Scary Movies

My husband and I aren't really horror fans. I think the last time I saw a new horror movies was when I was in my teens. It's not that I usually get too scared, they just don't usually appeal to me. But it's Halloween and I thought it would be fun to see something new.

And I scared the living daylights out of myself this weekend.  I rented Paranormal Activity, watched it and then had nightmares every night!  Creepy movie.  I hate horror movies about monsters or torture or murders.  If I'm going to scare myself I like creepy stories about ghosts and hauntings.  Stories that never really show you the "monster".  They leave it to your imagination.  And obviously, my imagination was way too engaged after watching Paranormal Activity.  I've heard the sequels aren't as good, but that's okay, I think I've had my fill of the horror genre for awhile.

If you are looking for something to watch tonight, here's my list of favorite horror movies:

1.  The Exorcist.  Seriously, this is the scariest movie EVER!
2.  The Shining.  The best adaptation of a Stephan King book. " Here's Johnny...."
3.  Rosemary's Baby.  An oldie, but a goodie.  Just campy enough to take the edge off, but still pretty darn scary.
4.  Trilogy of Terror.  VERY campy.  But the vignette about the African Doll that comes to life?  Well, when I was a little girl, I wouldn't walk on the floor for a few days after seeing this one.  I would hop from furniture piece to furniture piece to get to the bathroom at night.
5.  The Haunting.  The old version, not the remake.  So good!
6.  The Others.  Love the twist at the end.

What are your favorite horror movies?

Homework Organization

Homework Organization by Laura Bray

My daughter is the first grade now and with that comes the dreaded homework.  I heard nightmare tales of the amount of homework that was coming our way and have not been looking forward to it.  While I don't think the amount we have to do each night is outrageous, it is hard for me to accept that my daughter has to face homework at such a young age.  When I went to school (do I sound like an old lady?) we didn't have homework until we were much older and I seemed to turn out fine (but I may be biased).

The time we spend doing homework could be spent discovering the world, working on her imagination or just relaxing.  I mean, you only get to be a child once and, in today's society, it seems that children are faced with as much stress and as many activities as adults.  I wonder how quickly this poor generation will burn-out?  But, I'll step off my soapbox and, as usual, turn this into a crafting opportunity.

Homework Box by Laura & Olivia Bray

We have a ton of desks around our house, but it's easiest if my daughter does her homework at the kitchen table.  It's large and I can get dinner started as she does some of her work.  So I needed a place to stash her homework supplies.  I found an old file box in our garage and then we decorated it with Sharpie markers.  I keep her homework assignments, flash cards, paper and pencils in it.  When it's time to do homework, we pull it out and everything we need is right there.  And we both brighten up a little seeing our cheerful artwork!

I also use the file box to store all the work she brings home from school. (I don't know about you, but I get overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork that comes through this house!) I figure I'll go through it at the end of the year, pick what we really want to save and put it away for prosperity's sake.  For now, we both feel more organized and get our homework chores done as quickly as possible so we can get back to playing and having fun.

Do you have any homework-related tips?  Do you have a place set-up to do homework? How do you make it fun?

Halloween Treat Bag

It's almost Halloween and today I have a quick treat bag idea.  It's super simple, but packs a big punch.  You can even use the same technique, with different stencils, for the upcoming holiday season.

Supplies:

• Linen bag
• FolkArt stencil (#30610)
• Plaid Spouncer
• FolkArt Acrylic Paint in Licorice

Instructions:

1.  Place a piece of cardboard into bag to keep the paint from bleeding through.
2.  Tape the stencil down (I use painters tape.) on the bag and, using a spouncer, apply paint to stencil.

3.  Carefully lift stencil from the bag.
4.  Allow to dry and then fill with your favorite candy!

I also created an elegant, Halloween door knob hanger for the Paint Me Plaid blog using a similar technique.  You can get the tutorial here.

Asthma Stinks

I have adult-onset asthma.  I was diagnosed a few years ago when I was 40.  Before that, I would occasionally have a little asthma when I was around cats, but as I aged I began to have symptoms more often, for no apparent reason, and was eventually diagnosed with the full-blown condition of asthma.  And it's not a fun disease.  I get very frustrated when I have attacks and often don't know what causes it.  It can be anything from environmental allergies to a scented candle and before I know it, I'm struggling to breathe.

Yesterday was a particularly frustrating day for me. I was very excited to go my quilt guild meeting and learn how to use my fabric scraps and turn them into an improvisational quilt.  Everyone was asked to bring their scraps and we combined them to share as we worked.  I was digging through quite a few bags, enjoying myself thoroughly.  Then I sneezed.  I figured I had stirred-up some fabric dust and didn't think anything of it.  Then the all too familiar tightness in my chest began.  I asked that the door to the outside be closed, thinking my exposure to that was causing a problem. But I kept suffering.  Off to the bathroom for a hit on my rescue inhaler.  And that's when it occured to me-I bet some of the fabric scraps came from houses with animals.  Sure enough, cats and dogs were living with some of my fellow quilters.

I ended up having to go home and do a breathing treatment.  I felt ridiculous.  Sickly.  Weak.  And even guilty because my fellow quilters were worried they made me sick. (Which isn't true-it's MY allergy, so it's MY responsibility!)  It's unbelievable to me that I have to think about ridiculous things like who has pets and if I'm touching their stuff. 

But enough of my complaining.  I was very motivated to use my fabric scraps more often (pet hair free please) and was wondering....how do you organize your fabric scraps?  Mine are a jumbled mess in a basket by sewing table.  I would like for them to be more organized and would love to get your suggestions.  (I'll take any hints you have for asthma too!)

Pumpkin Enchiladas

I love canned pumpkin!  Not the pumpkin pie filling-just plain pumpkin.  You can make pasta, muffins, quick breads and all manner of wonderful, healthy food from it.  It can be tough to find during the Spring and Summer, so I always stock up on it during the Fall.  It's usually on sale too.  I recently created a recipe for Pumpkin Enchiladas.  It's adapted from Hungry Girl's recipe.

It's really delicious!  Even if you are feeling a bit dubious about pumpkin in your enchiladas, please give this one a try.  You don't taste the pumpkin flavor, but you do get a rich, creamy filling that's very satisfying.  And it's packed with fiber and vitamins.  Here's how I made it:

Ingredients:

1/2 chopped onion
Olive oil
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 small can red enchilada sauce
2 tsp. taco seasoning
Corn tortillas
1/2 cup shredded "Mexican blend" cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Pour a splash of olive oil into a skillet.  Add chopped onion and saute until onions are translucent.  Scrape onions into a large mixing bowl.

Add pumpkin, 3 tbsp. of enchilada sauce and taco seasoning to the onions.  Mix well.  Set aside.

Pour some enchilada sauce into a large, flat container (I use a dinner plate).  Dip tortillas into the sauce, coating them then place a layer of them into a 8 X 8 baking dish. 

Once the bottom of the dish is covered with tortillas, spread your pumpkin mixture evenly over them.

Dip a second round of tortillas into the sauce and lay them over the pumpkin mixture.  Pour remaining enchilada sauce over everything.  Sprinkle cheese on top and place in the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, the sauce is bubbling and the edges are a bit brown.

Let cool and set for about 5 minutes, then serve with sour cream.

P.S. Have you tried my regular enchilada recipe?

Cloth Paper Scissors Gifts

I'm so excited to announce that I had an article published in the Holiday 2011-2012 issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors Gifts!  It's long been a dream of mine to get published in Cloth, Paper, Scissors and I'm honored to be included in such a great magazine.

My article is about creating some really cute, fabric gift card holders.  I don't know about you, but I kind of hate the whole movement towards gift card giving.  I love to get presents!  But, in this busy world, gift cards seem to be the way to go, so I decided if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.  I created the fabric gift card holders so that I could make the whole impersonal mess of giving a gift card just little bit more special.  I'm not judging here, I just REALLY like to open presents.

Not in the mood to sew your own?  I've put up a few in my shop today.  Now would be a perfect time to order them, because until the end of month, I'm offering my blog readers free shipping!  Use coupon code BLOG10.

Want a free issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Gifts?  Leave a comment and tell me if you like getting gift cards and why or why not.  I'll draw a winner on October 24.

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!

WINNER: Healing Woman

Thanksgiving Craft Project for Children

I can't believe I'm posting a Thanksgiving craft project!  Where did the year go?  I created a cute Native American headband for the Buttons Galore and More blog today.  It's really simple.  Older kids could do it by themselves and entertain the little ones.  It just might keep some busy bees occupied while you are trying to get dinner on the table.  Get the tutorial here.

What Thanksgiving crafts are you loving this year?

Mingle Magazine

I love magazines.  And by that, I mean that I love to the point of it being an obsession.  I have stacks of them everywhere, and I can't resist the newsstand.  There's nothing more comforting to me than sitting in my favorite chair, under a quilt, drinking tea and reading a magazine.

So, of course, when Stampington asked me to review their newest publication, Mingle, I jumped at the chance.  It not only feeds my magazine addiction, but also my addiction to throwing a party.  Yep.  It's a whole magazine about entertaining and events with the creative person in mind.

Before I received my issue, I thought it would be filled with tutorials for creating party favors and decorations, but that's not really what it's about.  It's more about inspiration than a how-to magazine.  Dreamy photos and hear felt articles inspired me to create a gathering all my own.  Did I get ideas for party favors and decorations?  You bet!  Ideas abound but this unique magazine, knowing it's readers are crafters and artists, simply plants seeds of inspiration and allows you to the freedom to do with it what you will.

I felt that the magazine had a very emotional element to it.  It's not about throwing an event or putting together a retreat.  It's about what happens when you gather people you love into one room.  About making new friends and cherishing the old.  It's about the passion you feel when you are preparing and planning-the joy of knowing you are doing something special for those you hold dear.  It's about making connections.

The look is very fresh and clean, with a touch of indie to it.  With editor Christen Olivarez at the helm, you can always expect to see a new perspective.  This magazine was her baby and you can feel how personal the project was to her with every turn of the page.

And I have great news!  Stampington sent me an issue to giveaway to one lucky blog reader!  I'm even opening it up to my international readers.  To enter the giveaway, leave a comment, telling me about the most amazing party you ever hosted or went to.  I'll pick a winner on 10/21/11.  To order your own copy, find out how you can submit ideas, or just to learn more about the magazine, visit the Mingle website.

Giveaway Closed 10/21/11

The winner is Helga from Artchix Studio!

Sizzix Scoreboads Blog Hop: Ice Cream Soda Centerpiece

Eileen Hull is at it again!  She's just released a new line of dies for Sizzix, called Fresh Vintage.  She asked me to join her in another blog hop and I couldn't resist.  Her dies are always unique and can be used in a million ways.

For this hop, I was given the 3-D Vase die.  As soon as I opened the package and saw the die, I knew exactly what I was going to make.  A faux ice cream soda!  I can just see a few of these as centerpieces or party favors for an ice cream parlor themed party, can't you?  I know it's a hit because my daughter has been eyeing it and asking for it since I made it.  I think she wants it for her play kitchen. 

It's really simple to make!

Ingredients:
Sizzix Big Shot Machine
3-D Vase Die
Mat board
Glue (Aleene's (R) Original Tacky Glue)
Kitschy Kitchen Paper Pad by Melissa Frances
Tissue Paper Garland
2.5" Styrofoam Ball (Floracraft)
Red & White striped pipe cleaner
Red floral berry

Directions:

1. Cut vase die on mat board and on decorative paper.
2. Glue paper onto mat board and assemble the vase according to manufacturer's instructions.
3. Insert Styrofoam ball into vase.  You can glue it in, or just set it in.  If you don't glue it, you can slip a small bag of candy into the base of the vase for a sweet, party favor surprise.  Just make sure you wrap the candy so that no Styrofoam gets into it!
4. Glue tissue paper garland around top edge of vase
5. Insert floral berry pick into the top of the Styrofoam ball for a cherry on top look!
6. Cut a 3" piece of pipe cleaner and insert into side of ball.

It really doesn't get any easier than that, does it?  Want a chance to WIN the vase die?  Head over to Oh My Crafts to find how.
Now go see what a few of my fellow designers have done with the vase die by clicking on the badge below.  Happy Hopping!

Sizzix Fresh Vintage

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Whip-Up Guest Blogger

When Kathreen, the diva of Whip-Up, emailed and asked if I wanted to be a guest blogger, I was floored.  I was so excited and honored.  So I "whipped-up" a post about my lifestyle, Creative Nostalgia (TM).  I also created a brand-new embroidery pattern that represents my Creative Nostalgia Days of the Week.  And it's a free download!  You just have to go to my guest post on Whip-Up to get it!

I used the pattern to create a notebook that gives me a place to take notes about my housekeeping chores and make to do lists, but you could also use the images to create a cute, modern take on the Days of the Week dishtowels.  Run and get the pattern today and, if you make anything using it, would you share it with me?  I'd love to see what you come up with!

Woodland Fairy Costume

When I was a little girl, we really didn't have much of selection of store-bought Halloween costumes.  The majority of the costumes were handmade.  That was really part of the fun, brainstorming about what you wanted to be and then how you were going to pull it off.  Some kids had moms who could sew and they had elaborate costumes.  My mom didn't sew, but she could make almost any kind of Halloween costume using brown paper bags!  (I think I liked my brother's Muskateer costume the best!)  And there was always the gypsy costume.  We would wear long skirts, a head scarf and lots of our mom's costume jewelry.  When we became teenagers, my parents suffered the embarrassment of having us raid their closets to be disco divas (mom) or nerds (dad).  Sorry about that guys!

I think today, that our kids are missing out on the creative aspect of Halloween.  We throw them in the car and head to the Halloween costume store.  I'm as guilty as anyone and the majority of costumes at our house have been store bought, but this year I decided to make something.  I created a no-sew, Woodland Fairy costume for my daughter.  It's really easy & inexpensive to make.  It would be great for a Halloween costume or even just for playing dress-up.  You can get the full tutorial on the Rit Dye website here. 

I have to say it was really fun to brainstorm and get creative and my daughter really enjoyed seeing simple items magically turn into her costume.  So, if you have a little time, why not join me and make costumes this year?

Speaking of Rit Dye and Halloween,  when I told my mom about this project, she told me that one of my favorite childhood Halloween decorations was courtesy of her using Rit Dye.  She took some old curtains and dyed them gray.  They were draped around the house and over furniture to give the place a haunted house look.  How funny that I'm still using Rit to make my daughter's Halloween memorable all these years later.

Vintage Street Market Projects

I know my blog has been a bit thin on the crafty projects lately, but that's because I've been working away on projects for guest blogger posts, clients' websites, and for publications.  They are all starting to get published so I can share them with you now! 

Today, I'm happy to announce that I'm the Guest Designer on the Vintage Street Market website.  When I saw their product at line CHA last winter I just knew I had to forge a relationship with them.  You know how much I love the retro look, and their papers and kits are just my style. 

For this cute centerpiece project, I used Eileen Hull's 3D Vase Sizzix die. I love this new die and am excited to announce that I'll be taking part in a blog hop next week that features it, so be sure to come back for even more inspiration next week!

To see all the projects I made using the Vintage Street Market papers, click here.  I hope you find lots of inspiration!  If you love retro (and paper dolls!) you are going to love the Vintage Street Market line of papers.

Duct Tape Notebooks

On Monday, I promised to show you the second project I created for the Designer Blog Hop Challenge.  Duct tape notebooks!  It's a super easy, inexpensive project.  Basically, you just cut some duct tape (The Duck Brand (R)), and cover the notebook with it.  If you want to get super fancy, add a closure created with some duct tape and hook and loop fastener (VELCRO (R)).  It totally changes a boring composition book into unique notebook.  I want to go back to school so I can take notes in my mine.

Don't forget!

To celebrate their involvement in the Designer Connection Blog Hop, Wescott is hosting a promotional giveaway to our blog hop readers (U.S. readers only).  A Deluxe Assortment of Westcott Brand’s® Cutting Tools, visit the DCC Blog Hop Post on Westcott Brand's blog and leave a comment by October 31. A random winner will be announced on November 1.

And, if you want to own the cuff bracelet I made for the challenge, Charity Wings is holding an auction for it on their blog. Click here to bid.  Proceeds will benefit breast cancer research.

Apple Picking in Oak Glen

We went apple picking in Oak Glen, California this past weekend.  My parents used to take me there in the Fall when I was a child and I have very fond memories of "apple country", so I was very excited to take my daughter up.  She's learning about apples in school, making it a perfect time to go.  We visited Willowbrook Apple Farm, one of the smaller, family-owned farms in the area.  It was very crowded as it was the first apple picking weekend of the season and a Spring frost had damaged a lot of apple groves, so some of the bigger farms weren't opening their orchards to the public yet.  I do have to say, I'm getting a bit disheartened lately.  Everywhere we go there seems to be huge crowds.  Perhaps it's living in Southern California.  Is there any place where a girl can go and do the whole "rural" thing without being inundated with a bunch of other people doing the same thing?  It's days like these that set me to longing for a simpler life, in a simpler place.

(Who needs a ladder when your dad is 6'6"? )

We still managed to have fun and even got to press our own cider.  I won't go into how the mom in me cringed over the "hygienics" of the cider making, I just smiled and nodded and then made my husband boil it when we got home. 

I hope you found some peace and some fun over the weekend.  What did you do?

Designer Connection Blog Hop Challenge

This month, the Designer Connection Blog Hop is being hosted by Westcott Brand® Cutting Tools. Westcott Brand®Scissors are the World’s Favorite Scissors™ and, after using their scissors to create my projects for the hop, I can see why. For the hop, VELCRO® Brand sent the designers Hook & Loop Fasteners and The Duck Brand® sent Patterned Duct Tape Rolls and sheets. What a challenge! To create crafty items using all these great supplies!

It didn’t end up being as hard as you would think! I created two, completely different projects using the supplies and I’m so happy with how both turned out! I'll show you one project today and then another on Wednesday, so be sure to check back!

Duct Tape Cuff Bracelets

Cuff bracelets are totally trending right now and The Duck Brand’s® Patterned Duct Tape Rolls make it easy to create stunning and original pieces of jewelry. Just measure your wrist, add a few inches and then use Westcott Brand’s®Titanium Bonded Non Stick Scissors to cut a piece of duct tape to size. The scissors are great for cutting through sticky products like duct tape, so nothing gets tangled! You can either cut 2 pieces of duct tape and stick them together (back to back) or stick a piece of duct tape to some felt or paper to create the cuff.

Use VELCRO®Brand Sticky Back™ hook and fastener on each end of the cuff for a closure. Then, go crazy embellishing it! For the pink and gold bracelet, I even made a pink flower from The Duck Brand’s® Duct Tape Sheets.  I think the finished projects came out great.  No one would ever guess you made them from duct tape, but will they ever be impressed when you tell them!

To celebrate their involvement in the Designer Connection Blog Hop, Wescott is hosting a promotional giveaway to our blog hop readers. For a chance to win a Deluxe Assortment of Westcott Brand’s® Cutting Tools, visit the DCC Blog Hop Post on Westcott Brand's blog and leave a comment by October 31.  A random winner will be announced on November 1.  Good luck!

To see my fellow designer's projects, click through the blog hop using the button below. Have fun!

[ DC Connection ]


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