Autumn Owl Wreath

"A wise old owl sat on an oak..."   Owls and more Owls.  Go to a store and you see "Owls" on napkins, treat bags, pillow cases, blankets and made out of just about everything from felt to metal.  This inspiration came from using materials that I had around the house.  You take a simple flat floral wreath form, yarn, felt, burlap flower clip and an owl.  That's it - this took about thirty minutes to make. Nothing fancy and quick. 

Circus Fun

Going to the circus was a great way to end the Summer.  

I can remember taking Courtney and Christopher and

 it still holds all the thrills and excitement 12 years later. 

This was Sarah's first circus so it was extra special.   

 

 

At the pre-show on the circus floor

clowning around



She had to have cotton candy and of course a circus hat

Loving that cotton candy

 




 

Patriotic Candy Dish Stars



begin with star candy dishes from the Dollar Store. 
You can order these online if your local store is out



use painters tape on the outer edges of the star and then
tape the entire star and spray paint on the inside on the candy dish
one layer at a time
 

completed patriotic stars

 

 

Egg Carton Gift Box

What can you do with empty egg cartons?  Make a gift box using water-based paint and ribbon.



empty egg carton (1/2 dozen)

 

Supplies - sponge brushes, circle sponge stamps, water-based paint in various colors

Let dry and add ribbon.

I filled these with chocolate mini cake muffins (they fit perfectly)

Homegrown vegetables make a summer dinner

Yesterday a friend delivered a box of homegrown vegetables and  tonight it was all about eating "fresh.  Makes me want to have my very own garden.... maybe next year



tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, squash, cherry tomatoes, and new potatoes

carrots were amazingly sweet

 

fried with butter and Sea Salt
( Borgo de' Medici White and Black Truffle Sicilian Sea Salt)

yummy

Repurposed pretty jars and bottles

 

We all have bottles and jars in our refrigerator

that we can repurpose to make simple flower vases

The pictures turned out just okay.  Still learning to use my new camera

 (hence the date stamp that I could not figure out how to remove). 

 

 

salad dressing, vinegar and mayonnaise bottles -- soak and remove labels (smear peanut butter on the jars and the labels peel right off)

wash and dry bottles (completely)



 

Purchase sample paints from Lowes or Home Depot. 

Essex Blue, Young Green and  Ultra White were used

 

Pour paint into bottle and completely cover inside of bottle, pour out excess paint

Next, was the hard part- the bottles
 took FOREVER to dry on the inside even when sitting in the sun

Twine and keys purchased from Michaels and Archivers decorate the outside



 

Purchase simple roses and tubes from your local florist or grocery store

The single flower water tubes were .20 each

 



Ash-baked Orange Brownies - 5 easy steps

After grilling we always have an abundance of hot coals and nothing else to grill.  Inspiration came from a Young Women's Activity from the previous week and loads of fun (thanks Mandy and Carrie).  So today  ---- we tried this at home and here you have it ......

 Ash-baked Orange Brownies. 

 

 These are so easy and very scrumptious

Here's how you do it....in five easy steps 



Start with basics -- brownie mix, oranges, and aluminum foil



Step One 

Slice end of the orange cutting on this side (is this the navel side?)

  

Step Two
Using a spoon scoop out inside of orange
do not scoop out lid you just cut - the juices from the lid are needed when cooking
Your oranges should look like this when done
 now you are ready to add the brownie mix

  

Step Three

Make brownies following directions on package

Spoon brownie mix into orange shell filling about 2/3 full -

it will expand so do not overfill

This is Sarah spooning brownie mix into orange shell -

you can be as messy as you want

 

Step Four -

Place top on orange that you sliced previously

Using two sheets of foil--

Wrap covering entire orange

Use another sheet of foil and

Wrap again covering entire orange

 

 

Step Five

Place in hot ashes so orange is surrounded by the hot coals or ashes

 (no flames)

Cook for about 20 minutes

These were done in about 15 - the coals were very hot

 

 

Delicious .... and with a hint of orange