Kids Halloween Costume Ideas

This week we are getting serious about Halloween Costumes for parties and trick or treat. Last year I did shop the Walmart.com sales after Halloween and bought trick-or-treat bags, makeup, and Halloween pattern leggings. This year I will use those things to create a cute Halloween outfit for kids.

Instead of buying a ready-made costume, I plan on making my own from things that I have and will buy a cute Halloween designed t-shirt from zazzle.com I have bought a few of the kid's shirts from zazzle and like that the designs are unique. Normally when I buy a t-shirt at the mall the fabric is stiff and rough feeling. The print-on-demand kids' shirts are soft right out of the bag, no need to wash them a few times to make them soft.

Kids like the feel of the shirts. My friend’s toddler refused to take her Halloween shirt off, she wanted to wear it to bed. That will tell you that these tees are kid-pleasing.

Buy a tee with the design that you like then coordinate it with Halloween pattern leggings, solid color pants or skirt, or striped tights. You can also wear these shirts for everyday activities during the October season with jeans.

Here are a few of my kid's Halloween t-shirts. Click on the blue highlighted words to view a large image of a Halloween shirt at my store and to learn more. 

Halloween FUN Trick or Treat Baby T-Shirt

by Susang6

Halloween Black Cat Baby T-Shirt

by Susang6

First Halloween Black Cat Toddler Baby T-Shirt

by Susang6

Cute Purple Glitter Trick or Treat Baby Baby T-Shirt

by Susang6

Customizable Toddler Halloween Black Cat T-Shirt

by Susang6

Here are two outfits that I created that show you how cute the Zazzle-made tee is when used to create a Halloween outfit for kids.

View Halloween shirts for everyone here

Fall Season Activities - FUN Things to Do

Husband and I look forward to the change of the season because we both like being active in the fall.  When the leaves change from green to golden, orange and red and the weather gets cooler we like to spend more time outdoors because there are many fun things to do.

Fall Road Trips

Hiking on Nature Trails

Favorite Fall Season Activities

• Night hikes to look at the wildlife at Audubon Nature center in SW Missouri
• Sit by a campfire, and drink hot apple cider or pumpkin spice flavored coffee
• Attending city festivals and the church bizarre
• Day trip to  Crystal Bridges Modern Art Museum in Arkansas
• Take road trips to Arkansas to visit the Roaring River State park and Eureka Springs.
• Race through the corn maze to see if we can beat last years time. (ha ha ha)
• Pick the perfect pumpkin for carving for Halloween
• Check out the areas spook houses and other fun Halloween activities.

Relaxing by Campfire

Buying the perfect pumpkin

Know that fall is the season before winter and is our last chance to enjoy the great outdoors, before the snow and ice so we are busy every year enjoying the fall activities.

Tips

Also, it is a good idea to dress accordingly.   The fall season weather is unpredictable so everyone will layer their clothes. I find it is best to wear a t-shirt and take along a sweatshirt because morning could be sunny and warm then change to cool to cold. Always a good idea to dress accordingly during the fall season.

What are your favorite fall activities?

FUN with Family Harvesting Fresh Pears

I am not an expert in harvesting pears, however, can share only what I have learned over the years. To tell you the truth I have only been participating in this fall family activity for the past four years. 

Most of what I have learned comes from my brother, he has a D'Anjou pear tree orchard and has taught me the basics. Unlike other types of pears the D'Anjou does not change color when it ripening, instead, it stays green but does get dull color, not as shiny. He said to check the pears to see if they are ripe by pressing down by the neck of the pear, if there is a slight give, then it is ready to be harvested.

Another thing my brother taught me is when to harvest the pears. He suggested that I choose a day after a hard rain or harvest on a breezy day. His reason is that it is easier to pick the pears off the ground than it is to take them from the tree branches.

Harvesting pears is a fun activity for families. The kids love to gather the fallen pears, the parents and other adults will climb the trees or go up ladders to harvest the fruit off the tree branches. 

Products Needed

Harvesting pears aren't difficult to do as long as you wear garden gloves to protect your hands. A long sleeve shirt to protect your arms from getting scratched from the tree branches. 

I bring along a branch cutting shears/pruner to remove the pear from the tree branch. This hand tool is helpful when harvesting pears from the tree branches.    

Know that a crossover bag does come in handy. For me, it is easy to pick the pears and put them into the bag. When the bag is full I lower it down to be emptied. This eliminates going up and down ladders.

No Pear is Wasted

All of the pears are divided according to how ripe they are and put into cardboard boxes. None of the pears are left behind if they are too ripe we will take and add them to the compost

  

Easy to Make Pumpkins in Wheelbarrow Decorations

One of my favorite outdoor decorations for the autumn season is the wheelbarrow planter. This decoration is fun to put together, you can make it with your kids as an afternoon autumn activity.

There are no rules as to how to put this outdoor decoration together however you do need to be creative and have fun.  Here is an outdoor display that I designed  I hope that it inspires you to make your own outdoor decorations for the autumn season.  

Directions for Outdoor Autumn Decorations

1. Shop for nursery-grown potted mums but instead of setting them in the wheelbarrow in the plastic planter, buy a decorative pot, I like the metal ones because they are more interesting, and give the planter a “farm look”. If you have clay pots then use that.
2. Buy an assortment of mum colors like yellow and burgundy or orange flowers. Buy a variety of real pumpkins choose small , medium and large. You may also want to buy a white pumpkin for contrast and interest.
3. Set up your wheelbarrow as a feature in your yard. When you determine the location I recommend that you put a rock in front of the wheel so that it does not move forward.

For wheelbarrow, flowers do the following

• Start with your tallest plants in the back and work forward. Separate the plants with pumpkins, add pine cones and autumn leaves to your display. Even cut sunflowers will add to the arrangement. Sunflowers that are dried do not lose their color, or you can add silk flowers and leaves, do this if your wheelbarrow is protected from the rain.
• Buy a hay bale and set it next to the wheelbarrow. Decorate the hay bale with the remaining pumpkins or buy an outdoor scarecrow to sit on top of the hay.

Flowers in Pumpkin Base Autumn Decor How To

When it comes to decorating my home for the autumn season  I use fresh pumpkins and create floral arrangements for my tables. I prefer to use natural products for my centerpieces including the flower insert but have used silk floral arrangements also.

Fresh pumpkins are not expensive considering you get a fabulous decoration and get to make pumpkin pie with the puree.  Here is an art set that I designed that will inspire you to make your own flowers in a pumpkin autumn decoration for your home.

Autumn Floral Arrangement by sgolis 

How to Make Flowers in Pumpkin Decorations

1. Shop at the pumpkin patch or at your locally for a medium rounded pumpkin with a stem. 
2. Look the pumpkin over by checking it for bruises to the flesh or discoloration. You will need a nearly perfect pumpkin for this seasonal decoration.
3. When you get the pumpkin home wash the outside it to remove any dirt. 
4. Set the pumpkin with the  stem facing upward. determine how big the opening should be to hold a potted chrysanthemum plant. 
5. Cut the pumpkin to allow an opening for autumn season flowers.
6. Remove the seeds and the pumpkin pulp. Keep the seeds because you can roast them. Keep the pulp to make puree for pie or other baked goods; cookies or muffins.
7. Wash the inside of the pumpkin. Make sure the strings are removed and that surface is clean. There should be no pulp remaining, you want a clean pumpkin shell.
8. Let the pumpkin dry thoroughly. When the pumpkin is dry you would then set a potted chrysanthemum into the pumpkin. Or make your own bouquet; buy a variety of silk flower stems from the craft center like Hobby Lobby or Walmart.com.

Tips remove the real plant from the pumpkin to water. Let it drain thoroughly before putting back in the pumpkin

Fresh Apple Pie Recipe

My husband picked up a bushel of Gala apples from the organic food market and I thought I would make a homemade apple pie. My mother used to make from scratch apple pie when I was a kid and remember coring and peeling apples with her. Making fresh apple pie does take time, but one bite and you know that it is worth the effort.

Normally apples are harvested at the end of summer and you can put up the fruit for pies throughout the fall months. Apple filling can be used for many recipes; cobblers, turnovers, toppings for pancakes. You can also make applesauce or apple muffins. Growing up in Illinois we always had apples to be served throughout the fall season and were delighted if apple cranberry pie was served on Thanksgiving day.


For fresh apple pie, you will need to remove the skin from the apples, then slice away from the core. Cut the slices thin for a pie that will cook fast.
Instead of doing this job manually, you can buy at Walmart.com a Weston Apple Peeler Corer and Slicer. It is easy to use, saves on time and all you need to do is slice the apples for the pie filling.

You will need the following ingredients for one 9 inch apple pie.

5 medium fresh apples, peeled and sliced
½ a cup of brown sugar
1/3 cup of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
2 tablespoons flour
9-inch pie dish

Here is the pie filling recipe

In a large mixing bowl add the sliced apples, then the brown sugar, and mix with a spoon. Then add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Mix again so that there is a coating of all ingredients on the apples. Let the apple slices set for 15 minutes.


Turn the fresh apple pie filling into your pie crust, spread out the apples so that they fill in the crust evenly. A mound of apples in the center is okay. Top the apples with another pie crust and pinch the lower crust into the upper crust on the sides. Seal the sides well so the juices do not come out the sides when baking.


Use a cold knife to make slits in the upper pie crust. This will allow the steam from the pie to escape. Melt 1-1/2 tablespoons of butter and then drizzle it over the top pie crust. Then drizzle 2 tablespoons of sugar over the butter.

Bake pie at 400’F for 30 minutes, then lower the heat to 350’F and bake 30 more minutes. The pie is done when the apples are tender. Let pie cool completely before serving.

Slice and serve with a scoop of Bryers homemade natural vanilla ice-cream, know that it is hard to eat one slice of homemade apple pie.

Learn how to make delicious pie crust here 

Learn how to peel and core apples / FAST

Favorite Cheesecake Recipe

Some people like chocolate, others like pie, I eat cheesecake and I am happy. I don't eat store bought cheesecake, granted I have eaten grocer and bakery bought cheesecake in my time, BUT the best cheesecake that I ever had was made by my mom. 

Growing up mom made cheesecake all year round. The basic recipe allows you to top it with a variety of fruits, and in the fall and winter months, mom would make caramel and chocolate sauce and drizzle the sauces over the cake then top with roasted slivers of almonds or sugar coated pecans. Then add a dollop of freshly whipped cream and oh my gosh it was like biting into a slice of heaven

When my mom passed away it seemed that her recipes went with her. Then the other day I was going through a storage box and found my mother's recipe book. I was delighted to find her cheesecake recipe. 

The recipe that I share with you is one I found in my mother's recipe cards. The date on the card is 1968 and this is the same delicious dessert that my mother made when I was growing up.  On the bottom of her recipe card there is a special instruction; make the cheesecake the day before for best results and garnish with any fruit before serving.

Know that cheesecake is a wonderfully delicious sweet treat and the perfect ending to the evening meal.



Here is what you will need to make this recipe:

2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
1 package lemon jello
1 cup hot water
1 can carnation evaporated milk

1. With your mixer cream the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla ingredients together until all are blended
2. Mix the jello and water together and then let set until it thickens.  Add jello to cream cheese batter and use a beat until all ingredients are blended.
3. Chill another large mixing bowl along with your beater in the freezer for 10 minutes. Remove when chilled and then add 1 can carnation evaporated milk / approximately 1 2/3 cups to the bowl and whip. Continue to beat the milk until it is thick like whipped cream.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the cheese batter.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter into 2 ready-made graham pie crusts.
6. Refrigerate a day before serving.

So there you have it an easy and delicious cheesecake dessert for your family.

Here is an easy recipe for caramel sauce.

Learn how to make sugar coated pecans for your autumn or winter cheesecake

Favorite Autumn Activities

Today while organizing boxes in the attic I came across some photographs that I had taken last autumn and I got to thinking of my favorite season and wondered what activities we would participate in this year.

I do not need a calendar to tell me when the season of autumn has begun. Nature has a way of letting you know. When I look south toward the mountain ridge I can see that the leaves are starting to change. I may see that a few trees have red leaves and others have orange and golden leaves, while other trees have green leaves.

Here are some postcards that I made from my autumn photographs. All photos were captured when I was hiking in the Ozark Mountains parks.

Autumn Leaves in Missouri Postcard 

Autumn in Arkansas Photograph Postcard 
View more Fall leaves Postcards at zazzle.com

Magnificent silver maple tree, this photo postcard is my favorite.

Autumn Leaves Thanksgiving Postcard 
color postcard printing by zazzle.com

The fall season is my favorite time of the year. I enjoy the warm days and cool nights and also like the activities. There is something to do every weekend from late September through the first part of November.

One of the activities that my family and I enjoy is getting together with my brother to harvest the pears. We also like to go to the you pick it pumpkin orchards. We usually make it an all day event because when the harvesting is done everyone eats a bowl of homemade chili and then sit by a bonfire. The kids roast marshmallows and if there are leaves on the ground we will all participate in a leaf jump.

Another autumn activity that my family enjoys doing is touring the corn maze and then picking out our pumpkin at a local farm. We participate in neighborhood gatherings; annual Jack O lantern carving contest and go to country church bazaars and hometown festivals in Missouri.  

You bet I enjoyed looking at the autumn photographs today and reminiscing about all the activities. I am looking forward to this fall and wondering what we will be doing.

What are your favorite autumn activities?

Favorite Fresh Peach Pie Recipe

When it comes to making peach pie know that there is only one way to make it and that is from scratch. I have eaten pie made from canned peaches, then made with fresh peaches, and found that the fresh fruit was best tasting.

My mom and dad loved peaches and when I was a kid I remember our peach trees. Dad would have to support the branches because there was so much fruit. Every  summer when the peaches were ripe we would all take the bushel baskets and helped our parents harvest the peaches for our Elberta trees.

I grew up eating my moms peach bake goods. My mom made cobblers that were wonderful but the fresh peach pie was my favorite. If the peach harvest was great we would have peach pie or peach preserves on Thanksgiving served with side of homemade ice cream. If you are like me and love peach pie then I know you will enjoy my favorite recipe. The one I share with you is one that has been passed down, it is a basic recipe that makes delicious pies.

Making pie with fresh fruit ,means that you have to allow time to get the peaches ready for pie. You will have to remove the skin from the peaches, then slice in half to remove the seed before you can cut them in half inch slices, then cut those slices in half for fresh peach pie.

The following ingredients are needed for one 9 inch pie.


8 large ripe peaches.
½ a cup of brown sugar
1/3 cup of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
¼ cup of flour

Recipe for pie

• In a large mixing bowl add the sliced peaches, then the brown sugar and mix with spoon. Then add the granulated sugar, cinnamon and flour. Mix again so that there is a coating of the flour on the peaches. Let the peaches set for 15 minutes.
• Turn the fresh peach pie filling into your pie crust, spread out the peaches so that they fill in the crust evenly.
• Top the peaches with another pie crust and pinch the lower crust into the upper crust on the sides. Seal the sides well so the juices do not come out the sides when baking.
• Insert a knife blade in the freezer for 10 minutes, then use this cold knife to make slits in the upper pie crust. These slits will allow the steam from the pie to escape.
• Melt 1-1/2 tablespoons of butter and then drizzle it over the top pie crust. Then drizzle 2 tablespoons of sugar over the butter.
• Bake pie at 400’F for 30 minutes, then lower the heat to 350’F and bake 30 more minutes. The peach pie is done when the juices escape from the slits in pie crust. Let pie cool completely before serving.

Note: It is a good idea to set a cookie sheet under the pie to prevent the juices from pie from spilling onto your oven.

Here is a perfect recipe for flaky and delicious pie crust.

Favorite Outdoor Autumn Activities

Many people are making plans for summer vacations, but here at my house we are talking about the fall season. This morning I spoke with my friends about the spring baking day and the autumn season day of baking was discussed also, in fact we set a date.

Know that in five months my husband will start organizing his Halloween decorations so I guess it is okay to discus autumn activities in February. Needless to say all this talk about autumn has got me thinking about my favorite outdoor autumn activities.

When the leaves change from green to golden, orange and red and the weather changes to the point where the nights are cool enough for a sweater that is when you will find me sitting by the fire pit drinking hot apple cider. I will make plans to celebrate this harvest time of year by participating in the activities that I enjoy with my family and friends.

Missouri Shoal Creek Autumn Photo Print by Susang6

My Favorite Fall Activities

1. Hiking off trail in the Ozark Mountains
2. Photographing the trees in full seasonal color
3. Floating down Shoal creek on an Indian summer day
4. Touring corn mazes
6. Attending a harvest bazaar at a country church
7. Baking harvest fruit pies
___

Note: Shoal creek is located just south of Joplin Missouri and this creek features Missouri's largest waterfall. The creek plunges 15 feet over chert rock which is a very hard creek bedrock. In fall hiking or taking a float trip along the Shoal creek is one of my favorite things to do.

Harvesting and Ripening Pears

One of my favorite fall activities is going to my brother’s to harvest pears from his trees.  We harvest all pears on the trees.  If the pears are not ripe then we take steps to ripen them in a cool area in our basement or fruit cellar.

We gather bushels of mature pears and put them in cardboard boxes or large brown bags. Then we will ripen the pears by storing them in a dark cool section of our basement. This area should be 60 to 70 degrees for best results.

Check on the pears every few days, they should be ripe and ready for cooking in a few weeks. You can also put the pears in a brown bag and put the bag in the refrigerator. This method of ripening will take approximately ten days for the pears to be ready.

Traditional Holiday Baking

Today I met up with my friends and we agreed that we will all get together before Easter and then again in the fall for a day of baking. Baking with friends is fun and it enables us to to have variety of desserts and breads for our family.

In the spring we will make cream pies, cookies, breakfast muffins and sweet bread recipes and in the fall we bake with our harvested fruit; apples, pears. Plus we will make cranberry, chocolate and pumpkin recipes.

I always look forward to baking day, but my favorite holiday for baking is in the autumn. I really enjoy making comfort bake goods. Last year the baking day was in my kitchen and it was way too small. This year I will go to my friends house and there will be plenty of room for all of us.

As a rule, we must use recipes that are passed down through the family. Or in other words none of the recipes are new, they are all from our childhood.

When all of the baking is done, we will grab our food containers and go through the line picking out a variety of desserts and baked goods for our families to enjoy, throughout the holiday season.



Do you participate in a Tradtional baking day?

Autumn Season is Best for Activities Recipes Crafts

Today was warm so my husband and I went to our storage shed to organize the autumn season decorations and my craft things. There were 22 storage boxes labeled for the autumn season.  In comparison to the other holidays, the autumn season had more storage containers for crafts, decorations, kitchen recipes, and there was no question about it, the autumn season is by far the best and favorite season at my house.

Know that we start preparing for the travel activities in early summer, plus how we will decorate the yard and home is planned in July. Which includes what crafts we will do for the upcoming season and how we will decorate for the holidays; Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Autumn is the longest and the best season for activities, recipes, and crafts as each year is a bigger celebration than the year before? Hoping this year will be the best autumn ever.

Autumn decor ideas for living room

Autumn Harvest Living Room Decor by sgolis featuring Zazzle throw pillows

Here are a few of my favorite blog posts; activities, recipes, and decorations/crafts for the autumn season.

Mushroom hunt in the woods

Autumn parties; plans and menu ideas

Decorating your autumn home