Candy Apples 101

Everything you've always wanted to know about candy apples―including how to make them.

from Real Simple

Spiced

When I think of October I of course think pumpkins, halloween, turning leaves and my sons birthday but I also think of everything with 'spice'.
So I searched Spiced Cocktails!
Check these out:
Since iced tea vodka is so popular right now and I have some Appleton's Rum in my cabinet I love this!


Appleton Spiced Iced Tea

• 2 oz. Rum, Jamaican (Appleton Estates)
• 1 can (Lipton Brisk®) Iced Tea
• 1 pinch (optional) Cinnamon
• 1 pinch (optional) Nutmeg
  

  Fill glass with ice, pour 2 oz. Appleton Estates Jamaican Rum into a large glass or mug. Add Spices then add Lipton Brisk Ice Tea.

Perfect for after pumpkin picking:

Captain's Spiced Cider Drink

• 2 oz. Rum, spiced (Captain Morgan's)
• Fill with Cider, apple

Pour over ice

and lastly Spiced Pomegranate Sipper from a previous post.

Welcome Fall

I can't believe today is the first day of Fall.

Enjoy some fall centerpiece decor ideas:

The classic pumpkin vase - its easy to do and will last- just buy a mum and put in pumpkin then adorn with fresh flowers. pic from MarthaStewart


or something more simple- just fill a vase with acorns. from Pottery Barn

















Here is a large vases filled with apples with a large chunky candle. from BHG

Turkey Day

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Enjoy your turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie!


This year I have so much to be thankful for - my health, a wonderful husband, a new beautiful baby boy, a great business and supportive family.

On this Thanksgiving - remember to vocalize what you are thankful for!

Speciality Drinks

So I just love having some sort of specialty or signature drink available at a party, let it be a Halloween Party, book club or even a wedding.

If your ceremony is taking place outside in mid Oct - try offering this to your guests as they enter, it will keep them warm during your vows:

Spiced Apple Cider (16 cups)
32 whole allspice berries
24 cinnamon sticks
24 cardamom pods
12 whole cloves
12 strips of orange zest (about 3 oranges)
1 gallon apple cider

Combine all ingredients in a pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Cider can be kept warm over a low heat. Strain before serving, reserving cinnamon sticks for garnish.

Enjoy

Pumpkin Carving Ideas

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS IDEA - Create a monogram or initial on a pumpkin! Use this idea for your doorstep to greet trick or treaters, have it line the aisle at your next outdoor wedding ceremony or even use the smaller size as a centerpiece.

Click here for instructions from www.marthastewart.com

Right now Michaels and AC Moore have carvable pumpkins that you can keep year to year. You can't use real candles inside but you could put battery operated white lights. I am making mine today!

little girls

So what do you dress your little flower girl in?? I often get asked this question - my advice is to make sure the dress suits the girls style and age and also the time of year and formality of the wedding.

I was doing some research for a client and came across some beautiful dresses.
Joan Calabrese available in Philadelphia, Ardmore and Malvern. She uses great fabric combinations and beautiful trims.
How about this for Fall (a joan calabrese)
Or something more formal (a joan calabrese)

US Angels available all across PA including Philadelphia, Wayne, Ambler and Bensalem. A little more traditional but perfect for the young flower girl. This dress comes in chocolate for a fall wedding or lighter colors for that perfect outdoor affair.

and I just love this pink and brown dress as seen in the latest Martha Stewart Magazine.
Lady Bug Collection

Last Weekend of the Summer

Well this is the last weekend of the summer, I can't believe next week is October. I love the summertime and usually dread fall because it means winter is around the corner.

But once fall does arrive I am reminded about how great it is. Nights get a little cooler, the mums are blooming and everyone is excited about carving pumpkins.

I noticed that my neighbors are putting out fall and/or Halloween decorations. So what is your favorite thing about the fall? the changing colors, the cooler temps, caramel apples - post a comment and let me know!!