Applewood Orchards and Winery

A few weeks back Chris and I took a mini day trip to Applewood Orchards in upstate New York.  It was a perfect autumn day, the leaves on the trees were straight out of a painting and the weather was absolutely divine.  We went to Applewood with the intention of checking out their winery as a little pre-anniversary celebration.  We decided to try the tasting that was only $6 for 6 different wines, luckily our sommelier was feeling generous and gave us about 9 tastings.  The wine selection was delicious so needless to say we left home with a bottle of their Apple Blossom Blush variety.  I can't forget to mention the ridiculous apple cider donuts they sell.  Hands down best I've ever had.  It kind of feels like that was the last taste of fall we had since Old Man Winter has decided to take over.  I'll miss you, fall!

Pumpkin Pie Pops

Seriously, how cute are pie pops?  You may have seen my previous summertime variation here.   Pumpkin pie is one of my favorite fall desserts; sans nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice, I’m strictly a cinnamon girl.  I decided to try the bite sized version on a stick.  I used some Halloween themed Linzer tart cutters for a festive touch.  These were perfect served slightly warm with a nice tall glass of milk.   

Pumpkin Pie Pops

1 pkg refrigerated pie crusts
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
8 Tbsp coconut sugar (you can use regular white sugar)
3 tsp butter, melted
2 tsp beaten egg (crack an egg, beat it, and use 2 tsp–reserve the rest for brushing the pastry)
1/4 tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp cinnamon
Popsicle sticks

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 cookie sheets with silicone liners or parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin, sugar, butter, 2 tsp egg, vanilla and cinnamon until blended.
3. Gently roll out  pie crust. Cut pumpkins using a cookie cutter.

4. Lay down crust shapes on the prepared baking pan. Top with a teaspoon of mixture in the center, then gently press a popsicle stick into the mixture. Top the mixture with second layer of dough. Carefully press the edges of the pies to seal. Crimp using the edge of a popsicle stick.
6. Brush the pops with the remaining egg.
7. Bake for approx. 16-19 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool several minutes before serving.

Carving/Sculpting Pumpkins

  Last Friday Chris and I carved some pumpkins.  I use the term “carved” very loosely as my pumpkin took all 5 minutes from start to finish and Chris’ took 5 hours to complete.  That husband of mine is quite talented.  He can master anything he puts his mind to.  It was his first time sculpting a pumpkin and the results were pretty unbelievable.  He enjoyed himself so much that I bought him another pumpkin the following day (that's him up there).  Let's see what he can create for Thanksgiving... 

My Best Friend's Wedding

Here are a few photos from my bestie Paula’s wedding day in Brooklyn last Saturday (10/19).  She was an absolute vision!  The wedding was beautiful and the reception at the Dumbo Loft was one classy affair.  We won’t talk about the dance routines that may have been fueled by one too many margaritas consumed that night.

I am beyond grateful for Paula. She is my dearest friend and has been since freshman year of high school. She has always been there for me and I certainly hope to be that kind of friend in return.

 I’m soooo happy for you and John.  Love you, boo! XO

Seven.

“To love another person is to see the face of God.”

― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables    

Today is our seven year anniversary.  I kind of can't believe it.  Time has flown by in the blink of an eye.  My bestie Paula got married this weekend and the priest at their ceremony truly moved us with his words.  He compared the love two people share throughout marriage to wedding rings.  When you first get your wedding ring it is perfect and shiny.  Throughout the years it may get nicked, scuffed, and scratched, but you can always polish it to make it sparkle like new again.  I thought that was pretty awesome. 

Chris thank you for making my heart smile.  I love you!

Feeling Like Fall

I think it's safe to assume that autumn has officially taken over.  The leaves are changing color, sweaters are being taken out of storage, pumpkin lattes and apple cider donuts are what’s for breakfast.  You get the picture.  This is without a doubt my favorite season.  In celebration, my sisters and I took my niece to Secor Farms for some fall fun.  
See our past trip to Secor Farms here.

 

 

scarecrows/a couple of good apples/those two played a mean banjo/loving the tractor/i want a green pumpkin/lil punkin/fresh apple cider donuts/this picture cracks me up every time/all smiles

Bachelorette

This past weekend was my bestie Paula’s bachelorette party.  We went to Lips and an awesome time was had by all.  I wanted to surprise the bride-to-be and bridesmaids with some goodie bags to get the party started.  Here’s a look at what was inside…

Me and the bride-to-be/paper straws look even cuter with gold glittery flags/made some thong sugar cookies; the ruffled booty shorts were my fave/turned cheap nail polish into the cutest favors ever/packaged cookies and glittery mini bottles of champagne/contents of the brides goodie bag; totally spaced and forgot to take a pic of the actual bag, it was really cute/party time!

Life Lately

 Happy October! I absolutely love this month for so many reasons; our wedding anniversary, the official start of fall (in my mind anyway), pumpkin everything, soups, stews, and slow cooked comfort food just to name a few. Sidenote, how AMAZING was Breaking Bad!? That was an epic show from start to finish. Perfect ending unlike other shows (writers of Dexter, I’m talking to you). Anyway, check out a few photos of what’s been going on around these parts lately…

Jada & Josiah can make the darkest of days bright/Cupcake sliders I made for my cousin's bday/"The Gatekeeper" at an art show we attended/The chorizo black bean soup I LOVE to make as soon as the weather cools down/Jada has mastered using chopsticks, no kiddie sticks here!/Fig smoothies taste so much better in a mason jar with a paper straw