Halloween Lanterns

Lots of people on Pinterest use thier fireplace and mantel to decorate seasonally. But in our house the mantel isn't a focal point and no one would ever see my awesome decorations so I decided to use lanterns on our porch.

I know that I bought the large lantern at Ikea, but I don't remember where the others are from. I made the bow myself :) which is the best one I have made yet! The filler, ribbon, and brooms were purchased at Michaels.

Decoupage Pumpkins

I found these really cute pumpkins on Tracy's Trinkets & Treasures, and I have a friend who loves leopard print so I needed to make one for her! Plus they are super cheap and easy to make.

 

What you need:

Craft pumpkin, any size

Tissue Paper

Mod Podge, I used matte, but glossy would work too

Fake flowers or leaves

Hot glue gun

Directions:

Clean the craft pumpkin with a damp cloth so the Mod Podge will stick better. 

I cut the tissue paper into one and two inch strips to male it easier to apply. I think squares, or circles would be easier.

After “gluing” the tissue paper onto the pumpkin with the Mod Podge, I sealed it with a layer on top.

After the whole pumpkin was covered with tissue paper I added some leaves and a flower to the top to add some decoration and to cover up ends on the paper on the top. Not really a fan of the flower, maybe just leaves next time. 

Blue Moon Cupcakes

I made these cupcakes with a friend for her Housewarming Party and they were a huge hit. The original recipe we used was from Erica's Sweet Tooth.  

What you need: 

    For Cupcakes

3/4 cups unsalted butter, softened


1-3/4 cup sugar


2-1/2 cup flour


2 tsp baking powder


1/2 tsp salt


3 eggs, at room temperature


1 tsp vanilla


1/2 tsp orange or lime zest


1- 1/2 cups Blue Moon 

1/4 cup milk

Orange wedges for garnish

    For Frosting

12 oz cream cheese, cold

6 tbsp butter, at room temperature


1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (we squeezed all we could from the orange for most flavor)

1 tsp orange zest


4 cups powdered sugar

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and place 24 cupcake liners in the cupcake pans

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt

In a different bowl beat together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating after each one is added. Add the vanilla and orange zest.

Combine milk and beer, and alternatively add this mixture and the flour mixture to the butter/sugar mixture with the mixer on low speed, starting and ending with the flour.  

Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18 minutes.

While cupcakes are baking, cream together the cream cheese and butter in an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.  

Add the citrus juice and zest and gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.  

When cupcakes are done, poke holes in the tops of the cupcakes with toothpicks and brush some beer on each while still warm.