Stagetecture’s 7th Home Anniversary Celebration!

In this 2015 and 2016, I’ve started branching out the Stagetecture brand off of just the main site and you all have shown me, great love! My two  creative projects – a DIY wreath site and a home decor and lifestyle shop to bring Stagetecture inspiration to your home.

My two creative projects were born out of the overwhelming responses from you.

1. Crafting Celebration in your Home

How to Make a Burlap Wreath

A crafting and home inspiration site for DIY wreaths are growing daily. From Instagram to Linky Parties and fellow Crafters I’m told how much they love the idea of a site that is dedicated to just wreaths.

Image via: Etsy – Sandplum Studio… – Multi-colored burlap ribbon wreath

Check out our wreath ideas on How to Make a Burlap Wreath and visit our Wreath Tshirt shop to wear your crafting love.

2. Celebration of your Home

Burlap and Succulents Shop

We’ve had the nicest comments over the last few weeks (we launched our Zazzle store on August 1, 2016) and we couldn’t be happier! If you haven’t visited our home decor shop on Zazzle.com we encourage to take a peek!

From home decor and college/apartment decor to office and school supplies and artwork, we think you’ll find something to make your home prettier. Visit our home decor shop often as each season we will introduce new products!

Thank you once again to all of my staff, readers, colleagues and friends around the world who have made Stagetecture 7 years young today!

-Ronique

Over the last 6 years it has grown with you and I. From decorating and home staging to DIY tips to weddings, travel and of course… recipes.

Stagetecture Celebrates 6 Years of Loving your Home!

From my first logo to present… Stagetecture has grown with you and your family

I have to say thank you to you, every reader, follower, supporter, and “closet-enthusiasts” who tell me in person they follow me Thank you to my writers, my staff, and all of the ‘elves’ behind the scenes. You all have made Stagetecture grow into a destination you love to call home. Thanks for your devoted attention, comments, enthusiasm and criticisms.

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I still answer every comment myself, I still engage with every one of you on my social channels. It is an honor to have your attention as I know there are many sites you visit daily, thanks for keeping Stagetecture at the top of your list.

Here’s to many more years of celebrating your home!

-Ronique

Easy New Year’s Eve Buffet Setting Ideas

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Use Trolleys or Carts with Wheels

Trolleys or islands with wheels are great for buffet parties. They can be placed anywhere and they are easy to refill if needed. Also, they get out of the way real quick if you want to create more room for a fun game or dancing. There is a wide variety of trolleys for any home and the good thing that you can use them all year long. Having some kind of breaks can be a useful feature. You can find trolleys for any taste, from vintage or simple to modern and designer ones.

Make Themed Tables

If you have everything placed in one room, make themed tables and hang a cheerful banner above each one to announce what is on them. You can have different tables for cheese and fruits, for vegetables, dips and crackers, for appetizers, for party supplies, for other food and of course for the drinks and cocktails. Make sure everything is tagged nicely, so everyone knows what he can put on his plate. Making themed tables can help avoid creating crowds and lines and it can also help to keep an eye on where the most buzz is and what needs to be refilled.

Create a Dramatic Background

If you are going to place the buffet table against a wall, then you can create some great, glitzy background decoration. Balloons, bubbles, frames or clocks are all great ideas. Choose a color theme to make the most impact.

If the buffet table is placed in the middle of the room, hanging décor from the ceiling is a good way to go. Balloons, snowflakes, disco balls, even sparkling ornaments are perfect items to hang.

Take the Party to More than One Room

If you have the space, spread the party into different rooms, especially if you have many guests. This way you will encourage mixing and mingling and also avoid too much crowding. Choose to have one or two things in one room, for example, use the kitchen for appetizers, the dining room for deserts and the living room for drinks. Make sure to have a small number of the other foods or drinks in every room.

Use your Selves

If space is a problem, use your furniture in an unconventional way. Think about using your bookshelves, racks, cabinets, shelves or side tables for displaying foods and drinks. They can look great for the occasion if decorated appropriately.

Invite some great people over to your house to give the most cheerful welcome to the New Year. Prepare a sparkly buffet party for them and everyone will remember this year’s celebration.

For more New Year’s Eve ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Don’t know where to go for the 4^th of July? You may be surprised how many places out there that you can enjoy and make the most of the Independence Day celebration. There are street parades, parties, special offers and a lot more! And you’ll never run out of fun and exciting events to include in your itinerary. To help us in our quest to find the 10 of America’s top cities for 4th of July celebrations, Coastal Living provides us with notable and impressive details about the cities to consider:

• San Francisco, California

For a superb musical entertainment and street activities, this is where you can experience everything. The City of San Francisco offers a free musical extravaganza and highlighted with a spectacular fireworks display that you can view from Pier 39 and Aquatic Park.

Where to go: Aquatic Park (at Jefferson and Hyde Streets) and PIER 39

What to do: Aside from dancing to the rhythm of the music and fireworks display, you can ride a cruise around San Francisco bay. You can definitely see the fireworks up-close while eating a delicious dinner meal. Also, roam around the pier market to experience a more fun party and wipeout bar and grill.

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• Navy Pier, Chicago

The fun never ends at Navy Pier, Chicago. Millions of Chicagoans and visitors will gather on the 50 acres of shoreline and promenade that make up historic Navy Pier. The Pier combines fireworks over Lake Michigan with a festival vibe: The waterfront Pier Park includes a musical carousel and—of course—warm, sugary fried dough.

Where to go: Navy Pier (best viewing from Dock Stage) and Pepsi Skyline Stage

What to do: Enjoy free live music, street entertainers, shopping, and two sandy beaches are within walking distance of the Pier.

Image via: Pinterest

• Honolulu, Hawaii

You shouldn’t miss the world famous fireworks display along the shores of Ala Moana and Waikiki and from the Ala Moana Center. Not only that, One of the world’s largest outdoor shopping centers, it offers 290-plus shops and restaurants near the Ala Wai Boat Harbor and Ala Moana Beach Park.

Where to go: Aloha Tower Marketplace, Hawaii Kai Towne Center, Kailua Beach Park, Pearl Harbor-Hickam Harbor, Battleship Missouri Memorial and pack a picnic and head to the Ala Moana Beach Park for a water view, or use the free open seating at the Makai-Ewa Parking Deck.

What to do: Take the family to the kid-friendly Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks. Concessions and free live Hawaiian music will be at the Ala Moana Center from the afternoon into the evening.

• Seattle, Washington

The Seafair Summer Fourth is the place to be for the 4^th of July celebration. It’s a fun-filled party hub. Gas Works Park will be filled with live performances, activities for kids and adults alike and a fireworks show. Also, eat delicious seafood, enjoy the music, be amazed with arts, watch a lutefisk-eating contest and enjoy the beer garden at the Ballard Seafood Fest.

Where to go: Gas Works Park, Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, Capitol Hill Block Party and Bellevue Square

What to do: Have fun at Gas Works Park, Seattle’s annual Lake Union 4th of July celebration will have food vendors, live entertainment, a beer garden, and games.

• Marblehead, Massachusetts

You will never get enough in Marblehead, Massachusetts. This quaint harborfront town is packed on the Fourth with music, art, fresh-food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Expect a crowd, lots of walking, and plenty of traffic.

Where to go: Go early and stake out a bench, or bring a blanket and find a spot in Chandler Hovey Park to watch the lights over Marblehead Light Tower. Or settle in on a patch of grass at Fort Sewall or Crocker Park.

What to do: Grab a draft beer or a glass of wine and people-watch outside at The Landing Restaurant on the harbor on Front Street.

• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

With all the festive activities and fireworks display, no one does the Fourth of July quite like Myrtle Beach. Thousands of people will gather along the sandy shores with blankets and chairs to watch the fireworks. There are different piers that will launch fireworks display that will entertain people anywhere on the beach.

Where to go: Myrtle Beach (Broadway at the Beach), Surfside Beach (Surfside Drive and Ocean Boulevard), Murrells Inlet (Boat Parade and fireworks display) and North Myrtle Beach.

What to do: Locals say the show is best with barbecue. Grab a pulled-pork sandwich from the Little Pigs BBQ vendor, and find a spot on a blanket on the sand. Wander around the nearby fishing village of Murrells Inlet

Image via: Fourth of July 2013

• Wilmington, North Carolina

Looking for family-friendly fun including music, food and lots of patriotic festivities and a spectacular fireworks display? Wilmington, North Carolina is the perfect place for you. Feel-good tunes and local food vendors (think funnel cakes) will pack Water Street until the show. The “Battleship Blast” fireworks will explode over the docked WWI Battleship North Carolina. It’s one of the largest choreographed fireworks displays in the Carolinas.

Where to go: Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Riverfront Celebration along Water Street and Ocean Front Park and Pavilion

What to do: Stroll along the Cape Fear Riverwalk and stop in at The Pilot House for homemade bread pudding and fruit cobbler. Feel-good tunes and local food vendors (think funnel cakes) will pack Water Street until the show.

• Rockaway Beach, Oregon

Rockaway Beach is an ultimate 4th of July destination. One of the largest celebrations on the northern Oregon coast sees Rockaway Beach swell to more than 10,000 spectators for the fireworks. You will definitely have so much fun anywhere you go. Aside from the glamorous parade, the festivities also include a bake sale and Dachshund races.

Where to go: Rockaway Wayside (Fireworks Stand), Ocean’s Edge Wayside (Lions Club Hot Dog Stand) and Rockaway Beach Community Center (Line Dancing)

What to do: Bring a grill to the Wayside beach area for some post-fireworks burger-flipping and socializing. Have a fun day with food, craft fair, parade and fireworks.

• Jekyll Island, Georgia

Celebrate freedom day with exciting treats and fireworks on Jekyll Island, Georgia. Thousands of people travel to the island each year for the free festivities—often described as a giant family gathering. Fireworks and families from across the region will gather and have fun together Great Dunes Park. Ample open space for parking allows campers and RVs to accommodate crowds who want to tailgate. Otherwise, grab a blanket and head to Great Dunes Park or the public sandy beach.

Where to go: Great Dunes Park and Summer Waves Water Park

What to do: Make sure to catch the sea turtle release at the Great Dunes Park. At dusk, the beachfront crowd counts down from 10 to help launch the fireworks over the water.

• Ilwaco, Washington

Expect a day of spectacular pre and post-show fireworks all throughout the length of our 28 mile beach. The Port of Ilwaco hosts a more intimate gathering of 300 or so locals and visitors. Don’t miss the Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade at Ocean Park. Plus, the celebration continues through Saturday with Independence Day fireworks at the Port of Ilwaco and a Feel the Thunder!

Where to go: Port of Ilwaco, Cape Disappointment State Park, Ocean Park (Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade), Long Beach (Fireworks on the Beach)

What to do: Watch the fireworks on the beach approach off of Bolstad Ave. in Long Beach. The Old Fashioned 4th of July will definitely highlight your experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack up your things and get ready for the ultimate 4^th of July experience to any of these wonderful cities. Make your Independence Day celebration an opportunity to explore new places and meet new friends. That’s the luxury of having a freedom.

For more 4th of July ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The holiday atmosphere is buzzing around and everyone is looking for ways to celebrate the advent of a new year. Midnight kisses, toasting of champagne, and the countdown are just a few aspects of a flourishing New Year’s Eve party. However, attending public events, scouring deal-sites for new activities or foods, or fighting crowds in parties can takes its toll on both your energy and pocket. So, homebodies and partygoers can change their routine this year and save their energy and money with these New Year’s Eve ideas:

Image via: Real Simple

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Arrange for a Home Party:

Are you thinking of taking reservations at a fancy restaurant? Drop the plan! Instead, celebrate the occasion with the people you love. Invite group of friends to your place and cook a lovely meal together. It will be much cheaper than having dinner at a pricy restaurant. You can follow that up with games or karaoke while waiting for the Time Square ball to drop on. Playing board games like Monopoly or Scrabble, card games, or a friendly low stake poker will help passing your time with great enjoyment. Spending a day with loved ones and delicious homemade foods can make your New Year’s Eve memorable forever.

Image via: Frontgate

Look for a Prix-Fixe Menu:

Adopt some tricks if you think that your NYE will not be complete without having a dinner at a nice restaurant. You can have a great deal with restaurants’ prix-fixe menus that usually include wine pairings. When making a reservation, ask the restaurant manager about the items included in their prix-fixe menu. Another way to save money on restaurant meal is to skip popular dinner times and trying to go early there. For example, going around 5 p.m., you can participate in the happy hour specials when many restaurants give concessions on appetizers and drinks.

Join a Free Concert:

Music is a great way to celebrate any occasion but it will not work out when you have to enjoy it alone. So, in order to celebrate this New Year’s Eve with music and on budget, check out local papers to where free concerts will be arranged in the park. Take your beloved or a special friend with you and spend the evening by enjoying live music at free of cost.

Image via: About

Join a Carnival:

Another great way to enjoy New Year’s Eve without spending a dime is to catch the spirit of a carnival. Find out where the best parade will take place. The spontaneous mood of celebration will surely make your New Year’s Eve a joyful one. Large cities generally have the most glittering, musical, and colorful parades.

These above ways may seem a little bit out of convention but they can make all the luxury of wealth shallow by comparison.

For more New Year’s Eve ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Stagetecture’s accomplishments over the last 3 years:

• Hosted over 600 guest bloggers – many of which have been featured on eHow, Livestrong, and more!
• Featured nearly 1500 blog posts
• Featured over 100 DIY Saturday’s
• Launched the 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home ebook.
• Created a Stagetecture – You Tube Channel to watch DIY projects for easy directions to do at home.
• Grown a Stagetecture Facebook fan page with over 5,500 fans & growing
• Grown a Twitter following of over 3,300 fans & growing
• Taken you along to fabulous places! (SubZero/Wolf, Brizo’s NY Fashion Week, Sandra Lee Event & more!)

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To celebrate Stagetecture is hosting

a

3rd Anniversary Twitter & Facebook Party!

 

WHEN:

Wednesday, August 15th @ 12:00 noon – 1:00pm EST

HOW:

Join us on Twitter with the hashtag #3YrCelebrate

Join us on Facebook – Stagetecture fan page or Ronique Jones Gibson

WHY:

To celebrate the home! I will give great tips about your home, getting ready for back to school, summer and fall entertaining and more!

 

GIVEAWAYS:

I’m excited to have a great sponsor – Yolanda Esquer from Yoliesquer blog who has a wonderful gift to one lucky Stagetecture party winner! A hand crafted, hand stamped – customized cement block with the word “Dwell” stamped in it. Perfect for the home loving readers that Stagetecture has.

For a chance to win:

• ‘Like’ – the Touvlo Facebook Page and comment on what block you like best from her Etsy Shop!  She has a great variety – leave a comment on her Facebook page on which you like best and why.

• Follow Touvlo on Twitter
• Join us for the Twitter and Facebook party on August 15th at 12:00pm EST (Winner must be present to win!)

Image via

OTHER PRIZES:

We will also have:

• Amazon giftcards
• Free copies of 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home ebook
• … and a few surprises that you will have to join us to find out! (Here’s a hint… going back to school – we have some prizes that will help pay for some supplies!)

 

Join us:

Wednesday, August 15th @ 12:00 noon – 1:00pm EST!

Happy 3rd anniversary Stagetecture!

Free 4th of July Activities Across the U.S.

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I compiled a list of just a few of the events going on around the United States today.
Enjoy free 4th of July activities and celebrate the red, white and blue! (Note this post is from 2012)

Huntington Beach, California

Dallas, Texas

White Rock Lake Park:

When your family enjoys the outdoors fishing, kayaking, boating, hiking or numerous other outdoor activities, there’s always something to do at exciting White Rock Lake Park. Admission into the Park is free. Never a dull moment is the motto at White Rock Lake. This 4th of July promises to be the most exciting one yet. Just look at a few of the events leading up to this years 4th: Gladiator Rock’n Roll on June 16 and Fathers Day Run on June 17. The 4th is going to be a blast. Don’t miss it.

Texas Discovery Gardens:

Their mission is to “teach effective ways to restore, conserve and preserve nature.” With a mission like that, you’ll want to make sure your children visit this educational site. They’ll never realize it’s a learning experience. The park will entertain visitors beginning July 4th with Fair Park from 10 am to 5 pm. Enjoy watching the beautiful butterflies in the butterfly house. On July 7th take part in the Butterfly House Discovery Tour beginning at 11 am. Then July 14th learn about the “Tales from the Dark Side!” The story of Moths and their “dark” behavior.

Fair Park:

When most states are entertaining residents with a state fair visit maybe two to three weeks yearly, Dallas has their state fair which is permanently situated for a 12 month period. The Dallas Fair Park has been in place since 1936 situated on over 277 acres of land, the park offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy everything from the cultural, to sports, educational, musical or many other numerous activities located throughout the park. With an annual count of over seven million visitors, the park is extremely popular. . Guest can enjoy the 1930’s art and architectural collection or take time to relax and dine. Remember there’s always something interesting to see and do in Dallas where everything is big, bigger or biggest.

San Francisco, California

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

109th Annual Cowboys’ Roundup Days & July 4th Celebration
Friday, June 29, 2012 – Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Jacksonville, Florida

Baltimore, Maryland

For more 4th of July holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The Fourth of July is around the corner and there is no excuse for you to not have Independence Day decor to bring in the holiday. Whether you are creating decor and crafts for your kids or decorating your home, the Fourth is a great summer holiday!

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Whether you are decorating your outdoor home or you are finding fun party ideas for fireworks celebrations, there are several ways to create Independence Day decor that is simple and beautiful.

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Here are some crafts you can do:

Patriotic Candle for Tabletops

This is easy and a quick do-it-yourself project. You need candles with corresponding number of storage glasses, table napkins with patriotic design, ribbons and regular or sparkle candles. First, cut the table napkin to fit the diameter of the glass candles. Then, apply a decent amount of Mod Podge on the glass candle where you will spread out the patriotic designed table napkin. Let it dry for at least 10 minutes and wrap the glass candle with ribbons in the center. You can place it at the center table of anywhere you think it fits.

Image via

Star Spangled Pinwheels for Outdoor Garden or Door Entrance

For this craft, you need to have an independence day wrapping paper. It should be printed with clear red, white and blue colors. Also, take hold of glue, stapler, clear tape, long stick and a pushpin. Start by cutting the wrapping paper into two 5-inch squares. You can also cut it according to your desired size, if you want.  Glue both papers together. Next, fold half diagonally on opposite sides. This will provide guides for the next step. Cut 3-inch long from the corners toward the center using the guides. Fold alternately from each point to the center. Use clear tape to hold it down and staple. Attached the paper wheel to the stick using pushpin. You may now place it on your door or as an ornament in your garden.

 Invite the Fourth of July in with great crafts for your holiday home!

For more Fourth of July ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The day has finally arrived that I wasn’t quite sure would… Stagetecture has its 1,000th blog post today! Whe hew! Back on August 15th, 2009 I told myself that I would just make Stagetecture a place to share inspiring home decor ideas, solve home challenges and help people stage their homes for sale.

Today, Stagetecture has grown to a daily inspiration spot for homeowners to find just about anything out about their home. This 1000th post represents a lot for me because I changed my profession in a tough time in the economy and it has been a rollercoaster ride of lows and highs. I’m truly grateful to you my readers, all of my fans and followers around the world, and my family and friends who have supported me throughout the years!

Imagevia: Imonline

A few days ago I passed hosting my 400th guest blogger on Stagetecture! Another great accomplishment due to the fact that I had an idea of having others share in their expertise but never imagined it would lead to this. Thank you to all of my past guest bloggers for having the faith in Stagetecture to showcase your talents, services and home knowledge with thousands of people around the world.

When I think of celebrating, I often think of a huge bash with lots of people, drinking, partying into the wee hours of the night…. Instead, this celebration is more of a “sit back and enjoy the moment’ celebration that I share with each of you, my faithful readers.

Thanks for helping Stagetecture and myself grow over the last 2 1/2 years… here’s to many more that you and I will encounter!

For more Guest Blogger posts on Stagetecture, click here.

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve and it is common in the United States to have traditional recipes that are said to welcome good luck into the new year. On New Year’s Day serve these recipes by Southern Living, and enjoy the good luck fortune that surrounds your family dinner.

Look at this Southern Living explanation of this southern American tradition.

New Years Day Recipes to Bring you Good Luck throughout the Year!

Image via: Southern Living

According to folklore, this auspicious New Year’s Day tradition dates back to the Civil War, when Union troops pillaged the land, leaving behind only black-eyed peas and greens as animal fodder. Rich in nutrients, these were the humble foods that enabled Southerners to survive. Details of stories differ, but each celebrates a communion of family and friends bound by grateful hearts and renewed hope for good things yet to come.

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Cornbread

Cornbread, which some say symbolizes gold, completes the Southern New Year’s triad. Native Americans were the first to bake a cornmeal mixture, and Southerners made it daily when wheat was a rarity in the region. For authentic Southern flavor, choose a recipe that uses little, if any, sugar and flour. Don’t forget the cracklings, crispy morsels produced during the rendering of lard.

Ingredients

2 to 3 teaspoons bacon drippings or vegetable oil
2 cups buttermilk
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups white cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Butter

Preparation

1.    Coat bottom and sides of a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with bacon drippings; heat in a 450° oven for 10 minutes.
2.    Whisk together buttermilk and egg. Add cornmeal, stirring well.
3.    Stir in baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pour batter into hot skillet.
4.    Bake at 450° for 15 minutes. Serve with butter.
5.    Note: This recipe is adapted from Hoppin’ John’s Lowcountry Cooking by John Martin Taylor.

Black-Eyed Peas

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds fresh black-eyed or pink-eyed peas, shelled (3 cups)
3 cups water
2 large beef bouillon cubes
1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 (16-ounce) package kielbasa, sliced, browned, and drained (optional)

Preparation

1.    Bring first 4 ingredients and, if desired, sausage to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer 40 minutes or until tender. Serve with Sweet Onion Relish.
2.    1 (16-ounce) package frozen black-eyed peas may be substituted. Reduce cooking time to 30 minutes or until tender.

Collard Greens

Ingredients

12 hickory-smoked bacon slices, finely chopped
2 medium-size sweet onions, finely chopped
3/4 pound smoked ham, chopped
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 (32-oz.) containers chicken broth
3 (1-lb.) packages fresh collard greens, washed and trimmed
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

1. Cook bacon in a 10-qt. stockpot over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes or until almost crisp. Add onion, and sauté 8 minutes; add ham and garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth and remaining ingredients. Cook 2 hours or to desired degree of tenderness.

Enjoy these tasty holiday cooking favorites this New Years! Good luck is sure to follow.

For more recipes on Stagetecture, click here.