Happy Halloween!

"Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere.  He's gotta pick this one.  He's got to.  I don't see how a pumpkin patch can be more sincere than this one.  You can look around and there's not a sign of hypocrisy.  Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see. "  -  Linus van Pelt

Easy Halloween Costume

Halloween is tomorrow!  Do you have your costume yet?  

Well, you know I have your back when it comes to last minute Halloween costumes.  I'm all for the quick and easy costumes.  This post is for those of you who like to procrastinate  live on the edge  forgot it was Halloween.

I have four easy costumes ideas that you can make with items that you probably have around the house.   If you don't have some of these items, you can make a quick trip to the store to pick up what you need so you will be ready for trick or treating tomorrow.

This year I thought I would be a Target employee for Halloween.  I have the red shirt, khaki pants and gym shoes.  This costume is pretty easy to throw together.

Supplies needed:

Red shirt

khaki pants

gym shoes

white label (square or oval)

red and black markers

scissors 

pencil

face mask*

*this is for a 2020 Target employee

Target name badges are oval in shape.  If your blank white label is square, use your pencil to draw an oval.  Within the oval, draw a black line across to divide the oval in half.  Write your name in black marker above the line.  The line itself should also be black.  Below the line, draw the Target logo (a bulls eye) and write Target in red block letters.  Attach the label to your shirt (left chest).  Don't forget to put on your mask!

And, you are ready for  work  Halloween!

I put this on and Bella said I really look like a Target employee!

Need some other last minute costume ideas?

Check out:  emoji , pumpkin pie and eye candy.

Happy Halloween!

Fun National Days in November

 Looks like it's going to be a fun month of National Days to celebrate!  

November 1

World Vegan Day

A day for those vegan curious to give veganism a try.  Try it for a day and see how you like it!  

It's also

National Vinegar Day

The perfect day for me to celebrate.  I use white vinegar for everything!  Just ask my family!

November 5

National Men Make Dinner Day

I don't think an explanation is needed for this day.   I expect dinner to be on the table at a decent time, honey.  Oh, and it has to be vegetarian/vegan friendly.  Thanks.

November 6

National Nachos Day

I didn't know there was a day for nachos.  I know what we will be having for dinner tonight.

November 8

National Harvey Wallbanger Day

My personal favorite day to celebrate.

Recipe for the perfect Harvey Wallbanger:

1.5 oz Vodka

4oz Orange Juice

.5 oz Galliano

cherry or orange slice for garnish

Mix vodka and orange juice.
Pour Galliano on top over a spoon (Don't mix!). 

Garnish with cherry or orange slice.

Cheers!

Oh, If Harvey Wallbangers aren't your thing, how about celebrating

National Cappuccino Day

Perfect drink for a cool, crisp morning.   Enjoy a cup today.  Or four, if you are RT.  

November 13

National World Kindness Day

Started back in 1988, it is a day dedicated to large and small acts of kindness.  Did you know that people who are constantly kind produce less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the rest of the population?  That got your attention!  How to celebrate?  Do three random acts of kindness today.  Smile at someone, pay for someone's coffee, give out compliments.  Search kindness on my blog and you will find many more suggestions for the day.   I think you get the idea.

 November 15

National Bundt Cake Day

What to do today?  Well, if you need a good laugh for the day you can watch the Bundt Cake scene  from My Big Fat Greek Wedding.  Or, you can try your hand at making a bundt cake.  Check out these recipes from Mix and Match Mama.

It's also

National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day

I think this should be done more than once a year.  This day is to encourage people to clean out their refrigerator to prepare for the holidays.  Get out the soap, hot water and scrub brush (and the white vinegar!) and clean out that refrigerator!  Hopefully you don't find any science projects during the cleaning process.  (I still think this should be done weekly, if not monthly!)

and, it's also

National America Recycles Day

This day encourages recycling and the purchase of recycled products.  Reduce waste by repurposing/reusing old items.  You can even shop secondhand stores.  Saves these items from being placed in a landfill.

November 19

National Play Monopoly Day

I loved playing Monopoly when I was a kid.  As a grown up, not so much.  I always dreaded hearing my kids ask, "Can we play Monopoly?"  (or as RT calls it, Monotonous)  I guess I can survive one game of Monopoly a year.  I'll be the shoe!

November 20

National Absurdity Day

This day intrigued me.  Weird, or absurd, things happen.  When the postal service opened in 1913, parents took advantage of the weight limits and mailed their children to their grandparents (why didn't I think of this!?).  So, this day is dedicated to the off the wall and ridiculous.   How to celebrate?  Use this day as your excuse to do things that make no sense at all.  It's OK because you are celebrating this National Day!  (I think this might be my weird dog's Pippen's holiday)

November 23

National Espresso Day

We can't have Cappuccino Day and not celebrate Espresso Day!  Go ahead and have a couple today!

November 25

National Parfait Day

"You know what everybody else likes?  Parfaits.  Have you ever met a person, you say, "Let's go get some parfait."  They say, "Heck no, I don't like no parfait."  Parfaits are delicious!"   Donkey, in  "Shrek"

November 27

National Flossing Day

Good way to promote healthy teeth.  Also a great way to use up all of my (lifetime supply) of dental floss that I have accumulated (and inherited).  

Delicious Crusty Bread

 I know I have mentioned more than once about my family being bread snobs.  I believe they were heavily influenced by their grandfather.  My Dad used to bring crusty French Bread to our house.  My children devoured the bread within hours.   My Dad frequented a local bakery, so when we visited their house for lunch, he always had the best sliced bread.  My children would make a sandwich and have a slice of bread on the side.  

I found this recipe here and thought I would give it a try.  Any bread I make has to be approved by the board (my family).  This bread passed with flying colors with it's crunchy crust.  I will definitely be making this bread again.

Here's the recipe:

Delicious Crusty Bread

ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm water*

2 tsp yeast

1 tsp sugar

3 cups flour (plus extra for dusting)

1 tsp salt

directions:

In bowl, combine water, sugar and yeast.  Allow to proof.

Add flour and salt and knead for 5 minutes.  Dough should be slightly sticky (not wet).  If dough is wet, add 1-2 TBSP flour and knead.

Roll dough into ball.  Dust with flour (you want the dough to be well covered).  Place in bowl and cover with damp tea towel.  Let rise for 1 hour (or until doubled in size).

Preheat oven to 350F.  Place dutch oven with lid into the oven to preheat.

When dough has doubled, turn out onto floured surface.  Fold edges into the center of dough and place into floured bowl, seam side down.  Dust with more flour and cover with teal towel.  Let rise for 30 minutes.

Carefully move dough to dutch oven, dust with a little flour and cover with lid.  

Bake for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bread is golden brown.

Remove bread from oven and let cool on wire rack for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*water should be warm to the touch, not scalding hot.

*This bread lasted less than a day in our house.

*Store in a paper bag to keep the crust crunchy.

Enjoy!

Date Night

 The kids are finally all out of the house.

We didn't have to secure a baby sitter.

We didn't have to set up a play date for a child or children.

We are now able to go out to dinner together and enjoy a nice meal in peace.  Relax, unwind and have fun.

Our governor has put a ban on indoor dining services at restaurants.

(This is where you hear the record scratch)

I guess there is always take out.

Purse

 As I was trying to wrangle the dogs into their jail cell  the side yard, I snagged my purse on one of fence wires.  My beloved purse is starting to show signs of wear.  I think it might be time to start the search for a new purse.  

If you need a little background about my relationship with purses, click here, here, here, here.   

I have a feeling this search is going to take awhile.  Your prayers are much needed and appreciated during this difficult and emotional time.

The Great Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Pumpkins

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Spice and everything nice

Have you tried making your own pumpkin puree?  I use the crockpot method.  It's pretty simple and there is nothing like fresh pumpkin puree in your recipes. 

I had a taste for pumpkin recipes and thought I would give these a try.  I made these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins and they disappeared quickly.  Luckily I was able to try a muffin.  I will be making a second batch soon and hope I am able to grab a muffin or two before they disappear.  Wish me luck! 

Here's the recipe:

The Great Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

ingredients:

1 2/3 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ginger

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1 1/3 cups sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/3 cup water

directions:

Oven 350F and grease muffin pan.

In bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.  Set aside.

In separate large bowl, cream butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy.  Add eggs one at a time.  Add pumpkin.

Alternately add dry ingredients and water to bowl, ending with dry ingredients.  Blend well.

Stir in chocolate chips.  Fill muffin cups.  Cook for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  

Let muffins cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  * * * * *

I used my pumpkin puree and the muffins were quite tasty.

I also used less sugar (I used about 2/3 cup of sugar) and they were delicious.

If you try making these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, let me know what you think in the comments below. 

Enjoy!