Halloween Graveyard Wall Decal Review

Decorating your home for Halloween is easy when you hang a decal on your wall. While shopping online today at Walmart.com I found a spooky Halloween decal that would look fantastic in my office or in my family room. 

 I liked that it was large and that it would take up most of the wall. Then all I would need to do is add a few decorations on my table, throw pillows for chairs, and a pumpkin or two.  Before ordering the Halloween wall decoration I did read the customer's reviews and learned that the bats were individually cut from cardboard and that the tree and graveyard of the decal were one piece of lightweight vinyl.  

All of the reviewers said that they had to tape the decals to the wall and I thought I would use two-sided gorilla tape so that the pieces would stay on the wall.

As you can see the room set that I created the decal looks great. If you are seeking easy Halloween decorations for your home then I would recommend this decal.

Here are a few Halloween products that I created at my Zazzle.com store 

Everything Halloween 

Make your own Branch Centerpiece

Decorating your home with branches is a great way to add interest to your décor. You can shop for branches online at walmart.com or you can make your own by using branches from your trees.

Using your own branches is a frugal and fun way to create unique decorations. I have created branch decorations for under $10.00, of course, it does take the time to complete but if you enjoy doing crafts then you will love making branch centerpieces.

The best time to gather branches in late summer or after the trees or shrubs have been pruned. If you have no branches then look for them at a park.  Look for a branch that is 18 to 24 inches in length, it should have a straight center branch then side branches.

Clean the branch with warm soapy Dawn antibacterial dish soap to remove excess dirt. Let the branch air dry. When the branches are dry you would then treat them with a pesticide to kill any insects. Allow the branches to dry.

Spray paint the branches the color of your choice. I like the colors gold, silver or white, but you can choose the color that you like. Use a spray paint like the brand name Krylon or Rust-Oleum.  It is best to spray the branches lightly otherwise it can be messy. You can always reapply the paint with second spraying.

When branches are dry, secure them so they are standing upright. Buy from the craft store a Styrofoam block and a hot glue gun. Push the branches into the center of the Styrofoam block and use a glue gun to keep the branches in place. Gluing around the top of Styrofoam and the base of the branch is good.

When branches are secure you would then put the Styrofoam block into the display box or vase. If using a vase to display your branches then choose one that is not clear, a pattern or color vase, pot or urn is best.

Decorating Ideas

Decorate your branches with glitter by spraying the tip of the branches with glue then dust the branches in the glitter.

You can also decorate your branches with Halloween lights or garland. For autumn drape a swag of autumn leaves or small lightweight autumn season ornaments.

Here is another way to decorate, learn how to use the leaves from your trees.  

FUN Autumn Activities for Teenagers

Autumn is the last season before the bitterly cold weather so our family always spends quality time outdoors doing activities with our teenagers. Most people think that teens do not enjoy traditional activities but if you start them out doing the same things every year they do look forward to the activities, especially if they can bring along their friend.

Here are a few autumn activities that my family enjoys

On a sunny afternoon, we make plans to go to a pumpkin patch. Pick out pumpkins for decoration and for carving into a Jack O’ Lantern. Our teenage kids always like picking the biggest pumpkin that they can find. Half the fun is getting it back to the car.


I will watch for the advertisement for the fall bazaars in my hometown then check out the activities, looking for the traditional autumn activities like pumpkin carving, drinking apple cider, going for a hayride, or enjoying roasting marshmallows on an open fire for s’more chocolate treats. Teenagers love participating in the carving contests, they will eat smores and listen to live music. City festivals are always fun for families with teenagers.


Know that teenagers have different interests so my husband will plan an ATV outing. He will choose a trail where the trees are in full autumn color. Sometimes he brings along a picnic lunch, other times just snacks and drinks for the kids. Everyone loves this outing especially if the day is warm and sunny.


What activities do you do with your family during the autumn season?

Caramel Chocolate Pie Recipe

Chocolate pie is one of my favorite desserts, especially during the fall and winter months. my family craves comfort foods and this caramel chocolate pie is satisfying.

When you serve this pie to your family and friends they will scrape the side of the plate with their fork and when they finish they will feel comforted. It is very chocolaty and the nuts make it taste delicious.

Here is the chocolate pie recipe

You will need the following ingredients

• Store bought ready-made chocolate cookie crumb crust
• 30 vanilla caramels
• ½ cup caramel ice cream
• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 2 cups chopped unsalted peanuts or pecans
• ¾ cup semisweet chocolate morsels ( I like Ghirardelli)
• ¼ whipping cream

Optional: vanilla ice cream for topping

1. Turn on the stove to low heat and melt caramels with the caramel ice cream in a saucepan. Keep stirring, then add ¼ cup whipping cream, stir to blend all ingredients.
2. Remove saucepan from the heat
3. Add nuts to pie filling and stir
4. Add pie filling to the 9-inch pie plate
5. Spread the filling over the crust
6. Let the pie set until it is cool, then cover with saran wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
7. Make the topping for this pie by melting the semisweet chocolate morsels in a saucepan over low heat. When chocolate is melted stir in the remaining whipped cream.
8. Top the caramel chocolate pie with the melted chocolate. Drizzle the chocolate over the pie. Recover the pie and chill in the refrigerator for an hour.
9. Cut and serve with vanilla Ice cream

Here is a video that will show you how to melt chocolate in a double boiler.

Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Casserole

A hearty casserole with nutritious ingredients is a great way to fuel your family with energy.  Plus this casserole tastes great on a cool autumn day.

When it comes to preparing dinner for my family I like to make casseroles because they will provide my family with a balanced meal and the preparation is in on pan, less mess, easy cleanup. Tonight I am making a chicken casserole that is hearty, filling and tastes great.

Ingredients needed for casserole

• 3 eight ounce chicken breast filets (pre-cooked)
• ½ pound egg noodles (pre-cooked)
• Sea salt, fresh cracked pepper
• 12-ounce jar of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 9 ounce frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and excess liquid removed.
• 2 garlic cloves diced
• 1 cup fresh Italian cheese, I use Kraft natural cheese, five cheese blend; mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, Asiago and Romano
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise ( I use Kraft olive oil Mayonnaise)
• ¼ cup low-fat sour cream
• ½ cup low-fat milk

*** you can substitute chicken with turkey.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 then lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish
2. Dice the chicken breast and put in small mixing bowl
3. Add the chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, and egg-noodle to the chicken, then mix all ingredients.
4. Next add the garlic, parsley and ½ cup of the Italian cheeses, salt, and pepper and mix into the chicken and vegetables.
5. Using a whisk mix mayonnaise, sour cream and milk together in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Then add cream sauce to the pasta, chicken, and vegetables and blend all ingredients.
6. Add the casserole ingredients to the baking dish. Smooth out the top so that the surface is flat. Garnish the casserole remaining Italian cheese.
7. Put in the oven and bake for 18 minutes.
8. Remove and let the casserole rest before cutting. I serve this casserole with a side salad and dinner rolls.

Here is another chicken casserole recipe that you may like.

Best Garage Sales are in Autumn

Autumn is the perfect season to go antiquing or hit the area garage sales. I know in my city we tend to shop for bargains in the spring and the autumn because summer is too hot. Normally I do not go to garage sales in the spring but autumn is a must on my to-do list. This is the time of year when you can bargain shop for autumn and Christmas decorations.

People tend to do a fall cleaning of their house and stored items and want to earn some extra cash for the holidays. I found some home décor products including a stained glass lamp at an autumn garage sale and there was nothing wrong with it. 

Here is a photo of my best buy at an autumn garage sale.

It is best to know what you are shopping for and to check out the newspaper on Wednesday and look for garage sales that offer a list of products that they are selling. Then make a list of the garage sales that you want to check out.

The night before the garage sale I will do a drive-by. If they are setting I will park get out and ask if I can take a quick look. Many times if you find something that you love you can buy it ahead of time. Otherwise, plan to go to the garage sale at the crack of dawn. In my experience, everyone has the same idea so if you want something special then it is best to get to the sale early.

Things that I look for at garage sales; vintage china, leaded glass ceiling light covers, sterling silver flatware, vintage table lamps, table linens, trivets, crystal or cut glass perfume bottles, hat boxes, vintage dolls, art deco jewelry, bag and gloves and holiday decorations and ornaments. My husband shops for vintage cameras, 1970s Peter Max posters and autumn season posters or prints, antique door knobs or knockers and antique train sets.

Going to garage sales in autumn is something my husband and I enjoy, we think of it as entertainment because it is a fun thing to do. Plus when we find something of value and it is a good price we are ecstatic.

Favorite Pumpkin Cookie Recipe

Fall is here and out comes the pumpkin and other comfort foods recipes. Pumpkin is one of my favorite food ingredients and pumpkin cookies that are dipped in white chocolate are by far my favorite autumn comfort food. Know that my mom’s recipe never called for the chocolate, I came up with that extra ingredient all on my own. You bet I am a chocolate lover and pumpkin and white or semi-sweet chocolate is delicious.

Here is the recipe:

1 cup white sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (12-ounce bag) white or semi-sweet chocolate chips

**You will also need parchment paper to line cookie sheets or Pam non-stick baking spray

1. Combine flour, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl.
2. Beat sugar and butter in a large bowl until creamy.
3. Beat in pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually stir in flour,baking soda and salt into the mixture by hand, then add the chocolate chips.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheets.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until the cookie edges are firm.
7. Let cool for 2 minutes, then remove to a wire rack

Here is a recipe for chocolate chip pumpkin cookies.  The look and the recipe sound easy and delicious.

Here are other recipes for Pumpkin cookies

Pumpkin Pie Cookie Recipe this is a classic recipe by Mccormick

Favorite pumpkin spice with cranberry cookies from food network...delicious

Autumn Activities at Joplin Nature Center

This year we are blessed with warm weather so I find that I am making plans to be outdoors on the weekend with family. In my hometown, there are many activities, including hayrides at the park, bonfires, and church bizarre. Those activities are always fun but this weekend we took to the nature trails at the Audubon Center just south of Joplin Missouri.

The nature center was built on land that is adjacent to Wildcat Park and Shoal creek. This is the perfect location for watching birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.

Today we visited the center first to see what they had on display and to pick up their brochure for upcoming winter events. My husband and I enjoy the night owl watch and also like to participate in other wildlife events held at the park.

We decided to have lunch before taking our walk since there were tables available under the pavilion. So we ate a picnic lunch of sandwiches from Panera and we both had coffee. Lunch was good but instead of rushing off to the trails we sat for an hour and enjoyed the beautiful day. You could not ask for a more beautiful day, the sun was shining, and the temperature was 72 degrees.

After lunch we took to the nature trails, we saw a few black-eyed Susan’s in the wildlife gardens, some butterflies, and gray squirrels. There were hawks circling above us but other than that no deer or other wildlife was in sight.

The trails were windy and at one point the tree's overhang was so thick that no light was coming through. The path turned dark and rather spooky. We quickened our pace and soon we were back in the sunlight.

There was a bench close to Shoal creek and we sat to take in the view. This section of the creek is where you could see the bluffs on the other side. We had heard stories of Indian markings on the bluffs and that there were caves in this area, but in order to get to the other side, one would need a boat so we will plan to do that on another day.

The nature trail at the Audubon center is very scenic and I believe it is 20 miles long. Needless to say, we did not walk the entire trial. Instead, we looked at the tree's leaves that were starting to turn. Many were orange, yellow, and a few dark red and we enjoyed the beautiful autumn day.

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