Entertainment, Holidays

Cute Halloween Treat Bags

OK, it’s official – I’m going a bit overboard with the Halloween theme – and am going to do individual treat bags. This isn’t the first year we’ve done bags, but those weren’t nearly as cute as these. I brought the idea to Dean and showed him how sweet they are, get it “sweet” – so I’m over doing puns too haha. He thinks they’re great, so this year instead of doing regular bags or tossing the candy into a bowl, everyone will get a broom bag filled with goodies.

Here is all you need to do to transform little brown lunch bags into magical witch’s brooms.

You will need the following materials for each bag you create:

  • Brown lunch bags – it takes 2 bags to make 1 treat bag
  • Broomstick – use a halloween pencil, tree stick, or festive item
  • Scissors
  • Twine – I’m using Halloween ribbon
  • Tags – Printable tags, however I ordered Halloween tags from Amazon
  • Hole punch, if needed
  • Treats and Favors to fill the bag

Directions:

Step 1. Take the first bag and cut thin vertical strips that end 1″ from the bottom. On the second bag cut vertical strips that are 4″ long from the top.

Step 2. Place bag 2 with the shorter strips inside the bag 1 with the longer strips.

Step 3. Fill the inside bag with the treats and favors and place the stick inside the bag, in the middle of the treats and favors.

Step 4. Using the hole punch, punch a hole at the top of the label. Thread the ribbon through the hole. Set aside.

Step 5. Gather up with long strips of the outer bag and leave about 3″ inches at the top and secure them with the ribbon by tying it around the bag and making a bow. Be sure to leave about 3 inches at the top.

Entertainment, Holidays, Style

Painted Pumpkins

Painted pumpkins are the complete package! They have style, provide enjoyment for all ages, require no carving skills, and there are no slimy pumpkin innards involved.

Here’s what you will need:

  1. Pumpkins, real or artificial, whatever size, shape or color you prefer.
  2. Acrylic paint – choose colors you love.
  3. Sharpee markers.
  4. Painter’s tape.
  5. Assorted painting tools like brushes, sponges, and don’t forget fingers are great tools too.
  6. Something to put the paint on – paper plates work great.
  7. Don’t skip coveringt the table. You can use a plastic tablecloth, craft paper, newspaper or whatever.
  8. Hand wipes, paper towels, hand sanitizer.
  9. Have Fun!
Cooking, Holidays

Yummy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Now that the pumpkins are carved, what can I do with all these seeds? Pumpkin seeds make a great healthy snack! They deliciously take on flavor, everything from sweet to savory. Here are some easy recipe suggestions for you to try.

For all of the savory flavors (breadstick, maple spice, and dill pickle), coat the seeds with olive oil, sprinkle on the seasoning, and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 300°F for 20–30 minutes.

Breadstick Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon basil
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon sea salt
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

Maple Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon fine salt

Dill Pickle Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon dill
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

For the sweet flavors (cinnamon-sugar and cup of joe), coat with melted butter bake and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 300°F for 20–30 minutes.

Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Pinch of salt

Cup of Joe Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1½ tablespoons espresso powder