Christmas Cake Pops Tutorial

Happy Holidays Everyone!!! 

Christmas is just around the corner and if your looking for a creative and easy sweet treat to make this holiday season cake pops are just the thing. On Bakerella.com they have a bunch of different types of cake pops for any occasion.

If you've never made cake pops here is a great tutorial from Bakerella.com:

1 box cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can frosting (16 oz.)
Wax paper
Candy melts (1 lb. pkg.)
Lollipop sticks

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can frosting. (I use the back of a large spoon, but it may be easier to use fingers to mix together. But, be warned, it will get messy. Also, you may not need the entire can of frosting, so start out by using almost the entire can and add more if you need to.)
3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50)
4. Melt candy melts in the microwave per directions on package. (30 sec intervals, stirring in between.)
5. Dip the tip of your lollipop stick in a little of the melted candy coating and insert into the cake balls. (Insert a little less than halfway.)
6. Place them in the freezer for a little while to firm up.
7. Once firm, carefully insert the cake ball into the candy coating by holding the lollipop stick and rotating until covered. Once covered remove and softly tap and rotate until the excess chocolate falls off. Don’t tap too hard or the cake ball will fall off, too.
8. Place in a styrofoam block to dry.

Today I decided to try making Christmas Tree Pops and Santa Hat Cake Pops. 

Santa Hats

Hats: Red Candy Melts and White Candy Melts
Fur: white sugar crystal sprinkles
Balls: white coated expresso beans, gumballs, yogurt covered peanuts will work
Paper Lollipop Sticks

Make the Hats: Make a cone shape instead of a ball. Put in the freezer until firm. Then, holding the top part of the hat, dip the bottoms in white candy melts, insert the lollipop stick and set in a styrofoam block to dry. Once dry, dip the tops in red candy melts so that it meets where the white ends. Gently place the balls to the top of the hat while still wet. Let them dry. Then, use a toothpick to generously dab more white candy melts all around the bottom of the hat. While still wet, sprinkle the sugar crystals on.

Christmas Trees

Trees: Green Candy Melts
Stars: Jumbo Star Sprinkles
Ornaments: Rainbow chip sprinkles
Paper Lollipop Sticks
 Decorate the trees: Make a cone shape instead of a ball and insert the lollipop sticks as usual. Place in the freezer until firm. Dip the entire tree in green candy melts. While still wet, you can use a toothpick to create the branches. When the trees are dry, you can also use toothpicks to apply a drop of green melted candy to the tree in the places you want the ornaments to be.

DIY Thanksgiving Nails!

Here are some great ideas for DIY nails from Refinery29.com for this Thanksgiving. I thought they were so cute and look easy and fun to try out!




Fierce Foilage —

This abstract leaf design is a fashion-forward homage to autumn. You'll need a top coat, a black nail art polish, and warm-hued lacquers in shades of gold, rust, and burnt orange

Photo Source: http://www.refinery29.com/

There should be a large "leaf" on each nail; you can create this by painting a three-pronged dollop. Don't worry if it's not super-defined — you're going to fix that later. Add random blobs of alternating color all around your leaf, until they cover your whole nail.

Using your black nail art polish, outline your leaf and add a stem. Pick two or three blobs on the top, bottom and sides of your nails and outline their edges as well. This will create the effect of multiple leaves piled on top of each other. Wait for the lines to dry, then add a layer of top coat to seal the design. 

It's the manicure equivalent of jumping into a freshly raked pile of leaves — fresh, fun, and exhilarating!

She's My Cherry Pie —

This drool-worthy design is just as scrumptious as its namesake, but without all the calories. You'll need a rich red shade for the "filling," a warm beige for the "crust," and a thin brush for the design work. 

Begin by painting your whole nail with your red filling color, then wait for it to dry. Starting in the center, use a thin brush dipped in the beige polish to paint three diagonal lines across your nail.

Now take your brush and create three more diagonal lines going in the opposite direction. This will create the lattice crust effect.
 Careful! These delish-looking digits might have you going back to the dessert table for second (or third!) helpings.

Gobble Gobble! — This is most definitely the cutest turkey we've ever seen. You'll need a nail art brush and brown, black, red, yellow, white, and orange nail polish. Whew! 

Starting with your ring finger (don't worry, you'll get to the thumb later), take your yellow polish and create a straight line down the center of your nail. Thicken that line at the base and gradually swoop it out on both sides, into a fluted shape.

 Fill in the bare sides of your nails –one with orange polish and one with red. Take a nail art brush dipped in black polish and separate the shades by outlining the middle section. Do this on your remaining nails, alternating the color pattern with each nail.

Paint your thumb with the dark brown polish. Wait for it to dry, then use the orange polish to create a triangle-shaped "beak." Place two large dots of white polish just above the beak, then, while the white polish is still wet, place a tiny dot of black polish in each white circle. Now your turkey has googly eyes! 


His feathered brethren may not be as lucky, but this little guy will definitely be sitting pretty come Thanksgiving Day. 

Hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving with their loved ones and enjoys these Thanksgiving nails!!!!

What to Do this Fall? Haunted Houses, Hayrides and more!

Hello boils and ghouls!

Photo Source: http://connect.in.com/

Its that time of year, and if you're like me and love Halloween then you love a good scare.What better way to get scared then to go to a Haunted House or Haunted Forest. Below is a list of some spooky attractions to enjoy this fall:

THE GROVE

Photo Source: thegrovehaunt.com They're Baack... Formerly known as Hobb's Grove, this greatly missed Central California Haunted Attraction will once again welcome the many who would have the beejeezes scared out of them while being thoroughly entertained with revelry and wit, music and gruel. The Grove is ranked among the nations top Must See Haunts and is one of the Valley's main events. The Grove is able to open with more spirit than ever. All the characters that patrons have grown to love will be welcoming their prey while struggling to tame the two years of “wildness” that has overtaken the place. Farmer Billy Bob will also be back with the Pumpkin Grove pumpkin patch.  Event Details Date(s) & Time(s):  The Grove will open Friday, Oct. 7th and run through Sunday, Oct. 30th - weather permitting Closed Mondays & Tuesdays, except for Tuesday, Oct. 25th. Parking and ticket booth open at 5:30 p.m., concessions soon after. The ticket booth will close Sun. Wed. & Thurs. at 9:30 and Fri. & Sat. at 10:30. The Haunting begins at dark. Location: 14265 E. Goodfellow Ave. Sanger, CA Email: thegrovehaunt@gmail.com Phone: (559) 356-3958 Link: www.thegrovehaunt.com Event Description The Grove’s ticketed attractions include The Hollows Haunted Forest, Shadow’s Keep Haunted Hayride and The Grove Manor Haunted House. There’s also the midway at The Grove featuring full concessions, warming fire pits, peddlers and entertainment. It’s a somewhat “safe” place to hang out for the for those who wish to be frightened no more. There’s even a live “Theatre Macabre” with shows throughout the evening. Pricing: Photo Source: thegrovehaunt.com

RAISIN HELL RANCH   Event Details Date(s) & Time(s): October 14th – 31st, Haunting begins Nightly at 7pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday Nights – Open Monday Halloween Night! Location: 7451 Rd 32 – Madera, CA 93637  Email: info@raisinhellranch.com Link: http://raisinhellranch.com/attractions/ Pricing: 1 attraction, $15.00 2 attractions, $25.00 3 attractions, $30.00 V.I.P. “Fast Pass”, $40.00 (3 attractions with “Front-of-the-Line” Privilege)

	Event Description:

Scarecrows Revenge

Photo Source: raisinhellranch.com

– Once the farmers friend, this band of solitary, straw-stuffed creatures have taken over the cornfield and are seeking retribution for being nailed to a wooden cross and left to be tormented by flocks of mischievous crows. The farmer and his family learned the hard way that human flesh and blood give these demonic creatures life. This farm will never be the same – and neither will you!



  Chupacabras Feast

Photo Source: raisinhellranch.com

– The Mexican legend of the blood-sucking beast known as “Chupacabra” is proven to be true after just one visit to this farm. A once proud farmer boasts that he has captured one of these not-so mythological creatures, known for sucking the blood from goats and chickens, but never eating the flesh. Soon he realizes that his catch is not alone and the rest of the hideous pack has acquired a taste for a different kind of blood – HUMAN!!!


 The Black-out Maze – Imagine rustling corn, howling coyotes and a full moon setting the stage for a terrifying walk through over two miles of twisting, turning and dead end trails. Shadows appear – then disappear. Noises are heard in the distance, but seem to be getting closer. Is something out there or is it just your imagination? You are on your own in the Black-out Maze – NO lights – NO maps – and NO one will hear you scream!

 
 
 
 

FEAR FACTORY HAUNTED HOUSE

 

Photo Source: http://www.facebook.com/fearfactoryhauntedhouse

 

Event Details

Date(s) & Time(s)::

Daily at 8:00 PM until 2:00 AM from September 23, 2011 until October 31, 2011

Location: 525 E. Acequia St. Visalia, CA 93292
Phone: 559-308-2626
Email: fearfactoryhauntedhouse@yahoo.com
Link: http://www.facebook.com/fearfactoryhauntedhouse

Pricing: $10- $30

Event Description

The Fear Factory brings to life the story of a mental hospital of horror, where the doctors and nurses have lost their minds! See the results of human experiments gone bad, where surviving the horror-rific tour is only half the fun!! Sick, depraved doctors and nurses turn on each other and the patients, with horrific consequences. See it all unfold before your eyes, and you search & scream your way through the darkest reaches of twisted horror!
The Fear Factory is located at 525 E. Acequia in Visalia, with easy access for Haunted House enthusiast from throughout the Central Valley and plenty of parking for everyone. Operating hours are Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays 8PM-12MID, Fridays & Saturdays 8PM-2AM. There is also “Wimpy Wednesdays” from 6PM-8PM for the faint of heart!! Fear Factory will be open every day 8PM-2AM the week before Halloween.

THE RAVEN'S GATE

  

Event Details

Date(s) & Time(s):
Starting October 7^th Open  Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays at 7pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuedays.  Last day of operation will be on October 30^th .
Location: 14295 E. Adams Ave., Parlier, CA 93648   
Website: http://www.TheRavensGate.com 
Email: info@TheRavensGate.com

Pricing: 

Photo Source: theravensgate.com

The Raven's Grove Haunted Forest Ticket- $15.00

The Haunted Hayride:  $12 Adult, $8.00 Children 10 and under

Trick or Treat Forest: $5.00  Ages 8 and under, $5.00 for parents

Fast Pass- $5.00 

The E-Ticket Combo

The Extreme Pass includes Ravens Grove, Haunted Hayride, Midway and Carnival for $23.00 

Midway Carnvial Only- no attractions- $5.00

Event Description

"In July, a 20-acre parcel of land in Parlier was nothing but rows of plum trees, but that was before Mike Callahan began transforming it into a Halloween event unlike any other in the Central Valley. For Callahan, building a haunted attraction from scratch isn’t unfamiliar territory. In 1996, he created a partnership with Satterstrom’s and built the hayride and haunt, and in the following years was the creator and lead designer of Hobb’s Grove, the wildly popular attraction based in Sanger. After 12 years of becoming one of the Central Valley’s finest attractions, Callahan’s partnership with Hobb’s Grove ended, and the facilities closed in 2010.

The Raven’s Gate has all the attractions that Central Valley haunt lovers would expect to find—a haunted forest and a hayride, with plans to add a haunted house next season. New for this facility (and for the area), though, is a “Trick or Treat” forest designed as a non-scare event for children 8-years old and under and a midway roughly the size of a football field, filled with food and retail vendors, and a stage and sound system for nightly entertainment.

“We want to take guests back to an old town, old fashioned carnival atmosphere on the midway. Our lighting is designed to create a feeling of nostalgia,” said Callahan, who says he designed The Raven’s Gate so guests buying a ticket can go straight to one of the haunted attractions or simply relax by the intimate fire pits." -  http://kingsriverlife.com

Photo source: 5thrtrealm.com

5th Realm Haunted House

Days/Times: 5th Realm is open on Fridays and Saturdays

Tickets are available on show nights beginning at 6:30 PM at the box office.

Note that the box office closes at 9:45 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and it closes at 11 p.m. on Fridays and 11:30 p.m. on Saturdays. 

Location: 801 Santa Ana Ave. Clovis CA 93612
Phone Number: (559) 475-9666

Website: http://www.5threalm.com/

Ticket Prices

Delirium in 3D (PG-13): $8

Slaughterhouse (PG-13): $8

Nocturnal (PG-13): $10

Epidemic (PG-13): $10

Insanitarium (PG-13): $10

Combo Tickets (Saves Money)

Triple Combo: $25  Get access to any three attractions for one low price.

Quadruple Combo: $30 Get access to any four attractions for one low price.

Super Combo: $35 Get access to ALL FIVE attractions for one low price.

V.I.P. Combo: $40  Get access to ALL FIVE attractions, plus FRONT OF THE LINE access!

Buy 5th Realm tickets online this season with Paypal, a safe and secure way to pay. You'll choose your items on our site and make the purchase with Paypal -- and once your payment is confirmed, you'll be able to print valid tickets here! (Our tickets contain unique and verifiable ticket codes.)

Event Description

5th Realm Haunted House is the scariest thing to do in the Central Valley this Halloween season. With five scary attractions to choose from, you can see them all by buying combo tickets!

Choose from Slaughterhouse, Delirium in 3D, Epidemic, In-sanitarium, or Nocturnal -- or see them all with our Super Combo and VIP Combo tickets!

HAUNTED FRESNO

Event Description

 Fresno California’s ONLY Haunted Attraction. Haunted Fresno! The ONLY 6 attraction Haunt in the Central Valley. The Fortress of Fear, The House of Zombies, The Séance, The Last Ride, and the Museum of Oddities, and the all new Hellevator are all waiting for you. Come join us for our 4th season of fright with some NEW surprises! Haunted Fresno prides itself on going the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience. Take a trip into a horror filled world with shocks and scares around every corner.
Be forewarned, these attractions are not for the faint of heart. Haunted Fresno recommends that you leave the toddlers at home (with a sitter). All ages are welcome, but please use proper judgement for your group.

Make sure to mark your calender and visit Haunted Fresno this season. You will NOT want to miss it.

HOURS:

Thursday & Sunday from 7PM to 11PM.
Friday & Saturday from 7PM to Midnight.

2011 SCHEDULE: “19 Days of Terror!”
OCT. 1st & 2nd
7th, 8th, & 9th
14th, 15th, & 16th
20th, 21st, 22nd, & 23rd
27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, & 31st.

PHONE: (559) 498-0960
Address: 665 Fulton, Fresno, CA 93721

If you're not into the whole scary haunted house vibe, and want some fun for the whole family here are a few places that offer just that : 

HARVEST HOLLOW RANCH

Photo Source: harvesthollowranch.com

Event Description

Harvest Hollow Ranch’s Lemoore adventure returns for its second year to allow visitors to explore the Lost Trails Corn Maze and launch a pumpkin at Pumpkin Patch Hollow.

The corn maze and pumpkin patch are open Oct. 1-31. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Harvest Hollow Ranch is located at the corner of 21st Avenue and Grangeville Boulevard in Lemoore. For more information: call 210-2114 or visit www.harvesthollowranch.com.

Please Note:  CASH ONLY! Snack concessions and refreshments available for cash purchase. There is absolutely NO SMOKING allowed on or near Harvest Hollow Ranch premises. Thank you!

Vossler Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Photo Source: vosslerfarms.com

Event Description

HOURS:

Wednesdays & Thursdays from 5PM to 9PM.
Fridays 5PM to to 10PM.

Saturdays 12PM to 10 PM

Sundays 12PM to 9PM

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

located at 26773 South Mooney Blvd., Visalia,CA

ADMISSION

Adults (12 and up) ...$9

Kids (5 to 11)............$7

Seniors (55 and up)...$5

Current Military ID......$5

Kids (4 and under)..free 

Matinee Price.....$5

(matinee price valid Sat. and Sun. noon-5pm only)

Photo Source: vosslerfarms.com

Vossler Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze has opened to the public and there are all kinds of activities for kids to take part in. The farm is located just south of Visalia on Mooney Boulevard. This year they are offering hay and train rides along with miniature corn and hay mazes -- plus any pumpkin you see is available to buy.

Vossler Farms is also offering face painting and a free petting zoo on the weekends. The farm is open every day of the week until dusk.

For more information visit : http://vosslerfarms.com/

 (If you've been to any of the above listed places, let us know how you liked them below in the comments section. )

How to: Halloween Decorations!

Halloween is definitely one of my favorite holidays. I love playing dress up, curling up on the couch watching scary movies, going to haunted houses, and all the other fun fall activities that this time of year brings. Another thing I love, is to decorate our house for Halloween. Every year Martha Stewart comes out with her Halloween Magazine and thought I would share some of her creative ideas to add some Spooktacular decor and sweet treats to your home! 

Shivering Bats Shade How-To

Photo Source: marthastewart.com



Photo Source: marthastewart.com



Photocopy template to desired size; cut out. Using a white wax pencil, trace shape onto black construction paper; cut out. To suspend bats, make a ring from 20-gauge brass wire that fits just inside top of shade, resting on the shade spokes; a translucent white paper lampshade works best. Take a piece of white thread to bat; tie other end to ring. Repeat, hanging bats at varying heights and taping others to lampshade. (If you don't want to have to spend a lot of time cutting out the template from Martha Stewart, you can buy pre-made bats at Michael's that are the same as the template.)

Creepy Candles How to

Cast a sinister glow over any setting with a cluster of white tapers dripping with "blood" (actually red candle wax). Fill a cup or a small pail with sand, and plant white candles inside so they stand upright. Light a red candle and tip it over the white candles so the wax drips down the tops and sides, being careful not to burn yourself. Let wax cool completely before removing candles from sand.



Photo Source: marthastewart.com



Deranged Halloween Arrangement How-To

1. Use permanent glue to attach vinyl bugs to rose petals.
2. Paint vinyl snakes using black acrylic paint; let dry. 
3. Use floral wire to create anchors for coiled snakes: twist 1 end around the snake's middle. Insert other end in vase. 
4. Secure centipede (or other big bug) to vase with poster putty.

Tools and Materials

• Permanent glue
• Rose petals
• Vinyl bugs, orientaltrading.com
• Black acrylic paint
• Vinyl snakes, orientaltrading.com
• Floral wire, 20-gauge, save-on-crafts.com
• Poster putty
• Vase, Versailles Crown vase, jonathanadler.com

Witch Fingers Cookies

Photo Source: marthastewart.com

I first saw these amazing looking cookies a couple years ago in Martha Stewarts Halloween magazine, and thought I would share this neat recipe!

Yield Makes 30

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 30 blanched almonds
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with Silpats (French nonstick baking mats) or parchment paper, and set aside.
2. Place food coloring in a shallow bowl. Using a small paintbrush, color one rounded half of each almond. Set aside to dry.
3. Separate 1 egg. Set aside the white. In a small bowl, whisk together yolk, remaining egg, and vanilla. Set aside.
4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter, confectioners' sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Beat on medium speed until well combined. Add egg mixture, and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, and mix on low speed just until incorporated. Wrap the dough in plastic, and chill until firm, 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Divide the dough in half. Work with one piece at a time, keeping remaining dough covered with plastic wrap and chilled. Divide the first half into 15 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece back and forth with palms into finger shapes, 3 to 4 inches long. Pinch dough in two places to form knuckles. Score each knuckle lightly with the back of a small knife. Transfer fingers to prepared baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
6. When all fingers are formed, brush lightly with egg white. Position almond nails; push into dough to attach.
7. Bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Cool completely

Candy Corn Candles How To:



Items you will need:

White Candles any size

Candy Corn

Large Glass Candle Holder

Place candy corn inside the larger candle holder till you fill it up about half way. Add your white candle and continue to add candy corn to your liking. PS- don't eat the candy after burning the candle...  Garnish with some fall leaves.

Get creative!!! If you're on a budget look at the Dollar Tree Store, they have some great deals and some of the same items Party City and Michaels have! For the Martha Stewart collection look at Michaels.

Here are some pics from our house this Halloween!

How To Make: Pumpkin Spice Latte ( just like Starbucks)

 

It only comes around once a year and it must be that time, because I’ve seen several Facebook and Twitter posts, of course I’m talking about the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. Now you can enjoy this delicious treat all year round with this recipe.

Photo Source: Starbucks.com

Available only in the Fall as a seasonal drink from Starbucks the Pumpkin Spice Latte is, as described by Starbucks.com:

"Signature espresso blended with the unmistakable spices of fall – cinnamon, nutmeg and clove – smooth with steamed milk and topped with delectably sweetened whipped cream."

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Receipe [via TheKitchen.com

makes 1-2 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups milk
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin OR 1 teaspoon of Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup (your choice)
2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute – you can halve this amount
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.)

Directions:

In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy. If you don’t have a blender, don’t worry about it – just whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk.
Pour into a large mug or two mugs. Add the espresso on top.
Optional: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.

The Fishtail Braid

Photo Source: Cosmopolitan.com

 HOW TO:  Fishtail Braid





One of the braids that I get a lot of compliments on is the Fishtail braid.  This is also called The Herringbone braid because it looks very similar to a tight Herringbone pattern.Within a couple tries anyone can make a perfect fishtail braid in their sleep and have one of the trendiest hairstyles. The fishtail braid is so popular in part because it is so simple, but also because it is the perfect combination of playful and sophisticated.



Here are some great instructions I found from thebeautydepartment.com . They say that their secret tip is clear elastic rubberbands...

Items you will need: 2 clear elastics, scissors,  and lots of patience :)
Steps:

• If you want a smoother braid, brush your hair out first. For a messier braid, leave the natural texture and separate the hair with your fingers.
• Create a ponytail using a clear elastic.
• Split the ponytail into two separate pieces.
• Take a piece from the first side and pass it to the 2nd side.
• Next take a piece from the 2nd side and pass it back to the 1st side.
• Once you’ve finished your braid, go in with your scissors and CAREFULLY cut the clear elastic at the top.
• Optional: gently pull on the pieces to loosen it up if you wish!

Photo Source: http://thebestfashionblog.com

When you’re fishtail braiding, don’t think too hard! You’re simply making X’s. Also, remember that when you take the little piece from one side and pass it to the other side, you don’t need to keep track of it.

Heres a video for more help:

Some tips:

• The skinnier the strand you use, the more intricate the braid will look. In general try to use the same thickness throughout or your braid will look uneven.
• You can use bobby pins to secure flyaways.
• For thicker hair, consider using thicker strands than skinnier which you would use for thinner hair.
• Doing the fishtail braid while your hair is wet will give you a firmer grip and more precise braid.