Fabulous Fall Friday

With the weather FINALLY cooperating, Fall is all about Cozy!

There is nothing better than a yummy warm drink and a good book...

Here are a few suggestions...

Wassail is such a warm yummy Fall/ Holiday tradition! Here is how I make it...
1 gallon apples juice
1 cup orange juice
3/4 cup lemon juiced
2 cups sugar
15 cinnamon sticks
20 whole cloves
15 whole allspice berries
( if you want it to appear a little redish... throw in 10-20 cinnamon red hots)
Bring to a boil and then simmer. Strain all the spices out and serve with a cinnamon stick. Any extra can be saved in a pitcher ( or the apples juice container) in the fridge to warm up in the microwave upon demand.

To go along with your yummy warm drink... Here is a book I just read that is a fun easy read that helped usher in the Fall/Halloween spirit...
This book is a book about a girl who is working on her Doctorate in History and finds an amazing primary resource in her own family. This book mixes modern time with a few flashbacks of Salem and the witch trials. Reading this really made me want to take an Autumn tour of New England. This is a good book, especially for this time of year.

This book, The Help, has become one of my new favorites! The characters are so charming and real... I felt like I had met new friends. Skeeter is a newly graduate of Ole Miss... she returns home to the lives of her friends and their families and realizes she doesn't have the same goals, ambitions, and attitudes that most everyone has. It is 1962 Jackson Mississippi. She teams up with two bllck maids, Abileen and Minny, to write a book about black women working for white families. It is a book that could get them all killed if they are found out. SUCH A GREAT READ! I am not going to say anything else about this book...except... READ IT!

Make yourself a hot drink, grab a good book and let your laundry go for a day!

It is fall... relax... soon it will be the hectic Christmas season.

Thankful Thursday... Fall... Bring it on!

Today I am most thankful for one very important thing: Fall!
I have not been feeling well so... I just haven't been in the mood.

I was starting to worry...

BUT THEN...

Monday it was a little bit cooler...

It even rained a little bit...

I saw a deer in my back yard...

And Secret Haven held their Witches Night Out...

Add all these things together AND it means... Fall is on its way!

Margie, Meggie and I donned our witch hats ( to get 30% off one item)

and hit the sale.

It was a wonderland of fall and Halloween goodness...
More orange and black than I can even begin to describe!
Today I finished a few Halloween/ Fall projects...
and tomorrow I am going to decorate!
Once the weather truly cools down I will be in absolute Fallish heaven!
It IS the best time of the year!

Oh... on Wednesday... Tammy sent me a text message that says only 100 days until Christmas...
YIKES!

Fabulous Fall...Thanksgiving aprons!

I think Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday and I don't even like mashed potatoes. I love it because there is no hype and no let-down...just great food, family and fun. Those are some of my most important priorities. It is just good to stop the craziness of life, reflect on things to be thankful for, eat some yummy pie, and hang out with family. In my family, while the boys are watching football...we girls are in the kitchen. The kitchen is actually where all the action is... can you imagine Viv, my two crazy sisters, my funny cousins, and my Gram all in one central location. GOOD TIMES! Is there a better occasion for a fabulous apron? I think not! I made this little number for Jackson's tutor, Judy. She loves aprons and we love her so..... it is a perfect match. I found some cute fall fabric, added a little ric-rac and...TADA... a sassy apron made for the Thanksgiving hostess with the mostess. I also made some rubber dish washing gloves for her so she can be a Glam Gram. I am a huge fan AND copy cat of Sherry over at creations from the heart. She is so talented and I saw the body displaying aprons on her blog and I just HAD to copy. So... here is a shout out to her...she is amazing! Thanks to my Grandma Bette for my new body.
So for all you Thanksgivingers out there... create an apron for your cooking crew this year. How fun to have matching aprons with your daughters, moms, and even grandmas. If you don't sew...just find a craft apron and embellish it. Add some ribbon, gems, fabric, etc. What a fun memory AND you will all look so cute in the annual Thanksgiving day photo!

Fabulous Fall...Caramel Apples!

One of my most favorite tastes of fall is a caramel apple. It is such a memory for me too. I don't think in the 70's mom's were allowed to just make caramel apples for the fun of it, there was some random rule that said they could only be made in the fall or purchased at lagoon or some other amusement park. At least that was how Viv rolled. Soooo... caramel apples are a favorite of mine- especially in the autumn. I know there are many wasy to get one...covered in M&Ms , nuts ( heaven forbid), white and milk chocolate, cinnamon, etc...but I am a purest when it comes to the apple caramel. Just caramel- nothing else. Last week while Crystal was in town we went to Gardner Village to see the witches. It was a perfect day- kindof chilly, darling witches, pumpkins galore and we topped it off with a caramel apple. It was so good I was sad we had shared one- I could have snarfed my own.

I wish I could say that these are my creations below...They're not! Mine would be a picture of bare-naked apples sitting in a puddle of caramel. In the past I have tried and always end up disappointed & driving to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to get one. This year I am going to try it AGAIN. My darling bloggin' friend Tammy made them and posted the recipe. We'll see how it works- If not, I know the way to the RM Chocolate Factory!p.s. I knot how to decorate the sticks...wrap ribbon up the stick. See... I can embellish, just not make the most important thing.

These are Tammy's and you can find out how to make them by clicking here.
Wish me luck! If you have been successful at this venture...leave me a comment telling my how to make a mean caramel apple- instead of a clean carameless apple.

Have a fabulous fall weekend!

Fabulous Fall Friday...Only WITCHES dressed like witches are allowed to enter!

Fabulous Fall Friday...Witches Brew! Last night Tonia and I held our first annual witches brew! I got to the party and realized my camera was missing the memory card so... I don't have a lot of photos, but I will get copies this weekend. This post was to show the invitation and a photo of Tonia, Marla, Crystal ( The only witch that flew in on her broom all the way from Idaho) and I. We were sassy, funky, and fabulous witches. We had so much fun.

This was the invitation... we invited about 50 of our favorite witches and most all of them came.

Crystal, Me, Tonia, & Marla..Which Witch is Which?

I will have all the tricks and treats of the party.. along with photos on Monday! You won't believe the costumes and treats that everyone brewed up. AMAZING!
Have a GREAT weekend!

Fabulous Fall Food...SOUP!

The Weather is finally going to turn fallish tomorrow! YEAH! Here are some ideas for the best food for fall...SOUP!

Nothing is better than a warm bowl of soup & some yummy bread on a cold autumn afternoon. We have football games tomorrow so I am going to start it beforehand so we can come home to some Creamy Chicken noodle goodness...

3-4 chicken breast
3-4 quarts water

1 can evaporated milk
3 Tbsp. chicken bouillon

1 cube butter
4 potatoes

1 cup flour
3 celery stalks sliced

1 cup milk
1/2 pkg. Bowtie pasta
15 baby carrots cut in fourths.
Mrs. Dash, garlic powder, and pepper to taste.

Boil the chicken in water, bouillon, and a few shakes of garlic powder, pepper, and Mrs. Dash in a large soup pan. Remove Chicken after it is boiled...but, keep the broth. Add more water if the water is low. Add carrots, celery and potatoes and pasta. When pasta is almost done add chicken. In another bowl mix melted butter, flour and warmed canned milk and milk. Mix until all lumps are gone. Add to soup mix and boil to thicken. This soup tends to really thicken up as it cools. !

One of the greatest things about fall is PUMPKINS!

They are so versatile! Two years ago I had a party and served the chili and soups in cleaned out pumpkin pie ( the little ones) pumpkins. It is an idea that I got from Tonia... and it was a fun way to celebrate the season! I did have carpel tunnel from cleaning 25 pumpkins out, but it was well worth it.

Another idea... Beef stew in a baked pumpkin!

Make the stew ( or any hearty soup) and then put in a cleaned out pumpkin.

Make the stew or any other soup you would like and then put it in a pumpkin that has been cleaned and rubbed down with cooking oil. This makes the outside shiny and gives some protection. Cook it for about an hour or until the sides get a little soft. Don't overcook or it won't support the soup. This is so yummy because the pumpkin cooks and you get a little pumpkin taste with the soup...plus you look like Betty Freakin' Crocker!

There are a lot of recipes on the internet for pumpkin soups, etc... I have never tried any of them, but they do look yum!

Play with the pumpkins...use them for dip bowls, soup bowls, anything- Have fun. This is the best time of year to have more serving dishes...You don't have to store them, because you just throw them away when you're done!

Good Luck!

Fabulous Fall... just a bit late!

It is Sunday... but I am posting Fabulous Fall Friday- just a lit late!

An apple a day, keeps the doctor away- and there is nothing that says autumn like everything apple! Here are a few of my favorite apple treats!

Wassail is such a warm yummy Fall/ Holiday tradition! Here is how I make it...

1 gallon apples juice

1 cup orange juice

3/4 cup lemon juiced

2 cups sugar

15 cinnamon sticks

20 whole cloves

15 whole allspice berries

( if you want it to appear a little redish... throw in 10-20 cinnamon red hots)

Bring to a boil and then simmer. Strain all the spices out and serve with a cinnamon stick. Any extra can be saved in a pitcher ( or the apples juice container) in the fridge to warm up in the microwave upon demand.

Apple Caramel Dipping Sauces-
#1- 8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 tsp. vanilla
mix together and chill... you could mold this into a ball and then roll in broken Heath pieces.

#2 1 jar of Carmel sauce ( I like to use Mrs. Richardson's)
1/2 cup of Sour Cream
Heath Bar pieces

** Serve both recipes with apples slices!

* Here is my FAVORITE tip for preventing apples from turning brown. Everyone knows that lemon juice prevents the browning, but then your apples taste like lemon/apples. I fill a huge pot with very cold water and about 2-3 cups of sugar. Let the sugar dissolve and then as you slice the apples drop them in the sugar water. You can leave them in there for a while and when you are ready to serve, your apples will look freshly cut for hours.

Fabulous Fall...Seasonals!

Yes... it is Friday and time to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. One reason ( of about 10,000) I really love fall is it is the kick-off of the Holiday Season. Football, Halloween, Thanksgiving and then Christmas & New Years... all start with fall. Today I put up all my Halloween and Autumn "seasonals" and I was quite happy the way they turned out! Since this is my blog I am going to include photos... like it or laugh- whatever! I did my porch, front door, entryway, and half of my entertainment center in autumn and then the other half of my entertainment center, mantle and end-table in Halloween decor. Last year was the first time I decorated for Halloween, but I can tell it is becoming a favorite! ( I changed the photos from a mosaic... hope you can see them better)

What would Fall be without the yummy food associated with this glorious season? As a part 2 of my weekly Fall post... I am going to share a favorite fall recipe or food idea. This is the absolute BEST time of the year to entertain. SO MANY fun ideas and tasty treats!

#1 tip- Costco is now selling their pumpkin pies... Meg eats a piece every morning for breakfast!

Recipe: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

1 block of cream cheese

1/2 to 1 cup of pumpkin ( depends on how orange you want it)

sugar ( to taste)

pumpkin pie spices

* This is so easy because all you do it mix it up and let it chill... you can make it into a cheese ball and serve with ginger snaps... HEAVENLY!

Fabulous, Fabulous Fall...

If you haven't noticed... I LOVE FALL! So... in celebration of my favorite time of year I am going to dedicate Fridays to the things autumn that I love. I am not trying to give decorating ideas or be any kind of designer ( I'll leave that up to my Over the Tipsy Top friends, Tonia and Marla)...just going to show you some things I think are cute and fun for the most fabulous time of the year!Last week Tonia and I were out and about and we saw this DARLING Halloween star at Heartland Paper in Bountiful... we had to copy it. It was so fun and easy to do! While Viv was in town we projected the night away... we made four of these little beauties and I thought they turned out so cute. I think I am going to hang it from my ceiling with Halloween ribbon. I am really getting ready to put up my Halloween decorations. I can hardly wait until the 15 of September. I have to wait because I just can't have Fall decor up longer than Christmas decor.

Speaking of Halloween and Fall decorations... There is a great store called "Secret Haven" located at the Rock Loft in Fruit Heights- they are having their annual "Witches Night Out" next Monday- September 8th from 4:00- 9:00 p.m. If you dress up like a witch they are giving you 30% off one item. It is the cutest place in the world to go get unique fun decorations and even better ideas. It really is a great store- probably one of my FAVORITES! My mom and I shopped a little there yesterday and it totally got me ready for fall... Is it possible to be any more excited? Check out the "Witches Night Out" Who knows I just might bump into you there...

Freaking Out Over Fall!

Today it happened... I went outside this morning and I felt the most wonderful thing... FALL! I know the kids still came home from school smelling like summer recess, but this morning it seemed cooler and more crisp. Mitch is playing football, the mornings and evenings are cooler, and fall is knocking on my heart. I love love love fall! I think it was because the first one I really experiences was in 1999... the year we moved to Boise from St. George. I had no idea leaves actually turned red before they fell off the tree. I am being silly... ( I really did know that) but St. George has corner on the market for Spring, but Fall- Not so much! In San Jorge the leaves are on the tree bright green one day...the next day they are a yellow/green and then the next day they are on the ground the same yellow/ green. I love everything fall! In my house I don't do "seasonals" ( sorry Mindi) except fall and Christmas. Two years ago I had a big old fall party and I am already going to plan one for this year! Did this last year and loved it!

I went with the Over Tipsy Top Girls ( AKA Tonia & Marla) to Michael's today and bought a little Halloween decor. If that is not the best way to spend an hour and a little cash I don't know what is! I know what Meg wants to be for Halloween- so I can start on that costume, I already have my Halloween apron material, and I am just waiting for the green light to start going for fall in my house. I usually wait until Sept. 15... I hope I can wait that long. Last year was the first year I did Halloween themed decorations... I usually just to the whole pumpkin and leaves and fabulous fall theme. But... there was something so whimsical and fun about my fun Halloween stuff... It should be in my blood because my mom, VIV, and my sister,Jody, are really witches at heart. I say that lovingly... they love Halloween. So I am digging out my Martha Stewart Living mags from years gone by and am going to start getting into the fall festive mood. I can't wait to wear orange... make caramel apples... junk up my house with orange and black... and enjoy the cool down and the BEAUTIFUL fall view off my deck. This isn't the last you'll hear about this... I am freaking out over FALL!

Let's Give Martha a toast... she is the best Halloween idea giver in the world!

Have a great Weekend!