Weekend {Roundup}: Halloween Baking

Happy Halloween!

While I don’t get into scary movies or haunted houses or dressing up in costume, I can get on board with baking up cute and spooky Halloween treats.  Here’s a roundup of some great Halloween baking ideas around the Internet for your Halloween viewing pleasure.

Credit: (1) Little Devil Cupcakes from Made With Pink, (2) Chocolate Nutella Spider Cupcakes from Recipe Girl, (3) Skeleton Cupcakes from cookies and cups, (4) Frightening Frankenstein Cupcakes via Hostess {with the Mostess}, (5) Candy Corn Cheesecake via grin and bake it, (6) Spooky Witch Cupcakes by Danielle via A Beautiful Mess, (7) Orange Tinted Rice Krispie Treats Drizzled in Chocolate via Hostess {with the Mostess}, (8) Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes from Annie’s Eats, (9) Cauldron Cupcakes via grin and bake it

Morning Glory

No “What I’m Working On…” post today, since I have kept pretty up-to-date on sharing all my projects with you this week. There is however a birthday card in the works, but I cannot show that to you until it reaches the birthday girl.

I am very excited for Halloween to be over soon because I can’t wait to no longer have to repeatedly see commercials for scary movies. Me and scary movies do not mesh well together. In fact, I hate them. I may be a baby, but that’s just fine with me.

I am looking forward to more commercials for movies like “Morning Glory” with Rachel McAdams (release date November 10, 2010). Have you seen the trailer for this movie yet? Looks cute to me. And it’s by the same screen writer that did “The Devil Wears Prada.”

You can follow this link to the trailer video as well.

Credit: imdb.com

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies…with PRETZELS!

About a week ago I posted about some Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies I baked (you can see that post and recipe here).  Well, I had a hankering to bake today, so I made this cookie recipe again…but this time, with a slight modification.

I added 1/2 cup of pretzels!

I can’t take credit for this idea whatsoever because I originally saw it when reading Lovin’ From the Oven.  So smart!

What it does is add a little crunch (like a nut, but without the nut) to the cookie.  And another bonus is that the pretzels add a little extra salt.  So you get the sweet from the chocolate and the salt from the pretzel which is really nice.

I only added a 1/2 cup of pretzels, but you could add more than that.  I was just being cautious since I’ve never tried adding pretzels before.  In the future, I’d probably add a full cup instead.  Also, I used tiny pretzel sticks broken up into pieces.  You could use whatever pretzel shape you’d like or happen to have lying around your house.

 

 

I hope you enjoy these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip and Pretzel Cookies!  And have a great weekend too!

Credit: Recipe adapted from here and Lovin’ From the Oven.  Cookies pictured were baked by me.  All photos take by me as well.

Ode to Inspiration

Happy Friday!  Here’s a little dose of inspiration to start the weekend…

Credit: Purple glitter from The Gilded Bee

 

Credit: Images by Tiff of Dottie Angel via a room somewhere

 

Credit: Art print from Love Sugar Design via Paper Crave

 

Credit: Image captured by photographer MK Wong via oh joy!

 

Credit: Shop window at Lulu Guinness via Racked NY

Completed Stuffed “Love” Heart Barrette

Today I made a Stuffed “Love” Heart Barrette.  It’s stuffed with fiberfill, stitched with the word “love,” and decorated with white iridescent bugle beads to for a little added sparkle.

I hope you guys like it!

I’m thinking about making a variation of this in a ornament (a similar heart in a larger size).  What do you think?

Once I get this Stuffed “Love” Heart Barrette packaged nicely, I’ll be adding it to my Etsy shop.  I’ll let you know with another post when that happens.

You can see more photos on my Facebook page if you are interested.

Credit: Photo taken by me.  Photo editing by me using Photoshop.  Felt heart sewn by me as well.

Thirsty Thursday…Pumpkin Mojito

I swear, Hostess with the Mostess is one of my very favorite blogs.  They are so very creative over there and I am infinitely envious of their talents.

This week I was catching up on some blog reading and stumbled upon a recipe for Pumpkin Mojitos via Hostess with the Mostess.  And once I saw this drink, I knew it had to be my drink of the week.  You can’t go wrong with a mojito.

Pumpkin Mojito

• 1 1/4 oz. Rum
• 11 Mint Leaves
• 1 tablespoon Pumpkin
• 1/2 a Lime
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
• 2 oz. Soda

MUDDLE mint leaves and sugar.

ADD rum, pumpkin, soda, and juice from 1/2 a lime.

MIX well.

ADD ice and garnish with extra mint leaves.

Definitely check out the Pumpkin Mojito Bar post over at Hostess with the Mostess for more information and photos.  It would be such a great idea to have a DIY Pumpkin Mojito Bar at a fresh sunny fall party.

And a little side note…do you like the scalloped-edge I made on the photo?  I just got Photoshop and I’ve been spending a lot of time playing around and seeing what I can do with it.  So far, this is as fancy as I’ve gotten.  I’m pretty proud of my handiwork though.

Enjoy your cocktail!

Credit: Photo via Hostess with the Mostess.  Recipe adapted from Hostess with the Mostess.  Scalloped-edge photo editing by me using Photoshop.

Pink Meringue Cookies

This little recipe is for some adorable Pink Meringue Cookies.  It’s my aunt’s recipe and makes for some delicious and pretty pastel cookies.

Pink Meringue Cookies

• 3 Egg Whites
• 1/8 teaspoon Salt
• 3/4 cup Sugar
• 3 1/2 tablespoons Raspberry Gelatin
• 1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
• 1 teaspoon Vinegar
• a Brown Paper Bag

BEAT egg whites and salt until foamy.

Slowly ADD sugar and  gelatin (you can use another flavor is you have a preference other than raspberry).  BEAT until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved.

ADD chocolate chips and vinegar.  FOLD with a rubber spatula until vinegar is thoroughly mixed in and chocolate chips are evenly dispersed.

DROP by the teaspoonful onto a cookie sheet covered with a brown paper bag.  I just cut up a paper grocery bag, or you could also use a silicone baking mat.

BAKE for 25 minutes at 250 degrees.

Then turn OFF oven and leave cookies in for another 20 minutes.

I had a one leftover egg white from another recipe, so I decided to make a tiny batch of these meringues.  But because I had only one egg white I wanted to use, that meant modifying the recipe and only making a small batch of 8 cookies.

The original recipe (using quantities above) makes 3 dozen meringue cookies.

Enjoy!  And please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe.

Credit: This is my aunt’s delicious Pink Meringue Cookies recipe.  All photos taken by me.  The pictured Pink Meringue Cookies were baked by me as well.

Completed Stuffed Goldfish Barrette

Yesterday I posted about a Stuffed Goldfish Barrette I was working on (you can see that post here).  It’s stuffed with fiberfill and I added some white iridescent bugle beads to the barrette base for a little sparkle.

Today I finished making the Stuffed Goldfish Barrette with assistance of my friend Jessica who suggested the base color of blue (like water).  Thank you Jessica!  I really appreciate your input and I think blue was a great choice with the bright orange goldfish.

The little fishy barrette turned out really sweet.  I hope you guys like it!

Once I get this Stuffed Goldfish Barrette packaged nicely, I’ll be adding it to my Etsy shop.  I’ll let you know with another post when that happens.

Credit: Photo taken by me.  Photo editing by me using Photoshop.  Felt goldfish sewn by me as well.

{Roundup}: Apples

There are apples on today’s menu for the roundup.  What goes better with chilly fall weather better than apple cider and caramel apples (other than pumpkins that is)?  Enjoy these cute apple items found on Etsy!

Credit: (1) Scented Plush Red Apples by lapomme, (2) Artificial Evergreen Wreath with Lemons and Green Apples by April Hiler Designs, (3) Custom Made Children’s Pillowcase Dress by Aquamars Boutique, (4) Brass Apple Locket Necklace by Rhondas Treasures, (5) Candy Caramel Apple Flavored Lip Balm by Howards Home, (6) Red Apple Tea Set by Studio Elan, (7) Sweet Pea Apple a Day Hat in Candy Apple Red by Sweet Pea Pods, (8) Mini Window Wall Hanging Quilt by olive tree textiles, (9) Natural Wooden Teething Toy by the bitsy bean.

Stuffed Goldfish Barrette

Today I spent some time working on another felt barrette.  This time I’m making a goldfish that’s stuffed with fiberfill and complete with googly eyes.

I still have some work to do.  While I finished the goldfish, I still need to sew some felt around the barrette and attach it to the little fishy.

Once again, I’m throwing a question out to you guys…any ideas on what color I should go with for the barrette base?  So far I’ve gotten two great suggestions: (1) green like seaweed and (2) blue like water.  Both ideas are great, but I think I’m gravitating toward blue because I think it will look nice with the orange and I can add some of my white iridescent bugle beads to the base for a little sparkle (a la bubbles).

What do you think?  Is blue the way to go?  What do you think about adding a little bling with bugle beads on the base?  Is it going too far?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Credit: Photo taken by me.  Photo editing by me using Photoshop.  Felt goldfish sewn by me as well.

Completed Stuffed Cupcake Barrette

Yesterday I posted about a Stuffed Cupcake Barrette I was working on (you can see that post here).  It’s stuffed with fiberfill and sprinkled with some white iridescent bugle beads.

Today I finished making the Stuffed Cupcake Barrette with assistance of some wonderful helpers who suggested the base color of brown.  Thank you to my helpers!  I really appreciate your input.

I think the barrette turned out really cute!  It really exceeded my expectations.  And love how the brown looks with the pink and blue cupcake.  What do you think?

Once I get this Stuffed Cupcake Barrette packaged nicely, I’ll be adding it to my Etsy shop.  I’ll let you know with another post when that happens.

Credit: Photo taken by me.  Photo editing by me using Photoshop.  Felt cupcake sewn by me as well.

If only I had all the money in the world…

Here are some lovely things I have seen lately.

This mug isn’t just adorable, it plays double-duty too.  While you enjoy your coffee or tea, the stackable mini dish “lid” is removable and becomes a saucer for little treats.  I used Google translate to translate the saying as, “You can come whenever you want.”  But the more correct French translation is, “You’re welcome anytime.”

 

{“Cheri” Shinzi Katoh Cafe Mug from My Sweet Muffin}

Oh the details!  I just love this bride’s super cute red nail polish with sweet little white polka dots.

{Red nails with white polka dots via Green Wedding Shoes}

Everything in Edor’s Etsy shop is simple and gorgeous.  I dare you to check out the shop and not find something you love.

{Necklace by Edor via dujour}

Acid wash jeans?  No way!  Acid wash purse?  Yes please!  I just love this beautiful and unique purse.  I’ve never seen anything like it before, and I’m in love.

{a.ok acid white handbag available at oak}

I’ve been needing a jewelry stand to organize my jewelry collection for a long time now.  I don’t think I could ever find one with more places to stash my earrings and hang my necklaces and bracelets, than this one.  And to top it off, it is a lovely shade of blue and it SPINS!

{Spinning Birdcage Jewelry Stand from Urban Outfitters}

Credit: Google translate, My Sweet Muffin, Green Wedding Shoes, Etsy, Edor via dujour, oak, and Urban Outfitters.

Stuffed Cupcake Barrette

Today I spent some time working on a felt cupcake barrette.  It’s stuffed with fiberfill and sprinkled with some white iridescent bugle beads.

I still have some work to do.  While I finished the cupcake, I still need to sew some felt around the barrette and attach it to the little cupcake.

Any ideas on what color I should do for the barrette base?  I was thinking hot pink, but I have white, black, a few shades of blue, a few shades of purple, orange, yellow, brown, and red.  See this post and this post for more colors.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Credit: Photo taken by me.  Photo editing by me using Photoshop.  Felt cupcake sewn by me as well.

Crushin’ On Color: Purple

This beautiful vibrant purple paint, really makes the store pop.

Credit: Photography by The Gaupers via Rock N’ Roll Bride

Weekend {Roundup}: Black and White Stripes

I have a slight problem.  I seem to be addicted to black and white stripes.

Credit: (1) Fonda Striped Pea Coat by BB Dakota via Nasty Gal, (2) Divine Twine via Bake It Pretty, (3) Vertical striped bathroom via 6th Street Design School, (4) Dr. Hunt Floor Lamp by Stray Dog Designs via happy chickadee, (5) Oh Barnacles! Dress via spotted moth, (6) Atlanta home of stylist and producer Annette Joseph via Design*Sponge, (7) Christian Louboutin Greissimo Peep-Toes, (8) Ottomans at Inspirador via Elizabeth Anne Designs, (9) BB Dakota Striped Tunic via south moon under

Blue Valentine

I really really really want to see this movie. I looks really good...plus it doesn't hurt that Ryan Gosling is in it. I can't think of one single bad movie that he has made.

Starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. According to imdb, the movie is a look at the idyllic past and troubled present of working-class couple Dean (Gosling) and Cindy (Williams). The film centers on a contemporary married couple, charting their evolution over a span of years by cross-cutting between time periods. USA release date is December 31, 2010 (limited).

And a few fun facts…

The screenplay won the 2006 Chrysler Film Project contest. The prize was $1 million of funding, courtesy of the Chrysler Brand and production company Silverwood Films.

The film was originally set to shoot in spring of 2008, but was delayed due to Heath Ledger's death. The producers and director delayed the film out of respect for Michelle Williams, Ledger's ex-girlfriend and mother of his daughter Matilda, rather than going ahead and shooting the film with another actress in Michelle's role.

You can follow this link to the trailer video as well.

Credit: imdb.com

What I’m Working On…

With the weather the way it’s been all week, it’s been hard to be motivated.  This is what we’ve been working with weather-wise here.

 

Isn’t it depressing weather?  Just miserable.  Needless to say, I haven’t been up to much of anything productive this week…so there’s not much to report.

One thing we did do was pick out and order our snowboarding helmets for the upcoming winter season (and our upcoming trip to Vail!).  Since we are progressing and venturing off the bunny hill, a helmet is now a necessity.

My love picked out a black Shaun White RED Hi-Fi Helmet.  He figured that, if it’s good enough for the pros, it’s good enough for him.  I went with a white Smith Maze Helmet.  My choice was mostly based on all the positive reviews that I read.

The helmets arrived the other day, and Madison was none-to-happy that I used her as a model for her daddy’s helmet.

 

   

Do you remember the storage containers I mentioned last week?  Well, I finally got organized with my art supplies and filled the container that I decided would work best for me.  And oh man!  Does this baby hold A LOT of my stuff!  I’m so glad I picked this one up at Michaels because it is going to do wonders for me.

Just look how much it fits…

 

If you like it, I got mine from Michaels.

Credit: Burton Shaun White RED Hi-Fi helmet from dogfunk.com.  Smith Optics helmet also from dogfunk.com.  Everything Mary storage container found at Michaels.