Cupcake Costume!

This year I dressed up Louie and me as a little surprise for dad when he came home from work, as a baby and pumpkin! There was a Halloween party for my Junior League last Friday but with my folks in town I didn't go. If I did, I would have gone as...

A CUPCAKE!

I absolutely L.O.V.E. cupcakes. I'm not sure if its their adorable packaging, fun flavors, fabulous size, wonderful decoration possibilities or what but I am obsessed and would love to support one of these lovelies for their cute and sweet reputation :-)

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Instead of the cupcake ensemble, I bought a few items at the Dollar Tree to complete my outfit-including the hair ribbons-is it weird I still would wear these ribbons in my hair out in public, even though I'm 26 years old?! haha and got Lou a pumpkin outfit! He looks like a little sweetheart in his outfit, I'm in love. I always make fun of people who dress up their dogs but I weakened and got Lou one and a red and green collar with bells for Christmas. Oh brother....

Happy Halloweenie!!

My parents have been in town for the past 5 days and it has been so refreshing to spend quality time with them. It definately has felt like home and been really nice to show my parents where the Mr. and I are living out here in CA land! They were very impressed with our place, the area, and how homey and tidy our place looks (go us yay :) ) I'm not the biggest neat freak but have been trying to find a place for every thing and keep our place very orderly compared to our last home in DC and I think I'm making good head way. Photos of our time together to come manana. {as well as of my Fall decorating accents and some of our apartment}

Halloween takes me back to my days of carving the pumpkin with mom and dad, my mom making my brother and me wonderful homemade costumes (including a dinosaur for my brother), bobbing for apples, candy filled bags and so many more fun memories on our cul-de-sac and at school. I think I was a fairy or princess more than once!

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I enjoyed watching the Royal Wedding reoccur today on the Today Show and my favorite looks were of Natalie as Pippa-they both are such gorgeous women and Giada's fun Katy Perry impersonation. I also loved Hoda and Kathy Lee-their quirky demeanors only added to the costumes too. Trick or Treat, everyone.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

I also loved Jessica Simpson's big announcement today that, "...it's true-I'm going to be a mummy!" She definitely had a fun way of breaking the news today as she dressed the part and had a cute tweet about becoming a "mummy." I have always loved her for her fashion, dumb but funny comments and enjoyed her on the Newlyweds. I hope she can put her klutzy moments aside and take her mom jeans to Goodwill as she becomes a new mommy to a beautiful little Simpson baby!

Jess with her guy, Eric, aka Larry Bird and their dog. Love the pearl leash and collar!

Halloween or Autumn Party Inspiration

With the smell of Fall in the air, the pumpkins and lanterns on the front step, pumpkin ice cream flying off the shelves at Trader Joes's and Halloween just around the corner, I've been inspired by all the creative people out there decorating their homes for the upcoming holiday and preparing for a kid or adult friendly costume party too.

My parents will be in town for the big to do so I've been doing some decorating around our apartment (pictures to come soon) and will be dressing up our little Louie but thats about it. If my parents weren't in town and I had a nice big house to doll up and go all out for... and friends who would attend (I'm new to CA and the area so I'm still working on the friends department :P)

here are some ideas I am loving for entertaining...

Decorative pieces to put throughout your home:

pumpkin votives

one of my favorite ideas, I am a lace lover for life

toile pumpkins, I think I am in heaven :)

Centerpieces:

Table settings:

Signature Drink:

apple cider punch

Dessert:

pumpkin mousse-recipe

Favor:

carmel apples dipped in all things yummy-my personal favorite!!

adorably packaged cookies-to buy here

I love this place for all of your striped straws, sweet balloons and other party needs!

Be sure to check out KAG's blog to see her Fall dinner party ideas and to get the recipe for her cocktail featured above.

{food and decor photos courtesy of Country Living.com, this site, and Good Housekeeping}

Melt My Heart Ending of A Night

Caught in the act! I disappeared into the guest room/office to look at blogs and surf the internet only to return to my boys cuddled up together off in dream world. My heart melted at the sight and I had to capture it on my camera. How freaking adorbs???!!!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhh

commercial cuteness

I love this commerical. I love Kate Bosworth and think she is gorgeous-especially that two different eye color thing she has going on. I love the outfits. I love the catching tune and mood. I love the meadow scene when she is just being in the moment. I love the twinkling lights and the clothes pins she uses to secure little notes and cute photos in her house. I love the black chic dress and elegant up do I love it all...

Enjoy your Thursday, everyone!

Carey's Famous Cozy Pumpkin Oatmeal

(photos courtesy of this blog)

Maybe a year ago or so, my now sister-in-law (so cool to officially say) Carey, was cooking up her famous recipe at my parent's home and I remember being intrigued. Pumpkin and oatmeal together? Interesting. I watched her assemble the ingredients which include:

Oatmeal:

1/2 cup of rolled oats

1 cup of water or soy milk/regular milk (or 1/2 cup of water and a 1/2 cup of milk)

dash of salt

Rest of ingredients:

1/3 cup of canned pumpkin (I like Trader Joes)

1/2 tablespoon light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (I like a little extra)

1 tablespoon of walnuts (almond slivers, pecans can be substituted)

a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice (which includes cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, mace and cloves)-if you don't have this spice, you can add in the spices individually or combine them as you like

The finished product spoke of a gorgeous burnt orange color, a wonderful smell and had a nice depth of flavor you don't usually find in your morning oatmeal. I have her to thank every time I eat this scrumptious morning favorite...during Fall and right on into Winter. It warms me up inside and out. Nom Nom!

My Parent's 33rd Wedding Anniversary

Yesterday was my parent's 33rd wedding anniversary. Wowzers! I was having technical difficulties so I wasn't able to post about it on the actual day. A big congratulations to my loving and beautiful parents whom I hold so close to my heart. You guys are the best and inspire me every day, as you've both been such wonderful role models for me since I came into this world. To my mom and dad!!

p.s. how cute are my preptastic parents? this shot makes me smile~

My Grandmother's Summer Garden

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My grandmother lives by the water from May to October up in Connecticut. I am not sure if its the salty air or the rich soil but every summer, without fail, her garden is always in full bloom and is strikingly beautiful. I am so in love. Luckily enough for me, her neighbor snapped some shots of the beauty and I had to claim them for myself. If not, I worry they would stay on a file un-viewed on her computer (which she hardly knows how to use) collecting dust...and her garden will not be put on display and all of its loveliness wouldn't by appreciated by many.

This world is such a magical place and sometimes I just have to stop a moment and take in my surroundings and live my life as though this was my last day on Earth. I need to close my eyes, suck in a big breath, and just soak in all of the goodness around me.