Lots of ugly sweaters and ten toddlers! You don’t get more domestic than that. That pretty much sums up my weekend.

On Saturday, I attended two very different parties both thrown by very good friends.  The first, The Hansard family hosted their son Jackson’ first birthday party.  They took a simple, yet crafty approach to food planning and decorating.  In true DTBD style, they created a great picture mobile montage of Jackson’s first twelve months of life along with cooking up some creative tasty treats.

And the menu?  Pizza, chocolate-covered Oreos, lost of candy and delicious sugar cookie cupcakes. And that was just for the adults LOL.  I had the best time but those kids wore me out – running, jumping, toys, popping balloons, throw up, falls, and crying!  I needed a nap the moment I walked out the door.  You only turn one once.

Next up, Chris and Bryan hosted their 3rd Annual UCSP – Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.  This party consists of each guest finding or making the ugliest, tackiest, most off-the-wall or simply repulsive holiday themed sweater.  Unlike other Ugly Christmas Sweater Parities, Chris and Bryan’s take it to the next level as guests compete for great swag and the crown by walking the runway.  This year I’m happy to report I made it to the top six finalists, but 1st place went to UCSP veteran Michael.  Notice the homemade runway constructed from cardboard covered by sturdy wrapping paper.  These hosts were super crafty.

Here are a few shots of my honorable mention sweater along with some other rather creative masterpieces and of course the winner.

As I use this week to detox my system from all the junk food I ate at the parties, here are two of my favorite easy and quick snacks from this weekend:

• 20 Oreo Cookies
• 1 12 oz package of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Optional chopped nuts, colored sprinkles or miniature candies like M& M’s or Reese’s Pieces.

In small saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips and vegetable oil until melted and smooth, stirring constantly.

Dip each cookie into the melted chocolate, coating evenly.  Place dipped cookies on waxed paper.  Sprinkle them with chopped nuts, or whatever you like.  Leave cookies on waxed paper until completely set.

• 1 can frozen Limeade
• 1 can frozen Lemonade
• 1 bottle Ginger Ale
• 1 large (1 liter) bottle of Champaign

Combine all ingredients in a giant punch bowl. To keep punch cold create a ice sculpture by freezing frozen strawberries and ginger ale in a bunt cake pan. When frozen remove from pan and place ice sculpture in punch bowl.

There ‘s nothing better  than a good ol’ house party no matter what your age. I dare you to be domestic!