Halloween Parties

Skeleton Boy

My Little Bumblebee

Here are a couple of pictures of the kids all dressed up for their school Halloween parties.

Halloween Menu

I'm not ashamed to admit that I love to cook and bake. I also like to get into the holiday spirit and make it as fun as possible for my kids. So I'm always on the lookout for cute recipes. Here's a couple of super simple desserts that I made this week...

1) Graveyard Pudding: I kinda just made this up. I saw a similar recipe with a cake. It consists of chocolate pudding topped with crushed chocolate cookies and/or sprinkles. Throw some gummy worms in there and place a Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie (with R.I.P. written on it with black decorating gel) in the pudding for the grave and... Voila!

2) Snack-O-Lantern Fruit Cups: I found this idea here. Simply hollow out an orange and carve it (the way you would a jack-o-lantern). Serve it with fruit salad inside.

Prop 1

Apparently, we are supporting and promoting the support of proposition 1. Prop 1 is a bond measure that would provide the money necessary to finish our new Utah Museum of Natural History. This bond will cost the average Utah household $2.40 per year (for the next 15 yrs.). I guess it's worth it. We visit the old museum (located at the University of Utah) quite a bit because Gavin is fascinated by dinosaurs and learning as much as he can about them. And I'm sure we will enjoy visiting the new even more. But honestly, the real reason we posted the sign in our yard is because Gavin saw them around and wanted one and he especially wanted to color it.

Layla Grayce & InStyle Magazine!

I am so proud of my big sis, Tiffany. Her company, Layla Grayce, was named one of the "Best Online Shopping" sites in InStyle magazine (November issue)! Layla Grayce has been in many magazines, but InStyle is HUGE! It IS my favorite magazine (and Tiffany's), so this is a big deal.

Favorite New Boots

These Ugg boots are my latest splurge. They are all I want to wear (especially with the cool rainy weather we've been having). Every few years I buy myself a new pair of Uggs. I usually find discounted boots at one of the Ugg Outlets in Ventura or Camarillo. Ugg boot knock offs are ok, but they aren't nearly as comfortable and indulgent as the real things. I spotted these at Nordstrom and thought I might try them on so I could add them to my Christmas list or something, but from the moment I put them on I knew I had to have them NOW. Not only are they super cozy and extra comfortable, but they are very cute and fashionable too. I got 3 compliments on them at the coffee shop earlier (one was from the dude behind the counter:). Worth every penny.

Delicious Fall Recipes

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

I found this recipe on this food blog. I made these pancakes for the family last week and we could not get enough of them. All I can say is, "YUM"! You can get a printable recipe here.

Butternut Squash Risotto

I probably blogged about this recipe last year, but it's soooo delicious it definitely deserves another mention. To me, this is the perfect fall comfort food. The roasted butternut squash is to die for. I should note that this recipe calls for a couple of interesting ingredients... pancetta and saffron. Do not leave out the pancetta (Italian ham). It adds so much flavor. The saffron, however, is not necessary. It is an expensive spice and the recipe is just as good without it. I served this side with baked ham and a yummy salad. You can view/print the recipe here.

Pumpkin Patch

In Memory of our Beloved Rocco

May 15, 2004 - September 20, 2010

We miss you.

Gavin's 1st day of Kindergarten!

September 1, 2010

First day of school!