Recent Wax Reviews

LPL Cold Ginger Ale: I now understand why this scent gets so many rave reviews; it's fabulous. A refreshing and effervescent ginger ale scent, very realistic. This had strong throw that lasted 12+ hours. Overall grade: A+. Would repurchase.

CLK Coconut & Sandalwood: this is a creamy unsweetened coconut with a light, mellow sandalwood musk. It is very pleasant but not quite as woodsy or as sweet as I hoped it would be. Moderate throw for about 10 hours. Overall grade: A-. Probably wouldn't repurchase.

Candy Panda Apple Ale: This was a nice and not super sweet apple cider type scent; a little duller and less spicy than cider. It really did smell like an apple ale I've sniffed before. Moderate throw for about 8 hours. Overall grade: B+. Would not purchase.

Candy Panda Earl Grey Tea: I'm infatuated with this aroma! It's robust black tea leaves with hints of freshness and herbalness from the bergamot. Moderate throw for about 6-8 hours. Overall grade: A-. Might repurchase.

BHG Golden Harvest Sunset: A very unique blend: to me this smells like tart citrus, red wine and leaves/fresh grass. Fairly strong throw for about 8 hours. Overall grade: A-. Probably wouldn't repurchase.

The Scented Squirrel Grandma Shreve's Butterscotch Pie: An absolutely delicious aroma like butterscotch pudding! Moderate throw for about 6-8 hours. Overall grade: B+. Might repurchase.

Fall Fun Series: Pumpkins Galore

Few things are more representative of October and fall that the ever versatile pumpkin! From fall decor to recipes, this time of year would be a lot more dull without these humble gourds. Orange and round and oh so tasty; this post will be full of all things pumpkin!

First, some of my favorite pumpkin wax melts. I have a huge selection of pumpkin scented wax so I selected some vendor melts that I'm currently infatuated with.

BHG Roasted Pumpkin Coconut: not vendor but this is one of my absolute favorite pumpkin scented melts from  Walmart this year. I'm melting it today along with my favorite BBW Pumpkin Coconut candle.

Candy Panda Ugg Lyfe: "pumpkin coconut caramel. smells like pumpkin pie and samoa cookies had a baby."

Handmade Prim cinnamon covered grubby pumpkins and Vanilla Pumpkin.

Starry Skies Vanilla Pumpkin Marshmallow and Caramel Pumpkin Swirl. Also loving Cornucopia "pumpkin cupcake + coconut + cinnamon sugared donut."

LSC Pumpkin Stuffed French Toast 

Cosmic Gems The Great Pumpkin and Pumpkin Dream Cake 

VCS The Great Pumpkin: "Pumpkin Layer Cake Cream Cheese Frosting."

Cleanse Your Soul Oktoberfest Cake and Pumpkin Toffee Cake.

Confession time: I had every intention of making a delicious maple pumpkin trail mix recipe for this post, but when I went to the grocery store for ingredients under a time crunch, I became frustrated when couldn't find the recipe in Pinterest and ended up leaving empty handed. I realized later that I had been searching pumpkin granola instead of pumpkin trail mix. Darn...

Well anyway, here is a photo of the delicious trail mix I didn't end up making and if this recipe intrigues you, you can view it here at slimpickinskitchen.com. 

Fortunately a couple days later I was able to make my annual pilgrimage to Trader Joe's for "all pumpkin everything" season, my favorite time of year! If you too love all things pumpkin, I highly recommend a trip to the mecca of all things pumpkin, fair trade and tasty.

Among the delicious pumpkin goodies that made their way into my cart were Pumpkin O's (the perfect touch of pumpkin goodness, way better than pumpkin spice Cheerios)

Pumpkin Cheesecake 

Pumpkin Toaster Pastries.

I love 99.9 percent of all the delicious goodies I've gotten from TJ's, but the one thing I'd recommend everyone steer clear of are the frozen waffles. Both the pumpkin and regular varieties are absolute cardboard, bleh.

I also made a recent pilgrimage to Walmart and they had a bunch of great pumpkin and fall themed housewares. 

I ended up with a mug, bowl and plate in case I have an overwhelming urge to eat off of pumpkins. Quite the bargain at $2.48 each.

Also sharing my favorite Pumpkin Spice Tea from Bigelow and some yummy pumpkin mini scones from a local grocery store.

I will leave you with this delightful image of my spirit animal Pusheen enjoying all things pumpkin.

Do you enjoy pumpkin recipes, products and decorations? What are some of your favorite pumpkin things?

OOTD: Renaissance Fair

I hope you aren't too disappointed that this isn't a costume. I didn't dress up myself, but it was super fun looking at all the costumes. Kind of considering going next year and dressing up. 

It's been hard to transition into fall clothing so far; the weather has been a roller coaster the past few weeks between the 70's and 90's, so I've mainly been incorporating fall colors with lightweight fabrics. I'm digging burgundy right now!

Kimono Jacket: wish.com

Tank: ON

Shorts: Family Clothes Outlet 

Bag: F21

Sandals: Payless 

Necklace: flea market

Bonus photos of my matching nails and drink of choice which was black cherry cyder.

Recent Wax Reviews

CLK Sweet & Salty Zucchini Bread: This is absolutely divine! It's like warm zucchini bread drizzled with salted caramel. Fairly strong throw for about 8 hours. Overall grade: A. Would repurchase.

Apple Brandy Cider: A nice realistic spiced apple cider scent with a hint of a warm boozy and syrupy note. Not as strong of throw as I'm used to from BHG but a yummy scent. Moderate throw for about 10 hours. Overall grade: B+. Might repurchase.

The Scented Squirrel Autumn Hayride: a warm grassy aroma with hints of crisp air and fresh apple. Lovely scent! Moderate throw for about 8-10 hours. Overall grade: A-. Would repurchase.

Kitty's Konfections Amanda's Aspiration (volcano + bubblegum): juicy mixed fruits and sweet pink bubblegum. A yummy blend. Fairly strong throw for about 8 hours. Overall grade: A. Would repurchase.

Candy Panda Birthday Cake: A super yummy rich vanilla cake scent. Strong throw for about 10 hours. Overall grade: A+. Would repurchase.

CLK Warm Spice Cake: This reminds me of gingerbread mixed with white cake; quite delicious! Fairly strong throw for about 4 hours, becoming moderate thereafter. Overall grade: A-. Might repurchase.

SS Caramel Pumpkin Seeds: A creamy caramel & nut scent, kind of like nut cluster candies. Fairly strong throw for about 8 hours. Overall grade: A-. Might repurchase.

The Scented Squirrel Mulled Cider: A rich, warm cider scent with just the right hint of spice. A new favorite! Fairly strong throw for about 8-10 hours. Overall grade: A. Would repurchase.

SS Cider Donuts: A yummy cinnamon sugar and warm bakery scent. Moderate throw for about 6-8 hours. Overall grade: B+. Might repurchase.

Fall Fun Series: Fall Activity

Recently a friend and I spent a fun Saturday at Cover's Apple Ranch which is a quaint Mennonite farm, restaurant and bakery about an hour's drive up into the foothills. When we first arrived we purchased some hot apple cider and coffee to sip as we walked around and saw all the farm sights.

There were apples and other fresh produce galore, as well as plenty of country chic knick knacks.

This sign gave me a laugh.

Found some feline friends!

Some pretty hand milled goats milk soaps.

Cozy book nook!

Then we toured the barn and pumpkin patch.

Side eye from a mini horse.

A goat presenting it's horns.

Cute piglets.

Majestic horse.

Hay bale maze.

Cool vintage truck decked out with pumpkins and corn stalks.

Then we went on a train ride around the farm.

The conductor.

The barn.

"Alligator swamp."

Old machinery and bull skull.

Corn fields.

Apple Mount.

Apple tree.

Finally we ended our trip with a delicious homemade meal at their cafe and bakery. 

I had a generous slice of quiche, fresh salad and apple sauce and it was delightful!

I also too home a jug of cider and an apple turnover for my hubby to enjoy.

Have you visited a farm, pumpkin patch, corn maze or other fall activity this year?

NOTD: Birthday & Fall

Needed a big dose of sparkle today! 1 coat ILNP Juliette with fall leaf decals from Polished Vino.

NOTD: Irridescent Glitter Bomb

I keep waffling back and forth between summer and fall colors. This is 1 coat of Cuccio Illumination (Thanks Dressagediva!) over 1 coat OPI This Color's Making Waves. The shimmery iridescence and glowiness of this polish is captivating!