Dare to Share #32

Wow what a week!  Between my birthday, Hurricane Sandy and Halloween,  it has been quite an eventful one.   Here are some of  what has been going on in our neck of the woods. 

 

Early in the week, I shared how I made Halloween Treat Boxes. You can find the tutorial for Frankenstein, Mummy and Spider HERE,  and Vampire, Witch and Owl HERE.

 

 

On my birthday,  Kyle MADE my birthday cake. I had to do the frosting, but I was thrilled that he baked the entire thing by himself.  This was his first time baking on his own, and he did a wonderful job!

 

We had a chilly, drizzly night for trick or treat. Kara was a racoon this year.  Kyle decided to go out at last minute and wear a Grim Reaper costume.  His hood kept blowing of his head, which made for a very grumpy Grim..  You can read about our Halloween recap HERE.

The last two days I have been recouperating from Halloween.  My autoimmune stuff has been kicking my butt this week. Thursday I was feeling really sore all over, and today I was covered head to toe in hives. You can see them here on my hand. I had so many of them that I looked like a leopard.  I took this picture this morning. 

On a happier note, today Kara got a new friend.   When her drawf hamster Sonic died on Sunday she was  devastated.  A friend of mine asked if Kara would like their hamster.  I thought she might say no, but Kara said she would love too.  We knew it was meant to be when she found out it was a black hamster named Shadow.  That happened to be the very  name she had already picked out for her next pet.  She was thrilled that  I picked him up today when she was in school.  She came running  in the door and immediately ran to her room to meet her new friend.  He is sweet, friendly, and loves to be held. 

Did you happen to catch the Features of the Day this week?  I am so impressed by all the great posts that everyone is  linking up to the Dare to Share Party.

 

Homemade Fudge Peanut Butter Cups by Winnish.net,  

Dryer Vent Pumpkins  by  Turtles and Tails,  Halloween Cupcakes by Phaedras Adventures,  

Super Cute Pet Costume by Turtles and Tails  and Susie's Pumpkin Roll by  Earning my Cape.

 

 

As we are now counting down to the holidays,  I would love to feature you.   Do you have a recipe, holiday craft, gift idea, or ornament that you would like to share?  I would love for you to share all sorts of holiday ideas. 

 

While being a follower is not required to link  up to Dare to Share, it would be great if you follow in some way so you know when you are featured. 

Ways you can follow:

GFC on the blog

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Google+

Bloglovin

 

 

Now link up and HAVE FUN! 

 

 

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Countdown to Thanksgiving- Susie's Pumpkin Roll

I am still trying to mentally switch gears to Thanksgiving.  I think others around me are too. I am noticing many of my neighbors still have their Jack O Laterns and Halloween leftovers on their porches..  I am still slowly putting away the Halloween decor.    Maybe one way that I can more quickly make the transition is to try Susie's from Earning My Cape's Pumpkin Roll.    Doesn't it look good?!  I love the taste of pumpkin and these bite size slices look like the perfect treat.   See her wonderful recipe for her Pumpkin Roll here.

Would you like to be feature of the day?  Be sure to stop by this weekend and link up to Dare to Share.  I will be featuring all types of holiday posts through the end of the year.

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Halloween Recap

 

How is everyone feeling today?!  Were you able to go out and get lots of candy? 

 

Halloween kicked my butt! Seriously, I am feeling the affects  today.

 

As many of my followers know, I was having a lot of health problems the last few months.  Its been a few weeks since I gave an update, but I finally KNOW what is going on. 

My stress test came back normal.. Seriously, my heart is in GREAT shape. It was my thyroid causing all of the problems.   I found out that have Hashimotos Thyroiditis with Multinodular Goiters, and mild Rhuematoid Arthritis.  I saw the endocrinologist today, and will be having a biopsy on two nodules in early January. I was temporarily off of my RA inflammation  med to take a med for my autoimmune hives, and I am aching today.  I hurt all over.  I am sure I over did it last night.  Hopefully after a little rest, and a few days to take down all of Halloween stuff, I will be  mentally and physically ready for Thanksgiving.

Does anyone else have trouble switching gears to the next holiday immediately? 

 

Kara was a raccoon this year.. I am a bit bummed that I did not get as many pictures as I would like. It was raining and cold,so the picture ops were not that great.   Kara  did her own face make up, which was actually quite impressive.    She did not end up wearing the gray sweatshirt that she was supposed to wear with her costume, but  she still looked cute. (thought it would have been better with the gray sweatshirt)  She was  the only raccoon in the neighborhood  out trick or treating. I saw many homemade costumes this year.   

 

Our pumpkins were  in the woodland theme.  (Are you surprised with Kara's obssesion with all things woodland? ) Kara made the raccoon pumpkin, which was her own design.  She had me make an owl from a picture we found online

 

 

 



One way I like to decorate for the big night is to illuminate our entryway.  I put battery operated votives inside plastic pumpkins and sat them on the stairs.  I hung a yellow plastic tablecloth over our banister.  The yellow backdrop behind the plug in pumpkins  gave off a wonderful eerie glow. 

We put about 12 toilet paper tubes with glow sticks in them in the bushes.  This is the only picture that I have, because I totally forgot that they were there.  I am not sure how well they glowed. 

 

 

Frankie got new hair and his mouth was reattached after 40+ mph winds blew them off on Monday night.  (we felt a little bit of Hurricane Sandy's wrath)

One of our cats chilling at the end of the night.  I love how he looked in the glowing light.

Hanging with friends is always a great time. 

   

Checking out the stash!  That should take awhile to go through.  Hope you had a great Halloween!

 

 

 

 

 

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Countdown to Halloween- Last Minute Pet Costume

This beauty saved the day! This is the kid sized sewing machine I gave my daughter for Christmas about 5 years ago.  My 20 year old Singer is no longer working, and I had to finish Kara's costume.   I remembered that we had our mini machine (that has not been touched in years) and decided to give it a try.  I was thrilled when I worked, and I was able to finish more of the costume.  Today I need to add a drawstring to the pants and make her ears and then I am done..WOOHOO!  

While I am busy finishing my long to do list today, I felt the need to share a last minute pet costume because it is just too adorable!!

How awesome is this Poop Factory costume on Barb's dog  from Turtle and Tails.   Being a pet owner, I know how truly funny this costume really is. We have three cats, who are also poop factories.  It would be so fitting for them to wear this, if they  would only  keep a costume on for longer than 30 seconds.   Barb has a wonderful picture tutorial on how she made it here, so why not take a look.  Thanks so much for linking this up Barb!


Would you like to be the Dare to Share Feature of the Day like Barb?  Link up all of your favorite posts on Dare to Share here, and you could be featured too!

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Countdown to Halloween- Halloween Cupcakes

I could be that I still have cake on the brain from my birthday yesterday, but I absolutely adore these Halloween cupcakes from Phaedra's Adventures.   She shared not only one  of her Halloween  cupcake recipes with Dare to Share, but three! Since I could not chose my favorite, I am featuring all of  three them.    You can see how to make these spider cupcakes HERE.

Her cute and fun witch cupcakes HERE.

and her not so scary ghost cupcakes HERE.
Any of these cupcakes would be perfect to take to a class party ot serve your little goblins.  Thank you so much for linking up Phaedra! 

If you would like to be the Feature of the Day, but sure to link you your favorite posts to the the weekly Dare to Share party.  Be sure to link up HERE.

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Last Minute Prep

It seems to happen every year..

I plan to get things done in plenty of time..  Which of course, never seems to happen.   Again this year I have long to do list that has to be in done in  next approximately 24 hours..

I need to redecorate the porch.  The very strong winds we got all the way in Michigan from Hurricane Sandy  blew down all of my decorations.  Frankie is now missing his hair, mouth and stitches.  The hair is long gone, but I did have the other things.

We need to finish our pumpkins. We gut them last night, but it was too late to carve.  We will finish up after Kara's dance class tonight.

I need to finish Kara's raccoon costume with a broken sewing machine. Yep, I said broken.  I pulled out my oldest daughter's small one, and I am praying it works.  I need to sew the side seams on the too, finish the tail and add a drawstring to her pants.   Oh and make her a headband with raccoon ears.

I need to decorate the front entry.  I have several plug in pumpkins that light up the hallway to our front door.  I also put the plastic pumpkins on our stairs with mini tea lights inside. It looks really pretty all lit up.

I hope to make the glowing eyes for the front bushes.  I am going to wait on this to see how the weather is going to be. If it is wet and windy I we might not put them out.


I also have to do some general cleaning of the house.  We have invited several friends to go trick or treating with us. I might if I have time, make something fun for the kids to eat.  

So what is on  your Halloween to do list??

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It's My Birthday Post!

Today is my birthday!   This is one of my cake's from years past.  My teens are getting ready to make this year's cake for me now that they are home from school.   Both like to cook, and both have had basic foods in Home Ec.  I hope I am in for a treat and really look forward to see how it turns out.  


If make cake does not turn out, that is okay...   Again I am going to share why it is worth having a reward card or be on a mailing list..   Check out all of these great offers that have come in my In Box in the last two weeks in honor of my birthday.

Free Sandwich at Red Robin
Free Rooty Tooty Breakfast at IHOP
Free Burger, Salad or Sandwich from Bennigans
Free Burger Ruby Tuesday

Free Dessert at Carinos
Free Dessert at Buffalo Wild Wings
Free Brownie Sundae at Chilis
Free Brownie Dessert at Fridays
Free Dessert at Olgas
Free Dessert at Outback
Free Shake at Arbys

There is just no way I could eat all of that in the few weeks the coupons are active.  A few of the freebies expire on Wednesday.  A few just showed up today and are good through November.   Have you signed up to be on the mailing list of your favorite restaurants?   Free food is always good!

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Even more Halloween Treat Boxes

Nothing like waiting until the last minute, but I finally got the rest of my Halloween treat boxes finished today. I am quite happy with how they turned out..     Today I made a witch, owl and vampire

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Crafting with Kara-Pet Memory Box

R.I.P Sonic the Hamster,  October 28, 2012

  Today's craft came about because of something sad.  We had to bury Sonic the hamster.  A few months ago he started to get a small tumor on the back of his head/neck.  The vet was able to drain it and he was doing well for about two months.   In Sept, we had to drain it again. The Dr felt Sonic still had some life in him, but we would need to keep a close eye on him.  A week later, the tumor was back again. This time it grew so big and so  fast that it was more than our little drawf hamster could take. Today we knew it was time because it was affecting his eyes, ears and balance.   

We brought him home to bury in the backyard underneath our big tree.  Kara decided she wanted to make him a special box. She designed a box that looked like her  hamster.  While she used this box to bury him in,  we both felt this might be a good way for kids to remember a special pet.  They could store their favorite memory, a favorite pet toy, drawing or pictures in their animal themed box. 

While she was making this marker under the tree, Kara had a very surreal experience.  Do you remember the cranes that live in my neighborhood?  Kara said she saw them fly overhead.  They then turned around and landed in our yard.  She said they stood looking at her  about 10 feet away with their heads bowed for a few moments like they were paying their respects.  When she was done, they quietly flew away.  She said it was something she will always remember.    

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Countdown to Halloween- Dryer Vent Pumpkins

Today's feature of the day is actually a craft that can be made for two holidays...

A dryer vent can be turned into a  pumpkin for Halloween

and then  a turkey for Thanksgiving.

 Both of these wonderful  ideas are from Turtles and Tails.  You can see the tutorial for the  festive pumpkin HERE, and the Thanksgiving turkey HERE.   These both  are super cute, thanks so much for linking up!

If you would like to be a feature of the day be sure to link you favorite posts on Dare to ShareHERE!

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Last Minute Decor-Door Monsters

If you are on Pinterest, you have seen some really creative Halloween themed doors.  I loved the idea, and today decided to dress up our front door.  I had considered making a Vampire door but I did not have enough black craft foam. This is such a fun and simple craft, I can see making a different monster every year.

There are several ways you can make the eyes. You can use craft foam, cardstock or even paper plates.  I used craft foam and traced a cardboard circle that was the perfect size.

I used a Pringles can for the black pupil

To make his hair, I cut a piece of black craft foam in half lengthwise and cut out various triangles. I then tape it together so that it was the width of the door.   I have seen some doors with crepe paper hair on Pinterest as well .  I think that way  looks really cool too, I just didn't feel like digging out the party supplies.

    I made his mouth  and stitches out of scraps of white craft foam.

After adding the bolts on the door frame and taking a few pictures, I realized something was missing.

He needed his brows..  much better.   It was kind of hard to know what to do with the half window.  I guess I could cover it up, but I like the light we get in the house.   I might cover it for trick or treat night.. time will tell.. For now, it kind of looks like he is wearing a hat.

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Countdown to Halloween-Fudge Peanut Butter Treats

It could be that I have candy on the brain this week,   

but doesn't these homemade peanut butter cups look delicious!  Reese's cups are a favorite type of candy for my family.    We even have a cat named Reeses. (she a brown and tan tortie)   But now with the recipe for Homemade Fudge Peanut Butter Treats  cups shared  by Winnish.net,  we can make our own at home.  YUM!!!  Winnie's blog is not written in English, but she does have the translate button so you can see how she made such beautiful treats like these, and many others.  Thanks so much for linking this recipe up! 

If you would like to be the feature of the day, be sure to link up all of your great ideas on Dare to Share!

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Dare to Share #31 with exciting changes

Welcome to this week's Dare to Share..   This week has been quite busy as we are in the final stretch before Halloween.. I still have to sew Kara's raccoon costume, and finish up a few projects.

Here are some the fun things we did this week..

Last weekend, I had a special weekend with Kara. We got free food, and free movies.  You can read how we got over $30 of freebies on my Fun and Frugal Weekend post.

On Monday I did a guest post on  Pamela's Heavenly Treats and shared my recipe for Caramel Apple Crisp Pie.  My kids LOVE it.

On Tuesday I shared three of my Halloween treat boxes, that are the perfect size to take to class parties. I hope to have three more posted this weeekend. You can see how to make Frankenstein, Spider and Mummy HERE.

Last night Kara and I made some Colorful Caramel Apple Treats by adding some of our favorite candy and cereals to our caramel apples.  It was a lot of fun, and added a some extra yumminess.   

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Countdown to Halloween - Pumpkin Pinatas

Are you having a Halloween party this week?  Are you looking for last minute entertainment ideas.

How about a make your own pumpkin pinata by my friend Susie at Earning my Cape.  She gives a great tutorial on how to make one that will be the hit of almost any party.   All you need are  some basic supplies that you might even already have on hand.   Definitely check out her blog  to see how she did it.

Do you want to be a daily feature..  Make sure to link up to Dare to Share each Friday night.  I would love to see you there.

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