Elements of a Halloween Party

Food: candy corn cupcakes; mummified chocolate pretzels; white chocolate skull party favors; frankenstein cheese ball

Drink: Broom stir sticks; spider webbed mason jars; bleeding heart and pina goulada cocktails

Some of my favorite ideas for food and beverage from {pinterest}!

In the Witch's Woods

Blouse {h&m - similar}; jeans {banana}; boots {shoe dazzle}; scarf {unknown - similar}; trench {jcrew - similar}

My attempt to make it to a {haunted house} and pee my pants in fright was spoiled by Sandy! We went up to {Salem, MA} intending to take a haunted cruise and then spend the day in one of the spookiest places in the state - you know, witch hunts and stuff. So that's number 8 crossed off! The cruise may have been cancelled but the rain didn't spoil our fun :)
Also - linking up with {the pleated poppy}!

                                                                                                       Xo Cakes

old grave yard

this time of year the town is in full Halloween and fall festivity mode - get me an apple cinnamon bun stat!

 

a better way to get scared in my opinion - carnival rides!

Little Moments

a view of the boston skyline and some beautiful foliage from the peak

How was everyone's weekend? Full of Halloween parties, costumes, and treats I hope! I know mine was!

So this week I crossed a bunch of things off the fall to do list. You saw my modified pumpkin carving (#3) in the form of pumpkin painting last Wednesday. And believe me when I say it was the better option. I am not a skilled carver. And I've definitely been enjoying football Sunday (#10) complete with plenty of pumpkin beer!

The other great thing I did was get out for some leaf peeping (#5). My fall schedule didn't leave time to drive the highway (there is always next year!) but it was peak peeping just south of Boston last Monday and a beautiful sunny day to boot!

I can't wait to share some of the best ones, #4, #7, and #8 this week!

My thoughts are with anyone experiencing Sally this week. Stay safe! and Happy Monday :)

                                                               Xo Cakes

 fighting for the last bit of chocolate :)

a healthy snack with a cute straw

KISS costume sneak peak - how did we do??

memories

Weekend Wish List: Elizabeth and James

one {brocade blazer}; two {serpent bracelet}; three {leather flats}; four {graphic sweater}; five {tuxedo pants}

Elizabeth and James is just hitting all the right notes lately. Damn those Olsen twins! Sigh, a girl can dream. Lucky for me, H&M and F21 make similar versions which wont need a small fortune to obtain:)

                               Xo Cakes

Butternut Squash Soup with Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

I tend to only want soup when the weather turns colder. I've never been much of a summer chowder person. This one is great to curl up under a blanket and savor! 

                           Xo Cakes

Butternut Soup
 serves 4

• 2 tbsp Salted Butter
• 1 Small Onion
• 2 inches fresh ginger - can also use 1 tbsp {this}
• 2 Garlic Cloves
• 3lb Butternut Squash
• 1/4 c Orange Juice
• 4 c Vegetable Broth
• Salt and Pepper
• Sour Cream
• Spicy Pumpkin Seeds (see below)

1. Break down squash into 1 inch cubes and chop the onion and garlic.
2. Melt the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan and cook onions until fragrant, about 2 minutes
3. Add ginger, garlic and squash. Stir occasionally for about 6 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in broth and bring to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until the squash is tender.
6. Puree the soup in a blender (2 batches if you dont want a kitchen covered in squash puree!)
7. Put back in sauce pan and add orange juice, salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with sour cream and spicy pumpkin seeds. I think goat cheese or ricotta could also be a great substitute for the sour cream!

Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

• 1 c Raw Pumpkin Seeds
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1 tsp Chile Powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp lime juice

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix to coat
3. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 10 mins or until browned.
 
recipe adapted from Martha
 

 

 

Minted Ruffles

blouse {F21 - also love}; cardigan {jcrew}; skirt {banana}; shoes {shoe dazzle}; earrings {charming charlie}; bracelets {F21}{lucky}; clutch {loft}

Just a quick one today! I felt so pretty in this. Anything with ruffles, bows, and a pop of pink is pretty much the perfect outfit in my mind :)
ps - linking up with The Pleated Poppy!

                                                                         Xo Cakes

 

 

KISS Inspiration

 

inspiration board

I finally figured out what to do about Halloween, or I should say Maria figured it out for me. We have a costume party on Saturday and I've been too busy to put much thought into a costume. I admit, Halloween is not one of my favorite holidays (i know i know, dont hate me). I think I'm just a whimp at scary things, and it gets overshadowed by Thanksgiving and Christmas. But it is super fun to dress up as an adult, so I'm really excited about our idea this year: Kiss. I plan to get a black wig, silver tights, and find anything and everything black and/or leather in my closet (plus maybe a little help from iParty). Can't wait to show you how it turns out!

                                 Xo Cakes