Fab Entertaining :: Fall Flowers

Around here, Fall marks to beginning of the social season. Time to reflect on where the year has taken us and time to give thanks for all we have. Nothing says thank you quite like a fab fall floral arrangement with a thoughtful note. 

It is very simple and cost effective to make arrangements yourself. Local floral shops will fetch between $75-$100+ for a Fall-themed arrangement. You can gather flowers that are on sale and items from your local craft store and create the same thing for half the price. 

Here is a tutorial on how to create an arrangement that screams Fall and Thank you!


Step 1 :: Choose a nice round pumpkin. I like the fairytale ones. Cut the top off of it a bit a lower than you normally would. Clean it out very well. Keep the lid. You can incorporate it into the design.


Step 2 :: Line the pumpkin with a plastic grocery bag and insert wet florist foam. We recommend soaking the foam in the sink for a bit so it is nice and moist.


Step 3 :: Begin to add flowers, dried leaves and decorative balls. Here we used sunflowers, football mums, amaranthus and strawflower. Stick the stems deep into the florist foam. I suggest starting at the base and working up. Fill in as you see fit. Mini scarecrows and other fall craft items would make fab additions too. 


Step 4 :: Deliver to a friend with some HBDesigns fabrinery or use as centerpiece for a dinner party. 




HB's Love List :: Fab Finds

1. As some of you might know, I am huge headband fan. Love them. I also love a good chapeau. I have tons of hats and just love this one for fall. Super cute with your hair down or in a pony. Perfect for those days when you can't be bothered to mess with your hair.

2. This polish looks like a party in a bottle. What's not to love? The bright color and sparkles are just plain fab.

3. I am a sucker for a good dress. Easy to slip on and perfect for a day of errands, meetings or lunch with the ladies.

4. I sort of hoard diaries and notebooks. I love them. I keep my lists in them, so I never lose track things. This just screams HBDesigns. "Inspirations and Dreams" is a perfect title too!

5. My husband is a huge collector. Mostly is known for his extensive sports memorabilia collection, he also collects china. I love the color in this amazingly beautiful Herend pattern. 

6. It is always important to have some show-stopper purses in your closet. My dear friend Summer was toting this at an SMU football tailgate. I wanted to steal it from her and have been dreaming of it ever since. Bright red sequins and room to haul everything. Santa, if you are reading...I'll take one please. 


PHOTO CREDITS
Polish :: Style
Notebook :: Smythson
Herend China :: Neiman Marcus
Valentino Tote :: Bluefly.com

Fab Entertaining :: School Treats

Now that we have settled in to the business of back to school, I thought I'd share some treats for little ones. We're up to our nose in top secret holiday card orders, so we're blogging about food this week.

I am fortunate enough to have a child that is not a huge fan of sweets or sugar. So I am always on the hunt for treats that are yummy, but not packed with artificial sweeteners and a bunch of junk.

Does this not look so fab? Guess what?! It is made with garbanzo beans and applesauce!

Deep-Dish Cookie Pie
Next, an all time fav in my house.  They are perfect for a morning snack.

Peanut Butter Granola Bars
I have already gone through two batches of these this week...they must be a hit, not exactly sugar free, but better than candy!

Pumpkin Muffins
HB's Pumpkin Muffins
One 9 x 5-inch loaf or muffins tins of your choice
This loaf can be made with any cooked mashed squash, yams, or sweet potatoes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or muffin tins.
Whisk together:
  1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
  1 teaspoon baking soda
  1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder
  1 teaspoon salt
  1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  1 teaspoon ground ginger
  1⁄2 teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg
  1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves

Combine in a small bowl:
  1⁄3 cup water or milk
  1⁄2 teaspoon vanill
a
Beat in a large bowl until fluffy:
  6 tablespoons (3⁄4 stick) butter, softened, or 1⁄3 cup vegetable shortening
  1 1⁄3 cups sugar or 1 cup sugar plus 1⁄ 3 cup packed brown sugar
Beat in one at a time:
  2 large eggs
Add and beat on low speed just until blended:
  1 cup cooked or canned pumpkin puree
Add the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the milk mixture, beating on low speed or stirring with a rubber spatula until smooth and scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour for loaf and 20 minutes for muffins. Let cool in the pan on a rack for 5 to 10 minutes before unmolding to cool completely on the rack.

What are your favorite healthy treats? Let us know and we'll feature them!


PHOTO CREDITS
Deep-Dish Cookie Pie :: Chocolate-Covered Katie
Peanut Butter Granola Bars :: two peas and their their pod
Pumpkin Muffins :: HBDesigns
 
The Pink Label © 2011 | Designed by Ibu Hamil, in collaboration with Uncharted 3 News, MW3 Clans and Black Ops