Quick Tips
With Janice Collins, as seen in Main Street Magazine
Holiday Entertaining Mayhem.
No matter the promise, there really are no ‘easy’ short cuts when entertaining, especially during the holidays if you are the one hosting the party. My best tip: be the guest! Smile with a nice hostess gift in hand, laugh, enjoy and let the planning and clean up be someone’s else’s, but in all seriousness if this is not possible do as much as you can before hand, from food to decorating, and try and recruit help from your children, family or friends.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your home look festive. Lighting is essential. String Christmas lights around your home for added sparkle. Consider draping them along the doorway or the food table. Use tea light candles to add a glow to dark corners. If you have many guests, consider the new LED candle lights so if they are knocked over no one is in danger. The added bonus is being able to use them over and over, and you can get them cheap! Fill a vase or glass bowl with leftover Christmas ornaments for a stunning display. You could also spring for some of that spray-on snow for the windows. Don’t forget the tinsel and mistletoe.
There’s Christmas music out there for all tastes, whether you are into the traditional classics or more modern fare. Keep a bunch on hand to rotate throughout the night. Try a wide selection, from Frank Sinatra and Elvis to new compilations by Aretha Franklin, “This Christmas,” and Faith Hill, “Joy to the World.”
A holiday celebration requires some consideration as to what kinds of beverages will be served and what quantities of ingredients to buy. It isn't chiseled in granite anywhere that you must offer full bar service to guests. If that is your wish, however, make sure you have on hand a supply of the basic liquors -- whiskey, gin, rum, vodka -- and mixers -- tonic, club soda, tomato juice, lime juice, etc.
You'll also need a selection of wines and beers, plenty of ice, and enough glasses to go around.
Appoint a college-age son or daughter (yours or perhaps you can hire a friend's) to help tend bar, or set the bar up so guests can help themselves. You don't want to be chained to the bar any more than you want to be stuck at your stove.
To estimate how much you need, plan on each guest having three or four drinks throughout the course of the party. Serve nonalcoholic punch, fresh fruit juices, and bottled waters and sodas for guests who don't care to indulge.
As an alternative to having a full bar, consider serving one special drink, such as margaritas, single-malt scotch, or champagne. Wine lovers will be tickled to see the year's cadre of beaujolais adorning your table. Beer lovers will appreciate tasting a variety of handcrafted brews.
Popular is bring-your-own, and this is no longer thought of as ‘cheap and cheezy.’ Whatever you decide, be prepared to be a designated driver or make other arrangements to get everyone home safely..
Just like the bring-your-own alcohol beverages is now part of regular entertaining so are food contributions from guests. Plan a menu and ask each person to bring a dish. If this is not your style, remember to keep it simple, you do not want dips in the rug, and mustard on the drapes! Plan simple, mess free apps for nibbling while mingling.
Remember the point is ‘entertainment’ not just your guests but yours as well!
Have a safe and happy holiday everyone!
Interview with Canadian Icon: Matt Dusk
Recently I had a chance to visit with Matt Dusk and talk about what makes him tick, sneaking a peak into his life of Rat Pack smooth sounds and classic cool looks. His real approach to life is refreshing and made for an interesting interview.
MSM: Tell me about growing up in Toronto. Were you part of a big family? Was there a lot of music in your household?
MSM: Tell me about growing up in Toronto. Were you part of a big family? Was there a lot of music in your household?
MD: Growing up in Toronto was awesome! I went to a very small school called St. Michael's Choir School and have been friends with the same guys since I was 7... its pretty fortunate that my friends have been the same since then... Music was always apart of my life, but more classical and opera. My mother is a singer and has always been apart of choirs. My father always liked to sing along in the car... but not well.
MSM: What was the first concert that you saw?
MD: Although I have seen so many, the first memorable concert was Harry Connick Jr. When I saw him, I said... THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO! Look how many women there are around! ha!
MSM: At what point did you know that you wanted music to be your future?
MD: Honestly, since the school I went to was all guys, I was never around women! I was an odd looking teenager and one night I sang at an all girls school talent night show... and the girls went CRAZY... I was like... this is good!
MSM: If you were to pick another genre of music what would you be singing?
MD: I sing a cross between Jazz and Pop... I suck at everything else
MSM: Was there a time that you were ready to throw in the towel-what/who made you follow your dream?
MD: There are always days when I wanna throw in the towel... its a very frustrating industry. With the music industry in the state its in, everything is up in the air... but that’s why its exciting... opportunities are there that were never there before. What keeps me going is, that regardless of the industry, people still LOVE music! When we perform a concert and people wait for over an hour after the show to get an autograph or picture, it makes it worth it. Time is one thing you cannot replace and if someone would give you their time it is the greatest gift of all. I can only give back more.
MSM: If your music career did not work out what do you think you would be doing?
MD: Didn't work out? NEVER! but if it didn’t work out I'd become a professional lottery winner
MSM: You are a pretty stylish dresser, what is your favourite label? What do you like to wear when you are not performing?
MD: Didn't work out? NEVER! but if it didn’t work out I'd become a professional lottery winner
MSM: You are a pretty stylish dresser, what is your favourite label? What do you like to wear when you are not performing?
MSM: You are a pretty stylish dresser, what is your favourite label? What do you like to wear when you are not performing?
MD: My favorite label is Pal Zilleri. I love to dress to the nines, because its so difficult to find the opportunity outside of performing to dress old school! But when I'm at home, give me those 7 year old stretched jeans and that comfy T-shirt...
MD: My favorite label is Pal Zilleri. I love to dress to the nines, because its so difficult to find the opportunity outside of performing to dress old school! But when I'm at home, give me those 7 year old stretched jeans and that comfy T-shirt...
MSM: Where is your favourite place to shop?
MD: Online... Seriously... awesome deals out there! ebay!
MD: Online... Seriously... awesome deals out there! ebay!
MSM: What have you been listening to lately?
MD: I'm listening to Harry Connick Jr's latest album... I am a HUGE fan... he is my idol. Don't tell anyone I'm secretly stalking him... :)
MD: I'm listening to Harry Connick Jr's latest album... I am a HUGE fan... he is my idol. Don't tell anyone I'm secretly stalking him... :)
MSM: What was your inspiration for your latest CD?
MD: My inspiration comes from the live show... I really want people to get outta their seats and groove!
MSM: The Good News video is great-where was it shot?
MD: Capital Events Theater and my parents house! :)
MSM: You are playing both the piano and the guitar in the video, is there any other instrument that you play? Which is your favourite?
MD: I play piano, but do NOT play guitar... hahaha... we wanted the vibe of the video to be like everyone was drunk at a party, and trust me we were :) I got my mom's guitar out and started screwing around and then the director said... lets DO IT... we all do fun things after 19 glasses of wine! I also am a wicked ROCKBAND drummer :)
MD: My inspiration comes from the live show... I really want people to get outta their seats and groove!
MSM: The Good News video is great-where was it shot?
MD: Capital Events Theater and my parents house! :)
MSM: You are playing both the piano and the guitar in the video, is there any other instrument that you play? Which is your favourite?
MD: I play piano, but do NOT play guitar... hahaha... we wanted the vibe of the video to be like everyone was drunk at a party, and trust me we were :) I got my mom's guitar out and started screwing around and then the director said... lets DO IT... we all do fun things after 19 glasses of wine! I also am a wicked ROCKBAND drummer :)
MSM: Give our readers a snapshot into your life;
Dogs or Cats? - Dogs
Beer or wine? - Whiskey
Steak or seafood? - Seafood
Dogs or Cats? - Dogs
Beer or wine? - Whiskey
Steak or seafood? - Seafood
Winter or summer? - Summmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmer!!!!!!!!!! (why did I move back to Toronto?)
City or burbs/country ? - Country!
Coffee or tea? - Coffffffeeee.... I'm shaking right now! hehe
Cake or pie? - Come on... do I have to choose?
Morning or night? - Morning!
Blonde or brunette? - Both!
Facebook or Twitter? - Facebook
City or burbs/country ? - Country!
Coffee or tea? - Coffffffeeee.... I'm shaking right now! hehe
Cake or pie? - Come on... do I have to choose?
Morning or night? - Morning!
Blonde or brunette? - Both!
Facebook or Twitter? - Facebook
Iphone or Blackberry? - iPhone!!!! have you played flick fishing?
For information regarding Matt Dusk’s new CD: “Good News” Visit www.mattdusk.com
Tilly Rivers: Moving On!
Have you heard? While Tilly is no longer hosting a radio show anymore- you do not have to be sad- you can still get your "Tilly" fix--how?
Main Street Magazine!
http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/
Check out all the links on this blog- to learn more about what is happening in Tilly's life!
Have you heard? While Tilly is no longer hosting a radio show anymore- you do not have to be sad- you can still get your "Tilly" fix--how?
Main Street Magazine!
http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/
Check out all the links on this blog- to learn more about what is happening in Tilly's life!
Are New Year Resolutions Setting You Up For Faliure?
So, by traditional of (okay help me here tradition of what-??) this is the day we are suppose to make resolutions. New Years Resolutions. I disagree, I think every day we should focus on the importance of what we want, and create a continuous goal plan.
Apparently the most common resolution, (which by the way means, a promise, and to me a promise should not be something without thought or done because of pressure.) are loosing weight, quit {smoking, drinking too much, a habit-of-some sort}lose weight, gain weight, get-out-of-debt, start a saving account, better job, be better at your job, get fit, eat right, exercise, get an education, get a better education, take a trip, volunteer, less stress, less grumpy, watch less TV, watch less violence, spend more time with the kids, be a better mom/dad, grandparent/etc. (Any of these on your list?)
According to statics 94% of the world write or say New Years Resolutions, 2% of that population actually keeps them. ONLY 2% keep a PROMISE made to the most important person-THEMSELVES! (If you can not keep a promise to yourself- how can you keep a promise to anyone else?)
Wow! Why do people break the promise they have made to themselves? Perhaps it is because we bend to the pressure of what is popular instead of wanting something truly in our hearts?! NO ONE can make you do ANYTHING- let alone a day on the calendar that has proclaimed it to be the day of CHANGE!
On New Year’s I count my blessings and reflect back on the last year without judgment. I am blessed my Mom is still with me, her stroke has taught me to be a better person. I am blessed that my children are safe and happy, and that be it because of me; or in spite of me; they are on the path of a good life and developing into good people. I am blessed I met many wonderful people during the time I owned a publishing company, and I am blessed that those in whom were nasty and judgmental when I closed it taught me that I could stand strong in the truth and they could say or do whatever they wanted, that some people are born to be judgment throwers, that does not mean I have to catch the balls of shit they flung and throw it back- nope- it meant I was learning that life comes with surprises, not always in pretty wrapping.
I am blessed to have my belief system, for the gift of meditation, yoga and Pict. I am blessed with the gift of my writing, I am blessed to be loved by a wonderful man, I am blessed to have a great friendship, I am blessed to have friends and I am blessed to have the opportunity to be a food critic, radio host and entertainment editor. I am blessed to have a beautiful T/F that makes me smile. I am blessed to be well enough to write this now.
Each of these blessings, and so many more, I will carry with me into this New Year, and when, or if, I am ready to make changes, I will do so knowing why I am, because when it is all said and done, you need to answer to whatever your higher power is, and yourself, and when the time comes and you are asked: “Have you been the best person you can be?” Your answer can be a strong; “YES.”
When you wake and face your reflection in the mirror can you look yourself in the eye and know that you are worthy of the best, because you do not do anything out of malice, or guilt, but that you simple did the best you could at the time with the knowledge you had? That a mistake means you have learned, and that an experience, no matter how horrible can teach, and that those around you many be professional judgment slingers, but that you are not walking into the arena of their sick game! Of course you can! Why for you too are blessed!
Happy New Year! Much love, much happiness, and many many blessings!
So, by traditional of (okay help me here tradition of what-??) this is the day we are suppose to make resolutions. New Years Resolutions. I disagree, I think every day we should focus on the importance of what we want, and create a continuous goal plan.
Apparently the most common resolution, (which by the way means, a promise, and to me a promise should not be something without thought or done because of pressure.) are loosing weight, quit {smoking, drinking too much, a habit-of-some sort}lose weight, gain weight, get-out-of-debt, start a saving account, better job, be better at your job, get fit, eat right, exercise, get an education, get a better education, take a trip, volunteer, less stress, less grumpy, watch less TV, watch less violence, spend more time with the kids, be a better mom/dad, grandparent/etc. (Any of these on your list?)
According to statics 94% of the world write or say New Years Resolutions, 2% of that population actually keeps them. ONLY 2% keep a PROMISE made to the most important person-THEMSELVES! (If you can not keep a promise to yourself- how can you keep a promise to anyone else?)
Wow! Why do people break the promise they have made to themselves? Perhaps it is because we bend to the pressure of what is popular instead of wanting something truly in our hearts?! NO ONE can make you do ANYTHING- let alone a day on the calendar that has proclaimed it to be the day of CHANGE!
On New Year’s I count my blessings and reflect back on the last year without judgment. I am blessed my Mom is still with me, her stroke has taught me to be a better person. I am blessed that my children are safe and happy, and that be it because of me; or in spite of me; they are on the path of a good life and developing into good people. I am blessed I met many wonderful people during the time I owned a publishing company, and I am blessed that those in whom were nasty and judgmental when I closed it taught me that I could stand strong in the truth and they could say or do whatever they wanted, that some people are born to be judgment throwers, that does not mean I have to catch the balls of shit they flung and throw it back- nope- it meant I was learning that life comes with surprises, not always in pretty wrapping.
I am blessed to have my belief system, for the gift of meditation, yoga and Pict. I am blessed with the gift of my writing, I am blessed to be loved by a wonderful man, I am blessed to have a great friendship, I am blessed to have friends and I am blessed to have the opportunity to be a food critic, radio host and entertainment editor. I am blessed to have a beautiful T/F that makes me smile. I am blessed to be well enough to write this now.
Each of these blessings, and so many more, I will carry with me into this New Year, and when, or if, I am ready to make changes, I will do so knowing why I am, because when it is all said and done, you need to answer to whatever your higher power is, and yourself, and when the time comes and you are asked: “Have you been the best person you can be?” Your answer can be a strong; “YES.”
When you wake and face your reflection in the mirror can you look yourself in the eye and know that you are worthy of the best, because you do not do anything out of malice, or guilt, but that you simple did the best you could at the time with the knowledge you had? That a mistake means you have learned, and that an experience, no matter how horrible can teach, and that those around you many be professional judgment slingers, but that you are not walking into the arena of their sick game! Of course you can! Why for you too are blessed!
Happy New Year! Much love, much happiness, and many many blessings!
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