Halloween Ghost-Pops Treats

Ghosts and Goblins, and Witches too!

When the trick-or-treaters visit, we get to yell...BOO!

These are my sweet Ghosts-Pops, they are too cute to be scary though!

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(Sorry for the bad image taken long ago before my blogging days!)

These Ghost-Pops are so simple to make and require only a few items.  I made these using Tootsie Pops lollipops covered with Kleenex and tied up with black paper cording.  I made the display using a styrofoam circle covered in wax paper.  I also added the orange jack-o-lantern suckers to my display and a Halloween Candle to the center!

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Ghost-Pops

• Tootsie Pops lollipops
• Box of Kleenex
• Black string - cut into approx. 4" lengths (I used paper cording/twine)
• Black Marker
• Styrofoam for display - Optional
• Wax paper/tissue paper to cover Styrofoam - Optional

Cover a Tootsie Pop with a Kleenex, center and gather just under the Tootsie Pop, tie with black string, secure with a knot.  Make eyes using the black marker to complete the ghost-pop.  Can be displayed in a piece of styrofoam covered with wax paper or tissue paper.  Great for Halloween parties too!

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BOO!

Have a Happy Halloween!

A Halloween Door-Message

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 } HAPPY HALLOWEEN {  
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These cuties I purchased from the local craft stores.  I already had the black sparkly "Happy Halloween" sign and then I bought the cute "Boo" with the ghost and bats this year, and I thought they would work nicely together.  I simply tied them together with a black ribbon and bow.

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I'm all ready for trick-or-treaters!

BOO!  Did I scare you?...

Taco Salad

Tammy's

 Taco Salad  

One of my favorite salads is the Taco Salad.  Taco Salads can be a calorie overload, with a lot of them being offered at restaurants served in a large tortilla bowl, with loads of meat, cheese and sour cream.  I make taco salad at home with a more health conscience approach.  I make it often and change it up slightly from time to time, but mostly use a basic salad recipe.

Mixed Greens with Tomatoes, Avocado, Black Beans, Shredded Cheese, Black Olives and Red Onion, topped with lean Ground Beef cooked with *Taco Seasoning (I make it homemade), along with a few Tortilla Chips, chunky Salsa and finished with a nice dollop of fat-free Sour Cream.

Cook one pound of ground beef, drain, add two heaping tbsp. taco seasoning and (if using package type)-1/4 cup of water and simmer until liquid is absorbed.  Prepare other ingredients for salad, top with ground beef, tortilla chips, salsa and sour cream.  Serve.

Adapt this basic recipe to what and how much you like of the ingredients, although using 1/2 cup-4 oz. of the seasoned lean ground beef, 1/4 cup of shredded cheese, a hand full of tortilla chips, and 2 tbsp of fat-free sour cream is recommended.  I don't feel like I am missing out on anything with this delicious version of taco salad.

Finish with topping of chips, salsa and sour cream.

Tammy's

*Taco Seasoning - Homemade

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. chili powder

1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. oregano

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

1/4 tsp. salt

Mix all ingredients together.  Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mixture per pound of meat, or to your taste.  Place taco seasoning mixture in an airtight container to store for future use.

Good-timin' - Friends, Food, Fun, and an outdoor Fire!

We had such a fun day with some of our dear friends at their home today, enjoying great food and drinks, and later a nice outdoor fire along with s'mores and lots of good laughs! 

I wanted to share this great outdoor idea our friends just completed.  They recently added this area to their back yard.  They did a nice job!  Since this photo they have added some paver stones and a fire pit.  It's a great place to spend an evening!

And that is just what we did!

We've known these two for over twenty years and have shared in lots of good times with them.  We do always have a great time together.  

Love them like family!  

{Camera phone photos may not always be the best.

But you can capture some of the best moments!}

It was a beautiful evening with friends!*smile*...

~ Tammy ~

Taco Seasoning - Homemade

I found myself in a pinch for taco seasoning since I had forgotten to pick some up at the store.  I was all prepared or so I thought, to make taco salad.  I usually use the taco seasoning in the paper packets(doesn't everyone?).  With always having several different spices and seasonings on hand, I figured I had all the ingredients in the cupboard and that I could probably manage a close enough copy to the package type.


I found my homemade version to be very tasty, I really liked it and this recipe will be what I'll use from now on.  Also I can feel better about it too, since I know exactly what is in it!  I like that I can I make it fresh when needed and I think it even looks more appealing too.

~Tammy's~

Taco Seasoning 

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp. salt


Directions:
Mix all ingredients together.  Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mixture per pound of meat, or to your taste.  Place taco seasoning mixture in an airtight container to store.

Enjoy!...

Jewelry by Tammy - Earrings

~ Earring Variety ~

A few of my recent earring projects completed.  

I think these dangle earrings are just darling.  Hey, I should call them..."darling dangles."  These fit in nicely with the Fall season colors.  I often get some of my creative inspiration from seeing a piece of jewelry somewhere, or on someone.  Then I can't wait to make a piece like it, sometimes changing it up in my mind to make it my own.  Also I often find pieces of jewelry that have something or parts that I like about them, a certain bead, it's color or the shape maybe.  Other times it's a discount item that is too good to pass up, or that has something about it of interest to me and I'll bring them home, reconstruct and recreate them into a one of kind piece and jewelry that I love!

Teal acrylic and clear faceted glass, with gold components.

Plum acrylic and clear faceted glass, with gold components.

Black cut glass with black components.

Burgandy glass pearls with golden nylon coated wire, and gold components.

Gold glass pearls and clear cut glass, with gold components and chain.

Fall Wreaths

Fall Wreaths On My Doors...

I enjoy seeing these on the inside of my doors.  Yes, I said inside!  Why only have wreaths on the outside?  I want to enjoy them too, and so can my guests, so a few of my favorites don't go outside.  Also these wreaths aren't exposed to the outdoor elements or damaged by the weather either so they last longer too.

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On the Back Door.

I picked this Fall colored leaves and flowers wreath up last year after Thanksgiving at the craft store, a steal for two dollars.  I added a little extra to it by attaching the wispy natural piece with berries, acorns, pine cones, and such to it, that I found at another craft store for half off which made it only three dollars.  Nice little five-er score!  I also re-use this wreath in a different way, as a base for a centerpiece.   

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On the Garage Entry Door.

This caught my attention in the discount bins in front of the craft store, and was only a dollar.  Whoa! and "Hello...you are coming home with me!"  This is on my garage entry door on the inside so I see it, both leaving and after entering.  He's my cute little Fall Fella.  That smile makes me smile too.

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On the Front Door.

You may have seen this Fall wreath before, I've shown it (off) previously.  It's one of my favorites and this one always gets to hang be featured on the inside of my front door in the foyer. 

Fall favorite few...

~Tammy~ 

Easy Fall Candle Decorating

- Adding Fall color to a plain candle -

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This DIY Fall candle decorating project is so simple and easy.  I did this to add some color to my plain candle, and I think it's a charming addition to my other fall decor. I used faux fall leaves and berries, and one of my battery operated faux candles.  I like that these candles look and feel like real candles, but there is no flame or fire hazard.  

I thought I had some natural jute or twine on hand which I had planned to use for this project.  But after a failed search for it I got creative, or shall I say more creative?  I removed a handle from a paper bag and unwrapped it, cut off about a quarter of it down the long edge, then re-twisted it to use later to tie around the candle.         

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The wide piece of unrolled paper was used to wrap around the candle, the leaves were then placed over that.  While using a rubber band to hold the paper and leaves in place, the thin piece of twisted paper was wrapped around and tied into a knot to secure, then the rubber band was removed.   The berries were tucked in under the tied knot to finish the look.

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The rubber band can be seen here before it was removed.

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This candle wasn't going to be used as a center piece or viewed from both sides, but leaves can be placed on both sides if so, which I may do later.  I love how simple this was to create, and I think it's adorable.  I can use it throughout the Fall, and also incorporate it into my Thanksgiving table too!

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You may remember this photo from a previous post on Fall decorating.

Yes, that is Candy Corn in those candle holders!  That's easy-peasy to do too.  Just add the Candy Corn to the bottom of a candle holder and place a votive candle down into it and fill around it with the candy!  {Warning: some people actually do eat Candy Corn, (ehem)...to my husband, "stop eating the decorations!"}  

Those really do look great next to my faux decorated candle!

FALLing for Faux!...

Fall Decorating Spirit

I am trying to get into the Fall spirit of things, being that I am a true Spring and Summer kind of gall, it's hard for me to embrace Fall.  I do love all the beauty of the Fall season, with all the beautiful colors and seeing nature transform into magnificent picturesque scenes.  I'm just not a fan of the weather that is so often associated with it, the cooler temperatures mostly.  My inner thermometer wants seventy degrees (minimum) and above at all times! None the less, my positive optimism shall over ride the negativity and find a happiness within Fall..."Yeah right!"(says my inner summer-lovin' self)

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I did a little Fall decorating here with a variety of Fall items.  I enjoy my Baker's Rack, it's easy to change it up when the mood dictates...or the season!  I picked-up a few items from the dollar store, and I found the wooden pumpkins with the metal leaves at Hobby Lobby for half-off.  I had a bit of crafty-creativity with a couple of the other items, and I will have more details on those later.  The colors really pop, and actually I have to admit, I really like the look.  I'm feeling the Fall y'all!

...It's great to enjoy projects that just FALL into place! 

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~  A  little closer view  ~

 

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A nice transformation from the way my baker's rack looked before it's Fall dress-up.

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My Sister sent these little cuties pictured below to me a few years ago, they fit in nicely with the Fall decor.  Pumpkin Salt & Pepper Shakers, Pumpkin Bowl & Spreader, and a Pumpkin Fragrance Oil Warmer.  I'm imagining some Cheese Spread or Hummus in this Pumpkin Bowl...hmmm Pumpkin Hummus, oh, or Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread, yeah I'll have to try that out!

FALLing for FALL...

~Tammy~

Fall Flower Filled Basket

A tisket, a tasket...

Fall flowers in my basket.  A tin basket that is.
I like this tin basket it is actually a half basket, and it takes up a small amount of room on the door. Pretty Fall colored flowers are everywhere at the moment, at the stores and craft stores especially.  I grabbed these up a short time ago, so today I spent a little time getting them just right in my pretty tin basket, and also added a little sparkle with a simple gold bow. 

  

  

tisket-a-tasket-piano.mp3

for your listening pleasure.

(I couldn't resist!)

My front door dressed in Fall color...
~Tammy~

Taste of Atlanta

Atlanta's Premier Food Festival

We attended the annual Taste of Atlanta food festival yesterday, this was our third year of tasting. A day of food tasting to sample and experience many of Atlanta's favorite restaurants and chefs. A general admission ticket includes 10 taste coupons to use throughout the event. Most tastings require 2 or 3 coupons, and more tasting coupons can be purchased if needed. VIP ticket purchase includes 15 tasting coupons and provides extras such as, attending hands on cooking classes from top chefs and enjoyment of the Wine, Beer,and Cocktail Experience. There are also some freebie tastes, samples and giveaways too!

Located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta on 5th Street and Spring Street, which are blocked off from regular traffic and allowing only foot traffic.  There are taste booths set up along the streets in front of the businesses and restaurants which are also opened and some have a booth participating.

This event packs a crowd of lots of interesting people, and I must mention that there are also some in various types of dress that provoke thoughts as in, "Oh no she didn't!{gasp!}" and "Oh my, what is he wearing?", and also "There's no way she looked in the mirror before she left the house in that, or did she?" I should have taken a few photos of some of them to share here, my goodness me! All of the sights, sounds, tastes and smells have some senses on overload in more ways than one! All adding to the experience of what has always been a fun day for us!

A few items from the event.
Green Mountain Coffee gave out free samples of coffee with hot and iced coffee cups!   A couple of my favorite restaurants to remember were, The Tin Drum-asia cafe, which had some delicious Crab N Cheese Spring Rolls and Cafe Intermezzo had many delicious dessert treats!   I certainly plan to return and dine at these restaurants in the future. 

I've had a Taste of Atlanta!...

~Tammy~

Fall Wreath

This is one of my favorite wreaths that I have made.   It always hangs on the inside of the door so I can admire it from inside the house.  It displays all of the colors of Fall!  It was very simple to make, I actually just wired around the flowers and leaves and then tucked in the long grasses, and added the ribbon and bow!  I think it is beautiful!

Let there be light...from my beautiful Chandelier

My New (Old) Chandelier

I'd recently noticed an Antiques and Collectibles store had opened up nearby, and I had been meaning to stop in there to check it out.  My daughter and granddaughter were visiting, and we were just heading out for a day of shopping when I mentioned it to her, she said, "well, let's go there!", and so go there we did.

I am very glad we did because I found a chandelier that I knew would be a perfect addition to my home.  The fifty dollar price tag convinced me all the more that it should be mine, and so now...mine it is!

A big "thanks!" to the Hubby for his help with shopping for chain, wire, etc, doing the rewiring, and a splendid installation!  I said to him "You light up my life!" *giggle*

I purchased new lampshades for it, and now it looks even better.  I may yet change the lampshades I decided on using (I have an idea), but I am satisfied for now and so pleased every time I look at it. 

  

It's beautiful and I love it!

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This is what it looked like with the old shades that were worn and torn.  This photo shows more detail of the chandelier too!  I bought it with the intention of changing these shades, and I knew hubby could rewire it for me.  

Other than that, it's was in perfect condition!  

This is the chandelier that has now been replaced by the new (old) one!

It's not bad or ugly really, it's just that we have had it for 17 years!...and it just doesn't go as well 

with our new decor now.

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It's a real beauty now!

Lighting up my life!...

~Tammy~

October's arrival

October has arrived and the Fall season is now upon us with all of it's colors appearing ever more abundant with each passing day!  There's a little chill in the air and the days will be growing shorter, as I hope for warmth and sunshine to linger all throughout the next two seasons!  Which isn't uncommon here in Georgia and that is one of the things I love about the South.  There is a lot of beautiful color to enjoy during the Fall, much of it looks like picture postcards or artists' paintings, beckoning one to capture a photo in remembrance, such as this photo below that I have found by Bob Atkins Photography.  He has many beautiful Fall photos and tips on Fall Foliage Photography, and links to websites where you can check the Fall foliage conditions reports in some Northeastern states too.

...Enjoy! 

image source

This reminds me of a Southern Fall with the green of the pines adding to the colors! 

Happy Fall...Y'all!

~Tammy~