Happy New Year to All...A time to reflect

Today is January 1, 2009.

To some of you that means new beginnings--out with the old and in with the new.

For others, it means mending the old.

Whatever it is, just remember to live every day like it's party and have NO REGRETS.

Thank you to all 8 of you who read my blog. It's been a great start and here's to even more of agmacsparty in 2009!

It's sublime in '09!

Agmac

*Snapshot Wednesdays*

It was a very Merry Christmas this year!!!

Ho, Ho, Ho!! Who me? No way!

Bahahahahahahahahaha.

Happy New Year everyone!

Dinner Parties, Tapas Style

Most people FREAK out at the prospect of dinner parties. But my friend Jessica has them at least twice a week!

And they are awesome, but they don't involve a crazy amount of work or that much stress.

What she basically does is invite a couple of friends over, pick a general theme or dish to center the night around, and ask someone to bring a bottle of wine.

It turns out wonderful. A couple of weeks ago the theme was Guacamole and Beans & Rice. The guests brought margarita mixers and booze. DEE-LUSH-OUS!

You too can have a "dinner party!"

Some great basics:
- Cheese
- Olives
- Cornichons
- Proscuitto
- Wine
- Nuts

And for the warmer dish, anything baked such as:
- Baked Brie (can add sunflower seeds on top and some garlic, and serve with crackers)
- Bean dip with some cheese
- Squash or Eggplant, baked with some yummy spices and Olive oil inside
- A Flatbread Pizza (homemade or from Trader Joe's!)

Take it from me, these are fun for the host and guests alike!

Ask Agmac #2

Dear AgMac,

I really want to acknowledge a few people in my life who provide me
great services year-round but don't have the extra cash to be dolling
out big tips. For instance, my fabulous hairdresser, the nurse who
gives me my allergy shots every week, the bartender at
Rope/Barcade/Insert favorite bar here, my cleaning lady (ok, so I have
some extra cash), etc. What is an appropriate way to express my
gratitude and wish them a happy new year?

Thanks!
Skye Quartermaine

*********

Dear Skye,

That's a great question, and how very thoughtful of you to think of these people at the start of a new year!

I would suggest a nice card and some homemade goodies! You can buy cheap cookie tins and give each person a nice assortment of goodies that you made (cookies, fudge, candy, lemon squares, brownies, etc.) or if there is something you make better than anyone else, that'd be a nice gesture as well!

Happy New Year to you!

XOXO
Agmac

**Snapshot Wednesdays**

In honor of my Birthday (which was yesterday), below is a snapshot of my 26th Birthday. Clearly this was the END of the night!

Happy Holidays y'all! I'll be back at some point next week . Mwah!

Best Birthday Ever

So I celebrated my 29th Bday a couple of days early (Saturday) and it was the best time I've had in a long time!

First, my gals took me out to dinner at Mojito, a few short blocks away from my house. And we had the most fun waiter alive. His name was Giovanni and he showered us with free shots, free mojitos and a tres leches cake lit on fire!

He also made me do my favorite dance (shown below) in order to get my cake. Tee hee.

Then we were off to Rope, my favorite, and the closest, bar. Friends came out in the slush and ice to wish me a great birthday.

And my friends Jaime and Celeste made me yummy cupcakes.

While I can't clearly remember all the details of the end of the night, getting there was way fun!

ASK AGMAC's first question!

Dear Agmac,

I am an avid reader. Per your suggestion, I never go to a party empty handed. Typically, I bring a bottle of wine for the host. What do I bring if the host has a known "problem with alcohol?"

Signed, Confused

************
Dear Confused,

What a great question!

What to bring depends entirely on what kind of party it is. For instance, if it's a housewarming party or an anniversary or holiday celebration, I find that a beautiful bouquet of fresh cut flowers is the way to go for a man or woman.

A fresh cut bouquet adds beauty to any party and the host will much appreciate the gesture.

If it's a birthday party, I suggest a box of cupcakes from a specialty bakery. Cupcakes make people smile. My favorites come from Crumbs.

Hope that helps!

Signed,

Agmac, hostess with the mostest