Memorable Milestones: October 2012

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

White Halloween Decor

Lately I've been totally smitten with how sophisticated Halloween decoration look when you use a white and black color scheme! Take a peek at some ideas you can DIY for your holiday celebration even in 24hrs.

Picture from casasugar.com

Picture from sugaredoccasions.wordpress.com

Picture form manolohome.com

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Halloween Treats

Most people associate Peeps Marshmallow Candy with Easter. Home is where the Boat Is blog has tons of yummy Halloween ideas for this totally cute candy. The on recipe that caught my eye was the orange hot chocolate topped with a Peeps ghost. How perfect would this be after a night of trick-or-treating!

Picture form Home is Where the Boat Is

Orange Hot Chocolate:

*Makes 10 Servings

12 oz premium white chocolate

8 cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

orange food color

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Cake Girls are Back!!!

Remember the Cakegirls? A few years ago their Chicago Bakery was all over TV on wedding cake shows, cake competitions, etc. In 2010 their bakery was destroyed in a fire, two years later they are back with a whole new business concept. Instead of rebuilding their bakery they have opted to help people like you and me via the web! They will be selling baking products and teaching followers to bake cute, fun, crafty cakes like they do. Sign up for their mailing list here and take a look at their first product below found here! Can you tell I'm excited?!?!

Picture from suitorlife.com

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Basil Tomato Tart

I originally saw this recipe on a friend's blog, Relish Your Life, and I vowed I would try it. Fast forward about a year and this was the perfect weeknight meal. While it was especially refreshing in the summer this would make a delicious appetizer anytime of year provided you can find the fresh ingredients.

Personal Photo

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Home Goods

Recently a friend and I spent a few hours browsing through Home Goods. I had never been in that store ... EVER ... wow have I been missing out! Although I wasn't looking for anything in particular, I instantly fell in love with these beautiful blue & white printed chairs and their details. Oh, and scored a great deal on a naturally woven basket to hold throws and blankets for my "under construction" living room update!

Personal Photo

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Waffles

How festive was my first breakfast in Texas????

Personal Photo

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

San Antonio

Last week, my boyfriend and I were blessed to spend sometime in San Antonio supporting his brother who just graduated from Basic Training. Of course spending time with the family was a must, but we were able to sneak away and enjoy the city a little too!

Personal Photo

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Who doesn't enjoy a good stir fry? Tweaking the recipe below I had a great stir fry dinner, just as good as one from a restaurant!

Personal Photo

Recipe from La Choy Soy Sauce

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, divided

1 medium onion, chopped

1 package (14 ounces) frozen broccoli florets

1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts

1 lb boneless beef sirloin, cut across grain into 2 x ½ inch strips

5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/3 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon corn starch

1 tablespoon water

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet or wok over high heat. Cook and stir onion, broccoli and water chestnuts 4 minutes or until crisp tender. Remove from skillet; set aside.

Pour remaining 1 tablespoon oil into skillet. Cook and stir beef and garlic about 2 minutes or until browned. Add onion, broccoli and water chestnuts back to skillet.

Whisk together soy sauce and brown sugar in small bowl. Add to skillet. Stir together corn starch and water until smooth; add to skillet. Cook until heated through and sauce thickens.

Serve with your choice of rice or noodle.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Lazaro Press Totes

If you are planning a wedding and expecting many out of town guests, a welcome bag or basket of some kind is a sweet gesture for thanking your loved ones for their support. Even more thoughtful would be a welcome gift that celebrates the locale of your wedding. During some web browsing or magazine skimming, I can't remember which, I came across these beautiful totes from Lazaro Letterpress. Who doesn't love a tote and what an adorable nod to you wedding city!

The October 2012 issue of Brides magazine, ran a feature on "The key to throwing a great wedding." I must say, the article was pretty spot on as far as throwing wedding bashes! Any whoo, one of their top ten things included "give them a warm welcome" and their list of welcome bag goodies is a must do! It includes; inexpensive snacks (homemade by a relative or local snacks), bottle of water (I would add a special wedding label for a special touch), creature comforts (lip balm, mini sunscreen, asprin), info to help guests explore (maps with your local hangouts denoted, guide book, transportation schedules), and wedding weekend essentials (itinerary, driving directions, important phone numbers). What a way to set the tone for your big day!

Photo from luxefinds.com