Saturday, September 29, 2012

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.




Tuesday, September 25, 2012

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. 




Thursday, September 20, 2012

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.