Isn't the licorice spider the B.E.S.T.! Stop by Apron Strings, here, for the recipe and directions.
Showing posts with label halloween. Show all posts
Showing posts with label halloween. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
{Halloween} Black Cat Cookies
Trade in your pumpkin and ghosts cookies for a black cat this year. Aren't these Land O Lakes Black Cat Cookies so cool! From their candy corn eyes to their cute little whiskers, these Black Cat Cookies are sure to win over your little trick-or-treaters.
In addition to being super cute, these cookies are fairly easy to make and the kids will have a blast helping you decorate them. With all of the rainy days that we have been having lately, this recipe may get pulled out sooner rather than later at our house. Here is the Land O Lakes Recipe:
Black Cat Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Candy corn
Red cinnamon candies
Directions: Combine sugar and butter in large bowl; beat at medium speed until well mixed. Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla; beat until well mixed.
Combine all remaining ingredients except candies in medium bowl. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture to butter mixture. Beat until well mixed.
Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a ball; flatten to 1/2 inch. Wrap each half in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate until firm (at least 2 hours).
Heat oven to 350°F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface, one-half at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with 3-inch round cookie cutters. Place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Using fingers, pinch up ears at top of each circle. Place 2 pieces candy corn onto cookies for eyes and 1 red cinnamon candy for nose. Press tines of fork on each side of cookie below eyes to form whiskers.
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are set. Let cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire cooling rack.
* If you want your cookies to be served on a stick (see above picture), carefully insert popsicle sticks into the bottom of your cookies before baking.
Love it!
In addition to being super cute, these cookies are fairly easy to make and the kids will have a blast helping you decorate them. With all of the rainy days that we have been having lately, this recipe may get pulled out sooner rather than later at our house. Here is the Land O Lakes Recipe:
Black Cat Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
3 Eggs1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Candy corn
Red cinnamon candies
Directions: Combine sugar and butter in large bowl; beat at medium speed until well mixed. Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla; beat until well mixed.
Combine all remaining ingredients except candies in medium bowl. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture to butter mixture. Beat until well mixed.
Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a ball; flatten to 1/2 inch. Wrap each half in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate until firm (at least 2 hours).
Heat oven to 350°F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface, one-half at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with 3-inch round cookie cutters. Place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Using fingers, pinch up ears at top of each circle. Place 2 pieces candy corn onto cookies for eyes and 1 red cinnamon candy for nose. Press tines of fork on each side of cookie below eyes to form whiskers.
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are set. Let cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire cooling rack.
* If you want your cookies to be served on a stick (see above picture), carefully insert popsicle sticks into the bottom of your cookies before baking.
Love it!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
{Halloween} SpOOky BOO Bags
After posting about the fun Halloween tradition of BOOing yesterday, I came across these SpOOky BOO Bags from the girls over at How Does She? and found myself wishing that I was crafty with the sewing machine. How cute are these! I am orange with bag envy. I want one of each!
You can make these spooky felt bags and leave them, filled with treats, on the doors of your unsuspecting friends and/or neighbors when you BOO them this year. They would also make great teacher gifts, party favors, or trick-or-treating bags for your kiddos. Stop by How Does She?, here, for the diy directions.
You can make these spooky felt bags and leave them, filled with treats, on the doors of your unsuspecting friends and/or neighbors when you BOO them this year. They would also make great teacher gifts, party favors, or trick-or-treating bags for your kiddos. Stop by How Does She?, here, for the diy directions.
And for those of us who aren't gifted with the sewing machine.... the pumpkin pattern was done by hand with a blanket stitch. Feeling crafty?
Monday, October 10, 2011
Have You Been BOO'ed?
Any day now, our street's traditional Halloween BOOing should begin. Up until about 4 1/2 years ago, when we moved into our house, I had never heard of this Halloween tradition. One October night our doorbell rang right around bath time and when we went to answer the door we were greeted by a mysterious basket of Halloween goodies and a cute little "You have been BOO'ed" poem. My kids thought that it was the coolest thing ever and since then they look forward to it every year.
There are some great printable BOO'ed signs out there, however this is the first BOO'ed door hanger that I have come across and I LOVE IT! Skip to my Lou designed this adorable printable door hanger that has a BOO'ed poem on one side and a "We've Been Boo'ed" sign on the other side. So smart and creative!
There are some great printable BOO'ed signs out there, however this is the first BOO'ed door hanger that I have come across and I LOVE IT! Skip to my Lou designed this adorable printable door hanger that has a BOO'ed poem on one side and a "We've Been Boo'ed" sign on the other side. So smart and creative!
To create, simply download the free door hanger printable, here, and follow Skip to my Lou's easy directions, which can be found here. Once you have made your door hanger, start the BOOing! Hang the hanger on your friend's door and leave some treats for them to enjoy. Once they have been BOO'ed, they can turn the door hanger around and continue the tradition by BOOing another unsuspecting friend. It is so much fun. Just trust me!
Friday, October 7, 2011
A Halloween BOOfast Celebration
Halloween is just around the corner! Are you ready to celebrate with your little ghosts and goblins? If you are a regular follower, you know that breakfast is BIG at our house. It is my husband's and kids' favorite meal of the day, which has led me to the tendency of styling breakfast themed tables in place of the popular dessert tables on occasion. I liked the idea of a Halloween BOOfast Celebration because it allows guests to celebrate Halloween and the autumn season without the focus being on candy. Don't get me wrong, I know how important candy is to young and old alike on Halloween. I'm not trying to veto the candy! This just allows for a festive celebration before the main event (Trick-or-Treating!) without the sugar overload.
I wanted to make the Halloween BOOfast table simple and easy to re-create, healthy enough to satisfy my fellow moms, and appealing to even the littlest party guest. This breakfast themed table would be perfect for a Halloween party, playdate/playgroup celebration, or even to surprise your little ones on Halloween morning.
The BOOfast menu included pumpkin muffins, a variety of cereals, yogurt parfaits with various topping choices, and milk. Everything was "dressed-up" so that the kids wouldn't even notice that the candy and sweets were missing.
It's amazing how a little wrapper and cupcake topper can transform a muffin! The kids won't even notice that the extra sugar or icing is missing from these pumpkin muffins.
I found these adorable mini tins a few years ago in the Target Dollar Spot and I have gotten so much use out of them. I decided that they would be perfect for getting the kids excited about having a bowl of cereal. Don't be fooled...these cereal choices are healthy and light on sugar content as well (Fiber One, Whole Wheat Chex, and Gorilla Munch). Just don't tell the kids!
Milk in a plain glass just won't do for this celebration. Instead, I transformed empty jars into a Ghostly Glass of Milk! My kids LOVED these and they are so incredibly easy to make.
I used small, paper-wrapped canning jars to serve yogurt & fruit cups while the ceramic pumpkin containers held granola, dried fruit, slivered almonds, and other topping choices for the guests to choose from.
To dress up the serving table, I covered two lamp shades with black card stock and added some buntings for fun. This is an inexpensive way to temporarily transform an item that you already have at home (in this case, a lamp) to add to your table's decor and the overall presentation. I also made some paper rosettes and used a few Halloween decorations that I had at home (the cute witch and the spiders on each end) to finish things off.
I hope that this BOOfast Table has inspired you to start your day off with a little Halloween Celebration!
I wanted to make the Halloween BOOfast table simple and easy to re-create, healthy enough to satisfy my fellow moms, and appealing to even the littlest party guest. This breakfast themed table would be perfect for a Halloween party, playdate/playgroup celebration, or even to surprise your little ones on Halloween morning.
The BOOfast menu included pumpkin muffins, a variety of cereals, yogurt parfaits with various topping choices, and milk. Everything was "dressed-up" so that the kids wouldn't even notice that the candy and sweets were missing.
It's amazing how a little wrapper and cupcake topper can transform a muffin! The kids won't even notice that the extra sugar or icing is missing from these pumpkin muffins.
I found these adorable mini tins a few years ago in the Target Dollar Spot and I have gotten so much use out of them. I decided that they would be perfect for getting the kids excited about having a bowl of cereal. Don't be fooled...these cereal choices are healthy and light on sugar content as well (Fiber One, Whole Wheat Chex, and Gorilla Munch). Just don't tell the kids!
Milk in a plain glass just won't do for this celebration. Instead, I transformed empty jars into a Ghostly Glass of Milk! My kids LOVED these and they are so incredibly easy to make.
I used small, paper-wrapped canning jars to serve yogurt & fruit cups while the ceramic pumpkin containers held granola, dried fruit, slivered almonds, and other topping choices for the guests to choose from.
To dress up the serving table, I covered two lamp shades with black card stock and added some buntings for fun. This is an inexpensive way to temporarily transform an item that you already have at home (in this case, a lamp) to add to your table's decor and the overall presentation. I also made some paper rosettes and used a few Halloween decorations that I had at home (the cute witch and the spiders on each end) to finish things off.
I hope that this BOOfast Table has inspired you to start your day off with a little Halloween Celebration!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Autumn Craft Ideas
Last week I took my youngest two for their first autumn nature walk of the season. We had so much fun collecting "treasures" along our walk. Five days later,however, we have had two bags full of leaves, sticks, and acorns sitting in our garage, waiting to be put to use. This afternoon we did some traditional leaf rubbings which were fun, but short-lived. I decided to look for some other fun, crafty uses for our treasures and this is what I came up with:
How beautiful is this Autumn Tree craft from Full Circle! I love the simplicity of the project and it is the perfect craft for making use of our crunchy leaves.
These Leaf Ghosts from SheKnows.com are just so cute. Not only will your little one have fun painting their leaves, but you will get an early start on your Halloween decorations, too!
How beautiful is this Autumn Tree craft from Full Circle! I love the simplicity of the project and it is the perfect craft for making use of our crunchy leaves.
These Leaf Ghosts from SheKnows.com are just so cute. Not only will your little one have fun painting their leaves, but you will get an early start on your Halloween decorations, too!
Let everyone create a few mini trial versions of their jack-o-lantern design with these Acorn Pumpkins from Family Fun. When everyone is done, vote on the best designs for when the real deal rolls around.
Let your little one help add a festive touch to your holiday decor with these Acorn Picture Frames from Better Homes and Gardens.
Looks like we are going to be busy crafting this week. I hope that I have inspired you to get out with your kids, collect some treasures, and have fun crafting!
Monday, September 19, 2011
{Halloween} A Ghostly Glass of Milk
Although we still have well over a month until Halloween arrives, I couldn't help but share a little sneak peek of a Halloween Breakfast that I have been working on to go along with some new Halloween party items coming to the Sheek Shindigs Etsy Shop this week. Aren't these Ghostly Glasses of Milk cute! They would be a fun option for any type of Halloween celebration, whether it be a playdate, costume party, or just to great your little goblings on Halloween morning.
These are incredibly easy to re-create. Your litte ones could even help out!
Supplies
- Glass or plastic bottles/jars ( I used empty Starbuck's Frappuccino bottles)
- Plastic googly eyes (I used the self-adhesive kind)
- Black paper, scissors, and your imagination
- Glue
- Milk!
Directions
Fill your beverage container with milk. Place googly eyes on container and glue if necessary. Using your black paper, cut out a mouth and glue it to the container (you could also get creative and add eyebrows and other funny expressions if you wanted to).
Enjoy a Ghostly Glass of Milk!
These are incredibly easy to re-create. Your litte ones could even help out!
Supplies
- Glass or plastic bottles/jars ( I used empty Starbuck's Frappuccino bottles)
- Plastic googly eyes (I used the self-adhesive kind)
- Black paper, scissors, and your imagination
- Glue
- Milk!
Directions
Fill your beverage container with milk. Place googly eyes on container and glue if necessary. Using your black paper, cut out a mouth and glue it to the container (you could also get creative and add eyebrows and other funny expressions if you wanted to).
Enjoy a Ghostly Glass of Milk!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Halloween Carving Inspiration
After a busy week of school, sports, and other activites, our family is finally going to sit down together and carve out our pumpkins today! My creations are usually pretty traditional. I just don't have the skills to do anything too fancy. My husband, however, was aparently a pumpkin carver in his past life ;) He has come up with some pretty cool designs over the past couple of years. I can't wait to see what he comes up with today.
What type of Jack-o-lantern do you create? Do you use templates and fancy tools or just create as you go? Well, here is a little inspiration (from Martha, of course) to get you carving. Enjoy!
Carrot-Nose Jack-o-Lanterns
Mini Witch and Cat Pumpkins
Pumpkin Totem
Pumpkin Porcupines
What type of Jack-o-lantern do you create? Do you use templates and fancy tools or just create as you go? Well, here is a little inspiration (from Martha, of course) to get you carving. Enjoy!
Carrot-Nose Jack-o-Lanterns
Mini Witch and Cat Pumpkins
Pumpkin Totem
Pumpkin Porcupines
Friday, October 29, 2010
Fab Find: Mrs. Prindables
As the holiday season approaches I am always on the hunt for great hostess, teacher, and holiday gifts. This week's Fab Find offers a unique option for your gift-ing needs. Mrs. Prindables offers gourmet caramel apples, confection gifts, and gift baskets to it's customers. These unique creations can be ordered, packaged, and delievered directly to you or your special someone. They also offer fabulous party favor packages. I LOVE their Petite Apple Favors!! Here is a sampling of what they offer:
Triple Chocolate Caramel Favors
Stop by and check Mrs. Prindables out!
Triple Chocolate Caramel Favors
Triple Chocolate Apple Favors
Tuxedo Apple Favors
Holiday Gift Baskets
They even offer Halloween Treats!
Stop by and check Mrs. Prindables out!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Scary Good Halloween Snacks
Dress up your Halloween spread with these luxe black-and-orange treats from Food Network.
Vampire Blood Soup (served in test-tube "shooters") and Muenster Cheese Sammies are sure to kick up the CREEPY factor at your Halloween bash. Click here for the recipes.
Claire Robinson's Dark and Spooky is a fun twist on the classic Dark and Stormy.
These Pecan-Caramel Spiders have tasty licorice legs and gooey caramel-pecan bodies.
If you are a pumpkin lover you MUST try these Pumpkin Pie Parfaits. Yum Yum!
Vampire Blood Soup (served in test-tube "shooters") and Muenster Cheese Sammies are sure to kick up the CREEPY factor at your Halloween bash. Click here for the recipes.
Claire Robinson's Dark and Spooky is a fun twist on the classic Dark and Stormy.
These Pecan-Caramel Spiders have tasty licorice legs and gooey caramel-pecan bodies.
If you are a pumpkin lover you MUST try these Pumpkin Pie Parfaits. Yum Yum!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Love the Day's FREE Halloween Printables
Halloween is just a little over a week away! If you need some last minute party accessories for your Halloween bash, look no futher. Lindi of Love the Day designed these cute printables for Catch My Party. I L-O-V-E the colors and fun designs. Hop on over to Catch My Party to download Lindi's party circles, water bottle labels, welcome sign and cupcake wrappers. Happy planning!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
A Halloween Masquerade Party
Yesterday I hosted a Halloween Masquerade Party at our neighborhood park for my kids and some of their friends.
There was a variety of Halloween masks for the kids to choose from when they arrived at the park.
Since the party was after school and before dinner, I didn't want the focus to be CANDY. So, I made Halloween cupcakes (of course!) and then tried to fill the rest of the dessert table with healthy snack options, such as fruit and "make your own" trail mix. I used bouncy balls to add color to the table (they were a HUGE hit with everyone) and filled in with a few swirly lolipops.
Everyone brought a small pumpkin to decorate while we munched on snacks and spent time with our friends. Since the party was at the park, everyone was able to enjoy an age appropiate activity once they were finished with the decorating.
One family brought these ghost favor bags for everyone to take home. Aren't they cute! Thanks, Megin!
We had a great afternoon celebrating the Halloween season and spending time with our friends!
There was a variety of Halloween masks for the kids to choose from when they arrived at the park.
Since the party was after school and before dinner, I didn't want the focus to be CANDY. So, I made Halloween cupcakes (of course!) and then tried to fill the rest of the dessert table with healthy snack options, such as fruit and "make your own" trail mix. I used bouncy balls to add color to the table (they were a HUGE hit with everyone) and filled in with a few swirly lolipops.
Everyone brought a small pumpkin to decorate while we munched on snacks and spent time with our friends. Since the party was at the park, everyone was able to enjoy an age appropiate activity once they were finished with the decorating.
One family brought these ghost favor bags for everyone to take home. Aren't they cute! Thanks, Megin!
We had a great afternoon celebrating the Halloween season and spending time with our friends!
Monday, October 18, 2010
DIY: Owl A Glow
Assembled from a paper globe lantern and scrapbooking paper, this wise owl friend (from Family Fun) will brighten up your hOWLloween celebration!
Materials:
Paper globe lantern (available at party stores)
Paper
Scrapbooking paper
Glue dots
Jute twine
Instructions:
For the ear tufts, fan-fold an 8-1/2 - by 6-inch piece of paper and insert it under the center bar of the lantern.
Cut facial features and wings from scrapbooking paper, then secure them with glue dots.
Cut talons from paper, and secure them to the lantern with jute twine tied to the center bar.
Hang the lantern from an appropriate light fixture with a low-wattage bulb
Materials:
Paper globe lantern (available at party stores)
Paper
Scrapbooking paper
Glue dots
Jute twine
Instructions:
For the ear tufts, fan-fold an 8-1/2 - by 6-inch piece of paper and insert it under the center bar of the lantern.
Cut facial features and wings from scrapbooking paper, then secure them with glue dots.
Cut talons from paper, and secure them to the lantern with jute twine tied to the center bar.
Hang the lantern from an appropriate light fixture with a low-wattage bulb
Friday, October 15, 2010
Fab Find: A Glitterville Halloween
For those of you who are not familiar with Glitterville Studios, you really should "introduce" yourself. Their creations are nothing short of A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Really! Glitterville's products offer a fun, whimsical alternative to some of the most traditional entertaining pieces. And, there are some items that are just as random as they are creative. I especially love the Glitterville Halloween line. I dare you to hop over to their site and just take one peek. You won't be able to leave.
This Spider Cake Plate will make even the most modest cake look irresistable.
This Spider Cake Plate will make even the most modest cake look irresistable.
Giltterville's paper mache Crowdilla, Punchy the Pumpkin Punch Bowl, Mr. Bones is a Double Dipper, and Classic Stacking Silhouette Cake Plates will add whimsy and WOW to your Halloween Shindig.
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