tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14416926323800731712020-04-19T04:08:37.697-04:00Entertaining Expert, Jenny Steffens Hobick, brings you a blog devoted to the glories of home entertaining, holidays and home projects.Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.comBlogger1405125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-81408836774830691732020-04-13T18:11:00.002-04:002020-04-14T11:49:11.175-04:00

Last month I shared my plan for Spring Cleaning.  It was designed around those once a season cleaning projects.  For the last 5 years we have relied on a housekeeper every two weeks for more routine cleaning.  Now that we are quarantined, I've asked our housekeeper to not come for the next couple of months.  I went ahead and sent her a check in the mail for that time, since it is her

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-3939064644608928652020-04-09T12:14:00.001-04:002020-04-14T13:31:57.976-04:00

We've been exploring Pinterest lately for homemade Easter ideas.  We found several versions of these Robin's Egg Nest Cupcakes.  They were so simple to make and easy for little hands.  We found that even our imperfect versions still looked charming. This is a darling idea for a spring Baby Shower, too. Decorating Tips : Pipe the "Grass" around the outside of the cupcake using a

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-53752425426976601652020-04-08T11:50:00.001-04:002020-04-14T13:32:05.859-04:00

Who is tired of making dinner?!  Who is also tired of making breakfast, lunch and dinner?!  During this strange season, I'm pulling out some very simple recipes to keep me out of the kitchen all day.  These are dinner staples that we always rely on, but I don't write about very much because they aren't very exciting.  Most nights, I roast one or two vegetables to go with whatever we're

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-2203376390393165312020-03-14T13:24:00.000-04:002020-04-14T13:32:12.674-04:00

This is a really strange time.  I'm not trying to get in the over-react or under-react category, just doing what I can to prepare my family for staying out of everyones way for about a month.  I've made a meal plan and a shopping list that should keep us fairly fed for the next four weeks.  I'm sure I forgot something and might have to get really creative at some point! I've included

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-42881879777657069182020-03-11T12:23:00.001-04:002020-04-14T13:32:23.089-04:00

As I shared a couple of weeks ago, we've been setting up my first in real life store this winter.  My goal was to get it ready to go for the spring launch... and it is ready.  We tested the water this weekend and opened up the doors.  Eek!  We will have a more festive grand opening event later this month, but if you are around the KC area, we are here and we are open.   Tuesday -

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-35507559224470740342020-03-11T08:00:00.000-04:002020-04-14T13:56:34.961-04:00

Above : These are my favorite Tablets to stay organized.  You can purchase these in my store, or you can download some cleaning worksheets I've put together below. I love spring cleaning.  I'm sure that sounds nutty, but I do.  Remember when we moved out of our house for our new addition?  I said, "I love packing."  And again when we moved back in, I said, "I love moving and unpacking

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-82260351251450577612020-03-10T14:19:00.001-04:002020-04-08T11:07:09.634-04:00

Mike's number one favorite pie is Banana Cream Pie... at a restaurant in town (Rye for locals).  Of course, I find it so annoying (insulting?!) that his favorite pie is from a restaurant.  I've tried to duplicate it, but even I can admit - it is really good, and has a certain something that I hadn't quite mastered.  Until now, I'm happy to report.   Oddly enough, the secret is more of a

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-72072898625464091562020-03-09T14:32:00.001-04:002020-04-08T08:43:08.291-04:00

We've been so busy lately getting the store ready, that dinner is something that gets harder and harder to get on the table.  The first couple of weeks were fun grabbing dinner out, or bringing home takeout.  After a while, I just can't eat restaurant/to-go food anymore.  I need more simple, cleaner meals - everything out seems so rich.  So, even after long days of physical labor in the

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-20289557704583548382020-02-19T15:49:00.000-05:002020-04-08T11:07:08.644-04:00

One of my mom friends at school is an amazing cook.  She's the type that drops off homemade carrot cake cupcakes loaded with nuts and dried fruit and super soft cream cheese icing when her daughter comes for a playdate (as I hide the bag of chips and Oreos I set out) or brings super nutritious and delicious salads with roasted beets and sweet potatoes (another recipe I need to share...) over

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-1424141042434281592020-02-11T13:18:00.002-05:002020-02-11T13:18:43.274-05:00

Valentine's Dinners at Home We are big fans of Valentine's Dinners at home. During this brief period that we have a daughter whose favorite thing to do is to spend time with us, our Valentine's plans always include her. Her absolute favorite thing to do is to have a stay-at-home night with dinner, games and/or a movie. Here are some our our favorite menus for a luxurious night in. What

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-71405824312529254712020-02-08T09:59:00.000-05:002020-04-14T13:34:45.879-04:00

I've danced around this a little bit on Insta and have been meaning to get this out there for a couple of weeks now - I am opening up a shop, in real life.  (!!!!!)  It has been in the works since early December, and then became official at the beginning of January.  With so many things to get going quickly (and keeping up with the online store launches), I haven't had the time to get

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-91970999045922025402020-01-28T11:44:00.000-05:002020-04-14T13:34:51.895-04:00

When I was in elementary school, I remember my Granny having a cake decorating booklet that gave creative ideas for turning a sheet cake into something special.  After a quick internet search, I found some images from a 1956 pamphlet that look very similar to what I remember. I can remember pouring over these pages.  Such creative solutions out of simple shapes and ingredients.

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-45044521685323344762020-01-24T08:52:00.001-05:002020-04-14T13:34:56.981-04:00

Pale Pink Swiss Dot Wrapping Paper with Sweet Nectar Satin Ribbon At the beginning of last year, I wrote how I felt like I had really gotten the hang of this store thing.  By mid-December I was already ordering Valentine's inventory - I had this all figured out.  This year I feel like I'm behind on everything.  I have a good excuse for feeling a bit overwhelmed with work that I'll

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-37385243381068446242020-01-20T10:05:00.000-05:002020-04-14T13:35:03.359-04:00

Gold Frames, Botanicals & Photo Mats I first located these frames when I created a botanical gallery wall in our guest room (tour here and photos below).  Since then, I've added them to almost every corner of our home.  Some have botanicals like those in our hearth room, and some have photos like the gallery wall going up our stairs.  I haven't always been confident in my wall hanging

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-77951646684136295462019-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:002020-04-14T13:35:09.947-04:00

I stumbled upon a version of this pie on Pinterest and put it in the file of my dreams.  How charming is this little scene on top with reindeer leaping over trees below, twinkling stars above and snowflakes all around?     I recreated using mini cutters from my store available in the baking supplies (but now sold out for the season - sorry!).   The filling was a mix of tart

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-26645579140377563292019-12-11T14:52:00.000-05:002020-04-14T13:35:13.771-04:00

Last year Tessa (nineandsixteen.com) shared these cookies when she made them for her holiday gifts.  I immediately put it on my list for this year.  They are beautiful and old fashioned - my favorite combination.   Per Tessa's recommendation, I started with Martha Stewart's recipe, but doubled the spices.  They were so yummy - I loved the way they turned out, so perfect with a coffee in

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-12322405734454271052019-12-06T09:49:00.000-05:002019-12-06T09:49:24.266-05:00

I love an old fashioned looking cookie.  We made these using my basic (but most delicious) sugar cookie dough (recipe here) by tinting half of the dough red.  Emma and I made "snakes" out of dough, then twisted them up.  The beauty of these is that there is no decorating - once they are baked, they are finished. It was a great hands-on activity while we watched a Christmas movie.  I

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-85692817686523431452019-12-05T12:52:00.001-05:002019-12-05T12:52:14.321-05:00

We decorated for Christmas over the weekend, just after Thanksgiving.  I will continue to add and fluff and stuff more touches in as the season goes on, but this is how the season starts for us.  We got our tree (Fraser fir) on Friday morning from a local tree lot.  I was hoping for maybe a silver tip fir, or something more wild and rustic, but Emma loved this picture perfect tree.  After

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-67533636119710137522019-11-19T15:04:00.000-05:002019-11-19T15:04:01.746-05:00

The Holiday Baking Collection will launch tomorrow morning, Wednesday November 19th at 8am central.   We'll see you in the morning : )  Shop >

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-8061400947536489172019-11-15T12:12:00.001-05:002019-11-15T12:12:33.933-05:00

The trouble with owning an online home store is that I have to decorate for the new collection a couple of months in advance.  I always have to force the season a bit.  It will be hot outside, still lush and warm, but I'm trying to make it look like a chilly (but warm an cozy...) autumn day inside.  I'll be collecting sticks and branches of leaves trying to sway them in lighting to have a

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-52662895469186242072019-10-31T13:48:00.002-04:002019-11-06T10:43:13.042-05:00

Update : The Holiday Collection is live! Shop > The Holiday Collection will launch tomorrow morning at 8am central. I'll see you in the morning : ) The Holiday Collection will launch tomorrow morning at 8am central.  

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-3517251539696484672019-10-15T12:17:00.000-04:002020-04-08T08:43:07.831-04:00

Autumn Minestrone Soup with Butternut Squash A couple of weekends ago when it was cold and rainy, we had Mike's parents over on a Sunday evening and I made the Barefoot Contessa's Winter Minestrone Soup (recipe here) for the first time.  It was perfect and so hearty, nutritious and so filling.   However, I don't think the name does it justice - while squash around during the winter, I think

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-29678121716295496622019-10-10T12:18:00.000-04:002019-10-10T12:24:03.785-04:00

Every couple of years I get the itch to do a Pumpkin Floral Centerpiece.  I was a little lost on what to do with this table setting featuring the new Acorn Block Print Linens.  Piles of pumpkins the table like I did last year?  A cluster of candles?  A lush garland down the middle?  When I went to the flower market, I surprised myself with this combination.  I assumed I would do oranges and

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-81263505894201796132019-10-04T14:54:00.001-04:002020-04-08T11:07:09.560-04:00

This is the cake my mom makes every single time the entire family is in town.  And everyone always says, "Yes.... sheet cake!"  It is one of those things.  It has been a staple in our family since I was very young.  I can remember my Dad hosting young farmers' get togethers in his barn each fall - chili, cornbread, and sheet cake.  We used to run our fingers around the edges while the icing

Jenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08179652950076072927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-32434247657264187792019-10-03T09:00:00.000-04:002019-10-03T09:00:03.197-04:00

Halloween is one of those nostalgic holidays for me.  We lived in the country so we didn't have Trick-or-Treaters.  On Halloween night we would go "in town" to my Granny's house to hand out candy - we thought that was more fun that going from house to house ourselves.  But I think there was part of me that was a little envious to see gaggles of neighborhood friends running up and down the

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