Watching your children grow into independent adults is one of life’s greatest joys — but just because your kids are grown doesn’t mean they won’t test your limits now and then. As they build their own lives, the relationship between parent and child shifts, and deciding where to draw the line can be challenging. If you’re an empty nester, it’s time to redefine and set healthy boundaries that protect your time, energy, and well-being. Whether it’s financial independence, personal space, or learning to say “no” without guilt, establishing clear expectations can strengthen your relationship with your grown kids while allowing you to enjoy this exciting new chapter. EMBRACE THEIR INDEPENDENCE Though they will always be your baby, the first step in setting new boundaries is acknowledging their independence and adulthood. Your children need to make their own decisions and mistakes and find their own belief system, no matter how much it may differ from yours. Set flexible boundaries that give them the space to problem-solve without HELP YOUR KIDS FLY, WHILE DRAWING THE L
Ready to shake or stir things up this summer? Grab your martini glasses because there’s nothing like a summertime soiree. Whether mixing it up with a tropical tiki night, pouring classy spritzers in the garden, or sipping something cool at a poolside bash, hosting a summer cocktail party is the perfect way to serve up flavor and fun. Get ready to be the host or hostess with the mostest with these delicious tips (and sips) to throw the ultimate party this summer! PERFECT PARTY FORMULA Do you want to keep things casual with familiar beers and classic finger foods, or do you want to see your friends in their best “Great Gatsby” attire sipping on a sidecar for a roaring ’20s-themed party? Plan your theme and the perfect menu of drinks, appetizers, and entrees to match. Next, pick out your summer guest squad and invite them at least a month in advance to give them ample notice. Ideally, you want to keep the guest list to about 15 people, mixing in long-time friends and new acquaintances to keep the conversations lively and the party manageable. MIX, MINGLE, MOVE AROUND Set up an inviting scene with cute cocktail glasses, festive decorations, and different seating options that encourage guests to mingle and have fun. Clear space for a makeshift dance floor, and provide snacks at every little grouping of comfy chairs to entice guests to nosh while they chat. Your Perfect Summer Soiree Formula Sip, Sip, Hooray!
Having an attractive and central bar area can set the party’s mood. You can go all out and hire someone to handle a full bar, create a drink station in the kitchen, or set up a DIY bar cart with recipes and all the ingredients for your friends to be their own bartenders. SHAKE UP CONVERSATIONS No celebration is complete without engaging conversation and entertainment. Help your guests get to know each other by putting out fun icebreaker questions on the tables or serving each drink with one. This will get people to open up, laugh, and make new friends (the ultimate party favor). You could also come up with some fun games that encourage a little goofiness, like charades, a board game, or your very own talent show.
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