Hello October!

J'adore October.

I always have trouble with the transition from summer to fall, but by the time October rolls around I'm ready for some strolls in the crisp autumn air, pumpkin scented candles, leaf peeping, anniversary celebrating (3 years, can you believe it!?) and of course my beloved Halloween!! In honor of the start of one of my favorite months of the year, here are some tasty fall-inspired recipes for you to enjoy. Cheers to fall my friends!

Spiral Apple Bread with Caramel Apple Glaze. OOOO.MMMMM.GGGGGGeeee!!! 

Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Nothing says fall like some homemade Corn Bread.
Full recipe HERE.

Soup is just about ready to re-emerge from the back of my pantry and recipe list. 

Check out this yummy Creamy Pumpkin Soup for a seasonally perfect meal.

Pin it HERE. Full recipe HERE.  

And because no season is complete without a thematic cocktail, I present the Caramel Apple Pie Martini!

Pin it HERE. Full Recipe HERE.

31 days of Halloween

Just 9 more days until Halloween!!

Stopping in real quick to throw some Halloween goodies at ya... it's been a nutty morning. I think I'll blame it on the 10 minutes I spent preparing and chugging my lemon water :) Either way, Happy Halloween-y Tuesday!

So these are kinda gross looking, but also really awesome. Unfortunately the pin doesn't link to instructions, but I'm going to deduce that they're something like "slice a raw hotdog as seen in the picture; wrap in stringy strips of pre-made crescent dough; bake until light brown." Seems about right..! I think your kiddos need some mummy dogs in their life this Halloween!!

Another seasonal item perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving and everything in between. These adorable acorns are super easy to create and make for a bite sized autumn treat! Click HERE for full instructions from Gracious Rain or HERE to pin it.

Isn't this mustache o'lantern just the cutest thing? Even easier than carving, click HERE for full instructions from The Swell Life or HERE to pin it. (PS- where can I find white pumpkins!?)

31 Days of Halloween

Indeed.

October has arrived, my first batch of beloved candy corn has been purchased (and consumed) and my Pinterest feed is bursting with seasonal inspiration... Halloween, my friends, is nearly here!! Which got me to thinking - you peeps seem to LOVE all things autumn and Halloweeny just as much as I do, so why should Christmas be the only holiday with a whole month-long calendar's worth of fun!? Today Seek to be Merry is officially kicking off the 31 days of Halloween, a month-long orange, black, costumed and pumpkin spiced celebration of my most favorite holiday (July 4th is a close second:) Each day, in addition to my regular posting, I will share a seasonal goody with you, everything from decor ideas to recipes and costume inspiration. It will be boo-tiful:) And since today is technically the 3rd day of 31, no tricks, just 3 treats to kick off our month!!! 

Trick or Treat!!

Since your front door plays such an important part in all the Halloween festivities, why not get it dolled up for the occasion!? Last year I suggested THIS mummified version, but if something a bit more monstrous is your preference, here's how to get the look courtesy of Parents.com.

Snap, crackle, boo!!!

A seasonal sweet treat that's beyond easy to make in bulk? Yes please! These pumpkin rice krispie treats (with tootsie roll stems!) via Food, Family and Friends are perfect for Halloween parties of all ages and will be sure to score smiles.

Everything's coming up roses!

How awesomely adorable is this costume?! Ladies, 1 quick trip to your local craft store (and possibly also home depot for the plastic planter) and you're ready to go. All you have to do is cut out the bottom of a large plastic pot, affix two thick straps (I'd use a staple gun and something rubbery and durable like a theraband) and go crazy with the fake flowers and glue gun. Add a floral hairband for an extra ounce of awesome!

Apples, Pumpkins & Leaf Peeping (hehe)

All the colors of fall...

One of my favorite things about fall is that the season provides for some of the best field trips! Whether you're looking to hike in crisp air, photograph brilliantly colored leaves, pick apples for the freshest pies you've ever made or stock up on pumpkins for Halloween - there are endless options to choose from. So pack a picnic lunch and get adventuring!!

* Hike / Leaf Loving
If you live in the NY/NJ region, there are tons of trails to get your red/orange/yellow leaf loving on. Click HERE for the "Top 10 Fall Hikes to View Spectacular Autumn Foliage in New York-New Jersey Region" and if you aren't from this neck of the woods, click HERE for the HuffPost's nationwide recommendations!

* Get your Apple on
Kids and grownups alike can enjoy a day at the apple orchard. Dr. H and I have been known to collect far greater quantities than we know how to consume, but it's led to delicious apple crumbles (this recipe looks mighty fine) and maybe this year I'll be brave enough to attempt my first pie (brave enough for THIS!?) Pick your apple orchard HERE and HERE.

* Pumpkins Galore!
This is only the beginning of my all-things-black and orange, who should I carve a jack o' lantern of this year, Halloween obsession, but like so many other wonderful things in life, it all starts at the farm!! Click HERE for the best pumpkin patches NY/NJ have to offer or HERE if you're from somewhere else (because I love all my readers!) Don't forget to leave time for the corn maze and some cider!

* Arts, Crafts & other Fall Goodness
As with the start of any new season, NYC is buzzing with activities, free events, cool concerts and festivals of all kinds (the Feast of San Gennaro is happening in Little Italy right NOW through Sunday... did someone say fried oreo!?) HERE is a Fall Arts Preview courtesy of AM New York and THIS Fall Dance Festival looks fantastic as well. Good luck squeezing it all into your calendar!

Feed your face in fall.

Fall Feast.

Happy Monday my merry friends (and L'shana Tova to those celebrating the new year!) It seems that autumn in New York is here to stay, so let's put on our hoodies and get back to celebrating the season's arrival. In true meri merry fashion, I say we start with some tasty fall eats and pumpkin flavored treats (because you can't think about shopping or field trips on an empty stomach.) Enjoy!!

Mmmm.

Goodbye summer fruit salad, hellllo fall bagel brunch! Though many rave about Trader Joe's pumpkin cream cheese (and you KNOW how I feel about Joe:) I think I'm going to have to take this simple cream cheese recipe for a spin. It calls for cream cheese, canned pumpkin, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Who's coming over this Sunday?

If it has apple it's healthy right?!

This recipe boasts "3 ingredients, 3 minutes"... we HAVE to give it a try!!! Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip sounds like the perfect way to turn fall's apple crop into a delicious dessert.

Break out the crockpot!

Remember back in spring when I was all "shed the bulky clothing, no more rich, creamy goodness..?" Well F that shizz, it's getting cold and I want something piping hot and full o' flava. Here are 12 Fall Crockpot Recipes which include everything from mac cheese and meatloaf to jambalaya and pulled pork. Get cookin peeps!!

2 ingredients!? Just TWO!?!

I'm not much of a baker, but this recipe claims that if I combine those 2 ingredients above, I'll get a Weight Watchers approved, tasty pumpkin muffin. I'm off to preheat the oven!