We Got a Pumpkin!

On our way to a birthday party on Sunday we got detoured when we spotted two large pumpkins at a produce stand on the side of the road.  While we didn't get either of these large pumpkins we did get a (more conservatively sized) pumpkin. 

    

{Me & L @ Buggie's 1st Birthday Party}

When the Mister and I got to the birthday party we had a great time spending time with family and friends.  We snaked on party favorites like cake, cotton candy, and popcorn! ... and we got some cool balloon creations! Good times.

Pumpkin Scones

Le dessert du jour is Pumpkin Scones! I chose this recipe for a few reasons: it looked easy to make, it got good reviews, and it was compared to the scones from Starbucks.

As promised, the recipe was quick and easy to make.  The Mister helped me make these scones and worked on preparing the dry ingredients (he loves using the measuring cups and spoons) while I whisked together the wet ingredients.  In the time it took to pre-heat the oven we had prepped the scones and started on the first of the two icings.  

Unfortunately, I haven't had the scones from Starbucks, so I cannot compare them, but the scones we baked tonight were very tasty (even without any icing) and the perfect snack to munch on while we watched our favorite Sunday night show, Brothers & Sisters.

Cause a Carved Bell Pepper Just Isn't the Same...

Last year the Mister and I procrastinated, and by the time we decided we wanted a pumpkin all the stores were sold out.
I really wanted to carve a "jack-o-lantern" so I had to get creative: and we got an orange bell pepper!

I don't want to be pumpkin-less again this year so we're gonna start looking for a pumpkin this weekend.

43,161 and counting...

The Good:  I got courtesy email from Hawaiian Airlines informing me that currently I have 43,161 miles.

The Bad:  The miles expire in two months if I don't redeem or add to them.  

I have a few trips planned next year: Donne's Bachelorette Party and wedding as well as my Bachelorette Party and have been planning on cashing in on my miles at some point during 2011, so I wasn't ready to deplete my miles and definitely couldn't let them expire just yet.  

And so, after a little bit of planning and some schedule rearranging the Mister and I decided to add to my miles and schedule a weekend on MAUI! 

I'm so excited for a lil vacation, just me and my Mister! 

Christmas in October?

I think it is a little bit lotta bit crazy that retailers already have their Christmas displays up.

If I didn't know any better, I would think it was December. But hey, I do know better, and it isn't even Halloween.  For goodness sakes, it's only the FIRST full week of October!

I remember when people used to think it was crazy that retailers used to put out their ornaments and wrapping paper weeks before Thanksgiving, but weeks before Halloween, that's just a little bit much.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas, but I want to enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving too! ... On that note I'd better quick get my Halloween box of decorations :)

Biker Chick

Although the weather here doesn't really call for a leather jacket, I just couldn't resist!

Thank you Michael Kors, it's a beautiful jacket! 

Pumpkin Crunch

Pumpkin Crunch is the Mister's favorite pumpkin dessert! When he found out that I wanted to try five pumpkin desserts this month he suggested the following: plain pumpkin crunch, pumpkin crunch with extra crunch, pumpkin crunch with a whipped topping...
I have a pumpkin crunch recipe from my mom, but in the spirit of trying new recipes I decided to try a recipe from Sam Choy, a local chef and restaurateur.

One 13 oz. can pumpkin
One 12 oz. can evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup nuts, chopped
1 cup melted butter



This recipe is quite simple and the preparation time is less than 15 minutes: Mix the first five ingredients and pour into greased, parchment lined 9x13 cake pan.  Spread half of the cake mix (dry) over batter, sprinkle with nuts and remaining cake mix.

Pour melted butter over top.  

Bake in 350 degree oven for 50 minutes. When cool, loosen pumpkin crunch from side of pan with a knife.  Invert pan onto platter (the top becomes the crust).  

The final step is to "top with sweetened cream cheese or whipped topping" but before any topping could be added the Mister cut into it to have a taste test. "Oooh! YUUUM!" -From the looks and sounds of things, pumpkin crunch was a like a HUGE success.