Light the Night

Bonfires are one of my favorite parts of fall. I remember cool nights spent huddled around the flame with friends when I lived in Tennessee. We would chat about life's happenings, project our futures and cook on open flame. Those are some of my fondest memories from the years I spent there and now that I'm hundreds of miles away in what seems like a completely different weather world, I sometimes wish I could just light a big fire in the back yard with ease. As the night time temperatures drop here, that is looking like it might become a bit more of a reality. And even though I live in the Sunshine State now, I still know how to poke the fire. Here are my essentials for creating the perfect bonfire evening with friends!

1. Marshmallow Roaster from Terrain

2. Log Wood Stools from Fryer Finds

3. Gourmet Marshmallows from Plush Puffs

4. Spiked Hot Apple Cider from Munchin with Munchkin

5. A Cozy Blanket from West Elm

Essentially {Bonfire}

No fall gathering is complete without a bonfire. Drinking cocktails and roasting marshmallows around a warm fire is what the season is made of. Whether it's the focus of your get together or the ending to your Thanksgiving meal, there are some bonfire essentials that you can't do without. From blankets to benches and everything in between, here's my list of all you need to throw the perfect bonfire!

1. Apple Cider Cocktail: Perfect for sipping with friends around the fire. It might even help calm your nerves during the ghost stories!

2. Ghost Stories: This spooky tradition will sure excite guests! Roald Dahl's Book of Ghost Stories is filled with tales bound to scare.

3. Roasting Sticks: You can't make the perfect hot dog or roasted marshmallow without it.

4. Warm Blankets: Cold nights require wooly warm blankets like this chic one from Ratzer.

5. Rustic Benches: Everybody needs a seat around the fire so why not gather a bunch of hand built benches and sit in style?

6. S'mores: The ultimate bonfire essential. A piece of dark chocolate, a warm roasted marshmallow, and a crunchy graham cracker are all I need to make it a perfect night by the fire!

Weekend Warriors {10.26.12}

Happy Friday y'all! We are finally getting a "cold" front this weekend and by Sunday, temps are expected to be in the 70s. That may seem like warm spring time weather to most, but down here it's just down right chilly. In honor of the fall like weather and holiday weekend, I've gathered a list of five activities and celebrations worthy of your free time this weekend. Here's what should be on your agenda!

1. Build a Bonfire: Nothing beats sitting outside in the the cold weather around a warm fire. Throw in a bag of marshmallows, some chocolate, and graham cracker halves and you've got the best Friday night party around!

2. Wear a Costume: Halloween is a few short days away and weekday celebrating is out of the question for me. If it is for you too, throw on your costume and host a spooky gathering.

3. Carve a Pumpkin: If you are anything like me, life has been too busy to even think about carving your pumpkin. I got mine Wednesday night and I'm excited to finally carve something especially scary (or cute!) into it this weekend. I also can't wait to roast the seeds and make a yummy fall snack!

4. Bake a Treat: Baking has to be one of my all time favorite fall activities. There is just something about a warm sweet treat on a cold evening that can't be beat. Try anything pumpkin, cinnamon, or apple flavored for the perfect fall indulgence.

5. Catch Up With Old Friends: It's been on my list of things to do for awhile now and I'm excited to follow through on it this weekend. With extra free time on Sunday, I plan on getting comfy on the couch and having a good chat.

What's on your agenda this weekend?

Indulge In {S'mores Cupcakes}

One of the things I'm most excited about this fall is bonfires. They remind me of Friday nights in high school after football games when we would all gather around the flames and bask in the glory of victory and cool fall nights. Of course, these get togethers all included everybody's favorite bonfire treat, s'mores. The slightly burnt marshmallow between two graham crackers with a piece of dark chocolate is like a piece of fall flavor heaven. Now, I often find myself craving the treat more often than I'm around a bonfire. I wanted to create a version that can easily be made indoors and still remind me of the great times spent around the fire. The solution, s'mores cupcakes! The plus, they are incredibly to make! We're talking easy like box cake. In fact I used a Duncan Hines dark chocolate cake. I love using box cakes when I'm in a big hurry and don't have the time to whip up a cake from scratch. These s'mores cupcakes are a perfect party treat because they make a big impact with little effort. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1 Box Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Cake (and appropriate ingredients to mix)
12 Large Marshmallows
Graham Crackers

:: Directions ::
1. Mix cake according to box directions.
2. Fill cupcake tin 3/4 full and bake at 325 (for dark & non-stick pans) for 13 minutes.
3. Place marshmallow in the center of each cupcake and bake for 5 more minutes.
4. Remove from oven and top with graham cracker crumbs and piece.

Birthdays & Bonfires

Yesterday was R's birthday! And the weather here finally got cold enough to break out the fire pit. So, along with some good friends, we built a fire, made s'mores, enjoyed a cookie cake, and grilled some burgers. It was the perfect low key, fun birthday that R wanted. He is still talking about how much fun he had this morning. Until next year...Happy Birthday R! 

Have a Happy Veteran's Day and a relaxing weekend! xo