• Home
  • About
  • Contact

Tell it to your Neighbor

  • Art
  • Finds
  • Experiences
  • Home Ideas
  • Thoughts
  • Shop
    • SHOP MY #NSALE
    • Shop My Instagram
    • Shop My Favorites
    • NCL Mother Daughter Favorites

Archives for February 2013

Oscars, party, the Designer | February 26, 2013

Oscars Party

 

For the past 5 years I’ve had a very small and casual Academy Awards Watch Party at my house.  We always have a blast and I look forward to it all year and I’m pretty sure my friends do too.  I usually have no time to throw it all together (it’s usually right after I volunteer for a week at the Rodeo BBQ) so it’s all very simple and I wouldn’t be able to do it without my Husband and my Sister.   Here’s how we do it:

I email a save-the-date on the same day the academy announces the nominees (later I send an email with more details).  To get everyone excited the email comes from a leading man:

To greet my friends, this is my attempt at a red carpet.   Click here for the better one I’ve used in the past, I couldn’t find in my closet this year.

There is no time for flowers so we cut a few leaves from the yard to set the mood.

For our libations, I found these up-cycled trophy wine stoppers from Annette’s Touch of Class at the Nutcracker and I thought they’d be perfect for this party, love them:

 

I took a last minute trip to Target for cupcake ingredients and so I was also looking for anything Red, Black or Gold to help set the stage.  I found Twizzlers, Sprintz Napkins, Rolos and Oreos.


Everybody flips for the Red Velvet cupcakes I make every year.  So, I’m going to have to do a separate post on how I tweak the “from the box” cupcakes, they are TDF!!

I love to toast, who doesn’t like to say Cheers?!  The black and white paper straws I had in a drawer helped to make it festive!  Click here for the straws.

My friends come in their most comfy clothes and they graciously bring an appetizer.  We snack on them for dinner the whole time, yummy!

They also bring $10 for our Oscars Pool.

We either print ballots to fill out or this year we filled out our ballots online at RunYourPool.com so we could have a live leaderboard!  Click here for the gadget I used to display our iPad onto the 2nd TV with an HDMI cable.

And the winner of our pool gets to go home with the cash and also our Oscar we’ve been passing around since we started this tradition.

Next year we’re adding earrings to the tradition.  My sister and I felt like we were channeling our Mom when Carly walked in my door and we both had the idea to wear our fanciest earrings with our comfy cozy attire.

I can’t forget my friends, they make this party fun.  Someone in the group is either 9 months pregnant, has a newborn at home, is exhausted from a busy weekend or just finished a week of volunteering for BBQ and they all come to play.  Thank you for wonderful friends!

4 Comments - Leave Yours

This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 4

BBQ, Coach Sumlin, Rodeo Houston, the Tourist | February 24, 2013

This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 4

Judging Day! Aprons for the judges. My table ready for the first round of judging. My friends and fellow Judge Coordinators. Finalist announcements!  I spy with my little eye, Aggie Coach Sumlin! A finalist turning in their meat.  So cool to watch Continue Reading

Add a Comment - Leave Yours

This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 3

BBQ, Rodeo Houston, Solo Cup Chandelier, the Tourist | February 23, 2013

This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 3

This is why we volunteer for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, FOR THE KIDS!  Click here to find out more. Meat tagging demonstration. My friend's beautiful boots.  For boots with similar stitching click here and for boots with a similar height click Continue Reading

Add a Comment - Leave Yours

This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 2

BBQ, Rodeo Houston, the Tourist | February 22, 2013

This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 2

Breakfast of Champions Me and my friends, Laura and Kathy. Contestant booth Dusty Bones. Mayonnaise Our signs were a team effort and they turned out great!  Easy: foam core, duct tape and a sharpie. Very Continue Reading

1 Comment - Leave Yours

This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 1

BBQ, Rodeo Houston, the Tourist | February 21, 2013

This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 1

  Loved these signs!  They were posted where we eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.  So funny!   The contest theme is camo, these are the T-shirts we'll be wearing on judging day.   These are the trophies we're all working hard to Continue Reading

2 Comments - Leave Yours

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »


Hello Neighbor! I’m Erica Smith and this is where I share discoveries and tell a few stories!

More Discoveries Here:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

New Posts by Email

Popular Posts

  • Moon Garden
  • Slurried Brick
  • Coffee Cart at Home
  • Fall Feather Wreath
  • Service Series: Self-Serve Laminators
  • Wild Kratts Birthday Party for a Girl

Find It

The Archives

  • ►2018 (3)
    • ►September(1)
      • Texas Bluebonnet Award 2018-19 Books: A Visual List with Links
    • ►July(1)
      • Nordstrom Anniversary Kids Clothes
    • ►February(1)
      • Best Morning Ever Mug
  • ►2017 (14)
    • ►December(7)
      • Books Ship Quick
      • "All The Rage" for the Girls
      • Candles That Smell Like Home
      • 20 Favorites for the Guys
      • Kids Club Membership
      • Brickheadz for the Kidz
      • Let The Gifts Begin
    • ►November(1)
      • Semi-Cyber
    • ►October(1)
      • Haunted Gingerbread Houses and Cheers to Small Parties!
    • ►August(1)
      • My Favorite Lunch Box and Why
    • ►July(4)
      • Settling In 2 | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
      • Settling In | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
      • Back To School for Him | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
      • Back To School for Her | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
  • ►2016 (3)
    • ►July(1)
      • 3rd Annual Shopping Experiment
    • ►May(1)
      • #TITYNBUILDSAHOUSE + Invitation
    • ►January(1)
      • Start Here
  • ►2015 (8)
    • ►December(1)
      • Not Your Typical Gift Guide
    • ►September(1)
      • The Fall of Unfinished Business
    • ►August(1)
      • These Are My Keepers
    • ►July(1)
      • Shopping Experiment Take Two!
    • ►May(2)
      • Summer Style Shape Up Giveaway!
      • Just A Few Things About Grand Cayman
    • ►April(1)
      • Recommendations for Seaside!
    • ►January(1)
      • the SALE is This Weekend
  • ►2014 (41)
    • ►December(4)
      • The Art of Decluttering
      • 5 Tips to Help Your Holiday
      • Free Shipping: Who's got it and for how long?
      • Insta-card Round Up
    • ►September(3)
      • New Finds in Round Top
      • More Talking = Less Shame, More Hope
      • How To Give a Baby a Bath
    • ►July(3)
      • Shopping Experiment
      • United Colors of Wimbledon
      • Emma and I
    • ►June(2)
      • Here We Go Again!
      • A Few Birthday Party Tips
    • ►May(9)
      • Scooby-Doo Meets Batman Party
      • A Few Memorial Day / Summer Discoveries
      • My Sister's Big Top Party
      • Wild Kratts Birthday Party for a Girl
      • Mickey Mouse Orange Party
      • A Gift From...
      • What I Want for Mother's Day
      • Big Kid's Sand and Water Table + Update
      • TITYN DIY Night - Painted Antlers
    • ►April(6)
      • Sunday Takeaway
      • "Modern Goods For Happy Occasions"
      • Uptown Park's Lifestyle Blogger Series: Spring Edition
      • The MVP of Baby Gifts
      • 10 Steps to Easy (and Fun!) Bookcase Styling
      • Easy Easter Bunny Wreath
    • ►March(5)
      • Round Top Round Up Plus...
      • First-Ever Kite Festival
      • Very Important Post
      • Instant Oscars Party
      • World's Championship Bar-B-Que 2014
    • ►February(5)
      • Glass Knot Trend - Luxury vs. Mega Steal
      • The Crafting Box
      • Travel Edition: TRAVAASA Austin, Texas
      • Cookie Cake: Swedish Heart
      • My Clutter Recovery
    • ►January(4)
      • The Train Trunk and More
      • Inspired by a Fresh Looking Desk
      • Sevenly
      • My Sister's Post
  • ▼2013 (88)
    • ►December(8)
      • The Clutter in My Mind
      • Merry Christmas!
      • Easy Christmas Cookies
      • Best Kid's Watch Ever
      • Free Shipping for Christmas Delivery
      • Old Tradition New Spin
      • Tiptus Finds
      • Stargazer Lights
    • ►November(6)
      • It's Clear to See
      • Fall Feather Wreath
      • A Nod to The Nod
      • Nutcracker Ready
      • Step It Up!
      • Numbered Cake Sparklers
    • ►October(4)
      • A Wedding on The Prairie
      • Great Party Supplies Stat
      • Dancing Crows
      • The Prairie By Rachel Ashwell
    • ►September(7)
      • Fun Halloween Finds
      • Instagramming From Round Top
      • Here Comes the Funny... Boom.
      • Now I See Me
      • Drug Store Favorites
      • Driving Around Again
      • Moon Garden
    • ►August(7)
      • Easy Mickey Mouse Invite + Free Template!
      • Preschool Separation Anxiety
      • A Creative Pep Talk
      • Red Sands Ranch
      • Thread
      • Cake Bunting in a Jiffy
      • Highlights from New York, New York
    • ►July(4)
      • A Nice Frame Ready-To-Go
      • Birthday Campout Inspiration
      • A Bunch of Stuff for Kids
      • Master Overhaul: Before and After
    • ►June(6)
      • Thank You!
      • A Platter Big Enough For Three
      • Summer Foodie Finds
      • Easy Homemade Father's Day Cakes
      • Slurried Brick
      • Minnie Mouse Birthday Party, Part 2
    • ►May(10)
      • To and Fro Swim School
      • One Hundred Winner!
      • One Hundred Posts Celebration and Giveaway!
      • Sneaker Secret
      • KEA-I-AY (pig latin)
      • For My Mom
      • Dining Room Rug
      • Minnie Mouse Birthday Party, Part 1
      • Waiting for Wind
      • Floral Workshop
    • ►April(8)
      • Welcome Home Baby
      • Southern Floral
      • Travel Edition: Punta Mita and The St. Regis
      • Jumping For Joy
      • Round Top Report Spring 2013
      • Best Slip Ever
      • The Headband Bowl
      • HC by JA at JCP
    • ►March(7)
      • Fresh Flowers for the Door
      • Master Plan and Inspiration
      • Gorgeous Easter Eggs
      • An Easter Basket For the Years
      • Free Advice
      • How To: Round Top, Part 2
      • How To: Round Top, Part 1
    • ▼February(11)
      • Oscars Party
      • This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 4
      • This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 3
      • This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 2
      • This Is Why I Love BBQ, Day 1
      • Be A Hero
      • Be Part of the eClub
      • Happy Valen-tine's Day
      • Classroom Valentines Plan
      • Good Night Sleep Chart
      • Service Series: Cut It Out!
    • ►January(10)
      • Fore The Love Of Golf
      • A Hug and a Kiss
      • Styling a Glass Cabinet
      • Service Series: Self-Serve Laminators
      • Coffee Cart at Home
      • Service Series: Same-Day Custom Notes
      • A Steamer Superb!
      • Wedding Inspiration
      • Thinking about Rodeo Tickets?
      • Obsessed with the COLOR BAR*
  • ►2012 (56)
    • ►December(7)
      • New Year's Solo Cup Chandelier
      • Merry Christmas, Neighbor!
      • Toddler Christmas Activity
      • Santa's Tool Giveaway - Winners!
      • A Tool for Santa (That's You) - GIVEAWAY!
      • Big Battery Operated Lights
      • The Tree Is Up and It Is Good!
    • ►November(8)
      • The Kids' Remote
      • Split Second Elf Ideas
      • Give Sleep
      • Christmas Tree Intervention
      • Snowman Wreath, Dip Baby Dip
      • Crash Course on Nutcracker
      • No Need to Drill
      • Diaper Rash Wipes
    • ►October(9)
      • Happy Halloween
      • Inspiration Board
      • Pedicure for Two
      • Art Full Circle
      • Elf on the Shelf or Skeleton in the Yard?
      • Guest Bedroom Design, Everything on Sale
      • A Rapunzel Party Without Getting Tangled
      • Birthday Morning Surprise
      • Plato del Niño
    • ►September(9)
      • Headed to Round Top
      • This Song Moved Me
      • Halloween Solo Cup Wreath
      • There's A Spider on Your Head!
      • Thirst Be Gone, Mosquitos Be Gone
      • One Dollar Tuesdays
      • The One and Only Scooter
      • Think Outside The Jewelry Box, Part 2
      • Labor Day Sale
    • ►August(11)
      • Free Gift Wrap
      • Cake For Breakfast
      • Travel Edition: La Jolla, CA
      • Mama's Got a Brand New Chair
      • Celebrate Good Times
      • Ice Ice Baby
      • Think Outside The Jewelry Box, Part 1
      • Hooked On Bundts
      • Black and White Trim
      • A Step Above the Fill-In Invitation
      • MadBox Update
    • ►July(10)
      • From Danger to New Hanger
      • Lunch Box Madness
      • Travel Edition: Jackson Hole, WY
      • Cottage Bathroom Renovation
      • Swedish Nursery
      • The Everlasting Bag
      • Game Changer, The Puddle Jumper
      • Paper Lantern Chandelier
      • Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness
      • Coca-Cola + Navy = Patio Redo
    • ►June(2)
      • Best Pool Bag Ever
      • American Flag Wreath

RSS My Sister’s Blog

  • Loving Lately
    Floral Top: Ilan, Tulle Maxi Skirt: Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Green Dress: Rhode, Pink Dress: English Factory, Floral Dress: Saloni, Crochet Top: Sea, Sneakers: Nike, Denim Shirt: Frame, Red Top: Gigi Knitwear, Blue Tote: Naghedi NYC, Pink & Red Dress: AMUR   Continue reading >>

Currently on Instagram

The best gift tomorrow will be a boy turning 12! ♥️🥳

These streamers took me years to find. Years searching on the internet even though they were right under my nose! My Mom used to use them at every birthday, she’d throw them all over the chandeliers. They were messy fantastic! I finally figured out they are called Serpentine Throws or Streamers. And when you call them by the right name you can find them everywhere! 

#birthdaydoor #birthdaytradition
#notetoself “…the more we stand in awe of Him #notetoself “…the more we stand in awe of Him the less we’ll stand in judgment of others.” - @bobgoff 🌎🤩

Have y’all seen the @expedia Super Bowl commercial with Ewan McGregor? The ad of course is trying to get me to go to their site and travel but I like that it FIRST is trying to convince me to not spend on STUFF! It feels like they are putting my purpose before my money and I’m just going to believe that because I love it! 🙌 

The photos above are all mine and have all been taken since the last Earth Day. They are all #nofilter and if you swipe left you can see their location. Also my file for this post has 76 photos 😆 so it was hard to narrow down to the annual nine! Keep swiping for bonus Planet Earth!

#borntocreate #inawe #creator #earthday2022 #undistractedbook #lovedoes #bobgoffquotes #lessstuff #moreplaces #thankyougod
Easter snapshots 👆 and my notes from @thejohnst Easter snapshots 👆 and my notes from @thejohnstephens’ message we streamed from @levyparkhouston (because we didn’t want to leave our lovely family breakfast to get ready in time to be early enough to find a seat at @chapelwoodumc 👌):
•Created to value and focus on the intangibles.
•Set your heart on things above.
•Live in the light of the resurrection, that’s what Easter means.
•The WORST things are NEVER the LAST things. ♥️

I started listening to/reading the Bible back in February. It’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole adult life. I’m following a chronological Bible in a year plan, listening to cliff notes and trying to finish faster than the whole 365 days. It is a struggle and I can’t believe I’m actually doing it! 😫💪🏼 I’m on day 64 and I just looked up how far I have to go before I get to the event we celebrated this past weekend. I have to make it to Day 274 for the first mention of Jesus and Day 319 for the resurrection. My friends and family have heard me say quite often, “I can’t wait to get to Jesus.” And I’m also looking forward to the New Testament on @audible because I found a version read by @johnnycash! Now if I’m going to make it to Jesus and Johnny I’m going to have to change up what I’m doing for the Old Testament. Do y’all have any recommendations on audible? I’m looking for the impossible: a voice that’s captivating and storytelling but not dramatic and cheesy. And a version that’s easier to read in general. Any help in the comments below would be great for all to read! 👇 Thank you and Happy Easter! 🙏🏼

#easterinthepark #chapelwood #bibleinayear #imnotatheologian #easter #theyearofthedonkey #thelegendofthedonkeyscross #easterbasketsforever
Houston, we have a @buffcitysoap! I’ve been driv Houston, we have a @buffcitysoap! I’ve been driving to @buffcitysoap.pearlandtexas because I’ve been hooked on their Narcissist scented laundry soap and dryer balls since my cousin’s daughter introduced us to it in Dallas last Thanksgiving. (Thank you, Lane! @tsno06) Now it’s just a drive to The Heights and I’m already scheming for a soap making party. 🧼 Go check it out! 👃🏼@buffcitysoap.northheights  #buffcitysoap #htown #houstonshops #titynshops
This was her Christmas gift from 2019! When we gav This was her Christmas gift from 2019! When we gave it to her she was 12 years old and she thought it would be hard to Wait For It until July 2020! 😆 How about March 2022?! Worth the wait to see Hamilton live a 2nd time. She was still in awe! 🙏🏼 And if a mask 😷 had not been required I might have put one on anyway because It’s Quiet Uptown and I didn’t have a tissue. 😭😭🤧🤧🥺🥺 

#hamiltonmusical @hamiltonmusical @hobbycenterhouston #waitforit #itsquietuptown #americanhistory #alexanderhamilton @joseph_1_smith
We’re in New Mexico and happened upon the oldest We’re in New Mexico and happened upon the oldest church structure in the U.S.A. in Santa Fe! Circa 1610! 😲

If you’re interested in traveling to New Mexico, I started sharing our trip highlights in my stories and will continue to share when I have a chance. What I’ve shared so far is saved to my highlights on my page.☀️ 

#springbreak #santafe #newmexico #santafenewmexico #tityntravel

Copyright © Tell it to your Neighbor 2022 · design by Alpine Lane