Monday, October 19, 2009

Lion's Brand Pancho

Super easy and super cute!

I found the original pattern here: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/khs-scallopEdgePonchoKids.html?r=1

But I didn't finish the edge with the giant scallops. It's for a toddler, and it was getting too big!

Fun Halloween Food

Halloween crafts are my favorite... well, and Christmas. And Easter has beautiful spring colors... ah, well, here's some Halloween food fun!

1. Mummy on a stick. These could not be more fun... Just jab a few giant marshmallows onto a large kabob. Using fruit leather (I used Fruit by the Foot, and while it was still rolled, I cut it into thirds - easier than you'd think), wrap the little guys up!






Found this idea here: http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=37963


2. Ghoulish Shepherd's Pie. Follow your favorite shepherd's pie recipe, but instead of spreading the mashed potatoes over the top, fill a large plastic baggie with the mashed potatoes (don't try this if they're steaming hot!), cut a bit of the corner and pipe ghosts onto each plate. Add green sweet peas for the eyes and viola!



Found this idea here: http://www.recipezaar.com/Spooky-Shepherds-Pie-189511

Christopher Columbus Craft

The kids finished studying Christopher Columbus on, well, Columbus Day. We made this neat craft to celebrate knowledge of this great explorer.

Really, no explanation necessary. Simple and fun... We'll probably use the same concept during our study of the Pilgrims!


Butterbeer

Well, I've finally gotten around to reading the Harry Potter books. Wow! What and adventure! I began in early September and finished in about 6 weeks. I "get it" now!

If you haven't read the books, the kids celebrate Quidditch wins by drinking butterbeer. Well, this sounded so delightful, I set off on Google to find a recipe. Apparently, it's an actual beverage they drink in Europe. Here's a recipe for those interested. And YES, it tastes EXACTLY like... well, "butterbeer"!!

Ingredients:
1 beer - your choice... I'd recommend something light
1 egg
2 T. sugar
dash of nutmeg
2 T. butter

Directions:
1. Bring the contents of one beer to a boil. Remove from heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg, sugar, and nutmeg. Add to beer.
3. Continue whisking on LOW heat for 2-3 minutes.
4. Whisk in butter.
5. Enjoy!




(I got the recipe from http://whatismyrrhanyway.blogspot.com/2009/07/butterbeer.html but I changed it a bit!!)

Monday, October 5, 2009

Dog Day Out

The local 4-H puts on a "Dog Day Out" show here in town, and this year the kids' entered our beloved "Dan".

The girl was in the Costume Class, and the boy took Dan in the senior class. They both won 1st place blue ribbons.

I've been wanting to try making a dress with an overskirt for at least 2 years, and the Little Bo Peep costume was the perfect opportunity. I didn't have a pattern, though I used several different patterns and pieced them together. I used the Barbie Bo Peep doll for inspiration. It was a lot of work, but I had fun with it!!