Biggest 2014 Pumpkin Finds!!!

If you go on a shopping trip to Target for some household necessities and come back with only these items below and a huge smile...you might have a pumpkin problem.  I know mine is getting pretty serious. I mean, look at all these new 2014 pumpkin products. Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa mix???  GO TO HELL!!!!  How am I supposed to resist that? Guys, I'm so full right now I can't even think about trying these new things but I'll get back to you.  Pumpkin Spice candy corn? I'm skeptical.

What am I full from you ask?  Well...PUMPKIN HEAVEN. My husband and I found it today.

That's right, Cinnabon upped their game. And it is magical.  Everything you love from the wondrous cinnamon bun but now it's slathered in a rich, buttery pumpkin caramel sauce.  It's perfect.  Luis and I shared one and couldn't even finish it but that doesn't mean I won't try to conquer it another time. I mean, I obviously must have this again.

Run, don't walk to Cinnabon.  No, seriously.  You're welcome.

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Now after all that you are probably going to want some liquid refreshment...I have you covered.  Thanks to my SoCal friend Lindsay Martin I have been enlightened about a magical new drink.

It's an iced pumpkin chai from The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.  I couldn't believe my taste buds when I had my first sip.  It is insane. Spicy but buttery, smooth but rich.  It's really intense and should be more of a once in a while drink but hey, if you want one everyday...you know I'm behind you.  

Word of caution: You might get a lot of weird looks walking down the street with this bright orange concoction but you'll be smiling so big...that's what everyone will really be noticing!!  Enjoy!!

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Rich and sweet not your thing?  I have found one of my new 2014 favorites:

PUMPKIN LEMONADE

Now this one, I want to drink EVERYDAY.  Thanks to the Urban Space pop up restaurants on 39th street and Broadway this was brought into my life!  I was grabbing dinner from Domo Taco (No pumpkin here but you should try it! Mmmmmmm) and I looked 2 doors down to a shop called Mayhem & Stout. That's where I saw the beautiful sign up above that read the unspeakable.  Pumpkin Lemonade??  I asked the lady working there how it was and she said she loved it. It's their traditional lemonade then they put pumpkin puree on top.  Shake it up and you have heaven.  I had to try it.  You guys-It's tart and mixes summer flavor with the comforting feel of fall.  Pretty sure I'm going to have it again today.  It is SOOOOO good.  Get on it.

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Also found in these amazing pop up restaurants, another one of my 2014 favorites:

THE PUMPKIN POP TART:

No it's not the super mediocre ones offered in your local grocery store, this is from The Baking Bean.  My good friend Michael James found this for me, and I'm obsessed. The real pumpkin inside keeps it from being too sweet and over processed.  It's so fresh and the delicious glaze brings all the spice and pumpkin flavors together.  It's perfect.  I'm telling you if you're in NYC, get to The Urban Space. http://urbanspacenyc.com/broadway-bites/

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Let's take a moment and move away from pumpkin edible treats and talk about how to smell like a pumpkin too!!!  My friend Courtney who is currently playing Princess Jasmine in Aladdin is kind of a big deal. If there is a big opening or premier she is there...and where she is, there are free gifts and swag! She shared one of her finds with me, and let me keep it!!

Yesteryear Soap Company has made a Pumpkin Spice Soap and it smells exactly how you want it to. Yes ma'am I'm a fan.  It even comes in a super cute gold bag...winning.  Thanks for sharing girl!

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Next up the Bath & Body Works Love for Pumpkin continues to grow. If you don't have a 3 wick pumpkin candle burning right now, something is wrong. Get to your nearest B&BW and stock up. Newest scent to try? Pumpkin Latte & Marshmallow. Sounds terrible for a scent, I know but trust me...the latte portion of the smell brings it to an earthier place and balances out the sweet of the marshmallow. Slather yourself in the body cream and enjoy. 

Who gets it? My Dad! Just got this package below from him full of pumpkin scented magic and flavors.  Perfection. Thanks Pops!!!!!

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Ok, that's about as long as I can stay away from Pumpkin treats...you can eat!!! Check out this new 2014 addition. One of my best friends Matt showed up with this on our last dinner date and I died. I have heard about this Pumpkin Spice gum but figured I'd never find it...I have been searching everywhere!  It's 

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

good.   If you find it, buy a case and stash it away. It is amazing.  Thanks Matty!

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Next up is a delightful little treat from Godiva.  I've tried the other pumpkin truffle from their store but never this Pumpkin Cheesecake one.  Thanks to my friend Khori I finally tried it! I usually stay away from anything with cheesecake affiliated because of my serious distaste for cheese...but this is just so cute I had to try it! As I imagined the cheesecake taste was too powerful for me but my Husband practically ripped it out of my hands and finished it.  He LOVED it, and I assume 99.9% of people would feel the same way.  Give it a try.  Thanks Khori!

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As you can tell, I have some seriously thoughtful and amazing friends.  They love  and support me even through my pumpkin craze.  This was never more apparent than when I lost my 2nd beloved Grandma this year and they all knew how to make me feel better.  My best friends in California sent me one of the best floral arrangements I've EVER seen:

Yes, those are gorgeous flowers IN A PUMPKIN. I mean, It's just the best. I love you girls beyond. Thank you.

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My dressing roomates at Aladdin, who are family, I mean we see each other more than our spouses, also hooked me up and made me cry when I returned from taking a moment off to mourn. My dressing room station was overloaded with treats...most of them pumpkin!!  I mean, these women have to endure the pumpkin craziness first hand on the daily, and they let me do it with minimal questioning...haha! Love you ladies.

There is just nothing more important than family and friends.  I feel very lucky to be constantly reminded of this on a daily basis.

I hope you'll join me next time.  I have many more pumpkin specialties to share including my favorite pumpkin beers and ciders,  more fun pumpkin gifts and things I've found around this gorgeous city.  Till next time, go treat yourself to a delicious fall treat and always keep Pumpkin on your Mind!

xoxo

Jenn

Pumpkin Season is upon us...And I'm back!!!!

It's been a few years but I'm back and ready to find the most exciting and delicious Pumpkin treats in NYC, and a store near you.  I've already seen several new products that I'm so excited to share with you AND try!! So lets get started with a few.

First let's start with products I'm looking forward to experiencing:

1.  Pumpkin Pie Frozen Yogurt at OFF THE WALL.  This is especially dangerous because it is mere steps away from my Stage Door...I have a feeling this will be a pretty regular celebratory treat!!!! I'm not gonna lie, I definitely had to go in and have a sample.  It was everything I wanted.  Can't wait to jazz it up with a graham cracker sprinkle and marshmallows!!

2.  Pumpkin & Black Sesame Bread from PARIS BAGUETTE.  Are you kidding me? Soft delicious bread with real pumpkin pieces baked in? Sometimes I get upset when stores market a product as "pumpkin" but really have just slapped on a few pumpkin seeds.  That is NOT it. With this bread you can actually see the pumpkin in there! I have hesitated to buy this bread because there is a Paris Baguette around the corner from the theatre and I'm scared I'll buy it every day...I think I'm going to have to do it this week though...I can't wait ANY longer!!!!! I'll let you know if it tastes as magical as it looks!

Next, lets move on to a few items I have actually tried in the last couple weeks...MMMmmmmmmm

1.  Eggo...You didn't let me down.  In my opinion this had the Perfect amount of pumpkin spice going on...I actually felt like I was indulging but I wasn't!! A little warm 100% pure maple syrup is the "icing on the cake" and really brings all the flavors together.  YES MA'AM!!!!!!!! I'm a fan.

2.    Milano...You've always been the right choice but now, you've really done it.  The subtle pumpkin flavor is perfect!!  Rich enough that you feel like you're having a decadent treat and only need one or two at a time, but light enough that it's not overpowering.  Nicely done.  Thanks to my friend Lauryn for finding these and brightening my day!!! YUMMMMMMMMMM!!!!

LASTSLY- I just have to share the recipe for this FIERCE Pumpkin Protein Shake I made last week.  It was like drinking an indulgent pumpkin milkshake, but I wasn't!!  It gave me all the Protein I needed after my workout, and tasted like a dream!

Makes 2 Shakes

1 Cup milk of your choice

2 heaping tablespoons Pure Pumpkin

2 heaping tablespoons plain or vanilla greek yogurt

1 scoop Pumpkin Spice Protein Powder

7 ice cubes

It is SOOOOOO good.  Mmmmmmmmmm.  One of my best friend's Johanna gave me a recipe for a Pumpkin + greens smoothie so I'll be trying that next.  Sounds delicious so I'll let you know!!

See you in a couple weeks with more new finds. Let me know if you find a special Pumpkin treat around your neck of the woods!!  

HAPPY PUMPKIN SEASON!!!

xo

Top 10 Most Amazing Pumpkin Goodies (in a store near you) this Fall!

That's right friends.  We are entering the best season of all...PUMPKIN Season, and I'm here to guide you to the yummiest, most exciting pumpkin products on the market!!  Below you will find 10 of my favorite pumpkin treats that you can find in a store near you!!  When you need an immediate pumpkin fix...I'll show you where to go!!
Enjoy...I know I am!!

1.  DUNKIN' DONUTS PUMPKIN MUFFIN

Ok, first up is the #1 thing I look forward to during this glorious season.  As a PUMPKIN ADDICT that is a big statement.  What is it??  Well, it's the Pumpkin Muffin from Dunkin Donuts.  I know you're thinking...really?  But trust me.  One bite into this "not so little" muffin will have you reeling into pumpkin oblivion.  It's like having a pumpkin cake all to yourself.  I don't know how they do it, but it's consistently the moistest muffin I have ever had...in my lifetime.


Quick Important Tip:  Some Locations are stingy on the icing drizzle on top, or they don't do it at all. If this is the case...leave immediately and go to the one down the block.  It's worth it, believe me!!!  Mmmmmmmmmmm!


2.  EDY'S SLOW CHURNED PUMPKIN ICE CREAM

              

I know you're thinking...another store bought generic item??  But I promise these treats deliver in a BIG way, and deserve the serious shout out!  My second pick is Edy's Slow Churned Pumpkin Ice Cream.  You can find it in your Grocery Store!  Now, they have it in a non-reduced fat version as well, and to me...it tastes exactly the same so why not get the healthier version, and eat more of it!!  Haha!  This creamy ice cream has only 90 calories per serving so get in there spoon in hand, and your taste buds will thank you.  I'm not gonna lie...I just had some a few minutes ago.  First scoop of the season!!  Just as amazing as I remember.

3.  SWEET CINNAMON PUMPKIN LIP GLOSS

Don't have access to a delicious pumpkin pastry, or trying to fit into your skinny jeans and are taking a break from the sweets?? (Don't do it...Not during pumpkin season!)  Well, here is a scrumptious treat for your lips.  It's the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Lip Gloss from Bath & Body Works.  It really is like instant dessert, without the guilt!!  It has a bit of shine and sparkle to it so it looks great and the real essence of pumpkin pie will have you glowing from ear to ear.  Go grab this now before it's all gone!










4.  PUMPKIN SPICED LATTE or PUMPKIN ICED COFFEE

What about when you need something to wash down your delicious pumpkin goodies?  Well, I'm sure it's no surprise what #4 is.  It's the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks.  Delivers every time and man is it good!  I have to get mine decaf ('cause I'm old and sensitive), and I get it non fat without the whipped cream, and it is still just as good as the whole shebang (is that a word??!!)  I say enjoy pumpkin everyday...just find ways to cut corners here and there without losing the quality and satisfaction!

Now if you're going to have an ICED pumpkin beverage, I have to hand it over to my friends back at Dunkin' Donuts once again!  Their pumpkin iced coffee is amazing, and is more spicy than an iced Starbucks.  I go for a medium decaf iced pumpkin coffee with half the pumpkin syrup they usually put.  1/2 is plenty.  Soooooo good!




5.  PUMPKIN PANCAKES

When it comes to starting your morning off like royalty, there is nothing better than a big pile of delectable pumpkin pancakes.  Cover them in pure maple syrup and whipped cream and there is absolutely nothing else like it.  Best news of all is there are a few different options that are all so good they are worth mentioning.  Whether you want to stay in your jammies and enjoy them with a big cup of java at home, or you want to venture out and enjoy them I have you covered.

Stay at home option #1 can be found...well where else?  The mecca: TARGET.  This mix by Archer Farms delivers in a big big way.  Just follow the directions and you will be in breakfast or brunch bliss.  They got it right on the money.  No substitutions necessary. 

Stay at home option #2 I have to admit I haven't personally tried myself.  However I have been told by Countless people that it is amazing, and a must try.  Judging by how fast it flies off the shelves at Trader Joe's during the season, I have to go ahead and say I think they must have a good thing going!  Last year I tried to get it countless different times and they were always sold out.  I'm happy to say I'm the lucky owner of 2 boxes that I bought today!

If you want to treat yourself to a cheap breakfast out, IHOP is the place.  Yep, you heard me.  They seriously have crack in their batter.  They are SOOOOOOO good.  I know it sounds sketchy but get on it...I wouldn't steer you wrong.




6.  PUMPKIN SMASH SMOOTHIE

Jamba Juice gets it right once again.  This creamy dreamy pumpkin smoothie covers all the basis.  Made with real pumpkin, it's not overly sweet and it really satisfies.  I always try to be good and order a small size but sometimes I can't help myself...Don't judge.  I always find myself praying that they make too much and have to give me a super size!!  This is my friend and fellow pumpkin enthusiast Johanna's favorite too...she knows whats up!
Haven't had one yet this season...I think that's going to have to happen this week.  Enjoy!





7.  DANIELLE PUMPKIN CHIPS

I found these by accident a couple months ago, and I'm so happy I did.  I think we all have probably tried delicious sweet potato chips of some sort by now, but these pumpkin chips are really different and in a class of their own.  They are the perfect all natural salty snack.  I found them at Whole Foods, but I'm seeing them around more and more...Yay!  Only downside is they are a bit pricey, but I promise it's worth it.  It's ok to indulge from time to time!!  Go get your salty pumpkin on!!



8.  GHIRARDELLI MILK & PUMPKIN SPICE CARAMEL CHOCOLATE SQUARES

I know I put these in a post earlier this year but I have one word for these...AMAZING!!  My friend Jason told me about these last year and when I tried them,  It made me mad....'cause they were so good!!!  I haven't seen them on the shelves yet this fall season but I'm giving you plenty of notice...get into your local candy aisle and search.  Target usually has them!!  The combination of smooth caramel and spicy pumpkin with milk chocolate will send your heart and taste buds racing!!  Your welcome!!!







9.  PUMPKIN BUTTER

Another home run for Trader Joe's.  This pumpkin butter is sent from the Gods...and has so many options!  You can slather it on pancakes, muffins, scones or crackers and at only 40 calories per serving you can go for it!!  It's my favorite on a toasted whole wheat english muffin!  Soooooo good with a hot cup of spicy chai tea.  Now that's how to start your morning off right!




10.  CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE with PUMPKIN FROSTING

Last but not least is a personal favorite of mine.  Unfortunately, this can only be enjoyed by New Yorkers but if you live outside the area, you might want to start looking into plane tickets because this cupcake is worth it!  Many of you know I worked at a cupcake shop last year called Butter Lane.  It is still to this day the best cupcake I have ever had.    The perfect fall match up is their incredible chocolate cupcake with their seasonal pumpkin frosting on top.  It is a magical combination and my mouth is watering right now just thinking about it.  I would truly have atleast one a day when I worked there...they are dangerous.  If you are a NYC resident, you have no excuse.  Get to 7th Street between 1st and A immediately...and tell them I sent you!! 


Well that's it for now...go out and get your fix, and tell me what was your favorite!  Be on the lookout for my next post, I will be counting down my top 10 favorite Pumpkin recipes including my famous pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!!


Have an awesome start to this awesome season!!


xo
Jenn

Fitness Friendly Peanut Butter Protein Balls!

So, I know it's not Pumpkin but it's my other obsession...Peanut Butter!!  These are so good and easy to make-I had to share them!  They are perfect for a snack pre or post workout, or if you have a craving for a cookie or delicious baked good.  This will satisfy any sweet tooth and give you a boost as well as a smile from ear to ear!  I can't wait for you to try these!!  Ok-here is your ingredient list:


1 cup honey
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup oats
3 scoops protein powder
craisins, nuts, other dried fruit to taste
cinnamon to your taste


Start with a saucepan on the stove.  Put one cup of honey, and one cup of your favorite peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, i like to use natural crunchy pb because it gives it extra crunch and texture).  Heat that on low until they blend and you can stir it easily.


Turn the heat off.  Next add in your oats and protein powder and mix in completely.  Then add as much dried fruit, nuts, or anything else that sounds good to you (i like to use craisins and/or dried apricots).  Sprinkle in some cinnamon!Once it's all mixed in, take the pan and put it in the fridge for at least an hour to toughen up a bit.  

While those are toughening up, take some tupperware and line it with a sheet of parchment paper.  Once your hour has passed take the pan out.  Now simply take your mixture and roll it into 1" balls (or as big or small as you want) and place them in the tupperware.  Then return them to the fridge and wait for your next craving!!!  YUMMMMM!

Guilt free indulgences...what more can we ask for??  My husband and I are obsessed with these and I hope you will be too.  Let me know if you have any questions, and let me know how you like them!


xoxo
Jenn

A Pumpkin Treat You Can Enjoy All Day...With No Calories!!

I know it sounds too good to be true, but I wouldn't lie to you!  I have been enjoying this for way too long in secret, and it's time to share this with the world.  This Past Christmas, my Husband hit the jackpot with the best gift ever...

                               PUMPKIN BRULEE BODY LOTION

You guys...I can't even describe the smell...well, I will try.  When you put this creamy lotion all over your body, it feels and smells like you literally jumped into a warm bowl of pumpkin brulee that has just been finished off with whipped cream and a blow torch!!  The best part is the pumpkin pie smell lasts all day long.  It is so amazing...Now go find yourself some!!


My husband couldn't remember exactly where he got it in all his Christmas shopping, but he is pretty sure he got it at Kohl's...Delicious AND affordable!!! The brand that makes it is SAVOUR.  Happy Shopping, and let me know when you try it!!!  Till next time Pumpkin Lovers!!!  


xoxo
Jenn

Welcome all Pumpkin and Dessert Lovers!

If you're a Lover of all things sweet, with a big emphasis on Pumpkin Treats then we have a lot of things in common!  For most of my life, I have had a serious Love of all things pumpkin...just ask my friends!  I don't know the reason for it, but it just speaks to me, and affects my taste buds like nothing else.  Even the smell makes me smile from ear to ear all day long!  Nothing makes me happier than a big scrumptious pumpkin muffin!


For years now, I have been sharing my new pumpkin findings on facebook and other sites, but I thought it was time to create a space directly devoted to my new discoveries...and yours so we can all enjoy it together!


So, let's start with my latest finding.

You saw it right.  Milk Chocolate with Pumpkin Spice Caramel.  My friend Jason told me about these awhile ago, but I couldn't find them anywhere so I just assumed he was making it up!!  But just weeks ago, I found a few lonely bags on the shelf at TARGET...a.k.a. the Mecca!  These are seriously the best chocolates I have ever had.  The perect marriage of chocolate and pumpkin spice.  I know they are seasonal, but if you look hard maybe you will get lucky like I did...so get out there and get your own bag (or 5 bags...it's ok, I don't judge!!!) Happy Hunting!!  Let me know what you think, and check back here often to find the newest amazing pumpkin discoveries!