I love the Pillsbury Ready To Bake sugar cookies.  Even when I don’t have time to bake from scratch I can still bake something cute & tasty for the kids.  I made these this morning and….gasp….let the kids have a few for breakfast {then a nutritious breakfast afterwards-but cookies for breakfast was fun!}. I also placed some candy sticks into a few before baking – you can then wrap them in some cookie bags, tie with ribbon or raffia and give away! Cute little presentation. These also look cute all bunched up in a vase, cup, etc. {Sorry, no pictures of that-sometimes I forget!}

While in the Halloween mood-I also lit these cute little tea light holders that were $1.00 each from the Dollar Store-the lighting added to the ambiance of such an out of the norm breakfast!

I liked this picture of my little guy-a pumpkin amid pumpkins!

more Happy Halloween hugs, mb

Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder’s fork, and blind-worm’s
sting, Lizard’s leg, and owlet’s wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth
boil and bubble.
- – -William Shakespeare (a quote from “Macbeth”)

Happy Halloween! hugs, mb

Every year when the pumpkins are carved I hate to throw away the seeds.  In years past we have made roasted pumpkin seeds and usually they are okay…but not great.  This year we tried a different method and the results were delicious!

Ingredients:

Pumpkin seeds

olive oil

salt

1. Heat the oven to 400°.  Scoop out the pumpkin seeds-separate from the stringy core-rinse thoroughly.

2. Place seeds in a small pot, add 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil-reduce to a simmer-simmer for 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and drain thoroughly.

3.  Spread the bottom of a cookie sheet (one with a rim) with 1 tablespoon olive oil.  Spread seeds in single layer on pan.  Bake for 20 minutes or until the seeds are browned to your liking.

pumpkin seed hugs, mb

{recipe based on one posted at Simply Recipes}

Halloween Pumpkin Buddies

Pumpkin Bread in a Can

M&M Test Tube Favors

Halloween Lantern

Boo Banner

Pumpkin Snowflake Cupcakes

Last year I had a lot of fun creating things for Halloween-this year I have had a lot going on and not much time for creativity but wanted to post a recap of some of my favorites from last year along with the links for more details.

I’ve linked this post to one of my favorite blogs:

happy Halloween hugs, mb

The top picture is the complete ‘in less than 1 minute’ centerpiece.  I purchased 3 mini pumpkins of varying sizes and colors and merely stacked in an urn. These stacked well but if they did not stay put, hot glue could be used to hold them in place.

Another simple and quick decoration is to merely place a small wreath atop a pumpkin.

Quick and easy lampshade update-ribbon tied in a bow and placed on the shade.

I purchased these ‘wall’ spiders at JoAnn Fabrics for under $3.00.  They stick to the wall and can be removed safely when done without damaging the wall.  Quick, easy and inexpensive!

This little corner shelf was only $2.00 at the Thrift Store and is used year round to hold small seasonal displays.

This little scarecrow is just adorable!

I like wall pockets and placed this one between my front windows with some silk leaves.

I hope you enjoyed these quick, easy and inexpensive autumn decorations and updates!

I have linked this post to

Be sure to visit Kimba for wonderful, inspiring ideas!

This post is also linked to

Another great source of home inspiration!

Happy Autumn Hugs, mb

]]> http://cupcakesandcrinoline.com/2009/10/easy-autumn-centerpiece-display/feed/ 10 http://cupcakesandcrinoline.com/2008/11/trick-or-treat-final-pictures/ http://cupcakesandcrinoline.com/2008/11/trick-or-treat-final-pictures/#comments Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:47:01 +0000 mb http://cupcakesandcrinoline.com/?p=380

Batman and the Little Soldier

Max

Max in Pumpkin Socks

I disappeared for a few days but I am back for a quick post today.  My two youngest boys went Trick Or Treating, Jordan in a recycled Batman costume and Max as a Marine (in honor of my dad).  I love the picture of Max wearing the pumpkin socks.  He was so happy to wear those and even though they are not part of a regular uniform, who could say no?  I loved watching how much fun they had……always remembering to say “Thank You”……manners are so important…. and the innocence and joy found in a fun size candy bar.  I hate for anything to taint the innocence of youth…the abandon with which they embrace life.  I think that is an important reminder for us all so that is your homework for this weekend.  Look at life with a positive attitude, embrace it, and appreciate the fact that there is so much to be thankful for.  Hugs of appreciation, mb