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Pumpkin Pie made with real pumpkin

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World’s Best Pie

Screw cultural norms that say certain dishes should only come along once or twice a year, this pumpkin pie is so delicious it deserves to be made all autumn long!

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Halloween: Hollywood Style!

Just a little over a week away, it’s time to get a jump on that Halloween costume! I always find plenty of inspiration from the news headlines and gossip columns. Here are my top five costume ideas, plucked from this year’s zeitgeist:

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CASTING CALL for KIDS!

CASTING IS NOW CLOSED. Thank you everyone for your submissions!

Kids are so genuine, even when they are acting! Like Henry Thomas in his audition for E.T. when he stole Spielberg’s heart, and has since stolen ours. Do you know a kid with that kind of magic?

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Kristina’s European Travels

I love to travel and write about my experiences. And I’m having a lot of fun making my way through every country in Europe! Here are some of my recommended destinations:

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greece sunset

Paint the sky

It’s true what they say about the sunsets in Greece. They are the best in the world.

Ok, so I haven’t been everywhere in the world, but I’ve been to a lot places. Over several decades I have seen hundreds (thousands?) of sunsets from points far and wide. No doubt about it, this one beats them all hands down.

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Maple Butter Pecan by Mike B. Newton (flickr)

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Contest: Cool It

Delicious desserts for hot summer nights. Enter now for a chance to win* a Hamilton Beach ice cream & yogurt maker!

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A vacation in a bottle

Anna and I are pretty much self-tanner obsessed. She, because she is fair and me, I have more moles and freckles than the Milky Way so I’m constantly being reminded by my dermatologist that I need to stay out of the sun. But I still crave that perfect summer glow.

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Dining al fresco

One of my favourite Grocery Bag episodes was when Kristina and I got to spend a few days in Whistler, B.C. testing an “apres ski” cookbook. The book wasn’t a home run, but skiing is among my favourite ways to spend a day, due in no small part to the well-earned meal that comes after hours of fun in the snow. Add a roaring fire and a big jug of red wine, and I have found my nirvana. For this episode we cooked for world renowned chef James Walt, from Araxi restaurant. And now, I am thrilled to report, this guy is going to be cooking for me!

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Marrakesh, Morocco: Dar Les Cigognes

Because the outside world of Marrakesh, Morocco is so busy and bustling with people, staying somewhere quiet and serene becomes that much more important. We checked in at Dar Les Cigognes, a former riad (great house) turned into a lovely boutique hotel.

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Our Favourite Product: July

When summer’s heat is rising, there’s nothing better than a glass brimming with ice cubes and your favourite beverage!

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Summer melodies

In real life, TV, and in film, music is instrumental to setting the right mood. (Insert pun-induced groan here.) A few of my favourite soundtracks come from less-than-stellar movies, but no matter. A good soundtrack is a great way to uncover new artists and reconnect with old favourites, not to mention come way with an instant mixed tape. Here are a few of my favourites:

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Face the World Gala 2013

Personal party planning

I love an excuse to play dress up. I recently attended the Face the World gala in Vancouver, which raises money for several different local charities. (Over $1 Million raised this year!) This is an event I look forward to every year not only because it’s a good cause, but because it’s a great party with amazing food and entertainment. And with many years of parties under my belt, I know the rookie mistakes that lead to a sore head and sore feet. I have learned a thing or two about how to look and feel your best for an important event, whether you’re heading to the Oscars, a wedding or a night on the town.

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