Family Favorite Fall Treats

With Fall in full swing, I thought I would share some of our family favorite Fall treats! 

Apple Hill Donuts – This is our families all-time favorite fall treat, a trip up to Apple Hill has become a family Fall tradition.  If you haven’t tried Apple Cider Donuts from Apple Hill they are definitely worth the drive.  We also love taking in all the Fall foliage and beautiful views on the drive up.

We usually visit High Hill Ranch for donuts, feeding the ducks and we usually have an apple cider slush found in the chocolate Fudge Factory, and an apple cider shake.

We also love to stop at Boa Vista Orchards and visit the pumpkin patch as well as enjoy their apple donut ice cream sandwich.

Fall Sugar Cookies – I found this great Sugar Cookie Recipe on AllRecipes.com I have made a few adjustments thanks to the comments by others and this is my go-to recipe for Sugar Cookies.  My mom and mother-in-law make delicious sugar cookie cutouts.  My mother-in-law is famous for her sugar cookies and they have kindly shared their recipes with me, but every time I try their recipe, they don’t come out like theirs do.  So I have tried many recipes to find the perfect one that my family loves.  With this recipe, the sugar cookies come out soft and keep their shape I love them frosted and un-frosted. 

Here is the original recipe: http://armagazine.com/2g4jEcj 

The changes I make: Use butter instead of margarine, I only use 3 ¼ cups of flour and when I roll them out I use powdered sugar on the flat surface instead of flour.  Tip, keep the dough nice and thick when you cut out your shapes, this helps give a soft sugar cookie if your cut-outs are too thin they will be crisp, still good but not as good in my opinion.

I find with my oven I bake them at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. 

Pumpkin Smoothie – I love all things pumpkin the PSL from Starbucks and the Pumpkin Smash from Jamba Juice.  Here is my DIY Recipe for a yummy homemade pumpkin smoothie.  http://bit.ly/2hoDb8T.

Candy Corn Fruit Parfaits – I was inspired by ButterBeReady.com for this recipe.  I love the beautiful pictures she posts on her Instagram.  My boys loved making these with me and they love fruit so I am grateful for this healthy ‘Candy Corn’, they get enough candy and candy corn I appreciate the fruit aspect of this recipe.  For the ‘orange’ part of the Candy Corn Fruit Parfaits I have used whatever I have on hand, the recipe calls for cantaloupe, but I have used canned peaches, my boys favorite and I have used mandarins and orange segments.   They come out very festive, delicious and healthy.  You can find the recipe on ButterBeReady.com here is the link: http://bit.ly/2yYVBVd.

Cookie & Marshmallow Pilgrim Hats

These cute pilgrim hats are easy to make and I have made these with my boys as Thanksgiving approaches.  I came across this recipe on an e-mail from Kellogg’s you can find the recipe here: http://bit.ly/2A0ZPff.

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Fox 40 News in the Morning | Sacramento

I was on Fox 40 News in the Morning today talking about Trunk or Treat and the Teal Pumpkin Project.  If you are in the Sacramento area you can watch on channel 40 around 8:50 AM.  You can also watch live on their website Fox40.com.

Fox 40's Chroma Kitty checking out my Trunk or Treat

Here is the local Trunk or Treat I will be participating in this Halloween.  I invite you to bring your family out.  There will be lots of fun; decorated trunks, a hayride, s'more bar and more!

For more information on Trunk or Treat and Theme Ideas for your trunk check out my blog post on Trunk or Treat by clicking on the image below.

For more information on the Teal Pumpkin Project check out my blog post by clicking on the image below.

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Two of my boys helping me set up.

Disney on Ice Presents Dream Big | Golden 1 Center, Sacramento

Disney Princesses Create Their Own Happily Ever After When

DISNEY ON ICE presents DREAM BIG

Skates Into Sacramento, November 2–5, 2017

 

(Sacramento) – Purchase your tickets now! Believing is just the beginning when dreamers throughout Sacramento witness the empowering tales of Disney’s most courageous leading ladies told through artistic skating and acrobatics in Disney On Ice presents Dream Big.  Audiences are invited to join eight Disney Princesses – Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White – as they embark on incredible adventures, determined to make their dreams come true.  In addition, experience the sisterly love that has captivated millions as Disney’s Frozen is brought to life on the icy stage.  Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is playing the Golden 1 Center from November 2^nd – 5^th.

Audiences will be transported to a world where imaginations soar and anything can happen. Through enchanted pixie-dust, Tinker Bell takes audiences on a journey of beloved Disney tales.  Make a splash with the fearless dreamer Ariel as she yearns to explore life above the waves.  Watch Rapunzel, Cinderella and Belle as they learn about the power to make their own magic.  Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman Olaf from Disney’s Frozen as they learn that true love is the greatest magic of all.  Be there to discover a whole new world with the daring Jasmine, and join Snow White, Aurora and Tiana as they remind you that strength and kindness go hand-in-hand. High-flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends make Disney On Ice presents Dream Big an experience your family will never forget!

WHEN:                        Thursday, November 2 – Sunday, November 5

o   Thursday, Nov. 2 @ 7:00 PM

o   Friday, Nov. 3 @ 7:00 PM

o   Saturday, Nov. 4 @ 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o    Sunday, Nov. 5 @ 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM

WHERE:          Golden 1 Center – 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, CA 95814

TICKETS:          Tickets start at $20 each!

                        50% Off Discount Opening Night tickets available on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating) 

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000
or in-person at the venue Box Office. *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

To discover more about Disney On Ice, visit www.DisneyOnIce.com 

or follow us on these social media platforms:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce

Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #WorldsOfEnchantment

YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce

Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE!, Sesame Street Live, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross and AMSOIL Arenacross, More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.

Teal Pumpkin Project

Have you heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project?  It is a worldwide movement to create a safer Halloween experience for all kids.  It is about raising awareness of food allergies and promoting inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season.

My boys do not have food allergies, and like any other kids they love getting candy but they also enjoy candy alternatives just as much.  As a parent, I am always happy when they receive a non-candy item it is better for their teeth and my kids get enough candy.  

Although my kids do not have allergies I like the idea of having both candy and alternatives for other kids who may not be able to eat candy.  

Participating is easy, simply place a teal pumpkin on your doorstep.  I have seen Teal Pumpkins at my local craft store for $10.  You could also paint a real pumpkin Teal, or paint an artificial pumpkin you already own Teal.  This is a sign that you have non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or small toys. This simple act promotes inclusion for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other conditions.

You can still pass out candy even while placing a Teal Pumpkin on your doorstep.  Simply have the option for your trick or treaters and ask if they would like a candy or prize. 

Here are some ideas for Non-Food Treats.  You can find many of these items at the Dollar Store and party supply store.  
Glow Sticks, Small Toys, Small Games, Stickers, Pencils, Necklaces, Rings, Trading Cards, Mini Notepads, Bookmarks, Bubbles, Pens, Crayons, any type of treasure box toys.

The TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT and the Teal Pumpkin Image are trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).  You can find out more information including FREE Resources such as printable flyers and signs on their website.  
https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project

Please visit the FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) Website and use the many resources they have for you to participate and help spread the word.  Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com

Trunk or Treat

Have you heard of Trunk or Treat?  It is an alternative to Trick or Treating.  A group of people gather typically in a parking lot, they decorate the trunks of their vehicles and instead of going door to door for candy and treats the kids go trunk to trunk.  I like to explain it as Halloween Tailgating.   

As a host of a trunk you can pass out candy, prizes, have games like bobbing for apples, fishing for small toys, bean bag toss, ring toss, etc.

Trunk or Treat’s have become popular with many churches.  This is a great idea for even a school to host, or if you live in a close-knit neighborhood it would be so much fun to get your neighbors outdoors and involved.  You would definitely surprise the kids coming down your street with this unexpected surprise. 

When it comes to decorating your vehicle you have the obvious pumpkins, spiders, and Halloween decorations.  Many churches will ask you to be more family friendly in your decorating instead of going the scary route.  Find out from your event organizer what is allowed and if they have a list of trunks, so you do not have the same theme as someone else.

When planning to participate in a Trunk or Treat begin with picking a theme.  Then plan your decorations and treats you plan to give out with your theme in mind.  You can do a game with your theme as well.  Remember to plan your costume to go along with your decorated trunk.

Here are some Theme Ideas to help you:

• Bible Theme (Jonah & the Whale, Noah’s Ark, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Egyptians, Nativity Scene)
• Movie Theme (Movie Theater Style, or any Family Friendly Movie)
• Video Game Theme (Pac Man, Angry Birds, Frogger, etc.)
• Board Game Theme (Candy Land, Monopoly, Sorry, Connect Four, etc.)
• Sports Theme–Pick a Team or a select sport and decorate accordingly
• Disney Theme–There is a large variety of Favorite Disney Characters to choose from.
• Camping Theme
• Beach Theme
• Western Theme
• Pirate Theme
• Luau Theme
• Animal Theme (Zoo, Petting Zoo, Aquarium, Pet Store, Jungle Animals, etc.)
• Era Theme (70’s, 80’s, 90’s, etc.)
• Christmas or other Holiday Theme
• Popular Toddler Themes (Paw Patrol, Veggie Tales, Sesame Street, Backyardigan’s, Nursery Rhymes, Dr. Seuss) 

If you are hosting a Trunk or Treat as an organization (church, school, businesses) it’s a good idea to have other things available for not only guest but for the trunker’s such as a Snack Bar (You can sell food, or keep it simple to Apple Cider, Donuts and Hot Cocoa), Jump House, Hay Ride, Games/Activity Station, Puppet Show, etc.)

If your church is considering a Trunk or Treat as an outreach event, plan ahead to promote upcoming events, for example, a Christmas Trunk can pass out candy as well as invitations to your church Christmas Play, or if your church participates in Operation Christmas Child, you can promote participation for OCC.

If you are reading this post and do not have young children any longer this is a great way for you to get involved and give back.  Do not count yourself out just because you don’t have kids, on the contrary, you are a huge blessing to your local church or group hosting.  Many times families with young children need to be with their trunk and also make time to take their children around to the trunks.  So single parents, grandparents, and young marrieds get involved, be a blessing to your community and get trunking!  

Events like this are a fun and safe environment for kids, in this day and age we live in, it’s nice to be able to participate in these alternative events and provide great memories for families.

My local church (Family Community Church) is hosting a Trunk or Treat and we welcome you to join us October 31, 2017.  You can host a trunk or volunteer in the many different areas we have planned S’more Bar, Hay Ride, Games and more.  You can contact my church for more information at (916) 334-7700.

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