Yep, I did some shopping yesterday. I saw Pumpkin Spice cereal, candy, cookies, coffee, soup. You name it, I saw it! I mean, I like pumpkin, but not in August and I could totally live without the spice part!
Anyway, I have some Fall (and some others) crafts to share because I am ready for that! Let’s start with my recipes and get this post started! (Did you just hear Pink singing Let’s Get This Party Started or was it only me?)
Recipes
Fresh Corn on the Cob Soup (I know this sounds fall-ish but it is corn season,)
3 to 4 cups of corn removed from the cob 4 medium potatoes, cubed 2 large carrots, sliced 2 large stalks of celery, sliced 1 medium onion chopped 1 teaspoon ground thyme 1 quart corn broth 1 quart vegetable broth salt and pepper to taste
I put all of this into a crockpot and cooked it on low until all the vegetables were cooked. Then I used an immersion blender to make it a little more creamy but still chunky. You can use all vegetable broth or all chicken broth. Really any combination you have will work. I had made the corn broth by boiling the cobs in water after I removed the corn. I am not giving credit for this recipe to anyone because I made it up myself. I loved it and the people who I served it to gave really good reports!
Stuffed Waffles
I bought a stuffed waffle maker as I mentioned in my last post. Finally, I tried it! I stuffed the waffle with scrambled eggs, bacon bits and cheddar cheese. It was delish and also very filling. You could stuff them with fruit, chocolate, peanut butter, and really anything you can think of! You will need the special waffle maker.
Stuffed Tomatoes
It is also tomato season. I stuffed my tomato with tuna salad but you could use chicken salad, cottage cheese and maybe other things. I found the best way to stuff the tomato is really to take out as much as you can of the seeds, etc.
Tortilla Bowls (steamykitchen.com)
I used an oven safe bowl that would accommodate the tortilla. I preheated the oven to 325 degrees. Before putting the tortilla in the bowl I sprayed both sides with cooking spray. When you put the tortilla in the bowl you will naturally have all those little folds. Bake in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until bowl is browned and crunchy.
Let’s Get Crafty!
Spooky Skeleton Bottle
You have to use what you have, right? So, I had a wine bottle that had a skull on it. ( I love me some sugar skulls or really any skull.) I added fairy lights and instant Halloween decor.
Bones in a Specimen Jar
I used a smaller size canning jar to which I added water with neon green food coloring. Now, here is my first Dollar Tree reference. Finally, I added bones from DT. I am debating how I did the covering on the lid. I may do something else. If you have any ideas leave them in the comments.
Watering Can
I had several watering cans that I used at one time for a decoration for my front steps. They were all painted black and orange. For this project I repainted one a turquoise color. I suspended fairy lights from the spout and hung it on a small shepard’s hook.
Light Globe Ghost
While thrifting with a friend I found a light globe from a ceiling fan. It was just what I needed to try and make a cute little ghosty! I added some ribbons and eyes, viola!
Serving Tray
For this project I used a 12 inch in diameter wooden disk that was a half inch thick. First, I painted it white and after it dried completely it was given a light sanding. Next, I separated the top ply of a watermelon napkin from DT. Using Mod Podge I coated the top side and edges of the disk. Then the napkin was laid down and I used a brayer and plastic wrap to smooth out the napkin on the tray and down the sides of the disk. A coat of Mod Podge was then put on top of the napkin. When everything was dry I used E6000 and a little hot glue to attach spoons that had been bent for handles to opposite sides of the tray.
Thrifted Bird Bath
I have wanted a bird bath and have seen ideas on how to make your own. I started looking for vintage glassware. For the base I found a divided serving tray with a well in the center for a bowl of dip. It cost $2.99. It was harder to find the vases for the stem that would match up for gluing. DT to the rescue. I bought 2 vases for $6.(So, the bird bath was not totally thrifted really but close.) . There was a little more hunting involved to find a large shallow serving bowl for the actual bath portion. I finally found it at Savers for $3.99. Again I used E6000 to glue the pieces together. I let each section cure for 24 hours before the next section was added. The height of the bird bath is approximately 2.5 feet +. The whole project cost me $13.
Sunflower Screen
At the end of a friend’s yardsale a few years ago I was given a couple of old screen doors. I used one to paint a sunflower on. If you try this do make sure you use a stiff bristle brush as it can better with stand the grating of the screen. The door was originally white and I painted it green. It made the flower stand out more. It is now hanging on my front porch.
Hacking It
*This may not really be a hack but I am sharing it here anyway. I recently learned about a website for exchanging postcards. I collect them so it was right up my alley. I registered on the site and was given a name and address for a lady in Hong Kong. You are also given a postcard ID number which you put on the postcard along with your message. When this lady receives the postcard she will post that using the ID on the website. I will also be getting cards from people by the same process. If this sounds like fun to you, the website is postcrossing.com. I will let you know in my posts when I start getting postcards. By the way, an international stamp costs $1.65.
*Need a home improvement project done inside your house? Contractors are less busy in the Winter and are more likely to give you their full attention and a better deal during the cold weather.
*Everyone seems to know that matinees at the movie are a cheaper way to go but also check to see if any movie theaters near you offer midweek evening specials too. A Tuesday or a Wednesday often is less busy and movie theaters give deals to draw in customers.
*Restaurants often offer more food at a cheaper price for lunch. Pro tip: order at lunch time and take home for dinner.
*Keep track of National Food Holidays! Whether it is National Pizza Day or National Coffee day, you might find deals or even freebies at various restaurants. This past pi day I had a deal at local convenience store to get two slices for $3.14. Check this website to stay in the know, http://NationalDayCalendar.com.
See you next month! Enjoy the rest of your summer and leave a comment. I love to read them!
