I love your hosting comments. Your videos are always inspiring and refreshing in so many ways. I love when you said,"I could be happy sitting watching paint dry as long as I have friends or family to talk to and something to eat." 🙂
I really enjoyed this video, especially as I am about to do some hosting myself! My sister and my 2 nieces are coming today so we are having a family meal together at our house prior to watching a show that our granddaughter is in. On Monday my old school friend is coming for lunch, so thank you so much for some inspiration.
I find hosting rather uncomfortable. I too was self conscious about whether I was doing it right or have enough food or is my home comfortable enough. So I rarely hosted anything. Now , at age 67, I decided to host a small bible study in my home. At first I was nervous, but the women are gracious and it is going well! Your advice to just do it and enjoy is is right on! Time is short and fellowship with friends and family is what it’s all about! Love the girls sewing party!!!
I am an older woman who has enjoyed being the host for most of my life. I love having people over, choosing the menu, which dishes to use and how to present the food, where people will sit and where they will put their plate down, etc etc. Investing in the lives of others is always worth it.
You have helped me look at hosting in a different light. Lately I look at it as “one more thing to do”. You have reminded me it’s about friends and fellowship. Thank you for that. As always another great video.
When I had babies I was 40 (50 now) and living in a place where I didn't know anyone and no family around. It could be very isolating and lonely. I tried hard to make friends there to no avail. We have tried over the years to make friends and host and no one seems interested. The few times people do come over, we never get an invitation in return. And I know I am a great host so it's not that. I invited someone for coffee the other day and she said maybe in September. . . too busy. Maybe it's just harder being older and not living near family. I don't know, but it makes me happy to see you with so much support and community.
I have had the same struggles in getting people to come over back when I lived in a different state. Same thing where occasionally someone would come over but no invitation in return. Not that I'm necessarily looking for an invitation in return but does signal to me that they're not really looking for an ongoing friendship, necessarily. We now live out in the country with our church just around the corner and it's been much easier getting people over. They're still busy and some people will say they'll come but never will. Really we just have to keep trying. ❤
My mom left PA and went to live with my brother in Augusta SC. She said that making friends there was impossible. She said everything you are experiencing. It's crazy how different places make different people. After nearly 6 yrs, she moved back to PA where her siblings, my family is and she's back to being way happier. I have basically no friends, but I do have a handful of really good family members and for me, that is enough. I once hung out with friends but only because i was the one reaching out and planning get togethers. I got tired of being the only initiator so I just stopped. 😂😂😂 now i see or hear from none of them. 🤷♀️
This has been my life!! I am so sorry to the others who shared this same experience, I am sending you all a big hug! I used to host and go to sooooo much work for having people over for breakfast, lunch or supper. They would leave with my house being an absolute mess (their kids would dump toys all over etc and the parents would not get them to pick them up), nobody would help with dishes, etc and I would often never see or hear from them again. I spent years with a broken heart over this happening to me time and time again with different people. I am a very shy, quiet person, very reserved. I really had to put myself out there to be hospitable like this, but eventually, I quit. Somebody told me to start to make my own happiness. I now live a quiet life with my husband and older kids and have 2 dogs and 2 cats and spend most of my free time alone, doing activities that fill me up without leaving me so heartbroken. Watching videos like this does makes me wish I could have experienced something like this in my life though, but it has never worked out for me.
Andrea, you are truly an inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experiences. I enjoy your perspective and thoughtful way of sharing lessons learned in life so much! ❤
Feel very happy to see what you share. Very interesting and very special to me. I was so amazed that I wanted to watch it until the end. 🤩🤩💙💙Best wishes to you, may you always have health and happiness
The Family Love is awesome so comforting it makes for a beautiful stress free life when the WHOLE Family loves each other those young teenage women are so talented you all are!!❤😊
I love shrimp.. one of my fav things to eat. I like it any way its cooked.. and there's soooo many ways you can cook it!😋 Sounds like you guys had an amazing July 4th! Lots if good food, family & friends always makes for a good time! TFS😊
You are so sweet! We all need a friend who will come over to watch paint dry as long as there are snacks and convos! As I have a living room full of a furniture paint project!😅
I appreciate the pizza grill tips! I bought a pizza grill, Pizzello, and we are loving it. I want to have a pizza party, but was struggling with the logistics of it. This was super helpful! Kudos to you for being so confident in hosting!! That is a blessing!!!!!
I have been thinking about hosting a Ladies Crafternoon for awhile now. I love crafts and think it would be a blast but am worried I will be stretched too thin organizing snacks and crafts. But I love what you said about preparing everything you can ahead of time. I was thinking I could even type up step by step instructions to help with the craft. I really enjoy your videos!
My MIL is a retired teacher, her and all her retired friend teacher's get together a few times a year for crafts and cookies exchange. I tried to start craft party gatherings about 5 or 6 yrs ago and could not get anyone to bite so I gave up. 😂😂😂😂 blah!
Lol I think we would get along so well because you sound just like me when it comes to parties. I'm just happy to be there, idc what the theme or plan is❤
Just like you said: when hosting is not about me. When we started to change our thinking from “us” to “them” our hosting changed. For example: we are opening our home, cooking, cleaning for our guests to have a good time. If they don’t it’s not necessarily on us but on them because they probably had some expectations that we didn’t meet. Fellowship is what we are going for. If someone doesn’t like paper plates - which we use when we have more people - or the food, or who knows what I don’t take it personally anymore. I did my best. Also… different cultures or people host differently. For example - if you come over, you will still find me in the kitchen finishing something up. I like to have the guest there and talking with me while I finish. For me, it makes the atmosphere more casual, comfy, homey. I know other people that like to have everything ready and just start dinner. And that is fine with me, but is not the way I do it. It took me a few years to let go of that and feeing guilty I’m not like that and just embrace the way I host. Another huge tip: I leave an area a bit messy. Maybe a table with some papers piled up on it, a corner with some toys tucked in visible. Something to make the house lived in. At someone’s house a friend told me she couldn’t even sit on the white sofa for fear of not getting it dirty somehow - everything in the house was so clean that it also made you uncomfortable inviting that person in your not so perfect house. Since she told me that, I implemented that tip. I don’t want to feel people uncomfortable just by doing a too good job of picking up everything just for guests. Of course, I do clean the house though - bathrooms, vacuum, floors - the basics. ☺️
@@Oursweetsunnydays An extra note about different cultures (generally speaking, not that everyone does this) In latin America countries people are used to coming late, hanging out with you while you're still in the kitchen and then they don't leave until the kitchen is put back in place. :)
I have inherited a love for hosting from my Italian grandmother but our social group is very small. Not only that but we have a lot of self made introverts. After hosting our weekly get together I was in tears after what felt like a complete flop. I served food and tried to engage with people but everyone just wanted to be on their phones and they seemed anxious to leave. I've witnessed the same behavior from said people when it's hosted at their own house or another family members house too so I know it's not just me but I feel so discouraged and disappointed. I live for hosting and family time, this video has encouraged me to keep going and be creative! ❤ Any tips for getting folks off of their dang phones? lol
Threaten to throw them in the garbage 😂😂😂 Seriously, my mom is the only one that ever looks at her phone and I am pretty vocal about how rude she is. Nothing worse than trying to hold a conversation with someone that is looking at their phones. What ever happened to eye contact? I might be an introvert, but I'm a mouthy one 😂😂😂😂 i hate cells phones at gatherings. AND i hate seeing them in restaurants.
@@Oursweetsunnydays I keep thinking of that cute striped gauzy fabric you made a cute shirt out of several videos ago. Do you remember if that was Jo-ann's too?
I was once like you. Host many many many social events. Now that I'm 45, even though I still have little ones, my desire to host has really gone downhill. Probably because I'm older and just getting burnt out. Plus my desire to be social isn't there anymore. Now, do i like a nice family gathering somewhere else YES, and do i like having people over for a campfire and s'more YES... Never thought I'd be this person but here I am... 😂😂😂😂 I am actually pretty happy about it. I was the one that stressed pretty hard pre gathering, stressed over the cooking and setting up. I don't miss that at all. 😂
Back in the day, when I was an avid sewer, I took great pride in matching my checks and plaids. It doesn’t look like today’s sewers take the time and effort to do that anymore.
What a rude comment! Why can’t you just celebrate young people learning and practicing new skills? I’m sure if you kindly provided any advice based on your experience that would be well received on this channel, but you would rather criticize a so-called lack of “time and effort.”
@@lindashively2530in your head you may have thought it was just an observation, but in reality it was a pretty rude comment. Maybe try to either say nothing or approach it a little better. Imagine someone saying something like that to you.
I’m sure yall hear it A LOT, but you and Laura look sooooo much alike! I love watching all three of yall!
We get asked if we are twins allll the time haha!
Those girls must just love their auntie 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
we have a lot of fun!
I love your hosting comments. Your videos are always inspiring and refreshing in so many ways. I love when you said,"I could be happy sitting watching paint dry as long as I have friends or family to talk to and something to eat." 🙂
I deeply resonate with this also!
i meant it haha! :)
I love all you 3 sisters and your channels. The videos are so peaceful to watch, very inspiring and special thank you
Thank you so much!
I love what you said , it’s not about you but your guests ❤
I love your videos! What a fun auntie activity too!
You are a wonderful aunt!! ❣️❣️
thank you for sharing, it's so sweet your sewing nights with the nieces! love your videos and the direction they're going :)
I really enjoyed this video, especially as I am about to do some hosting myself! My sister and my 2 nieces are coming today so we are having a family meal together at our house prior to watching a show that our granddaughter is in. On Monday my old school friend is coming for lunch, so thank you so much for some inspiration.
I have always been intimidated in regard to hosting. Thank you for your words of encouragement ❤
it gets easier the more you do it!
I find hosting rather uncomfortable. I too was self conscious about whether I was doing it right or have enough food or is my home comfortable enough. So I rarely hosted anything. Now , at age 67, I decided to host a small bible study in my home. At first I was nervous, but the women are gracious and it is going well!
Your advice to just do it and enjoy is is right on! Time is short and fellowship with friends and family is what it’s all about!
Love the girls sewing party!!!
Aww i would love to host a bible study! Good for you :)
I to am 67 and feel the same way…your words are encouraging.
My sister sent me a link to one of your videos, so I'm thanking her for doing that!
Welcome!!
@@Oursweetsunnydays Glad to be here.
What a fun summer video , I loved it all !!! 🥰🥰🥰
Glad you liked it!!
I am an older woman who has enjoyed being the host for most of my life. I love having people over, choosing the menu, which dishes to use and how to present the food, where people will sit and where they will put their plate down, etc etc. Investing in the lives of others is always worth it.
Totally agree!
I so enjoy your channel ❤ watching you and your sisters I am learning to slow down and be in the moment. Thank you ❤❤
so happy to hear that! :)
those little girls are so lucky to have you in their life
What fun! I loved this. Ty Andrea.
Thanks for watching!
You have helped me look at hosting in a different light. Lately I look at it as “one more thing to do”. You have reminded me it’s about friends and fellowship. Thank you for that. As always another great video.
thanks so much! i'm glad! :)
When I had babies I was 40 (50 now) and living in a place where I didn't know anyone and no family around. It could be very isolating and lonely. I tried hard to make friends there to no avail. We have tried over the years to make friends and host and no one seems interested. The few times people do come over, we never get an invitation in return. And I know I am a great host so it's not that. I invited someone for coffee the other day and she said maybe in September. . . too busy. Maybe it's just harder being older and not living near family. I don't know, but it makes me happy to see you with so much support and community.
I have had the same struggles in getting people to come over back when I lived in a different state. Same thing where occasionally someone would come over but no invitation in return. Not that I'm necessarily looking for an invitation in return but does signal to me that they're not really looking for an ongoing friendship, necessarily.
We now live out in the country with our church just around the corner and it's been much easier getting people over. They're still busy and some people will say they'll come but never will. Really we just have to keep trying. ❤
My mom left PA and went to live with my brother in Augusta SC. She said that making friends there was impossible. She said everything you are experiencing. It's crazy how different places make different people. After nearly 6 yrs, she moved back to PA where her siblings, my family is and she's back to being way happier. I have basically no friends, but I do have a handful of really good family members and for me, that is enough. I once hung out with friends but only because i was the one reaching out and planning get togethers. I got tired of being the only initiator so I just stopped. 😂😂😂 now i see or hear from none of them. 🤷♀️
Oh I am so sorry - to all 3 of you! That is very hard.
This has been my life!! I am so sorry to the others who shared this same experience, I am sending you all a big hug! I used to host and go to sooooo much work for having people over for breakfast, lunch or supper. They would leave with my house being an absolute mess (their kids would dump toys all over etc and the parents would not get them to pick them up), nobody would help with dishes, etc and I would often never see or hear from them again. I spent years with a broken heart over this happening to me time and time again with different people. I am a very shy, quiet person, very reserved. I really had to put myself out there to be hospitable like this, but eventually, I quit. Somebody told me to start to make my own happiness. I now live a quiet life with my husband and older kids and have 2 dogs and 2 cats and spend most of my free time alone, doing activities that fill me up without leaving me so heartbroken. Watching videos like this does makes me wish I could have experienced something like this in my life though, but it has never worked out for me.
Andrea, you are truly an inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experiences. I enjoy your perspective and thoughtful way of sharing lessons learned in life so much! ❤
well thank you so much!
I am a capital "I" Introvert/loner but I think if we were living in the same area, you and I could be the best of friends!
Spectacular video! What a gift to be a natural entertainer! The sewing night….perfection 🩷🩷🩷🩷
we had a lot of fun!
Great tips and hosting advice ❤
Feel very happy to see what you share. Very interesting and very special to me. I was so amazed that I wanted to watch it until the end. 🤩🤩💙💙Best wishes to you, may you always have health and happiness
The Family Love is awesome so comforting it makes for a beautiful stress free life when the WHOLE Family loves each other those young teenage women are so talented you all are!!❤😊
we are so blessed!
I love your videos they are so refreshing! Keep up the good work.🧵🪡♥
Glad you like them!
I love shrimp.. one of my fav things to eat. I like it any way its cooked.. and there's soooo many ways you can cook it!😋 Sounds like you guys had an amazing July 4th! Lots if good food, family & friends always makes for a good time! TFS😊
I totally agree!
Love your videos so much Andrea! Thanks for sharing you encouragement about hosting!
thanks for watching! :)
You are so sweet! We all need a friend who will come over to watch paint dry as long as there are snacks and convos! As I have a living room full of a furniture paint project!😅
haha sounds like a good time to host! ;)
I was that lady! Such fun memories
hosting is the best! :)
Thank you ❤ perfect words of encouragement.
Glad it was helpful!
I appreciate the pizza grill tips! I bought a pizza grill, Pizzello, and we are loving it. I want to have a pizza party, but was struggling with the logistics of it. This was super helpful! Kudos to you for being so confident in hosting!! That is a blessing!!!!!
Oh good I am glad it was helpful! Pizza parties are so fun! :)
That food looked amazing!!!! The skirts were cute too!!!
Thank you!!
I have been thinking about hosting a Ladies Crafternoon for awhile now. I love crafts and think it would be a blast but am worried I will be stretched too thin organizing snacks and crafts. But I love what you said about preparing everything you can ahead of time. I was thinking I could even type up step by step instructions to help with the craft. I really enjoy your videos!
You can also have it be a potluck crafting night so all the ladies can bring something to share.
My MIL is a retired teacher, her and all her retired friend teacher's get together a few times a year for crafts and cookies exchange. I tried to start craft party gatherings about 5 or 6 yrs ago and could not get anyone to bite so I gave up. 😂😂😂😂 blah!
i say go for it! it'll be so much fun for a lot of ladies :)
What a fun week! So lucky to have family around!
we really are!
Thank you 💕 for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Loved the video! I would like to cook burgers in the oven. Can you tell me what temperature you use and how long you cook them please? Thank you!
I want to to know too 😅!
its sooo easy! 375 for 30 minutes-ish :)
@@Oursweetsunnydays Thank you!
Great tips and advice on hosting. 😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a great video! Have u ever dropped a pizza when taking it out of your outside oven?
Lol I think we would get along so well because you sound just like me when it comes to parties. I'm just happy to be there, idc what the theme or plan is❤
yep! same!
Just like you said: when hosting is not about me. When we started to change our thinking from “us” to “them” our hosting changed. For example: we are opening our home, cooking, cleaning for our guests to have a good time. If they don’t it’s not necessarily on us but on them because they probably had some expectations that we didn’t meet. Fellowship is what we are going for. If someone doesn’t like paper plates - which we use when we have more people - or the food, or who knows what I don’t take it personally anymore. I did my best.
Also… different cultures or people host differently. For example - if you come over, you will still find me in the kitchen finishing something up. I like to have the guest there and talking with me while I finish. For me, it makes the atmosphere more casual, comfy, homey.
I know other people that like to have everything ready and just start dinner. And that is fine with me, but is not the way I do it. It took me a few years to let go of that and feeing guilty I’m not like that and just embrace the way I host.
Another huge tip: I leave an area a bit messy. Maybe a table with some papers piled up on it, a corner with some toys tucked in visible. Something to make the house lived in. At someone’s house a friend told me she couldn’t even sit on the white sofa for fear of not getting it dirty somehow - everything in the house was so clean that it also made you uncomfortable inviting that person in your not so perfect house. Since she told me that, I implemented that tip. I don’t want to feel people uncomfortable just by doing a too good job of picking up everything just for guests. Of course, I do clean the house though - bathrooms, vacuum, floors - the basics. ☺️
Love all of this so much! good tip!
@@Oursweetsunnydays An extra note about different cultures (generally speaking, not that everyone does this) In latin America countries people are used to coming late, hanging out with you while you're still in the kitchen and then they don't leave until the kitchen is put back in place. :)
I have inherited a love for hosting from my Italian grandmother but our social group is very small. Not only that but we have a lot of self made introverts. After hosting our weekly get together I was in tears after what felt like a complete flop. I served food and tried to engage with people but everyone just wanted to be on their phones and they seemed anxious to leave. I've witnessed the same behavior from said people when it's hosted at their own house or another family members house too so I know it's not just me but I feel so discouraged and disappointed. I live for hosting and family time, this video has encouraged me to keep going and be creative! ❤ Any tips for getting folks off of their dang phones? lol
Threaten to throw them in the garbage 😂😂😂
Seriously, my mom is the only one that ever looks at her phone and I am pretty vocal about how rude she is. Nothing worse than trying to hold a conversation with someone that is looking at their phones. What ever happened to eye contact? I might be an introvert, but I'm a mouthy one 😂😂😂😂 i hate cells phones at gatherings. AND i hate seeing them in restaurants.
Oh gosh I am sorry - that stinks! Maybe have a thing to do planned! Like a board game they have to pay attention to lol!
I love your fabric choices! Where are your favorite places to source fabric from?
I go all over! That fabric in particular was thrifted. Joanns, anytime I travel I find a fabric shop! :)
@@Oursweetsunnydays I keep thinking of that cute striped gauzy fabric you made a cute shirt out of several videos ago. Do you remember if that was Jo-ann's too?
@@bigbarnlittlehouse7013yep! Joann!
I was once like you. Host many many many social events. Now that I'm 45, even though I still have little ones, my desire to host has really gone downhill. Probably because I'm older and just getting burnt out. Plus my desire to be social isn't there anymore. Now, do i like a nice family gathering somewhere else YES, and do i like having people over for a campfire and s'more YES... Never thought I'd be this person but here I am... 😂😂😂😂 I am actually pretty happy about it.
I was the one that stressed pretty hard pre gathering, stressed over the cooking and setting up. I don't miss that at all. 😂
haha another really good season of life it sounds like! :)
Hello from NC
❤❤❤
Go Gators! 🐊🤗
What were you making in the blender with the avocado ? And do you have a link for the free skirt pattern ? Thanks so much.
Avocado crema for the shrimp tacos - was so good! and yes! it is called the ballet bow skirt from matchy matchy sewing club!
What temperature do you bake the burgers and for how long?
375° for about 30 minutes :)
Can you please share the shrimp recipe ? 😊
Love your videos and unique style. Did you make the pink dress?
Thank you! I did :)
❤
Id be kinda iffy about making pizza for people. Not everyone likes the same toppings...
😅
Back in the day, when I was an avid sewer, I took great pride in matching my checks and plaids. It doesn’t look like today’s sewers take the time and effort to do that anymore.
What a rude comment! Why can’t you just celebrate young people learning and practicing new skills? I’m sure if you kindly provided any advice based on your experience that would be well received on this channel, but you would rather criticize a so-called lack of “time and effort.”
Not critical, a comment, an observation. Lighten up…
@@lindashively2530in your head you may have thought it was just an observation, but in reality it was a pretty rude comment. Maybe try to either say nothing or approach it a little better. Imagine someone saying something like that to you.