In the April edition of Michelle’s Party Plans, we will cover:

• Easter Brunch Party Plan: This is a five step system that will help you plan a memorable Easter Brunch.
• Recipes For Brunch: This is a complete list of recipes for the Easter Brunch menu outlined in the party plan.
• Brunch Video: I will show you how to make two of the menu items on the Easter Brunch menu that are so simple, you just assemble them and add some special touches.
• Around The House: Spring cleaning does not have to be as intimidating and stressful as it has been in the past.
• Time Saver: I have a few time saving tips that could help you shave 20 minutes or more off your morning routine.
• Easter History: Most of us know what Easter is all about, but I have a few things to share with you that you might not know.
• Invitations: What better way to invite people to your Easter Brunch than with a happy bunny doing the inviting?
• Place Setting/Favors: These favors serve double duty as place cards for your guests.
• Kids Corner: This is the easiest and most mess free cookie decorating project you could possibly do with your kids.

Let’s go! (Click the “more…” link below to continue)

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Easter Brunch Party Plan
This is a five step system that will help you plan a memorable Easter Brunch. The plan comes complete with Menu and recipes, decoration ideas and a template to craft your own bunny invitations. Since this party is planned from top to bottom for you, it will be a simple task to pull off a brunch your guests will think took you weeks to plan.
Download Link: Easter Brunch Party Plan (PDF)

Recipes For Brunch
This is a complete list of recipes for the Easter Brunch menu outlined in the party plan. It covers dishes to complete an entire meal. The menu might sound labor intensive, but it will be a snap for even the greenest of cooks to pull off.
Download Link: Recipes for Brunch (PDF)

Brunch Video
I will show you how to make two of the menu items on the Easter Brunch menu that are so simple, you just assemble them and add some special touches. These time-saving items will award you more time to spend on the fun stuff…like decorating Easter eggs.

Download Link: Easter Brunch Video

Around The House
Spring gets an ugly word attached to the back end of it this time of year….cleaning. Spring cleaning does not have to be as intimidating and stressful as it has been in the past. I have a few tips for you to help you tackle this job with efficiency and effectiveness.

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Download Link: Spring Cleaning (MP3)

Time Saver
Most of us spend our morning hours rush around and frazzled. I have a few time saving tips that could help you shave 20 minutes or more off your morning routine. Not that the extra 20 minutes would allow for a mani-pedi, but a few moments to enjoy a cup of coffee sans chaos is well worth some simple planning.

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Download Link: Time Saver (MP3)

Easter History
How in the world does a bunny rabbit fit into the Holy Holiday of Easter? Most of us know what Easter is all about, but I have a few things to share with you that you might not know.

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Download Link: Easter History (MP3)

Invitations
What better way to invite people to your Easter Brunch than with a happy bunny doing the inviting? I have included a bunny template for you to use. His big floppy ears cover his smiling face and when the person opening the greeting lifts his ears, they find the information written right on his ears.

Download Link: Easter Invitations

Place Setting/Favors
These favors serve double duty as place cards for your guests. Ice egg, flower, bunny or other Easter symbol/shaped sugar cookies. Decorate with non-perils, colored icing and assorted candy. In icing, write the name of each guest in the center of the cookie. Place the decorated cookies at each setting. Make sure to have cellophane bags with ribbon handy so each guest can take their cookie/place card home to enjoy.

Download Link: Easter Place Setting/Favors

Kids Corner
This is the easiest and most mess free cookie decorating project you could possibly do with your kids. Start with either making sugar cookies in shapes with a cookie cutter or purchase them pre-made from your bakery. You can either ice them yourself with an icing that dries firm and hard or have the bakery ice them for you with white, dry hard icing. You can also choose to leave them un-iced. Instead of icing cookies with messing icings and candy, purchase edible color markers that your kids can doodle and decorate their cookies just like they would color on a piece of paper. While I did not find these at my grocery store, they were stocked tall and deep at the craft store in the baking section. Now, your kids can eat their drawings!

Download Link: Kids Corner Cookies

When the kids are out of school, it can be a bit hard to keep them away from the TV and enjoying family time. I have a few craft ideas that will help! Kids and parents both will enjoy creating fun activities to occupy those long, hot summer days.

 At Home With Michelle Donnell - Summer Special: Download

If you are looking for a quick, easy and inexpensive centerpiece for your holiday table, I will show you how to make one that is amazingly easy.

Fabulous Fall Cocktails

A crisp chill is in the air and fall’s splendor calls for some cocktails that reflect it’s rescue from the dog days of summer. Whether you are having some friends over or just want to savor a fall inspired beverage next to your fireplace, these cocktails are the perfect concoction to celebrate the season.

Apple Pie:
Serve this great drink chilled. It tastes just like apple pie!
1 Gallon Apple Cider
1/2 Gallon Apple Juice
7 Cinnamon Sticks
1 Liter Everclear
Several sliced of dried apples (for garnish)

*Mix all ingredients and store in refrigerator over night. Remove cinnamon sticks and pour into clean, empty wine bottles (this just makes for easier handling so you can continue to store in original container if you choose). Store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve in a high ball glass garnished with a slice of dried apple.

Pumpkin Martini:
This cocktail brings the flavors of fall into a yummy beverage you will absolutely love.
2 Parts Vanilla Vodka
1 Part Pumpkin Schnapps
Splash of cream
Nutmeg
Crushed Graham Crackers

Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Dampen the rim of a martini glass and roll in the finely crushed crackers. Pour cocktail in glass and add nutmeg to top for garnish.

Mulled Wine:
This drink is served warm and is an impressive way to sip the flavors of the season.
1 Bottle Red Wine
1 Sliced Orange + Zest
1/4 Cup Brandy
10 Cloves
2/3 Cup Honey
4 Cinnamon Sticks (Additional sticks for garnish)
1 Teaspoon All Spice

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot set on the low setting. Cook for 30 minutes (stirring occasionally). Serve in mugs garnished with cinnamon sticks.

These fall cocktails are absolutely delicious. You can also purchase pumpkin flavored beers this time of year for guests who do not prefer liquor or wine.

 Easy and Elegant for Thanksgiving: Download

With the ‘08 election just around the corner along with all of the pivetal decisions that will come from this major event, it is a perfect opportunity to introduce how our Nation’s Democratic process works to your children. Without getting into specifics that would be way out of their comprehension, you can take this opportunity to help involve our Nation’s youth in the importance of voting.
So many of use have grown up knowing that we are allowed to vote, but don’t realize how important it is to actually do so. We can teach our children early and show them how our Nation has in place, a fair and just way to choose a winner, make laws and decide everyday rule we must live by. Start today, and impede the Democratic process in your own home.

 Kids And The Democratic Process: Download

Halloween is such a fun time for kids and grownups alike. Take this spooky holiday and turn it into a fun craft and decorating experience. Whether you are throwing party or just looking for some fun food and craft ideas, this episode will help give you some ideas that everyone will love.

 At Home With Michelle Donnell - Halloween Special: Download