October 26, 2011

 

Woo Hoo Wednesday! Jack-o-Lanterns




oops! I'm a little late in getting out my Woo Hoo Wednesday!  I was busy last night getting all the party shopping done. 7 stores in 2 hours, Boom! Done and done.  I ate dinner in front of the T.V. last night, typical for us actually.  While flipping through the channels I came across a special on GIANT pumpkins on OPB.  Those giant pumpkins are definitely a Woo Hoo!



Picture from http://www.howarddill.com/



http://pumpkined.com/



My bosses husband carves one pumpkin a year...but it's a GIANT one!  I'm pretty short 5', here's me next to his pumpkin from last year. They get at least 100 kids trick-or-treating every year.  I'm one of them :)


Related: Jack-O-Lanterns 

October 23, 2011

 

And the Liebster goes to...

Earlier this week I received a VERY pleasant surprise from Chocolate, Chocolate and More Chocolate , The Liebster Award!

There's a few rules that come along with this award.

1.Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them. (check)

2. Reveal your top 5 picks by leaving a comment on their blog. (Will do, as soon as I finish this post)

3. Post the award on your blog. (semi-check. It's in this post but I need to get it over on the side for bragging rights :) hee hee)

4. Enjoy the love of some of the most supportive people on the Internet. (Check and double check)


Ooh, this was a hard one. How do you chose just 5. There are so many wonderful blogs out there. 

1. My first award has to go to the blog that really got me thinking about starting Fizzy Party, Party Frosting! Kim of Party Frosting is such an adorable person and really encouraged me. There's that #4 rule shining
through.  Party Frosting is FULL of so many fabulous ideas for any party or holiday you can possibly think of. Every Saturday Kim posts Shopping Saturday! I look forward to it every Saturday. I get so many great ideas.  Kim's a little busy right now, she's getting married in less than a week. So if her posts are few and far between, don't worry, she'll be back in full force after the wedding.

2.  Piggy Bank Parties ADORE this site. It is chock full of amazing parties that anyone can put on and they won't cost a fortune.  All the parties can be done on a piggy bank budget :)  I always enjoy reading the posts, Piggy is very humorous and also ridiculously talented.  There's a link to the market where you can purchase some amazing party goods.  Recently, Little Witch cupcake stands, you read right, cup-cake stands! arrived at the market. I'm in love with these and need some. Wiggle on over and see them for yourself.

3.  The Purple Pug, I have to give her an award.  She's been super supportive to me. That's not the only reason of course.  This girl knows how to glitter in ridiculously cool ways. She brings so much sparkle and bling to every party she show cases. She's pretty darn funny and high lights some amazing parties. Whenever I need a pick me up The Purple Pug delivers.  How can you possibly let a raining day or a bad day at work get to you when there's so much sparkle and colour at The Purple Pug.

4. The Cake Life  is a brand new blog started by Erin who makes the most amazing looking cakes and she's still in pastry/baking classes. Imagine the masterpieces she'll create after she's graduated.  Bake on over to her blog and show some support for this newbie.

5. My last award goes to Love and Sugar Kisses , the big bright pictures on her blog just make you want to throw a party and get creative.  She's another wonderful person you'll meet on the Internet. Maria is amazingly talented and believes that it's not the amount of money you spend on the party but all the wonderful little details that show the love and effort. Maria's blog always brightness my day every time I visit. 

I hope you check out these amazing blogs and show them some love. May they bring your inspiration and brighten your day.
   

October 22, 2011

 

CakeSpy in Portland

Today I met Jessie of Cakespy on her book tour of her new book!  If you don't know about Cakespy you should pop on over and check it out.  Jessie is a freelance writer and illustrator.  All those sweet little drawings on the book cover are hers.  And her blog is soo cute. Full of great recipe's and fun :)


Jessie was in Portland, Oregon at saint cupcake, a delish little bakery.  My man and I had dot cupcakes from saint cupcake for our wedding. mmmm mmm yummer! Perfect place for a sweet book tour.



Jessie,  like her recipes and drawings is sweet and adorable.  It was a pleasure to meet and talk with her.  I can't wait to visit her store in Seattle, Washington.  ROAD TRIP! 

She not only signed my book she drew this sweet little unicorn in it!   Weeee :)  I highly recommend you check out her book tour and see if she's coming to a city near you. If so, high tail it down there and meet this adorable Cakespy! 

October 21, 2011

 

Halloweeny Food

Now that the Jack-o-Lantern designs haven been picked, cross that off my list, it's time to tackle the next on my To-Do list, FOOD.  So many possibilities out there.  Here's just some of the great ideas I'm mulling over. I'd love to hear you thoughts, which ones would you like to devour at a Halloween party?

If you have trouble commenting, I've had friends tell me they can't make it work, zip on over to Fizzy Party's Facebook page and leave me your ghoulish thoughts.


Salty goodness with a little sweet


I made something similar for my 2009 party and had no left-overs
Halloween Decorations Ideas


These little guys always make me smile. From Our Best Bites.


Gotta love these mini pumpkin bites from Bakerella

Pumpkin Roll cake from Food Network
There's some food on my list that I'm making that  I didn't show you. Have to keep some surprises :)

Related: Halloween Kids Party 

October 20, 2011

 

Jack-o-Lanterns

Rampin up for the big Halloween party I'm co-hosting with my crafty friend TheMistressT.  My To-Do list is growing out of control.  At the top of the list: Jack-o-Lantern designs.  I'm in charge of Jack-o-Lanterns. I love carving them...LOTS of them. I know, I'm sick :)

Her house has steps up to the porch which is perfect for displaying them. My plan for up the steps is this:

Source

On the back porch, the graveyard, the real fun begins.  So many great ideas I could use.  I'm going to use those great templates that are out there.  Carving up those perfect little pumpkins into ghoulish designs is fun and relaxing. I told you I was sick :) Sick for Halloween!!
Now which design do I chose...


Source

The source I got this image from is no longer available

Source unknown


The source I got this image from is no longer available


























October 19, 2011

 

Woo Hoo!! Wednesday

Today is truly a WOO HOO!! day.  Monday I was having one of those days where I was disgusted with people and their, It's all about ME attitude.  I have to ride the train to work and in the mornings there's no seats when I get on. Now I don't mind, I actually like to stand, I train surf. I have great balance because of it.  But yesterday a 70ish year young woman got on with a cane and no one was getting up for her. They all had their noses buried in their phones and E-Readers. Now I am not one to keep my mouth shut.  I may be little but I'm mighty. Just as I was about to same something a woman got up. Lucky for her ;)

Then on the way home, I'm stopped at a red light in the turn lane.  Light turns green and the walk signal comes on.  A man with a baby in a stroller starts across the cross walk and 3 cars cut right in front of him! HELLO!!! Pedestrians have the right of way and do you not see the baby!  Slow down people.
Very frustrating day.

Until I came home and checked in on my Facebook page and saw that Chocolate Chocolate and more Chocolate  gave me an AWARD!!



I am beyond thrilled. This changed my  mood completely about people. Especially after I read all the wonderful things Ms. Chocolate :) had to say about my blog.  A HUGE thank you.

The rules that come with the award state that I need to pass the award onto 5 blogs that I adore. Only 5, I have some serious thinking to do fans.

October 17, 2011

 

Brain Storming Pumpkin Carving Party

Saturday I had my second Pumpkin Carving Party. And like I always do, as soon as the party is over I think of what I wish I would have done and had the money to do.  I've been brain storming about next years party and here's what I'd LOVE to do.

I'd have my own pumpkin patch in the backyard. Of course the weather would cooperate and be a gorgeous fall day.


The site I got this image from is by invite only now. 
The site I got this image from is no longer up. 
A long wood table would be set up outside for us to carve on. Once again, the weather will be one of those amazing autumn days where a long sleeve shirt and a vest is all you need.


Martha Stewart
A cider bar would be set up outside for the guests.


House and Home
After carving we'd move inside to eat, watch the movie and drink a tasty Halloweeny drink from the bar. My friends of course wouldn't have to dash home to the kiddo's and therefore be able to spend time carving, eating and watching a movie.


Image


Image
We shall see next year how many of these brain storming ideas I actually do.  Step one: start putting a little money away each month so I CAN do these ideas. 

October 15, 2011

 

Pumpkin Carving Party 2011

Just wrapped up the Pumpkin Carving Party.  Missing a few this year but as every hostess knows, sometimes that can't be helped.  A moment of silence for my friend who couldn't come who just lost her fur-kid.... Thank you.

Last year I asked everyone to come in costume so we could tour the corn maize and then carve.  This year the weather has been so iffy I just asked guests to dress in Halloweeny clothes.  I can not believe I didn't take a picture of the invitation I made. Unbelievable, where is my head.  Anyway. I show a Halloweeny movie while we carve too. This years feature:


I always have a signature party shot too. This years, Bloody Brain Shooter They were pretty good. Everyone hesitated before downing them.  The visual creep factor is worth it.


I set the tables very simply.  Using the many left over Halloween party goods I had.  Those napkins, ancient.  I love that my man HAD to have those skull glasses.  Perfect for Halloween parties.


We all gorged on amazing fall foods, probably ate way too much, but isn't that what parties are for?
Homemade peanut butter cups, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cream cheese roll and hee hee, that empty platter is suppose to be holding caramel apples.  We all got to yapping and well, they didn't get put out until much later.  But that's how real parties go sometimes. 



Oh yeah, pumpkin cream cheese roll. THIS is always a hit. Everyone loves it. My secret...it's the recipe on the back of the Libby's pumpkin mix.

What's a party without a Chex mix. And pizza is soo easy.  Papa Murphy's Mediterranean Delite is so good and healthy, as far as pizza goes.

My friend made pumpkin cookies for the occasion.  My first taste of the pumpkiny goodness. Zombie brains (watermelon) filled the pumpkin bowl.  Had to have something a little healthy on the table ;)


I finally got out the caramel apples.  I don't know how the pumpkin patches get theirs to look so darn good. Caramel apples are not the easiest to make look all pretty and perfect. Oh, we still ate them. mmm caramel. My man jokes that I'd eat anything if you poured caramel on it.


Everyone to the pumpkin patch...


I always do gift bags too. Listen to me, ALWAYS, as if I've been throwing this party for YEARS. This is only the second year.  Last year was socks. This year I snagged these plain bags from JoAnn's, jazzed them up and filled them with bubble bath and a note pad.



Woo Hoo!! from pumpkins to Jack-o-Lanterns. Now if only we could have gotten Rachel's pumpkin to quit looking out the window at the squirrels long enough for us to get a picture, ha ha!


Hope you enjoyed the pumpkin carving party. I'm already planning for next years. It's going to be bigger and better. Possibly my own pumpkin patch in the backyard :)  Stay tuned for my brain storming 2012 Pumpkin Carving Party.  


October 13, 2011

 

Bats, Bats, Bats

I had planned a post on ghosts because I'm seeing so many cute ghost projects out there. But then my co-worker told me next year is the Year of the BAT!!! Weeeeee, I LOVE bats.  When I visit the zoo I could spend hours watching them. My man has to pull me away. Oh, you mean there's other animals at the zoo? 

After finding this out you just know I'm having a Year of the Bat party next year. And seeing how Halloween is fast approaching and bats are so very Halloweeny...here's to BATS!!

The chocolate covered bat strawberry will be served of course.



This bat wreath from ItzFitz is perfect for the front door.



I'm loving these bat pumpkins which were also highlighted on Party Frosting. These little guys can be found at Disney Family Fun

I need to find these cupcake holders. Perfect!


Here's to Hallowen and 2012, The Year of the Bat.

P.S. this post took me forever. Hard to type with a cat zonked out on your lap. But he's so dang cute I couldn't make him move :)

October 12, 2011

 

Woo Hoo Wednesday!!

I love these cookies. They look so amazing and there's no way I could make cookies look this good.  Grab a cup of coffee or in my case tea and enjoy the eye candy.

Adorable from 4.bp.blogspot.com


If only I could make tombstone cookies look so good. No source.


How did they get the spider web to look so perfect from Katie's Something Sweet


This is just a taste of what you'll see on Cookievonster


Available on Etsy, from Spooky Silhouettes,  a dozen for $36.00



And my all time favorite, BATS of course. I wouldn't be able to eat these adorable little guys. Oh who am I kidding, yes I could :) From Sweet and Saucy




Related:  Halloween Cakes 

October 11, 2011

 

Front porch Halloween style

Just got back from a run, I haven't been in ..wait for it... a month! I know, I'm so bad. I don't know what happened. But I'm back at it,  no more slackin!!   On my run I was looking around our neighborhood to see who decorated for Halloween. No one on our street has done anything. I don't know what I was expecting, no one on our street ever decorates for any holiday... Except us. You got it, we're the party house.   I would LOVE to go all out with our front entry, I'd say porch but we don't have one.  We barely have an entry so I can't decorate like I'd like too.  If we had a porch I'd have lots of corn stalks, hay bails, loads of pumpkins.  Instead I just did this

I usually add a spider and a bunch of webs but I'm co-hosting a Halloween party and I don't feel like taking the webs down in a few weeks.  They stick just every where.  And a spider with no web just won't do. I'd LOVE to do lights too but can you believe we have NO plug in in the front of the house. Since I have no porch to go all out on, I'll drool over these,

From The High Heeled Hostess this simple decor is fun and easy. I love the little toad by the door.


Another easy to do fun door. Great for the kids. I like the set up next to the door too but it would get rained on at my house. Monster Door



This is beyond cute from Junk Garden Girl.  I absolutely adore this. If only I had the porch for it.  Check out the site for other great Halloweeny porch ideas.


Ahh, the country, that's what I think of when I see this front entry  from Inspire by Design

Now this is what I'm talking about. The corn stalks, hay bails (which would get wet and stink if they were at my entry), the pumpkins and it even looks like there's a scarecrow! Hello Fall


You know I have to throw a little scary Halloween in here too. Saw this on Pinterest ( no web site) and HAD to pin it.  The corn stalks, pumpkins LOVE and add the cherry on top, the skeleton.  The lights really add to the look too. I love that pumpkin on the bottom.



Have you decorated your front porch, entry?  Show up my neighbors. Send me photo's, I'd love to see.

Related:  Woo Hoo! Wednesday. Halloween Entertaining

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