The F Word: [Family]

I'm getting older (393 days 'til my 30th birthday). Which means the people around me are getting older too.

Last weekend we celebrated my Grandma's 80th birthday. (she actually turned 80 in February, but she was a good sport about letting me push it back until we could have the party outside). It was a day of family, food and a few flashbacks. 

Top: Signage for the Birthday girl and my first Strawberry Rhubarb pie. It was tasty. The recipe was from MarthaStewart.com. Bottom: Fresh flowers my mother gathered in the neighborhood. 

It had been a few years since the family had all been together, and it was good to see how much people hadn't changed. One of my intentions in gathering everyone together was to present my Grandma with her "Moments" book— a retrospective of her life and family. A piece that she can spend time reminiscing with. 

The book was created on Blurb using their hardcover image wrap option. I spent a lot of time gathering photos and going through old albums—something I absolutely love doing. It's good to reflect, and remember the way we were. But it's also important to keep in touch, so that we still know each other tomorrow.

They Brought Their Own Pumpkins

The signs are all around us: football clogs the television stations, leaves crackle underfoot, and the house distinctly like cinnamon (or is it nutmeg?). Autumn is here.

Summer made a valiant effort, giving us it's last stand with 80 degree weather just a week ago. But Autumn has taken over. And while I know this means snow is mere days away, I decided to celebrate this transitional season with a Pumpkin Carving Party.

I hadn't carved a pumpkin in well over a decade, and I wanted my friends around as witnesses, in case I detached a digit or some such thing. That, and I needed them to help me eat my double bundt.

It was a distinctly Fallish afternoon. Take a look:

Every party starts with an invitation and a little inspiration.

And snacks. There must be snacks.

It's our diverse pumpkin collective. A masterpiece in itself.

Snacks to go! I had never made granola before, but thanks to Martha I now know how.

Party's not over yet— I still have seeds to toast! And luckily we didn't need it, but I had the first aid kit all ready to go!

I think harvest time is best at twilight! After being inside all day with the fresh squash, burning candles, mulling wine and crackling (electric) fire, the house was toasty warm and smelled cozy and delicious.

Put a Hat on It!

Ever since Kate and Williams wedding and the fabulous hat sightings, there's been an increasing fascination with the art above the fold. As a salute to the motherland, I decided to have an Afternoon Tea Party.

So on a semi-rainy Saturday, we gathered in our finest finery, raised our pinkies and drank a glass in honor of Kate, William and all those other royal Brits.

It was an afternoon full of cucumbers, crumpets and fewer F-bombs than I'm typically comfortable with.

The winner of the Pierpont: The Award for Best Hat (beating out even Pierpont himself), was Miss Meredith (right), whose handmade creation added an additional 20 inches to her height.

Thanks to all the ladies who joined me in this great hat experiment. Cheers to finding our muchness!

Cool Infusions

Earlier this week I stepped into the world of liquor infusions.

In honor of taste-testing, I had a small Cool as Ice gathering yesterday, with a sampling of infusions and a buffet of frozen treats. It was a beautiful saturday, perfect for celebrating the fleeting days of summer.

Thanks everyone for hanging by the pool with me and giving me infusion feedback!

The Great Food Experiment: A Vegan Dinner Party

This past Saturday, I invited several of my favorite foodies over for a potluck style, vegan dinner party.

Unthwarted by rain we gathered, in mixed company— some carnivores, some veggies, some quasi-vegans. A good 75% prepared our dishes for the first time, and without fail, all the new recipes were successful and delicious.

Now we were quite eager to get to the consuming of the food, so no one thought to document the food itself. But it was a night of delicious food and delightful conversation.

I thank those of you who participated in this food experiment for both your company and for sharing your cooking talents!