You are Invited

Next week I'm having some girlfriends over for

Friday Night Happy Hour

The weather looks like it will be nice so we'll be able to spend the evening outdoors on our patio.


We will enjoy an outdoor fire, munchies and cocktails.

I LOVE to entertain this time of year!

Keeping with the outdoor theme ....




These are my simple and sweet invites

{yes, they can be redeemed Friday night :) }

I thought it would be fun to "treat" the girls to something fun rather than just a random email inviting them over for the evening.

Hey, kids can't have all the fun of the season.

These brought a smile to their faces.

Last year for Halloween I made up s'more bags using the ghost Peeps.
My students and neighborhood childrened loved them.

{so darn cute!}

Yep, I'll be making those again this year as they were a huge hit!

Since it's not quite Halloween, I tried to go with just a pumpkin theme and use orange and brown {it looks black in the photos} ribbons.
I used what I already had on hand.

The actual invitation is somewhat hidden in the photo since I didn't want my personal information shown for all to see. I used a pumpkin die cut {orange with white polka dots} and printed the time and date in brown ink.

Fun and festive!

For safety purposes {ha,ha} I tested these out ;)

yummy!

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Autumn Eve

Let's start the new season off with a hearty {and yummy} breakfast. I'm not sure if this is more breakfast or more dessert. Either way, it's delicious! 

You can thank me later :)

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal


~Hearty


~Yummy


and semi ~ healthy!

1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup syrup {don't use the good stuff}
2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup dried blueberries {or any dried fruit of choice}
3/4 cup diced apple
1 cup low fat milk
1/2 cup pumpkin
1 large egg

Combine all ingredients and stir well. Let this rest for at least 20 minutes. This allows them to combine and moisten. Divide into four greased small bowls. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until golden brown.



* I make a double batch for the work week and just reheat it in the morning. It's a great way to start the day and smells wonderful! :)

Enjoy!

* I don't remember where I found the original recipe. I've adjusted the recipe to please our tastes. This recipe is very forgiving and welcomes new ideas.

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Back from the DARK

It has been a l o n g 7 and a half days (whose counting!) of living on the Prairie, but we are back and enjoying ELECTRICITY!

Let me just tell you that flushing a toilet has become a luxury and once power was restored, it was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. I will never take this for granted again. Most of us not living in the "city" have wells. Once the power goes ... so do they! Ugh, double ugh!!!

I have much to share, but will have to wait a day or two until we are back to normal. Thankfully our home is fine but we lost several large branches and our yard is a sea of leaves, small branches and debris.

However, I didn't want to wait to thank those that have emailed me, called or text over the past several days. Sadly, we lost a lot of tower strength and my communication was very limited.

With giddy delight, I introduce my new besties ... the power guys! They are from all over the United States. They are gift giving gentlemen that are working 16 hour shifts far from their families. A big thank you for their hard work and their families for sharing them when our state needs them so desperately. We were told that without outside help, we wouldn't have power for 3~4 months. That should give you an idea of how hard Connecticut was hit by Irene.

When they arrived in our sub division I wanted to kiss them! In fact, I think my husband wanted to kiss them. Actually, there was booth set up and a very long line to show such gratitude! This little *adventure* took its tole on us and taught me a few lessons. I'll share those next.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Enjoy those around you ~ that's what's most important.

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