Trick-or-Treat / Homemade Gabba Costumes

{ Plex (Nattie), Muno (Gracie), and Foofa (Shiloh) }

This year, I took on the biggest project since my senior fashion show in college: making three little Yo Gabba Gabba! costumes for Gracie, Shiloh and Nattie! (If you haven't seen Yo Gabba Gabba! before, you are missing out!)

These three girls are the most awesome kiddos E V E R (until I have my own of course-and even then, it's a pretty close race!) Nattie belongs to my cousin Jackie (see her sweet blog here); and Gracie and Shiloh belong to Jackie's sister, Erin (she too has a blog, go show her some love here).

At the beginning of October, I dusted off my old sewing machine and work began on these mini-mascot costumes. Jackie, Erin and I had so much fun with the girls shopping for supplies at JOANN'S. We met at Erin's house about four times total throughout the month so that these costumes could be completed in time. I could not have done this without the help of my Aunt Becky, Erin, and Jackie. It was a lot of work, but worth it just to spend time with the people I love so much. I have the best family in the world.

I'm so proud of the work we did! And the girls have the best costumes out of any kids in the hood, for sure!

Here are some of the pictures from our creative sessions and trick-or-treat. Unfortunately my little laptop is still at the Apple store for maintenence (going on nearly 2 weeks now); and I've been using Andy's desktop computer when he isn't working, so many of my good pictures of making the costumes are not available at the moment. Being that it's Halloween, I wanted to at least share what pictures I do have.

{ Gracie tries on her leg warmers }

{ Shiloh loving her unfinished Foofa costume }

{ Plex head in progress }

{ Nattie tries on her Plex suit for the first time! }

{ Jackie worked so hard on this costume, and it looks great! }

{ The girl's practiced how to trick-or-treat with their Poppy }

{ Plex gets final adjustments from her Mimi }

{ Muno was cute cute cute! }

{ Helllooo Friends! Plex = adorabe. }

{ Fa-Fa-Foofa! }

{ Making the rounds... }

{ Nattie did it "all by her big self!" }

{ They seriously did have the best costumes in the neighborhood! }

{ I'll eat them up, I love them so... }

Happy Halloween!!!!!

The trick-or-treating is great, the costumes are definitely a hoot, and the pumpkins are plump.

Hope your holiday is safe and spent with people you love.

{ Andy took this when we visited Boo at the Zoo, it just so happened it was spooky enough to use! }

In My Kitchen: Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Each October, I literally cannot get enough pumpkin seeds.

This year, I decided I wanted to "kick them up a notch" and add some heat! These savory, and slightly spicy seeds are sure to be a tradition in our home for years to come.

Ingredients:

• 2(ish) cups raw pumpkin seeds (dried, if using fresh from jack-o-lantern)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. (or more if you like it hot) your favorite hot sauce-we love Frank's Red Hot!
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. cumin

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 300° (F)

Place pumpkin seeds in a ziplock baggie along with olive oil, hot sauce, and dry ingredients.

Seal bag tightly. Shake baggie until mixture covers each seed evenly.

Line a pan with aluminum foil (makes for easier cleanup!) and lightly spray with cooking spray (we use PAM). Spread seeds evenly on pan.

Bake 35-45 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Stir seeds once halfway through baking for best results.

Now grab yourself a handful and a cup of apple cider and enjoy!

Perfect.

Every year around this time, I am amazed that the Lord made the trees change colors. And somehow, they don't just shrivel up and die turning in ugly dead color. Their vibrance is absolutely perfect-what a way to worship the Father!

It's like they were made for this very moment...

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

"There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace."

Redeeming Qualities

Most of you know that I recently switched gears from the fashion industry to the classroom. This year, I'm substitute teaching and it has been a truly wonderful learning experience so far!

Yesterday was no exception...I spent the afternoon with a wonderful group of third graders. Though wonderful, not even five minutes into their first assignment a student was throwing a conniption and hurling large text books across the room at other students--all because the little darling sitting next to him accused him of copying and accidentally touched the corner of his desk. It was all down hill for this chap from there, ending in a cry fest for the little bugger. Eventually all was well and work continued for the rest of the class, but I couldn't help feeling like somehow I got off to a bad start with this particular student.

Then, I got this and realized that no matter how terrible a day might be, it is still 100 times more rewarding than sitting behind a desk and designing on overpriced clothing.

{ This is why I ♥ what I do. }

The Monster Mash

It's the week of Halloween, and what better way to celebrate than with the Monster Mash?

Cheesey, I know, but oh so fun...

Thanks Mrs. Simula (Rowan, too!), Mrs. Scheutzow, and Mrs. Jones for your beautiful faces!

.................:::::::{ I spent way too much time on this thing }:::::::........................

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Boo at the Zoo!

I've mentioned before that this year I am fully embracing this autumn season. Sunday was no exception, we attended Boo at the Zoo with the wonderful Pope family! It was an absolute blast. We had the best time watching little Emme play and explore-she's too cute!

Most everyone was dressed up in a costume; so many adorable kiddos suited up for the occasion, it was beyond spook-tacular!

Thanks John and Melissa for letting us tag along :)

{ From left to right: Andy, John, Emme, & Melissa as they enter the North America wing of the zoo. }

{ Emme really ♥-ed the goats }

{ ♥ He was in rare form ♥ }

{ A very lazy wolverine }

{ Cute, Cute, Cute! Check out her full nose press }

{ Pucker up, baby! }

{ All these little details just made my day... }

{ The most majestic winged creature }

{ Too perfect to pass up these leafy friends. I ♥ leaves }

{ Spidey and PePe in the parade }

{ I'm pretty sure this is Ironman }

{ Couldn't reach the good camera in time for a photo of this guy, fortunately my cell phone was handy.

He just looks so much like Ralf ! }

{ All tuckered out after a full day-she is precious. }

This week is full of fun and I'll have much more to post including some awesome handmade costumes, trick-or-treat night, and of course a costume party to complete the October festivities so stay tuned!!

In My Kitchen: Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Welcome to the first installment of In My Kitchen!

It's that special time of year when I begin to make my home feel warm and cozy to counter that wonderful chill in the crisp autumn air. Most of the summer months are spent using as little actual cooking in the oven as possible-quick and easy to make sure I get the most out of my summer evening-but, the days are getting shorter, and I'm spending more time inside as winter draws nearer. This is the time of year when I crave soups, casseroles, and other terrifically comforting dishes-something to warm my bones and stick to my ribs.

When I was a freshmen at CCAD I stumbled across this lovely recipe for Pumpkin Cranberry Bread. I made eight loaves that year. Everyone loved it so much I was asked to bring it to every family function and friend gathering! Since then, it has become one of those fall/holiday traditions, and I just love making it.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree (NOT the pumpkin pie mix)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 cups sugar
• 2 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 bag (12 oz) Ocean Spray Original Crasins

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350° (F)

In a large bowl, combine all wet ingredients (eggs, oil, o.j., pumpkin puree).

Add dry ingredients: flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt (mix in small increments to make mixing easier), and stir using a spatchula.

Fold in cranberries.

Separate dough into two 8"x4" loaf pans.

Sprinkle a light coating of sugar over the top of each loaf to finish.

Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Let cool approximately 30 minutes.

*Helpful hint, check at the 1 hour mark-depending on your oven the bread may be done a little early!

Oh, brother

My little brother is coming home Saturday and I can't wait!

It will be nice to hang with him and his wife :)

New to Get Reale!

I've decided to add a new feature to my little blog-recipes!

Now, I'll be the first to tell you that my cooking has room for improvement-however, there is something about a good recipe that just makes me happy. I love a great meal, and I love sharing it with loved ones. Since I'm still fairly new to cooking for more than just myself, I thought it would be sort of fun to document my adventures in the kitchen, and share what works for me.

These recipes are by no means my own creations; they could be from friends, family, internet research, etc.-but if they work for me, they just might be worth sharing. Also I am gaining a new perspective on middle-America restaurant chains. It's no secret that many of these meals are stuffed with extra calories and unhealthy ingredients. For the first couple years of marriage, Andy and I ate out because I usually worked late and eating out seemed more "convenient." I'm learning that meals at home can be convenient and are usually better for you (not to mention they are cheaper!) Besides, leftovers are always nice-it just doesn't get more convenient than that!

The first post for In My Kitchen will be on Monday or Tuesday!