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Fall Scents

September 21, 2011 by Shanna Hatfield

Now that I’ve accepted the fact that fall is knocking at my door, I’m getting ready to invite him inside.

One way to make your home cozy and autumnesque is by using the scents of fall.

Pumpkin, apple, cinnamon and spice lead our noses down a merry leaf-filled path while our heads follow along.

Some of my favorite scents are:

Salty Caramel from Bath & Body Works

Creamy Pumpkin from Bath & Body Works

Cinnamon and Clove Buds from Bath and Body Works

Autumn Wreath by Yankee Candle

Be Thankful by Yankee Candle


Spiced Pumpkin by Yankee Candle

Find your signature fragrance and enjoy the scents of fall!

She Who Needs To Go Light A Candle

Posted in Entertaining Ideas, Home and Garden, Home Decor | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

Autumn Treasures Party Theme

September 20, 2011 by Shanna Hatfield

With a chill in the air and the first official day of fall this week, I may have to admit defeat and accept the fact that autumn is about to arrive.

Instead of stomping my feet and having a full-fledged hissy fit that summer has once again flown away before I had a chance to fully enjoy it, I have decided to instead embrace the autumn season.

One fun way to do that is with an Autumn-themed party.

Send out invitations shaped live fall leaves or use stationery with a pumpkin or apple theme.

Bring the colors of the season into your home using shades of crimson red, burgundy, sage and earthy greens, golden yellow,  and deep orange. Use accent pillows or throws to really create that warm and cozy atmosphere we associate with fall.

Decoration for your party can be something as simple as a few potted mums, bundles of wheat tied with raffia bows or a pile of mini pumpkins and squash. You don’t have to get carried away with something fancy. You could even do bowls of polished apples or carve out the centers of apples and use as holders for candles.

Your meal can be simple as well. Make a pork roast with carrots and potatoes, pan-fry some squash and finish the evening with apple pie.

If you want the party to be a more hands-on experience, do a fun activity before the meal like apple picking or visiting a pumpkin patch. Make your guests earn their dinner by hosting a leaf-raking party (make sure you supply plenty of garbage bags to collect the leaves and gloves). Give the person who rakes the most leaves a nice prize.

Or host an autumn bonfire. Serve up hot dogs, potato wedges and mulled cider.

However you decide to entertain this fall, just remember to enjoy the experience and not get too wrapped up in the details.

She Who Really Needs to Plan an Autumn Party

 

Posted in Entertaining Ideas, Party Theme | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments »

Respect

September 19, 2011 by Shanna Hatfield

I attended a funeral Saturday that was heart-wrenching and emotional. One that makes you want to run home and gather your loved ones close and never let go.

There were, what I would guess to be, several hundred people in attendance. Most behaved as you would expect people to behave when at a funeral – somber, quiet, respectful. Then there were a few that really had me shaking my head.

I realize society’s rules on what is acceptable funeral (and wedding) attire has relaxed greatly, but I think there is a point where a line should be drawn.

There is nothing respectful in showing up to a funeral service in filthy jeans and slippers or flip flops and shorts. And some might be quick to assume these were young people.  Some yes, but not all of the offenders.

What happened to the days where people literally put on their “Sunday best” when attending functions such as weddings or funerals? Quiet honestly, I miss it. That laid-back anything-goes attitude just doesn’t always fly. Sometimes it goes over as well as a lead balloon.

The other thing I noticed that was completely lacking in respect was the behavior of drivers as the long line of cars snaked their way across town to the cemetery for graveside services. Most cars coming toward us pulled over and respectfully waited for the funeral procession to pass. Then there were  those who ignored what was going on, zipping past the multitude of cars pulled over on the side of the road. The offenders were all ages, so blame can’t be put on any one age group for not knowing better. I think it was more of a problem of people being so wrapped up in themselves, they pay no attention to anything else going on around them, or they don’t really care.

If you are one of the few who show respect in social settings, my hat is off to you. I sincerely hope dressing, acting, talking and being respectful isn’t something that will entirely disappear. Maybe if  few more people set a good example, others will follow.

She Who Cheers on the  Respectful

Posted in Musings | Tagged , | Leave a Comment »

Strawberry Bundt Cake

September 16, 2011 by Shanna Hatfield

Strawberry Bundt Cake

I needed to make a cake to take to a potluck as well as whip up dessert for the people at my house, so I doubled the recipe for this. That was not only a good idea, but a tasty one as well. This recipe for Strawberry Bundt Cake is easy, moist and very yummy. Especially by the time you put frosting, strawberry and chocolate syrup on top of it.

The ingredients - minus the chocolate syrup. Just a bottle of Hershey's works great.

Dump all ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Batter will be really thick.

Bright pink batter in the pan.

Baked to a lovely golden brown on top.

Even the minis are golden brown.

Once cool, turn out of pan onto a serving platter. Parden my plastic plate. I wanted to be able to leave it at the potluck and not worry about finding my dish later.

Zap frosting in the microwave for about 12-15 seconds, until it is thin and pourable.

Then pour it on. You can go thick or thin in the application. My theory is more is better!

Next, pour on the strawberry syrup, drizzling it down the sides.

Do the same with the mini cake.

If so desired, drizzle on some chocolate syrup then garnish with fresh berries. Then enjoy!

Strawberry Bundt Cake

1 box Strawberry Cake Mix

1 small package instant cheesecake pudding

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup oil

3 eggs

1/2 cup vanilla or cream cheese frosting

Strawberries

Strawberry Syrup

Chocolate Syrup (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Blend all ingredients on medium speed until combined. The batter is supposed to be super thick, so don’t worry if it seems heavy.

Scoop it into a greased bundt pan, evening it up as best you can (I tap the pan on the counter to get out air bubbles and even up the batter). Bake for one hour or until it starts to pull away from the edges of the pan.

Let cool completely then invert on a cake plate. Put 1/2 cup of  frosting into a microwaveable pitcher or bowl and nuke it for about 12 seconds. For this recipe I ended up using  Cream Cheese Frosting. That was a very good decision

Drizzle frosting over the cake. Then drizzle on strawberry syrup.

You can finish it off with a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you so desire, and of course I desired. Serve with sliced fresh strawberries and enjoy!

She Who Needs to Quit Eating Dessert

Posted in Cake, Desserts, Recipes | Tagged , , | 5 Comments »

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