pumpkin hanging

September 27, 2019

I was never much on fall. I never really cared for the whole pumpkin spice, warm and cozy vibe. And, I certainly never really cared that much for pumpkins. I always enjoyed carving pumpkins, but other than that, I never decorated with pumpkins or got inspired by them.

It wasn’t until the white pumpkin entered the picture that I opened my eyes to pumpkin décor. I love me a white pumpkin!

Once I started decorating with white pumpkins, I became much more interested in pumpkins as a decorating component.

Of course, making pumpkins from fabric and real pumpkin stems has become a staple to my October routine! But now, every year, it seems there is some new aspect to using pumpkins in décor that appeals to me. A great example of this happened a few years back when I first started noticing pumpkin ‘topiaries.’ I was so intrigued by stacking pumpkins and I started using the technique in varying ways.

For Friday field trip today, I thought I would share this great idea from Terrain – something I’ve never used before – hanging pumpkins! You may have never thought about hanging a handful of pumpkins, but what a great look!

I hope you will be inspired to add this look to your décor this season, or to be inspired to try something new with your pumpkin décor on this first weekend of the season! Maybe you will try using a new and interesting variety of pumpkin in your decorating!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a fabulous weekend! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Note: If you don’t live near a Terrain, you can purchase these cool spheres on their website!

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apple pie fudge

September 24, 2019

Recently, while in Mystic, CT, I bought some ‘flavor of the day’ fudge which happened to be the flavor of apple pie. “Interesting.” I thought. I figured fudge is like cheesecake. You start with a basic recipe and then alter it according to taste. I can honestly say I never thought of making apple pie fudge, but it sure sounded very seasonal. It tasted seasonal as well – very much like an apple pie!

About a week after I had tasted the apple pie fudge, I decided to try making some myself. I knew mine would taste just as good based on seasoning alone. I only use Penzy’s brand seasonings because no other brand is as flavorful! (So, if you decide to make my recipe and you don’t use Penzy’s, you may have to adjust the seasoning!)

So, I looked at as many fudge recipes as I could and adjusted by adding apple pie spices and some apples. I decided fresh apples would be too hard so opted for the apples from canned apple pie filling.

I was planning on making a gingersnap base, but without any artificial color, the fudge was very light in color and that made me decide to put the gingersnaps on top instead to add a little variety in color.

I think my apple pie fudge came out better than the inspiration fudge! Try it yourself or be inspired to come up with your own flavor!

Apple Pie Fudge

3 cups sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp allspice
½ cup canned apple pie filling
3 cups white chocolate – chips or broken into small pieces
18 gingersnap cookies, crushed into small pieces with a rolling pin

Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.

Measure out ½ cup of apple pie filling. Cut the apples into small pieces and remove most of the ‘liquid.’ Put into a heatproof bowl with the chocolate and set aside.

Heat butter, cream, sugar and spices in a large pan over medium heat while stirring often.

Bring mixture to a rolling boil and continue to cook, while stirring constantly, for 4 minutes.

Remove from heat and pour immediately over chocolate chips and apple pieces. Stir until chocolate is melted.

Pour into the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the gingersnap pieces over the top and press down lightly to set into mixture.

Refrigerate overnight. Cut into small pieces to serve. Tastes best when eaten at room temperature. Store with a lid in fridge.

Thanks for stopping by. Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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s’mores for dinner

September 20, 2019

Well, I didn’t actually have s’mores for dinner…they were dessert to my dinner of a fabulous cheeseboard and a glass of Napa wine!

Connecticut has had some cool evenings this week – perfect fire pit weather!

On today’s Friday field trip, I hope to inspire you to enjoy something unconventional for your next meal. Maybe some Ferris Acres (my favorite ice cream spot)…or, Trader Joe’s yummy cinnamon bun spread on apples! Don’t rule out ‘cake for breakfast!’

Have a fabulous weekend. Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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old is new again

September 17, 2019

The old song goes “everything old is new again.”

That was the case for me this past weekend when I spent some time in the town of Mystic. Even the evening views were ‘new again’ with the beautiful harvest moon seeming to hold court over the town!

The famous Mystic drawbridge under the harvest moon!

For a Food Network fan like myself, no Mystic visit is complete without a visit to Sift! If you haven’t been in a while, you may not have seen the new addition – including a rooftop bar!

While visiting, I realized that the hints of autumn were unusual since Mystic is always a summer destination for me. So, there you go – ‘new again.’

B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is not a place I would think about visiting on a hot summer day! The mill is even operational at this time of year!

Even my favorite restaurant in Mystic – Bravo, Bravo is new again! It moved to a new location across the street from The Whaler’s Inn. Yes, still the same fabulous food!

I am sharing a few weekend examples of ‘new again’ with the hope that I can inspire you to also revisit a place you enjoy!

All vineyards seem ‘new again’ after my trip to Napa! I have learned so much more about wines and vineyards!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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no worries

September 10, 2019

I worked all weekend and couldn’t get started on any of the many projects I have in process! I used my couple little bits of free time well – with those who matter. :)

Have a great week. I hope to share some work in progress on Friday…but, maybe not!

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choose a season

September 6, 2019

You know how I try to hang on to the summer as long as possible?

Look what I needed to do at work today:

Kind of ironic, isn’t it?

Putting out seasonal items is inevitable when doing visuals, but it is still hard to admit that summer is becoming a memory.

Have a wonderful weekend – enjoy whichever season you choose to embrace!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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no labor day 2019

September 3, 2019

How was your holiday weekend? I did work some of the weekend. Here in Connecticut we had a pretty good weather weekend. Yesterday was a bit of a crazy weather day, but I guess that was because of all the stormy weather approaching.