Happy Halloween!

My favorite little pumpkin

I vant your blooooood

 What were you for Halloween this year? Email your favorite photos to Jbarmstrong87@gmail.com

Spiked Cider

Need a festive fall cocktail? Try some spiked apple cider. My roommate and I had a house/apartment warming  party and everyone was a fan of this easy drink. With only two ingredients, it's hard to pass up :)

2 shots spiced rum (Captain Morgan)
Apple Cider
Alcohol infused caramel whipped cream (optional - Cream is the best.)
A cinnamon stick for garnish.

Easy as pie... pumpkin pie :)

Happy Halloween!

Gwenyth

She has arrived!!!!

Gwenyth Nicole

Born October 26, 2011

6 lbs 11.5 oz

She could not be more perfect. Seriously. I can't explain her perfection. Every baby wrinkle and tiny hair is perfect. She's like sunshine... everything is better when she is there.

Today, was only her 4th day of life, and I don't want to miss a second.

Aunt Jes :)

So in love, xoxox

The Perfect Nursery

The baby could come any day now and I cannot wait to meet my little Niece or Nephew. Without a doubt, the holidays this year will be the warmest with the new baby to brighten things up.

I wanted to share the beautiful nursery that my sister and brother-in-law put together. My sister said, "There is so much love in the room with handmade art and furniture created special for Baby McFall." 

The color scheme is yellows, grey and white, and this isn't just because the sex of the baby is unknown, but also because my sister said that she has never been the girl-pink, boy-blue type. There is also a steady owl theme through out the room.

The Beautiful Nursery

Patrick's old baby mobile, and of course this crib can convert into a little bed set for when the baby outgrows it. Pat is always thinking ahead.

Hand painted and decorated furniture, and homemade curtains by Patrick's mom and a handmade owl picture by the little sister Kelsey.

My favorite part of the room is the yellow stripped ceiling!!!

Homemade baby keep sake box made by my mom, and an amazing owl nightlight.

Owl shelves made by my mom and Patrick's old toys :)

Keep sake shelves with old toys and an owl piece I made

I used colored felt and embroidery floss to stitch together a cute owl on a fabric background.  To twist things up a bit, I used a wood embroidery hoop and a coat of white paint to frame it!

Isn't everything gorgeous??! I am slightly jealous of the baby's room because it's so awesome.

Hurry up Baby McFall!! We're ready for you :)

Oh Snap: 2

My life in photos has been pretty tasty lately...

xoxox Jes

Halloween Invisible Pops

Inspired by Halloween, I took to www.marthastewart.com for some party treat ideas. I found this recipe for homemade suckers that can be tailored for any occasion with the right candy decorations. I chose pumpkin and skeleton candies. The options are endless!

All you need is:
2 cups sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
Lollipop sticks
Assorted candies

• 
  

Martha must have a steadier hand than I because my suckers didn't turn out very round.

The candy hardens quickly so you have to move fast!

Tip** Don't use your best pot to melt the candy mixture because it is tough to get out. The best way we found was to heat up the mixture again and again and pour it out onto the cookie sheet until it was all gone.

My friend Becca enjoying the treats she helped me make :)

Next time, I may try to add some food coloring to the candy mix to see what happens!

Enjoy! 

Puppy Portrait

In a previous post ANGEL, I shared with you the story of my family dog Angel and her need for surgery. Angel is now out of her head cone, and recovering wonderfully. I just recently took her on a walk and she was acting like a 4 year old skipping around (she is about 11 years old!). I was worried she might get too excited and re-injure herself but the doc assured us that she is strong and doing well :)

Friends of the family, Mel and Jon donated reward money that Spartacus won in a cute dog contest, and as a gift for them, I painted a Puppy Portrait of their other dog Peanut (so he wouldn't feel left out) and because he is too awesome to NOT have a Puppy Portrait.

Spartacus (on the left) and Peanut (on the right)

Aren't they funny!

Here is Peanut modeling with his Puppy Portrait!

If you are interested in a Portrait of your Puppy or pet, contact me at Jbarmstrong87@gmail.com with a brief description, and a picture of pet!

I look forward to hearing from you! :)