looking forward to spring....

i just love this bar martha stewart created!

i can't wait to have a spring soiree...

ummmm....

what fun pretty ideas

racing through my head......

holiday inspiration...

i just love moss...

i these found at http://www.potterybarn.com/

i think this is an adorable idea for a gift!

we all know someone that might deserve

a piece of coal!!

found here...

i just adore this look...

Swamp Sangria...

yum yum!!!

last year i made 

Swamp Sangria

and it was so good i am making it this year as well!

thank you martha stewart for the picture

and recipe

Serves 12

• 5 lady apples
• 1 bunch (about 8 ounces) green seedless grapes
• 1 bunch (about 8 ounces) red seedless grapes
• 2 bottles dry white wine, chilled
• 2 cups sparkling apple cider, chilled
• 6 tablespoons poire William (pear-flavored eau-de-vie)

Directions

1. Put apples and grapes into an ice-filled punch bowl. Pour in wine, cider, and poire William. Gently stir.

From Halloween 2004

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Swamp Sangria - Martha Stewart Recipes 

whats for dinner???!!!

time is ticking...

what am i going to have for dinner????

well i can always turn to martha stewart for some

amazing ideas!

i think this sounds yummy ....

Serves 12

• 1/2 cup honey
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 cups pecans
• 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 cup walnut oil
• 2 pounds string beans, trimmed
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 heads Belgian endive, trimmed and sliced lengthwise
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place honey and cayenne in a small saucepan; heat until warm. Stir in nuts. Line a baking pan with a Silpat (a French nonstick baking mat). Pour mixture onto Silpat. Bake until dark-golden brown, about 25 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, and salt. Slowly drizzle in walnut oil, whisking constantly, until mixture is emulsified. Set aside.
3. Fill a large bowl with ice water; set aside. Bring a medium stockpot of water to a boil. Add string beans; cook just until tender, about 2 minutes. Drain immediately; immerse in ice water. Remove, pat dry; place in a large bowl. Toss with reserved dressing. Add reserved nuts, dried cranberries, and sliced endive. Add pepper to taste; toss gently. Serve immediately.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Crunchy Green Bean Salad - Martha Stewart Recipes 

oh, and it is also vegan for my vegan guests....

i will probably use maple syrup

or agave nectar instead of honey...

back home and busy.......

ok, so i am back home

and am VERY busy getting ready for my annual

zombie, pumpkin carving party!!

months ago i came across an adorable

idea for dessert...

how cute is this?? 

of course it's martha stewart!!

i am going to use the orange Oreo cookies!

yum! yum! 

oh and even better Oreos are vegan so they can

be enjoyed by my vegan guest.

perfect storm cocktail...

perfect storm cocktail

Serves 1

• 1 vanilla bean
• 1/2 cup superfine sugar
• 1 ounce ginger brew (we like Reed's)
• 1 1/2 ounces apple cider
• 2 ounces dark rum (we use Gosling's Black seal)

Directions

1. Split a vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the inside and add it to the sugar, setting aside the pod. Stir until the sugar is speckled with bits of vanilla. Dip the rim of a glass in water, then in the sugar to coat. Mix ginger brew, apple cider, and rum in a measuring cup. Pour over ice into glass and garnish with half the vanilla bean.

i think this sounds delicious

and will be a perfect drink for my party...

maybe i will put some eyeballs

in the ice!!