Pumpkin Spice Latte

I have scoured the internet (okay, Pinterest) for the perfect pumpkin spice latte recipe... and I have tried them all without falling in love. So I went back to square one and devised my very own recipe. And it is absolutely delicious!

The 3 extra ingredients that you need to have are pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin pie spice.

In a small mixing cup, I added 2 tbsp of sweetened condensed milk.

When making the other recipes -- the sweetness came from brown sugar or granulated white sugar, but I didn't like the grittiness or flavor. I grew up using sweetened condensed milk making Brazilian desserts like brigadeiro, flan, and dulce de leche -- and I love the caramel flavor it gives.

Then I added an equal amount of pumpkin puree (2 tbsp).

I then added a dash (or three!) of pumpkin pie spice.

I mixed the 3 ingredients and then added 1/4 cup of milk...

... and a 1/4 cup of half & half.

The more cream/half & half/whole milk you use the more froth will be created because it has a higher fat content.

All mixed!

If you don't have a frother or milk steamer, you can heat the mix in a small saucepan and whisk it to create that beautiful foam.

You can also use a french press by added the hot milk and them pumping the handle.

But I used my milk steamer attached to my espresso machine.

Make 1 cup of coffee (or espresso) and combine them!

 Try this recipe once and I promise you will fall in love!

>> If you end up making this drink, tag me in an Instagram post -- @marriedtodavis or #marriedtodavis

Elegant Votive Candleholders

I had these vases from my wedding and they were just collecting dust sitting in a box in my basement. I wanted to do something with them -- so ran to the hardware store and bought spray paint and rubber bands. I bought spray paint that will frost the glass. You could use any color or tint.

Here are the vases I started out with. You can buy them on sale at Michael's or Hobby Lobby (make sure you go online and look at deals & coupons for crafting stores).

I wrapped rubber bands around the vases in different intervals and angles. I also criss-crossed rubber bands as well. Looking back, I would have likes to also use rubber bands with varying thickness as well.

I set up a spraying "station" in my garage and turned the vases upside down so that the spray doesn't end up inside the vase.

This is after the first coat. I did two coats before I handled them.

Make sure when you remove the rubber bands to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty because the spray powder will get all over you.

All lit up!

Burlap Chevron Wreath

While browsing Pinterest lately, I had the crafting itch. So I scratched and went to Hobby Lobby. I've been wanting to put a wreath on our front door for awhile, and I wanted to put my touch on the design. 

Here's the end result with directions following:

I bought a large wreath metal template, 4 in x 30 ft burlap ribbon, 4 in x 15 ft chevron burlap ribbon, floral wire, floral accessory, and a letter "D" for Davis! I also grabbed a pair of scissors for this project.

To start, I secured the burlap ribbon to the inside metal ring with the floral wire.

I then weaved the burlap through the inner and outer metal rings. I went back and forth 2-3 times per interval.

I finished going around and then "fluffed" the edges by pulling the folds apart.

All fluffed up! Gideon was taking a little cat nap while I was crafting!

Then I got started on the chevron inside ribbon detail. I took floral wire and secured the ribbon the same spot I secured the first ribbon. I then took about a 2 in long piece of floral wire and poked it through the ribbon about an inch from the sides. 

At each "interval" I pinched the ribbon and wire to secure it to the metal wreath.

I twisted the ends at the back of the wreath.

After finishing, I secured the floral accessory to where the ribbon ends met. This covered any unsightly parts of the wreath.

I wanted to hang the letter "D" to the wreath, so I cut out a strip of the chevron ribbon and looped it in the letter.

I laid it where I wanted it placed and secured it to the metal frame with the floral wire.

All done!

It looks great on the front door! So perfect for Fall!  

Pumpkin Juice a.k.a "The Harry Potter"

I have been in a Fall mood and I've been having fun with pumpkin lately -- so I decided to make some pumpkin juice to help start the season right!

The ingredients are: pumpkin puree, apple cider (or juice), pineapple juice, and pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon if that's what you have on hand).

In a food processor (or blender) I added 1 cup of chilled apple cider...

... 1/2 cup of chilled pineapple juice...

... 1 cup of pumpkin puree...

... and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

(Tip: If you want to use the whole can, pour out the can of pumpkin puree, use a can-full of apple cider, and a 1/2 can of pineapple juice.)

After a quick blend, it's done!

I served the juice in my county fair drinking jars. Of course, you could add some whipped topping with a garnish of pumpkin pie spice -- but I opted out of the extra calories.

I actually really enjoyed the juice and thought it was refreshing and tasted like Fall :)

If this is something you want to bottle and serve it at a party -- print out these labels to take it to the next level! These labels were inspired by the Pumpkin Juice that is sold at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, FL.

>> If you end up making this drink, tag me in an Instagram post -- @marriedtodavis or #marriedtodavis

Pizza Crescent Rolls

I am kinda obsessed with crescent rolls, they are so versatile! I was craving pizza, so I decided to combine Will and I's favorite toppings (or insides in this case) -- sausage and pepperoni.

To start, I preheated the oven at 375, and cooked down some italian sausage. 

I used 1 can of crescent rolls...

... and popped it open.

After the sausage was done cooking, I cut the sausage pieces into smaller pieces.

I got the fillings ready for the pizza crescent rolls: pepperoni, sausage, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

I like to use Ragu Pizza Sauce.

One can will produce 8 crescent pizza rolls. I put about a tbsp of sauce on the wider end of the dough triangle.

I then placed 2 pepperoni slices and a few sausage pieces.

I sprinkles some cheese on top and gently wrapped the dough around.

It's important to tuck in the sides so the filling doesn't seep out.

I made one "calzone" with 2 crescent roll triangles.

I put the pan in the 375 oven for 11-13 minutes.

They look so yummy!

I dipped them in ranch and Will dipped them in marinara sauce. So good!

>> If you end up making this for dinner, tag me in an Instagram post -- @marriedtodavis or #marriedtodavis