Not too hot, not too cold! 'Tis the perfect season to do a little outdoor entertaining! This week, my picks are centered around hosting that wonderful, casual party for good friends.

I love nothing better than serving up a great party with a fabulous theme. These bright blue glass platters make fantastic serving pieces and an even better conversation starter. Throw on some of the season's best steamed Crabs, add a dash of Old Bay, several husks of fresh corn on the cob, a bucket of cold beer and you have an instant party (Eastern Shore not included)! Don't forget the bibs and wet wipes!

As I walked into my store yesterday, I instantly knew that it was almost summer because two of our favorite college girls were back at The Patch in action! I told them about my quest for the best gift ideas for grads. Not surprisingly, they immediately started listing off their favorite Vera Bradley choices for the graduation season.

From the Horse's Mouth, "No Apples, Please!"
As the school year winds down, we as mothers begin to think of the end-of-school teacher gift. And given that I have two kids and have been buying these gifts for many years I must admit, my creative gift juices were getting depleted. So, I called in the experts! With two teachers, we chatted about some of their favorite choices for teacher gifts.

First up, beautiful Tea Forte infusers. At the end of a crazy day, these women like nothing better than to relax with a warm and calming cup of tea. With sampler sets that vary from Sanctuary, Escape, Green, Herbal and Exotics-- certainly you can find a gift that best represents your message of gratitude. (Remember that these professionals are with 15-32 kids ALL DAY LONG!) These women loved the darling pyramid shaped packaging and raved about the wonderful world of tea. One thing I know: relaxed teacher= relaxed student. Sounds like a winner to me!

Like mother, like daughter...

In the days preceding Mother's Day, some of us are awash with guilt about purchasing the PERFECT gift for our own mothers. Now that we share that same title with our own kiddos, we know the importance of acknowledging the ONE day dedicated to being an official nose-wiper, generous hugger, consummate cheerleader and general craft-queen. Thus, we are determined to find that extra-special something to say "thanks for being my mom," and hope that our offspring follow suit. Well lucky for me, this year I have hit pay dirt as I stumbled across Trollbeads. These beads have it all-- part charm bracelet (ala 2010), part unique artisan culture (each irresistible bead is individually crafted by hand), and part personal love story (each interchangeable charm has story).  Trust me when I say that these are MAGIC beads that will leave every mother spellbound for years to come. (Now, can someone please make sure to share this post with my kids?)

In celebration of Earth Day, I wanted to share a few of my absolute favorite green items to give (and get).

For your favorite Administrative Professional:
This year, Earth Day (April 22nd) falls exactly one day after Administrative Professionals Day. Usually my husband purchases the "standard" floral arrangement for his Assistant, but this year I have talked him into giving "green" flowers. These darling packages provide everything you need to start a beautiful windowsill or patio garden and are made with high quality eco-friendly components. From Lavender to Sunflowers, you won't go wrong with the gift that comes with its own rice hull pot and to/from tag. They are even made in the USA... so we can be patriotic too!

In the spirit of the season, here are some great ideas for some creative Easter Basket items for the kids!

A sweet treat  www.godiva.com

If you gotta have chocolate in the mix, why not have the best? This season Godiva has introduced the cutest collection of edible yummys. From bunnys and carrot sticks, to eggs and flowers-- Godiva has you covered. While you're at it, maybe you should pick up a few goodies for yourself?

For me:
As I flip through the latest fashion magazines, I notice that ruffles are everywhere this spring! In keeping with the up-to-the-minute trends, Vera Bradley has come out with the Cha-Cha handbag. This darling bag has personality plus-- from its shiny strap and it's rows of ruffles-- this bag instantly puts a smile on anyone. Purchase the Cha-Cha in any of the new colors, but my fav is Totally Turq! Just add water for a fab spring break!
verabradley.com

For baby: Bunnies by the Bay
When my kids were infants, they both found a "lovie" that they couldn't sleep without. For my daughter she had her Raggedy Ann and for my son, he had to have his buddy blanket. In fact, little did they know that they each had multiples of their lovies for those "washing moments". So, it comes as no surprise that one of my favorite gifts to give a newborn is any soft cuddly "buddy blanket". Choose from frogs, bears, ducks or bunnies to make a wonderful sleeping partner or security blanket for the baby. You know what they say... a sleeping baby is a happy baby (or is it a happy mom?)!