We all love the time of year when the leaves start changing, the air becomes crisp, and the apples are ripe for the picking. it'seems as though everyone patiently awaits those autumn flavors all year round. We've selected some fun and easy treats for kids, as well as tempting Hor d?oeuvres and drinks for adults.

Pumpkin Rice Krispy Treats

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 Tsp vanilla extract
• red and yellow food coloring combined
• 5 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• Mini tootsie rolls
• Brown and green decorating gel

In a saucepan, melt butter on medium heat. Add vanilla and marshmallows. Stir until marshmallows are completely melted. Add food coloring until you?ve reached desired shade of orange. Add cereal and stir until combined. Turn off heat and let rest until mixture is cool enough to handle.
When mixture is cooled, grease your hands and mold mixture into circles. Press a tootsie roll on top for the stem, and decorate with gel to your liking!

Graveyard Cake

Ingredients:

• Boxed chocolate cake mix
• Chocolate frosting
• Chocolate cookies (Oreos work fine if you'remove the filling)
• Milano cookies
• Halloween peeps
• Any other spooky candy for topping such as gummy worms, candy corn, etc.

Make the cake (or cupcakes if you want to let the kids decorate their own) prior to party. Once cake has cooled, cover with a layer of chocolate frosting. Crumble cookies over top to mimic dirt. Use left over decoration gel from the pumpkin Rice Krispies to transform Milano cookies into headstones. Continue decorating to your desire.

Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Roasted red peppers give this fifties favorite some seasonal flair. Click here for a link to get the perfect hardboiled egg every time.

Ingredients:

• 8 large hardboiled eggs
• 1/4 cup drained jarred roasted red peppers
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/4 Tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Chives for pumpkin stems

Cut the hardboiled eggs in half. Scoop yolks into food processor along with peppers, mayonnaise, mustard, and paprika. Cover and refrigerate egg whit's. Ease yolk mixture into pastry bag and decoratively transfer back into whit's. Sprinkle with paprika and use a toothpick to draw stripes. Add chive for pumpkin stem.

Devils on Horseback

Devils on horseback are a traditional English treat combining sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. What more could you ask for? There are many different ways to make them, so feel free to improvise!

Ingredients:

• 20 pitted prunes
• 2 Anjou pears skinned, cut into half inch pieces
• 1 package apple wood smoked bacon, each strip cut in half
• 5 black tea bags
• Maple syrup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Chili flake for garnish
• 2 cups white wine
• 2 cups white sugar
• 4 cubes ginger
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean
• 3 star anise
• 1 Tbsp whole black peppercorns

For The Prunes:
Add 1 1/2 cups water and black tea bags to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and add prunes. Let steep for about 20 minutes.

For The Pears:

Add 2 cups water, white wine, and sugar to a saucepan. Keep on low heat until sugar is dissolved. Add in all poaching spices. Simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes. Strain and pick out pears. DO NOT DISCARD LIQUID.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. When the prunes and pears are cool enough to handle, stuff one piece of pear inside each prune. Wrap each one horizontally with bacon. Place on foil lined baking tray. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with poaching liquid. Place back in oven and broil for another 5-10 minutes. Repeat this process, if desired. Garnish with red chili flake and serve.

Vixen Punch

This vodka punch from Imbibe magazine is a perfect holiday crowd pleaser. And what's more Halloween appropriate than a bright red bowl of liquid?

Ingredients:

• 3 cups vodka
• 12 oz. cranberry juice
• 8 oz. Aperol
• 4 oz. simple syrup
• 2 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups soda water

Combine first 5 ingredients and refrigerate until chilled. Pour into punch bowl. Add ice and soda. Garnish with lemon wheels and whole cranberries.

What are some of your favorite Halloween treats?

I officially have the travel bug. Usually around April, I began furiously scouring flight deals to white sand beaches and coconut beverages. But this month I?m moving into a new apartment and can?t go anywhere unless I don't want to have any furniture or eat?food. Priorities blow.

As a crude, crude substitute, I turned to Google for vicarious gratification. tHere a voyeuristic thrill about peeking into people?s homes. The ?I wonder what it would be like to live there?? moment is like a mini mental escape. Instead of just limiting my ?getaway? to the U.S., I decided to round up 10 of the chicest kitchens from around the world. Join me on this magic carpet ride:

1. San Francisco, U.S.A.

Our first stop is within the continental United States. But, this colorful home actually feels like a tropical enclave with its expansive views city views and surrounding foliage. Thanks to the floor to ceiling windows, natural light permeates the space, reflecting off the white laminate cabinets. The rope swing bar stools suspended from the ceiling are fun, whimsical, and feel like a perennial vacation.

2. Stockholm, Sweden

This circa 1905 country home would be the ideal place to wake up in with friends, enjoy long brunches, and host pizza making parties. The gorgeous range is state of the art, yet helps maintain the Old World interior. My favorite part though, is the diversity of lighting. tHere that modern hanging fixture, some natural light, and of course the rustic kitchen fireplace. So cozy!

3. Istanbul, Turkey

When I see this picture, I instantly smell Turkish coffee. Textures and patterns reign king here and mix bohemian with modern style. Replicate the style by layering rugs, tiles, copper, and terracotta together for a dynamic feel. Keeping it all one color scheme (here it's warm and earthy) will allow the space to feel unified and streamlined. The two tone cabinets also work great as the white upper cabinets keep everything bright and airy.

4. Surrey, England

A huge fantasy I have is to take a vacation where I feel compelled to do nothing but read. I have a list of novels I?d love to get through and this cheery Surrey kitchen would be just the place. I actually love the casual vibe of eat-in kitchens and love how this space feels quintessentially English Victorian. That vintage blue kettle is just calling for afternoon tea and a great book.

5. Paris, France

This is actually Italian designer Giambattista Valli?s Parisian abode, and it is just as special as his pieces. The stove is a restored 19th century piece, which is juxtaposed with an artisanal ceramic tile backsplash from Positano, Italy. Spaces that are infused with history, personal culture, and art are often the most compelling. This kitchen would be beautiful to entertain in!

6. London, England

While few of us may choose a lacquered Kelly green island for everyday use, this would be so exciting to wake up to during a vacation. The lush hydrangeas and adorable dog are simply icing. By keeping the chrome cabinets and marble backsplash sophisticated and simple, the bright island stands out as the focal point of this sophisticated space in London?s West End.

7. AndalucÌa, Spain

This Mediterranean beachhouse kitchen is truly inspired by the tones of the sea. don't have enough storage space in your kitchen? The owner of this home found the blue and white 50?s era cabinet in a secondhand store. The marquee letter was also found in the street. With some restoration and cleaning, it's easy to add character and functionality to your kitchen, on the cheap. Bonus: if you're really going on a vacation, this home is available via Airbnb!

8. Lake VesturhÛp, Iceland

Growing up, I loved visiting my grandmother?s home and this cozy lakeside cottage has the same feel of a warm retreat. I love the bare feel, with open shelving and exposed pendant lighting. The owners wanted everything to be left visible as they ?love the creation of food?. If you're trying to spruce up a tiny kitchen, consider painting a couple cabinets with a shocking slick of teal. Accessories and knickknacks welcome!

A Cozy Icelandic Cottage

9. Cape Town, South Africa

Located in the heart of Cape Town, this home embodies its urban environment with industrial appliances and furniture. The pendant lamp has an exposed wire, which is a top trend. The table was custom made with wood and steel, and painted white on top to brighten the space. Tip: add wheels to your table (like above) for easy entertaining and moving.

10. Singapore

If you love to cook with the local fare when you're traveling, you'll want a kitchen like this on your next vacation. This meticulous Singapore kitchen boasts dual cooking stations, Miele appliances, and Silestone (less porous and more stain resistant than other finishes) counters. Generally you see large floor tiles in kitchens, but the tiny almost retro mosaic quality of this flooring balances out the ultra contemporary furnishings.

Which kitchen would you love to escape to on a vacation?

Personally, I find the cozy yet chic kitchen to be quite elusive. Most of my friends kitchens are cozy, but charming rather than chic. Or, new kitchens nowadays swing too heavily contemporary. They are visually arresting, but cold and devoid of character. tHere one common theme I see in gorgeously curated homes ? the presence of exposed ceiling beams.

It makes sense, right? Bringing the kitchen ceiling down lower provides an enclosed, warm, and safe atmosphere. From a cottage feel to a totally modern look, exposed beams are incredibly versatile. Unless you're lucky and have them built directly into your home, they?re often forgotten during a remodel because people are focused on the cabinets and appliances. But, these architectural details: exposed beams, built in bookshelves, open shelving, etc. make up the bones of your home. Beautiful bones = beautiful home. The good news is that you can ask your contractor to build them in, or open up the ceiling to expose the beauty lying underneath. Get started with these 11 inspiring kitchens:

1. Farmhouse Fresh

This sunny white kitchen would still be beautiful without the exposed beams, but the addition of them adds a refined, yet still rustic feel.

2. Earthy Minimalist

The exposed beams here are placed farther apart, which keeps within the minimalist theme yet adds depth and warmth. We also love how the backsplash is simply matte black paint. Just wipe stains off with a wet cloth!

3. Rustic Mountain Home (above)

This ultimate relaxed kitchen boasts lots of wall to wall exposed beams and a earthy butcher block island that's perfect for hanging out.

4. A Contemporary Take in Madrid

This is a departure from traditional exposed beams, yet this wooden ceiling grating accomplishes a similar vibe. The kitchen feels cozy but still sleek and ultra contemporary. Also, how cool is that tubular hood above the island?

5. Bungalow Micro Kitchen

This Vancouver bungalow was built in the 1940 and the unfinished ceiling makes this the ideal spot for family quality time.

6. An Industrial Oasis

The plethora of exposed beams makes the kitchen feel comforting and natural. The minimalist white accents balance out the rawness of the wood and metal piping.

7. Glam New York City Haven

This striking living and kitchen space is saved from being too cold and glamorous with the addition of subtle white ceiling beams.

8. Indoor Jungle Kitchen

I?ve always wanted a jungle in my kitchen. The exposed wooden beams in this conservatory fit perfectly with the nature theme. Meanwhile, the concrete floors add an interesting contrast.

9. Palm Springs Retreat

The ceiling beams are painted white here to give a subtle effect that provides coziness without sacrificing visual space.

10. Eclectic Austin Farmhouse

From the blue cabinets and full marble backsplash to the vintage wooden island and sparse, raw exposed beams, this kitchen is a winning combination of styles. P.S. it's where Brooklyn Decker and Andy Roddick live

11. Cozy Office Kitchen

This Portland space included a renovation which included tearing the ceiling open to expose the raw beams underneath. We love how the beams are also used to hang vine-y plants.

Are you convinced that a kitchen with exposed beams is the way to go yet? We?d love to hear your thoughts below.

We want to send a big thank you to everyone who participated in our Facebook contest and helped make it a success!

For many, redoing your kitchen or bathroomseems like a daunting task. Here what Karen had to say during her remodeling process:

I entered the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Facebook contest because my bathroom vanity was in need of replacement due to a water leak that had damaged the wood beyond repair. Before entering the contest, I had never considered ordering cabinets online. The idea of measuring my bathroom and having cabinets fit the exact specifications seemed like a formidable task. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how easy Kitchen Cabinet Kings made the whole process. The step by step directions they provided for taking my bathroom measurements was very helpful. Under the helpful guidance of sales associate Rebecca White, I chose Thompson White assembled bathroom cabinets. Within two weeks the cabinets arrived and I was very pleased with the quality of the solid wood doors and frames. They fit perfectly and were easy for my husband to install. My bathroom has been transformed into a lovely place of respite thanks to Kitchen Cabinet Kings.

Without further ado, Here a before and after picture of her bathroom

Are you racing against the clock every morning? Does disorganization prevent you from getting out the door when you're ten minutes late for work? Do you find it difficult to move swiftly and efficiently through your kitchen without knocking over a tower of precariously placed dishes? Time to put an end to this unnecessary stress! Follow these simple principles to maximize space in your kitchen.

De-Clutter

This is the MOST important step people. It is an absolute must to rid your cabinets and drawers of junk that's only getting in your way. Are you actually going to bust out that pasta maker you bought yourself for christmas four years ago? Do you seriously think you're going to order enough take-out to use up the endless supply of sauce packets in your cutlery drawer? don't kid yourself. No matter how big or small, if you haven't used it in the past six months it needs to go. Finish discarding from top to bottom before you start purchasing organizational items.

Proper Containers

it's almost impossible to keep pantry stock tidy when you're dealing with torn packaging and bulk bags. Stock up on glass jars and air tight containers for storing dried goods (stackable containers are a plus). This helps you keep track of inventory while also keeping food fresh.

Make Most Frequently Used Items Easily Accessible

If you're constantly reaching and rummaging for items you use on a daily basis you're doing something wrong. Keep your most valued players up front and center. This goes for dishes, food, and anything else you use frequently. If your cabinets don't offer enough space for optimum organization, a tall wire rack can be very useful.

Keep Surfaces Clear

When you live in a pocket sized apartment it's important to make use of every nook and cranny. To use your limited space wisely you need to think outside the box, horizontal-ly and vertically. Hang anything that has the potential to hang. Supply yourself with tools and appliances that give you the ability to use your ceilings and walls as storage; floating fruit basket, magnetic knife strip, wall mounting bars/racks, etc. Keeping sur-faces clear helps to create a stress-free environment for cooking and dining.

Add A Little Love

Okay, this one may not exactly be a space-saving technique, but once your kitchen is organized and free of clutter why not have fun with it? Add a few plants to your window sill, or perhaps some tea lights to bring a poetic edge to the room. Take pleasure in find-ing trendy, inexpensive do-it-yourself projects that complement your space and make it your own!
What are your tips for surviving a small kitchen?