Black Friday Brunch

I told y'all... the diva has been busy :).

On the day after Thanksgiving, a few of the neighborhood gals gathered together for a little quality time together full of gossip, comparing events from crazy family sagas on Thanksgiving, best holiday sales and what all the littles will be getting for Christmas ... now eventfully named the "Black Friday Brunch".  This may just be an annual event.

Bloody Mary's and Mimosas started us off.  Complete with all the fixins' of course ... I'm serious about my cocktails! 

 

Our brunch consisted of fresh fruit, cinnamon muffins and a loaded grits station complete with plenty of cheese, bacon, sauted mushrooms and asparagus.  To make the grits more savory I used chicken broth instead of just plain water.  Grits were served up in martini glasses and the gals hit the grits station to top them as they pleased.   

 

 

 

Our table setting was cute and simple, just as I like it.  I used burlap placemapts that were topped with a cute chevron inspired paper place setting.  Monogrammed black napkins rounded out the Black Friday theme.  My centerpiece flowers from Thanksgiving were still fresh and beautiful, so they were repurposed as well.  Since they were all white, the monochrome simple theme was supported. 

 

 

 

Sweet A brought these amazing desserts from Dutch Monkey Donuts, a local gourmet bake shop.  I must follow up to get additional details but they were fab and she was a doll to bring them.  Too bad the snap I took of them didn't exactly turn out!

 

All the girls left with a mini bottle of champagne as a little party favor decked out with fun leopard print ribbon.  The giant bottle in the back is a glittery craft gone right that I'll share details on separately.

 

 

 

The event was such a great morning and put me perfectly in the holiday spirit.  Holiday decor followed just hours after brunch and was put up in no time flat - who knew that was possible after a few bloody marys! 

 

 

 

The Elf To Be Named: Arrival

Last year, Santa brought baby B a wonderful scout elf and book for Christmas.  This year, I know the elf was anxious to make his December debute.  While he still doesn't have a name, he greeted us on December first in the very best of style for a big arrival breakfast. 

 

 

Our elf breakfast consisted of festive food and a fun (easy) tablescape that was whipped together when the sun came up.  Baby B awoke early and breakfast was served promptly prior to 8am.  This gives new meaning to up with the sun when there is a tablescape involved. 

 

The commemorative book, a red toy bin flipped upside down (Targer $1) and some polka dot fabric (from the babe's party this summer) served as the perfect centerpiece.  Red and white fabrics layered with snow (aka upholstry pad / filler) and a small chalkboard welcoming elfie rounded out the easy display.

 

 

Our breakfast foods consisted of cut fruit in festive green cupcake wrappers, yogurt berry parfaits decked out with a Christmas tree Peep garnish and cinnamon roll waffles.  To make the waffles, I simply pressed Pillsbury canned cinnamon rolls into the old but trusty waffle maker.  In just a few minutes, voila ... cinnamon roll waffles.  Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.

 

Decked out in his elf p.j.'s we violated Elf Rule 101 by letting B hold elfie.  It felt necessary and I'm sure Santa would approve :).  Dear Hubs read the book (yes, when he thought there was a picture involved ... this is what I get).

 

It was a fun way to kick off December and our elf tradition as a family.  An early poll had the three names as front runners for elfie:  Clark Grizwold (suggested by moi), Jobs (as in Steve Jobs - compliments of Dear Hubs) and Dadden suggested by Baby B.  Thus far, every toy has been named Dadden, so why would this be different? 

Merry Elfmas, Y'all!

Whoopie Pies: The Recipe

Y'all ...

I feel like "whoopie pie" is my middle name this season.  I have made these sweets a few times now and even shared some cute ways to package them up over here, but neglected to recently share the recipe.  I'd be remiss if I left you out in the cold without sharing that!  These are the perfect treat for this time of the year, full of flavor and super moist!

Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies

Ingredients:

•1 (18-ounce) box carrot cake mix

•1 stick unsalted butter, softened

•3 eggs

•1 carrot, grated

•1/2 cup raisins

Filling:

•1 pound cream cheese

•1 stick unsalted butter, softened

•2 cups confectioners' sugar

•2 teaspoons vanilla extract

•1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large bowl beat the carrot cake mix, butter, and eggs until incorporated. Stir in the grated carrot, and raisins. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Using a small ice-cream scoop drop the batter by 2 tablespoon mounds onto parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake until golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. Remove and cool 5 minutes on the pan before moving to a wire rack and cooling completely.

In a mixing bowl beat together the cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla with a hand mixer until well combined and light and fluffy.

To assemble the whoopie pies, put the filling into a resealable bag and snip the corner to make a 1/2-inch opening. Put the chopped walnuts into a shallow dish or pie plate. Flip over 1 carrot cake cookie and pipe a dollop of frosting into the center. Top with another cookie and press gently to spread the frosting to the edges. Roll the edges of the whoopie pie into the chopped walnuts and set aside. Repeat with the remaining cookies and frosting. Arrange the pies on a serving platter and serve.

I've boxed these for gifts, bagged them for sweet treats and kept a healthy pile of them in my kitchen (until they are gobbled up!) for weeks now! 

Enjoy!

Sweet Treats

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We had a few of our sweet friends over this weekend to enjoy some good times, good football and good food together!  After a delish dinner of smoked chicken wings, bbq pork tenderloin, corn casserole, brocolli slaw and pasta salad (thanks friends for bringing such yummy sides), we turned our attention to the desserts!

I love caramel apples and nothing feels more fall to me than one of them, but let's face it - they are a fiasco to try to eat in public and reserve any amount of manners!  So, I opted for caramel apple dippers for a sweet treat and of course, we noshed on those carrot cake whoopie pies, fresh from the oven!

The dippers were a snap to make.  Simply buy the pre-sliced apple wedges (because they don't turn brown quickly) and skewer them with a craft stick, lollipop stick or kabob skewer.  I had small craft sticks on hand and they worked perfect(and both ends are rounded so no littles will poke themselves).

Caramel was displayed in a jar and toppings were there for the grabbing.  Assembly couldn't be easier.  Just take an apple stick, dip in caramel and top with tasty toppings.  Voila!

This is one that I must remember!  Real cute and super easy - just like I like it!

Happy Halloween

We celebrated the scariest day of the year in good style around these parts.  Baby B woke up and headed off to school (unusual for a Wednesday) to participate in the Halloween Parade.  It was the cutest darn thing to watch all of the preschool classes march their costumed selves around the balloon lined walk way outside the school.  Like a good mommy, I stood and froze my derriere off for a good 45 minutes waiting on the festivities (that's love). 

The original costume of choice for Baby B was Bam Bam from the Flintstones.  How cute would that have been - little boy running around with his baseball bat as he always has.  He would have just loved it.  Well, when temps were threatening near freezing range, the thought of a half naked baby was just too terrible to imagine.  And, if you toss tons of layers under his little Bam Bam costume ... it just wouldn't be cute (or make sense), so ... we pulled out the tried and true pumpkin suit!  The good news - it's warm and conducive to layers.  And thus, Baby B was a darling pumpkin, hat and all, this year!

When the walkers class finally surfaced, Baby B was proudly walking and holding the hand of one of his teachers.  He was so darn cute and all smiles as his adoring fans oggled over the cute littles in costumes.  All that was fine and good until he spotted mommy in the crowd.  Then, he made a bee line straight for me, which meant that to continue in the parade ... mommy joined the walkers class. 

 

After we did an elaborate bait and switch with one of the teachers, Baby B's day at school continued without a hitch.  He crafted and did all of the fun things that the walkers class does.  Proudly, he came home with a decorated pumpkin.  And, while I'm not sure if the oddly feathered two eyed (the other is under the feathers) pumpkin is a masterpiece or should be examined, I sure think it's just darling.

 

Once we completed our afternoon nap time, we headed over to sweet bestie A's house for a fall party prior to trick or treat.  Guest stops with a few other friends to say hello, Baby B officially trick or treated one or two houses and then marched himself home. 

 

 

I guess when the baby goes home, he's trying to tell you he's had enough?  The child seriously walked (and knew where to cross the street to get home) at least 5 houses with Dear Hubs chasing behind him.  When we arrived home and everyone shed layers of coats and costumes, we dined on BBQ chicken pizza and salad.  Zsa Zsa and Pops were on hand with a giant pumpkin shaped cupcake for Baby B to enjoy as well.  Enjoy he did (and cover everything in orange frosting!)!  Once bellies were all full, Baby B called it a night, surprisingly close to his normal bedtime too!   

All in all, it was a successful and fun Halloween.  Now, onto November for more festive events and fun!

Boo Art

What seems like forever ago, I ordered two darling signs from One King Lane.  The promise and hope was that they would arrive in plenty of time to serve as decor for the Halloween month.  Well, with only 4 days to spare before the big day, they FINALLY arrived.  Good thing I think they are so presh, else OKL would be getting a gripey phone call about this.  Hey ... there is always next year!

 

The two signs are by Primatives By Kelly of Lancaster, PA.  They are made of wood and I know will stand up to the durability test to last year after year.  These two were plopped right down in two strategic vignettes that were just itching for a pop of Halloween fun. 

 

The smaller, rectangle subway art style sign rounds out the space in my curiousities room.  And the long "It's all about the treats" sign finishes off the family room side of my harvest sideboard in the kitchen. 

 

Who knows where they will wind up next year, guess we will just need to wait to find out!  Happy Halloween, y'all!

 

 

Duh ... I Choose Treats

As we are rapidly approaching that grand evening of trick or treat, I realize that I haven't bought my treats just yet (out of fear that we will eat all the good candy before the kids ring the doorbell) and that I haven't shared my treats table decor!

Each vignette for the holiday has a different look and feel.  Some are subtle, some are spooky and some are down right fun!  This one is really fun - treats, glitter, cartoony spooks and anything happy Halloween round out this display!

My entry foyer table has been transformed into a treatfest of sorts.  The large oversized chalkboard originally debuted at Baby B's birthday bash, but I held onto it knowing it would be handy for other events.  The festive garland is comprised of dollar store paper lanterns hung on twine.  Between the lanterns, small pieces if green, orange and pattern ribbon were knotted for a fun, colorful splash. 

 

The trick or treat eye chart printable was left over from last year, and most of the other knick knacks were fun finds from Michael's, Hobby Lobby and Home Goods over the years.  The polka dot runner is actually a gauze like paper (not fabric) but it has lasted me two years thus far ... fingers crossed Baby B doesn't find it!

 

The spooky black caldron is filled with bright orange raffia shreds.  Accompanying it are two oversized festive lollipops with gauze covers.  I picked these up last year at Hobby Lobby for a dollar a piece!  The trick or treat wand is new this year ... a find that was to cute to pass up. 

 

Sitting pretty next to the table, my Union Jack stool has been covered in spooky spider webs and topped with a stuffed pumpkin and oversized glitter spider.  Next to it on the floor sits a black pumpkin with funny bat face.  Shadowy spiders climb the walls in the foyer to round out the look.

 

 

Here's to treats, y'all!
xoxo~b

The Harvest Bounty

Last week, I shared about our big day at Burt's Farm over here.  It was so very fun for the bigs and littles in our family.  I bet you might be wondering what on earth I did with all those giant pumpkin darlings, right?

Well ... a truckload full of the mini pumpkins, dried gords and corn stalks went on a buffet in the kitchen.  You can't tell from this angle, but there are a few in the planter basket itself on the other side.

 

The big boys found a home out front.  The two mega-pumpkins were accompanied by three medium dolls.  Two on the steps and three nestled in the front flower bed on top of a bail of hay.  This felt like a nice replacement for the flowers I never got around to planting!  You can see my pumpkin topiaries and the "fall y'all" pillows on the porch from this view (the how to on the pillows is over here).  And yes, that's my decorating assistant cutting the grass (always) on the front walk!  He's a pretty tall little, you can see how enormous those pumpkins are with the scale to him. 

 

 

And for good measure, one of the mid sized (smaller) pumpkins was added to the bird bath in the side landscaping.  I just love this one because I can see it first thing every morning when I go outside with the diva dogs, when we play in the yard or when I'm racing like a wild woman down the drive!

 

One last snap ... Baby B sure does love these rockers.  I just can't keep him off of the front porch.  He always does a little Goldilocks survey of the four big rockers and then selects this one "the "y'all pillow seat" for his just right fit.  Too sweet!

 

DIY White Ghost Pumpkins

I've had the fall bug for decorating for weeks now.  A few posts back, I showed a quick snap of one of my dough bowls filled to the brim with neutral pumpkins, acorns and other fall festive goodies. 

 

And here's some additional beautifully simple, neutral pumpkins in my fall vignette in the dining room.  This time, festively decked out with black crows for a spooky Halloween feel (for the month of October) and topped off with some celebritory adds for our anniversary celebration (more on that later).

 

To make the pumpkins ... for SUPER cheap .... I took these terribly neon, tacky dollar store pumpkins and added a few coats of Annie Sloan chalk paint and voila ... a much improved ghostly white pumpkin for a dollar a piece! 

I used Old Ochree paint and it did the trick just to paint a few coats on for full coverage. On a few others, I added Coco paint to the mix to give some depth and contrast.

In just a few easy minutes and some drying time in my garage ... there are white pumpkins a plenty now that can be enjoyed year after year!

Crafty cheap fall decor, y'all!
xoxo, b

 

Pumpkin Patch

 

We spent the beautiful weekend doing many things in the great outdoors; including our annual pumpkin patch trip.  This year, Baby B was a bit older and much more engaged in the entire patch experience.  As a result ... more fun was had by all as we watched on as he tried to pick up giant pumpkins with daddy, eat every ounce of dirt in sight and do all the things little boys do when presented with a giant field of pumpkins!

 

This year, we took our trip to Burt's Farm in Dawsonville.  Last year, we tried another local pumpkin hot spot and were dissappointed.  So ... back to Burt's we go!  After stopping for BBQ for lunch, we set out on the adventure!

 

Burt's Farm is a megaplex when it comes to pumpkin farms and all things fall.  They offer everything from hay rides to fresh baked pumpkin breads and EVERYTHING in between.  While it's very crowded on any given October weekend, the space is really so big that it still feels big enough to carve out your little slice of the farm for pics and such with littles.  I'd highly recommend this spot, not only is it fun for an afternoon, but their prices are affordable and the bounty is always plenty!  

 

 

 

 

After Baby B was done exploring, we took a moment to attempt (key word) some family pics.  Then, next thing you know ... who do we see but bestie M and her crew of hubby J and little B in tow!  So fun to see these sweet faces!

 

 

 

We held off melt downs from Baby B as long as we could - the sweet boy was way overdue on a nap - and then we loaded up our GIANT pumpkin finds and headed back south to put out our many beautiful fall displays!

 

Great fun for a weekend and pumpkins all season long!

 

xoxo