A Fanciful Twist

October 31st

This is Halloweeeen, this is Hallloweeeeen!

Thank you to each and every one who hosted a Halloween Party on October 27th, and those who popped in just to party with us too.  I saw you there ;)

It was a blast!

You all out-did yourselves, what an awesome kindred gathering of whimsical hearts!!

And, to anyone who forgot to post a party or couldn't post a party for some reason or another, please don't fret.  I know life happens.  I do.

As for today...

And yesterday...

There have been preparations in the garden for our tradition.

A Halloween feast!

The mysterious autumn sunsets, and the glowing moon coming over the great big mountains, have been more than gasp worthy these last few days.

Little creatures pop into proper frocks...

Masks on faces...

And a little basket treat from Tracy for Miss Tattered Raggedy (thank you Tracy!!).

We are collecting blooms for the table, and working up a spooktacular menu.

Zinnia petals like paper.

So many watercolor shades.

Perfect nature gifts.

Pumpkins get shuffled about.

As our feast will be in the front garden.

Strolls encouraged with glowing cocktails in hand.

Mesquite trees hang on to the last days of leaves on limbs.

Rake here, rake there.

Light a Jack-o-Lantern.

And then a curious sound...

Hawks arrive, finding a cozy spot, high up in a cloud tall eucalyptus tree.

Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrarwk....

Everyone puts on their costumed best.

Pups chew on this or that outside the office, as I run about.

Getting their costumes ready of course.

Click!

Gotcha Matty ;)

(hates having his pic taken)

Sun fades.

Moon captivates over mountain tops, through branches...

Golden beams.

Twinkly lights go on.

And so....

We begin our Halloween festivities!!!!

A Halloween feast this eve.

Right here.

Under the stars and moon and trees.

Let the magic begin!!!!!!!

(this pic below, to me is, what a hauntingly beautiful violin tune might look like)

Of course, right now, it's still morning...

So I best start the caramel corn.

Oven baking butter brown sugar scent, on this Halloweeeeeeen!

Happy Haaaaaappy Halloween Friends!

Stay safe, and have goblin gobs of fun!

Hearts to all affected by the storm.

So many thoughts.

♥

 

Also...

Party Giveaway winner is....

#37 Denise at Coffeeberry Cottage! Yay!

$50 credit to Sightly, woo hoo!!

E-mail me for details pretty please ;)

 

Off I go to make my Halloween treats, and plan some wicked lil' tricks ;)

Much Love, Vanessa

 

 

ps:  If you are a Tori fan, this is incredible...

 

pss:  If you'd like, take a peek at the Autumn 2012 online magazine called...

Pagan Living.

You can spy my little sitting room on the cover...

 

Halloween Party ♥ 2012

Welcome Welcome!

To our 5th annual Halloween party!!

This is such an exciting time of year.

Autumn is in the air, and for those of us who love Halloween...

It doesn't get any better than the magical feeling it brings.

We are having a garden Halloween party at the cottage, do come in!

Scarecrows, pumpkins and orange lights galore...

Ribbons and treats, and oh, so much more!

This party is for you, jump in 1 2 3...

If you really believe, you could actually dream yourself here, yes indeed!

Oh, I see you now!

Welcome welcome, to our tiny town.

Boys arrive in furry costumes...

So realistic, they almost had me fooled!

There are oodles of treats.

Enough for seconds and thirds for sure!

Don't miss the warty caramel apples on apricot tree branches.

Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are great guests.

As the spooky Queen Cake hand shows up to taste test!

Not to mention, bugs in frosting are just the thing...

To make your worldly palate sing!

Green witch cake gruel!

(just put food coloring in your cake batter - I used lots of green and a little blue)

And a vampire clown or two, too.

Spells and potions as you wish...

 

And the orange flame candle, lit for a year of bliss!

Or six.

Locked up nice and safe, are...

The witch fingers themselves.

Folks travel near and far, for a taste so sweet, it's hard to beat...

Unexplainable power bestowed when nibbled, they say.

So take a bite, eat it whole, go ahead, pave the way!

(I made these fingers, and dusted them -using a paintbrush- with powdered cocoa before putting them in the oven.  Recipe links and tips at my other blog, here)

Don't be shy, I say.

Now plunge for sure, okay?

Into...

Sparkle and magic and imaginations running wild!

Fantastical treats and moments in time we await, year after year...

After year.

Now here!

The end of October, a time of year so vastly dear.

Our childhood comes by for a visit.

And in some miraculous way, we feel free to unleash our true selves.

Although, Witchy says we should always carry it with us.

No matter the age.

No matter the time.

No matter what anyone says.

The magic is always within us...

Waiting to take a skipping stroll, a twist a tumble.

Let hair loose, and off we go!!

Dancing in circles under candle and moon light...

Cheers, cheers, cheeeers to the ghoulish world!!

Mayhem and merriment, clink to that, yes sireeee!

As night embraces us, and stars twinkle way up in the sky...

Anything is possible.

You don't even have to try.

It's there for the taking, a hearty dose of what you need.

Dreams, wishes, miracles, magic indeed!!!

Thank you sooo much for being a part of our 5th annual Halloween blog party!

It's been a pleasure and a delight to have you over.

Please stay a little bit longer, won't you?

You are always welcome, at A Fanciful Twist.

Let's party like mad, like crazy, oh yes!!

 

Before I go wander around and visit other partiers, I want to share an awesome treat.

One of our lovely sponsors named Dawn Marie Howard has a grand gift to giveaway.

By the way, Dawn has a wonderful blog you can visit here.

And a shop filled with all sorts of fun things called...

 Sightly

In fact, Dawn is gifting a $50.00 gift certificate to her shop.

All comments left in this post will be entered to win.

Winner will be announced in the next blog post in few days.

Thank you Dawn, what fun!!!

 

Now go out and party party party.

Please double check to make sure your name is on the partier list, if you want it to be.

The party lasts a couple of day at least, and all partiers are listed in my left hand sidebar.

Have a blast!!

 

Love, Vanessa

 

If you'd like to visit past parties here ya go -

2008

2009 

2010

2011

 

 

ps:  If you are hosting your own blog party for this event, please leave a comment

with a direct link to your blog post.  It will serve as an archive.

 

 

pss: Also - Halloween partiers hosting your own party, if possible, please remove your word verification for comments during the party.

It is difficult to make so many visits and be faced with tough word codes, thanks so much!!

It just makes visits that much easier and extra pleasant ;)

♥

 

A Halloween Party on the Way....

It seems things are getting extra curious around here in Fanciful, Arizona.

The witches have arrived, and hung out their stockings to dry from the trees.

Oh my!

In fact, last night I felt them whipping up the air...

 And sparkle sparks of cauldron flames twinkled low in the sky, from here to there.

By morning, under curving trees, the light crept through...

As a little witch set out to tidy up for her garden party.

She collected red apples over in the enchanted area known as witchwood.

Glossy beautiful dark red treats.

Ready for dunking in candy and caramel.

But beware.

Prepare yourself.

For if the moon shines just right, you might get quite a fright.

You see, scary creatures do lurk about in chilly autumn woods, by night.

Eeeeeeee!

Gulp.

The pumpkin patch, dry and spooky as spooky can be...

Holds one more gift of the season it seems!

As sun sets, everyone comes out to play.

Fairy dusted to a T.

Ribs and all, of course.

Kind witches set the tone...

Bringing baked goods for a party of pure delight!

Time to get your jewels all shined up.

Frocks and tattered lace a plenty...

Pointy hat, at the ready.

5th annual Halloween party, right here, tomorrow!!

Wooo hoooo!!

See you here friends!

 

Can't wait!

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 ps:  Something wonderful...

 

 

 

Pumpkin Bread + October Garden

Pumpkin bread...

Can you smell it now?

Moist, warm, cinnamon clove ginger nutmeg infusion!

The recipe for this bread is one I created after trying different recipes over the years.

It is so tender and succulent.

Mmmmmm.

And smells like autumn heaven, I tell ya.

Mister Lovee likes very moist bread, not dry.

But then again, who likes dry bread that is impossible to swallow?

No one I would think, haha.

Point is, he is crazy over this stuff.

It's moist and tasty as can be.

Slices up like a dream...

The pumpkin puree I use is from pumpkins that I roast.

These loafs are from some pumpkin puree I had from early spring, which I had frozen.

The wonderful thing is that, pumpkin puree freezes beautifully.

So you can have it all year long, until you get your hands on another pumpkin.

 

Of course, you can use canned puree as well.

 

These loafs are made using puree from a giant Fairytale Pumpkin.

I did a post on roasting pumpkins here.

 

The house smelled so wonderful.

Well, you know what that smell is like, I need not harp on how awesome it is.

:)

 

I made you a PDF printable recipe for this bread.

So, if you'd like to print this recipe, simply click HERE.

 

Pumpkin Bread

from ♥ Vanessa Valencia

 

28 oz. pumpkin puree

1 cup vegetable oil (I use extra light olive oil)

4 eggs

2/3 cups water

1 cup brown sugar

2 cups white sugar

4 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

 

 Preheat oven to 350' F

 Lightly grease or lightly spray your loaf pans with cooking spray

(I use non-stick pans and a thin layer of cooking spray for these)

 

I fill 3 loaf pans with this batter -

 2 -   9.25" x 5.25" loaf pans

&

1 -   8.5" x 4.5" loaf pan

 

In a very large bowl mix pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, water and sugars until well blended (I use a hand mixer on low to medium until mixture is really well blended).

 In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger.

 Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until it is well blended.

(I use my hand mixer on low, and then I give it a good stir)

 Pour into prepared pans and bake.

 My ovens get really hot, and baked up perfectly at 42 minutes.  But you can go up to 50 minutes if need be.

 As you know, loaves are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

 You can make two large loaves and some muffins instead of 3 loaves if you wish.

(Just toothpick test for muffin cook time)

 This bread is so moist and so delicious. 

 Perfect for the season!

 If you like a little frosting on the side, mix up some cream cheese and honey to taste, with a dash of salt if you'd like, and you have a perfect frosting for this succulent bread.

 Yummmm!

 

Again, for a  PDF printable version click here.

 

♥

 

After all that munching, an early morning stroll in our October garden really hits the spot...

Will you come with?

The flowers have a huge explosion in October and early November in this mild autumn weather.

In fact, some of them are just beginning to bloom now, for the first time.

They just got really big and bushy all summer, and now, flowers.

The desert is such a strange place.

It's like a warm spring here right now...

(Something funny - I tried to get Matty and Miles to sit for a photo.  Of course, Matty would have none of that.  Miles did sit.  So, to get Matty's attention, I told him that there was a bunny in the flowers (he's never caught a bunny, but he dreams of it I am sure).  Of course, Matty went out of his head with excitement. And then, he jumped into the marigolds.  Miles is face to face with Matty in the marigolds above, but you can't see him, isn't that funny?  So technically, he is in the picture, haha.  One good thing, the boys never ever trample through my flowers on their own, they are so good.  My neighbor's dogs destroy her garden, making it impossible for her to have one.  So I am so glad Matty and Miles don't get into those shenanigans.)

 

The thing is, one day we will wake up and it will be full blown chilly.

No warning.

So that is kinda fun, the huge switch of seasons all of a sudden.

It always happens.

But right now, it's like spring in October.

Yay.

There are so many gourds hanging from the electric/phone box post.

I still can't get over that, the thing I hated the most, is now so beloved to me.

Nothing like a little chalkboard spray paint I guess :)

You can see it here and here.

Cosmos and white zinnias dance around...

So many lovely petals...

How the zinnias withstand the Arizona summer heat, I just don't know.

But I am certain they are loving our spring in autumn.

And I for one, am so delighted to still see flowers and butterflies fluttering about.

Well...

I best get my Halloween fiesta put together.

Look at the time!!

October 24th, what????

Where did the time go?

This is so weird.

The last 6 years have vanished.

What's going on here?

;)

Loooove, V

 

 

ps:  Good GOLLY!!!

I almost forgot to share the winner of Kim's awesome hand collaged prints.

(She's having a 50% off sale by the by)

And, the prints go tooooooo...

#23 Hand over Heart Studios!!

Yay Kristina, e-mail me your snail mail address please!!!

 

 

pss:  Witch Finger cookies over at PastriesandSweets.Com

(my sweets blog)

♥

 

Witches

I think it's time to fully jump into Halloween mode.

I mean fully - witches, ghosts, goblins.

The whole enchilada.

Yes?

Also...

I am sooo excited!

My paper spider web tutorial is the craft of the day over in...

The home section of The Huffington Post.

Fun!

It reminds me, must make more spider webs myself, as they are sooo fun and easy!!!

Here is the tutorial.

Also...

I am feeling extraordinarily Witchy...

Like my hat?

:)

I wonder why my cackle runneth over?

Must be the witches.

All frocked up, right in the nick of time!!

They are ready to party.

Well, technically, witches hang out all year in my world.

But, we can pretend they just flew in, no?

Mathilde is keeping them company on the wall, whilst searching for a new home...

As they get cozy in their cottage abode.

I love those witches.

For some reason, they give me some sort of mom comfort.

(my sis made the flag banners, love em!)

I think we really need some new fantastical witch tale movies.

Don't you?

I loved that one with Angelica Houston, The Witches.

And of course, Practical Magic and Hocus Pocus.

I need a new one.

Pronto!

A&E has a great Ancient Mysteries - Witches episode you can Netflix.

Oooooooo!!!

Also, we are literally, down to the wire for me to ship out Halloween cards and labels.

If I pop Spell and Potion labels in the mail in the next couple days I can get them to you for Halloween.

I am getting that question a lot.

I think we have a couple days wiggle room.

So, if you want some, here they are ;)

Bwahahahaha!!

Party in 5 days, fainting...!

I have nary and idea of what I am going to whip up.

I know, last minute Laree.

Not to be confused with Larry.

Off I go for now.

Must make some party plans on the double!!

Eeeeeks!

 

 

ps:  I was watering in the garden this morning, when a butterfly swooped around, flailed and landed on this flower - taking it's last breath...sigh...

Tattered beauty.

Is it just me, or can you see the butterfly ghost looming?

 

pss:  New Bat For Lashes album out today.  I got mine last night on Itunes.

 

Autumn Magic + a Giveaway

It's time to spook things up a bit, me thinks...

Halloween looms near.

Crispy nights, and apple cinnamon delights.

Masked faces guide us through starlit sky.

Glittered goblins and sparkly skulls.

Spooky tales at midnight.

Pumpkins here and pumpkins there, all sizes and shapes, we don't care.

A taste of magic in the air.

A shadow here, a creek there.

Late night strolls, darkest skies and weeping trees.

How I love this time of year.

The spirit of Halloween is short as short can be here.

Maybe only one day long you see, warm skies and summer lingers...

In this curious desert land.

But if you stay up late enough, you feel the cool send shivers up your spine by night.

And then you know, you know, the time is very near.

A chill, a fire, a dance around the cauldron.

What with real witch tales in our family, and my grandma's endless true scary stories, my mind is full with memories of spooks and phantoms a plenty.

Tales so scary, we would sit around a giant wooden table by night, and my Nana would scare me so much I could not move.

My breath would have shivers.

Tales of great great grandmother's almost being buried alive.

Witches casting spells.

Hauntings way up in the double door attic.

Old ladies trying to strangle you by night.

And spells, oh spells so many.

More family tales here.

I remember when I was in elementary school, I found out about

La Llorona. 

(pronounced yorona)

Oh, we would spook ourselves into oblivion with that fascinating tale.

Was she stealing children, or howling in the night?

We didn't know.

But in our youngest heart of believing hearts, we felt her.

We knew she was there.

Young imaginations running wild.

Appropriately so...

Kim of Gerushia's New World is offering a 4 print set for giveaway.

How wonderful, wow, how kind!

But guess what? 

One of the characters in each piece....

...La Llorona...

Oh, fascinating!

And the prints together paint a wonderful tale, of your own mind's making...

Simply leave a comment to enter.

If you'd like, feel free to share a spooky tale of your own.

Absolutely perfect, especially for this time of year.

When youthful imaginations come out to play extra much.

Kim also has a piece available from her -

Alice Through the Looking Glass show...

Mi Corazon Por Alicia, original, available here.

Take a peek.

 

Time to set that Autumn Magic free!!!

Oooooooo, I feel it, I feel it!!!

I am getting soooo excited, are you?

I get frantic during the last handful of days before Halloween and parties.

A good frantic.

Must absorb!

Looove, V

 

 

 

Let's Make Sparkly Bug Jewelry!

Seems like a perfect time for making easy sparkly fabulous insect jewelry.

As you know, I love sparkling up plastic bugs.

I made this bracelet last year with tips, which you can see here...

You can get plastic bugs anywhere during the Halloween season it seems.

I got a bag full for $3.99 at my local drugstore called Walgreens.

I was looking at them, thinking to myself, I really need some insect earrings...

I got together some wire, pliers, ear wires and of course, bugs.

I used an ice pick to test poking a hole through the plastic bug.

It worked, and the hole self heals, so you don't end up with a big hole at all.

The wire pushed through easily, so I went ahead with bug earring concocting.

At this point you make a decision.

Either you can put in your ear wires now, or after you glitter.

I chose to do this after glittering.

But next time I might do it before, so I don't have to work through the glitter.

There are two ways you can glitter your bugs.

Paint them with white craft glue and sprinkle glitter, then let dry.

Or, you can do what I do.

Spray paint your bug, and then sprinkle the glitter onto the wet spray paint.

It holds really well.

In fact, my insects from 3 years ago are still glittered using the spray paint technique.

I went outside to spray paint, as you must do this in a well ventilated area.

This time around, I also decided to gold leaf some cockroaches.

You can buy spray gold leaf adhesive (which is tackier), or you can use spray paint (clear or not), to stick the gold leaf on.

I just spray painted a little clear spray paint onto my plastic cockroaches, and gently pressed the gold leaf down.  Then I put them aside to dry while I worked on the other bugs. (gold leaf both sides)

I glittered up all sorts of spiders and such...

While they dried I went back to the gold leafed cockroaches.

I used a brush to carefully brush off the excess gold leaf...

Then I twisted the bugs a little to get a tinge of a crackle effect.

Now I was ready to go inside and make earrings.

I started by re-opening the ice pick holes I had made earlier, with a sturdy corsage pin.

Then I took my wire and looped it to create a space to hang the ear wire from.

I looped one end, and then put the straight end through the hole...

Then I took the straight end and twisted it around my looped wire a few times, then snipped it off.

Then I added my ear wires.

Oooooo, I love these.

They are so scrumptious on!!

You can do anything you want with your bugs of course.

Wear them, use them for decor....

Anything!

I am making a pair of mismatched bug earrings.

One long centipede, one short fly.

You can hot glue brooch backs onto them, for brooches.

You can glue them onto bracelets like I did last year.

Or just place them around the house for decor.

The uses are endless, and the insects are more than lovely all glittered up!

This is so much fun, and addicting!!!

I think a bug jacket or sweater would be so fabulous.

Just hot glue a bunch of these all over you.  Or all over a hat or head band.

I dare say, I think the cockroaches are going to be worn by me all the time.

Not just for Halloween.

They are so awesome in person.

Make some and see for yourself!

You will be so happy you did :)

Trust me.

 

Looove, V

 

 

ps:  I am shipping every 24 hours to make sure any Halloween orders arrive on time.

Potion label cutting a plenty!!

Lots of Halloween cards and labels here.....

Autumn Porch

It's time for the tricky autumn-summer dance here in the desert.

Summer veggies and flowers are still abundant in the garden.

Yet, the calendar says mid-October.

And so, you plunge into autumnifying your world...

For fear of losing a mere morsel of this glorious time of year.

Homegrown pumpkins & orange lights do the trick on one of our porches.

I can see the cottage in the close distance from this porch.

It is a short 33 steps away.

I collected a few apricot tree twigs to hang on the door.

Mixed in with some sparkly orange thingamabobs.

Miles agreed to a photo op.

I said, Miles, would you sit here so I could take your picture?

And he did, calm and casual.

Sauntered over, and let me take his pic.

Sat right where I pointed.

Whilst his big little brother Matty, ran away.

But after the pics, Matty came over for a jumping hug and kisses.

The pups like the pumpkins.

They enjoyed the pumpkin patch all summer, sniffing around a whole lot.

A couple of mice moved into the patch too, so that might have been the reason :)

Fancy camera will be gone for 3 weeks, if it can be fixed.

So, I am still here trying to take clear manual photos.

Tricky tricky!

(we are so spoiled by autofocus, haha!)

I am a huge ivy and fern fan.

I buy these little 4 inch, grocery store pots of ivy.

Then I break the ivy up into 3-4 pots at home.

Water, shade.

Upside down tomato cage, tie the stakes up top -

Makes a perfect cone trellis.

And before you know it, you have a pot full of ivy.

I took out my huge bins of Halloween decor.

But for this porch, I decided to just stay pumpkin simple.

What is wrong with me, I don't know :)

As the day light starts to fade, the candles and orange lights really begin to share some autumnal Halloween goodness.

Ah, there is the picture boy :)

He's so soft.

The sun is setting, and the glowing slowly begins...

And then, as it gets dark, you remember what a simple strand of orange lights can add.

Love those orange lights.

I get two little boxes at the drugstore every autumn.

And boy, what a difference they make.

I am finally feeling the Halloween magic peeking in a little.

It's so hard to plunge when it's so warm.

(I am loving the milder warm too, it's so nice to sit in and enjoy)

But like I said, evenings/mornings are getting really chilly.

And that changes the game.

Makes it more real.

This month passes like a snap for me, you?

I am watching scary movies and haunted tales.

Spooking myself for the tiny jaunt from the house out to the cottage, and back, at night.

Luckily, last night, Lovee went and got me.

(I was in there vegging and watching scariness on Netflix)

The orange lights on the house guided me back.

I ran in and locked the door.

Spooking myself to bits ;)

I am sooooo good at that, you?

And yet, I have some sick love for it.

Must have been all the scary movies my dad let us watch as kids.

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

 

ps:  I found out over the last couple of months (up to days ago), that I have not been receiving e-mails every so often. 

Not all the time, just a couple here and there.

I am not sure why? I have contacted my e-mail provider.  Alas, if you have e-mailed me over the last 3 months and heard crickets, I probably did not get your e-mail.  I know, not good.  I am sorry, it was out of my control.

I deleted a ton of old mail, so hopefully that freed up lots of space, and will ensure that I no longer lose e-mails. 

This does not affect orders from my shop, as I access orders to my shop through my shop, and not through e-mail. 

♥

Caramel Corn!

Hi there!!  A couple of super fun things to share today.

First, a little outside Halloween inspiration.

If you pop over to HGTV Gardens, you can spot my haunted garden.

 It is in a post about Halloween parties in the garden.

Fun fun!

Also, do I have a treat for you!!?

From my beloved lovely Mom.

It's a recipe for...

Make you faint, delicious, outrageous, blow your mind, baked caramel popcorn.

(recipe at the bottom)

My mom never shares this recipe.

It's a little secret treat she bakes up, that makes everyone swoon.

I started making it myself a couple of years ago, especially for Mister Lovee's all boys get togethers.

Everyone goes bonkers over it.

I mean, bonkers.

My neighbor has been begging me for the recipe for a year.

And, I finally got clearance from my mom.

I sheepishly asked, would there be any chance I could share this recipe on my blog?

And she said, sure.

In the nicest voice ever.

Suuuuuure, of course you can my love.

And I was like, I can????

It's really a knock your socks off recipe.

(shared at the end of this post)

Everyone who tastes it will have the wide eyeball look.

Trust me.

You make your caramel from scratch, but it's really easy.

Oh and, you must pop your own popcorn.

No bagged microwave stuff.

Trust me, it's just not the same at all.

I don't know why. 

I tried it, not good.

So, pop your own.

I went to Target or Wal-Mart (can't recall) and got a popper for $12 or $15.

It is totally worth it.  I use it all the time.

I make a large roasting pan full of popcorn.

Actually, I fill the kernels to the max line in my popper, and it makes exactly the amount of popcorn you will need.

Then I set my popcorn aside and make the caramel.

As soon as the caramel is done, you turn off the flame and quickly mix in some baking soda.

Then you pour the caramel over the popcorn, and stir it up really well.

Then, pop it in the pre-heated oven.

You will take the popcorn out every few minutes and stir it around.

Then put it back in.

You must do this.

My popcorn cooks up in less time than my mom's, but my gas oven is crazy hot.

I am telling you.

Butter and brown sugar...

Crunchy.

Melt in your mouth, flavors exploding!

Caramel popcorn outrageousness!!!

 

Here is the recipe:

 

Baked Caramel Corn

from Yvonne Valencia ♥

 

1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup (light)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
6 quarts popped popcorn (24 cups)

(if you would like, you can put in some of your favorite nuts as well)

(Preheat oven at 250' F)

Pop your popcorn and set it aside.

 

In a saucepan on the stove top, carefully melt butter so it does not burn.

After butter is melted add brown sugar, corn syrup, salt.

Bring to a boil stirring constantly.

Then let boil without stirring for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in baking soda.

Gradually pour over popcorn, already popped and in a pan (large roaster).

Bake at 250'F for 1 hour, stirring every 15minutes.

Remove from pan & break apart immediately.

Cool on parchment paper if you would like.

Popcorn will get crunchier as it cools.

 

(my tips:  I place my oven racks in the center of the oven, so the popcorn is not close to the top of the oven.  My popcorn cooks in 35 minutes, stirring every 7 minutes or so.  The way to know it is done is to taste test.  With a gloved hand and long spoon, take out a couple pieces carefully (I can not be responsible if you burn yourself).  Blow on them to completely cool, then eat.  If they stick to your teeth, they are not done.  They should be crunchy, not sticky.  Also, I leave my popcorn in the roaster after I take it out of the oven, and toss it with my wooden spoon every so often until it cools)

Enjoy!!!

Thanks Mombie!!  For sharing your recipe!!!

I hope some of you get to make it, and enjoy it oodles.

See you sooooon!

 

Love, V

 

Oopsie, I almost forgot, oh my!!  Winner for Tracy's lovely creation is....

#17Kyra Wilson! YAY!

e-mail me your snail mail addy please!

 

 

 

ps:  Lots of regular posts over at my other blog

PastriesandSweets.com  ♥

 

 

Side of the Road... {a giveaway}

Oooooo, it's getting to feel like that time.

Sweater mornings, crispy evenings.

Pumpkin holiday, not too far away!

We have a great group of sponsors to share.

Right in the right hand sidebar, under Lovely Sponsors -->

(spaces open too, info here)

It's so wonderful to be able to help promote and share other businesses here at AFT.

For this Saturday I have a super special treat for you.

It's a delightful creation by Tracy over at

Side of the Road ~ Cottage and Gothic Romance...

I was peeking around her shop last week, and fell in love with this piece.

I was going to buy it for myself, naughty naughty.

But then I thought, you know, this would be so fun to share with one of you.

A giveaway.

Of the Halloween variety.

It is sparkly too, can you see that?

Yumm.

It's fantastic, I know.

What a lovely little Halloween treat, no?

I also love her Kitty Kat.

Oh I love everything Tracy makes really.

Her attention to detail wins me over every time.

So, say howdy in comments, and I'll draw a name/number at random in a day or so.

Isn't this fun??

We so needed a Halloween infused giveaway.

I need to plunge.

I have been so busy, but now that huge chores are done in the real world, I vow to plunge into spooktacularness, for sure!

It was so chilly this morning.

It is til warm mid-day creeps in.

But chilly mornings and evenings, and warm sunshine days are grand.

Creatures are peeking out...

Mister Lovee is making french toast...

It has been summer here since April really.

So, this shift in weather is mind bogglingly delicious in every way.

Pop your name in the proverbial hat, and I'll see you ever so soooon!

And, visit Side of the Road for more lovely creations :)

 

Love, V

 

 

ps: 

 

My fave :)

 

 

Bridal Shower Flower Power

Hellooooo there!

Boy, I have so much to say and share, and yet I have to run...

I am delivering basil and zinnias from my garden for a bridal shower.

And I have been running around with this and that, and working on a special commercial illustration project. 

In an 11 hour different time zone.  So it has been really fun and exciting.  I am enjoying it oodles.

My camera is still at the doctor.

It needs a major operation, and might not make it.

I have tons of recipes to share and things I want to take pics of.

I am using a camera that only works on manual right now, and in camera years (based on usage/photos taken), is about to kick the bucket.

He's Charlie, the 92 year old camera.

Oh Charlie, please live until Deidre returns from heart surgery.

(it's a motherboard of a surgery, literally, needs a new motherboard)

She's a fancy elegant, too expensive to take out on dates but we try, kinda gal camera.

(you can't help who you fall in love with in such tales, you see)

It's like, a camera movie thriller mystery suspense film in my land.

It's kinda fun, and kinda hard, to use a manual camera.

Sometimes I am not sure if my eyeball is seeing clearly.

But when I do get things focused well, the shots are lovely.

Just lovely.

So, Charlie ole guy, hang on!

I think the basil, with it's tender flowering, is going to make great arrangements for the shower, don't you?

I just recently let my basil start going to flower.

I have had so much basil, it's a crime really.

It's a basil forest.

And I didn't even dent the 4 huge areas of basil with the cuttings above.

I tried to gift some to the chef/owners at a local Italian restaurant in my tiny village.

They were appallingly rude.

I am like, it's a gift.

Please.

From me.

And, they said no.

No no no.

We don't want it.

We can't use it in our restaurant.

We can only use ordered things.

And I said, yes I know, but this is a gift just for you to use personally, the chef/owners.

Not to serve.

And they said, nonononononooo!

Like I was an evil witch with a poison apple.

Dang.

(I have never said dang in real life)

But dang.

:)

It's kinda funny now, looking back, since my heart isn't crushed anymore.

Haha!

But honestly, I get it.

They don't know if I water my plants with space monger water.

So, I get it.

It's a funny tale now, looking back.

Anyhow, I hope the basil and flowers are a hit at the bridal shower...

The butterflies are still here, now going on 6+ days.

And multiplying.

It's a phenomenon really.

Not sure if it is migration.

Or if they are from the gobs and gobs of caterpillars we had.

But, it's awesome either way.

And I am sooo happy they are here.

They fill a massive tree and 4 huge bushes now.

They are like confetti when they swirl around you.

So nice.

Okay, I must run, but I plan to be back super soon, because I have fun things to share, and I got behind with my busy week of drawings.  I love getting back to the pencil!  Love it!

 See you soooon.

Love, V

 

 

 

 

Butterfly Bonanza!

Hello Hello there!

Come on over for a visit at my house, won'tcha?

The butterfly bonanza has gotten insanely unbelievable over the last handful of days.

There are so many butterflies I can hardly believe it.

I know I talked about this the other day, however, I don't want my photos to stay hidden

in my photo files forever, so I just had to share.

 

I took all of these yesterday and today.

I think my nature loving senses are heightened because I have been in grueling 24 hour renewal courses for 3 days, for my previous career (real estate, you have to renew every 2 years).

9 hours for two days, and 6 for another.

I keep everything up to date and my license active, just in case, you know?

I am fond of back-up plans myelf.

I mean myself.

Well, my elf too.

But you know.

;)

So...

You have to pass all these on-line exams with 80%, it's insane and long.

Long long long.

Pleasant, but very long.

While I was attending the University of Arizona, my junior year, my dad convinced me to spend my summer in real estate school. (I was 21 or so)

Then you have to take national and state exams.

So I did.  It was hard studying times.

And 2 years after graduating from the U of A with a bachelor's degree, I went into real estate.

After doing a little interior design, and running my jewelry making business simultaneously.

All the while painting and painting and creating by night.

I did so many jewelry and art shows throughout those years.

Boundless endless energy I had.

I was in real estate for about 8 years (doing art/jewelry shows still),

 and then I plunged into my art world full time.

 

And so, here we are.

Almost 6 years now.

Not that you wanted to know all of that, haha!

Anyhow, I am bewitched by butterflies these last few days, after that visit into my past life.

Just when I thought it could not get any better in the butterfly department.

Here's the thing.

Over the last week, the butterflies have multiplied in numbers you only dream about.

I am not stretching the truth either.

There are some places in the garden where you can stand and be enveloped by about 500 butterflies, of all types.

Especially between two tree height desert broom bushes, that are flowering, not far from the cottage.

The photo below was my attempt to share the experience.

Multiply the amount of butterflies in the photo below by about 6, and you can imagine how many butterflies flutter around you.

It's just that they move so fast, it is impossible to photograph the experience properly.

I stand in the middle of them, and I feel like I am in an otherworldly fairy tale.

It is truly worthy of the word, magical.

Truly.

I wish you could see it for yourself.

It feels like a dream.

How on earth did this happen?

I just don't know.

I can't photograph them all, as some are so quick.

But I try as I might.

There are these big sherbet orange ones.

With a tinge of grey on the top wing edges.

And there is this elusive medium/large white one.

With a tinge of ultra light lavender on the wings.

I am on the hunt for that one, camera at my side.

Although I broke my really fancy camera (sobs on floor), so I hope these photos are okay.

(It's at the camera doctor. I hope he can fix it, my extended warranty had expired at Sony)

Sometimes there are 5 butterflies on one flower, but they take off so darn quick.

And fragile little yellow ones...

There are also these below, when open are bright orange.  While closed, they meld into the tree bark.

I wonder if these are moths?

Super orange and butterfly-ee once open though.

And of course, the giants below...

I like the photo below because sweetmeanie Matty is in the background.

(Matty short for Matisse)

He is like a cat.

Loves you do death, on his own terms.

Although, he loves me the best.

Then Lovee, then Miles.

Only, he doesn't let me have any friends.

He hates them.

All of them.

He doesn't care how nice anyone is :)

(although he seemingly likes grandma)

Last night he slept on the couch, while we watched a movie, with his super warm body pressed up against my left arm so tight, and his head on my chest.  Practically purring.

Then I moved less than an inch, and he scoffed angrily, so annoyed was he, and moved to the chair.

Then he shot me a dirty look.

:)

That's my Matty.

They (Matty and Miles) both just stare at the butters though.

They don't try to catch them like they do with the bees and flies.

Love the wing shape below...

I think butterflies have some fantastical secrets they hold near and dear.

Don't you?

Some wonderland world they come from, bringing a little into this world.

Yes yes, that must be it.

I am so glad they chose to live here.

Right before I took the photo below, there was a butterfly on each flower, but when I snapped, they took off.

Poof.

Just like that.

The towering 8 ft. plant below (there are two next to each other right in front of the cottage), is called a Mexican sunflower.  I think.

Pretty sure.

(Tithonia rotundifolia)

Yay, so glad to be back!!!

Woo hoo!!

I felt like those 3 days would never end :)

Party time!

 

Loove, V

 

 

 

Welcome October + Pumpkin Harvesting

It seems that the time has come for picking my last growing babes off the vine, and up from the earth. 

I planted seeds in April, watered all spring and summer, and now into early autumn -we pick. 

Yay!

My sign is pitiful, I know :)

I have brought several punkins in over the last couple months, but these are it.

Time to collect...

The last of the season from my lil' big pumpkin patch.

Right in my back garden.

There are a handful in the actual vegetable garden.

Surprise babies in there.

But they are still green and growing.

They came later in the season.

The veggie garden is still being watered, and even though it is technically autumn,

it is in fact still very hot and summer here.

So I am watering everyday, still.

And collecting lots of herbs, cucumbers and tomatoes, still too.

But now, it's time to say good-bye to 2012's pumpkin patch.

Fairytale pumpkins are delicious (below), best for eating they say.

I agree.

I baked a HUGE one in late winter/spring 2012.

Then pureed it.

Made oodles of pumpkin goodies from it.

Pies and more.

And the seeds inside made this huge baby.

Make sure you save any seeds from the biggest best pumpkins you happen to acquire this year.

Scoop them before you cook the pumpkin, rinse, then dry them on paper towels.

Save in a bag until spring.

Or, save the pumpkin until spring, if it doesn't rot.

That is what I prefer to do.

Taking the seeds straight from inside the pumpkin, to the earth.

It is so exciting, fulfilling and wonderful to grow pumpkins.

Having an extra giant pumpkin patch this year has been awesome.

Tons of work, but awesome.

It would probably cost less to go out and buy 40 pumpkins at the store, I know.

Time, water.

Time.

Water.

But still.

Collecting your own pumpkins is crazy fun.

We waited for the sun to go down, and then, in we went.

Evenings and mornings are cool, days hot.

So, it did feel a little autumn like, collecting the babes in the evening...

Lots of trips back and forth.

I am a happy girl.

Next, we need Mister Lovee to determine which one is heavier.

I already know, but I can't wait to show him the collection tomorrow in day light.

These, plus the others on the porch already, equal lots of happy pumpkins.

It's always bitter sweet to say this after 4 years of growing pumpkins.

Each year more.

But here goes...

"And that is the end of our homemade pumpkin patch harvest for 2012."

I can hardly believe it, the time going by.

So.

Fast.

Wow!

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps: Hello, Cupcake book winner......

#30

Jacqueline, Once Upon a Fairy Land!!

Hoooray!

E-mail me your snail mail address please♥

 

 

pss:  Thank you all for being so awesome and encouraging

about change and such♥ ♥ ♥

You're the bestest!

Pastries and Sweets dot com {& other delicious tid-bits}

Hello there!  I have sooo many things to tell you, my goodness.

Where does one begin?

(when he fit on my desk, sniffle)

First of all, I started a new blog.

Yes I know, insanity.

And, I am crazy excited for the Halloween Party.

I am working on the sidebar party list, to go live soon.

Anyhow, about the new blog.

I had built it and added the banner a long time ago, and as months went by I thought....

"Either I do this now, or I do it never."

The name?

PastriesandSweets.com

So excited about it.

Just a lil' place for all things sweet & lovely.

I plan to post regularly there.

Here.

Oh all sorts of goodies I have up my sleeve.

Nothing will change here at AFT of course.

But, for all things sweet you can visit me there if you'd like.

I put a few tester posts up to begin, and will add some new things right away.

As you know, I looooove pastry things.

The tools, the baking, the delicacy, the photos and more.

I stole the pic above and below from the post I did about my imaginary pastry shop.

Here.

Also, pleeeease bear with me as I make some exciting little changes around here.

On, the blog.

Isn't blog such a weird word?

Blog.

Anyhow...

I am working on some ads and sponsor things in my right hand sidebar.

I always felt funny about ads, until I fell into a love relationship with them.

I never realized how great they were, until in doing research for two years, I realized...

Hey, there are sometimes great coupons and things to gain from some of these ads.

(I love coupons!  Lovee taught me this concept, free money!)

Have you seen the Target ads on some blogs lately?

I love that scarecrow.

Tons of coupons too!!

Plus.

Sponsors rock.

Really rock.

New businesses to discover, new people to meet.

Sublime.

I always look at sponsors on blogs, you?

So, I am trying to find my own happy ad balance.

This is going to be a good thing.

And if it isn't, we can blow it up and move forward.

The thing is.

I need to try it out.

That way I can keep blogging forever.

I know you will understand.

I love blogging.

And sometimes, yes, it takes me two days to even create 1 post.

What with photographing and editing and all that jazz.

I have been doing it for 6 years.

It is in my blood, this blogging thing, and you.

You.

Such a major part of the puzzle.

Even the very quiet you's.

I know you are there, somewhere.

(hi there ♥ )

So, if you could bear with me, while I change some things in my sidebars and test

things out.  I would really greatly from the bottom of my heart appreciate it.

There are lots of changes in the behind the scenes here, and in life in general.

And, so, I am going to plunge.

It's for the good and wonderfulness of it all.

I hope you take advantage of the offers and such, and visit the lovely businesses that sponsor.

On another note...

Remember when I had little little babies?

Of the fur variety?

Loves.

I have these photos below blown up in my house.

But I veer.

About this new blog I've started.

To celebrate it, I took a book of mine from my fave fave fave book section...

I love this book.

Hard to decide, but...

I am gifting it away.

Yep.

Hello, Cupcake.

And, ordering another for myself ;)

It is full of fun and whimsical ideas.

But even better, you can learn techniques to make different things as well.

I looooove these chocolate monarchs, sitting on top of cupcakes baked in brown paper bags.

LOVE IT!

So there you have it.

Some of what I have been up to.

Along with a ton of cooking and major caring for the boys.

If you'd like, simply leave a comment to enter to win the book.

Fun fun!!

See you super soon.

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  I have redone my sponsor page.

Pricing, and stats info can be found here.