Creative Juices Decor: October 2015

Healthy Pumpkin Protein Muffins

Hey Friends!

Where do I start? :-)

I found this recipe about a year ago and I haven't stopped making it since. I even have the recipe memorized and it takes me MAYBE 7 minutes to whip this up. I have it for breakfast with coffee ALL....THE....TIME!

It is SOOOOOOO yummy and healthy!
My husband loves them too (and he's not even a "health nut" like I am.)

I've experimented with the original recipe MANY times and have finally come up with the PERFECT combination. They are incredibly moist and dense.

Did I mention these have NO sugar and NO flour in them? Ya, crazy they taste so stinkin good :-)

THERE'S MORE! Click to read this full post :) »

Fun and Creative Healthy Halloween Snack Ideas

Can you believe it's just about HALLOWEEN!?

I found my daughter putting costumes on our new puppy the other day. OH MY! Did I tell you how sweet this dog is? To say she is a tolerant and mellow puppy would be an understatement. She was perfectly happy to be dressed up in wigs and hats by our 8 year old - ha!

I have come across the cutest (and somewhat healthy!!) snacks for Halloween and Thanksgiving. These are all easy to make so be sure and save them as reference!

Banana Ghosts and Clementine Pumpkins!

THERE'S MORE! Click to read this full post :) »

It's Not Too Late to Inexpensively Decorate Your Mantel for FALL! Tips and Tricks

Hey Friends!

The leaves are starting to turn into an array of gold, orange and red and I've even had to turn on my fireplace a few mornings.

I like it :-)

You can simply and affordably turn your mantel into a Fall masterpiece by adding natural elements like gourds or mini pumpkins to it. You can also fill rustic vases with leaf covered twigs, vines or apple branches.

rustyheart

One of my favorite ways to bring the natural elements inside is with birch logs! You can see my post on how to decorate using birch logs for even more inspiration :-)

When decorating, think about using WARM colorful elements like orange and yellows. Pumpkins are gorgeous on a white mantel - you could even engrave your monogram on it!

Or if you are not very good with a carving knife, you could just use a black sharpie and draw a fancy letter.

You could also create some of your own natural art with leaves.

You guys know how much I enjoy decorating for LESS so let's get creative :-)

How about spray painting an old thrift store frame RED and hanging leaves on a strung ribbon? I think it's beautiful!

You can check out my Red Frame spray painting tutorial on how to create your own easily!

Also at thrift stores you can find SO many different candle holders - start collecting them and then spray them with Krylon's oil rubbed bronze and put mini pumpkins on them for a look like this!

I Really liked this idea by Landee, she printed out leaves and had her family write down things they are thankful for on each one. Next she strung jute string across a frame and used mini clothespins to attach the leaves to it.

We have a TON of acorn trees nearby and I thought this idea of filling up dollar store vases with acorns and vanilla spice candles was fabulous!

dollar store vases with acorns and candles

I hope I have stirred up some of your Creative Juices!

What idea is your favorite - do you think you'll add them to your own mantel?

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TOP 5 Easy, Fast and Yummy Crockpot Dinner Meals

Hey busy friends ;-)

I always like including extremely practical advice on this blog. Usually it is home decor related but you guys know I throw in quite a bit of recipes, crafts and other fess up stuff!

So for those super busy people, who *might* choose to go out instead of having a healthy, home cooked meal, I wanted to share my TOP 5 Easy and Simple Crockpot FAVORITES.

(Now there are no excuses, a hot, home cooked meal is awaiting you when you get home LOL)

#1) FIESTA CHICKEN

This is my family's FAVORITE!

You can see the full recipe by clicking the link above BUT all this consists of is a block of cream cheese, chicken breast and SALSA. Honestly folks, YOU CAN DO IT! :-)

#2) PULLED PORK SANDWICHES

I will buy the set of 4 pork loins at Costco and keep 2 in the refrigerator and freeze the other 2.

This is SUCH a yummy meal! Just set 1 or 2 pork loins in the crockpot and pour BBQ sauce on top. Set on low all day (8+hrs) and when you come home just shred up the pork! You can put the shredded pork on hamburger buns or just over a green salad.

alexandersmkt

If you want to get "fancy" you can pour a can of root beer over the meat in the beginning and then about half way through cooking add 1/2 the jar of BBQ sauce. Once it's completely cooked and shredded you can decide to add the rest of the BBQ sauce or just squeeze extra sauce individually on the roll. (I usually put mine over a green salad)

#3 APPLE SAUSAGE and RICE CASSEROLE

I love this one in the fall as it smells like cinnamon and apples (with a kick of sausage - ha) :-) The only thing you need to do ahead of time is have 3 cups of brown rice cooked.

aidells

Once the rice is cooked, you just dump it in the crockpot, cut up sausage, apples, and veggies of choice! Mix it all up with 1/3 cup water or chicken broth and set on low for 5-7 hours. (You can also add raisins and cinnamon for a real autumn taste, see link for more details)

#4) EASY Bean and Cheese Burritos

These are SO GOOD! Just dump 2 cups dried pinto beans with 6 cups chicken broth and set on HIGH for 6-8 hours. (You can see full directions by clicking top link)

Spoon the beans and some cheese on a tortilla and lightly sear the sides to melt cheese.

YUMMY :-)

(P.S. They also work well as leftovers in kids lunches.)

#5 Chicken Tenders over Rice

This is HANDS DOWN the easiest cheater meal I have ever made (and I make it often - ha!) ANYONE has time to make this so NO excuses to not have a home cooked meal ready ;-) Simply buy a big bag of frozen chicken breast tenders or thighs (I buy mine at Costco) and dump enough tenders that will feed your family. Next pick ANY pre-made bottled sauce that you are in the mood for:

Teriyaki
Sweet and Sour
Honey Mustard
Osaka Ginger.....you get the picture :-)

Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

thegratefulgirlcook

DONE! Just spoon it over rice.

I use my rice maker BUT you could always buy pre-made microwavable rice at the store too.

And as a little extra.......

the BEST veggies for your crockpot are potatoes, sweet potatoes and any type of squash. Just stick them in the crockpot and turn it on low all day. They come out PERFECT! See the squash link for another AMAZING recipe!!! (My husband's favorite)

For those that are looking to buy a crock pot - this is the #1 bestseller on Amazon. I like the programmable ones - they even keep it warm after it's done cooking! (affiliate link)

Crock-Pot Programmable Cook and Carry Oval Slow Cooker

What do you think? Was it convincing enough to pull out your crockpot and give these a try??? Share this with anyone who might need some easy ideas! :-)

It will save you quite a bit of money AND be a lot healthier than going out!

affiliate link

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Easy FUN FALL Kids Craft! Crayon Stained Glass Pumpkins

Happy FALL my friends!

I recently received the craft book that I was featured in.

The picture is a bit glared out but it says, "Selina Hoit Crayon Stained Glass" :-)
(I even got paid - I feel special LOL)

I LOVE doing this craft with the kids (I've even done it with their entire school class before) so I thought it would be a perfect craft to share it on the blog :-)

This project does require adult supervision BUT is there really any craft that you aren't at least AROUND for? ha!

You can always do this project on top of an old towel to take extra precaution with your surfaces. Then lay a sheet of wax paper on top of your working area.

FIRST have fun shaving crayons. You can use a pencil sharpener, a peeler or even a plastic knife just to collect the shavings. Lighter colors work best on this project.

As you can see, this is in the GENERAL shape of a pumpkin :-)

Next, lay another piece of wax paper on TOP of the shavings. With an iron on the lowest setting possible, dab it across the top of the wax paper. You will see the crayons begin to melt.

Make sure and hit the edges of the design with the iron too as that will "glue" the two pieces of wax paper together. Below is the final melted and "glued" wax paper lifted up.

Next just cut out on the wax paper your pumpkin (or fall leaf) design! You can google "black and white line drawing" of any fall print you would like. (ie pumpkin or leaf etc) Just slide that drawing under your wax paper and use a sharpie to outline it and then simply cut it out and put it up in your window!