Here's hoping your Halloween is a "hoot"! (cupcakes are from one charming party.)
Saturday, October 30, 2010
around the house
I thought I'd share a bit of Halloween decor from around our house. It's certainly not a designers dream, but it's simple and we love each piece.
I still need to find something to hang on my Halloween tree.
This is where my first Halloween word art ended up.
I usually have white and red plates in this plate holder. I just switched them out with my everyday green ones.
It was actually one of my blog readers who said she was going to print out more than one word art and put them in separate rooms. Don't know why I didn't think of that. Here's where the second one ended up.
I purchased too many of the pumpkins for the jar, so I gathered the rest in some bowls on my kitchen counter. Lynn keeps telling me how much he loves these little pumpkins.
Recognize my other cup and saucer pedestal? I love it with a pie pumpkin on the desk in my front entry.
I found this cup and saucer set at DownEast for $2.99. Haven't glued it together yet, but I love that the saucer is a little more "bowl-like". Candy corn says Halloween and fall to me, so I always have some around in small bowls and containers. They seem to be eaten more quickly these days. Ella keeps getting on the counter to "look" at them. Hmmmm.
Halloween decor just wouldn't be the same without kids' art projects and pumpkins. These are Madi and Ella's pumpkins they painted with Kate and Shane.
This spider was actually a project Ella did last year in preschool, but I love it! Especially the leg growing out of its forehead. :)
This is a preschool project from this year. I hung it from the light over our kitchen table.
Happy Halloween!
I wanted some small sparkly pumpkins for this tall glass jar. I found them at Hobby Lobby--half price for the grand opening.
I still need to find something to hang on my Halloween tree.
This is where my first Halloween word art ended up.
I usually have white and red plates in this plate holder. I just switched them out with my everyday green ones.
It was actually one of my blog readers who said she was going to print out more than one word art and put them in separate rooms. Don't know why I didn't think of that. Here's where the second one ended up.
I purchased too many of the pumpkins for the jar, so I gathered the rest in some bowls on my kitchen counter. Lynn keeps telling me how much he loves these little pumpkins.
Recognize my other cup and saucer pedestal? I love it with a pie pumpkin on the desk in my front entry.
I found this cup and saucer set at DownEast for $2.99. Haven't glued it together yet, but I love that the saucer is a little more "bowl-like". Candy corn says Halloween and fall to me, so I always have some around in small bowls and containers. They seem to be eaten more quickly these days. Ella keeps getting on the counter to "look" at them. Hmmmm.
Halloween decor just wouldn't be the same without kids' art projects and pumpkins. These are Madi and Ella's pumpkins they painted with Kate and Shane.
This spider was actually a project Ella did last year in preschool, but I love it! Especially the leg growing out of its forehead. :)
This is a preschool project from this year. I hung it from the light over our kitchen table.
Happy Halloween!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
ella's preschool halloween party
The first words I heard Ella yell Tuesday morning were, "It's been two days!" Translation: it's the preschool Halloween party! The first words I yelled were, "Are you kidding me?" Translation: there's six inches of snow on the ground. Dang!
I lucked out on Ella's costume this year. She really wanted to be Tinkerbell and Grandpa McMurphy bought her this outfit back in February. I just bought sparkly shoes and we were done. Grandpa also surprised Ella with a Tinkerbell jewelry making kit this summer, so she wore an authentic Tink necklace and bracelet too.
Ella was so excited to bring her special "treat" for her friends.
We made Halloween play dough and packaged it up with a darling tag that read, "a halloween playdough kit for my friend. boo! love, Ella M." I combined ideas from eighteen25 blog (the play dough) and the thumbprint tag (so love it!) from the Pebbles in my Pocket blog. It turned out the be a much more time-consuming project than I originally thought, but Ella and I had a great time doing it together. She did a lot of it herself and loved it. It was worth the extra time.
Ella took her play dough kit to sewing day at Maggie's, and the kids made spiders and pumpkins together. It kept them busy for quite awhile.
This photo makes me laugh. Ella B. (red hat) and Ella me (that's what Ella calls herself when she's talking about both Ella B. and herself) are both ready and posing for the camera. The other kids are still trying to figure things out. Such girly girls!
We finally got it figured out. Ella B. and Ella me have the same pose/smile in just about every photo I took.
Happy Halloween!
I lucked out on Ella's costume this year. She really wanted to be Tinkerbell and Grandpa McMurphy bought her this outfit back in February. I just bought sparkly shoes and we were done. Grandpa also surprised Ella with a Tinkerbell jewelry making kit this summer, so she wore an authentic Tink necklace and bracelet too.
Ella was so excited to bring her special "treat" for her friends.
We made Halloween play dough and packaged it up with a darling tag that read, "a halloween playdough kit for my friend. boo! love, Ella M." I combined ideas from eighteen25 blog (the play dough) and the thumbprint tag (so love it!) from the Pebbles in my Pocket blog. It turned out the be a much more time-consuming project than I originally thought, but Ella and I had a great time doing it together. She did a lot of it herself and loved it. It was worth the extra time.
Ella took her play dough kit to sewing day at Maggie's, and the kids made spiders and pumpkins together. It kept them busy for quite awhile.
This photo makes me laugh. Ella B. (red hat) and Ella me (that's what Ella calls herself when she's talking about both Ella B. and herself) are both ready and posing for the camera. The other kids are still trying to figure things out. Such girly girls!
We finally got it figured out. Ella B. and Ella me have the same pose/smile in just about every photo I took.
Happy Halloween!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
out and about: fall break St. George getaway
It's COLD today. I really don't like being cold. I'm wishing we were back here:
We spent our fall break last week in sunny St. George. It was nice and warm--perfect. We pretty much just unplugged from everything--phones, computers and even the camera. I only took 12 shots the entire four days we were there. Okay, truth be told, I kept forgetting the camera at the condo. And we did watch a movie every night. We loved How to Train Your Dragon. So cute! We also watched a few episodes of Disney's Phineas and Ferb. I can't believe we sit and watch it, but we're hooked. The writers are genius and it's very funny if you really listen to all the dialogue.
Ella would have stayed in her swimsuit and gone swimming 24/7 if we let her. She kept saying, "I'm a fish...get me back in that water!"
It was a much needed break. We explored the desert trying to find some crystal rocks our friends showed us, but bombed out. We were pretty determined and figured we spent about five hours looking. We went shopping. We all know mostly I did, but Ella was able the convince Lynn she had to have a pair of Twinkle Toes Sketchers at the Outlet Mall. She hasn't taken them off since. I love the shop Urban Renewal on St. George Blvd. (right down from Ancestor Square) and they have a great TJ Maxx by the Outlet Mall. We ate out a lot. There's a 5 Guys burgers and fries in SG now and a Brick Oven. We also had ice cream day and cupcake day. If you haven't tried the cupcakes at 25 Main, you're missing out. It's a darling restaurant too. We didn't do anything super exciting, but it was very fun and relaxing.
After each of our vacations, I write up a Travel/Vacation Log entry and keep it in a book with information and memorabilia. It's our "travel scrapbook" and it's super simple. I pretty much keep the same format and just fill in the blanks each time. If you read it, please don't hold the potty thing against Lynn. It's probably one of those times you had to be there, but Ella can be so dramatic and the way she said it was hilarious. She is such a girl!
Here's to hoping for at least a few more warmer weeks until the cold weather stays.
We spent our fall break last week in sunny St. George. It was nice and warm--perfect. We pretty much just unplugged from everything--phones, computers and even the camera. I only took 12 shots the entire four days we were there. Okay, truth be told, I kept forgetting the camera at the condo. And we did watch a movie every night. We loved How to Train Your Dragon. So cute! We also watched a few episodes of Disney's Phineas and Ferb. I can't believe we sit and watch it, but we're hooked. The writers are genius and it's very funny if you really listen to all the dialogue.
Ella would have stayed in her swimsuit and gone swimming 24/7 if we let her. She kept saying, "I'm a fish...get me back in that water!"
It was a much needed break. We explored the desert trying to find some crystal rocks our friends showed us, but bombed out. We were pretty determined and figured we spent about five hours looking. We went shopping. We all know mostly I did, but Ella was able the convince Lynn she had to have a pair of Twinkle Toes Sketchers at the Outlet Mall. She hasn't taken them off since. I love the shop Urban Renewal on St. George Blvd. (right down from Ancestor Square) and they have a great TJ Maxx by the Outlet Mall. We ate out a lot. There's a 5 Guys burgers and fries in SG now and a Brick Oven. We also had ice cream day and cupcake day. If you haven't tried the cupcakes at 25 Main, you're missing out. It's a darling restaurant too. We didn't do anything super exciting, but it was very fun and relaxing.
After each of our vacations, I write up a Travel/Vacation Log entry and keep it in a book with information and memorabilia. It's our "travel scrapbook" and it's super simple. I pretty much keep the same format and just fill in the blanks each time. If you read it, please don't hold the potty thing against Lynn. It's probably one of those times you had to be there, but Ella can be so dramatic and the way she said it was hilarious. She is such a girl!
Here's to hoping for at least a few more warmer weeks until the cold weather stays.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
no tricks... just a treat!
I'm laughing as I type this. The whole purpose of this week was to encourage my lurker friends to comment. I did get some great comments, but according to Sitemeter I now have more lurkers! Welcome to all of you. I'm very grateful you take the time to check out my blog whether you comment or not.
As promised, to those that did comment I have a special treat for you. And I love it. I'm very pleased at how it turned out and I hope you are too. They look so much better in real life, I wish you could all see.
Both Ella and I like the white on the orange background best. My home needs pops of color, so this works nicely. I do love the crispness of the orange on white and the classic feel of the white on black though. Okay, I love them all. I designed them to fit in an 8x10 frame which usually only shows 7 1/2 x 9 1/2 of the image.
So if you commented, e-mail me at kmccrary25@hotmail.com and I'll e-mail you the color version(s) you'd like. Update: Click on links below photos to download.
You'll notice I didn't use any super scary words. I prefer a "happy" Halloween and Ella does not like anything to do with scary things--especially witches.
I printed all three color combinations at Walmart One-Hour. They use the powder chemicals (?) rather than the liquid and the colors are always beautiful. But make sure you or the tech turn OFF the auto-enhance button or you will end up with some seriously wicked colors.
One more treat. We need a winner for a printed version from those who commented. (Be right back.) I had Lynn choose a random number and the winner is Maggie! Or if you're Ella, it's Meggie. Congratulations! Let me know which color version you'd like.
As promised, to those that did comment I have a special treat for you. And I love it. I'm very pleased at how it turned out and I hope you are too. They look so much better in real life, I wish you could all see.
Both Ella and I like the white on the orange background best. My home needs pops of color, so this works nicely. I do love the crispness of the orange on white and the classic feel of the white on black though. Okay, I love them all. I designed them to fit in an 8x10 frame which usually only shows 7 1/2 x 9 1/2 of the image.
You'll notice I didn't use any super scary words. I prefer a "happy" Halloween and Ella does not like anything to do with scary things--especially witches.
I printed all three color combinations at Walmart One-Hour. They use the powder chemicals (?) rather than the liquid and the colors are always beautiful. But make sure you or the tech turn OFF the auto-enhance button or you will end up with some seriously wicked colors.
One more treat. We need a winner for a printed version from those who commented. (Be right back.) I had Lynn choose a random number and the winner is Maggie! Or if you're Ella, it's Meggie. Congratulations! Let me know which color version you'd like.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
wicked fun no. 6: decorating indoors and outdoors
INDOORS
I've had this in my idea file forever. I tore it out of an issue of Better Homes and Gardens.
I love garlands. And I love how the designer spray painted these dog biscuits white. There's also big plastic spiders, acorns and dried citrus fruit. They drilled holes through each item and strung them on 22-gauge wire. It's not super simple, but just the dog bones in an apothecary jar might be a great decorative element.
OUTDOORS
There was an entire article about this porch in Home Companion magazine a few years ago. I've taken some of the details as inspiration for my own porch over the years--the pumpkin lanterns, mums, pumpkins, etc. Obviously I haven't staged my entire porch like this, but I've been happy with it. There's a black chair again. Hmmm.
INDOORS
Talk about a super simple project. I love it! I can see spraying it with silver glitter spray when it's done. There's a great tutorial by Jamie here.
INDOORS OR OUTDOORS
This idea also came from the same blog as the simple wreath. My sister-in-law sent me an e-mail with the title: thought of you and a link to this photo. She knows I LOVE ribbon. I collect it yard by yard. I love these little mini pumpkins too. So simple.
Well I'm starting to feel better. I've definitely turned the corner on this influenza garbage. It's been hard. I'm still pretty worn out and coughing a lot (though less). The fever and body aches have been gone for couple of days though. Hopefully we can soon get our own Halloween decorations up. Ella is anxiously waiting.
I plan to share my downloadable treat tomorrow with those who have commented during wicked fun week. (That includes today!)
It's been fun sharing fall/Halloween ideas I love. My friend, Brenda, at Pebbles is sharing 31 days of Halloween on her blog. She's got a lot of simple ideas. Go check it out here. I LOVE this simple idea and plan to incorporate it into tags for Ella's preschool treat.
Happy haunting!
I've had this in my idea file forever. I tore it out of an issue of Better Homes and Gardens.
I love garlands. And I love how the designer spray painted these dog biscuits white. There's also big plastic spiders, acorns and dried citrus fruit. They drilled holes through each item and strung them on 22-gauge wire. It's not super simple, but just the dog bones in an apothecary jar might be a great decorative element.
OUTDOORS
There was an entire article about this porch in Home Companion magazine a few years ago. I've taken some of the details as inspiration for my own porch over the years--the pumpkin lanterns, mums, pumpkins, etc. Obviously I haven't staged my entire porch like this, but I've been happy with it. There's a black chair again. Hmmm.
INDOORS
Talk about a super simple project. I love it! I can see spraying it with silver glitter spray when it's done. There's a great tutorial by Jamie here.
INDOORS OR OUTDOORS
This idea also came from the same blog as the simple wreath. My sister-in-law sent me an e-mail with the title: thought of you and a link to this photo. She knows I LOVE ribbon. I collect it yard by yard. I love these little mini pumpkins too. So simple.
Well I'm starting to feel better. I've definitely turned the corner on this influenza garbage. It's been hard. I'm still pretty worn out and coughing a lot (though less). The fever and body aches have been gone for couple of days though. Hopefully we can soon get our own Halloween decorations up. Ella is anxiously waiting.
I plan to share my downloadable treat tomorrow with those who have commented during wicked fun week. (That includes today!)
It's been fun sharing fall/Halloween ideas I love. My friend, Brenda, at Pebbles is sharing 31 days of Halloween on her blog. She's got a lot of simple ideas. Go check it out here. I LOVE this simple idea and plan to incorporate it into tags for Ella's preschool treat.
Happy haunting!
Friday, October 8, 2010
wicked fun no. 5: paper pumpkins & pumpkin bracelets
Time to play catch-up. Here are a couple of projects to do with the kids I thought were both simple and darling.
I remember making these as Christmas ornaments from green and red paper when I was in elementary school. I like them much better as pumpkins. I read that someone suggested making them from foam sheets instead of paper so they would last. Great idea. They'd make a fun garland tied together too.
They were designed by Vicki Shields for the Hostess with the Mostest blog. You can find the tutorial here.
These pumpkin bracelets are as much eye candy as they are candy, candy. So sweet! It would last all of 30 seconds on Elle's wrist. :) I think we'll still give them a try though--she'll love it.
They were designed by Kierste at http://www.brownpaper--packages.blogspot.com/. She used dental floss to keep the pumpkins together. These would also be fun to just hang around the house--over door knobs, on hooks, etc. Click here for a great tutorial.
I remember making these as Christmas ornaments from green and red paper when I was in elementary school. I like them much better as pumpkins. I read that someone suggested making them from foam sheets instead of paper so they would last. Great idea. They'd make a fun garland tied together too.
They were designed by Vicki Shields for the Hostess with the Mostest blog. You can find the tutorial here.
These pumpkin bracelets are as much eye candy as they are candy, candy. So sweet! It would last all of 30 seconds on Elle's wrist. :) I think we'll still give them a try though--she'll love it.
They were designed by Kierste at http://www.brownpaper--packages.blogspot.com/. She used dental floss to keep the pumpkins together. These would also be fun to just hang around the house--over door knobs, on hooks, etc. Click here for a great tutorial.
wicked fun no. 4: word art
I'm late getting this posted. After seven days of feeling like I was hit by a bus--and not getting any better--I went to the doctor yesterday. I have influenza. You know, the bad, bad flu. I got an antibiotic for secondary infections and some magic cough medicine that actually helped me not cough at all last night. (Though now I have a massive headache.) We all got our flu shots while at the doctor. (Lynn has stayed home three days to take care of Ella--thanks, hon.) So stay healthy!
Now the fun stuff.
Shelley Smith from http://www.houseofsmiths.blogspot.com/ was featured on eighteen25. Love. love, love her style. It's very clean and fresh. To get a closer look at each of the decorative elements, go here. You'll be glad you did.
I went goo-goo over this. I love anything with typography. I'll give you a hint. The free download at the end of the week for those who have commented during wicked fun week was inspired by this piece.
Shelley has a free download of this darling image on her blog. Go here to find it.
Now the fun stuff.
Shelley Smith from http://www.houseofsmiths.blogspot.com/ was featured on eighteen25. Love. love, love her style. It's very clean and fresh. To get a closer look at each of the decorative elements, go here. You'll be glad you did.
I went goo-goo over this. I love anything with typography. I'll give you a hint. The free download at the end of the week for those who have commented during wicked fun week was inspired by this piece.
Shelley has a free download of this darling image on her blog. Go here to find it.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
wicked fun no. 3: halloween play dough & fall recipes
I'm not a fan of loading kids up with tons of goodies for Halloween, so I'm always on the lookout for fun things for preschool or friends that don't involve massive amounts of sugar.
I saw this idea from Ashley at Under the Sycamore on my new favorite blog http://www.eighteen25.blogspot.com/. (I LOVE Ashley's blog too--gorgeous photos.) I used to make homemade play dough with the boys. They loved it. I showed Ella this idea and asked her if she'd like to make it for her preschool Halloween party. She turned her head away from the computer screen and said, "How 'bout we pretend I didn't see it and you surprise me too." She's so funny and definitely as bad as me when it comes to loving surprises. (BTW Hon, Thanks for the tomato soup and wheat breadsticks you brought home the other night. Loved them.)
So I think it's a go. If your child is in Miss Ginny's preschool, you can't use this idea. I love the packaging. I have ribbon already, but I'm trying to find the bigger foam spiders. May have to include something else. Click here for Ashley's great tutorial.
One more goodie. Nothing says fall to me like this yummy and so good for you soup.
This is a McCrary family favorite and a must for fall. It's a tried and true from Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book.
I purchase the containers of butternut squash already cut at Costco. Makes this recipe so simple. They're in the refrigerated fruits and veggies room. I divide the container up and freeze what I don't use immediately. I get three batches from each container.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND CARROT SOUP
3 cups peeled, diced butternut squash (about 1 small)
2 cups thinly sliced carrot (4 medium)
3/4 cup thinly sliced chopped onion (I use less)
1 T. butter
2 14-oz cans chicken broth
1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 c. half-and-half
In a large saucepan cook squash, carrot and onion in butter over medium heat about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered for 25 to 35 minutes or until veggies are tender. Cool slightly.
Place one-third of the squash mixture in a blender. Cover and blend until almost smooth. Repeat with remaining mixture. Return all of the mixture to the saucepan. Add pepper and nutmeg; bring just to boiling. Add half-and-half; heat through.
Pumpkin muffins served with this soup are a must. I know I've shared this muffin recipe before, but for dinner I substitute one cup of walnuts for the mini chocolate chips.
Enjoy!
I saw this idea from Ashley at Under the Sycamore on my new favorite blog http://www.eighteen25.blogspot.com/. (I LOVE Ashley's blog too--gorgeous photos.) I used to make homemade play dough with the boys. They loved it. I showed Ella this idea and asked her if she'd like to make it for her preschool Halloween party. She turned her head away from the computer screen and said, "How 'bout we pretend I didn't see it and you surprise me too." She's so funny and definitely as bad as me when it comes to loving surprises. (BTW Hon, Thanks for the tomato soup and wheat breadsticks you brought home the other night. Loved them.)
So I think it's a go. If your child is in Miss Ginny's preschool, you can't use this idea. I love the packaging. I have ribbon already, but I'm trying to find the bigger foam spiders. May have to include something else. Click here for Ashley's great tutorial.
One more goodie. Nothing says fall to me like this yummy and so good for you soup.
This is a McCrary family favorite and a must for fall. It's a tried and true from Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book.
I purchase the containers of butternut squash already cut at Costco. Makes this recipe so simple. They're in the refrigerated fruits and veggies room. I divide the container up and freeze what I don't use immediately. I get three batches from each container.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND CARROT SOUP
3 cups peeled, diced butternut squash (about 1 small)
2 cups thinly sliced carrot (4 medium)
3/4 cup thinly sliced chopped onion (I use less)
1 T. butter
2 14-oz cans chicken broth
1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 c. half-and-half
In a large saucepan cook squash, carrot and onion in butter over medium heat about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered for 25 to 35 minutes or until veggies are tender. Cool slightly.
Place one-third of the squash mixture in a blender. Cover and blend until almost smooth. Repeat with remaining mixture. Return all of the mixture to the saucepan. Add pepper and nutmeg; bring just to boiling. Add half-and-half; heat through.
Pumpkin muffins served with this soup are a must. I know I've shared this muffin recipe before, but for dinner I substitute one cup of walnuts for the mini chocolate chips.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
wicked fun no. 2: simple monograms
I love anything with monograms. I think I'd do this with vinyl letters though.
I love the different colors and textures of these pumpkins. One year I'm also going to drill big holes in my pumpkin and make polka dots. I saw Martha do it and it was totally me. Loved this chair too. I found this photo on the Better Homes and Gardens website. My magazine subscriptions come and go, but my BH&G always sticks around.
I love the different colors and textures of these pumpkins. One year I'm also going to drill big holes in my pumpkin and make polka dots. I saw Martha do it and it was totally me. Loved this chair too. I found this photo on the Better Homes and Gardens website. My magazine subscriptions come and go, but my BH&G always sticks around.
Monday, October 4, 2010
wicked fun week, attention lurkers and a giveaway!
Happy October! Fall is definitely one of my favorite seasons--the weather, the colors, the decor and especially Halloween. I've collected some simple Halloween ideas I love--recipes, crafts, decor and just plain eye-candy. I'll share a new idea every day.
I'm also adding a special early Halloween treat for you to download at the end of the week. Here's the trick to getting it though. You have to comment on any post this week to be eligible. My sitemeter says there are A LOT of lurkers out there who read my blog, but don't ever comment. I want to hear from you! I promise, it's not scary. (Thanks to all my girlie friends who do comment all the time. I love it!) One more treat--a random commentor will be chosen to recieve his or her choice of the printed version of my treat.
Here's wicked fun no. 1:
I saw these on http://www.recipegirl.com/ last year and thought they were darling.
They'd make a great family night activity/snack. I also love that they're on sticks (and that they're chocolate!). Click here for the recipe.
I'm also adding a special early Halloween treat for you to download at the end of the week. Here's the trick to getting it though. You have to comment on any post this week to be eligible. My sitemeter says there are A LOT of lurkers out there who read my blog, but don't ever comment. I want to hear from you! I promise, it's not scary. (Thanks to all my girlie friends who do comment all the time. I love it!) One more treat--a random commentor will be chosen to recieve his or her choice of the printed version of my treat.
Here's wicked fun no. 1:
I saw these on http://www.recipegirl.com/ last year and thought they were darling.
They'd make a great family night activity/snack. I also love that they're on sticks (and that they're chocolate!). Click here for the recipe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
