Cami Cakes

Last Saturday was Jaylan's (my son) birthday. Since he had been begging me since the end of September for a party at the skating rink, we had his birthday at Cascade family skating. I must say it was the most fun I have had in a long time. I think the adults had more fun than the kids. It had been over 10 years since the majority of us had been skating so the falls and tumbles were hilarious.

The highlight of the day were the cupcakes we ate after the party. My aunt found this cute little bakery in Buckhead 2 weeks ago that specializes in gourmet cupcakes. We ordered 2 dozen and they were all gone by the next morning. CamiCakes is owned by Andra Hall. She has 3 locations, 2 in Florida (Jacksonville) and 1 here in Atlanta. CamiCakes feature 17 favors that consist of Chocolate Raspberry Almond Cream, Banana Cream, and Sweet Potato just to name a few. Each cupcake is made with the freshest ingredients and topped with delectable butter cream or cream cheese frosting. If you live in Atlanta or just visiting try CamiCakes.

http://camicakes.com/home.html

Go Mrs. O!

First Lady Michelle Obama will go to the University of Pennsylvania this evening to inspire voters to support Democrats in tomorrow's elections. She will be joined by Pennsylvania's candidates for governor and U.S. Senate at tonight's rally.

In contrast with tonight's event, last night Mrs. O hosted a more festive occasion. She and Barack greeted trick or treaters on the North Portico of the White House. For the event Michelle wore an orange cardigan paired with coordinating orange sequin shell, accented by a bee brooch.

To follow more of Michelle Obama's fashion check out Mrs. O

http://mrs-o.org

Please remember to go vote tomorrow!!!

Easy No Fuss Pumpkin Ideas

If you are like me and you just don't have the time or patience for carving a pumpkin here is a super cute last minute pumpkin decorating idea. Decorating a pumpkin is easy as painting and peeling stickers. Browse the scrapboooking aisle at the crafts store to find Halloween-theme stickers in styles, shapes, and sizes.

What You'll Need

• Pumpkin
• Spray paint or acrylic paint
• Adhesive silver stars
• Adhesive silver letters
• Fabric glue
• Silk flower leaves
• Silver glitter

How to Make It

1. Paint the pumpkin, applying 2-3 coats. Let the paint dry between coats.

2. Let the pumpkin dry throughly, then adhere the stars and letters.

3.Brush fabric glue on the silk flower leaves and sprinkle them with glitter. Let dry complete; adhere to the top on pumpkin.

For more ideas check out Better Homes and Gardens www.bhg.com/holidays/halloween/pumpkin-decorarting/easy-no-carve-halloween-pumpkins/

Candy Apples

One of my favorite childhood memories is every Halloween my mother would make us popcorn balls and candy apples. Of course once we got older and the more health conscious she became this practice was put to an end. This year in spite of my doctor's request to watch my sugar I am going to bring this tradition back and indulge myself making the most lavish candy apples for Halloween.

Here are 2 great recipes

Ingredients

• Halloween sprinkles and small candies, for decoration
• 8 craft sticks, twigs or cinnamon sticks
• 8 crisp apples
• 1 1/3 cups candy melts in orange and green
• 1 1/3 cups chocolate candy melts

Preparation

Line a large cookie sheet with waxed paper. Pour sprinkles and candy into small bowls.

Insert stick into stem ends of each apple. Make sure sticks are tightly secured.

Place each color of candy melts in a separate microwave-safe, 2-cup measuring cup or bowl. To melt, work with one cup of candy at a time and microwave on medium for 1 minute. Stir and then microwave in 15-second intervals until totally melted.

Holding apple by stick, dip it into melted candy, swirling until apple is fully coated. While coating is still wet, dip apple into sprinkles or sprinkle small candies all over apple. Place finished apple on prepared cookie sheet to set for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day before serving. Repeat with remaining apples and candy.

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001875232

Ingredients

• 8 wooden craft sticks
• 8 medium Gala apples
• 2 (6.5-ounce) packages caramel apple wraps
• 1 (16-ounce) chocolate bar
• 16 ounces vanilla bark coating
• Orange paste food coloring
• Toppings: colored sprinkles, chopped peanuts, black writing gel

Preparation

Insert craft sticks into apples. Cover each apple with 1 caramel wrap.

Microwave at HIGH 15 to 20 seconds. Cool.

Melt chocolate bar in a small saucepan over low heat.

Dip each apple into chocolate; let dry.

Melt vanilla bark coating in a small saucepan over low heat; stir in orange food coloring.

Dip or drizzle each apple with vanilla coating mixture. Decorate with desired toppings, and let dry.

NOTE: For testing purposes only, we used a Ghirardelli chocolate bar.

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000258724

Halloween Fun!

Hey moms, FREE ADMISSION @ Georgia Aquarium! Kids 12 and under in costume will receive free general admission when accompanied by an adult. Offer valid for up to two children in costume per one paid adult or Annual Pass member on Oct. 29-31, 2010.

Here is a list of other events going on in the Metro Atlanta area.

Kids
http://www.atlantawithkid.com/halloween-fun-family-friendly-halloween-events-in-atlanta-favorite-attractions/

Adults
http://entertainment.accessatlanta.com/search?swhat=halloween&swhere=&swhen=this+weekend&srad=60&st=event&x=64&y=19

Monster Balls

This year rather than taking Jaylan (my son) trick-or-treating I have decided to host a small get together with family and friends. I found this cute little recipe for the kids that is sure to be a hit.

http://militaryspice.blogspot.com/

Simag on Etsy

Spreading love one letter at a time, Simag on Esty creates one-of-a-kind personalized handmade jewelry. Who can resist unique designs, quality craftsmanship, and the lasting beauty each piece of Simag jewelry captures effortlessly. I love that every letter and number is hand-stamp. Simag personalized jewelry are timeless treasures and wonderful keepsakes for you and the people you love. I urge you to check them out.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Simag