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My Halloween Mantel

October 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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 

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Crafts, Fun finds, Holidays Tagged With: , , ,

Night of a 1000 Pumpkins & Fall Fest in Folsom

October 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Bee Local, Fun finds, Holidays Tagged With: , ,

Throw a Fall Harvest Party

October 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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

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I love the idea of personalizing pumpkins for place settings.

place setting 300x300 Throw a Fall Harvest Party

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

pumpkin painting station 270x300 Throw a Fall Harvest Party

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Have you ever hosted a Fall party??

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Fun finds, Holidays, Uncategorized

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

October 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Ready for some pumpkin yumminess? These are one of the things I baked this week {mind you I did this because a friend was oh so subtle in sending the recipe to me, whatever could that have meant? ;} For more fun and delish recipes, head on over to Whipped the blog. So many yummy looking recipes.

 

Photo Sourcepumpkintrio1 300x191 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 large egg
2 t vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
12 ounces chocolate chips or chunks

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 13 pan.
Mix together flour, pie spice, baking soda and salt. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar together until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined Beat in pumpkin puree (mixture looks a bit curdled). Reduce speed and mix in dry ingredients just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Spread batter evenly in pan and bake 35-40 minutes or until edges pull away from the pan and toothpick comes out clean.

Filed Under: Holidays, In the Kitchen Tagged With: ,

Goblin Gardens – Local Farm Fresh Pumpkins & Hay Maze

October 2, 2011 By 4 Comments

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.

Filed Under: Bee Local, Fun finds, Holidays Tagged With: , , ,

My Fall Mantel

September 27, 2011 By 7 Comments

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

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Fun finds, Holidays, The Hive Tagged With: , ,

Fall into Reading and Make Memories

September 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Fun finds, Holidays, The Hive

Apple Hill 2011

September 6, 2011 By 2 Comments

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?

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Bee Local, Fun finds, Holidays Tagged With: , ,

Fall Mantel Decorating

August 26, 2011 By 4 Comments

Eeeeeeek!! Fall makes me squeal in delight. I saw some leaves fall last week and I could hardly contain myself. I am counting the days till September cause that is when this house goes all Fall! If you know me {even a little}, you know that I ADORE FALL!! Everything about it. Now I know that the weather is hot pretty much until the end of October and that technically the first official day of Fall this year is September 23rd but –  it’s my most favorite time of year and it goes so fast with all of the fun that swirls around the season. This being said, I am putting out all of my pumpkins and sweet Fall finds come September 1st. Now as far as Halloween? Well I do a little switch over on October 1st. There really is a method to my madness icon smile Fall Mantel Decorating I will definitely share my mantel once it is all decorated but I thought I’d give you some fun inspiration from blog-land.

Life in Grace always inspires me. I love the simplicity of this mantel and of course the saying is one of my faves.

life in grace fall 300x199 Fall Mantel Decorating

The Lettered Cottage is also a fave. I love the simplicity of this mantel. Doesn’t Gather really sum up the season?

gather 192x300 Fall Mantel Decorating

Sweet Something Designs did a little mantel makeover. I likey! Pendants are always a fun way to highlight a season.

fallmantel 200x300 Fall Mantel Decorating

Just a Girl always has some fun stuff going on. I love how she ‘shops’ her house to decorate for a new season.

justagirlmantel 300x176 Fall Mantel Decorating

The Nester is another fun place to visit. I love that she added in some blues to her Fall scene. Fun!

nester 171x300 Fall Mantel Decorating

Tatortots and Jello not only has great ideas but they also show you HOW to make certain things like this cute pendant. I do love tutorials!

from the side 201x300 Fall Mantel Decorating

Ten June shared a mantel that I adore. #1 – she uses a monogram which I love in decorating and #2 – she has the owl I just bought this last week at HomeGoods!

owlmonagram 300x225 Fall Mantel Decorating

One Nutty Girl showcases a family photo with a mix of letters spelling ‘family’. I love this! Probably cause I am a complete letter and word junky as far as decorating goes.

onenuttygirl 300x199 Fall Mantel Decorating

Random Thoughts added some bunting and a list of all things Fall.

random thoughts 300x200 Fall Mantel Decorating

These are just a few fun ideas for Fall mantel decorating. Do you change up your mantel by season? I’d love to see some pics. I think I need to figure out this linky party thing. Then ya’all could share with me!!

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Holidays Tagged With: ,

4th of July Fun

June 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

images 4th of July Fun

Are you one of those peeps that has a 4th of July tradition? Or are you one that likes to change it up every year? We typically hang out at the neighbors pool. Although last year we celebrated at Lake Almanor which was a lot of fun. I do love the small town 4th of July Parades and all of the charm that comes from them. Read on for some fun things to do in and around El Dorado County.

  • July 1st – 3rd, head on over to the Folsom Rodeo for an old fashioned rodeo followed by a fireworks show.
  • Saturday July 2nd, Cameron Park Lake, Cameron Park from 2 P.M. to 10 PM. Fun and games for the entire family. Fireworks spectacular in the evening.
  • Saturday July 2nd, El Dorado County Fairground, Placerville from 4-10 PM. Have a blast and enjoy the fireworks show, music, food and fun for all.
  • Sunday July 3rd, El Dorado Hills Towne Center, El Dorado Hills from 4-10PM. A jubilee of entertainment for the whole family ending with a fireworks program to be remembered.
  • July 3rd from 6-10pm is the Elk Grove Parks annual Independence Day Event.
  • Roseville hosts a 4th of July Parade at 10am.
  • On July 4th Carmichael will host a Gala Parade and Fireworks Show.
  • Sunrise Mall offers a carnival July 1st – 4th and a fireworks spectacular on the 4th.
  • Head on over to Rancho Cordova {Hagen Park} on July 3rd and 4th for a carnival, parade and a firework show.
  • Cal Expo will have fireworks plus music preshow by 107.9 The End. Parking is $10. Entrance time is 6pm with fireworks show starting around 9:30pm.
  • On July 4th, Old Town Auburn will host a day of fun kicking off with a firefighter pancake breakfast at 9am. Head on over to the Gold Country Fairgrounds for more fun!
  • Foresthill offers a community event from 10am-5pm at the Foresthill Community Park.

Do you have a 4th of July Tradition? However you spend your day ~ be safe and have fun!

Filed Under: Bee Local, Fun finds, Holidays Tagged With: ,
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