October 31, 2018

Simple Fall Decor to DIY

Fall is here and the holidays are just around the corner. This is a great time to decorate your house, but who wants to spend a ton of money? I've got some fun and simple DIY crafts to help you create cute fall themed decorations for your home.


First, I'm re-purposing an old book to make a simple fall garland to decorate a mantle or doorway. Using pages from the book, twine and leaves found in your yard, we will turn items on hand into something straight off the pages of a magazine. I spotted this on Sew Beyond Beautiful's Etsy Shop!

All you need is the pages from a book (the number of pages is up to you depending on the length of your garland), leaves (either real ones from the yard or faux from the floral department of a craft store), and twine to string it up. Glue dots are also helpful for this project, as is a hole punch to make holes for your twine in the pages.

Don't have any old books lying around? Some used bookstores (like McKays where I live) have a "free book" bin out front. I would never destroy a favorite volume, but it's really a way to give an old unwanted book a new life! You could also pick up a novel for a buck at the Dollar Tree.


Next, fall is all about getting cozy with a warm drink. But who likes to leave a coffee mug ring on your furniture? With felt scraps, we can make some cute and cozy fall coasters that not only protect your tabletops but also give a pop of color to any room.

I was inspired by the Crafty Cats with these cute fall-themed coasters! Since I wanted an easier (less time-consuming) option, I chose to make mine out of felt and just glue them together. But this project can be scaled to your taste and craftiness level!


Finally, I am turning some baskets into a lovely centerpiece with found objects from my yard. I was inspired by this gorgeous centerpiece I saw on Better Homes & Gardens....what a great idea!

Especially if you have a set of nesting baskets that are all the same. If you only have random, mismatched baskets, this would still work as long as they get gradually smaller. I only had two so I simplified my centerpiece but the sky's the limit for yours!

Fall decor doesn't have to be stressful. Especially with these simple and affordable projects to bring some fall fun and seasonal coziness into your home!

October 17, 2018

Treats Not Tricks for a Fun & Simple Halloween!

Halloween is just around the corner and if you love this time of year as much as I do, you'll definitely want to create a few of these sweet treats for the occasion! Whether you're planning a party for a whole bunch of guys and ghouls or just celebrating with a few friends/family, these treats are sure to please, no tricking!

Halloween Party Mix

 

With all that Halloween candy, you're sure to need something salty to balance it out. Try a simple party mix with a few of your favorite salty snacks! 

For mine, I combined popcorn (white cheddar and cheese flavored) with pretzel nuggets, candy corn and pumpkin flavored marshmallows. Stir together and serve....easy as can be! 


Halloween Goblin Punch

 


This awesome looking creation (from a Girl and a Glue Gun) combines the best parts of Halloween....creepy plus sugary sweet! You can make your own variation depending on what flavor you like! 

All you need is a carbonated beverage (either some type of soda or fizzy water) and Nerds candies. And don't forget the cute as can be Peeps for the straw! 

Scary Sweets

 

I saw these adorable Mummy Oreo cookies and decided to give mine a twist, using Oatmeal Cream Pies instead! All you need is some type of cookie, white icing, and small candy eyes! I went with the store bought cookie icing in the tube (simple all the way!) and popped these in the freezer for a few minutes to let them set up. 


I also turned some Fudge Stripe cookies (dipped in white chocolate) into creepy Halloween blood-shot eyes. 

Then there are these monster cookies which never get old! I made these a few years ago and they have remained a favorite! 


Hope you have a spooky good time this Halloween! 

October 3, 2018

Everything Pumpkin Spice | A Round-Up for 2018

October is here and that means Pumpkin. Spice. Everything. Sorry if this makes me basic, but I can't help but love all the flavors of the season, specifically pumpkin spice. That doesn't mean I like everything pumpkin spice flavored, but some of this stuff is pretty good y'all. Like really delicious.

So, in an attempt to do something for the greater good, I am making a guest appearance on WBIR to offer a round-up of some of the tasty pumpkin spice options available in stores right now. Maybe you'll see something that strikes your fancy and feel inspired to try it!


My favorite spots for pumpkin spice food offerings? Trader Joe's & Whole Foods, as well as The Fresh Market.

Whole Foods also has a round-up on their blog of some of the various seasonal pumpkin spice options available right now, including pancake and waffle mix, cupcake mix, dog treats, and popcorn.

My personal favorites? All the breakfast options, from cereal like Barbara's Pumpkin Puffins and pumpkin spice cream cheese and yogurt to pumpkin butter (a Trader Joe's signature item) and pumpkin spice toaster pastries. And even though they are a sometimes food, the pumpkin spice cookies are so good!

These Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Madeleine Cookies are a new option this year and they are delicious.


Want something pumpkin for an afternoon snack? How about a cup of pumpkin spice coffee or tea with pumpkin spice biscotti?

For a late night snack, pumpkin spice popcorn or pumpkin chips and harvest salsa. 

Not everything goes well with pumpkin spice flavoring and sometimes if the quality of the product isn't so great, it has that fake pumpkin taste. But most of the products I have found at my local stores are pretty tasty.

There's something for everybody, and every meal of the day, including snacks. What's not to love?