Saturday, October 27, 2012

Celebrating: Ava's Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage!


Well, Pintrest strikes again!  I saw this Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage several months ago,  pinned it and have been anxiously a waiting Halloween’s arrival so I could make it.
The best part – this adorable piece cost less than $8.00 to make because everything (excluding the pumpkin) came from the Dollar Store.   Not only that, but I have lots of jewels and glitter stickers left for another project.   It was not only cost friendly, but simple to make!

I made it for my 5 year old niece Ava. I think it got her approval!


Ava's Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage



 


And instead of tossing the seeds like I generally do, I opted to toast them for a snack.  I really wanted a sweet/salty combo, so I went on the internet to find a recipe.  I found exactly what I was looking for!

 

From Realsimple Magazine…

Sweet and Salty Pumpkin Seeds

2 cups Pumpkin Seeds
2 TBS unsalted butter (melted)
2 TBS granulated sugar
1.2 tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp cinnamon

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Spread send on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until thoroughly dry – about 50-60 minutes.
Increase oven temp to 350.  In a large bowl, toss seeds with butter, sugar, salt and cinnamon.
Return seeds to baking sheet and toast –tossing occasionally until golden brown.  About 10-15 minutes. 


Ya’ll com back!

Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them CELEBRATE!  Psalm 64:10

Friday, October 19, 2012

Celebrating: Being Crafty!


So many projects…so little time!  I have so many “”crafty” projects pinned on Pintrest, it would take me years to complete.  There are so many clever ideas that I see and think, now why could I not look at that and imagine making something from nothing! I am lucky in that if I see something I can generally reproduce – I just didn’t come up with the original concept. 

So far this year I’ve made a Fall Leaf Wreath for my Mom, a picture frame Halloween sign and witches legs.

The wreath is made from Dollar Store items. (Leaf cutouts and a piece of core foam) I used one piece of core foam ($1.00) and 4 packets of leaves (I did not use all –just wanted the different colors).  All I needed was a hot glue gun and I was set.  I wish I had made it a bit smaller, but it did look nice against my mom’s green door.  Total cost - $5.00.

 

The Picture frame sign – also Dollar Store purchases.  I got 3 assorted sizes of frames, orange ribbon and ribbon to hang.  I used paint pens and drew Halloween pictures and sayings.  Total cost - $5.00

 

I saw these “witch legs” and just had to re-create.  Thought it was a hoot!
Used 2 swim noodles $2.00. a pair of tights from Joann’s (50% off all Halloween- $4.00), a pair of red pumps from Goodwill ($4.94) that I covered with red glitter glue.  Total - $10.94   

 

While looking around the Dollar Store (or should be the $20 Dollar Store in my case)  I found some foam mini pumpkins and gourds in fall colors. I know I have some Harvest colored candles and clear vases to make a candle display for someplace special.  It will serve as double duty – Halloween/Thanksgiving.  Wish I could put it on my mantle, but I don’t dare put anything breakable on Krissy’s favorite place to jump!


 

One of the things I really look forward to when the temps start dropping is….making soups.  I love soup and like to have a variety in the freezer. There is nothing better on a long, cold day than knowing you can have a nice hot bowl of soup in minutes. Most recipes make 4-6 servings.  I generally eat 2 meals and freeze the rest.   The recipe below is one of my favorites.  I got this one from Hilary on the BC Board. 

Red Lentil Soup
3 TBS Olive oil
1 lg onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 TBS tomato paste
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of ground chili powder or cayenne to taste
1 quart chicken broth
1cup red lentils
1 lg carrot, peeled and diced
Juice of ½ lemon, more to taste
2 tbs chopped fresh cilantro

In a  large pot, heat 3 TBS EVOO over high heat until hot.  Add onion and garlic, saute until golden (about 4 minutes)
Stir in tomato paste, cumin, salt, pepper and chili powder and saute for 2 minutes longer.
Add broth, 2 cups of water, lentil and carrot.  Bring to a simmer, then partially cover pot and turn heat top medium low simmering until lentils are soft – about 30 minutes.  Taste and add salt if necessary. (At this point, I will also add extra cumin or tomato sauce, just to adjust to my taste)
Using an immersion blender, regular blender or food processor, puree half the soup, then add back to pot.  Soup should be somewhat chunky. (I skip this step all together)
Reheat soup if necessary, then sir in lemon juice and cilantro.  Serve soup drizzled with a good olive oil and dist lightly with chili powder if desired.

Ya’ll come back!

Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them CELEBRATE!  Psalm 64:10




Friday, October 5, 2012

Celebrating: Tea for ...40!

It’s that time again! The Women of the Church Fall luncheon, that is.  Fall…it sure has gotten here fast!  We decided to do something a little different than the usual luncheon, so we decided on an afternoon Tea.
We had 5 people decorate their table for tea and we provided the Tea and Tea Treats.  I tried to channel my friend Martha and remember her tricks of the trade for setting a proper tea. 

We had a small intimate group of 40  ladies with some even decked out in hats!  The tables were just beautiful, as usual.  We have some very talented
“table artists” (as I call them) at our Church.

Our Menu

Cucumber Sandwiches
Pimento Cheese Sandwiches
Banana Bread with Cream Cheese
Pumpkin Bread
Shortbread
Tea Cakes
Cream Puffs
Mini Eclairs

5 tea offerings

Desserts


Breads



We had 8 per table and an item for each, plus we had trays with extras that we could replenish.  It was a fun afternoon and I really think everyone enjoyed their afternoon in England!  



Tea Cakes

3 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 375.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Set aside.  Sift together flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt,  set aside. Combine sugar and butter.  Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.  add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla.  Add dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Transfer to a plastic wrap.  Shape the dough in a dish.  Refrigerate and chill 30 minutes. divide dough into 4 pieces. Working with one piece at a time, roll out dough  on a lightly floured board to 1/8 inch thickness.  keep remaining dough in fridge.  Cut with cookie cutter.  Place on a cookie sheet.  Bake 8 minutes.


Ya’ll come back!

Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let the CELEBRATE! Psalm 64:10