Don’t be afraid to try something new.  Use the elements of autumn to your advantage with produce, nuts and twigs along with the many color tones of the earth and sky.  Such a rich time to gather and inspire!

By Laura

Lit up starry night. webvivah.com

Colorful fruit centerpieces. www.brides.com

Unique chocolate cake. www.brides.com

Autumn floral. www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com

When buying meat, look for these types of meats or key words that will lead you to a healthier options.

• Poultry: Skinless, white-meat chicken or turkey. Also try ground turkey for delicious turkey burgers.
• Beef: Flank steak, top loin, sirloin, porterhouse, T-bone steak and tenderloin; 90% lean ground beef are all good choices.
• Pork: Pork chops or tenderloin are the best.

There are also simple ways to cut calories in your staple cookout side dishes such as pasta salad. In your recipe, swap out the cup full of mayonnaise for some or all for a flavorful vinaigrette, pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, Dijon mustard or lots of fresh herbs. If you favor the traditional creamy texture, a combo of mayonnaise and low-fat yogurt has flavor with much less fat. Not only will your pasta salad be better for you, but it will also be a new recipe to try.

For dessert, fruit is always the best option. It’s light and delicious and something everybody wants after a full meal. Strawberries, blueberries and peaches all reach their peak midsummer. Make a fresh fruit salad, or throw heartier fruits like pineapple and stone fruits (like peaches, plums and nectarines) on the grill to bring out their sweetness. Serve them with frozen yogurt or syrup.

By Brittany

These great tips came from:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy-eating/be-a-healthier-summer-party-host/index.html

R. Hanauer’s woven bow tie will make any groomsmen look sophisticated and sharp.

R. Hanauer’s combo bow tie incorporates various patterns like stripes, dots or solid colors to create a fun fresh look.

David Donahue’s traditional black silk bow tie can be found at any Nordstrom store.

By Laura

World Cup "Cakes"

Get ready for the World Cup this weekend by baking these fun “cup”cakes! You’ll amaze everybody with your frosting skills. Here are the simple instructions:

1. Frost the cupcakes with vanilla frosting (you can use your favorite flavor for batter)
2. With black icing pipe a pentagon in the center (fill in)
3. Pipe lines from pentagon to edge of cupcake
4. You’re done! Enjoy!

To add a little variation also try icing the cupcakes in your favorite team’s colors!

To view this sweet recipe and much more visit the Betty Crocker website at:

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/ball-game-cupcakes/097825e8-d037-4a5f-9cb3-166b9f627ae

By Brittany

1. Shop and browse at the Downtown Farmers Market

This farmers market has been around for fourteen years connecting urban dwellers to local farmers. Not only is it environmentally friendly to buy locally, but it also supports over 50 local farmers and business owners. They are open every Wednesday (9AM-1:30pm) and Saturdays (9:30AM- 1PM). Visit their website http://www.indycm.com/ for more information.

www.indycm.com

2. Take a drive to Bonge’s Tavern for dinner

Located in Perkinsville, this small restaurant is known for their excellent food and atmosphere. Your dad and you are bound to have an excellent time. Also, as a tip, bring a bottle of wine to sip on and tailgate in the parking lot. This little secret has few tables and often a line, but it is definitely worth the wait. Visit their website (http://www.bongestavern.com/Home.html) or call for their daily menu.

www.bongestavern.com

3. If your dad is looking for a more exciting time, try the new Indiana Live! Casino

There are over 2,000 slots and great restaurants that are bound to make him happy. If slots aren’t his game, maybe he can try the state-of-the-art Poker Room. Visit http://www.indianalivecasino.com/index.php for more information.

southerngaming.com

4. Try a more relaxing day at Easley Winery

Right in Downtown Indianapolis this little winery is definitely going to have a wine your father loves. They give free wine tours every Saturday and Sunday and also offer $2 wine tastings daily. Make sure you buy him a bottle for later so you can reminisce the fun time you had together. Visit their website at http://www.easleywinery.com/ for times and offers.

www.visitindy.com

5. Take him out to an old fashioned baseball game with the Indianapolis Indians!

While sitting in the stands you can overlook the Indianapolis skyline and an a enjoy beers and hot dogs. Make sure you check on their website for any special promotions! http://indianapolis.indians.milb.com/index.js p?sid=t484

imaps.indygov.org

6. Head over to The Fountain Square Theatre Building for some Duckpin Bowling. While Duckpin Bowling is only found in the Eastern States, Fountain Square holds the only two authentic Duckpin Bowling locations in the Midwest. This is a great activity for not only you and Dad, but for the whole family! It’s an easy drive, located  at the corner of Shelby Street and Prospect Street in historic Fountain Square. Go to www.fountainsquareindy.com/bowling for events and rates.

By Brittany

www.dckaleidoscope.com

            The unique part about the 5K, 10K, or 25K bike rides are the girly amenities along the way! For example “Chocolate, massages and some mighty fine Snackin’ await you at our 5 STAR SWAG stops. All registrations include snack stops, well-marked routes, use of our portable powder rooms and emergency SWAG service.”

Don’t miss out on the fun, register today and meet at Central Middle School, in Columbus, to register the day of the ride anytime from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.! For more information visit the Girlfriend Ride website at http://girlfriendride.org/.