• Pencils – There’s nothing like writing with a classic No. 2 pencil. If you have not had the chance in some time, be sure to give one a spin. They feel so good when freshly sharpened. I promise this classic writing tool will become your new favorite once again.
• Erasers – I love these pretty pink erasers that are great to stash just about everywhere. I buy a big pack and they make their way into everyone’s pencil box.
• Paper Clips – These colorful clips can help organize all your loose papers, everywhere.
• Gum Balls – Because they are oversized and pearly white, and the perfect treat for visitors.
• Clipboard – Off-site tours, check-ins, attendee registrations. I always have a few on-hand, and a simple gold upgrade brings them to a whole new level.
• Catch All Tray – Collect as you go, and fill them with little trinkets that are functional (or not!). Perfect place for stamps, jax or thumb tacks.
• Wooden Thumb tacks – Mood boards, Schedules, Be Right Back — the original ‘pin’ possibilities are endless.
• Notecards – There’s so much to be thankful for, why note write a note?! Keep notecards handy so that you’re ready and timely with sharing the love.
• Paper Weight – This wooden paper weight is a favorite. Not only is the diamond shape spectacular, but it holds down my to-do lists or is perfectly perched on my latest stack of magazines.
• Gold Swingline – The new office standard, this beautiful gold Swingline is simply an workspace must-have. Don’t look away, or it may go missing.

We recently got our hands on the Bath & Body Works Pumpkin Pecan Waffle candle, and we can’t believe it. It has definitely become a favorite fresh-baked scent in our office as we ease our way into fall. And it certainly came just in time – as we’re celebrating Waffle Week this week!

But that’s not the only fragrance they are debuting this year. We’re loving the entire We Love Fall line at Bath & Body Works! With Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, Banana Nutmeg Bread Pudding, Farmstand Apple, and so many more, there’s definitely a favorite fall scent for everyone. And with so many different pumpkin combinations, you’re sure to be ready to celebrate Pumpkin Week coming up soon!

But out of all of those fragrances, after taking a trip to smell them all at our local Bath & Body Works, we have fallen most in love with the Pumpkin Pecan Waffle. Good thing they offer soap, bubble bath, hand cream, and so much more in that scent right?? You’ll definitely want to head to your local Bath & Body Works to check out all of these great scents and decide on your fall fave!

There’s nothing like a warm, delicate waffle drizzled with maple syrup to start your day. But what about adding it to dessert? This recipe brings together all of our favorite flavors of fall into one perfect little bite. Top your cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, drizzle them with pecan maple syrup, and add a bit of crunch by using a waffle inspired garnish. Celebrate with these cupcakes during brunch or serve them for dessert as we welcome fall!

Want to win Pumpkin Pecan Waffles accessories and more of your own? Let us know your favorite part about fall in the comments below! We’ll select one lucky winner, who will receive their very own piece of the Bath & Body Works fall line – assorted Pumpkin Pecan Waffles products valued at more than $100.

PUMPKIN CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING AND PECAN MAPLE SYRUP

For the Cupcakes

-2 cups flour
-1 tsp baking soda
-1 tsp baking powder
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1/4 tsp nutmeg
-1/4 tsp allspice
-1 cup brown sugar
-1 cup white sugar
-1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
-4 large eggs
-1 can (15 ounces) pureed pumpkin

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice and set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine, brown sugar, white sugar, butter, and eggs. Add the dry ingredients, and whisk until smooth. Whisk in pumpkin puree until combined.
4. Divide batter among lined cupcake wells. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
5. Once cooled, top cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, Pecan Maple Syrup, and an oversized waffle cone piece.

For the Frosting

-1/2 cup butter
-16 oz cream cheese
-2 tbsp milk
-8 cups powdered sugar

1. Cream together butter and cream cheese. Add half the powdered sugar and mix to combine. Add milk, then continue to add powdered sugar until frosting thickens. Mix on high until smooth.

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Bath & Body Works.  Thank you for supporting the brands who sponsor Best Friends For Frosting to continue to bring you daily inspiration.

What was your biggest challenge in the space? The biggest spacial challenge was making sure that we used the rooms vertical space, giving the family full use of every inch. Since the rooms windows were so grand and went right up to the ceiling we decided to paint the sashes black and go with a bold crisp fabric for floor to ceiling drapes. We also added a large central ceiling fixture to add more overall impact. Both features keep your eye moving and keep the space open for family living.

What was your approach or inspiration for the design? There wasn’t one specific direction that the room was based off of, it was more about brightening it up with lots of bold color and pattern and incorporating playful elements that reflect the family’s personal style and the homes coastal village location.

Favorite feature of the room? The family’s long time cozy wing back chair that we reupholstered in a fresh blue and white dotted fabric and piped in coral. The chair just came alive and now everyone loves it – especially the kids.

Advice for families looking for more of a design feel? Don’t stress about what matches what or what color will work with another. Instead, try to focus on buying pieces that you love and layering them into your space one by one. When your home is filled with things you love and they almost tell a story about your family – they tend to speak for itself and exude an effortless style that is unique.

Describe the room in 3 words – When the family first saw the space, the mom used the word “soulful.”  I think it fits! Soulful, fun, fresh. Which is quintessential family living!

To see more posts like this, visit MoPa Living. Please get to know Lauren Grant Design by following her Facebook page, or visiting her website. Project in collaboration with Margaret Silvia of Details and Design.

Today, we’re sharing a cupcake theme that will have you celebrating all day long, from day to night.

Betty Crocker takes the difficulty out of baking and adds in a bit of magic and fun! Their amazing cake mixes make perfectly moist and delicious cupcakes every single time. And the number of flavor options is out of this world. Choose from carrot, chocolate, cherry chip, confetti, dark chocolate, vanilla, and so many more for the perfect touch to that upcoming birthday party!

Serve these cupcakes for an afternoon party, leading into the evening. Start with a simple, fluffy vanilla cupcake, topped with vanilla icing, and Betty Crocker rainbow sprinkles for the perfect touch. We baked these using the Betty Crocker Supermoist Vanilla Cake Mix, which comes out perfect every time. They’re light, bright, and colorful – perfect for an afternoon.

As the day goes on, switch to a more decadent party treat. Bring out a batch of cupcakes baked using the Betty Crocker Supermoist Yellow Cake Mix, topped with Rich and Creamy Chocolate Frosting – everyone’s favorite combination and the perfect late night snack

Serve these two flavors at different times of the party to show off your work. Be proud of the combinations you’ve baked, and watch all of your guests indulge with joy! To view this original post, please visit Best Friends For Frosting.

Styling by Denell Pepin 

Photography for Best Friends For Frosting by Ashley Rebello

“Not sure there is a better way to start the week than with cute baby smiles and a picture perfect nursery. His parents have the BEST taste and one perfectly adorable little man!” – JS

“Capturing breastfeeding is something I wish all nursing moms did. These moments don’t last forever and the bond created between mom and baby is so indescribable. I cherish the breastfeeding images I had done and am always honor to capture other mommas in action!” – JS

Jessica photographed this session for Erica, a floral stylist we’ve had the chance to work with before for a MoPa Living magazine edition. I’m so happy they shared this beautiful session with all of us. Congrats Erica on your beautiful new baby boy… and love the nursery design. You can see Jessica’s original blog post here.

Here’s a few of tips to help you create a charming outdoor picnic:

• It’s all about the basket. This essential picnic item can be classic or trendy, or any kind of tote, or container can work – go ahead and get creative! As long as it offers space to pack your picnic items – you’re good to go.
• Keep the menu easy. Finger goods are easy to pack and enjoy as a group. Think sandwiches, fresh fruits, and simple cookie treats.

• Set the scene. Decorative containers and a thoughtful picnic setting will cheer up the spread, and your guests. Opt for reusable containers and beverage bottles, so that you can reuse them again.
• Pack comfy blankets and pillows! Decorate your picnic area with throw pillows and blankets to create a comfy seating area while adding to the outdoor ambience. Play games or do a bit of reading or simply  enjoy the outdoors.

Ginger Sweet – Super sweet blend of fruits and veggies with a subtle hint of ginger

• 2 carrots
• 1 small cucumber
• 1 green apple
• 1 clementine
• 1+ inch fresh ginger
• ½ lemon squeezed
• *optional: 1 TBS flaxmeal for fiber, protein, & Omega’s

While we were off soaking up the sun, I had good friend and MoPa Contributor Stephanie from Bellini Portraits capture some images for this Giveaway, and without surprise it all came together perfectly. I was splashing in the sun with my boys, only to find beautiful sun-soaked images from Stephanie’s photo shoot trickle in on my phone. Truth is, when it’s summertime things can always come together – especially when there’s Ropes & Anchors and you live in New England.

I discovered Winter Water Factory when I first began MoPa (almost three years ago), and quickly fell in love. Their noble cotton fabrics and beautiful silkscreen prints are just what the kids’s fashion industry should be: Simple, sturdy and ready-to-wear over and over again. They are the quintessential play clothes makers.

I am so pleased to partner with Winter Water Factory to offer 1 (one) lucky MoPa a “Ropes & Anchor” dress in Size 4T.  This item will ship with a MoPa Tote and Anchor Me Bracelet for a “Big & Little” inspired set. Please support and “follow” Winter Water Factory and Bellini Portraits.

To ENTER to WIN, please visit us on MoPa and use the nifty Rafflecopter – XO, Denell