Falling All Over this Stuff!

Corny title for this post, I know. I think I've mentioned before that titles are not my thing.

These ARE my thing, though! Check out these awesome decoupage funkins!! (photo courtesy of Country Living).

After seeing those, I had to try it. Especially because it looked easy peasy. I love easy projects. All you need is a Funkin (aka: fake pumpkin...you could also use a real pumpkin, but then you'd eventually have to throw it away), a bottle of Mod Podge, a styrofoam brush (or some kind of paintbrush), and whatever type of material (or paper) you want to cover your Funkin with.
Cut your material in strips. I did mine about 2" wide and approx. 6" long (just measure your Funkin's length from stem to the bottom). I read that it helps to cut the ends in a point, so that's what I did, however I'm not sure it would really make any difference if you didn't.
Dip your brush in the jar of Mod Podge and begin to coat the back side of your material evenly with the glue.

When you have the strip all covered with glue, adhere it to the Funkin, starting at the edge of the stem and then down underneath the Funkin.
Smooth out any air bubbles and wrinkles, and keep going with the rest of your strips until the whole Funkin is covered evenly with material.
Now, cover the entire Funkin with a good coat of Mod Podge to seal it.
I set mine up high (where little people wouldn't be likely to mess with it) with wax paper on top of a plastic cup to let it dry. It took several hours and then I had to turn it on it's side because the underside where it was resting on the cup didn't get dry. In the morning it was done.
I was so happy with the way it turned out. The stem on this particular Funkin looks sort of real, so I really can't tell it's not a real pumpkin underneath. JoAnn's had them 1/2 off so it was only $5. I think the whole project probably cost $10, but now that I have the glue and brush the next ones would be cheaper. Try it, you'll be surprised by how easy it is. I was!

Wow! Remember the pantry from "I SPY"? Oh, wait, that's my pantry. I think you get my point. This pantry was a nightmare to find anything in on a moment's notice. I didn't know what I had, so when I went grocery shopping, I just bought more stuff. Not exactly an economical way to run a household. So, I finally decided that although it would take a bit of investment, it would be WAY worth the money, time and effort to get this mess organized once and for all. It took me an entire day (much longer than I thought it would take). The end result made me so happy!!

Cooking has suddenly become so much more enjoyable!

Here's a buncha little piggies! We went to a super cute Olivia the Pig birthday party on Labor Day. The party hats were so fun and cute. Happy 4th birthday, Sophie!
Can you stand more first day of school pictures?? I'm a little late posting mine, but they're still special to me. Owen started kindergarten this year. He was beyond excited, and so far we're all having a good year.
My big man was not at all scared to get on that school bus even though he'd never been on one in his life.
We met him at the school and helped him get situated. Here's his very first kindergarten creation. :-)

My niece came over for a couple of days this month and the kids had fun playing outside a little bit.

Whoa, Chica!

Child Labor. No laws about it here. :-)

Don't let me fool you, she LOVES to use this thing.

Hey, Babycakes! Fall time means donuts and cider. I found this little donut maker on sale this past week and I finally caved and bought it.
It's incredibly cute, and I'm a sucker for cute appliances. I admit to being skeptical about it, though. It's a kitchen gadget, afterall. How great could it really be? I guess that all depends on how much you and your family like donuts, but to be truthful, these donuts are actually a LOT healthier than the typical store-bought variety because they are baked, not fried (after-school snack, anyone?). The little cookbook included has a handful of very tasty recipes to try also (from sour cream and buttermilk spice, to chocolate...complete with glazes). What's not to like? It bakes 6 donuts at a time in about 4 minutes. There is very little mess involved, and the donuts are mini (1/2 the size of a regular donut)....so I'm thinking fewer calories, too! :-) I'm really not being paid by this company to brag about their product (maybe I should look into that, though). I guess don't need to say much more, afterall, a (blurry) picture is worth a thousand words, right! :-)You like caramel corn? You like to make it in a hurry? I've got the recipe for you. (thanks to Heidi J)

This is a wonderful recipe made in a big paper shopping bag (so next time you go to the grocery store, choose paper). It's quick, easy, and guaranteed to make you drool.

Microwave Caramel Corn

1 stick butter or margarine (I recommend butter)

1 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. white corn syrup

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

4 quarts popped corn

Melt butter in a 4 cup glass measure or bowl. Add brown sugar, syrup, and salt. Mix well. Bring to a full boil in the microwave on full power for 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Add baking soda and stir. Then put popcorn in a brown paper grocery bag. Pour syrup over corn. Close and shake well. Place in microwave and cook 1 1/2 minutes on full power. Take out and shake well. Cook again for 1 1/2 minutes on high. Shake well again. Cook another minute. Pour caramel corn out on a cookie sheet or waxed paper to cool. If adding nuts, put them in to the caramel before pouring it on the popcorn.

Try to keep from eating it all yourself!