Friday, October 9, 2009

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Sweet dreams of pumpkin pies will fill your head when you give one of these a go! Pumpkin pie potpourri...



To be honest, some of my Martha experiments have gone less-than-perfectly in the past. Either that woman has the Midas-touch when it comes to anything crafty and can turn any potentially disasterous project into gold, or she doesn't have a very good test team and the rest of us aren't as domestically-inept as she would have us believe. So, I was a little skeptical about this idea. But, it actually works WONDERFULLY, and I'm enjoying the scent of fresh-baked pumpkin pie as I type this. These little pumpkins are $1 at Wal-Mart, and it took about 15 minutes to make one. Nearly effortless, and smells just as good (if not better than) any $20 candle I've bought in the past.

2. Something made especially for me...



by my Sweet & Sinister swap partner, Kari Ramstrom. She really spoiled me for this swap! I'll have to share some more of the goodies I received with you all soon.

3. Silliness is a necessary component of any life. At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities. ~Jean Houston. I love that quote.

4. I am completely ready for this Halloween. Some of our decorations...



5. Outstanding or not, this week is finally over! It's been a real doozey.

6. Peace and quiet is what I want right now! That concept has been lost on my co-habitants for days on end... both with the human, and furry variety of squatters.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with a stack of books received in my most recent Amazon order. Some of the titles include...



I'm already about halfway through this book, and it is wonderful! Some of you might already be familiar with the author through her delicious little blog, Orangette. This is more than just a cookbook... it's a reflection on life through the memories associated with some of her favorite foods and recipes. It's lovely... a must-read.



I have yet to only flip through this book, but the food photography is AMAZING. I'm sure you all know that the styling of food in photographs can make or break your decision to actually put something in your mouth. We've all seen the less-than-appetizing photos on some menus... lots of Chinese and Mexican restaurants come to mind. But, the pictures in this book make you want to break out your collection of pots and pans, and attempt to cook EVERYTHING. The book is extremely visual, and interstingly divided into chapters based on the colors of the food. For instance, the "pink" chapter contains recipes for everything from Pomegranate Sorbet to Beet Gnocchi. Bon Appetit!

Anyhow, tomorrow my plans include a babysitter, and ladies-night-out!

And Sunday, I want to make jars upon jars of yummy applicious treats with the apples we collected last weekend!

Enjoy your weekend!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

mmmm... can't wait to hear what you make with all your apples. Yum! And have a great ladies night out! enjoy!

LollyChops said...

On your recommend I will try the pumpkin smelly this weekend! I too have some issues every now and then getting the martha stew ideas to come out right!

I love your halloween decorations too! They are so you!

Weekend HUGS Hol!

bethchien said...

Love that banner! Your swap partner did amazing!
And good for you on the girls night out! I want to see pics!!
I am enjoying the apt to myself this weekend! I officially kicked the boys out! lol
Have a good one, sweetie!

Jocelyn said...

Love the decorations and I too will have to try the Pumpkin Smelly thingy!!!!! Have fun on your Ladies Night out....you so deserve it!!!!! I loved reading your list!!! Kepp them coming and I left you a Blog Award!!!! Come pick it up...you always inspire me!!! :-)

Michelle said...

I love your way of describing some of the Martha Stewart suggestions. Too cute. I do love that pumpkin idea!

Unknown said...

Must try that pumpkin thingy. I love MS but i agree sometimes the sh*T she does is just nuts. I am no MS. LOL! Lovin ur halloween deco.

Sasha Farina said...

i want that pie.. pronto! :D and that book looks amazing as well... might have to hunt it down here on this side of the world.

Uniquely Ella said...

I'm so glad I stumbled upon your blog! Love, love, love your decorations!!! Your swap partner's
project, too cute.

Unknown said...

awesome books!! I love your halloween decorations!! :)

dani said...

I will have to try these smelly pumpkins (ha!) out - I've never ever tried anything martha so this could be interesting!

Rose Margaret Deniz said...

I haven't checked in on your blog in awhile, and it's so great to see such thoughtful projects and sweet thoughts. Great decorations!