October in pictures

Annual trip to Soergel's Orchards for pumpkins, apples, and so many treats!  It was nearly 80 degrees on the day we went.

I can't get over how pretty the grounds are.

Men and fresh apple cider doughnuts.  Serious business, clearly.  None of us could resist them.

Last cookout of the year at my parents' house.

I can't believe my baby sister is 27 years old!  DQ ice cream cake for the win.

What a lovely day for an outside wedding!

Almost all of the college housemates together again, nearly a decade later.

Franklin and Stephanie, the lovely (and so much fun!) groom and his bride.  Congrats, you two!

 Surprise 30th birthday party for my best friend, crown and all!

Complete with an epic dessert buffet, including these unbelievable chocolate cake gems from Arcade Bakery.  These were so rich and possibly the best chocolate cake I've ever gotten from a bakery!  Pittsburgh locals, head downtown to Macy's to pick up some for yourself.  Good life decision right there.

Pumpkin carving time!  Tip: An ice cream scoop like this one makes scooping out the seeds and excess pumpkin innards a breeze.

His and hers.  Fun fact: After about two weeks when the pumpkins had dried and were ready for the trash, the faces had shriveled and shrunken, making them look like senior citizens.  It was equal parts adorable and creepy.

Milkshake Mondays are going strong.  This week was #5, and we visited BRGR.  Matt and I shared The All American shake, which is made with vanilla bean ice cream, apple puree, caramel sauce, spices, and a mini apple cupcake with caramel frosting.  So far, this has been my favorite shake to date!


Have a marvelous weekend and happy November!  Be sure to visit on Monday for the first of two new recipes to use up any lingering Halloween candy... if you haven't eaten it all by then.  Guilty!