Happy Halloween!

Happy


Halloween!

Hope all have a spooky fun time tonight.  Be safe.

Cindy

Ghostly nibbles

I am always on the lookout for some new idea and fun tip to make our holidays more special around here.  This is something that I have been doing for as long as I can remember.  When my kids were small they never really knew what to expect from me. 

Below are some great little spooktacular
nibbles for either a Halloween party or just for your family on Halloween Day.   




Yummy Mummy Cupcakes

Start with frosted store-bought or homemade cupcakes for this quick and haunting Halloween cupcake.
To make the cupcake, follow these steps:
1. Use a pastry bag with a basket-weave tip to pipe on white frosting.
2. Pipe on red frosting for the mummy's eyes.
3. Make two dots using black frosting for the pupils.



Easy Pumpkin Cupcakes

With such a simple design, these pumpkin cupcakes can be made quickly for any Halloween event on your calendar.
To make the cupcakes, follow these steps:
1. Frost cupcakes with orange frosting and dust with orange sprinkles.
2. Use a wooden skewer to draw pumpkin veins radiating from the center to the outer edge of the cupcakes.
3. Break large pretzel rods into small pieces and stick into the top of the cupcakes for stems.



Moldy Cheese Balls
These green cheese balls look past their prime, but their "mold" is just an herb coating that adds to the flavor. When plated with plastic spiders, they really achieve a gross-out appearance.



Jack-o'-Lantern Cheese Ball

Turn your favorite cheese ball into a total goofball by dressing it up as a playful pumpkin. Roll your prepared cheese ball in crushed nacho-cheese flavored snack chips. Place the cheese ball on a kale-lined platter. Cut a black olive into two triangle-shape pieces for the eyes and press into the cheese ball. Press three olive halves into the cheese ball to form the grin. (You may need to remove chips from these areas so the olives stick.) Place a dill pickle on top for a stem.




Scary Cerebrum
3 pounds frozen cooked medium shrimp (with tails), thawed and drained well
1/4
cup roasted red sweet peppers, cut into 1/4-inch thick strips
1
cup chicken broth
1
teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1 1/2
teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
1/4
cup lemon juice
3
tablespoons tomato paste
1
tablespoon honey
3
cloves garlic, minced

1/2
teaspoon salt

1/2
teaspoon ground ginger
1/4
teaspoon cayenne pepper

1.In a 1-1/2-quart glass bowl (3-inches high, 7 1/2-inches in diameter), begin arranging shrimp, tails toward the center, in a circle to make 1 flat layer in the bottom of the bowl. (Only the round backs of the shrimp should be visible from the outside of the bowl.) Repeat layers until bowl is full, pressing down every couple layers. As bowl fills up, tuck strips of the roasted red pepper in and around shrimp forming "blood vessels". (It helps to peer through the sides of glass bowl to adjust as necessary.) When bowl is full, press down firmly with a plate that fits inside the bowl. Set aside.


2.In a small saucepan combine chicken broth and unflavored gelatin; let stand 5 minutes. Cook and stir over medium heat until gelatin has dissolved. Whisk in lemon peel, lemon juice, tomato paste, honey, garlic, salt, ginger, and cayenne pepper until combined. Pour mixture over shrimp in bowl. Cover and chill at least 5 hours or overnight.

3.To unmold, set bowl in a sink filled with warm water for several seconds. Invert a large plate with sides over bowl. Invert plate and bowl together and remove bowl to unmold. Cover and chill until needed (up to 24 hours). Makes 12 appetizer servings.




Mummy Dogs

Cook up some 'dogs for an all-wrapped-up take on finger foods. Refrigerated breadsticks do the legwork. Make the appetizer lighter with cocktail wieners and a pinch of the breadstick dough rather than a full breadstick.



Handy Pretzels

Give new meaning to the concept "finger food" with these Halloween appetizers. Large pretzel sticks resemble useful appendages when the ends are dipped in melted candy coating and topped with a sliced almond "fingernail."



Spooky Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

These luscious jumbo strawberries are then plunged in decadent dark chocolate and half-dipped in creamy orange-colored confection, some are hand-dipped in creamy confection then drizzled with orange-colored confection and dark chocolate and some are hand-dipped in creamy orange-colored confection then finished with a dark-chocolate jack-o-lantern face to give festive flair.

And if you haven’t checked out Sara’s goodies @ Our Best Bites for Halloween, your missin it!

Just some of her yumminess…..but lots more…..



Halloween Cookie Pops



Spider Web Dip



Monster Munch

Beth @ Hungry Happenings created this fun cake and the witch's hat appetizers.


Chocolate Spider Cake



Witch’s Hat Appetizer

You can find these as well as others @ I Share Fun Food .


If you need more ideas, check out more great recipes from Amy @ Living Locurto that she has compiled from around the web. She also offers you a free menu plan.
I really want to try to ALL these recipes.  Is there one here that you would like to try?

Hugs,


Cindy


Photo’s and recipes courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Romans 12:1“[A Living Sacrifice] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

A Boo Party

Today I wanted to share a couple really cute and simple ideas and treats to throw together for a  fun and scary night  for your little goblins.

Spider suckers



googly eye hot cocoa


witches hat cookies



Pumpkin dip bowl

Decorate a pumpkin with fake mice.  creepy!



Creepy crawly spiders everywhere

Soft eerie glow



Home spun cobwebs over black birds



Creepy Candles


Pumpkin candy bowl




Pumpkin ice cooler

Don’t forget the spiders in your drinks!

Just a few things to get ya started.  Do you usually have a party/get together on Halloween and what are your traditions with your little ones?  I miss Halloween with my children. 

Hugs,

 

Cindy

Need some help getting ready for the weekend

 

Woo Hoo!!!

Memorial Day plans anyone? Picnics? Family gatherings?

I am sure we all have some wonderful fun planned for this first holiday weekend…the kick off to summer…..but let us not forget the real reason we celebrate this holiday.  Remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Memorial Day

We walked among the crosses
Where our fallen soldiers lay.
And listened to the bugle
As TAPS began to play.
The Chaplin led a prayer
We stood with heads bowed low.
And I thought of fallen comrades
I had known so long ago.
They came from every city
Across this fertile land.
That we might live in freedom.
They lie here 'neath the sand.
I felt a little guilty
My sacrifice was small.
I only lost a little time
But these men lost their all.
Now the services are over
For this Memorial Day.
To the names upon these crosses
I just want to say,
Thanks for what you've given
No one could ask for more.
May you rest with God in heaven
From now through evermore
By C W J (C W Johnson)- May 1975

"THE PATRIOT"

Memorial Day weekend was coming up,
and the nursery school teacher
took the opportunity to tell her class
about patriotism.

"We live in a great country," she said.
"One of the things we should be happy is that,
in this country, we are all free."

One little boy came walking up to her
from the back of the room.
He stood with his hands on his hips and said...
"I'm not free. I'm four."

Decorating for the occasion

Bringing the patriotic spirit into your home is as easy as hanging an American flag. Complement Old Glory with red accents, such as potted geraniums, a vintage cooler, and red-and-white linens.



A crisp white cottage porch pays tribute to the grand old flag in a casual, homey style. The patriotic look on this porch comes from a strong assortment of patterns. Oversize bunting in stripes and polka dots, a striped rug, and pillows in stripes, polka dots, and gingham emblazon the porch in red, white, and blue.

Put your collection of blue-and-white dishes on display to celebrate a patriotic holiday. For another nod to nostalgia, dress your table in linens from bygone eras -- especially if they feature patterns in red, white, and blue.



Vintage blue bottles reflect the navy in Old Glory. Use the bottles to display a few red flowers or miniature flags. Clear bottles would add variety to the mix.

Are you entertaining?

A white dining room is a perfect backdrop for holiday decorating. This simple summer dining table has been embellished with red, white, and blue accessories for a patriotic breakfast or luncheon.

Did someone say picnic?

How charming is this? So simple but so pretty.

Combine solid blue dishes, red and white flowers, and a blue gingham tablecloth for a patriotic backyard picnic.

Photos Courtesy of Country Living

What about a All-American centerpiece.  Love this.

You can pull together this patriotic decoration in a jiff. Just fill an open chest or basket with decorative green grass, baseballs, and red and blue croquet balls. Top it off with a few tiny flags.

Make your own Americana cake stand….. 


Put a patriotic twist on your cake stand. Create this temporary decoration by folding 2-inch sections of a red, white, and blue streamer accordion style and wrapping each section with a piece of string. Hot glue to the bottom of the stand for easy removal.



Create a cozy outdoor seating area with red-painted chairs, a white table, a vintage tablecloth, and a blue splatter ware bucket doubling as a planter. Don’t forget the watermelon.

Last year I shared some Memorial Day yummies at my cooking blog, so I am linking to them, feel free to check them out.

Hoping everyone has a safe and fun holiday weekend.

Acts 20:24“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

Happy Easter!

Did you know that The Easter Story is   told from four different perspectives in the Bible:Matthew 26:47-27:61, Mark 14:42-15:47, Luke 22:47-23:56, and John 18-19.

1 Peter 1:18-19“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

Cindy

Passion of Christ

What are you doing tomorrow?…After my church services and family meal, we will settle in to watch this.

How bout you?

This film opens in Gethsemane in medias res as Jesus prays and is tempted by Satan, while his apostles, Peter, James and John sleep. After receiving thirty pieces of silver, one of Jesus' other apostles, Judas Iscariot, approaches with the temple guards and betrays Jesus with a kiss. As the guards move in to arrest Jesus, Peter cuts off the ear of Malchus, but Jesus heals the ear. The temple guards arrest Jesus and the apostles flee. John tells Mary and Mary Magdalene of the arrest. Peter follows Jesus at a distance. Caiaphas holds a trial of Jesus over the objection of some of the other priests, who are expelled from the court. When questioned by Caiaphas whether he is the son of God, Jesus replies "I AM". Caiaphas is horrified and tears his robes and Jesus is condemned to death for blasphemy. Three times Peter denies knowing Jesus, but then runs away sobbing. Meanwhile, the remorseful Judas attempts to return the money to have Jesus freed, but is refused by the priests. He is later approached by two children who offer him help. He refuses it and the children thinks he is cursed. They bully him while more children join the fun. Tormented by demons, he flees the city and the bullying children and hangs himself with a rope from a dead donkey.

Caiaphas brings Jesus before Pontius Pilate to be condemned to death, but after questioning Jesus, Pilate sends him instead to the court of Herod Antipas, as Jesus is from Herod's ruling town of Nazareth. After Jesus is returned, Pilate offers the crowd that he will chastise Jesus and then will set him free. Pilate attempts to have Jesus freed by giving the people an option of freeing Jesus or the violent criminal Barabbas. To Pilate's dismay, the crowd demands to have Barabbas freed and Jesus killed. In an attempt to appease the crowd, Pilate has Jesus brutally scourged and mocked with a crown of thorns, yet the crowd continues to demand that Jesus be crucified. Pilate is left with no choice but to reluctantly order Jesus' crucifixion.

As Jesus carries the cross along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, Seraphia wipes Jesus's face with her veil. Simon of Cyrene is unwillingly pressed into carrying the cross with Jesus. Jesus is then crucified. As he hangs from the cross, Jesus prays forgiveness for those who did this to him and redeems a criminal crucified next to him. After Jesus gives up his spirit and dies, a single drop of rain falls from the sky, triggering an earthquake which destroys the Temple and rips the cloth covering the Holy of Holies in two, to the horror of Caiaphas and the other priests. Satan is then shown screaming in defeat. The story ends with Jesus rising from the dead and exiting his tomb.

John 3:16 -

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Cindy

Weekly Roundup 4-8-11

Good Morning, I decided that I wanted to get back to doing my weekly roundup so here we go again.  Alot of people enjoyed when I did this before, but due to so many obstacles and little detours in my real life, I haven’t had the time to devote to reading and “loving” on blogs.  So here are some of my favorite things I “loved” this week.

 

You know that monograms are the “thing” now.  But boy can monogrammed goodies add up.  At mugs at around $6.00 a whack or more you can’t afford to many.  This might be a option.

 
 

 

How cute are these monogrammed mugs?  These are a DIY project I found @ Design Mom. 

You can find the porcelain pens for this project @ DickBlick 

Just think of all the things you can write on with these pens. 

I can feel the wheels turning in my head already with all the fun things I could do with these little babies.  “Could these be as dangerous as paint?”  Nah, surely not! 

 

With Spring here or in most places, I wanted to share something that I am in love with. This next little do it yourself project is to die for.   Stephanie Lynn @ Under the Table and Dreaming shares with us how to create this.  I {HEART}this.A  Make sure you allow yourself some time when visiting Stephanie, as she has lots and lots of wonderful things to see.  It’s fabulous.

  

 

With Easter on the way, folks are getting crafty with their accessories. I have spent time this week searching for some fun and creative ideas for Easter. Something that is new to me.  Isn’t  this a adorable Easter Egg Wreath.  Who would of thought to use yarn this way.  Now I might could use do this one. Check out Trisha @ The Sweet Survival.  {I think this could be a adorable wreath for a baby’s room} 

 

Or how ‘bout her Moss Balls

  I really like this too, they bring a touch of earthiness( is that a word) to the room.  Definitely want to make some of these.

Another fun Easter wreath.



This Easter wreath with made with  pussy willow and grapevine.  Love this, and how simple is that?.  This creation is by Good Housekeeping.

 

Although there are lots of things to look at out there in “blog land” these are a few things that I tucked away in “my do” file.  What do you have tucked away in yours?

 

Cindy 

Romans 5:10“For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Happy Thanksgiving

 

T is for the trust the pilgrims had so many years ago
H is for the harvest the settlers learnt to grow
A is for America, the land in which we live
N is for nature and beauty which she gives
K is for kindness, gentle words, thoughtful deeds
S is for smiles, the sunshine everyone needs
G is for gratitude... our blessings big and small
I is for ideas, letting wisdom grow tall
V is for voices, singing, laughing, always caring
I is for Indians, who taught them about sharing
N is for neighbors, across the street, over the sea
G is for giving of myself to make a better me

by Judith.A. Lindberg

Colossians 3:17“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Thanksgiving Eve

Today has been filled with getting things ready for our traditional family dinner.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday meal and I enjoy every minute  in the kitchen baking and cooking for my family.   The aromas of pies and breads baking in the oven….smells of cinnamon, nutmeg,  swirling around.  Candles flickering a soft sweet glow. Sipping cocoa or cider.

That is just one of my favorite traditions, spending the day  before Thanksgiving  in the kitchen, as well as watching a black and white Christmas movie while working away the hours. Today I’m watching “White Christmas”.

Tonight, when all my kids arrive it will be spent finishing up the last minute prep, and watching the classic “Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”.  A holiday favorite too.

Do you have any Thanksgiving Holiday Traditions?

Hope your having a blessed day!!!

Colossians 2:6-7“[Freedom From Human Regulations Through Life With Christ] So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Memorial Day

 

Although Memorial Day has simply come to symbolize the start of summer for many people, its true purpose is to honor the men and women who lost their lives while serving our country.

Here are a few ways you can observe the real meaning of Memorial Day with your family:

• Take time to explain the meaning of Memorial Day to children or grandchildren.
• Proudly fly the American flag.
• Take your family to a Memorial Day parade in your community.
• Place a donation in an American Legion kettle and get a red poppy for your lapel.
• Make a point of attending a ceremony at the local war memorial.
• Stop by a local cemetery and place flags on the graves of fallen soldiers.

Also Memorial Day wouldn’t be the holiday that it is  without a picnic, right?  I have many great fond memories as a child uniting with my family for our semi annual gathering.  They were simply the best.  Thought I would share a few helpful tips with you on how to make it go from drab to fab.  

When dining outdoors on Memorial Day show your patriotic colors with a red, white and blue table trim.  This is a very easy way to get a festive feel for you picnic.

• First, cover your picnic or patio table with a white tablecloth, allowing it to hang over the sides of the table. You can use cloth if you choose, but disposable paper tablecloths are less expensive and require no laundering afterward. They can be found at variety and party supply stores.
• Next, gather red and blue ribbon in assorted widths. Cut lengths of ribbon equal to the length of the tablecloth. Center the widest ribbon down the length of the table. Place a bit of double-stick tape on the underside of the ribbon at each edge of the table. Add additional ribbons on each side of the wide ribbon, and tape as before. Trim the ribbons even with the tablecloth.
• Now cut lengths of ribbon equal to the width of the table. Place them across the width of the table between each place setting, weaving them through the lengthwise ribbons, and tape as before. Trim ribbons even with the tablecloth.
• Place red and white geraniums in a patriotic container on the center of the table. Wrap tableware in a festive napkin; tie in a bow with a contrasting ribbon.

Now, one thing that makes these times so special is the food….take a look at some of these goodies.

RECIPES

Flag Pop-tarts (to cute)

I think your kids would think your the best, with these little treats.

Ingredients

Pop-Tarts® | Tasty Creations | Celebration Flags
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
4 Kellogg's® Pop-Tarts® Strawberry toaster pastries
16 fresh red raspberries or 12 medium fresh strawberries
36 fresh blueberries

Directions
1.  In a small bowl stir together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.  Spread on top of KELLOGG'S POP-TARTS STRAWBERRY toaster pastries, completely covering tops.
2.  Lengthwise quarter raspberries or halve strawberries and thinly slice.  Arrange 9 blueberries on top left corner of each toaster pastry to make "stars" on flags.  Arrange raspberries or strawberries on top of toaster pastries to make "red stripes" on flags.  Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. 

Ice cream (fun for the kids)

In a pint sized zip lock bag combine:
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 Tbs. sugar
Zip the bag closed getting out as much air as possible.
Put the pint size zip lock bag into a gallon zip lock with:
1/3 bag of ice
1/4 cup salt on the ice.
Zip it closed and shake it (the kids love this part) until the ice cream is firm. Cut a corner off the small bag and squeeze the ice cream into a cup or bowl. Top with toppings of your choice.

Dipped Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 tablespoon shortening

4 ice cream sandwiches

Red, white and blue sprinkles

Directions

• Line a baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Quickly dip ice cream sandwiches partway in melted chocolate; coat chocolate with sprinkles. Place on prepared baking sheet and freeze. Yield: 4 servings.

Peach Lemonade

Ingredients

• 8 cups lemonade
• 2 cans (5-1/2 ounces each) peach nectar or apricot nectar
• 1 cup frozen unsweetened sliced peaches
• Fresh mint sprigs, snapdragons and lemon balm

Directions

• In a 3-qt. glass pitcher, combine the lemonade and nectar; refrigerate until chilled. Just before serving, stir the lemonade mixture; add frozen peach slices. Place mint sprigs along the sides of the pitcher and float the flowers on top of the lemonade. Yield: About 2-1/2 quarts.

Summer Shortcake

Serves 12 to 15

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 8 ounces cold cream cheese, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, plus more for brushing
• Raw sugar or fine sanding sugar, for sprinkling
• 2 pints blueberries
• 2 pints strawberries, hulled (small berries left whole, large berries halved lengthwise)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream

Directions

1. Make the biscuits: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a food processor, pulse flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. Add butter, and pulse until largest pieces are the size of peas. Add cream cheese, and pulse again until largest pieces are the size of peas. Add buttermilk, and pulse until dough comes together. Transfer to a bowl, and gently knead into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap, and let rest in the refrigerator at least 1 hour (or overnight).
2. Divide dough in half. Working with one portion at a time on a lightly floured work surface, pat into a disk, then roll into a 10-inch round. Transfer to baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
3. Brush biscuits with buttermilk. Generously sprinkle raw or sanding sugar over tops and sides. Brush off sugar from parchment. Bake until dough has risen slightly and is golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes (if bottoms brown too quickly, reduce temperature to 400 degrees). Leave biscuits on sheets. Using a 2 1/2-inch star cutter, cut out (but do not remove) 7 stars from one biscuit while it is still warm. Let cool.

   

4. Using a paring knife, carefully remove star shapes. Reserve for snacking or another use. (Biscuits can be made up to 8 hours ahead; store on wire racks, and cover loosely with plastic wrap.)
5. Make the filling: Combine blueberries, strawberries, and 2 tablespoons sugar, and let macerate until juicy, 10 minutes.
6. Just before serving, beat cream to medium peaks with remaining tablespoon sugar and the vanilla.
7. Assemble the cake: Place uncut biscuit on a large plate. Spoon half the berries and their juices on top of biscuit, then spread the whipped cream over berries. Top with all but about 1/2 cup berries. (Make sure surface is even; it will support the top biscuit and prevent it from breaking.) Carefully place cutout biscuit on top. Fill star cutouts with reserved berries. Serve immediately, or refrigerate, uncovered, up to 3 hours.

   

If time allows I will try to add some grilling ideas….they would be good for anytime this summer….and remember there is always July 4th right around the corner.

When dining indoors, decorate your table using all your red, white and blue goodies. 

You don’t have to spend alot of time decorating for this holiday, however if you are having friends or  family over during this weekend, it serves as a nice reminder of why we celebrate and puts people in a more festive mood. Just a few simple ideas I found while scouring the internet.

 

 

Well really should scoot for now.  Have some packing to do as well as a few errands.  Hubby and I along with some friends are heading out to Amish Country tomorrow for a few days, should be home late Sunday night .  If I don’t get back before Monday, hope all has a safe and family fun filled Memorial Day. 

Woo Hoo Summer is here!

Hugs,