tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post1450319745709269635..comments2023-11-02T03:35:19.455-07:00Comments on 4 Reluctant Entertainers Has Moved!: 300th Post - GIVEAWAY! An Entire Planned RE Dinner Party!Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910644413175366761noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-29972569546081898152008-12-20T08:16:00.000-08:002008-12-20T08:16:00.000-08:00300 posts! That's fantastic!I think the most impor...300 posts! That's fantastic!<BR/><BR/>I think the most important thing I've learned from your posts at RE is to relax. It's ok to do less. I don't have to make myself crazy planning a complicated, expensive menu. It can be simple and easy because it's all about the fellowship.<BR/><BR/>Thank you so much for ministry in this area. You're the best!<BR/><BR/>KimbaKimbahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-16715762887670292792008-12-19T21:43:00.000-08:002008-12-19T21:43:00.000-08:00aw man! I just commented on the wrong post. :) ...aw man! I just commented on the wrong post. :) <BR/><BR/>wow, where to even begin? I am continually inspired and challenged by your blog and little things stick in my head. I have loved being hospitable from an early age but it's like your writing and experiences and the way you're living out your hospitality/mothering/mentoring/ministering pushes me a little further, reminds me to dig deeper, gives me pointers, etc. I am newly married, no kids and yet I begin to imagine my life farther down the road but know that it all needs to and can begin now, not "someday". <BR/><BR/>The first thing that came to mind when you asked what we've learned is the idea of cooking once for double the hospitality. I just need to jump in and try this "hands on". <BR/><BR/>The most recent post that has really struck a chord with me is on seeing and feeling. So important! So good to know I'm not alone in my desires to do the same.<BR/><BR/>Also, I am inspired by your balcony girls group. It reminds me some of a group that my grandma had for my girl cousins and I and some other little girls called "Butterflies and Rainbows". We did crafts and sang songs and had snacks and she taught us truths about friendship. <BR/><BR/>I am also intrigued by your group of moms cooking for your child's teacher. I am presently a teacher, no kids and wow, I know this would be a blessing. How exciting to think about being able to do this for someone else. <BR/><BR/>Finally, the importance you place on people is always encouraging and a constant theme, letting your kids cook different things and giving them credit for it and praising their efforts, incorporating your husband's decorating ideas, valuing old friendships and nurturing them, waiting to have dinner at 9:00 so you can share it with friends, not worrying about things being perfect, it's the being together that counts. <BR/><BR/>Thank you for the ministry you have here and share with us. Congratulations on 300 posts!!! KellyMiss Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08219700435273352618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-39200653209950780342008-12-19T15:53:00.000-08:002008-12-19T15:53:00.000-08:00I truly love every post! I am an entertainer at he...I truly love every post! I am an entertainer at heart, and I'm also a simple, laid-back entertainer. I have four small children, so I don't have as much time as I'd like. I'm planning on starting a "balcony girls group" with my daughter and her friends some time during '09. That is probably what has inspired me the most.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17351954326694459406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-87533023484423493582008-12-19T13:52:00.000-08:002008-12-19T13:52:00.000-08:00I can't say just one thing :) You are a great ins...I can't say just one thing :) You are a great inspiration to me from relaxing and enjoying the process, to planning things ahead to conversations, to hosting with youg kids. Thank you for all your wonderful ideas!<BR/><BR/>I do not want to be in the drawing though, Our place right now (through this move transition) is way too small to host a dinner :( I absolutely love having people over and this has been hard for me, but hopefully we won't be here too much longer.<BR/><BR/>I can't wait to read your next 300 posts!Tarrahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07906908948961969107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-22417975607385619662008-12-19T08:10:00.000-08:002008-12-19T08:10:00.000-08:00Thanks for your "real life" approach to sharing ou...Thanks for your "real life" approach to sharing our homes and food with those we love. From you I have been challenged to STOP apologizing if things don't turn out quite right. It is a great reminder that the focus should be on making guests feel comfortable and not on me!<BR/><BR/>I have two nieces and would be thrilled to have the lessons you use for Balcony girls. Is this a book in your future?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-47786983379383620952008-12-19T05:51:00.000-08:002008-12-19T05:51:00.000-08:00I tagged you on a meme and sent you an award if yo...I tagged you on a meme and sent you an award if you get the chance pop over and check it out.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14341970243162181712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-63936492977976608812008-12-19T04:58:00.000-08:002008-12-19T04:58:00.000-08:00Wow Sandy, 300 posts is amazing! I have been bles...Wow Sandy, 300 posts is amazing! <BR/><BR/>I have been blessed by your blog so much over the last year of reading it that I'm not sure where to begin on what has been most helpful-EVERYTHING HAS! <BR/><BR/>I love the menu ideas, your table settings, balcony girls lessons, and the willingness to share your heart and home with all of us.<BR/><BR/>Most helpful to me has been your constant reminders of not worrying about the size of your home or what others will think, JUST INVITE THEM. We have downsized quite a bit in the last year (from 2300sq ft to 1280 sq ft, and many times I have hesitated to entertain because of embarrassment. Right now, it has pretty much just been my closest girlfriends over for brunches and family get togethers. <BR/><BR/>This would be so fun to win, so maybe I could venture out into the world of couples. Thanks again Sandy for your sharing your talented gifts!Susiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01257386941472818722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-84208346630860549292008-12-18T20:56:00.000-08:002008-12-18T20:56:00.000-08:00I have only been following for a while but the big...I have only been following for a while but the biggest thing I have learned is to actually entertain. It does not have to be expensive, hard or perfect. It just has to be fun.<BR/><BR/>Thanks!Hannahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05483174494728205523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-79451580885278238492008-12-18T18:32:00.000-08:002008-12-18T18:32:00.000-08:00Happy 300th Blog Birthday Sandy!!you have definite...Happy 300th Blog Birthday Sandy!!<BR/>you have definitely helped me start over again in a new, fresh and much more relaxing way :) I am so very,very blessed to have "stumbled" upon your blog one year ago, God does know the plans HE has for us!<BR/>xoxo<BR/>j~j~https://www.blogger.com/profile/13154460142222481804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-56258512211518205832008-12-18T17:28:00.000-08:002008-12-18T17:28:00.000-08:00Hi, Sandy-I have learned to see entertaining as an...Hi, Sandy-<BR/><BR/>I have learned to see entertaining as an act of hospitality and not as a "show". It means planning ahead and enjoying the guests.<BR/><BR/>What I particularly love about your blog is how you are at heart a FOODIE... you don't just serve mac 'n cheese... the point of your food is to bring people together. I like that.<BR/><BR/>Emily Dykstra<BR/>dykstrahaus@ameritech.netEmily Dykstrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04428758162863504633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-4950116600004563052008-12-18T16:55:00.000-08:002008-12-18T16:55:00.000-08:00I love the purpose of your blog!I'm giving a lot o...I love the purpose of your blog!<BR/><BR/>I'm giving a lot of gifts that can be consumed...coffee, tea, sweets, preserves, etc....no clutter..just enjoy it and it's gone! :)Betsy Brockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06807795605763246015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-45621840415625312622008-12-18T15:56:00.000-08:002008-12-18T15:56:00.000-08:00Sandy,I think the most helpful advice you've given...Sandy,<BR/>I think the most helpful advice you've given is to serve simple food and enjoy your guests. Previously, I thought I had to "impress" company with an elaborate meal. Now, we entertain more because I'm not as concerned with everything and trying to macromanage.<BR/>Thanks for sharing your blog with us and for encouraging us to embrace hospitality.<BR/>Peace,<BR/>Lynne in NCAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-56045780187764095232008-12-18T15:49:00.000-08:002008-12-18T15:49:00.000-08:00What an encouragement you have been! The main the...What an encouragement you have been! The main theme I've gleaned from you is to not forsake the command to hospitality... just do it! I don't have a blog, but enjoy reading yours and a few other ladies that are sharing their lives in a Titus 2 fashion. Merry Christmas!<BR/>Lisa in WA<BR/>bitterroot98@yahoo.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-55870683460170660612008-12-18T14:23:00.000-08:002008-12-18T14:23:00.000-08:00I just recently found your blog! And love it.I just recently found your blog! And love it.It's Always Something Around Herehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01825147950024777074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-18955281408810515642008-12-18T14:05:00.000-08:002008-12-18T14:05:00.000-08:00Wow! 300 posts is impressive and I will say that e...Wow! 300 posts is impressive and I will say that each of your posts truly feel heartfelt and I love the way you keep entertaining practical and real. you have inspired me many times when I have felt overwhelmed with a party or friends over for dinner. I like that you find deals and incorporate them and are so ready to share recipe, tips and everything else!<BR/>Looking forward to 300 more posts!Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02240385907206513885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-36187563956965114192008-12-18T13:23:00.000-08:002008-12-18T13:23:00.000-08:00Where do I begin? First of I love your guidelines ...Where do I begin? First of I love your guidelines for entertaining. Secondly, I never thought about music while entertaining, until I started reading your blog. Third, I would say your recipes!<BR/><BR/>Thanks so much for this blog! I can't wait for you to write a book!! hint - hint!Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12872513975317827750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-30921693171106818062008-12-18T13:11:00.000-08:002008-12-18T13:11:00.000-08:00This is a wonderful idea! I guess I'm a "lurker" ...This is a wonderful idea! I guess I'm a "lurker" since I never leave comments, but I enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for inspiring so many! A few things that have jumped out at me are to enjoy your guests, delegate, and personally contact people if they don't RSVP (a pet peeve of mine too!). <BR/><BR/>Sarah K.<BR/>s_dygert@yahoo.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-38794634599211124292008-12-18T12:51:00.000-08:002008-12-18T12:51:00.000-08:00Ahhh sweetie, congrats on 300! Your blog is alway...Ahhh sweetie, congrats on 300! Your blog is always a stop for me. I've learned many things from you (including many great recipes!) but probably the biggest lesson is the simplicity that entertaining can be. It doesn't have to be a lavish stressed out affair.<BR/><BR/>I also truly enjoy the Balcony Girl posts.<BR/><BR/>So cool!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15867964298149410340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-29605381249076019232008-12-18T11:54:00.000-08:002008-12-18T11:54:00.000-08:00Congrats on 300! I am new to RE and I love love l...Congrats on 300! I am new to RE and I love love love it. I have already learned so much but the one thing that I get is ENJOY IT! Enjoy your family home and company for all that they are. I will be living in the moment this holiday with your tips in mind. By the way ramekins are the best thing that ever happened to me!!!!!!! Thanks for all you do and I hope your Family has another wonderful Christmas!CFBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00841984180477926877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-73524056956879295062008-12-18T10:18:00.000-08:002008-12-18T10:18:00.000-08:00Just found your blog from Sandy Toes -- I think I ...Just found your blog from Sandy Toes -- I think I am going to need a big block of time to read all your posts. They are inspiring! And from a quick read -- I've learned that entertaining can be fun and not stress-filled or dreaded! <BR/><BR/>Back to reading more of your blog! Have a wonderfully Merry Christmas!<BR/><BR/>JanetJboohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08885993111102447005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-66202583019082459542008-12-18T09:53:00.000-08:002008-12-18T09:53:00.000-08:00Happy Blogiversary! I am so glad I found you or yo...Happy Blogiversary! I am so glad I found you or you found me so I could find you :) You're wonderful & an inspiration!!!!!Live.Love.Eathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10014244331752838359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-29068192553893192182008-12-18T08:36:00.000-08:002008-12-18T08:36:00.000-08:00I don't know where to begin with all that I've lea...I don't know where to begin with all that I've learned from your blog - there is a wealth of information here! Probably the one thing that stands out in my mind is it doesn't have to be perfect and don't apologize for the imperfections.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for all you do and congratulations on 300 posts!!!!<BR/>Dawn S<BR/>striblin@yahoo.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-58557227733532820422008-12-18T08:32:00.000-08:002008-12-18T08:32:00.000-08:00I've just found your blog and look forward to look...I've just found your blog and look forward to looking through it. I have two kids, oneo n the way, and a large family...I think time management, budgeting, and learning to enjoy the occasion through the chaos would be the help I'd need from you. Thanks and I can't wait to see what you have on your site. Take care<BR/>not sure if you neet the e-mail but here it is<BR/>julielupo at cox dot netAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06705383677652282873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-550132998575055862008-12-18T06:28:00.000-08:002008-12-18T06:28:00.000-08:00I guess the thing I've learned the most and that s...I guess the thing I've learned the most and that shows up in most of your posts is that it doesn't have to be perfect. This is huge for me because I am an OCD Perfectionist. I also love the way you incorporate frugality into your entertaining. I for one, am often intimidated by thinking that I can't entertain because I don't have the money to do it perfectly. See my dilemma?!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06987814500457262146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36263828.post-59761056803717072422008-12-18T06:22:00.000-08:002008-12-18T06:22:00.000-08:00This is the first time I have visited your blog bu...This is the first time I have visited your blog but I think that there is so much I can learn therefore I do not have any suggestions.Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00774872626952299961noreply@blogger.com