I LOVE Halloween!

We are having our annual Halloween party this coming Saturday and so I started going hardcore on the decorating this week! I'm not showing everything just yet but I did want to give a little sneak peek. Yes, the picture was taken with my iTouch so the quality isn't great but I still love it! I told my DH that my inspiration for my decorating is the Haunted Mansion; scary yet classy. I'm not a fan of gore but I don't want super happy, cheesey decorations, either. I do have my Disney stuff but that stuff usually decorates my kitchen, I keep the living room decor in my "Haunted Mansion" vision.

What is your Halloween decorating style? Go to my blog's facebook page and post some pics of what you've got going on this year!

I Love My Firefighter

This last week my husband was in a firefighting competition for the United States Air Force Europe teams. His team came in 2nd and I was so proud to be there to cheer them on and I got some great pictures! Enjoy!

Hot Artichoke Parmesan Dip

This is one super dooper easy recipe that I am constantly asked for when I make it for parties and I am requested to bring it many times!

what you need 1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained, chopped 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese 1 cup Mayonnaise 1 clove garlic, minced make it HEAT oven to 350ºF. MIX first 4 ingredients. SPOON into shallow ovenproof dish or 9-inch pie plate. BAKE 20 to 25 min. or until hot and bubbly.

The Big 3-0!

Yep, it finally happened for me. I am no longer a 20-something and am oddly enough more okay with it than I thought I would be. I believe I know myself better than I did at 20 and I am happy with my life, where as at 20, I was still very lost and confused. I'm not saying I have everything together because I am far from perfect, but, I am happy. Entering this new era of my life I am hoping to grow and learn more then I ever have before and I am very excited about it! Here's a couple pics from my birthday party this last weekend!

Aloha!


Me and my sexy hubby!


Jameson <3

Apple Candle Holders

With fall right around the corner, I thought I'd post a fun little project! So simple yet so cute for a fall centerpiece for your table or just for around the house but, you are using real apples so they will only last for so long! This can also be done with mini pumpkins for a cute Halloween or Thanksgiving decoration!

1. Every apple will sit differently, so see how they sit and then mark their topsides with a dot.

2. Place the tea light over the dot, and trace around it with a pencil.

3. Set aside the light, cut the circumference of the circle and then cut the circle into sections and scoop them out with a spoon. Make sure to cut and scoop deep enough for the tea light to sit nicely inside.

4. Squeeze lemon juice onto the cut surface to keep the apple from turning brown, and insert a tea light. Repeat with remaining apples.

To make it a bit easier, you can also use this tool: http://www.amazon.com/HOLIDAY-candle-CARVER-Christmas-centerpiece/dp/B0019FQWKC

Morning Help List for Back To School!

I saw a similar idea on another blog and decided to customize it and make my own! Instead of printing out pictures and text I did my own and drew up my own little pictures (no laughing. The kids love it and can't wait to start using it when school starts! Here's to hoping it helps mornings run smoothly!

Rapunzel's Hair Pasta

I knew Rapunzel's hair needed to make an appearance at the party somehow and I knew I wanted to serve something along with the hazelnut soup and that's how I decided on this! Again, ridiculously easy but the kids loved it!

Angel hair pasta for the hair
Bow tie pasta for the "hair bow"
Alfredo sauce is optional