Halloween Host Guide

Halloween...the best excuse all year to throw a party.

Halloween parties are always the same though. Everyone dresses up in their scariest or most scandalous costume and stands around.
I know you've been there. 

So this year, something a little more original was in order.

Something like a murder mystery party set in Hollywood at the Red Carpet event of the year. 

The Academy Awards. 

The guest list included some of Hollywood's hottest celebrities, directors, and socialites. 

After a good three weeks of planning and decorating, we pulled off an evening to remember. Filled with scandal, blackmail, bribery, and MURDER, it was the perfect way to spend Halloween weekend.

What did you do to celebrate Halloween this weekend?

Much Love,

She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not

OCTOBER EDITION!

Kind of. I tried to stick with this week's post theme, however, there are some things that are great for any time of the year.

She Loves Me...

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1. Candles. In particular, this new candle that I bought if from an adorable boutique in Seattle. I could not be happier with the purchase and it has filled our entire house with its wonderful fragrance this past week. Such a perfect item for the cold and rainy season.

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2. Jesus Calling. If you haven't read it, go buy a copy TODAY. It is an incredible daily devotional that has completely changed my daily walk with the Lord. God-breathed encouragement for every day of the year, backed up with amazing references to scripture. 

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3. Breaking Dawn: Part II. This really has nothing to do with the month of October. But it is coming out soon and I will be counting down the hours until the epic love story of Bella and Edward continues. 

She Loves Me Not...

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1. That Thanksgiving is still so far away. I have to wait one more whole month?! I am so ready to take a break from school and spend some time at home eating. 

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2. That Christmas is even FURTHER away. I am beyond ready to start listening to Christmas music, decorate the house, and make gingerbread cookies. And no, it is not ok to be listening to Christmas music yet. 

What is your favorite thing about this month?

Much Love,

Linking up with Michaela for this month's She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not. 

ERMAHGERD CURPCURKSSS

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

via Annie's Eats

Ingredients:

2 2/3 cup all-purpose flower

3 tbsp. instant espresso

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. grated nutmeg

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. salt

1 (15 oz.) can of pumpkin puree

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup canola oil

4 large eggs

1/2 cup brewed coffee or espresso

1 can of cream cheese frosting

STEP 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Stir together and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, blend together the pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar and oil. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. With the mixture on low speed, add the flour mixture in two additions, mixing just until incorporated.

STEP 2: Fill the cupcake liners about three-quarters full. Bake until the cupcakes are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 18-20 minutes. Transfer the pans to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes, then remove the cupcakes from the pans. While the cupcakes are still warm, brush them two or three times with the coffee or espresso, allowing the first coat to soak in before repeating. Let cool completely.

STEP 3: Frost cupcakes when cooled and sprinkle some cinnamon on top.

STEP 4: Try not to eat all twenty-four cupcakes in one sitting. You think this is a joke, but I actually ate them all in about a day and half...

Much Love,

Coming Attractions

It's Monday again.
Funny how quickly the weekend goes by.

And here's how I spent it...

1. Took a contemporary dance class with some former teammates. Which was a blast! (And for the record, that is NOT me in the picture above. Never in my life will I be able to do that.)
2. Tried out an incredibly delicious new recipe (more details to come this week).
3. Spent some serious time at Chocolati (my favorite place in Seattle to study) working on homework and studying for my upcoming midterms.
4. Quick roadtrip down to LA! Just kidding...but there was some Hollywood-esk activities in my weekend.

Also...

I have some very exciting posts planned for this week!
The theme is October/Fall/Halloween so be sure to stay tuned.

How was your weekend spent?

Much Love,

Friday's Letters

Dear Friday, it's about time you made an appearance. I was beginning to think that you would never come. Dear water pipe that busted, you have caused my housemates and me much stress this week. Dear men who have been working to repair the pipe, YOU MOVE AT THE PACE OF A SNAIL! And I think you have actually created a bigger problem then we had when you started. And you left this big tractor in the middle of the street so no cars can get through. Dear American Horror Story, you are SOOO much scarier than last season. Thank you for giving me nightmares two nights in a row. I will not be watching you again. Dear Jef and Emily, obviously I feel the need to write you a letter. I knew you two wouldn't work out, but breaking off so soon?! Poor Ricky. Poor Jef. Poor Emily. Lucky Ariel. There's still a chance... Dear midterms, I hate you. Dear weekend, I am so looking forward to spending my time drinking tea, doing homework, and listening to the rain on my window.

Have such a wonderful weekend!

Much Love,

    
Linking up with Adventures of Newlyweds for Friday's Letters!