Monster Mash

Each year, one of our good friends hosts a hilariously fun Halloween costume party. I am amazed each year at the creativity my friends use to outdo one another with their get-ups. I must admit, I'm usually pretty boring. My hubs on the other hand, puts a lot of effort into his costumes. For instance, one year when we were still dating, I didn't even recognize him in costume! I couldn't find him and thought maybe he just hadn't shown up....

No no.

He had painted his entire body BLACK.

Exhibit A:

Oh yeah, and I was an FBI agent. See, I told ya. Nothing to write home about.

So this year, I really want to go above my typical costumes and do something awesome. Trouble is, most great ideas involve a level of hoochiness. For instance- Lady Gaga? Snooki? Amy Winehouse? I could do those in a heartbeat.

But then I'd be a skank.

And one thing I will NEVER understand is how Halloween gives all females the right to be downright Dirrrrrrty with their costumes.

Pirate Sea Wench? Just be a pirate.

Little Red Riding Hood in a short skirt with a corset and garters..? I'm sorry, but isn't that a nursery rhyme?

Spare me.

I NEED HELP!

Isn't She Lovely?

I recently rediscovered a quote by Audrey Hepburn that I've always loved- to me it personifies a woman of virtue. It got me thinking... In an effort to mix the world's standards of "pretty" with what is currently popular- and somehow measure worth through that, most people are utterly confused by what true beauty is and how to identify it. When thinking about the beautiful people in my life- and there are many- I rarely think first about their outward appearance or the things that make them cool to everyone else. I think immediately about the qualities they possess that have impacted my way of thinking and made me better. I think next about the fruit of their lives. and finally I think about the way they treat people.

Have you ever heard someone say "Happy people are the prettiest." ?

I'd have to agree. Someone content with life, not feeling threatened by others' success- definitely seem to be most eye-catching.

Enter Audrey Hepburn, who said it best:

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

That to me sums it all up.

To be pretty, you just have to be

kind- of good or benevolent nature or disposition

confident- showing assurance in one's self

virtuous- having high moral standards

helpful- rendering aid or assistance

happy- characterized by contentment & joy

loyal- faithful to one's oath

and that's all folks!

Fall Crafts- a must!

If you're like me, then Fall brings out the adventurous side of you when it comes to decorating and being crafty. Here is one I found on marthastewart.com that I am totally going to try. Thought I'd pass the steps on to you, in case your abode needs a little love too. See below for a picture of the finished product- a real masterpiece!

Golden Harvest Wreath How-To
This 22-inch wreath form was decorated with about 90 magnolia leaves, 150 wheat stems, and 25 feathers. If you can't find magnolia leaves, use any other sturdy, broad leaf. This wreath can last for several years: After the holidays, place it, front side up, in a flat box cushioned with tissue paper. Keep it in a cool, dry place. If a few of the magnolia leaves look tired when you unpack it, replace them with freshly painted ones.

Tools and Materials
Floral spray in brilliant gold White feathers
Magnolia leaves
24-gauge gold wire
Gardening shears
Wheat stems
22-inch wire wreath form
Hot-glue gun

1. On a clean, dry surface protected by paper in a well-ventilated area, spray the feathers and the top sides of the magnolia leaves gold. Let dry.

2. Bundle 3 leaves with a small piece of wire; snip end. Bundle 5 wheat stems with wire, and snip end. Repeat with the remaining leaves and stems. Wrap the bundles to the wreath form with a single piece of wire, alternating and overlapping bundles of leaves and stems. Keep them tight and close together.

3. Once the wreath form is covered, insert the feathers at equal intervals. Glue in place.

Pumpkin Pancakes

That's right- Pumpkin Pancakes really do exist. In my kitchen. Starting this Saturday morning perhaps. I really really love pancakes anyway- so adding in a yummy fall flavor only adds to a positive experience. Imagine these, with bacon, eggs and a latte, while reading the paper or watching Saturday morning cartoons... delightful.

Here's a tasty recipe, created by the woman herself, Martha Stewart. Forget the jail stint- the girl knows how to cook, bake and decorate.

For a spiced breakfast treat, whisk 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon each cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg; and a pinch of ground cloves.

In a separate bowl, stir together 1 cup milk, 6 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 egg; fold mixture into dry ingredients.

Melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat; pour in 1/4 cup batter for each pancake.

Cook pancakes about 3 minutes per side; serve with butter and syrup. Makes 8 to 10.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Pumpkin Pancakes - Martha Stewart Recipes

Carnival!

I absolutely LOVE going to the Tulsa State Fair each year. I'm not sure there is anything that special about the one in Tulsa, except I live here. Pretty standard rides, standard terribly amazing food, standard carnies and "fair people"... But it always feels exciting and new to me. I'm extra excited because Homeboy and I are going this year with my BFF and her BF. Which means it will be even more super dee duper fun to do all the typical fair things. I mean, when you're stuffing your face with greasy, fried food, you want to be with the people who will still tell you you look great the next day.

Last year's fair was especially wonderful for the Kings.. And here's why.

Last year, our good friend Matt Swaggart took our engagement pictures at the Tulsa Fair. It was such a fun memory and kind of wish we were taking more this year. Except we're not engaged anymore, and that would be odd. But MAN was it fun!

Survey of Myself:

Favorite Ride- the big Swings! Or the Ferris Wheel if I'm with my Huz.

Favorite Fair Food- Pineapple Whip, no duh!

Favorite Attire- jeans, riding boots, caplet.

Favorite Ride Partner- Mr. KING!

PS my hubby always tries to win me a goldfish. which- EW, why would I want a fish at all, but double EW because it is a fair animal. We'll not be bringing any sorts of animals home tonight, unless it's a mini horse.