Christmas Crockpot Candy

Every Christmas I make this candy as part of my cookie trays that I make and giveaway to friends and family. This is so yummy and easy to make! 

Ingredients:
32 oz jar of peanuts
12 oz bag of semi sweet chocolate chips
12 oz bag of chocolate chips
2 - 12 oz bags of peanut butter chips
2 lbs of white almond bark 

Layer all of ingredients in a large crockpot. Turn the crockpot on low, cover with lid, and cook for 2 hours or until chocolate is melted. Remove lid and stir until all of the ingredients are combined. Replace lid and cook for another 30 minutes. Stir again and then spoon mixture onto wax paper or non-stick. Allow to harden for at least 1 hour. YUMMY!

Holiday Magic Cash Giveaway!

Enter for your chance to win $1,100 just in time for the holidays!

This giveaway would not be possible without an awesome group of bloggers and businesses. They include Spaceships and Laser Beams, Mighty Delighty, This Little Mama, Design Dazzle, A Wife A Mom A LIfe, PaperCandee, Doodlecraft, Made by Cristina Marie, Squared Party Printables, BellaGrey Designs, Petite Bebe, I DO invitations by michelle, More Than Paper, PSA Essentials, Yumtastics, Bauble Yumz, Partystock, Pretty My Party, Angelina's Dream Parties, Party With the Warriors, We Heart Parties, Giggles Galore, J'adore Lexie Couture, Fancy Cakes LLC, Inkberry Cards + Design, Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams, Samantha Walker LLC, I Will Invitations, Tempo di Festa, Ribbons Unlimited, Inc., Young Adult Money, babiesartroom and Hello My Sweet. And that's not even everyone! Take a look at the Rafflecopter form to see everyone who so generously provided sponsorship.

$1100 Holiday Magic Cash Giveaway

November 21, 2013 at 12:00am - December 16, 2013 at 12:00am
Open Worldwide

PRIZE: One winner will receive $1100 USD payable via PayPal
Eligibility and Rules: This giveaway runs from 12:00AM ET on November 21, 2013 to 12:00AM ET on December 16, 2013. It is open to individuals over the age of the majority in their home country. The winner will be chosen randomly through the Rafflecopter form. It is the sole responsibility of the winner to adhere to all laws in their respective country, which includes payments to any governing tax body. This giveaway is void in any country where it is prohibited by law.
Claiming Prize: The prize will be sent via PayPal. The winner must claim their prize within 48 hours of receiving notice. If you do not claim your prize within this time frame, your entry will be void and another winner will be drawn. We don't want to have to do that! Please ensure that the email spaceshipsandlaserbeams [at] gmail [dot] com is on your "safe list."
Disclosure: This giveaway is a blogger-sponsored event that is in no way affiliated with PayPal, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or any other social media channel. If you have questions, email Stephanie at Spaceships and Laser Beams at spaceshipsandlaserbeams [at] gmail [dot] com.

Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter!

None of the entries are mandatory but the more entries you do, the more chances you have to win!
(If you're running low on time, you can come back as many times as you like to finish the form and optimize your chances.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yummy Halloween "Finger Sandwiches"

My Halloween menu always includes lots of edible creepy crawlies and gore filled treats. The grosser the better! Go all out this Halloween with my favorite creepy recipe, “Finger Sandwiches”.

I invented this monstrosity purely by accident. If you’re from upstate New York like me chances are you know what a “Speedie Sandwich” is. After moving to Colorado I realized that the rest of the world was missing out on this delectable dish. I made it my mission to recreate the recipe. Once perfected though my kids were not at all fond of the strong flavors that make them so delicious to us grown-ups. So I altered the recipe to make it more sweet and savory, rather than just savory, by adding pomegranate dressing. At first sight my kids (and I have to admit me as well) were not sure about this chicken. As you can see it looks really gross. Like body parts floating in a dish. However once I coaxed them into taking a bite they loved it. I won't be making this for a dinner party any time soon but do plan to serve this every year for Halloween dinner.

Ingredients:

1 package of chicken tenderloins

1 cup pomegranate vinaigrette dressing

¼ cup lemon juice

2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 tablespoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon garlic salt

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

loaf of Italian bread

Make a marinade by whisking together all of the ingredients except for the chicken and bread.  Add chicken to the marinate, cover with a tight fitting lid.  Refrigerate overnight, stirring occasionally.  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place chicken in the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes. Chicken is done once the center is no longer pink.

Place one-tenderloin on the bread. Enjoy!

$1200 Fall Fun Cash Giveaway

It's Fall which means the holidays are right around the corner. What better time to enter for the chance to win $1,200 smackers! That can buy a lot of gifts for friends and family or just one big gift for yourself.  Good luck!

A giveaway with a prize of this size would not be possible without the cooperation of many participating bloggers and small businesses. They include Spaceships and Laser Beams, Mighty Delighty, Strawberry Mommycakes, Design Dazzle, Partystock, Go Against the Grain, j'adore Lexie Couture, Michelle's Party Plan-It, This Little Mama, Petite Bebe, Unlimited Party Themes, Hello My Sweet, Party Printables, Modern Moments Designs, I Will Invitations, Krysta Steen, Vintage Confections, Young Adult Money, Giggledust Parties, Party Patisserie, Artchoo, Party Dime Time, Bison Bleu LLC dba Printable Parties to Go, Yumtastics, Pretty Little Treasures, Angelina's Dream Parties, The Kids' Dept., The Purple Pug, Paige Simple Studio, Fancy Cakes, LLC, Party With the Warriors, Greyson Design, WorldWideParty Design, A Little Pixel, Made by a Princess, anna and blue paperie, The Pretty Party Shoppe, Flaired Affairs, Marie Louise - Candy Buffets and Events, and Creative Designs by Toni. And that's not even everyone! Be sure to check out the Rafflecopter form for a complete list of bloggers and small business owners who have so generously contributed!

$1200 Fall Fun Cash Giveaway
October 24, 2013 at 12:00am - November 18, 2013 at 12:00am
Open Worldwide

PRIZE: One winner will receive $1200 USD payable via PayPal
Eligibility and Rules: This giveaway runs from 12:00AM ET on October 24, 2013 to 12:00AM ET on November 18, 2013. It is open to individuals over the age of the majority in their home country. The winner will be chosen randomly through the Rafflecopter form. It is the sole responsibility of the winner to adhere to all laws in their respective country, which includes payments to any governing tax body. This giveaway is void in any country where it is prohibited by law.
Claiming Prize: The prize will be sent via PayPal. The winner must claim their prize within 48 hours of receiving notice. If you do not claim your prize within this time frame, your entry will be void and another winner will be drawn. And that would be such a shame! Please ensure that the email spaceshipsandlaserbeams [at] gmail [dot] com is on your "safe list."
Disclosure: This giveaway is a blogger-sponsored event that is in no way affiliated with PayPal, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or any other social media channel. If you have questions, email Stephanie at Spaceships and Laser Beams at spaceshipsandlaserbeams [at] gmail [dot] com.

Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter!

None of the entries are mandatory but remember that the more entries you do, the more chances you have to win.
(If you're running low on time, you can come back as many times as you like to finish the form and optimize your chances.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FIVE Halloween Decorations Needing THREE Supplies Or Less

Halloween is by far my favorite holiday of the year. Not only do you get to wear a cool costume and pass out candy but it also signifies a change in the season. All the amazing fall colors and cooler weather that make you want to stay inside and get your craft on! Not to mention that it also signifies the end of all my weekend yard work. Even better!

It is not too much longer before the little goblins and princesses hit the streets for Tricks or Treats. Get into the spirit! Here's some easy ideas for decorations that require three supplies or less. That is my kind of craft!

Mummy Blocks

Have some old scraps of wood blocks laying around? Why not turn them into scary mummies! Super easy to make with very few supplies needed. It calls for 2x4 wood scraps but I think if you vary them in height it would make a more interesting display.

For complete instructions on how to make, click here.

Ghosts

These spooky creatures are the perfect party decoration, as they will take up a lot of floor space.  I never would have thought to use paper-bells in this way. So cool! 

For complete instructions on how to make, click here.

 Specimen Jars

This is one of my creations. I have planned many a Mad Scientist party and these are always the hit of the whole shebang. Simply fill a jar with water and add food coloring of your choice. Then place a creepy toy inside (bug, body part, monster, etc.). Let the madness begin!

Ribbon Wreath

This wreath will add a very elegant touch to your door. No sewing required – just tie ribbons into bows around a wire wreath frame.

For complete instructions on how to make, click here.

Tombstone Cupcake Toppers

Make the Hollow evening’s end a sweet one with these eerie tombstone cupcake topped printouts from Chickabug. Bonus: they come with a sweet graveyard cupcake recipe, the perfect treat to sink your teeth into.

For complete instructions on how to make, click here.

{DIY} Superhero Capes and Mask Template

 

My son wanted a Superhero theme for his 6th party. As part of the "transformation" into Superhero's I made each of the kids a superhero cape. They were a HUGE hit. Then again, who doesn't love wearing a cape?! After putting so much effort into the capes it was nice to see the kids faces light up and ask "Do I get to keep this?!?" After the party my Facebook feed blew up with pictures some of the parents posted of their kids running around and jumping off of furniture - really getting into character! 

You can make the cape for a Halloween costume, just for fun, or for a birthday party! The best part is they are so easy to make. It took me about 40 minutes to do each cape. It would take even less time if you opt for the less-sew method.

A few features:
- You can make them in ANY color combination. 
- Boys and girls alike love wearing capes! 
- They can be customized with a superhero logo, simple shapes as shown (pattern included below), or personalized with a name or initial.
- There is no pattern to print out.
- There is also a less-sew option for those who avoid the sewing machine. 

For the mask template, click here. 
Simply trace onto some felt or card stock, cut out, and attach the string and stars using tape or felt glue.

Let's get started!

Superhero Capes (see less-sew method below)

Makes: 1

How long it will take: 40 minutes

Little Helpers: Yes

What you will need:

- 1 yard of red, yellow, or blue satin fabric (can use two colors)

- small amount each of black, red, and yellow felt (if making the shape patch)

- Velcro circles

- measuring tape

- sewing machine

- needle

- thread

- scissors

- iron / ironing board

- fabric chalk (NOTE: a marker was used in the above image tutorial for demonstrational purposes only)

- eight-inch round paper plate

- 8 ½“ x 11” card stock

- hot glue gun

- felt or fabric glue

Step 1: Cut fabric so that you have two 24” x 32” pieces. Tip: Place a large cutting board or something firm underneath the fabric while cutting to avoid damaging floors.

Step 2: Lay the two pieces on top of each other so that both fabric pieces are facing shiny side in (if applicable).

Step 3: Fold in half lengthwise. Measuring from the open seam, mark at seven inches.

Step 4: Using fabric chalk and measuring tape draw a straight line that connects the mark made in Step 3 to the corner on the opposite side. You should now have a diagonal line.

Step 5: Cut the fabric about one inch away from the chalk line (not shown in picture).

Step 6: Lay the plate on the shorter / top edge of the fabric so that it is over the folded edge. It should be 5 ½” from the cut edge but covering the folded edge. Trace around the plate. Cut the fabric along the line but about one inch away from it. NOTE: If you are making more than one cape at a time keep these two pieces together to ensure they will match up when sewing.

Step 7: Sew the Velcro to fabric that will be on the outside of the capes. You will add one to each opposite side.

Step 8: Sew two pieces of fabric together. Place both pieces on top of each other (shiny sides still facing in). Pin together leaving about a three-inch opening so that you can later reach your hand in and turn it “right side out.” Starting (and later ending) at the edge where the opening will be, sew shut using sewing machine. Turn cape right side out by reaching your hand into opening and carefully pulling out. Next, sew the opening shut that was left by first tucking and pinning fabric.

Step 9: Print “Cape Shapes” on card stock. Use scissors to cut the shape out. These will be your templates for the felt patches.

Step 10: Using templates made in Step 9 trace onto felt. Circle will go on black felt, large star on yellow felt, and small star on red felt. Cut out.

Step 11: Use felt or fabric glue to attach the felt shape together. Start with one circle, and then add large star on top, and finally small star on top of that.

Step 12: Use hot glue gun to attach patch to the middle of the back of the cape. (The patch may come off when washed. You can opt for the slightly more time-consuming method and sew the patch.)

 Rather than hand cut the stars, which can be difficult, you purchase the AccuQuilt GO! Baby Fabric Cutter.

For a less-sew method replace satin with felt and skip Steps 2 and 8.