Spooky Food Ideas ~

Entertaining | Inspiration

I am in the process of planning the menu for our kid-friendly Halloween bash on Sunday. Here are a few last minute ideas to make your party spooktacular (I know, a bit cheesy)!

Images: 1. pillsbury.com, 2. womansday.com, 3. pillsbury.com, 

4. bhg.com, 5. marthastewart.com, 6. womansday.com

Have a safe and fabulous Halloween!

Caramel Apples ~

Entertaining | Inspiration

I have never made caramel apples before, but I have been itching to make them this year. I think the kiddos and I will make them for our Halloween bash...yummy! I think they are super festive and...gorgeous - I know, weird right? There is something about that fabulous caramel color next to that vibrant green...lovely.

 

Here is the recipe via Martha Stewart:

Ingredients 

Nonstick cooking spray

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup heavy cream

6 Granny Smith or Red Delicious apples

1 cup toasted pecans (optional), coarsely chopped

 

Directions 

1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and coat with cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil over high. Reduce to medium-high and simmer, undisturbed, until caramel is golden brown, 8 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully stir in cream (mixture will sputter). Transfer to a small bowl and let cool 5 minutes.
2. With a paring knife, make a small slit in top of each apple. Insert an ice-pop stick 1 inch deep into each slit. Dip apples into caramel, swirling to coat. Sprinkle with nuts (if using) and transfer to sheet. (Store in a deep airtight container at room temperature, up to 3 days.)

 

Here is the directions for melting caramel candies 

(I think we will be using this easy route at our house)

Unwrap the candies from a 14oz bag. Melt them, over a low heat, while stirring in two tablespoons for milk, water or cream. When caramels have melted into a smooth liquid, they're ready to use. 

 

Do you make caramel apples at your house? If so, does your family have a favorite "topping" to sprinkle on over the caramel?

A Lamp Transformation ~

DIY | Inspiration

I picked up this lovely at Goodwill - lovely and very yellow. Not just any yellow, mustard yellow...I know, you are jealous.

But with a little black spray paint (thank you again Rustoleum).

And a new shade (although I think I might make one a but larger), so much better!

Now, why don't you go spray something!

New Sponsor - Tiny Prints~

I am super excited that Room to Inspire is now officially open to advertising/sponsorship - but even more thrilled to announce my first sponsor - Tiny Prints!

 

I am a been a huge fan of Tiny Prints, they always have such a wonderful selection of fabulously designed cards and invitations. I am always telling friends who are in the market, to check them out. 

 Amazing baby announcements...

Super fun birthday invites...

And they will create free customized website to collect RSVPs using the RSVP Manager. So you can have the paper invitation - which I think is much more personal than an e-version - with the ease of managing your party online...seriously, so cool!

You absolutely must check out their holiday line. I really couldn't show just one...

 

If you want to get an early start on your holiday cards, be sure to head over right away...they are having a great sitewide sale, but it ends tonight!

If you are interested in advertising on Room to Inspire, please contact me for details and rates!

A Fall Harvest Party ~

Holiday | Party Inspiration

I just love the idea of a Fall harvest party. Carmeled apples, hot cider and great freinds...need I say more? Here are some photos to inspire your upcoming harvest party. 

A pumpkin lined entrance...

A truck load of pumpkins...

Drinks for all of your guests...

A fabulous tablescape...

Yummy treats...

 And a few games...

 Images: 1 & 2 bhg.com, 3 realsimple.com, 4-7 bhg.com, 8 womansday.com, 9 & 10 marthastewart.com

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Photo of the Day ~

image from here

I just LOVE the Fall in the Northwest...the colors are so brilliant and the air is just starting to get crisp. I enjoy pulling out our warm jackets and fuzzy scarfs, waking up in the morning to frost on the grass and the anticipation of the upcoming holiday season filled with friends and family. 

How about you, do you love the changing of the seasons as much as I do?

Be Inspired Showcase ~

Welcome to this week's Be Inspired Showcase! Today Lindy from Cottage Hill is showing off her beautiful Butterfly Specimen Box.

She made this beauty with this $1 shadow box. 

Using these fabulous images from The Graphics Fairy.

 

I think she did a fabulous job...I just love the paper she selected for the background.

Be sure to head over to her blog. She recently posted a fun project using wire bread baskets. 

Thanks Lindy! 

Decorating With Tarnished Silver ~

Decorating | Inspiration

I got a lot of comments and emails on the silver pieces that I incorporated into my Halloween decor this year. 

I picked up all of the pieces at a local thrift store. I say the more tarnished the better!

Here are a few other great ways to use silver in your decor.

I love the tarnished finish next to the beautiful greens. 

Super elegant in your bathroom and great for organizing all those odds and ends.  I think they would be great on a desk filled with pens and pencils.

Again, love it with a little green. 

Perfectly sweet in a floral arrangement.

 

And I am looking forward to blending the silver into my Christmas decor as well. 

 

images: 1 antiquechase.blogspot.com, 2 goodhousekeeping.com, 3 houzz.com, 

4 weddingbee.com,  5 thepassionatehome.blogspot.com 6 & 7 countryliving.com

Spray Paint Love ~

DIY | Inspiration

As you all know, I am a huge fan of spray paint - but really who isn't? So I thought I would show you a few of my latest spray paint victims.

I picked up this super cute and very blue box for .99 cents. I love the hardware, but the color was a tad too bright.

Ah, much better!

And looks fabulous with a few Fall pumpkins.

I love the feet and lion heads on this "container", but it was looking a little rough.

But a light spray and lookin' good.

I now have it holding my hand and dish soap right next to the kitchen sink...love it!

I picked up this wooden sign for $1 and although I agree with the whole chocolate sentiment, it was perfect for a little Boo...

Ah, Boo-ified.

And here are the heavy hitters for the post - Hammered Brown, Heirloom White and Satin Black. Rustoleum...have I told you how much I love you lately?