Fall Has Arrived

Time to starting thinking about how I want to decorate my entry way for the upcoming holidays. Perhaps something other then just pumpkins.

Images from Sunset Magazine

Holiday Happy Hour

This week I kicked off the holiday season early with a little food, drinks and some shopping. Thanks Mindy, for showcasing Arbonne's finest holiday items and thanks to everyone who was able to make time in their busy schedules to attend the event.

What party is complete with out a fun dessert? As many know these are my new favorite cookies. I found this recipe in Taste of Home Magazine but put my own spin on them by sandwiching two cookies together with cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!

Gooey Chocolate Cookies

8oz cream cheese

1/2 cup butter

1 egg

1tsp vanilla

1 pkg chocolate cake mix

mix together and refrigerator for 1 hour.

when ready roll d0ugh into balls and place on cookie sheet

bake at 350 for 9-11mins

Party Prep 101

With an upcoming party I thought it would be fun to share some of my party planning tips.

Regardless of how large or small your party is. I find it beneficial to start all prep work a few days in advance. This allows for an easy set up come the big event.

I recommend menu planning and grocery shopping at least three days in advance. If you work a 40 hour work week like me the shopping is much easier on the weekends.

Two days before; I always dust, vacuum and clean the bathrooms. If I really have energy after all this I will set the table and put out the necessary table linens.

The day before; I recommend preparing any food that is okay to sit over night in the refrigerator. Set all the serving ware, table accessories and any decorations you might have.

The day of the event; finish the final food preparation, set table, chill drinks and wait for the guest to arrive.

Fun Find

I typically don't have luck finding things in antique stores. Recently while back in my hometown I came across this fantastic teapot. It was just sitting there on a dusty old shelf waiting for me. Why was it the perfect teapot you might ask. For our wedding we had received these hand embroidered strawberry tea towels. I suppose subconsicously I was on the look out for a complementing teapot. Who knew I would find the perfect one.

Now it's time to plan an afternoon tea with friends.

Cake Complete

The recipe is simple and easy to follow. The interesting thing about using an old family recipe is the lack of information that gets noted. Like how long do you cook it and at what temperature? Side note the cake taste's better with chocolate frosting. Thanks Mom!

Great Grandma Wolfe's Prune Cake

(revised recipe)

1/2 cup shortening 1/3 tsp salt

1 cup sugar 1 tsp cinnamon

2 eggs 1/2tsp clover

1 1/2 cup flour 1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 cup sour milk

1 tsp soda 1 cup pitted cooked plums

bake at 350 for 30min or until cake is done

Add chocolate frosting after cake has cooled

Picnic + Plums = Grandma Wolfe's Prune cake

My Husband and I have an Italian Plum tree that has produced an overwhelming number of plums this year. We have given bags of them away as well as froze enough to last all year. Yet I still have lots of plums left. With an upcoming potluck picnic coming up I thought why not try and make my Great Grandmothers Famous Prune cake.

I reviewed the recipe and conversed with my mom this cake has turned into a two day process!

First who has sour milk in their fridge and secondly the plums have to be cooked down to bring out their natural flavors.

While the plums are cooking I am blogging. Stay tuned for a final photo of the cake.

Tip for the day milk can be soured by just adding a little vinegar.

Favorite Things

For Christmas last year I received the Iousen Pot water pitcher. I love not only the sleek design of the pitcher but the use of natural charcoal for purifying the water. No more plastic filters in my house. It is the perfect table accessory for all my dinner parties.
You can get own Iousen Pot here.

The Beginning

Inspired by my friends and encouraged by my husband, I bring you my blog.
As someone who enjoys hosting parties may you find inspiration for your next event.