Weekend Halloween Fun

Are you looking for some fun Halloween events this weekend? Look no more! I am sharing some of the fun with you. Halloween truly is a special time of year and so much fun for all. Seeing the costumes and creativity is one of my favorite parts. Well and the ahem, candy stuff. Yeah, I do love me some chocolate icon smile Weekend Halloween Fun My kids don’t really get things like Almond Joys, Heath Bars or Butterfingers. Those “disappear”. Poof! Magic on Halloween.

halloween Weekend Halloween Fun

Hands 4 Hope is putting on their 2nd annual Haunted House. It is openThursday from 6pm-9pm, Fri- Sat from 6pm – 10pm, Sunday 5pm-8pm and 5:30pm – 7:30pm on Halloween. . They are located in Town Center. The cost for entry is $8.00. I hear it is pretty scary!  Click here for more details.

Town Center is also hosting a Halloween event on Oct. 31st. Trick or Treat from 4pm – 6pm and enter the costume contest for dogs and kids {serious cuteness to be seen!!} at 5:30pm.

Are you looking for some Halloween fun and dancing? Check out the dance party in Cameron Park. GP Productions will be playing dance music from 7pm – 11pm. Click here for more details.

Ravenblood Mortuary Haunted House is up and running next to Raley’s in EDH. This is not for the faint of heart so you must be at least 10 years old to enter. Cost is $10/8 with a student ID. Proceeds benefit Bikers Against Child Abuse, Soldiers’ Angels and Sons of Italy. You can purchase tickets at americascreams.showclix.com or at the door.

If you want to check out a spooky house – head on over to Waterford. The Sheffield Drive home of David Michael has an eery pirate theme with lots to see.

The Forest of Lost Souls will also be up and running this weekend. The El Dorado Food Bank is partnering with this event to raise food for those in need. This event runs the 29th – 31st. Kids under 10 can get in for free with 2 canned food items. They must be accompanied by an adult.Head on over to their site by clicking here. You will find details on price, donations and scary versus not so scary times.

If you are visiting Apple Hill this weekend, head over to Appleridge Farms for Halloween goodie bags on the 29th and 30th {while supplies last}. Grandpa’s Cellar has a Haunted Nature Trail on Oct. 27th – 31st from 10am – 4pm. Weather pending.

Of course there is also the Night of a Thousand Pumpkins and Fall Festival happening in Folsom this weekend. Click here for my previous post on this weekend of fun.

Are you looking for some fun and fabulous {and oh so spooky} Haunted Houses in the Sacramento area? News 10 shares some of the best. Click here for locations and details.

Do you have a favorite Halloween Haunt? I’d love to share it with my readers.

My Halloween Mantel

Home Stories of A 2 Z is hosting a fun Halloween Mantel linky party. Who wants to join? I do, I do!! So I am sharing this photo of my mantel with you! I am so in love with my mantel this year. A few things like the witch {found out High Hill Ranch a few years ago} and the fun little pumpkin guy are a few years old now. I made the banner last year, the sparkly pumpkins and black leaves are from Michael’s just this year. I used an old frame for the chalk board but a friend wrote on it for me. I {heart} her fun writing! She might have to come around for every holiday and write on my boards. Oh, did I mention that I am now creating and selling chalkboards these days? Feel free to check out my Etsy store, Buffalo Hill Designs. So without much further ado, here is my 2011 Halloween Mantel.

003 300x200 My Halloween Mantel 

Night of a 1000 Pumpkins & Fall Fest in Folsom

jackolanterns Night of a 1000 Pumpkins & Fall Fest in Folsom

Have you heard of or been to the Folsom  Night of 1000 Pumpkins? Well your chance is NOW! This event takes place on Friday, October 28 from 6pm-9pm. Bring your carved pumpkin down to Wool/Sutter between 2pm – 5pm. All pumpkins will be lit at dark and will line the streets. Which by the way are all pretty since the major renovation that took place over the past year. Vendors will be ready for Trick or Treaters so bring your little Goblin down between 4pm – 6pm. The night will also feature family friendly Halloween movies on a giant outdoor screen. Be sure to bring some folding chairs and a sweater!

Also, if you follow Karen’s Cafe on Facebook then you may have seen this little bit of fun information that they posted today. Pumpkin Carving at Karen’s Bakery Café! In case you did not see it, here is the post:

In preparation for the Night of 1,000 Pumpkins we’ve made arrangements for two PALLETS of pumpkins to be delivered to our patio on Wednesday, October 26th. Come during our business hours on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, carve a pumpkin, and then we’ll take care of transporting all the carved pumpkins up to Sutter St. on Friday (of course you’re welcome to take it up there yourself if you like). We’re hoping to help in the effort to have 1,000 pumpkins brought to the street on Friday night.

Historic Folsom is also hosting Fall Fest on Saturday, October 29th from 10am-4pm. There will be street vendors selling arts, crafts and more. There will also be a children’s costume contest and parade, a petting zoo, live music and street entertainment. For more details on both of these events go to www.historicfolsom.com or www.myfolsom.com or call 916-985-7452.

Throw a Fall Harvest Party

OK so this is something I would LOVE to do. I mean really, really, really want to do. Fall obsession happening over here icon wink Throw a Fall Harvest Party The house is almost completely “Fallified” {yes, I did just make that word up!!} BH&G just shared a fun little bit on how to throw such an event. Mostly lots of pumpkins and yummy food are needed for this. Having a little bit cooler weather would also be very helpful.

bhg5 225x300 Throw a Fall Harvest PartySource

Some items needed for a Fall Harvest Party:

  • Crisp weather
  • Falling leaves and lots of them on the ground {leaf angels or jumping into piles of leaves is SO fun for kiddos}.
  • Twinkly lights {for outside}
  • An abundance of gourds and pumpkins for decor.
  • A warm stew or chili
  • Apple cider or this autumn punch
  • Pumpkin and apple treats to share
  • Hay bails as seats — covered with fun plaid blankets {hello thrift store finds!}

How about this relaxed mismatched table setting?

mismatched table setting 300x300 Throw a Fall Harvest Party

Source

I love the idea of personalizing pumpkins for place settings.

place setting 300x300 Throw a Fall Harvest Party

Source

You can keep the kids busy with a pumpkin painting station.

pumpkin painting station 270x300 Throw a Fall Harvest Party

Source

Have you ever hosted a Fall party??

Fabric Flowers

One of my new loves in fabric flowers. I am making these out of everything. Fabric scraps, burlap even cloth napkins. I am planning to attempt some using ribbon very soon. I love how they turned out {once I got the hang of it that is!}. I have created several rolled fabric flowers using this great little tutorial over at Jones Design Company.

My flowers:

023 300x200 Fabric Flowers

What can I do with these fun lil’ creations? I can add them to a wreath, like I did here:

020 200x300 Fabric Flowers

I also think they would look really cute as an added accessory to a scarf, purse, belt, sweater or coat. You could even make them into a little hair clip. The options are endless — the question is, are you crafty??

It’s a Business Explosion! JoAnn’s in Folsom and so much more

Sometimes I get a little lost on what I should title a post. In the blog world, I want to be found in a search engine {hence JoAnn’s in Folsom} but I also want ya’all to know that there are lots of new business happenings in around Folsom. I thought I’d update you — and what perfect timing for the kick off to the holiday season? Hopefully these places will start off with a bang financially because of the season in which they are opening.

grand opening Its a Business Explosion! JoAnns in Folsom and so much more

Now, many of you locals {especially the ladies out there} knew of and felt the affects of the fire at the Roseville Galleria. I believe the statement I saw most that day on Facebook was, “Oh my God!! The Mall is on fire!!!!” Now this was obviously a mess for so many reasons. Yes, I was upset because it is my fave mall but mostly I felt awful for the people who were suddenly out of work and the holiday revenue that so many businesses count on? Gone. They hustled and had some of it back up by Christmas but there was a chunk that was not accessable. Just last week they re-opened that section of the mall. The rebuilt section of the shopping center now boasts more than 50 stores and restaurants, providing even more options the holiday season. Can I get a woo hoo?? icon wink Its a Business Explosion! JoAnns in Folsom and so much more

What else is new? JoAnn’s has arrived in Folsom. This was a very big deal to the community. We have Michael’s but JoAnn’s carries fabric. People seem to love fabric  if the line in that department is an indicator! Walmart carries a small selection but JoAnn’shas them beat. They are located at 1010 East Bidwell Street in Folsom. They opened on the 6th but they are celebrating their Grand Opening this Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 13-15. Be sure to sign up at joann.com for coupons and newsletters.

Another coming soon attraction in Folsom is Whole Foods Market. This is kinda like the mecca of all grocery stores. The selection is awesome and if you are one who tends to go for more natural and organic groceries, then this is the store for you. The Grand Opening is October 26th. If you click here, you can sign up for a sneak peak on Oct. 20th or 21st. I just signed myself up!!

Another great store coming to Folsom on Oct. 23rd is HomeGoods. You probably know the commercial, “Be HomeGoods happy”. If you have been then you know this is a super fun store to shop for …. home goods! I am talking a little bit of everything. Bathroom linens, bedding, lamps, mirrors, wall decor, storage, pet beds and dishes, holiday decor and even furniture. It is a great place when you are in the mood for a little redecorating but want to keep yourself on a budget. I do {heart} this store. If you are want to see what HomeGoods is all about, click here. Prepare to be inspired!

Steinmartalso opened in Folsom a couple weeks ago. It is located in the Broadstone shopping center. It took the place of the old Linens n Things. I had never been in a Steinmartbut I wanted to check it out. Of course I happened by on the opening day so it was a bit of a mad house. They seem to have a good selection of men’s and woman’s apparel as well as various accessories. They also had some housewares. The prices are fairly average. The store is definitely more upscale in appearance then Ross or Marshall’s. It had the feel of a Macy’s but on a much smaller scale.

So there you have it — some new spots for shopping locally. I was hoping to include Selland’s in this list but when I called for status today, I was told that they are pushed out until January. Oh darn! I was very much looking forward to another dining option here in El Dorado Hills.

Do you know of any new businesses making an appearance in our area any time soon? Do tell. icon smile Its a Business Explosion! JoAnns in Folsom and so much more

Goblin Gardens – Local Farm Fresh Pumpkins & Hay Maze

pumpking patch Goblin Gardens   Local Farm Fresh Pumpkins & Hay Maze

Well, I am on restriction now. From Pinterest. It’s become a borderline ‘issue’. Kinda like chocolate except I like Pinterest more then chocolate! Do you “pin”? Click here if you do and you can check out my boards. If not, let me know and I can let you in on the secret icon wink Goblin Gardens   Local Farm Fresh Pumpkins & Hay Maze Basically I could sit and pin my likes all day and all night. So I give myself little time-lines, “Gabby, at 10:15 you must close out of Pinterest”. Ugh. Seriously people. It is like crack {not that I would know but you get the idea}. So beyond my addiction, I wanted to share a what looks to be a fun local Pumpkin Patch in Natomas. It is called Goblin Gardens. They are open daily from 10am – 7pm. Some of the fun things they offer:

  • Corn Maze
  • Bale Pyramid (Consisting of 1356 bales of hay.) The best view of our farm.
  • Minature Hay Maze
  • Minature Racetrack for younger children.
  • Large inflatable double-slide
  • many fun cutouts and backdrops for some terrific family photo opportunities.
  • Weekends hourly educational Hayrides. (Available also by appointment on weekdays.)

I can not seem to locate the prices but I did find a $1 off coupon on their Facebook Page. Click here to be redirected. You can also contact them at 916-925-2496.

Oh yeah, don’t let the idea of a “Minature Hay Maze” be a deterrent — my 40 year old husband managed to have a great time chasing and scaring the kids in one at Apple Hill this last week. The fact that he is 40 and did this is a whole other post icon wink Goblin Gardens   Local Farm Fresh Pumpkins & Hay Maze I think I shall call it, “Once a boy, always a boy”. The kids had a blast with their grown up friend! Ha ha.

Do you have  a favorite Pumpkin Patch? I’d love to hear where it is.

My Fall Mantel

As promised, here are some photos of my Fall Mantel.

001 300x200 My Fall Mantel

 

002 300x200 My Fall Mantel

003 200x300 My Fall Mantel

I have had most of the items for years. The leaf wreath came from Hallmark many, many moons ago. I remember the day that I bought it and walked out of the mall … someone said, “Why is she carrying around a giant baf of leaves?” Hee hee. The adorable F A L L tealight holders are from Michael’s and the Pick Your Own Pumpkin sign was a super clearance find years ago at Eddie Bauer Home {does that store even exsist anymore?} I have the candle holders up most of the year and I just swap candles depending on the accent color I am using in my family room. I added the picture of my boys is from Apple Hill from a few seasons back. Love it! New this year is the large ‘M’ which of course stands for our last name. It is a cardboard M that I bought at Joann’s Fabrics. Then I used a Rich Espresso Metalic paint to give it a little extra pop. I also added the felt flowers that I made courtesy of a tutorial over at Jones Design Company. There you have it, my Fall Mantel complete with some dried corn and itty, bitty pumpkins.

Oh, I also just bought a couple of yummy smelly candles over at Bath and Body Works. I only pick them up when they go on sale 2 for $20. Totally worth it.

004 300x200 My Fall Mantel

Fall into Reading and Make Memories

halloween book 300x264 Fall into Reading and Make Memories

I love books. I love reading them to my children and I love acting the part of the characters {my husband says that I am SO LOUD when I read — well hello! I am ‘acting’. Lots of animation required for this task.} Fall is my hands down favorite season of the year. I am a little obsessive and try to take full advantage of all things Fall. Several years ago, I started collecting Fall/Halloween books for the kids. A lot of pumpkins, some witches and ghosts and even one about The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything {which wasn’t entirely true icon wink Fall into Reading and Make Memories }. I have about 20 books now. I store them away from the day after Thanksgiving until September but when I pull them out, the kids are giddy for them. Even my 8 year old still gets excited and remembers his favorites but now he can read them to me. It is something I would recommend to any family who enjoys the seasons. It is a tradition that has become special in our home. Plus, it allows for a break from the everyday books that we read over and over. I know you know what I am talking about parents. Wink Wink! Yes, we also do the same for Christmas!

A few of our faves:

Miss Fiona’s Stupendous Pumpkin Pies
Scarecrow
Pete {a great book that encourages a love of reading}
Pumpkin Town {fabulous illustrations}
10 Timid Ghosts
By the Light of the Harvest Moon

Do you have a special tradition for Fall? I’d love to hear it!

Apple Hill 2011

September has arrived! Do you know what that means?? Apple Hill time!! Yes, my happy place people icon smile Apple Hill 2011 Labor Day weekend is the kick off for many of the apple ranches in Camino. I have actually gone on opening weekend for many years but this weekend we were in Twain Harte with friends. I see a weekday trip happening in the very near future though.

FreshAppleBinApples.273110407 std 300x300 Apple Hill 2011

Have you been to Apple Hill? Well let me give you the run down. It’s located in Camino and it is 56 family owned and operated apple farms. You will also find several great wineries in the area and in just under a month, PUMPKINS!! Eeeek. I can hardly contain my excitement.

A few bits of information — click here for the official Apple Hill Website. Each ranch has it’s own specific hours as well as merchandise. This is a popular destination for field trips of all ages. This being said, you will see busloads of people arriving at the more popular ranches.

Celebrate Johnny Appleseed’s Birthday on September 18th. Lots of extra fun to be had at participating farms. Click here for more details.

Did you know that Apple Hill also hosts a Harvest Run? This year is the 32nd Annual and it falls on Nov. 6th. Click here for more details.

apple run Apple Hill 2011A few of my favorite spots:

High Hill Ranch: This is a very popular spot, probably the busiest of all of the apple farms. They have an ongoing craft fair as well as a fishing pond and lots of apple goodies including a bake shop {tip: buy frozen pies for the holiday season – no one needs to know that you did not make this yourself icon wink Apple Hill 2011 } Fudge Factory Farm is also located here! Chocolate people. Need I say more?

Abel’s Acres: A great spot to take the kids on the weekends. They have pony rides and a Hay-Bale Maze {weather permitting}. Abel’s also has an ahhhh-mazing selection of  caramel apples.

Apple Ridge Farms {formally Plubells}: This is probably my kids favorite farm. They have animals that you can feed {kids LOVE this!}, a hay-maze as well as a U Pick Pumpkin Patch. Seeing how much effort the new owners have invested in this ranch has been great and the transformation has been incredible.

Boa Vista Orchards: This is one of the few that is open year round. It is a popular spot right along the main road but a little extra tidbit? They also have fresh produce!  So you can get some apple goodies and even perhaps some fresh tomatoes as well.

Rainbow Orchards: Fresh, hot apple donuts. Need I say more? I didn’t think so icon smile Apple Hill 2011

As I have mentioned, many of these farms also grow pumpkins. Check back in towards the later part of the month. Some farms even allow you to pick your own.  Fast forward alert … If you are wanting to cut your own Christmas Tree, you can also find some ranches that offer this. We went last year and had a blast. Especially cause we got to play in the snow while picking the perfect tree. Click her for Christmas Tree information.

You can find a 2011 calendar of events by clicking here.

Are you already an Apple Hill fan? If so, what is your favorite ranch and why?