So pleased to get a chance to talk with Katherine Petty MacLane of KP MacLane who makes the most fabulous polo shirt in the world!  Such a staple in every man and woman’s wardrobe.  Just ask Vogue who listed it in the September 2013 issue. http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/color-correct-seven-navy-blue-items-to-wear-now/#1

What we love most about this shirt, other than its timeless luxury, the signature, hand-embroided linen bag it arrives in, is that it’s made in the USA.  Only 2% of clothing bought in the United States is made here.

Katherine Petty MacLane and Jared MacLane created KP MacLane to establish a brand built upon timeless elements, flawless design and painstaking attention to detail, creating a superior, American-made luxury company. With more than a combined 20 years of experience in the luxury world, the MacLanes are experts in their field. The husband and wife team, who met while working for world-renowned French fashion house Hermès, combine the traditions of European fashion with American craftsmanship to create the finest luxury apparel.

KP MacLane revolutionizes the way classics are made, by redefining key details, creating fashion forward fits and establishing unparalleled versatility in the final product. Using luxurious, custom-dyed European knits and highly specialized sewing skills in their New York factory, the result is “pure and perfect quality” according to Forbes.

JJK: what is the most challenging part of your job?

KPM: Balancing the needs of a growing business with the needs of two young boys (2.5-years-old and a 6 weeks-old).

JJK: Did anyone in particular mentor or encourage you?

KPM: My husband and business partner, Jared, is an inspiration to me everyday. He is the one with the true entrepreneurial spirit. He has amazing vision, drive and leadership; and I am in awe of him every day.

JJK: Describe your daily routine?

KPM: There is no such thing as a daily routine in my life right now. I keep my two boys on a schedule, but having my own business means something new every day.

JJK: What continues to motivate you in your personal and professional life?

KPM: I feel lucky to have my personal and professional life intertwined. Doing what I love motivates me.

So proud to call Katherine my friend! Congratulations! On a personal note, she would wear polo shirts routinely during our college days….how cool that she decided to create her very own! Now I’m off to buy the “tennis white”…..To purchase a shirt, visit www.kpmaclane.com.

Pumpkins are certainly a fall staple. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have their place in winter, too. Save a few from the Halloween and Thanksgiving season to get December started off right with a pumpkin snowman.

Fresh pumpkin puree this time of season warms your house and heart.  Here are 5 ways to use your leftover pumpkins.

See this on WREG News Channel 3

1) Pumpkin Pie Face Mask

The meat of the pumpkin is full of enzymes, Vitamins A and C.  No need to go to the spa to get your pumpkin mask. Use fresh pumpkin and start glowing! Follow my formula –

 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cooked, pureed pumpkin
• 1 tsp. of honey
• 2 tablespoons of plain or (coconut!) yogurt
• 1 tsp. of brown sugar (optional exfoliant)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and apply to face for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water. It smells delicious, is 100% edible and delicious for breakfast as well!

2) Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Ingredients

• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil or apple sauce
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup REAL pumpkin
• ¼ cup water
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ semisweet cholate chips or ¾ depending on your chocolate love!

Mix eggs, brown sugar and oil (or applesauce). Add pumpkin and water. In a separate bowl, mix together the baking soda, flour, baking powder, salt and spices.  Add mixture and stir in chocolate chips.  Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

3) Compost For Your Yard

Discard pumpkins in your yard as compost and let nature do the work! But remember to remove the seeds and any leftover candle wax. You can also donate leftover pumpkins to your local zoo because the animals love to play with and eat them. However, this wasn’t the case at my local zoo as most of the animals are on a special diet! Call your zoo before you make your delivery.

4) Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Roasting pumpkin seeds is always a family favorite. After you roast them, put them in a container with raisins and other dried fruit for a continued nutritious snack, on top of a salad or on your oatmeal.  Pumpkin seeds are filled with magnesium, protein, iron and zinc.

When carving your pumpkin, pick out pumpkins seeds, wash them under cold water so there are no signs of pumpkin guts. Spread single layer on a baking sheet, drizzle extra virgin olive oil, bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes and ENJOY!

5) Pumpkin Drinks

Can’t leave this post without a drink!

Using fresh pumpkin puree in your cocktail is the perfect late Saturday afternoon treat.

Pumpkin Margarita

Ingredients

• 2 oz of tequila
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• splash of pumpkin puree
• rim a cocktail glass with lime juice
• salt and pumpkin seeds (grind your seeds up!)

Pumpkin Smash!

For an after dinner drink, try a Pumpkin Smash!

Ingredients

• 2 oz. pumpkin puree
• 1 oz. spiced rum
• ½ tsp. cream
• ½ tsp. milk
• cinnamon for garnish
• rim with sugar