Pumpkin Patch

We FINALLY made it to the pumpkin patch!!!!

 The picture above was when we first walked in the "new" pumpkin patch.  I say new because we had never been to this pumpkin patch. 

And let me just say, DO NOT take your children to a new pumpkin patch if they have been going to the same one since they were 6 months old. 

It was nothing like what the boys had envisioned.  And Momma was all to blame. That's OK we got a few cute pictures and had fun walking through a real corn maze.

 Daddy and Momma having FUN!!!

 Making our way through the maze.  Thank God for helpers along the way.  We ended up at many dead ends and went 'round circles a few times too.

 I think this may have been our last pumpkin patch adventure.  Bitter sweet......thankful for this picture to have a memory.

Bye-bye October!  We had FUN!!! 

Feeling the love

It's good to feel the love!  Right? 

You can admit it.  It feels good when someone shows an interest in what you do or create. 

And that is what I am feeling right now.  This week three of my blog posts were shared through other blogs. 

Remember these?  DIY Canvas Photo, Mod Podge Pumpkin and the Pumpkin Milkshake.

I love to create "stuff".  Food and crafts that is.  And because I am inspired every week by these blogs I thought I should spread the love and invite you to check out these blogs.

All three of these ladies are SO creative!!  And always have fabulous ideas and link-up parties on their blogs.  If you want to be inspired you must take a look at these blogs!! 

First up is Danielle from Blissful and Domestic .  I have had Danielle on my blog before guest posting and hope to have her on again very soon. 

Next up is Ginger from Ginger Snap Crafts .

And last, but certainly not least is Adrianne from Happy Hour Projects .

Thanks so much ladies for featuring me on your blogs and Facebook.  YOU are the ones who inspire me to create!!!

Now YOU, my readers, go check out these amazing ladies' blogs.  Help me share the love.

Happy Friday! Now get outside and do something FUN!!!!!

Homemade Mod Podge

 

I had wondered if Mod Podge could be made at home.  After linking up yesterday on another blog I found where a crafty gal made her own. 

Well the crafty gal I long to be knew I could do it too!!  And save money.  All you need is glue, water and a container to put it in.  I had all three! 

I mean look at all this glue.  Why on earth do we have all this glue?!  We use glue sticks.

So I had plenty of glue to try it out. 

The recipe I found said 50/50 glue and water.  I found that to be runny compared to the real Mod Podge.  At this point my jar was already pretty full, but I had a little room for more glue.  Still runny. 

Well I suppose that means I better test it out to see if it works. 

I now began my search around the house to see what I could decoupage. 

Found it!!!  Don't you love when you hold on to something because you just know it will come in handy one day?  Well last night was that day!  This was a fruit crate from the summer.  I loved the small size of it and held on to it in hopes it would come in handy.

I also had leftover scrapbook paper from the Mod Podge Pumpkin so I used that up to cover the red and blue color on the crate.

My thoughts on homemade mod podge:  I love the wide mouth jar!  Easy to get into when working with the mod podge.  And what a cute topper and tag!!
The mod podge itself......it will work in a pinch or small project.  I do think I will buy the real stuff for something more important.  Or I may pour some out and add more glue.  Oh and the homemade stuff doesn't have that yummy smell the real stuff does.

In any case I am glad I gave it a try.  I may continue searching for other variations of the recipe. 
It's always fun trying new things!

Semi Wordless Wednesday-My precious acorns!

I said semi because I have a few words........you know I LOVE sweet little acorns.  And if I do not make it outside to grab them before 2 six year old little BOYS do this is what happens.

My precious acorns destroyed my little hands I love.  By the way, they said they are getting them ready for the squirrels.

Happy Wednesday!

Mod Podge Pumpkin

Blue, I love you!

I know my month of pumpkin ended Sunday, but when I saw a picture last week of a Mod Podge pumpkin I had to give it a try.  I! LOVE! IT! 

This was super easy, BUT I will admit it was a big hairy mess. After seeing it next to my blue pitchers the big mess was all worth it. 

 I love it so much next to the blue pitchers maybe it will stay out past Thanksgiving. All year!

So here is what you will need to make one.  It is a short list.

Supplies:

-a pumpkin(I used a Funkin which was 66% off at Hobby Lobby)

-scrapbook paper

-Mod Podge

-sponge brush

This is why my pumpkin was 66% off.  I wanted a smaller sized pumpkin and it was the only one left on the shelf.  I saw it was damaged, went straight over and ask for a manager.  I showed her the damage and she gladly gave an extra percentage off the already sale price.  It never hurts to ask!!!!

Since I knew I would be covering the damage it was no big deal for me. I used a fake pumpkin, but I am sure you could use a real.  My thoughts were that I would just have to throw a real one away eventually so I spent a little($4)on a fake one.

 

Now lets get started with the pumpkin.

Start by cutting your scrapbook paper in strips to glue(Mod Podge)on the pumpkin.  I started with strips this size. See picture below.

 My hands were a total mess so I did not get a picture during the process.  I first glued strips all around leaving a little room in between each strip of scrapbook paper.  After those were all glued on I then went back to cover the little in-between areas.  And with the help of my handsome assistant(my amazing husband)he then cut different sizes to overlap the already glued strips. 

Remember when using Mod Podge it will look milky while drying, but it does dry clear.  Again do not have a picture of it drying because my hands were a mess.  And I was so taken by my handsome assistant's handsomeness I forgot to ask him to take a picture.

The boys really want to do their real pumpkins like mine.  I have yet to give the OK.  Because a pumpkin is round and has grooves, it does make it hard for the scrapbook paper to lay down. I think they would get mad and give up.  Leaving me with two more pumpkins to Mod Podge.  Hey, wait that might be a good idea!

You will have to work with it and as it dries go back and press down the spots that want to come up. 

It is not perfect, but I love anything with character!

 

DIY Canvas Photo

Inspired by many, created by ME!

Here lately I have seen tutorials all over showing how to apply a photo to canvas.  It looked easy enough so I had to give it a try.

After destroying two photos I finally came up with the one above.  Although I would do a few things different when I make my next one I love the finished product!

Here are the supplies I used: 

canvas(found in clearance section Hobby Lobby for $2) 

card stock copy paper to print same size photo as canvas

MATTE mod podge(make sure you use MATTE...I did not and regret it!) 

scrapbook paper

acrylic paint

I failed to take pictures of all my supplies prior to adding the picture to the canvas.  And I'll be honest I wasn't sure what a canvas was at first.  So I found an images online if there are others that are wondering.

I went straight to the clearance section at Hobby Lobby and just so happen to find one marked down.  But you can find them in the art section. They come in all kinds of sizes. I saw some as little as 4x6 all the way up to 11x16.  Have fun with it!  Try a big one!

Now moving on to the project................

First, cut strips of scrapbook paper to fit each side of the canvas. Cut them just slightly shorter and narrower than the sides. Apply lots of mod podge and glue strips on each side.  Mod Podge the photograph to the top of the canvas.  I used wax paper to work on so it would not stick while drying. Allow to dry completely.

You can see the scrapbook paper on the end here.  By the way this was attempt #1.  I ruined the picture because I used paper that was way too thin.  So I moved on to card stock printer paper.  Much better, but I should have used the MATTE Mod Podge.

Next: Apply a coat of mod podge over the entire surface, the edges and the picture. Allow to dry completely again. It will look milky at first, but will dry clear. 

After it is dry use a sponge or cloth to dab on acrylic paint to cover any spaces between the scrapbook paper strips and the photograph. I smudged up the corners too. The paint adds a little texture to the picture that I thought looked like a painting.  It worked for me.

I am anxious to try another one soon!

So now this picture of me and the sweet boys(they were three years old)at the pumpkin patch sits on our mantle for fall.

This was super easy!  I had a new photo on display in no time!!

I look forward to trying a smaller size too.

These would make great Christmas gifts!  Family, do you have a particular photo of the boys you want me to add to canvas?

Crock Pot Turkey White Bean PUMPKIN Chili

I know what you are thinking......pumpkin in chili?  YES!!
And let me just say, don't knock it 'til you try it!

I was very skeptical at first too. I had seen several recipes around bloggy land with pumpkin in chili.....I wasn't sure what to think. It was not until a friend sent me this one and I read over the recipe that I started to have second thoughts.  I had to try it!!!

Brant was fine with it.  So I didn't tell the boys it had pumpkin in it and served them up a bowl!

I was one proud Momma with all three guys liking it and having clean bowls to prove it!!!
Not only is this a GOOD recipe you make it in the crock pot!!!!  Oh how I love using the crock pot.  Throw everything in, turn it on and walk away! 
Perfect for a busy Saturday!  And the day of a BIG game!!  GO RANGERS!!!!!
You can find the recipe HERE .

I do have to say we thought it needed LOTS more seasoning than what the recipe calls for.  We like bold flavors and this was pretty light.  So next time I will add more of the chili powder and cumin for sure!!
It is NOT spicy at all so great for children. 
I served it up with chips, cheese, sour cream, green onions and cilantro.

I hope you enjoy a bowl very soon!!!

So that is the end of my month of PUMPKIN!!!!  I hope you enjoyed all the pumpkin recipes and will try one(or all)soon.  I had FUN trying them all!!!!!

I'll take a break from pumpkin for a while, but will surely have a piece of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.  November is right around the corner and that begins a month of thanksgiving for us.

What kind of madness should I prepare myself for after that?

Pumpkin Milkshake

I have been sick lately.  Off and on now for about three weeks.  Allergies, cold symptoms and losing my voice.  When I am feeling like death all I want is to feel some comfort. 

And like many, food comforts me.  This time around my throat really needed something to soothe it.

Something either warm or cold.  Yesterday morning after coffee and hot tea it was time for something cold.

So for lunch I whipped up a PUMPKIN MILKSHAKE.

Not only did it soothe my throat it made my taste buds explode!!!!  This was not really a lunch, but more like a dessert.  I made it both! 

It! was! so! good!

This recipe made enough for two glasses.......I was nice and shared with the boys.

If you want something pumpkiny and want to indulge, well this is it!

Pumpkin Milkshake
serves 2 (picture above shows one serving)
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 cup pureed pumpkin(fresh or canned)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
optional: homemade whipped topping
Preparation:
1. Blend all ingredients together. Divide milkshake evenly among two glasses and add a dollop of homemade whipped topping.  Serve.

I hope you make one up today!!

Now get outside and do something FUN on this fabulous Friday!!  Watch for falling acorns and eat something PUMPKIN!!!!!

****And don't forget to come back this weekend for my last PUMPKIN recipe!!!! Think hearty this time.****

Sick Pumpkin

The pumpkin madness is still going on in my head along with a headache.  With that headache comes a nasty cold/allergies that I just can't seem to shake.

And now I can't talk either.  That might bring a few people some joy :)

Anyway I do have a few more PUMPKIN recipes to share, but it will have to wait until tomorrow. And this weekend!  I'll end my month of PUMPKIN madness on Sunday, October 23rd.

For now I am feeling like one sick pumpkin!

Go Rangers!!!!!!

This is the 2nd year the Texas Rangers have made it to the World Series!!!!!!!!  And being that they are a local team we are so proud! 

We are all so excited for the game tonight!!!!!

Last year we decorated our pumpkin for that first game. And I insisted we do it again!!! 

So yesterday afternoon Brant decorated our pumpkin in honor of the Texas Rangers.

Go Rangers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pumpkin Crunch Cake-from the archives

Get ready to have a new PUMPKIN favorite!!!!

Man oh man is this stuff good!!!!! It is not the prettiest of desserts, but just read the recipe and you'll know how pretty it truly is!

I made this over the weekend and it is just about all gone. Sad faces from everyone!

Super easy to make and if you don't like this stuff I really think something is wrong with you.

My recipe below says to serve it with homemade whipped topping. And although it is wonderful with the homemade whipped topping, we decided to kick it up a notch.
That is just how we roll.

I served it up warm and with a scoop of butter pecan ice cream. Go ahead and wipe the drool off your mouth. WOW! This was awesome!
Pumpkin Crunch Cake
1 can pumpkin(15oz)
large evaporated milk
1 1/2 c sugar
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp salt
4 eggs
1 yellow cake mix(I use a box)
1 c chopped pecans
2 sticks of butter

Preheat oven to 350. Beat together first 6 ingredients until well mixed. Pour into a 9x13 pan. Sprinkle yellow cake mix over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle pecans over cake mix. Thinly slice butter and sprinkle over pecans. I actually slice the butter and then cut that into four little pieces. And sometimes only use one stick.
Bake for 50 minutes. Watch closely so the pecans do not burn. I place foil loosely on top at about 30-45 minutes.
Serve warm or at room temperature. A dollop of homemade whipped topping is perfect on top!
Hope you enjoy!

Pumpkin Patch.....looking back.

WARNING: If you do not like looking at sweet babies as they grow you are free to leave now.  Otherwise read on.....I am looking back today!


We plan to visit the pumpkin patch this week.  We have been going to the same pumpkin patch since the boys were six months old.  Look at these tiny boys.

Somewhere over the years I have lost 2006 pumpkin patch pictures.  Or it may be the year I forgot to charge my camera batteries and bought a cheap throw away there at the pumpkin patch. 

The pictures were awful!!!

BUT, I do have some cute ones from 2007!  Look at this sweetness!

And I'll never forget 2008.  They had their 1st snowcone! Yes it was still warm enough for snowcones.  They were getting so big!

And 2009.....everything changed!  No cute pictures for Mommy!  Say cheese and look away(or run away)was how they did it that year.  But again, I GOT PICTURES!!!

And 2010.....what can I say.......boys that are FIVE years old are just silly!

And they still like to RUN!!!!

I love looking back at the times we have spent there.  And the boys seem to never grow tired of going.  We will finish school early one day this week and head out to the pumpkin patch.

And you can bet I will have pictures to share later!!!

Happy Monday!

Acorn Dough Nuts!

I love acorns! Almost as much as pumpkins!

We have two trees in our backyard that produce them.  BIG ones and little ones. For about three weeks now we have been collecting acorns.  That is way too early for acorns to start falling off the trees.  And some are still green. This is all due to the drought conditions we had over the summer.

October 2011

 

In another couple of weeks I am in hopes they will turn a dark brown and start falling to the ground the way nature planned it. I love to use them as decorations around the house during fall, but I'll discuss that in another post.  

While I was gathering acorns I thought it would be fun to do an acorn craft with the boys. I quickly started a search for fall crafts.  I found a couple I liked, but also found something even better. A food craft!

Check out these Acorn Dough Nuts!!!!!!

 Aren't they CUTE!!!! These sweet little acorns were super easy!  And the boys loved them!!!
They could be rather costly so use what you might have on hand.....I have some suggestions.

Ingredients:
doughnut holes
chocolate icing or peanut butter
toffee chips or chopped nuts
pretzel pieces

I used Krispie Kreme doughnut holes.....they are more like a cake doughnut, found at Kroger.  I bought store brand chocolate icing and iced the little doughnut hole about a third down.  Then I rolled the icing part of the doughnut hole in toffee chips.  The nut topping for ice cream sundaes would have been so much cheaper!!!  And I could have used Nutella or peanut butter I already had at home, instead of buying icing.  Don't you hate it when you think of these cost savers after the fact?!

These would be a cute addition to a fall tray of goodies for a neighbor, co-worker or your child's party. Or if you like doing tedious work do a whole dozen for the little ones.

Enjoy!

Now get outside, have a great weekend and watch out for falling acorns!

Fall 2010

Fresh Pumpkin Bars

This was my first time using  fresh pumpkin in a recipe.  It was so easy and worth the extra time! 

And I am happy to say these bars were a hit!! 

They are light and fluffy, have a pie like crust and taste FRESH!  I hope you will take the time to bake a pumpkin and enjoy the freshness.

Here is the recipe..........

Fresh Pumpkin Bars:

Crust
2 cups flour
3/4 cup salted sweet cream butter, softened
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Filling
2 heaping cups cooked pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2/3 cup condensed milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 tablespoons flour

Topping
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
cinnamon
nutmeg

To make the cooked pumpkin, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Cut a two to three pound pumpkin in half and remove the seeds.  Place a tablespoon of butter in each half and wrap in foil.  Bake for one hour or until soft.  Remove pumpkin from the rind and mash with a fork.  Let cool. (This can be done in advance.)
For the crust, mix together the dry ingredients and the butter with a fork.  Press into a 9x13 baking dish.  Bake at 350 degrees for eight to 10 minutes......or until the crust is golden.  Mine took about 15 minutes.
For the filling, combine the pumpkin with the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix on the lowest speed.  Spread the filling over the crust and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until firm to the touch.

For the topping, whip the cream until soft peaks form.  Add the sugar and beat an additional minute.  After the bars cool, cut into squares and top with the homemade whipped cream.  Dust with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Oh YUM!!!!!  Fresh Pumpkin Bars are delish!

Wordless Wednesday-Pumpkins at the Farmer's Market