You’re the apple of my pie update: The Pie Party was a huge success. Lots of pie and fun were had and it was great to get together with friends and celebrate the season.

I highly recommend the Tamale Pie that I put together for the shin dig. It was a hit! The cornbread topping was what I thought made the whole thing. (Note: I doubled what the recipe called for.) So yummy, but it’s a recipe that serves a lot, so plan on taking it to your next family gathering.

The decor.

The Tamale Pie.

The pies. Well, some of them anyway. YUM!

And after all that pie and partying, did I rest today? Negative. I headed over to my sister’s house this morning for a walk with the Bean followed by some serious yard work. I may have a hard time getting out of bed tomorrow morning from all the squatting and bending, but it was a darn good workout! I foresee some Advil in my future…

Yard work is hard work!

I am headed to a bachelorette party this weekend and would like to get the future bride a little something special. Now, I’m not a big “bachelorette party” type of person, so I like to keep my gifts on the tasteful side. And I can think of nothing more practical, yet sexy, then a great robe.

These rank high on my list:

Josie, Dragon Wrap, $68

Anthropologie, May Flowers robe, $99.95 on sale

Target, Gilligan & O'Malley Animal Print robe, $19.99