HAPPY TRICK OR TREATING
Enjoy a FUN FESTIVE SAFE HALLOWEEN
AWESOME PUMPKIN CARVINGS
Don't Forget the PUMPKIN SEEDS!
Don't Forget the PUMPKIN SEEDS!
SPICY PUMPKIN SEEDS
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
OOPS! I FORGOT IT WAS HALLOWEEN IDEAS!
Did HALLOWEEN sneak up on you?
Did you decide you were not giving out treats this year, but now you feel guilty?
Well, here a few ideas....
APPLES...I know people frown upon this, but if the kids are your neighbors, they should trust you, right? DIP THEM IN CARAMEL! THEY WILL LOVE IT.
SPARE CHANGE....Grab your change jar, pull out all of the quarters and dimes and toss it into their bags!
SEARCH THOSE CUPBOARDS...microwave popcorn packets, wrapped granola bars, fruit rollups, snack bags of chips, cookies & pretzels, juice boxes...GIVE THEM A CHOICE!
YOU COULD MAKE POPCORN BALLS!!!
The kids would love these!
Look at all of the yummy treats rolled into POPCORN!!
HALFTIME CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS
From WWW.TABLESPOON.CO,INGREDIENTS
- 1
- bag (3 oz) light butter microwave popcorn
- 2
- cups Golden Grahams® cereal
- 1 1/2
- cups small pretzel twists
- 3/4
- cup candy-coated chocolate pieces
- 1/3
- cup butter or margarine
- 3/4
- cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3
- cup light corn syrup
DIRECTIONS
- Cut 24x12-inch sheet of waxed paper; place on work surface. Pop popcorn as directed on bag. Pour popcorn into at least 8-quart bowl or large roasting pan; remove any unpopped kernels. Stir in cereal, pretzels and chocolate pieces.
- In 1-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute. Pour brown sugar mixture evenly over popcorn mixture, stirring to coat well.
- Spray hands with cooking spray. With sprayed hands, quickly and firmly shape generous 1 cup popcorn mixture into ball. Place on waxed paper. Repeat with remaining mixture to make about 9 more balls. Cool 10 minutes. Wrap each popcorn ball in plastic wrap.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
NE-NE HAD SOME GOOD IDEAS
Of course, the weddings are my favorite. After all, who doesn't enjoy a wedding?!? There is certainly a plethora of weddings this year, great for BRAVO'S ratings, I guess.
These weddings are so over the top, but there are some great ideas we can use and modify.
So, what were the BIG IDEAS from NE NE's wedding?
NE NE'S $58,000 WEDDING GOWN
There's a lot going on here! Love the GOLD METALLIC and the HEADPIECE. but WOW, this dress is BUSY!!
I'm so happy to see headpieces and veils coming back.
ALL WHITE BRIDESMAIDS GOWN
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| ALL WHITE BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES I LOVE the idea of an ALL WHITE BRIDAL PARTY!! These ladies chose their gowns to suit their personality and body type. Everyone looked lovely because they felt good in their custom gown. Now, that brides are choosing to wear color, the all white bridesmaids dresses make sense and provide a fresh, clean background for the bride! So many brides are choosing to have a reception dress or 2! Personally, I don't understand this, because you only get to wear a fabulous bridal gown once (hopefully!), so why not wear it for as long as you can! When you think about it, the reception is the time to really show off that fabulous dress you said YES too! BLING AND SPARKLE If you choose to change dresses, which one of these 2 reception dresses would you choose? RECEPTION DRESS #1 
I like this dress. The beading, the bling, the BACK DETAIL and flowing skirt made this a beautiful choice to really dance and have a good time.
RECEPTION DRESS #2
This short TEE style was blinged out and I'm sure very expensive, but I don't get it. It must have gotten REALLY HOT out on the dance floor! Apparently NENE had 5 DRESS CHANGES!!!
We will have to wait for the PAID PICS to come out!
 
HOW MANY FUTURE TV WEDDINGS DO YOU SEE IN THIS PICTURE??
THE CAKE  10 Tiered $15, 000 Wedding cake by Slyvia Weinstock Planned by A Legendary Events This is simply beautiful, so soft with all of this flowers, it deserved center stage!!! I love a spectacular WEDDING CAKE. It should be a centerpiece, It is one part of the reception festivities that everyone looks forward to...the cake cutting and a taste of all that yumminess! BUT, it can be done beautifully and reasonably!! So, I like a few of NeNe's ideas.... HOLLYWOOD GLAM ALL WHITE METALLICS JEWELED HEADPIECES STATEMENT WEDDING CAKE GREAT MUSIC Did you watch the wedding? What caught your eye? If you didn't, what ideas appeal to you? Would you consider dressing your Bridal Party in White? 
Have you started your HOLIDAY GIFT LIST?
Visit our HOLIDAY GIFT & FAVOR BOUTIQUE
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Friday, October 18, 2013
PINK WEDDING GOWNS
SO PRETTY IN PINK WEDDING GOWNS
Brides are choosing NOT to wear WHITE on their Wedding Day! Instead they opt for their favorite color and the look is SPECTACULAR!
Read about this new trend
VERA WANG'S new BRIDAL COLLECTION 2014 debuted at this week's NEW YORK FASHION WEEK. Vibrant hues like PEONY, CORAL, ROSE and PETAL are not replacing the beautiful pastels and blushes but offer a show stopping option for the Bride who wants something a bit different.
Read more here!
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| Shannita Lewis submitted her photo to THE TODAY SHOW |
For some real life bride's rockin' this trend watch video's from THE TODAY SHOW with KLG and HODA.
Would you wear a PINK WEDDING GOWN? What color would you dress your bridal party in, to compliment your bold and beautiful look?
Enjoy a beautiful weekend!
Ready for the Holiday Gift Giving (and receiving season?)
Visit our HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
Thursday, October 10, 2013
NO CARVE PUMPKINS IDEAS
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| PAINTED and STAMPED PUMPKINS |
It's going to be a chilly, rainy weekend here on the East Coast, so here are a few ideas to get your family involved in a
fun HALLOWEEN craft party!
If you don't carve all of your pumpkins, you may even keep them around as decorations through Fall and for your Thanksgiving dinner table.
An "uncarved" pumpkin can last up to a few months. Make sure you choose a very solid pumpkin with no signs of decay or bug holes. Also get one with the stem firmly attached. Keep out of extreme temperatures and sunlight.
PAINTED BEJEWELED PUMPKINS
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| BEJEWELED and BEDAZZLED Simply spray paint your pumpkin and glue jewels onto the pumpkin! Get into it and use your favorite colors. Jewels, beads and even fancy thumbtacks can be fun and cheap too! |
TIPS ON HOW TO PAINT A PUMPKIN
To paint a pumpkin, try these tips:
- Test latex or acrylic paints on a hidden spot on the pumpkin. Pumpkins have a waxy surface that repels some paints.
- Use a latex primer if you want to change the color of the pumpkin.
- After the primer has dried, brush or spray a coat of paint onto the entire pumpkin. For deeper color, apply a second coat.
- Paint designs with latex or acrylic paint using a fine-tip artist's brush. Or try an acrylic paint pen for greater control.
- Age the surface with an antiquing stain, if desired.
- Apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the painted design and to make the pumpkin shine.
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| SPARKLE PAINTED PUMPKIN |
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| BEAUTIFUL STENCILS (to download from BHG) This, OBVIOUSLY is a carved pumpkin, BUT I LOVE CATS and just couldn't resist adding this sweet face into the mix. I am DEFINITELY going to make these! One for each of my 3 sweet kitties. |
This is fun for the kids!
Have them flip through magazines for facial features,
even pets would be adorable.
The kids can make pumpkin faces that look like themselves or you!
Make one pumpkin for each member of your family.
Don't forget to take pictures of each of you holding your special
pumpkin "mini Me!"
CHALKBOARD PUMPKINS
DON'T FORGET THE GOOGLY EYES!
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| MUMMY PUMPKIN Using white school glue or "MODGE PODGE" and wrap your pumpkin with tissue paper . When it's dry, you can paint he tissue with white craft paint. Add GOOGLY EYES and you have "MUMMY PUMPKIN!" HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!  VISIT OUR HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE TODAY  |
Friday, October 4, 2013
TOP HALLOWEEN COSTUME TRENDS
It's a great weekend to start shopping for
THE HALLOWEEN COSTUME!!
THE HALLOWEEN COSTUME!!
If you are buying a popular themed costume, you really do need to
SHOP NOW.
If you are making your costumes, then it's time to gather materials. Either way, your best friend is THE THRIFT STORE!! Right now thrift stores are loaded with costumes, especially for children and they still have BATMAN, SUPERMAN and other SUPERHEROES. If you are making your own, especially a look from the 70's or 80's...GET THERE NOW!! These themes are so popular, the leisure suits will be gone. (YES, I saw a BABY BLUE LEISURE SUIT)
TOP HALLOWEEN COSTUMES 2013
Of course kids want to be SUPERHEROES , PRINCESSES, WITCHES and ZOMBIES!!
Of course kids want to be SUPERHEROES , PRINCESSES, WITCHES and ZOMBIES!!
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DIY ZOMBIE MAKE-UP TUTORIAL
TOP HALLOWEEN COSTUME IDEAS are definitely coming from Pop Culture!
the most popular are:
ZOMBIES ZOMBIES ZOMBIES
Think "MONSTER HIGH"
TOP HALLOWEEN COSTUME IDEAS are definitely coming from Pop Culture!
the most popular are:
ZOMBIES ZOMBIES ZOMBIES
Think "MONSTER HIGH"
You can "ZOMBIFY" anything!
Take a sweet character and then get to work on that makeup!
click on the link under the "zombies ahead" for a how too. You can buy a kit or get into your make-up bag! I'm sure everything you need is in there.
GEEKS
"Think "BIG BANG THEORY"
SUPERHEROES
BATMAN, SUPERMAN, WOLVERINE, SPIDERMAN, WONDER WOMAN and IRONMAN
are HOT!
DISNEY PRINCESSES
OH and MILEY CYRUS is predicted to be NUMBER 1.
I don't think this is THE LOOK everyone is talking about....but ...
WHO ARE YOU GOING TO BE THIS HALLOWEEN??
HAVE FUN!!
DON'T FORGET TO VISIT OUR HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
APPLE CIDER RECIPES
This weekend is a GREAT time for APPLE INSPIRED ACTIVITIES.
I don't know where you live, but here on the EAST COAST it will be close to 90 degrees! IN OCTOBER...I LOVE IT!! So... outdoor activities are definitely on our list...At the top of my list is a visit to an apple orchard where they make fresh apple cider
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| HOT MULLED APPLE CIDER |
Hot Mulled Cider Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 gallon of fresh, unfiltered apple cider
- 1 orange
- 15 cloves
- 4 3-inch sticks of cinnamon
- 15 allspice berries
- 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 7 pods of cardamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
METHOD
1 Pour apple cider into a 3-quart saucepan, cover, turn the heat on medium-high. While cider is heating up, take a vegetable peeler and peel away a couple thick strips of peel from the orange. Press about half of the cloves into the peeled part of the orange. (You can also just quarter the orange and add the slices and cloves separately. I just like seeing the orange bob up and down.) Place orange, orange peel strips, the remaining cloves, and the rest of the ingredients into the sauce pan with the cider. Keep covered and heat the mulled cider mixture to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
2 Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the hot mulled cider away from the orange, cloves, and other spices. If you want, you can add a touch of bourbon, brandy, or rum to spike it up a bit. Serve hot. Add a cinnamon stick to each cup if desired.
Makes 8 cups.
Because it will be so warm this weekend, I'm definitely making this cool and refreshing Sangria!
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| APPLE CIDER SANGRIA |
Recipe from www.nutmegnanny.com
as well as HOME MADE APPLE CIDER DONUTS!!
BAKED APPLE CIDER DOUGHNUTS
Yields 9 doughnuts and about 20 doughnut holes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
These light and fluffy doughnuts get extra flavor from finely diced apple folded into the dough. Quickly frying them in a pan after baking gives these doughnuts a crispy exterior without the added fat and helps the cinnamon and sugar coating to stick. These doughnuts are best enjoyed straight out of the pan – they tend to deflate a little after sitting too long.
You can purchase a special doughnut cutter or doughnut pan for neater looking doughnuts, but differently sized cookie cutters will also work. I used a drinking glass to cut my larger circles and a shot glass to cut out the holes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider
- 2 tablespoons Butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (Approx. 2 ounces) Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 2 cups (Approx. 10 ounces) All Purpose Flour, plus additional for dusting
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Apple, cut into a 1/8-inch dice (about 1 cup)
- 1/4 cup Oil for frying
- Cinnamon and Sugar for dusting
PREPARATION
- Pour the apple cider into a small pan set over high heat. Bring to a boil and allow to reduce by half. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg, then mix in the reduced cider and milk.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Fold in the diced apple, then mix in the remaining flour.
- Generously flour a one foot square piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil. Turn the dough out onto the paper. Flour the top of the dough and use your hands to press/flatten it into a 1/2-inch thick disk. Chill for 15 minutes to help the dough firm up.
- Heat oven to 425F. Remove the dough from the fridge and cut into doughnut shapes using a doughnut cutter, cookie cutters, or a glass. Cut additional “holes” from the scraps of dough left over.
- Carefully transfer each doughnut and the “holes” to a baking sheet likes with parchment or a silpat. Bake at 425F for 10 minutes.
- Optional: For a crispier exterior, heat the oil in shallow frying pan until very hot. Cook doughnuts for 10 seconds on each side, or until lightly browned. Dust with cinnamon and sugar while they are still hot. Enjoy!
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| APPLE VOTIVE HOLDERS
Materials needed to make apple candle holders:
How to make apple candle holders for fall home decor:
STEP 1 - Hold a votive candle on top of your apple. Using a toothpick, poke holes into the apple so that you'll form an outline of the size of the candle.
STEP 2 - Use a paring knife to cut along the dotted line and cut about 3/4 of the way into the apple.
STEP 3 - Use the melon baller to scoop out the insides. Get the inside of the apple as smooth as you can. Rub the interior with lemon juice to keep it from turning brown.
STEP 4 - Place a votive candle inside the apple.
That's all there is to it! Make several apple candle holders and arrange them on a platter and enjoy the scent, the atmosphere and , OF COURSE. the Apple Cider donuts and your choice of Hot Mulled Cider or Apple Cider Sangria!
MY CHOICE IS THE SANGRIA!
WHAT TASTY CIDER DRINK WILL YOU ENJOY?
ENJOY A HAPPY WEEKEND!
Don't forget to visit our HOLIDAY GIFT BOUTIQUE!
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