become a small snowmen army – use your imagination and stuff you have around the house to compose your own snowman design and multiply it in assorted details.  This will keep you entertained and spark up a conversation with every visit. Have fun and enjoy the holidays!

An iceberg house is the name given to houses with basement extensions. They are called this because they share several characteristics with their namesake. Firstly, just like icebergs, there is often much more going on below the surface than can be seen above it. The rich (and often famous) have been known to extend their London properties by several floors to allow room for the essential space that they need to enable them to enjoy time with their family, i.e. subterranean swimming pools, rock climbing walls and even car parking spaces that they do not have room to install above ground and are prevented from creating room for by strict planning laws that do not allow upward extensions.

Iceberg Housing: Creative Space Saving Innovation

An iceberg house is one with a basement extension like this one.

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How has the concept of Iceberg Housing Evolved?

In some cases these extensions have resulted in the property having more square footage below ground than above. For instance, Canadian TV tycoon David Graham’s underground four level extensions is twice the size of his actual house and will triple the size of the original property, at least according to the House Network. You may wonder, given the generous size of the property already, what on earth he is planning to do with all of the additional space. The answer is, of course, to add a ballroom, spa, servant’s quarter, twelve bedrooms, car parking spaces and an ‘art storage room’, and while some may scoff this adds invaluable space in cramped and restricted city regions.

The second thing they have in common with their namesake is although they are harmless in isolation they can cause untold damage and disruption to anything that comes within its path. In the case of iceberg houses this means major disruptions to both the lives and homes of those around them. This, it seems, is rather ironic given that their quest for more family room is inadvertently disrupting the family lives of their neighbors. This is because the actual excavation and renovation process, given the huge amounts of earth require thousands of skips to remove it and then the building work that follows can take years to undertake.

Let’s get your basement organized to be able to enjoy it!

Iceberg Housing: Is it a viable and Innovative Extension concept or an exercise in Greed?

As anyone that has had neighbors that have had building work carried out, or even local road works, the noise and disruption can have a huge impact on your everyday life. This, it seems, is often too much for the residents of affluent areas of London such as Knightsbridge and Kensington. The residents there have been issuing petitions against such renovations citing that the extensions are not in proportion to the houses and will cause building problems with their own properties.

Indeed, there does seem to be some truth in this. Renovations to one Kensington property led to subsidence and cracks appearing in the neighboring properties walls. This was so bad that it caused one lady to be trapped inside her apartment when the wall subsided to such an extent that she was unable to open her own front door. This, it would seem, is a disproportionate amount of disruption for what would be, when finished, only a playroom for the family’s children and a spare bedroom.

Despite this, it cannot be denied that iceberg developments have merit in the modern age, as they add space and depth to homes that exist in congested spaces. The issue seems to be with the extent of these developments, as some would seem to cross the narrow line between need and excess.

For more home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

I have the pleasure of writing for The Home Depot in the form of guest blogs for many well known sites. Below are the links to these guest blogs.

(I am independently contracted by a private company to write on behalf of The Home Depot)

The Home Depot – Guest Blog Portfolio

 Love to Know – Transforming your Man Cave for Game Day Entertaining

The Real Estate Book –  Home Staging Tips: Achieving Buyer Appeal with Roman Shades

Redfin Realty Blog – 5 Tips to Upgrade your Kitchen for Buyer Appeal

Realty Biz News –  Home Staging: How to Make your Appliances Appeal to Buyers

Apartments.com – How Area Rugs can Transform your Plain Apartment

American First Home Mortgage – Curb Appeal: How your Front Door Color can Attract Buyers

Goodwill Blog –  Designer Tips: Cost Savings Ways Bathroom Hardware Transform your Bathroom

Love to Know – Modernize your Interiors with Recessed Lighting

Pet Relocation – After the Move: Installing a New Pet Door

Activity Rocket – Customizing your Child’s Reading Nook with the Right Bookcases

TwinCities.com – How to use Organic Materials for your Green Holiday

Mama of 3 Munchkins – Adding Pizzazz to Kids’ Room with Window Treatments

Love to Know – Winter Decorating: Bringing Natural Elements to the Dining Room

Mama of 3 Munchkins – Declutter your Bathroom with these Space Saving Tricks

Family Focus Blog – How to Decorate your Windows & Doors for the Holidays

Roommates Decor – Decorate your Christmas Tree with a Rustic Woodland Theme

The V Spot Blog – Decorating our Holiday Home with DIY Candle Centerpiece Ideas

To see my full writing portfolio please visit here.

There comes a time in every parent’s life where your kids have grown out of their rooms, moved out of their rooms or have just pretended to leave only to move back in when they feel (most college kids). Whatever the case may be, keeping your kids’ room just for them when they no longer use it can be a waste of free space and an inconvenience. So here are some ways to revamp your kids’ old rooms to suit your needs as well as add more value and beauty to your home. Let’s take look below at some quick ideas on how to your kid’s rooms.

Kids Old Rooms Ideas: Giving it a New Purpose

Turn their room into your hobby Room

Image via:  Bijuo Lovely

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For Your Recreational Purposes

Haven’t you or your spouse ever had plans or ideas on making your kid’s rooms to something you all wanted for yourselves? Such as, a home office that you get you work done in or a place you wanted to start your own business in. Perhaps, you even have hobbies and would like to make it a hobby room for enjoyment. Like a sewing room, a library for the house or even a man cave. The choices are endless. Some have gone as far as merging the room with the master room in order to create a master suite.

Create a home gym

Image via: Homes

A Guest Room

Turn your old kid’s rooms into rooms for your guests. Friends and family love to visit one another and especially with the holidays around the corner it would be great to have a space designated for them. Just remove anything that was your kids, add in (if not already there) a full sized bed, a storage rack, dresser and clean/open closet space. Try having a neutral color palette, with mixture of white linens around this will help to create an organic and inviting feel to the space. This can also work both ways if the child is in college and comes home for the summer semester, they still have a place to sleep and it won’t have to be your sofa.

Transform it into a guest Room

Image via:  Shelterness

Perhaps Juts a Simple Upgrade

Maybe, your child hasn’t moved out but rather grown out of the style of their old room and just wants an upgrade to fit their current style. Typically, if the child is bold enough to come to you about their room being to childish then they may have some ideas of their own. So like you would do with any renovation, remold or revamping- discuss the budget, the ideas and set the time frame. Let them show you which way they want to go and of course the choice is really yours about what will actually be ok for their room in your house. It could be a new paint job or just a new comforter set.

We love our kids dearly, but sometimes we may not be so gun-ho about all of their things they like to leave with us.  You don’t have to let those rooms fall by the wayside, now you have the opportunities to do what you want within your home.  So get creative and think out of the box.  Make your kid’s rooms your rooms again.  And above are some ways on how.

Also, Stagetecture readers do you happen to have any ideas on how you would or have revamped your kids’ rooms for the best?  We’d love to hear them!

For more room ideas click here.

Father’s Day is approaching quickly and finding that perfect gift to show your Dad how much you love and appreciate him can be challenging. Part of the challenge is deciding whether to buy something that your Father may want or to create and make something yourself. If you are feeling a little creative for this Father’s Day, check out these 4 DIY Father’s Day Gift Ideas that is sure to bring a smile to his face.

Create a Homemade Card.

Image via: brightboldbeautiful.com

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4 DIY Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Sweet & Tasty

One of the quickest ways to a father’s heart is through his stomach. Some great sweet and tasty ideas that you could make this Father’s Day are baked goods such as chocolate covered pretzels, whiskey and bacon brownies, or even chocolate bark.

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Image via: Pinterest

Handmade Firewood Tote

A unique idea for this Father’s Day is creating a firewood tote out of scrap fabrics and two wooden sticks. This useful gift is sure to make your father’s life easier as he is bringing in wood for the winter to warm the house.

Handcrafted Firewood Tote

Image via: Readymade.com

Homemade Shaving Cream

If you are not able to sew or perhaps baking is not your forte, you could consider making a shaving cream for your father. Not only is this thoughtful, but depending on the type of shaving cream you make, it may have great benefits for your father’s skin.

Homemade Rosemary Shaving Cream

Image via: foodformyfamily.com

Comic Book Coasters

Finally, comic book coaster are a great idea for fathers that are big kids at heart, enjoy comics as a hobby currently, or once enjoyed them. If you are thinking of this choice, take old comic books or buy some from a comic book store along with corkboard for a great start to creating this unique idea.

Crafted Comic Book Coasters

Image via: www.brit.co

This Father’s Day surprise your father with a one of a kind gift that you were able to design yourself. Some of the greatest gifts are those that we are able to make ourselves. Your father will not be disappointed!

For more Father’s Day gift ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

After all the anticipation from January when I bought my first #BlogHer conference ticket – I am super excited for this week’s #BlogHerFood convention this week in Miami, Florida! Now you may be wondering what is the big deal? Well for me, from the beginning of Stagetecture in 2009 I’ve been considered a ‘design blogger’ which means my website blog is focused around home design, decor, and architecture. Over the last two years I’ve been exploring new categories for home lifestyle and naturally recipes have become a new hit on Stagetecture!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Slider

Recipe for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork & Image Credit

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#BlogHerFood – Miami, Florida   May 16-17, 2014

Between my love for food, your love for food, and the gorgeous food images – it has become another true love of mine. So the BlogHer Food Conference in Miami, FL May 16-17 will be my first ever food conference!

I can’t wait to meet other food bloggers and food brands and introduce them to Stagetecture

Crab Rangoon recipe

Recipe for Crab Rangoon & Image Credit

I’m invited to a Special Event Before the BlogHer Event on Thursday, May 15th

Florida Beef Council sponsors a #GirlsGoneGrilling event in South Beach!

I shared my Mongolian Beef recipe and won a cookbook on the #GirlsGoneGrilling contest!

Recipe for Mongolian Beef Recipe image Credit

Enter for your chance to win great prizes by tagging your favorite healthy beef recipe with the #GirlsGoneGrilling hashtag on your social media

Image via: Florida Beef Council

#BlogHerFood Agenda – Friday, May 16th

Lightning Lessons: Fast Talks to Build Core Business Strengths and Strategies

There’s a business to your art – and an art to business. In these four short sessions, you’ll take away top tips on what’s hot right now to stay relevant in a dynamic marketplace and media segment.

9:30-9:50AM: Be Boss at Being the Boss – Effective leadership communication, with Stacy Morrison

9:55-10:15AM: Master the Media – Tips for staying on your toes, thinking on your feet, with Elisa Camahort Page

10:20-10:40AM: Protect and Defend Your Turf – Learn the latest on finding and shutting down copyright infringement, with Denise Tanton

10:40-11AM: What Brands Will Pay For in 2014 – Maximize your monetization potential, with Jory Des Jardins

Lunch

Lunch and Keynote: What Superfoods Are, and How They’re Going to Change the Health Destiny of America

1:00-2:30pm: Panel Discussion: Turning Online into a Product Line

1:00-1:40pm: Kitchen Demos: Pie, More Pie, and Pictures of Pie, and DIY Kombucha

3.:15 -4:45: Panel Discussion: Next Steps in a Food Career

Kitchen Demos: Viva California Dairy! and Mobile Photos & More, with the Nokia Lumia

Welcome Reception with Sponsors

Special Invited Event – Friday Afternoon – May 16th!

Canadian Lentils – Social Media Scavenger Hunt

Fritters, Souffles, Moroccan, or Thai – how do YOU like your Canadian Lentils?  Join us at BlogHer Food ’14 on our social media scavenger hunt where you can engage, photograph, and share your lentil adventure. 

At the end of the scavenger hunt one lucky attendee will win a $1,000 travel voucher courtesy of Canadian Lentils.

Canadian Lentils has a scavenger hunt for us!

Image via: Canadian Lentils

Special Invited Event – Friday evening – May 16th!

South Walton Beach Culinary Showcase

You will have the opportunity to indulge in award-winning culinary dishes during an interactive chef showcase, create unique artwork onsite, sample a refreshing local beverage and receive special South Walton gifts. 

Three top local chefs will travel from South Walton to showcase their culinary skills to those in attendance of the VIP event : Chef Michael Guerra of The Pearl , Chef Dan Vargo of Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood and Chef Kevin Korman of Caliza Restaurant will each prepare savory bites for tasting. 

The 2005 South Walton Artist of Year, Justin Gaffrey , will wow guests with his unique painting style while preparing a new collaborative piece during the event with attendees. Chaste will be pouring tastings of their signature drink, “The 850,” created in South Walton.

Can’t wait for the seated dinner – Here’s a glimpse at their menu!

BlogHerFood Agenda – Saturday, May 17th

More wonderful breakout sessions, cooking demos, Facebook & Pinterest building tips and a Kitchen Demo – Flavors of Miami!

After a jam-packed day we have a closing party with Hostesses Ree Drummond, Jaden Hair, and Elise Bauer!

So needless to say – I am on cloud nine getting ready for it all! I’d love you to join me as always and share in the fun with me!

Follow me at #BlogHerFood in Miami here:

You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and Pinterest for all of the great food finds, recipes, trends in the culinary world and of course awesome images of the entire experience! See you in MIAMI!

-Ronique