Pumpkin Spice Lattes Make me Happy! ( And Now I Can Make Them At Home! )

The secret to the glorious flavor of a pumpkin spice latte is the syrup, and pumpkin spice syrup is quite easy to make. Just make simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar (I used 1 cup each) simmered on the stovetop, stirring often, until sugar is dissolved). Add in pumpkin pie spices (I used 2 Tspn. ground cinnamon and 1/2 tbsp. each ground cloves, ginger, and nutmeg) and simmer for five minutes. Strain the spices and grit out of the liquid by pouring it through a few layers of cheesecloth, then add a tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.

Store the cooled syrup in a glass bottle or jar, away from direct sunlight, or in the fridge.

To make a latte, combine 2 shots of espresso with about 2 Tbsp. spice syrup, then add steamed milk. For extra decadence, top with whipped cream, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top, and pop in a cinnamon stick. Voila!

Smore's brownies for Camp IN party

You Will Need:
-2 boxes of your favorite brownie mix or homemade recipe
-6 squares (1 oz. each) of semisweet chocolate chopped
-1 cup heavy whipping cream
-1 package ( 1 lb. ) large marshmallows, halved
-1 cup crushed graham crackers

How To:
Bake brownies according to recipe/directions on package. While brownies bake in the oven, melt chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water.Remove from heat.Pour cream into chocolate and stir until smooth; st aside. When brownies are done, switch oven to broil setting. Arrange marshmallows,cut side down, on top of brownies.Broil 1-2 minutes, until marshmallows are golden brown (watch carefully though, marshmallows can burn quickly) Cut brownies into 16 2" squares. To serve place to squares on a dessert plate,drizzle with chocolate sauce, and sprinklt graham crackers over top. Yum!

Camp IN!

As fall weather is upon us, there is no better reason to stay warm and INdoors...but why not throw a celebration inspired by the OUTdoors? This fall throw an all girls camp-in! Let days at summer camp as well as elements of nature inspire you for this ultra-girly spin on a classic "boy party"!Bake up some smore brownies (recipe to follow) and bug-juice tinis (so cute to serve from these stainless steel martini glasses) Decorate with tents, wheat grass, and PINK plaid!The objective: bring the outdoors IN for this all girl affair!

Mad Scientist Mood Board

This is the mood board that I created for the Mad Scientist Halloween party! It shows the playful color scheme of the event, and outlines the ideas I had for refreshments. Cocktail options included jello syringes, test tube shots, and "toxic waste" cocktails served from martini glasses , and garnished with a "plutonium rod" (glow stick).Photos of more party details are soon to come!

Coming Soon......

Sorry I haven't posted party info in a while...Very soon I will be posting pictures taken by the lovely Shawna Plumer from the Mad Scientist Halloween party I planned. Cocktails served from Erlenmeyer flasks, test tube shots.....and much much more!

Dachshunds Make Me Happy

Hot dogs, weiner dogs, or noodle dogs....so many names, ONE GREAT BREED.They say that Dachshunds are like potato chips..you can't just have one! Well this is my sincere hope for me and my husband. We are in love with our little pupdog Daisy (the one in the blue plaid number)and cannot wait to get another one! Known for being very docile but also stubborn at times, dachshunds are full of character! So go get yourself a long bodied, short legged, fun little fur ball today!

Cathy Riva- Mad Hatter Tea Party

I love Cathy Riva. Here is one of my favorite episodes of the show she used to host on Discovery Home called "Party Girl".The ideas she comes up with for this Mad Hatter Tea Party are too cute! I especially love the use of the wheat grass as a table runner! Enjoy!