my new anthem...

thanks to a little time spent on pinterest tonight....just a little reminder that sometimes magical things are discovered when you least expect them, and when you have a zillion other things you should be doing!

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best. gift. ever.

leave it to my amazing cousin (of mainely home fame) to send us not only the first gift of wedding season, but also the very best.

she and i share a love of mason jars (see here & here) and the appreciation of a clever card. so,when i arrived home last night and found waiting for me a triple extra large mason jar with a tag reading...."a mason jar as big as your love" my little heart just about burst...it doesn't get much more perfect than that.

well, maybe it would get a little bit better if she shared her sources with us....hint, hint!

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cookies & milk & love

oh, how i love cyber space, especially on bitterly cold winter days when you have just eaten a bowl of yummy soup, the sky is turning dark, and your to-do list is a mile long. such a wonderful place to escape to and find such wonderful treasures. treasures like this tasty and romantic tablescape courtesy of the city cradle.

cookies and milk will most certainly be a part of our big day (we both love our sweets and you can't get much more vermont-y than milk) and i think this photoshoot just might be the perfect inspiration i didn't even know i was looking for! now all i have to do is find an "&" cookie cutter and some vintage suitcases...back to cyberland i go and i couldn't be happier!

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wine {for a cause} wednesday

wine for a cause - what a fabulous idea!

although i can take no credit for the idea or even for finding it (thank you, mainely home!) but what i can do is share it with you all as a fantastic holiday gift idea....there are a lot of wine lovers in my life and a lot of folks i have left to buy for, so this is just about perfect!

OneHope donates a portion of each bottle (totaling fifty percent of its profits!) to charity. Each variety supports a different cause - autism, breast cancer, our troops, AIDS, children's hospitals and more.

OneHope was started by eight friends who worked out of their living rooms, selling wine out of their trunks, trying to help support a friend in her fight against cancer. Now an enterprise, the company has sold over 20,000 cases of wine - and donated $350,000 to charity, since its inception in June 2007.

Pretty cool, huh?

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why i run...

one of my favorite hometown events has to be the vermont city marathon. i am admittedly unbelieveably partial when it comes to this race - as it runs right by my front door, happens on my birthday, and i get to be part of the American Cancer Society's DetermiNation program - a group of inspiring athletes who dedicate their training and participation in the race to the fight against cancer.

so, when i had the opportunity to write a little something about "why i run" for the vcm blog, i was thrilled. it got me thinking about the answer to that seemingly simple question, and what i found out through writing it all down, was just as rewarding as a nice long run might be! (and believe it or not, if you are planning to run in this year's race, it's almost time to start training!)

here is just a little snippet from that little something i wrote. visit the runvermont blog to read more about me and a whole lot of other awesome folks!

* * * * * *

So, you ask, why do I run? It’s simple really – I run because of the people. I run because of the people standing with you at the start line. I run because of that friend who finds you on last stretch down the bike path when you think you have nothing left. I run because I like being part of the coolest, happiest club around. I run because of the people you meet out there on the pavement. I run because I really like the people at Fleet Feet where I buy my sneakers. I run for the people who can’t. I run to hear the stories.

I am lucky enough to work with the American Cancer Society and our DetermiNation program here in Vermont. Through this work, I have met the most amazing people. Cancer Survivors who are working their way back into marathon shape after Chemo knocked them down. Caregivers who are braving their first 26.2 miles in honor of someone they love who is fighting the disease. Each of them is making their miles more meaningful and each and every one of them is a champion and a friend. I have discovered that running and story telling are ties that will bind us long after our shin splints and blisters have healed. This group of us runs together every week because we not only share the love of running, but also, the same vision – a vision for a world with less cancer and more birthdays. And really, what could be better than that? After all, every 5th birthday means a different age group, and we all know what that means to a runner!

There is a famous quote that says “if you share of coffee with stranger, by the time your cup is empty, you are strangers no more.” I feel that way about running; it connects people. The most unlikely bonds are formed out there on the pavement, whether it’s spoken or not.

So, I challenge you all, before the year is out – go for a run with someone new. Or, if you are a braver soul than I, just strike up a conversation with someone you see out on the road. Make a clever remark about the weather (always a hit up here in Vermont) or compliment them on their fancy sneakers. If you are a bit more daring, and really up for a debate, ask them about how they feel about the barefoot running craze or interval training, or just ask them what they really think about for all those miles. I have found that often, asking the simple question “Why do you run?” has been the best question of all….

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baby, it's cold outside!

i have party planning on the brain these days in a big big way. and i fell instantly in love when i came across this ice skating party. the bonfire, the mason jars, the burlap table cloths, the hot chocolate, the candles, the tubs of beer....cozy, romantic, fun and oh so vermont-y. plus, my husband to be (yup, that's right, mr. frederickson and i are making it official!) is quite the skater. i think maybe we are on to something....

so, a winter wedding? what do you think!?!?

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the most wonderful time of the year...

happy friday! and what a festive week it has been - i am almost sad to see it come to an end. but i am floating on cloud 9 (more on that later) and can't wait to cozy up with someone special tonight and celebrate this magical time of year! i hope this weekend brings you all sorts of warm and fuzzy feelings as well.

i'll be back in full force next week with lots of holiday cheer and a little bit of news....

until then....make it a great one!

XOXO

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tuesday shoesday - the party boot

i don't know about you, but after seeing these perfectly festive wellies, a rainy and wet holiday season wouldn't be so bad! it's singing in the rain meets it's the most wonderful time of the year!

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the polar express

hands down, the very best book of all time is the polar express. no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

and this weekend, in vermont, this magical book comes to life - both here in burlington and down the road in hartford. a train ride complete with hot chocolate, homemade cookies, sing-a-longs, conductors, santa and of course, the first gift of christmas! can you imagine a more perfect way to spend a saturday? 'cause i sure can't....

so, what do you think? who's on board?

“though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe.”

-the polar express

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december is...

december is (very) merry.

she is filed with joy.

december speaks many languages.

she hears hope in every voice.

december makes angels in the snow.

she is happiest with open hands.

december loves the smell of evergreens.

she comes bearing gifts.

december sparkles with goodwill and strings of lights.

she lights candles in the dark.

december is a great last act.

she can experience things spiritually.

december wraps it's packages carefully.

she dances in the arms of the world.

december has read & green slip covers.

she believes in things unseen.

december gives and receives.

she is a revelation.

{image via}

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a daily dose of holiday spirit

tomorrow is december 1st, and you know what that means: the official countdown to christmas has begun. and growing up in my house that meant one thing: advent calendars. so since i am on the slowboat this year, i am hoping to get a bit creative and do a make shift one at home that will encourage some holiday spirit! (i love mr. frederickson, but he is lacking a bit in that department)

check out all these super cute diy versions...now i just have to decide what little daily treats are going to win over my scrooge's heart this season. any thoughts?

{via etsy - nuvanova}

{via not on the highstreet}

{via oh hello friend}

{via etsy - oh hello magpie}

{via oh, happy day!}

{via twig & thistle}

{via pinterest}

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happy thanksgiving!

happy thanksgiving to you all! i for one could not be more excited for a weekend full of yummy food, turkey trotting, bubbly champagne, and most of all spending time with family and some long lost friends (HHS Class of 2000!!)

however, i have to admit, my favorite part of the holiday is looking forward to december and all the great holiday excitement that is just around the corner! nothing makes me more excited than some good oldfashioned anticipation and that's what this time of year is all about!

now, just a couple faves to share with you from around the web. i have to say, cyber land is especially inspiring this time of year, don't you think?!

• once again, emerson made is spot on. how perfect is this table runner?
• super cozy slippers...and i know just the crafter who can make these come to life!
• holy ambiance! loving this tablescape for the holidays
• matchbook mag - add this to the list of things i am looking forward to in january!
• it's time to start thinking about advent calendars! how cute is this one?
• mr. frederickson gave me the go ahead to send holiday cards this year, so far i have found inspiration here, here and here! so much stationery, so little time...
• the perfect winter morning.
• and some words of wisdom...."Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." -Melody Beattie

wishing you all the safest and happiest holiday! xoxo

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tuesday shoesday - coziness cont...

please see post below and add these to the mix. perfection achieved. done and done.

"shut the door not that it lets in the cold but that it lets out the coziness.”

-mark twain

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coziness defined.

'tis the season for fireplaces. aka - heaven. i mean what is better on these dreary november days than curling up under a cozy blanket in front of a crackling fire with a good book (or trashy magazine) and a steaming cup of tea (or big glass of wine)? correct answer: nothing.

actually, that's a lie. there is something better. and that would be cozying up in front of one of these fireplaces - complete with a clever little nook to stack your kindling. you should know that i have a soft spot in my heart for woodpiles and love any situation that means i can stay curled up under the blanket and not have to travel far to keep the fire burning, so this is pure perfection in my book!

what about you? what's your go to cure for the november chill?

{1,2,3,4}

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thankful links.

happy thanksgiving week!!! isn't this just the best time of year!? i just love it. so, when i came across these thankful links, i fell in love. what a great way to keep track of all the things we have to be thankful for year after year. (and it makes for a pretty fabulous table decoration!)

get the printable here!

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happy {hockey} weekend!

i don't have any idea how it snuck up on me so fast, but it's here. hockey season is already here! yes, that's right, tonight marks opening night of the college hockey season up in these parts and i could not be more excited!

admittedly i know very little about the sport, but this team in particular represents so many things i love that i can't help but be excited. i love the experience of it all. i love the way the community comes together. i love the people watching - from toddlers in mini jerseys running in circles in the stands, to the teenage girls drooling over the cutest new players. i love the loyal fans who have sat in the same seats for as long as they can remember. i love that there is another whole community that supports the team from behind the scenes. but mostly, i love how cute mr. frederickson looks barking at his players from behind the bench. and i love that his parents come and still cheer for the guy who wears the number he wore back in his glory days. (#37)

so, see, even for a non-hockey fan....it's a great season. a really great one.

wish us luck (-:

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scarf meet ribbon.

i am so sorry for the radio silence this week...once again, life has gotten in the way. although, i have to say, i don't mind a bit! sometimes busy busy weeks are just what the doctor ordered.

although, to be fair, i think the doctor also ordered this ammaaazzzzinnnggg scarf. a scarf on a spool? a scarf that stores itself? gosh, why didn't i think of that? leave it to the folks at terrain to come up with such beautiful brilliance.

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delicious autumn.

i couldn't agree more. even these waning days of autumn make my heart happy.... delicious indeed.

{image via}

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vermont evergreens.

you know how i feel about simon pearce. everything they do is pretty darn perfect in my book. but i have to admit that my very favorite thing they make are their vermont evergreens. they are simply stunning, weather you have one or a million lined up on your mantle. (although to be honest, seeing a dozen lined up is breathtaking!) they are perfectly vermont and they add the perfect amount of holiday decor to any room....so perfect that when i got the email today, just seeing these beauties put me in the spirit!

also, check out this video of the brilliant craftsmen at work in their quechee shop. if you haven't stopped in there yet, it is a holiday season must do! how cool is this?

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comfort food thursday

does anyone have trouble making a recipe when you don't have a photo to look at? i certainly do. photos are so helpful in not only the process, but also in making your mouth water for the finished product. so i nearly died when i came across the site foodgawker, which helps organize recipes and food photography by subject, ingredient, etc! so you will NEVER have to make an imageless recipe again.

first on this list: this scrumptious bowl of chili. photo included.

black bean and chicken chili with butternut squash & swiss chard

what you need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-1/2 cups chopped onions
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2-1/2 cups 1/2-inch pieces peeled butternut squash
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2-1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles with juice
• 3 cups packed coarsely chopped Swiss chard leaves (about 1 bunch)

what you do:

Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute until tender and golden, about 7 to 9 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add squash; stir and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in chili powder and cumin. Stir in beans, broth and Rotel; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered until squash is tender, about 20-25 minutes. Turn off the heat. Stir in the chard and allow the heat of the mixture to wilt the chard so that it is tender and bright green, about 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve with toppings such as cheese, red onion, cilantro and crushed tortilla chips.

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a jog through shelburne farms

today my running friends and i went for a little morning jog. part of said run had us wander through the historic grounds at shelburne farms. i had heard the rumors, but let me tell you, it is every bit as magical as i expected. every inch (and mile) of it. even now during the sometimes less than magestic stick season.

so, even though i can take NO credit for these photos, they do a pretty lovely job of telling the story...

a special thanks goes out to my running friends for that extra bit of guilt that got me out there today and an even bigger thanks for enjoying the ride with me. xo

all photos via flickr.

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comfort food thursday: for mr. frederickson

the recipe choice for this comfort food thursday requires a bit of a backround, so let me fill you in a couple key insights:

1. i love soup. mr. frederickson loves soup. it gets cold in vermont. thus, hot, food in a bowl is our main source of sustainance from mid-october to mid-july.
2. i like to cook. mr. frederickson likes to eat. it is a good combo.
3. both mr. frederickson and i like to make the other person happy. i.e., there is a lot of this: "i don't know, honey, anything you want sounds good to me." and not a lot of "i don't like green beans, so please don't ever cook with them. but what i do love is that squash soup i bought the other day at price chopper..."

alright, so i guess you are probably catching on to the fact that there was a soup incident last night. and it lead to a bit of pouting on my part (sorry, honey!) but the aftermath and silver lining is that i have a new burning desire to make the best darn butternut squash & apple soup EVER. so, there price chopper, take that. you messed with the wrong chef.

so here it is folks, the recipe i am going to use in my first attempt at redemption. thanks to a very talented vermonter and food & wine contributing, jeremy silansky.

what you need:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup apple cider
• One 1 3/4-pound butternut squash—peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch dice (5 1/4 cups)
• 4 1/2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 McIntosh apple, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1/3 cup coarsely shredded smoked cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
• One-inch pieces of chives or thinly sliced sage leaves, for garnish

what you do:

• In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 8 minutes. Add the apple cider and cook until syrupy, about 3 minutes. Add the butternut squash and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until the squash is very tender, about 40 minutes.
• In a blender, puree the soup in batches. Return the soup to the saucepan and stir in the cream. Season with salt and pepper and keep warm.
• Heat a medium skillet. Add the butter and diced apple and cook over high heat until the apple is tender and golden around the edges, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Ladle the soup into warmed bowls; garnish with the smoked cheddar, sautéed apples and chives; serve.

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solving the wedding gift puzzle

i am loving this puzzling cutting board for a wedding gift idea. it also multitasks as an hors d'œuvre tray. cheese and crackers anyone?

plus, just think of all the clever little sayings that you could write on the card: you two fit together so well! so happy you found your missing piece. life is like a puzzle and you two are cut out to solve it together! ok, that's enough. sorry.

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tuesday shoesday: the oxford

my mom has been on the quest for the perfect pair of oxfords. so much so, that she has taken to just emailing links from around the web...no subject line, no text, just a link. i take this to mean that she wants some feedback. although, i have to admit, i have been less than helpful. for me, there is a very brief interlude between flip flop and boot season and that has long since passed.

but, in her honor (and to celebrate her birthday month) i feel it is important to give this classic and yet oh so trendy shoe a little love on this tuesdayshoesday. plus, she did all the work and online searching for me, and i will take advantage of any excuse to make a picture collage!

what do you think? any favorites? anyone else still pining for doc marteens to come back in style? (please, say yes or that was a major overshare on my part...)

1. anthropologie 2 . frye 3 & 4. j.crew 5. zara 6. free people 7. madewell

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november is...

november is one of those months here in vermont where it is sometimes hard to find the good. it is cold and damp and dark with no real light at the end of the tunnel...except that one glorious and gluttonous holiday we call thanksgiving. so, while i always love these "months of the year" posts, this one is certainly a favorite as it reminds me that there is always some goodness to be found no matter how dreary it might look outside your window. plus, if you know anyone with a november birthday (like i do) this seems especially fiting. xoxo

november can spell "cornucopia" backwards.
she teaches children to remember pilgrims and indians.
november likes to linger on the last chapter.
she is self reflective.
november has a campaign scrapbook.
she creates real connections.
november's voice can be heart by all people.
she gives with all her heart.
november turns departures into arrivals.
she listens. and reaches out.
november inherited the first recipe for pumpkin pie.
she is a historical fact.
november can hear winter's voice.
she moves with simple grace.
november always remembers to give thanks.
her wisdom is her intuition.
november loves to celebrate human qualities.
she dances holding hands.

{image via and who is november courtesy of a 2006 KOCO NY calendar}

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happy {romance} weekend.

mr. frederickson and i are headed south today, 30 miles south to be exact, to stowe, vt for a quick little getaway. this weekend - full of long hikes and wine tasting and afternoon naps - will be just what the doctor ordered. the weekend celebrates the very brief interlude between two crazy seasons and i could not be more excited. it doesn't hurt that on our weekend agenda is a visit to the trapp family lodge and after seeing the sound of music 45 annniversary special today i have visions of an edelweiss sing-a-long in my head. (side note: mr. f loves a good show tune)

so...just a little sneak peak of what i hope our weekend looks like...with a little virtual fantasy shopping spree added just for fun (-:

1. trapp family lodge 2. cozy throw by terrain (my new fave site) 3. my fingers are crossed that i will need these ray bans 4. boots from madewell 5. patagonia fleece vest 6. tis the season to get out my ugg slippers 7. you know i have a soft spot for a good scarf like this one from toast 8. the original sound of music 9. kate spade's new fragrance - twirl 10. vintage issue of vermont life (i may or may not have a series of these framed in my living room just waiting to be hung up!) 11. wrap sweater (heaven) ae outfitters 12. duffle bag

so, i hope you all have fantasy in mind for the weekend and i hope it comes true! make it a great one...and promise me you will celebrate with some pumpkins, even if it's only with the image below. be still my fall loving heart.

{image via 2007 life is good pumpkin festival}

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comfort food thursday - thanks, switzerland

i wasn't there to taste it, but rumor has it my super talented mom (aka switzerland) made legendary chili last weekend. like so good, people are still talking about it. so, while i have yet to try it out for myself, i trust the glowing reviews from the masses and therefore gladly share her recipe.

there is another rumor floating around that the patriots play this weekend, so i think it might be a slow cooker sunday for us this week. because what goes better with football than legendary chili? i also think the pumpkin bowls in the tablescape below are pretty gosh darn fabulous, don't you?

slow cooker chicken and sausage chili

• 3 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
• ½ cup beer or red wine
• ¼ ts hot sauce
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 1 T brown sugar
• ½ ts chili powder
• ½ ts paprika
• ¼ ts oregano
• ¼ ts garlic powder
• 1/8 ts cayenne

Combine and cook on high for one hour.

• 1 T olive oil
• ½ red onion, chopped
• 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
• ¾ lb Italian sweet sausage

Saute until brown and add to above mixture. Add:

• 2 6oz cans tomato paste
• 1 15 oz can kidney beans

Cook 2 hours. Simmer 2 hours. Serves 8. Can easily be made on the stove as well.

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tie one on.

good morning, friends. please meet my new made in vermont obsession - beau ties. it's our version of vineyard vines (and in my opinion...so much cooler!) all sorts of fun patterns that are perfect for any occasion. i don't think mr. f is the bow tie type, but maybe after seeing how cute they are he might be singing a different tune. but, just in case you or the men in your lives are in the same boat, they do make your standard necktie as well.

but after seeing these, how can you not be a fan!? so, what do you say, kids? should 2011 be the year of the bow tie?! i think so.

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wine wednesday - neshobe river.

there are few things i love more than a good bottle of wine, and certainly one of those things is a well branded bottle of wine. especially when it comes form vermont.

i was wondering around city market last night (not even meaning to venture to the wine section) when i saw these clever little bottles out of the corner of my eye. i love the font, i love the names, i love the colors, and i certainly think that since i judge wines based on the cuteness factor of their bottles (shh...) i will certainly love sipping each and everyone one of these.*

well done, neshobe river winery, well done.

*if you think these are pretty to look at, check out their purple haze red and white dog chardonnay.

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a candy corn upgrade.

oh, hello, monday. you snuck up on my once again. i really hate when you do that! but this week is going to be full of sunny warm days here in vermont (woo hoo!) and lots of anticipation for the weekend to come (eek!) and not to mention, it's the last week of october, so there is lots to be done before november hits (yikes!)

but, before we get to all that, i have to share with you a few of my foodie favorites from last week that i just didn't get a chance to post before the weekend got a hold of me. i promise, less food, more vermont fun this week. but, let's indulge just one more time in some seasonal sugary inspiration (yum!) who needs to treak or treat when you have these lovely confections? (ok, i still do - i love me some candy corn)

...i love me some pop tarts too - and how amazingly gooey do these pumpkin pop tarts look!?

individual pumpkin pies in mason jars?! yes, please.

king arthur flour does it again...creepy & tasty is a tricky combo, and they have simply mastered it.

how tasty do these chocolate pumpkin cupcakes look? (obviously, i love the placemat and wicker balls too)

reasons to have a halloween party include this dessert buffet from the talented ladies at twig & thistle.

so - any clever halloween ideas up your sleeves?!?!

ok, now back to your regulary scheduled monday morning! boo!

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