The Bounty of Fall

There is so much to love about fall. The cool, crisp air. The brilliant reds, oranges and golds of the trees. The sweet taste of a fresh picked apple.

Ginger Gold, Empire, Sweet 16, Jonagold, Fuji and Mutsu are some apple varieties that you just might find at the nearest orchard. Some orchards are reviving heritage varieties as well as offering more traditional ones. Now is the perfect time to pack a picnic and head off to the local orchard.

Besides picking apples, you might even be able to see some apples being pressed into cider. Some farms may have fresh produce available, including pumpkins! Our local orchard even has hayrides that you can take the kids on.

Have an apple tasting at the orchard. Pack an apple wedger (I love the one I have from the Pampered Chef) for slicing your apples. Take along caramel dip, peanut butter, and marshmallow fluff to dip your apples into. Buy apple cider that's been freshly pressed or made into slushies! A quick bistro sandwich would be to layer shaved ham, Brie and slices of apples on country bread.

So grab a picnic basket, invite some friends and head to the nearest orchard! Apples, if stored correctly, can last up to six weeks, so be sure to buy extra to make apple crisp and apple pie. More apple recipes to come!

Let's get ready for some Football! I love fall. The leaves changing colors, pumpkin pie, apple picking. But what I love most is watching my favorite team, the Colts, on TV. Most people would be content with a bucket of beer and some chili in a crockpot. Why not spice things up a bit?Tail gate at home by bringing your TV outside. If the weather is cold or it's a night game, light up the fire pit! We recently did this with friends we've had for almost 20 years and it was one of the best times we've had in years!How about doing something that's easy to eat and a little more substantial than chips and dip. Buy or bake dinner rolls. Use the rolls to make mini hamburgers and mini sub sandwiches. My personal favorite is spiced meatballs. In a crock pot, mix a bag of frozen meatballs, a jar of grape jelly and a small bottle of barbecue sauce. (I use Sweet Baby Rays or Masterpiece barbecue sauce) Cook on high for 3-4 hours. You can't go wrong with chocolate for dessert! Check out this absolutely, fudgey and decadent chocolate cookie recipe: Chocolate Crinkles II.A stack of the pre-made sandwiches, spiced meatballs, a veggie platter with chips, dip, cookies and a bucket of beer will definitely score for you on game day!

I love fall. The leaves changing colors, pumpkin pie, apple picking. But what I love most is watching my favorite team, the Colts, on TV. Most people would be content with a bucket of beer and some chili in a crockpot. Why not spice things up a bit?

Tail gate at home by bringing your TV outside. If the weather is cold or it's a night game, light up the fire pit! We recently did this with friends we've had for almost 20 years and it was one of the best times we've had in years!

How about doing something that's easy to eat and a little more substantial than chips and dip. Buy or bake dinner rolls. Use the rolls to make mini hamburgers and mini sub sandwiches. My personal favorite is spiced meatballs. In a crock pot, mix a bag of frozen meatballs, a jar of grape jelly and a small bottle of barbecue sauce. (I use Sweet Baby Rays or Masterpiece barbecue sauce) Cook on high for 3-4 hours. You can't go wrong with chocolate for dessert! Check out this absolutely, fudgey and decadent chocolate cookie recipe: Chocolate Crinkles II.

A stack of the pre-made sandwiches, spiced meatballs, a veggie platter with chips, dip, cookies and a bucket of beer will definitely score for you on game day!

Welcome to the musings of a self-confessed laugh junkie! I love to laugh. Sometimes I have even been known to cackle and snort when laughing, or made myself laugh so much my stomach hurt! There is nothing like spending time with our family and friends and sharing laughter.

After several years of throwing birthday parties, get-together, and leading scout/brownie meetings, I discovered that I have a knack and a love of throwing parties. You always hear that you should do what you love. So, on my downward slide to 40, I finally figured out what I wanted to be as a grown-up! I started a party planning business and online party store, www.helpmeparty.com. I offer unique, distinctive party supplies and favors at reasonable prices. I want everyone to be able to throw a party even Martha would be proud of.

I've found that a lot of people don't have the time or know how to find great party ideas. That's why I started this blog - to gather and share great party themes, tips and ideas. So come share a laugh with me as we get ready for the most awesome party of all - Life!