Octoberfest

We recently moved into our first house in a new neighborhood and decided a great way to get to know our new neighbors was to have a little party and entice them over with desserts and lots and lots of good beer. BBQ'd hot dogs, chili beans and a bounce house for the kids completed the festivities. We found out we have some fantastic new neighbors and I see many more parties in our future. Here is a picture of the dessert table. The homemade caramel apples I was intent on having had to be tossed after sticking to the wax paper. I followed the instructions, greased the paper with copious amounts of butter, let them chill and still no luck. Oh well, next time...

Martha Stewart Halloween Dessert Table

Oh Martha - how do I love thee? There are few magazines I hold on to, but Martha Stewart demands saving. And for that matter, referring back to for constant inspiration. I love this Halloween dessert table. It makes me want to try my hand at homemade carmel apples!

Image via dragonflydesignstudio via flickr.

Halloween Screamsicle Cupcakes

Halloween Screamsicle Cupcakes
Originally uploaded by Fields of Cake

Love these halloween cupcakes. I am going to have to try fondant decorations soon!

Amy Atlas Halloween Treat Table

Amy Atlas Halloween Treat Table
Originally uploaded by HeatherCooper

I love holidays, big, small and in between. We celebrate everything at our house! Halloween, though, is one of my favorites. I love the fall weather, carnivals, costumes and of course the treats. My idol Amy Atlas has created the most amazing Halloween treat table. If only she could come to my house!

County Fair

CAROUSEL WHEEL "DUTCHESS FAIR NY "-4
Originally uploaded by andybrannan

This time of year always make me nostalgic for the country fair.
The county fair is such a special tradition in my hometown that the local schools celebrate "Fair Day" and let kids out of class for opening day. Growing up on a farm, the fair was a family event. I remember the year my sister, Hilary's pig was crowned grand-champion and she won a belt buckle almost as big as she was. I remember the year my sister Holly grew the largest zucchini in the county. I remember getting up early to ride with dad in his old truck down to the fairgrounds to check on our animals before school. I remember mom's frantic warnings about "carnie's" and the warm, delicious funnel cakes with powdered sugar. And no one will ever forget the year Grandma B rode a pig and broke three ribs!

Summer on the farm

Although I live in Los Angeles now, I love taking my girls to spend the summer at Nana and Papa's farm. I like to think my little chicks get the best of city and country living.

The garden where E and L love helping Nana and Papa pick fresh tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and herbs


Jenny


The famous rope swing!


Fun in the sprinklers


The party barn!


Not only do I love spending time with my family, but watching my kids play at the farm with their cousins is like reliving the very best moments of my childhood. Thank you Nana and Papa!

Schultutes!

August 2009
Originally uploaded by sarahamina

In Germany there is a tradition that parents give their children a schultute or cone filled with school supplies and little treats before school starts. Always on the lookout for new traditions in our family, I thought this was a great way to usher in a new school year.