It's finally October!

Ernst and Gilpin is throwing our 2nd annual halloween bash... scaled back from last year by quite a bit.  I pulled out all the halloween decor I own last week and was looking through it. I already had a few skulls and little bits out, but I felt that since October finally came, it was time to go all out and enjoy the decor for as long as possible.

Last year's party was a "Twisted Disney Mad Hatter" theme.  This year, it's just going to be creepy.  REALLY creepy.

Spooky Halloween Party Planning

If you're planning on throwing your own Spooky

 Halloween Party, the first thing you want to decide on is FOOD... yes, Food.  Why food first?  The food should take up around HALF of your budget!  Also, depending on the amount of Alcohol you want, it could be 3/4 of your budget.  Take careful consideration when planning the time of your party.  If you plan on opening your door before 7pm, plan on feeding people more than just cupcakes.

Decide First whether you're going to serve a buffet, appetizers, potluck, or a full course meal. That decision will factor into the INVITATIONS, especially if you're asking guests to bring food or drinks.

If you like a lighter fare, like appetizers and finger food, pick 3 items to make, but make enough to feed your crew. An easy way to creep up appetizers: add black, orange or red food coloring to dips, spreads and some of your water-based veggies, like celery will take on the color of choice if soaked in a shallow dish of cold water and food coloring for a few hours (it also keeps them crisp).

If you think coloring your food will ward off guests from sampling them, add non-edible decor to the serving platters, and use aged or festive bowls and plates.  Scour thrift stores for some fun finds like old silver platters.

Invitations

Once you have an idea of what the menu will consist of, make invitations, and send them out at least 3 or 4 weeks ahead, especially if you'll be asking guest to wear costumes.  Consider all things about the party when making invitations, and what you expect your guests to bring... or n

ot to bring.  Alcohol, children, costumes, food, wine, and games are all things to bring or leave at home.

There are some fantastic and easy ways to make your own invitations, and set the mood long before the party begins.  You could choose from a myriad of clip art, or go to your local craft store and get cardstock cutouts, stamps and decorative paper. Or buy a can of granite-look spray paint and paint tombstone-shaped cutouts, then write the info on them once they’re dry.  Make sure to include your address, the time of the party (and an end time if you like) and the name of the hosts.

If you have all the guests' e-mail addresses, you can skip the stamps and paper and use an e-invitation website to reach your guests.  Sites like evite.com have pre-designed templates for every occasion and style and are easy to fill in an

d hit send!

Creepy or Cutesy?

Decide on a theme for your decor, and stick to it throughout your 

party-scape.  If you'll be utilizing your entire house, divide the areas into "scare zones" for an even creepier effect.  

For instance, you can purchase "bloody handprints" that cling onto shower doors and plastic curtains for a "PSYCHO" look in the bathroom.  The entryway (inside or out) could be filled with flying bats made from black construction paper.  The kitchen might be transformed into a dirty meat market, with body parts in the sink and sticking out of the oven.  Jello Brain Molds are easy to find and inexpensive at your local party store.

For more Halloween Decor ideas: Martha Stewart and many others offer DIY instructions for creating your own spooky decor, from super easy to advanced craftsman.  Take a gander...

But it's only September!

That's what Jason said to me.

Let me start at the beginning... We're moved into the new house, now known as Gilpin/Percy Manor, and Jason and I have been trying to unload all the piles of boxes that stretch across the garage.  (I have a lot of STUFF.)  So, last week I started making my way to the HALLOWEEN decor filled boxes (FUN!), and pulling out items for inspection.  I put out a few tombstones in the front entryway, skulls atop the bookshelves, and a creepy black wire tree and candles...  

Then I found one of my favorite pieces of decor - my flying demon.  He's so scary at night with the right lighting.  So I thought I'd catch Jason by surprise, walked in the house with the demon, and he loved it.  I started holding it up in different areas to see where it fit best.   

That's when Jason asked: "When do you want to start decorating for Halloween?"

I was stunned for a moment, and said: "I already have."

"But it's only September!!" he laughed.

I have been preparing for Halloween in my mind for at least a month or so.  And now that I have my own HOUSE, and can decorate it any way I see fit... it boggles the mind.  The options are endless.

There's just something about Halloween that makes me feel magical.  Not the same kind of magical that christmas offers.  A little darker brand of magic.

Life and other catastrophies.

Yes, goddesses, it's been a while.

Brooke and I keep experiencing life slam into us like a freight train, and something has to give.  Unfortunately, that's been Domestic Goddess for the past month or 2.  Interest seems to be on a decline, due to life happening to everyone else too.

I had a mini-breakdown-crisis yesterday, upon feeling the weight of the world and all its accessories, life started closing in on me like a garbage compactor.  It was a day of extreme ups, downs, frustrations, sadness and delight - pulverizing my nerves. I had to stop.  Just stop.  Stop thinking, stop doing, stop worrying, stop hoping, stop expecting, stop disappointment, stop obsessing. Just stop. 

And breathe.

I calmed down.  For about an hour, I just sat in front of the TV and watched it.  Didn't do anything else.  My mind was emptied.  I felt better, calmer, less on the edge of screaming.  And it happens to us all.  Things build up, especially when we aren't paying attention.  Soon we're choking out the goober coffee shop kid because he asked if we want whipped cream.

It occurred to me in writing this very blog, that there is a direct correlation to the weight of the world closing in, and the lack of me creating something just to create.  It is an outlet, a safe haven, and therapy for me.  I can so easily slide into the softness of it's womb, and keep my sanity by just creating.  The challenge is - doing something for a living that's creative = not being as willing to keep it up when I get off work, because sometimes it feels like work.

I've had my paints, canvases, beads, fabric and crafting stuff packed in boxes for 3 weeks now, since I'm moving in less than a month. I don't really have time to unpack what's been packed - I need to pack MORE.  And that, I feel, has partially led to my mini-breakdown-crisis. 

So I decided in all my enlightenment to dig into some stuff I've always wanted to do, and include the Domestic Goddesses in my projects.  So join me.  I'm planning to do one project a week. (until I move, and then start it up again.)  Please feel free to offer suggestions.  I've already come up with THIS WEEK's PROJECT: MAKE YOUR OWN SHAMPOO!

Dr. G and Special Sauce Penne

Dr. G and Special Sauce Penne

with Italian Garlic Bread

Ingredients for Penne:

• 1/2 box penne pasta 

• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• handfull of mushrooms, chopped (your choice, but I use baby bellas from publix)

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 2-3 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped

• 1 can of diced tomatoes

• 1/2 jar of Tomato Sauce

• 1 tsp. Adobo with pepper

• 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp parsley (fresh or dried)

• Grated Cheese

Ingredients for Italian Garlic Bread:

• Sliced Italian Bread from your local bakery or Farmer's Market

• Olive Oil

• Italian Seasoning

• Garlic Powder

Directions:

• Heat Olive oil in skillet on medium

• Boil penne as directed on package, until al denté

• Coarsely Chop Mushroom, Onions and Garlic 

• Sauté until Golden Brown

• Add Can of Diced Tomatoes and set heat to med-high

• Add 1/2 Jar of Tomato sauce, and simmer till it's bubbling

• Add dry spices, and stir, turn the heat to low.

• sprinkle cheese over the top, don't mix yet

• When pasta is done, gently fold into Sauce in skillet, and turn off 

heat

For Garlic Bread:

• Pre-heat toaster/oven to 350º

• Cut slices of bread in half, and place on baking sheet

• Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning

• Bake for 10 min, or until light golden brown

Garage Sale!!

If you'd like to donate any items or goodies for the bake sale, all proceeds go to the Kunze Family. Their family took a hard and unexpected hit this year, Mr Kunze has a rare and unknown disease that is deteriorating his brain, he basically has the mind of a 6 year old. The doctors have no idea what it is. They are definitely feeling the strain financially and the kids are in desperate need of a break from the situation. Any little bit helps.

Accolade Chem-Dry is donating their first set of season tickets to the Bucs Game to their family as way for them (especially the kids) to have a break and just have fun. We are having the bake sale to raise money for parking, concessions, and t-shirts for the kids. If you are able to help us by donating a baked good for our sale I know they would appreciate it.

Summertime, and the livin' is easy

Grass Clippings floating through the hot breeze.  Piles of flip-flops in the doorway.  Kids running through the sprinklers.  Hot dogs and hamburgers sizzle and pop on the grill.  Summertime.

Summer in Florida is fierce (and can be deadly), but there are so many ways to beat the heat AND the humidity, and not spend a fortune on your A/C bill.  

Did you know?  Air Conditioning in Florida can be 60-70% of your summer electric bill!

- If you have a programmable A/C thermostat, you can save by setting it CORRECTLY for the time of day:

6 a.m. to 9 a.m. = 75 degrees

9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. = 80 degrees

5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. = 75 degrees

11 p.m. to 6 a.m. = 80 degrees*

- If you have central air, set your thermostat above 78 degrees, and each degree above 78 will save you up to 8% on cooling costs.

- If you leave your home for more than an hour, set your thermostat to 80 degrees, or turn it off completely. (It cools off again in 15 minutes or less, and uses less energy than leaving it running while you were gone.)

- Use a fan.  Ceiling fans can make a room feel 6-9 degrees cooler, and uses less electricity than your A/C, but make sure the fan is turning counter-clockwise, so that it's blowing down and not up.  Turn the fan off when you leave the room.

- Add curtains, blinds or both to your windows.  The sweltering summer sunlight creates about 20% of the heat in your home*, and comes in through the windows.  Try fitting it into your normal morning routine, eat a healthy breakfast, grab a water, and close all the blinds and curtains before you leave.

- Greener shade.  Plant some shady shrubs and trees near your windows, especially the West facing windows, to keep the afternoon heat from making your home about 10 degrees warmer.  Awnings over your windows can also be installed to block the heat.

- Run your most heat-making appliances at night during cooler hours, like the dryer and dishwasher.  The oven can also produce unnecessary heat in the home, so use your microwave, or even better- take it outside!  Use your charcoal grill to make dinner with some yummy recipes from DG.

- Use Energy Saver Fluorescent bulbs to reduce heat and electricity - they use up to 75% less energy and 90% less heat*.

- If you have a spare bedroom that rarely is used, close the vents that feed that room until you're entertaining guests.

- Clean or Replace your A/C filter MONTHLY!  A dirty filter makes the A/C work harder.

*-sources: www.thisoldhouse.com, michaelbluejay.com

Trash to Treasure, the video, Part I

You may have seen the garage sale finds, but you haven't seen how we got them... or what we did with them....

Take a look:

Saturday: Trash to Treasure

Saturday, June 13th at 3pm

Brooke Ernst's House

(where we had our first meeting)

Bring your "Trash" for advice, or show off your "Treasure!!"

Call Kerri or Brooke for more info.

Project: Trash to Treasure, Part I: Treasure hunting

Brooke and I went "Treasure hunting" on Saturday morning. We got an early start (with the help of some coffee) in the downtown area of Lakeland. It was quite an adventure. We had to maneuver a fallen tree full of bees, and field calls from our S.O.'s while trying to wheel and deal with the locals. There were so many signs around downtown and lake hollingsworth, we had our work cut out for us. The best part was getting to see all of the historic downtown area this time of year, when everyone's lawn is lush, flowers are blooming, and people trying to sell their junk in their yard!

Granted, the whole scenario of going to a yard sale is - there will be junk. Stuff NOBODY wants. Items you can't even identify. But then again, that's the thrill of the hunt! 

We lucked out at the first place we came to on NY ave. I found 2 small jar/vases with thick wire for hanging, one clear and one green - and immediately dropped the green one right after I paid for it.

Brooke found a cute lamp, like new, that was brushed silver with a white shade.

We spotted a wrought iron wall hanging candle holder, that she flipped upside down and I got IDEAS!

So we spent a total of $6, and got several projects. But the fun wasn't over then...

Through the course of the day we saw very few things that caught our eye amidst the junk and clutter (and beautiful houses), but as we were about to call it a day, I spotted a green metal chair on the side of the road on edgewood, Brooke saw it too. It was next to a pile of trash bags, and we maneuvered traffic to stop and ninja it from their yard. It was our coolest find of the day - and the best part - it was FREE! And so it was literally a trash to treasure day!

Interior Decor: Pottery Barn Style on a Wal-Mart Budget

Get to work on a summer DIY project that's affordable and fun, and hopefully it will spark your imagination to create even more DIY for your home.  

This month: Interior Decor.

So how in the world can we get Pottery Barn style on a Wal-Mart budget?  Here's some tips to get you started, and at the June 13 meeting, Brooke and Kerri will show you HOW we did it.

- Hitting garage sales, tag sales, and second hand stores is the first step to finding your treasure among the trash.  Look on Craigslist and in the classified section of the newspaper to find out what's going on in your area.

- Do some homework. Make a list of anything specific you are looking for, and how much you'd be willing to spend on it.

- Sharpen your eye: It might be tough at first to see a pieces true potential at first. Make sure you look at plenty of examples of what you want so you can easily recognize those that have potential as opposed to wasting $30 on something you think might work.

- Look for structure…not style: Upholstery and paint can drastically change a piece.

(we will have more tips for you at the meeting on June 13)

Now, go out and get started!

Women: you can't live without 'em.

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.  It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.  We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.  

~Albert Schweitzer

Can you tell the domestic goddesses love quotes? This one really touched me.  I was looking for some related to summertime, but as I was googling, this one hit me.  More than anything, because it rings true in my life.  I would say, without a doubt, it's my friends who have helped me through the toughest of times.  When emotions run wild, I turn to my girlfriends.  They are a pillar of strength and a fountain of wise words.  

Fostering friendships and bonding with other women is one of the keystones in the foundation of Domestic Goddess. We all lead busy lives, and the economy has put a strain on us all.  It's during these times that we need the company of other women to lean on, to confide in, to laugh and cry with.  We need reassurance, and reminders that everything is going to be ok.  Women tend to be emotionally stronger than men, and we identify with each others' needs, thoughts, doubts, and longings.

I know that from time to time, my fire goes out.  Work, work, work.  It takes us, pulls us into it's vortex and spits us out a weakling.  Days go by and I just want to sleep.  Eat comfort food in bed.  The last thing I want to do is "what's good for me" - Working, keeping my house up, cooking healthy meals - it takes a toll, and sometimes the things we SHOULD be doing seems like climbing a mountain.  But I end up calling or texting a friend, sometimes just to say hello, sometimes to vent, or let it all unload.  There's never been a time that I've felt worse after talking to a good friend.  The best ones will verbally smack you, and tell you to snap out of it!  

This is why we are here.  Even in our low times, or happiest times, the bond created between women cannot be broken easily.  Domestic Goddess strives to help make your life easier by doing fun things, but more importantly, we strive to build long lasting relationships, healthy friendships between women.

Summertime Printable Recipes

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit.  A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world.  

~Ada Louise Huxtable

Cooking and Entertaining Wrap-up

We didn't get to have our last meeting in may, but here are some things we would have covered:

 

When planning a get-together, whether it’s a backyard BBQ or New Years Soiree, you have to decide up front what is the most important to you…saving time or money. Because to some extent you can do both, but one will always dominate depending on your entertaining style.

When money is the issue, you don’t have to sacrifice quality or personal touch. In fact, the less you have to work with, the more creative and original you get to be. That is precisely what will make your party memorable.

At the same time, working a full-time job with or without a family can pose some time issues. In those cases saving time is much more important. Learn to make things ahead and follow the ideas of Sandra Lee and Semi-homemade. You can achieve a homemade feel with 70% store-bought and 30% fresh ingredients.

Upcoming Schedule -addendum!

DG Mock Dinner Party

We'd love to answer any thoughts or questions you have, but sometimes it requires a little research.  Post comments on anything that's on your mind related to cooking and entertaining - Don't be afraid to ask!

Hope to see you Saturday!

Dinner Anyone?

Domestic Goddess will be hosting a 

"Lazy Summer"

mock dinner party on

May 16th

at 4:00pm

Win prizes! 

Please bring your favorite appetizer - must be 5 ingredients or less, and we will be awarding prizes based on Best Overall, Best Tasting, Most Exotic and Best Presentation.  If yours is a winner we will post the recipes on the blog next week!

Get ready to Entertain at your own home!

The Lazy Summer Mock Dinner Party will supply you with all that it takes to entertain. Get a great list of apps that are all 5 ingredients or less. Get awesome tips and ideas for every entertaining style, and a list of things to have on hand for last minute guests.  

We Make it EASY!

It's a party, not a trip to the dentist - It shouldn't be painful.  Find out how to use the most of the little spare time you have, without having to take a week off work to prepare.

The Art of Non-Conformity

This website was highly recommended for me to "check out."  It's called the Art of Non-Conformity, Unconventional Strategies for Life, Work and Travel. I rarely do REVIEWS on websites, but as I began perusing through this site, I became overwhelmed by the sheer coolness and relevance.  Many of us who have joined the Domestic Goddess Network are in search of ways to become more than the average person, which leads me to 2 favorite areas of the site.  All the articles are written by a philosophy student, Chris Guillebeau (which sounds like a pen name to me) who's working on his PhD.

How to be Awesome

Chris poses this opportunity to change your life and simply "Go and be Awesome."  His writing is really fresh, as he works through your first thoughts of the day, working hard, relationships and good vs. evil.  He posts the quote from Ayn Rand: 

"The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me."

How to Recruit a Small Army

If you're looking to change the world in a big or small-ish way, you aren't going to get there spending 5+ hours a day playing World of Warcraft.  You need people backing you up. (Domestic Goddess!!) And not just people, the RIGHT people.  Chris discusses real-world applications for the use of your army of remarkable people, and it's kind of a cliff notes, non-lame version of The Purpose Driven Life. 

Check out the site, and change your life!

Earth Day tips for Going Green

Re-use

If we re-used and re-purposed everything at least once, we’d have a lot less waste, and a lot smaller landfills.  Here are a few things you can easily re-use or re-purpose:

-       Water bottles.  I found a company recently who re-uses water bottles, puts a sprayer on top, and sells organic fertilizer inside.

-       Newspapers.  Remember making fun crafts with paper mache?  Get some balloons and get crafty!

-       Plastic Grocery Bags.  I re-use mine to pick up doggie-doo.  They’re great for storing your wet towels and bathing suits on the ride home from the beach or pool too.

-       Milk Cartons. I cut open a half gallon milk jug and made a dirt scoop with the handle left on, and used a gallon milk jug, spray painted black, as a planter on my porch.

-       TP and Paper Towel rolls.  Re-use the cardboard for Timmy’s hamster, or create all sorts of easy creative crafts for the kids.

-       Wine Bottle. If you’re artistically inclined, you can paint designs or flowers on the bottle and turn it into a vase.

-       Single Sock.  How long has that sock been lonely? Re-purpose it by using it as a dust rag, or cut it up and make ties for plants.

-       Egg Carton.  Germinate your seeds, cut off the lid and keep jewelry easy to find.

-       CD spindle.  This is by far the most clever thing I’ve seen in the re-use forum – use your old CD spindle to carry BAGELS!  I’ve used paper towels and baggies too often to bring my bagel to work, and end up throwing them away. (the bags, not the bagel!) Stack your bagel with the works and everything stays in place.

 

A great website to help keep you motivated: http://tinychoices.com, 2 ladies who address all the tiny choices we make on a daily basis.

Happy Earth Day!

How are you helping Mother Earth?

Today is a great day to start thinking about it if you haven't already. 

We'd like to hear your two cents: How are you going green?

Easy Earth Day Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:
2 cups uncooked bite-sized pasta
1 chopped organic tomato
Sea or Kosher Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper
and your choice of 
- 1/4 cup Salad Dressing
- Organic Vegetable
- 3/4 cup Cheese
(used here: Kraft Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan, Athenos Traditional Crumbled Feta, and Baby Spinach)

This is an easy 20-minute recipe that can be done way ahead of time and is great for "Potluck Pennys" - you know who you are!

Directions:

- COOK pasta as directed on package; rinse and drain.

- TOSS hot pasta with Tomato, Organic Vegetable, Dressing and Cheese. Season with the salt and pepper to taste.

- TOP with additional 1 Tbsp. cheese.  (Don't forget presentation!)

How easy is that? YUM!

DG wants to know!

Tell us exactly what you think:

Has the feminist movement killed chivalry?

Green Thumb?

It's spring! And it couldn't come sooner. I love to cultivate and grow things year round, but Spring is the best time of year to get things started blooming in your garden. I live in an apartment, so my garden is restricted to potted plants, and because of limited space, I've been known to plant 2 or 3 different varieties in the same pot.

But it never fails. My dog Fergie is frequently lounging on the porch surrounded by the lovely oxygen-making flora. I've caught her on occasion nose-deep in the soil, and I still can't for the life of me understand why she likes the taste of dirt so much. Maybe she's hungry. Maybe dirt tastes better than dog food. Maybe she's just insane. Plenty of my plants are edible to humans, and I even keep a little cat grass around for my cat Sparrow to munch on, so I don't worry about "the girls" ingesting anything harmful.

Many house and garden plants are harmless to pets, but there are several that are actually POISONOUS and possibly DEADLY to our four-legged companions. Here's a list of several common springtime plants that can cause vomiting, seizures, hallucination, and possibly death.

-- LANTANA. It's very common in florida, and I love the easy maintenance. Fortunately, I keep my sunshine yellow lantana in a taller pot, so Fergie can't reach it.

-- TULIP. A beautiful and favorite flower to many, if ingested, can result in death.

-- DAFFODILS. I've been seeing these everywhere from Lowe's to Publix, but keep them out of your lawn if you have a furry plant-eater.

-- AZALEAS. Though not deadly, the effects aren't something you want to wake up to.

-- RHODODENDRON. Beautiful shrubs seen often around houses to brighten the lawn, but one munch can send Fido to the vet.

-- MORNING GLORY. Lavender vining blooms cover many mailboxes and are great for hanging. Unfortunately, it's like LSD for your dog.




If you'd like to learn more about maintaining a pet-friendly garden, click the jump.

Healthy Eating doesn't have to suck!

When you hear the words "healthy eating," what images race through your mind?

Brussel Sprouts and no chocolate, right?  To me, that's no way to live.  I hate celery.  I've never eaten a brussel sprout.  For those of us who actually ENJOY eating, and cooking, it's easy to fall into the "comfort food" mode, in other words - we end up making dinners that are easy, but not all that healthy.  Sometimes we feel bad and throw some steamed veggies on the plate.  Hey, that's not a bad idea.

But what are some really good ways to eat healthy, but still enjoy it?  Submit your tips below and the one chosen as Domestic Goddess' favorite will get a prize at the meeting in may.

One way I like to keep it healthy is to HYDRATE.  Many of us forget the simple act of drinking water can do so much for our health.  Drinking a glass of ice water burns more calories than water at room temperature.  Research has shown that cold water passes through the stomach faster and is more quickly dispersed thorough the body.  Having a glass with a meal can also help you feel full more quickly.  

"Our bodies are about 75% water. It is a vital part of a healthy diet. Water helps flush our systems, especially the kidneys and bladder, of waste products and toxins. A majority of Americans go through life dehydrated." -helpguide.org.  

Tip: If you don't like drinking water, there are many powders on the market like Crystal Light that provide a better taste, and still have all the benefits of water.

Impromptu Domestic Goddess

Many great things are happening for Domestic Goddess!

We'd love to share all of it with you at an impromptu meeting on Saturday at 2pm at the Starbucks Coffee Shop in The Lakeside Village Shopping Plaza in South Lakeland.

Please RSVP at ernstandgilpin@live.com if you'd like to come!

Domestic Goddess First Meeting

Domestic Goddess is off to a great start!




Brunch on Saturday: 8 people in attendance
Kerri
Brooke
Ashleigh
Ashley K
Sara
Ashley P
Brittney
Sylvia

3 Ashleys - that was interesting!

The brunch/meeting started promptly at 11am with Breakfast Pizza, Lemon Berry Trifle, Friendship Bread, Chips and Salsa and Tea & Coffee.

Kerri and Brooke explained their ideas behind Domestic Goddess, and the vision for what it could be, discussing membership rewards, dues, activities and when meetings would be – twice a month, theme lasting 2 months.

The first theme is Cooking and Entertaining.

Everyone took a quiz called "What kind of Entertainer are you?" which answered whether you are "Fancy Nancy" "Casual Caroline" or "Potluck Penny."

Homework before the next meeting: Go to your local Farmer's Market.

At the beginning of the meeting we asked everyone to write the answer to this question of the day:
In your opinion: What is the best and worst part of being a woman?

Best: when youre upset and your best friend knows just what to say to make you feel better and not suicidal

Worst: I hate how women can be so mean with each other

Best : Some times there are things "we" can get away with, simply because we’re women.

Worst: Some people think there are things “we” can’t do

Best: Motherhood, having the gift to bring a child into the world

Worst: hormones raging, up and down emotions

Best: My favorite thing about being a woman is fashion. Clothes, purses, shoes, I love it all!

Worst: Least favorite thing about about being woman: over-emotional, and over-analyzing everything

Best: Being able to experience motherhood, pregnancy and being a mother

Worst: Period! One day a month I can deal with.

All the ladies in the house

Domestic Goddess is off and running - our first meeting is on the First Saturday in April, so if you're interested, let us know!

We have a lot planned, so RSVP early, there is limited space. The format will be a subject that lasts 2 months long, so all the posts, prizes and emails will relate to that subject.  Wait, did I say PRIZES?  Yes.  Prizes.  And giveaways.  But you'll miss out if you don't let us know you're coming!

The first theme: Entertaining and Cooking.

You can now follow our tweets! twitter.com/domesticgodde55

Our first gathering

Brooke and I have been planning and planning to get this club off and running, and we have finally set a date for our first gathering.  We'll be getting the invites to you asap.  If we don't have your e-mail, make sure you get it to us!!

Join our club!  Send an e-mail (if you haven't already) to ernstandgilpin@live.com, and request an application for membership.  It's not a contract, or legally binding, primarily so we can get to know you, your interests and keep track of your birthday, fun facts, etc.  E-mail it back, and by attending a meeting you'll get membership info - all the perks to being a member.  We have limited space, so you must RSVP to each meeting, and let us know if you're bringing a friend.

If you'd like to know more, e-mail your questions!

Introducing The Domestic Goddess

Introducing Lakeland's newest social organization leading the "Womanist Movement."


We have become a generation of lost and unhappy women, having forgotten what our basic nature is - to create, to nurture, and to rule our kingdom, the home.

The Domestic Goddess is Reinventing
the Lost Arts of Womanhood

The Domestic Goddess is taking a modern and innovative slant on women’s daily tasks and making them a breeze for even the busiest women.

• Cooking/Baking
• Entertaining
• Sewing
• Repairing
• Organizing
• Jewelry
• Gardening
• Interior Design
• Crafting/Creating
• Recycling
• Relationships
• Motherhood
• Faith
• Business
• Photography
• Finances
• Volunteering
• Style
• Manners
• Family Traditions

The "Womanist Movement" refuses to buy the lie that it's not ok to be a WOMAN, The lie that a generation of women have perpetuated. We REFUSE to accept that we are defined by our physical beauty rather than our character and abilities. We believe in getting back to the basics of what made womankind great.

We stand against the pettiness and insecurity by fostering a safe environment for women to feel free to be themselves. Married, Engaged, or Single; Career, Homemaker or Retired; We can all find our place as women of substance and good nature.

With a strong sense of community and integrity, we speak out on behalf of those who are proud to be women and enjoy life!

In today's society many have given up trying to be feminine and all that being a woman entails. It's a man's world, right? Why not act like a man.... We say No WAY! 

The Domestic Goddess strives to help women discover their own unique roles as a sister, a mother, a daughter, a wife, and a friend.

If you feel the same way we do, please join us! 18+ please

Contact us by e-mailing ernstandgilpin@live.com

- Brooke and Kerri