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
