Fall Reading List

It's that time of year when activities slow down a bit and you start looking for things to do inside.  Curling up with a good read is always relaxing.  That's why it is the perfect time to break out the fall must read list.  Check out what Anthro has to say.

The Signature of All Things-“Eat, Pray, Love” author Elizabeth Gilbert is back with a new novel—“a sprawling tale of 19th century botanical exploration”—and we just can’t wait to dig into it.

The Book of Symbols-Attention, history buffs! Taschen’s visual compendium of all things symbology (with a dash of Jungian psychology) is calling your name.

A La Mere de Famille-Truffles and bonbons, anyone? Recreate treats from the famed Parisian confectioner of the same name in your very own kitchen.

The Monocle Guide to Better Living -
Fans of the erudite namesake magazine will love this thinking person’s guide to improving not only yourself, but the world around you.

The Asylum
For the industry-obsessed, Barneys New York’s creative ambassador Simon Doonan’s collection of witty autobiographical essays lift the curtain behind the often fascinating, always wacky world of fashion.

Dog Treats: Sweet Potato Jerky

As much as I don't care to admit it,  my poor little pups got the raw end of the stick this summer.  Between work schedules and the never ending rain on the weekends their outings were very few.  This hasn't been the case in years past, in fact, Ruby is more well traveled than most of my relatives.  Now with the change in weather, the park is about as good as it gets.

However, I never really thought to bake something seasonal for the pups.  These sweet potato treats with 2 ingredients would not only make the house smell amazing but the pups would feel special knowing they have a treat all to themselves.  It's no trek in the mountains but food is definitely a second best with my canine cuties.

Link Love

Poppytalk
Can you believe this is a 5 minute DIY?

Damn Delicious
Kale Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

My Baking Addiction
Pumpkin Molasses Sandwich Cookies

Always in Wonder
Love the idea of these metal letters on the wall behind the bed.

Roasted Mushrooms

This is an awesome post over at Cup of Jo.  It is about what your favorite go to dinner for one would be.  These roasted mushrooms with bread for sopping up the juices would be very high on my list.  Especially since the hubby doesn't like mushrooms, so it would be an extra special treat.  In fact, as a side note, I don't meet many men who like mushrooms.  Is it a secret society?   Just more buttery deliciousness for me.

Dexter Coasters

I think these blood splattered Dexter coasters are quite cool and would add a spooky touch to any Halloween party.  You could purchase them here for $30 or I'm sure some of you DIY'ers have some ideas up your sleeves.

Halloween Menu

I like the idea of filling your Halloween buffet with garlic filled goodies and calling it the Anti-Vampire Buffet.  Here are a couple of yummy garlicky goodies.

Lemony Shrimp

White Gazpacho

Garlicky Arugula Pasta

Healthy Trick or Treats

If you have been invited to a Halloween party where sweet treats are prohibited then how about these cute juice box wraps.  They add a special touch to an already loved favorite.

Link Love

Cool Mom Picks
Neon dipped pumpkins

A Spicy Perspective
Salted dulce de leche cookies

Heather Cristo
Put this one in your back pocket for the holidays...gingerbread caramel corn

Pidge's Pantry
Apple spiced pulled pork sandwich...could be great as a slider at a fall get together.

Beef and Lentil Stew with Romano Potato Puffs

It's that time of year when stews start calling your name.  There is nothing better on a chilly evening than piping hot bowl of deliciousness.  I'm going to start my fall off right with this beef and lentil stew from on the woodside.

Kale and Pumpkin Lasagna Roll Ups

The hubby and I made a deal that we would treat October as health month.  We've been eating healthier, working out and have been slowly ticking off all of our annual and semi-annual doctor's visits.  I'm about done with mine and well Mike's still trying to make his first appointment :)

I think I'll try this kale and pumpkin recipe from the Adventures of MJ and Hungry man this weekend as a subtle reminder that October is not over yet honey ;)

October Card Game

If you host a monthly card game of some sort then my advice is to kick it up a notch for October and order these creepy yet cool decks for just $8.

Monster Teeth

If you have a children's Halloween gathering of some sort in your future then this post is for you.  This DIY complete with free download from eat.sleep.make could make your life easy and give you a great treat for the kiddos. I especially like the idea of being able to do this project ahead of time so that your schedule is free for pumpkin picking and Halloween decorating.

Link Love

The Tart Tart
Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches

Media Cache
Great fall centerpiece and easy to recreate

Tuvalu Home
Check out Tablescape Tuesdays at the above site...so simple and so elegant.

How To: Simplify
What says fall more than apple rings?

Killer Cupcakes

Have you been invited to a Halloween party and want to bring a fun dessert?  How about these broken glass red velvet cupcakes from Easy Baked?  She gives a great recipe and step by step instructions.  I will not tell a lie though...if it were me...I would buy the cupcakes and then just do the last 2 steps.  The idea of taking a nice bubble bath and getting ready for a great evening at my leisure would win out every time.

Weekend Agenda

What's on the agenda for the weekend?  How about making some scary spider cookies

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Candy Corn Ice Cream

You know what this time of year calls for?  What else...candy corn ice cream.  The special bonus is you don't have to have any fancy equipment to make it.  The recipe is written for an ice cream maker but you could simply pour it into a glass loaf pan and chill.  What a great Halloween treat!

Best Bag Ever

This is so mine!  I can't say I've laughed this much about a bag....well...maybe ever.  Believe it or not this bag is at West Elm and can grace your arm for $18.  It's a bargain for a daily belly laugh.

Link Love

I Am Baker
Super cute ghost cake

V Interiors
Awesome kitchen

CasaSugar
Love this DIY place card

Sugar Bean Bakers
Caramel Apple Cake

Chai

I am in a search for a new hot beverage this season.  I want to mix it up a little in my afternoon ritual.  I am thinking maybe I'll get a little crazy with Chai.  Now, the recipe doesn't look that easy, but hopefully it's one of those things you get used to and don't even have to think about after making it a couple of times..  Look at the picture...doesn't it look peaceful and like creamy deliciousness?

• 1 cup water
• 3 pieces of lemongrass, about 2 inches long
• 2 tsp black tea leaves
• 2 cups milk (we use almond milk, but any kind will do)
• sugar, to taste
• 1/2 tsp chai masala (or more if you want a spicier chai)

Instructions

1. Add the lemon grass to the one cup of water and bring to a boil.
2. Add the almond milk, tea, sugar and chai masala.
3. Bring to a boil again.
4. Strain and serve hot.

Notes:

• The traditional ratio for milk to water is half and half. So if you are using full fat milk, use 1.5 cups water and 1.5 cups milk.
• Feel free to add any of the following to your chai:
  mint leaves, ginger, saffron, orange zest, holy basil, black pepper, carom seeds (ajwain), star anise or any other spices or herbs you might want to try

Homemade Apple Cider Sticks

You've heard of hot chocolate on a stick but have you heard of apple cider sticks?  Check out this cute idea from Crafts Unleashed.  You could definitely be a hit at your next football game or pumpkin picking party.

Fast and Delicious Dinner

Normally I am a menu plan kinda gal.  This is mainly due to the fact that my brain is normally way past functioning by the end of the day and the thought of having to come up with an idea for dinner makes me cringe.  However, the last couple of weeks have been a little out of control there hasn't been one spare minute to shop.  That being said I did a 5 minute fly through Trader Joe's on Friday because the thought of another takeout meal propelled me through like jet fuel.  And lo and behold, I came out of there with a tasty treat that I made in less than 10 minutes and it tasted really delicious.  You have to grab this the next time you are TJ's.  It's quick, easy, healthy and tastes like restaurant quality Japanese.

First grab some Bool Kogi (it's by the steaks...not in the freezer section)

Some Japanese fried rice with edamame and tofu.

I sauteed a few sugar snap peas in sesame oil and a little soy sauce and then cooked the rest of the items according to the package.  Threw them all together and voila.

Link Love

Sweet Life
Lately, I've been lovin' tapas.  Some homemade Empanadas de Cajeta would be perfect.

My Own Ideas
This would be a sweet gift to receive in the fall months.

A Beautiful Mess
Pumpkin cheesecake...mmm.

Belle the Magazine
Stunning Cake