Enjoying Autumn

 I hope everyone is enjoying autumn.  We have had a slight chill in the air in the mornings, but not enough chilly days to bring out the big sweaters and vests...maybe tomorrow!  Here's a few photos I've posted on Instagram recently.  I'm still running around like a chicken with my head cut off, trying to get settled back in Georgia. 

John Paul...in his new spot on the kitchen counter.

An autumn tablescape for supper...

Getting the front porch ready for Halloween...

Nibbles and Bits...for Mama and her little lady friends.

Apple Punch...

Pumpkin Dip*

*Recipe for the Pumpkin Dip:
16 oz canned pumpkin
16 oz cream cheese
2 cups confectioner's sugar
1 tsp pumpkin spice

Mix the sugar and pumpkin spice well and add the canned pumpkin and cream cheese.  Blend all ingredients and chill.  Serve with graham sticks or ginger snaps.  

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Tea...

Our at-home Gameday treats for the FSU - NCState game on Saturday.  Another nerve-wrecking game, but the Noles won!  Oh, and the Bucs won too!  #gobucs 

Thank you for stopping by today. Enjoy the season y'all!

Gameday Florida State vs The Citadel

We started out the morning ready for some football...



and some Chick-fil-A for Brunch!





I wore this dress from Mudpie available at Twelve Saturdays.  It was super comfy, which is more than I can say about the gold Revas!

First stop, The Wine Loft in Tallahassee for Merlot Hour with friends...



Next stop, on to The University Center Club at the stadium for more nibbles and sips!





Then it was time to watch some Seminole football.  Noles beat Citadel 37-12.

Go Noles!

Lane Southern Orchards

I'm trying to get settled in my new home in Georgia.  I have been lost in a sea of boxes full of loot that needs to be organized and since I'm OCD, I insist on unpacking everything myself.  It all has to be put away just so so.  My other house in Mississippi has a HUGE master closet...but this one--I am having to be creative and weeding out so many clothes.

I took a break from it all and headed over to Fort Valley to check out the famous Lane Southern Orchards.  It's peach season and I was craving anything peachy!  Lane's is big tourist destination for those living in Georgia and travelers going up/down I-75.  They have everything peach and pecan that you can think of!

It was a slow day for porchin'...cause it's like 150 degrees in Georgia!

I headed to the Peachtree Cafe & Bakery and had some lunch...Fried Pecan Crusted Catfish!  I'm not off to a good start with my plan to eat Southern fried foods in moderation.  It was delicious.

Their peach tea is fabulous!  To be honest, I split it up cause it was super sweet...half unsweetened tea, half peach tea.  That was perfect.

I splurged even further and ordered the peach ice cream...the petite size.  Oh my goodness gracious...this was delicious too.  

I headed into the store, which was busy with locals and tourists shopping.  Of course, their fresh Georgia peaches looked good, so I got some of those.

They have ciders, spices, jellies, sauces, breads, and everything you can think of with peaches and pecans. 

But wait, they also sell cute loot!  Itsa Girl Thing tees!

I love these tees with all the cute Southern sayings!

Last night I brought out my latest addition to my "Prissy Apron Collection."
 

I baked the famous Peach Cobbler from Lane Orchards...well, I put the frozen cobbler in the oven and turned it on, so I baked it, right?  This cobbler was a hit with the family and definitely much better than I could have made myself.  Mama asked if I used her recipe.  "Uh, no ma'am, it's from Lane's!"  She gave me a look like "Why didn't you make it yourself?"  Then she told me that she loved it.

I love living these fabulous peach and pecan orchards...I can't wait to go back to Lane's and get a bunch of pecan stuff!

Thanks for dropping by y'all!

Entertain ~ Decorate ~ Celebrate

I love reading ALL the Hoffman Media publications and Entertain, Decorate, Celebrate is one of my favorites.  The January-February 2014 issue is packed full of party ideas.

Are you looking for last-minute Valentine crafting ideas?  You can purchase the magazine in stores now or visit their website here to see the Valentine "Crafted with Love" party.

You might supply washi tape, twine, and other crafting supplies...everything your guests will need to create gift boxes.

Serve a Signature Beverage* and savories for your guests to enjoy while they are creating sweet boxes...

Love these chocolate and strawberry cake pops and xo cookies!

Set up a station for the treats so your guests can fill their boxes with sweets for their sweetheart.

 You can download all the printables here!

Recipe for Fizzy Pink Lemonade Punch*

Makes about 1 gallon

1 (12-oz) container frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed

4 cups cold cran-grap juice

1 (1-liter) bottles cold ginger ale

Garnish:  maraschino cherries

In a large pitcher, combine concentrate and juice, whisking to combine.  Add ginger ale, and serve immediately.  Garnish with maraschino cherries, if desired.  You may substitute champagne or sparkling wine for the the ginger ale, if desired.

Toffee Crunch Cheesecake Ball

A Toffee Crunch Cheesecake Ball is an easy dessert/appetizer to prepare for your guests during the holiday season.  Crunchy chunks of chocolate and caramel are hidden through this sweet delicious cheesecake ball.  A pack of toffee is included with this mix and all you need to add is butter and cream cheese for a yummy no-bake dessert!  There are 2 mixes in the box and the cost is only $8.95/box.  You may purchase your cheesecake ball here at my Taste of Gourmet site.

Buy some to stock your Entertaining Pantry or to give as a hostess gift.

Thank You Sale!

Now is a great time to start thinking about stocking your Entertaining Pantry and your Gifting Arsenal!  ALL of my Taste of Gourmet products are 15% off now through November 1, 2012.  Everything.  15% off!  Just use the code THANK YOU.

Taste of Gourmet products are the perfect "under $10.00" gift for friends and business associates.  All the products are packed and ready for gifting...just add a ribbon and gift tag!

  The Mississippi Delta Fudge Pie...perfect for your hostess or co-worker!

The Mississippi Delta Fudge Pie is a Southern favorite!

The Creole File Gumbo mix...add a wooden soup spoon and a ribbon and this makes a great gift!

Creole File Gumbo...an easy meal to prepare in the crockpot during autumn and winter and a must-eat during Mardi Gras season!

Jezebel Sauce and Sassy Seasoning...both are staples in my kitchen!

Bayou Beer Bread...add this to a bowl of our chilis and soups, and voila...Gameday food!!!!

If you are invited to a potluck meal, this Apple Cake is easy to prepare and will be the "Belle of the Buffet"!!

Apple Cake...always a favorite dessert!

Take advantage of this fabulous offer for 15% off on ALL my products and be sure to use the code Thank You when checking out!  Have a great weekend!

Monday Morning Giveaway...Scarlet Thread Prissy Apron

I was busy over the weekend baking pumpkin pies, pumpkin cookies, more of my autumn party mix, and I decided to bake some casseroles...some for us and some for sharing with friends.

It's Columbus Day today, so I'm celebrating with a Monday morning giveaway...this time you have the chance to win a prissy apron from Scarlet Threads.

Here's the special story behind Scarlet Threads.  Carrie and Jacob, the founders, moved to China three years ago to work in a foster home for special needs orphans.  The poverty that surrounded them touched their hearts and they decided to start a business to employ women in the village where they live.  The village is home to many talented seamstresses, so textile products became the focus of Scarlet Threads.  The first aprons were released in 2009 and now the line includes purses, bags, and children's dresses.  The values of the sewing cooperative align to fair trade principles:  Pay a fair wage and women work in the comfort of their own homes and according to their own schedule.

There have been some wonderful successes in the village!  The lead seamstress was able to purchase a small washing machine with her extra earnings from Scarlet Threads.  This is no small feat in a village where many residents do not have running water.  The company is in the process of hiring additional seamstresses and hope to hire a woman in the village to manage the operations in the future.

Here I am relaxing with a glass of Merlot after being in the kitchen last night for several hours!  I'm wearing the Scarlet Threads 'Daphne' apron...a cute half-apron in red, white, and blue!

I love the pattern and the colors of the fabric and the detail on the cute little pocket just makes it super prissy!

I made several dishes of  "Chicken Spaghetti" and it is delish y'all.  The recipe is a bit long, so if you've never tasted chicken spaghetti and would like to try it, send me an e-mail to:  Miss Janice {at} Miss Janice {dot} com and I'll get it out to you.  It has a panko-crust topping, which I love.

THE GIVEAWAY:

The winner will receive one 'Daphne' apron just like mine.

THE GUIDELINES:

~Follow Scarlet Threads' blog

~Follow Scarlet Threads' Twitter

~Like Scarlet Threads on Facebook

~Visit the Shop on Scarlet Threads' website and leave a comment about your favorite product.

~Can't wait to win the giveaway?  Purchase a product with the code lex25 and receive 25% off any purchase you make now or through the end of the year 2012.

The deadline to enter this giveaway is Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 9:00 p.m.  I will announce the winner on Friday morning, October 12, 2012.  You will have three days to contact me at:  Miss Janice {at} Miss Janice {dot} com to claim the prize.  After 9:00 a.m., Monday, October 15, 2012, if I have not heard from you, I will draw another name.

Good luck to y'all!