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Friday, November 28, 2014

Dare to Share #139

Welcome to the Black Friday edition of Dare to Share! 



I don't know about you, but this week was very crazy.  We only have one week until the craft show.  We were preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday, and dealing with another pet death. (that will be on my other blog this weekend)  


Because of the hectic week, posts were on the light side.  Hopefully that will change as soon as the craft show is over.   Kara did a guest project for me this week.  She shared how she made Butterfinger Brownies

Today Buddy made an appearance.  In the upcoming weeks, we will be sharing fun ideas on both the blog, and Instagram




I do plan on sharing a lot more features in the upcoming days.   I adored this Christmas Elf craft by Fynes Designs. They would make really cute ornaments or even a homemade elf on the shelf  


My cohost Kim has a lot of great free Christmas printables on her blog this week.. Be sure to stop over and check them out on her blog, Kandy Kreations.


Now it is time for this week's party.  You can link up anything that you would like to share. If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature of the Day, your post will be featured on the blog, and my social media.  Kim also chooses her own features, and shares them over on her blog and social media.  

Now link up and HAVE FUN!! 

   
   



Butterfinger Brownies

Brownie Recipes, Candy Recipes, Holiday recipes

Over the next few weeks while we are busy getting ready for the upcoming craft show and holidays, Kara is going to help me with a few guest projects.  I told her she cold even write the posts if she would like, but she is not sure she is up for it yet.  This week she shared one of the recipes she made for us to enjoy.... Butterfinger Brownies 


She made a tray of brownies (use your favorite reicpe or box mix). She also smashed 6-8 mini Butterfingers we had leftover from Halloween.  For the filling she chose white frosting. 


She cut the brownies into squares and frosted half of them.  She then sprinkled the smashed Butterfingers onto the frosting.  They would be great just like this, but she decided to do just a little bit more. 




She layered a second brownie on top, and sprinkled that one with Butterfinger candy as well for double the brownie goodness. 


She served them yesterday to our Thanksgiving guests, and everyone thought they were really good.  I think we have a couple left in the fridge.  I think I am going to have to go get another one after writing this post.   






Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Christmas Elf Craft

Christmas crafts, Christmas Elves, Kids crafts

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just two days away, and that Christmas is coming at us at full speed?!  Since many of us will be decorating for Christmas in a few days, (if we haven't already) I chose this adorable Christmas Elf Craft by Fynes Designs as today's Dare to Share Feature of the Day.   They are a great craft to make with your kids, and would make a nice gift or Christmas ornament. Thank you so much Virginia for linking up to Dare to Share!

Friday, November 21, 2014

Dare to Share #138

It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 
It is time to Dare to Share!  




This is the last Friday, before the holidays begin.  This year though it seems Christmas has come early.  I don't know how many Christmas trees and lights I have already seen up, and ready for the season.   Between sick kids, a crazy schedule, and prepping for the craft show, our decorations probably won't be up until after the craft show.  When do you put your decorations up?  


If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen this funny post.  What funny things have you had to say lately?








Since I am working on the craft show, I only have one new craft post from the blog this week.  I needed a small wreath for the space above my mantle.  I recently found mesh at the dollar store, and shared How to Make a Mesh Wreath. I could only find tutorials for wire wreath forms, I figured out how to do it with a styrofoam form.  

Did you have a chance to see the Dare to Share Features of the Day?


Looking for a homemade gift idea?  I loved these DIY 4 x 4 Candlesticks by The Itsy Bitsy Paper Blog


I will be adding these Banana Split Cookies by The Rebel Chick to my Christmas cookie list. They have many of my favorite flavors! 


My co host Kim from KandyKreations.net  has several recipes on her blog this week..  This Scrumptious Chocolate Pudding Cake caught my eye.  Be sure to stop over and see all of her great recipes.  

Now it is time for this week's party.   You can link up anything that you would like to share.  If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature of the Day your post will be shared on my blog and social media.  Kim also chooses features, so you can be featured on her blog and social media as well.   

Now link up and HAVE FUN!! 

   
   







Thursday, November 20, 2014

Banana Split Cookies - Feature of the Day



Banana Split Cookies, Christmas Cookies,

Are you thinking about holiday baking yet?   I have to admit that with the craft show, the kitty situation, and kids activities, I have not had a chance to yet.  I do think that when I do make my Christmas cookies this year, I am going to include these Banana Split Cookies by The Rebel Chick.  I love banana splits in the summer time, so the thought of having one in the winter in cookie form makes me very happy. Be sure to stop over to The Rebel Chick to get this yummy recipe.   Thank you so much Jenn for linking up to Dare to Share

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

How to Make a Mesh Wreath


I have a small spot above my mantle that is perfect for a small wreath.  I have not pulled out my Christmas decorations yet, and I was not sure what to do with it. 


Recently at the dollar store, I came across several rolls of mesh, and Christmas duct tape. I quickly picked out a couple of rolls in each color.  I like the look of mesh at the craft store, but it is a not cheap, so to find it for only $1 was quite the find. 


Since it was the first time I used the mesh on a wreath, I looked online for a tutorial.  All of the tutorials I found used wire wreath forms.  I had one, but it was a bit too big for the space. I did have several small foam forms, and I was hoping to use on of those instead.  I used the basic concept of wrapping the mesh, but adapted it to use it on a foam form.  The first thing I did was wrap the foam form with a layer of mesh.   


There are gold strands of thread running through the mesh, so I knew my gold pipe cleaners were a good match for this wreath.   I wrapped the anchor pipe cleaner around the top of the wreath and twisted it on the back side. 



I then twisted a gold pipe cleaner on the mesh about eight inches from the anchor pipe cleaner. 


I made a loop with the mesh, and then secured it with the pipe cleaner a few inches away from the first pipe cleaner.  I continued to to this until I had gone all the way around the wreath.  I ran out of the first roll of mesh just as I had twisted the last pipe cleaner, which was perfect timing.  


The first time around the wreath looked sparse, and sad. It's okay though, because it will look much better with a little more mesh. 


Using the second roll of mesh, I began filling in the wreath by alternating the mesh throughout the mesh that was already there. Once I was happy with the amount, I secured it on the back with one of the pipe cleaners.   I then adjusted the mesh, until I was happy with it. 


I hung it on a hook with another pipe cleaner.  I still might use a piece of mesh, or ribbon. I also might some more embellishments.  Since it is so close to Christmas, I may leave it as is because it would transition nicely to my Christmas decor.  Now that I know how easy it is to work with mesh, I will have to find something to make with my white and silver rolls.   





Monday, November 17, 2014

DIY 4X4 Christmas Candlesticks - Feature of the Day


While I am busy making Christmas crafts for our upcoming craft show, I thought it would be fun to feature a Christmas craft that everyone can do.   The Itsy Bitsy Paper Blog shared how to make these candlesticks made from wood 4 X4s.  She also shares how she made them with her friends at a painting party in her home.  Everyone had a great time, and got to take home their candlesticks.  Be sure to stop over to The Itsy Bitsy Paper Blog to see how to make the candlesticks, and more details about the party.  Thank you so much Lindy for linking up your great idea to Dare to Share

Friday, November 14, 2014

Dare to Share #137


It is once again Friday night, which means.. 
It is time to Dare to Share! 

How was your week?  Ours was pretty eventful.  My planned week of baking and crafting got a bit side tracked. I think it was worth it though,  it was all because of this little girl... 


She has turned our lives upside down this week.  We found her last weekend.  On Tuesday she became really sick. We are still not sure why.  We gave her some extra fluids and love, and by Thursday morning, she was feeling like herself again.  You can read the entire story about Our Kitty Dilemma on my other blog Surviving the Crazy Life.  

In other exciting news,  Kara and I have signed on to do a Christmas craft show in a few weeks.  I used to do a lot of craft shows before I had kids. I am pretty excited that I can now do one with my kids.  I love that my kids are crafty just like their mom. :)  I will be adding the crafts we will be selling at the show, on my blog shop over the next  couple of weeks.  I am updating it this weekend with more Thanksgiving and Christmas items. 



I have been beginning to think about the Thanksgiving meal.  This week I tried making mashed potatoes in the slow cooker.  My kids loved it, and we will definitely but making them this way again.  You can see the recipe on my post Easy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes.




I was recently asked by Hometalk to curate a Thanksgiving Table Setting board because they really like my Turkey Napkin Rings. You can read more about the board on my post 14 Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas.



I want to try both of the Dare Share Features of the Day this week.  Don't these Spiced Oreo Pumpkin Balls by Some Day I'll Learn look adorable?!   They would be a fun treat to serve to your Thanksgiving guests.  


When you are ready to decorate for Christmas,  you may want to try to make a Snowman Tree like Project Goble.  What I really loved about this tree is it was made with items that were already on hand. 



My co-host Kim shared more Minion party ideas like these Minion Printable Kiss Stickers in honor to the new Minion movie that will be coming out next summer.  You can find these sticker and more Minion ideas over on her blog Kandy Kreations. 

Now it is time for this week's party.  You can share whatever you would like to share.  If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature of the Day,  your post will be promoted on my blog and social media.  Kim will also be chosing some features which will be promoted on her blog and social media.  

Now link up and HAVE FUN! 


   
   







Thursday, November 13, 2014

How to make a Snowman Christmas Tree - Feature of the Day



Snowman tree, Christmas tree ideas

We got our first snow of the season today. While it was just a dusting, the northern part of our state got over two feet of the white stuff this week.  When I saw this White Snowman tree by Project Goble I knew I had to feature it.  It was a part of a Christmas Tree contest and was put together with items they already had. I love the extra touch of the little red bird. Be sure to stop over to Project Goble to see how he was put together.   Thank you so much Allison for linking up this awesome project to Dare to Share!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Spiced Pumpkin Oreo Balls - Feature of the Day

Oreo Balls, Pumpkin treats,

These Spiced Pumpkin Oreo Balls by Someday I'll Learn would be a such a cute treat at your Thanksgiving table.  They are not that hard to make, but your guests do not need to know that.  Be sure to stop  on over to Someday I'll Learn to get the recipe, so you can impress this holiday.  Thank you so much Chelsea for linking up your Oreo balls up to Dare to Share!

14 Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas {Hometalk Curated Board}




Are you familiar with Hometalk?  It is similar to Pinterest, but it is all about home and garden ideas and projects.   I recently submitted my Turkey Napkin Rigns to my Hometalk page. Soon after, I received an email. Hometalk loved my napkin rings so much, they would like me to curate a board of Thanksgiving table settings. I was flattered and excited.   When curating my board, it was actually hard to pick my favorites for my board, there are a ton of creative people over there.  Hopefully you will find some inspiration from my board,  on how you want to decorate you kitchen table.  You can click through and find more information on each of the projects above, by using my Hometalk Board Link





Monday, November 10, 2014

Easy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes


Are you thinking about your Thanksgiving menu yet? I am starting to, and last night I tried out something new on my family.  Did you know that you can make mashed potatoes in the slower cooker. I had never thought to do it before, it is so easy, and they potatoes tasted great. 


This recipe can be adjusted to the amount of potatoes you need.  We only needed 4-6 servings so the amounts I used in this recipe may need to be increased if you make it for more.   For 4-6 servings, you need about 5 medium potatoes, or 6-7 smaller ones.  I peeled, and cut up 6-7 small potatoes, and placed them in the small cooker.  Instead of cooking them in water,  I added a 14 oz can of chicken broth.  I set the slower cooker to high, and went about my day. 

Mashed Potatoes, Slow Cooker recipes

 About 4 hours later, the potatoes were done. I did not talk a photo of when I mashed the potatoes, but it is easy to visualize.  The potatoes were super soft and tender, and mashed very easily.  I added 2 tablespoons of butter/margerine, a 1/2 to 1 cup of milk, a little bit of garlic and some salt and pepper.   The kids loved them, and ate them all up.  Now that I know I can make them in the slow cooker, we may have mashed potatoes more often.  


Friday, November 7, 2014

Dare to Share #136

Whew, it is Friday night, and you know what they means.. 
It is time to Dare to Share!


How was your week?  Mine was super busy. I was on the go, way more than I was home. This was the first week that I did not have a chance to make any projects, and had little time to post.  I will make up for it though this weekend.  It is going to be a project making, baking, and crafting weekend.  

This week was eventful.  The kids were out of school, Monday and Tuesday for a teacher work day, and election day.  Kyle had an outing with a group of kids from school.  He had a decent time, and had a few firsts.  It was the first time he texted with a girl who was not a relative, and rode with another high school student. Yesterday I had conferences at the middle school for Kara.They went pretty well.  It is nice to hear your child is quiet, and nice to have in class.  She even had her best report card ever.  Today was eventful too.  We currently have a kitten Kara found hiding out in our basement.  We hope to find her owner tomorrow.  I would post a picture of her, but every time I have gone in the basement to take one, she is hiding.  We know she is somewhere though, she has been eating and drinking the food and water we sat out for her. Our other cats have not been allowed downstairs. They have been pretty calm, so they might not even know she is in the house.  



Last Saturday, I shared about Halloween and our Witch Themed Halloween


November must make me hungry  I chose two food features this week.  This Pumpkin Chocolate Poke Cake by Life with Garnish, is a great dish to get me thinking about Thanksgiving.  


Baby to Boomer  shared a great recipe for Easy Pie Filling.  In addition to using it in pies, it is great for other uses as well.  


My co-host Kim has a treat that Despicable Me fans will love.  All week she has been sharing Minion party ideas, and today she shared Minion Chocolate Covered Oreos. They are almost too cute to eat! 

Now it is time for this week's party.  You can link up anything that  you would like to share. If you are chosen as the Dare to Share Feature of the Day, your post will be be featured on the blog and on my social media.  Kim also shares several features over on her blog Kandy Kreations and her social media. 

Now link up and HAVE FUN! 

   
   





Thursday, November 6, 2014

Best Apple Pie Filling - Feature of the Day

Apple Pie Filling that you can freeze

Do you still have some fall apples, that you want to turn into something delicious?  Connie from Baby to Boomer shared her recipe for Apple Pie Filling that you can make and freeze for pies, or toppings.  In addition to the recipe, she shared some great tips on which are the best apples to eat, and cook.  Be sure to stop over to Baby to Boomer to check out her post. Thank you very much Connie for linking up to Dare to Share!  


Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Pumpkin Chocolate Poke Cake - Feature of the Day


Are you having a Halloween hangover? I have to admit, I am. It is time to start thinking Thanksgiving though, and I found a great post that does just that.   Adrian of Life with Garnish shared a recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Poke Cake, that is perfect for the season. Be sure to stop on over and get this wonderful recipe!   Thank you so much Adrian for linking up to  Dare to Share!

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Our Witch Themed Halloween


Did you survive Halloween? I joked with my daughter that we were characters from Frozen, because we were literally freezing.  All day it was raining, and the temperature kept dropping. When we first went out, it was in the 40s, but by the time the sun went down it was only in the 30s. We actually saw snowflakes! Brrr!   Before we left for trick or treating I took some pictures of my Halloween decorations.  I love this arch. I bought it on clearance at Target  eight or nine years ago, and have used it every years since. 

**This post contains affiliate links 

While this archway is no longer available, you can make something similar using a black metal arch, and adding some spooky cloth and orange or purple lights.  


This year I decorated the porch in a witch and black cat  theme.  I painted the witch many years ago, when I was part of a Tole Painting Group.  I bought the lit black cat on clearance at Target a few years back, and I made the Pumpkin Witch Hat this year.  I had the smiling black pumpkin cauldron in the window on the front porch with a witch broom in it, but it kept blowing over.  I sat it in the window so we did not have to keep picking it up all night. 

If you like the black cat, I found a similar one here


On the front door, I had a black cat and witch broom wreath that I had made. 


Even our pumpkins matched the theme.  Several years ago I found pumpkin lights on clearance. The lights have more than one setting and have lasted a very long time.  One is a red strobe light which keeps the back ground red, like in the photo.  The other setting changes the back ground light every 10-15 seconds between green, blue and purple. 

They now make remote controlled changing color pumpkin lights, which you can see here. 



As the kids come up the walkway, they are greeted by some sweet baby monsters.  I also made these many years ago, and put them out every year.  This year poor Wolfie had to hang out on the front porch.  They had blown over during the strong wind, and when he was put back up, his stake came off. We will fix him up, and he will be good as new next year. 


I also like decorating the entryway, so there are more fun decorations when we open the door.  I plugged in my fake pumpkins, brought out a few more black cats, and placed plastic pumpkins with battery powered votive candles on the stars.  


Even our candy bowl followed the theme. I have done it this way for years. I bought the cat on clearance years ago.  There is a hole in it's head where you can put the candy  but it is only about 2 feet off the ground, and you would have to constantly bend down. By placing a cauldron filled with candy on it's head, it is a much easier to reach height. 

If you would like a candy bowl cauldron you can find the one  we used here.


This year was bittersweet. Only one of my kids went out trick or treating.  The older two don't really want to anymore.  I used to love taking  all the fun pictures of their smiling faces in costume.   My daughter is holding an umbrella because it was drizzling at the time I took this picture.  As we were walking down the driveway, a gust of wind blew the umbrella inside out, so we left it at home.   While she thought she would be warm enough with her green coat, she soon found out that was not the case. After  little while we came back home so she could get a warmer coat, and change her shoes and socks.  (her feet went numb with the temps in the mid 30s)  I went out wearing my winter coat, winter boots, gloves and ear muffs.  I forgot to put on long underwear, so my legs did get a bit cold.  I thought it was really funny that almost every house tried to give me candy too, since they thought I was a kid.  I am on the short side, and about the same height as Kara so I understood why it happened.  Many offered the candy even after they knew I was mom, and saw I was not carrying a candy bag. I would turn them down saying I knew I would have a lot of leftover candy at home, because the weather kept a lot of the  trick or treaters away.  I was right on that one.  Last year we had run out of candy, this year there were five bags left!   Looks like I will have to come up with some leftover candy recipes in the next week or two. 

I hope you enjoyed my little tour of my trick or treat decor. 

A few other Halloween with themed items you might enjoy