Shecky’s

Merry Mardi Gras! It’s no secret that celebrating Fat Tuesday involves indulgent eating, but if you’re not into throwing an all-out Southern-inspired soiree, what Carnival-accented dishes can you make for dinner, or better yet, lunch? Celebrate simply but scrumptiously with these five fast Mardi Gras recipes! -Cait Rohan In case you’re not already schooled in Cajun food, beignets are deep-fried donuts that... CONTINUE READING 6

How can you easily capture the essence of a queen without splurging on ridiculously expensive décor? By decorating with the color of royalty: purple. Splashing your sleeping chamber with the lavish hue says "Don't you know who I am?" plus it's perfectly appropriate to shop today since purple is the main color of Mardi Gras. Go on and kick-start that... CONTINUE READING 6

Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Carnival season...whatever you call it, it's an excuse to indulge in some good food and drink on a weeknight. Whether you're in NOLA for the party or not, put on some beads (pretend you earned 'em) and shake up one of these dangerous cocktails to let loose like those parading down Bourbon St. Drinkers beware: just... CONTINUE READING 5

Switch up your GNO routine for a GNI—Girls Night In. If funds are scarce for both your party and home décor budgets, invite your girlfriends over for a get-together that will satisfy both needs. Bond over crafting and cocktails instead of the usual (and expensive) night out on the town. Everyone will go home happy with at least one new... CONTINUE READING 5

If "drink accessories" scream old men sipping scotch and smoking pipes to you, I've got good news: there's a slew of girlie bar stuff out there just waitin' for us ladies to snap up. Get your sip on and look glam at the same time with everything from snazzy shot glasses to cool wine bottle openers. -Nicole DeBari Having a party? This... CONTINUE READING 4

Like Mom always said, “If you can cook for a man, you’ll have him eating out of the palm of your hand!” This Valentine’s Day, perhaps the best gift you could give is a home-cooked meal for two...especially if you're one of those anti-Hallmark types that hasn't booked a restaurant rezzie. It's more budget-friendly and infinitely more intimate to eat... CONTINUE READING 6

For all the single ladies, those women whose boyfriends conveniently "forgot" to make a dinner reservation, or the attached chicas who are throwing a quiet night at home to protest the holiday, shake up some love-therapy in the form of a chocolaty cocktail. You'll need one—or all seven—of these drinks to undo the headache you'll have by the end of... CONTINUE READING 6

On a super-teeny budget for Valentine’s Day this year and don’t know what to gift your beau? Or, don’t have a guy but do have a million people in your life who could use a token of appreciation? Edible treats are a cost-effective way to show your love on February 14th. My recipe picks run the gamut and—bonus!—they’re all heart-shaped... CONTINUE READING 8

No one really wants to clean those hard-to-reach, hidden areas in and around their appliances, but it really pays off in the long run! After 30+ years of working with home appliances, I’ve diagnosed countless appliance problems that could have been avoided with just a little routine maintenance. Whether you’re a whiz with a mop, a wood-polishing fanatic, or one of... CONTINUE READING 9

Single for V-Day? This isn't one of those mushy-gushy posts about guys or finding love. In this post, the ladies from KC You There are celebratin' singledom with a good ol' dose of DIYness. Use any or all of these tips to throw a fab girls-only gathering, on a budget! DIY Invites Who doesn’t love a handwritten note...especially when it involves a... CONTINUE READING 10