Happy Halloween! {printable}

Happy Halloween! Tonight's the night for ghosts, phantoms, and frights. I hope it's creepy, crawly and everything it's supposed to be. My wish to all of you: "eat, drink and be scary!"

Feel free to download your very own copy of this printable image. It might seem premature, but why not prepare for Halloween 2013?!

Our neighborhood has postponed trick-or-treating until Friday night, so what will we be doing instead? We'll spend the night drinking witches' brew and watching only the most horrifying flicks. Sounds like a frightfully good time, dontcha think? Once you've turned off the front porch light, I expect you to do the same. Yes, that's an order. Satisfy your sugar tooth with a few of those candies you stashed and enjoy a glass or two of spiced cider!

Also, just in case you missed some of the other Halloween projects, you can find all of them here.

I'm linking to:

DIY Showoff | S3 | Classy Clutter | A Little Tipsy | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | Somewhat Simple | My Simple Home Life | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things

Homemade Chai Tea Latte

Have you ever had chai tea before? It's rich, spicy, exotic and a little sweet all at once. I wanted to share a recipe for homemade chai spice mix with all of you so you could make the best cup ever. Well, that was until I went to the grocer and saw just how much you'd have to spend on the individual ingredients. At that point it just didn't seem practical anymore. Then it hit me, why not share a penny pinching recipe instead? 

You too can whip together a steamy cup of chai tea just like your local Starbucks barista but at a fragment, a very small fragment, of the price. 

Insta Replay Monday #6

I'm writing this a few hours early on the off-chance we don't have any electricity or internet due to the now infamous Frankenstorm that is supposed to berate the East Coast with torrential downpours, hurricane like winds, and maybe even snow. Let's hope not though as I don't want a replay of last year where ALL of the beautiful, mature trees in our neighborhood snapped in half.

Anywho, HAPPY MONDAY! We're back this week with the sixth Insta Replay Monday. This past week was pretty relaxing and full of wholesome goodness so I can't complain. The Mr. and I stopped by our favorite pumpkin patch and bought some gigantic pumpkins. We crafted some Dia de los Muertos sugar skull decorations together which might have been my favorite part. We also went to the movies TWICE (we kind of have the best movie theater ever). I babysat some really adorable kids. I went to dinner with a friend from college and the best advisor ever. It was so nice especially given the stress of the past few weeks/months. 

And yes, that is the Mr.'s behind. Shhhh don't tell him. 

I'd be oh so happy if you'd consider following Spool and Spoon on Instagram so I can follow back! I'm pretty much addicted to the site; it's like Twitter only a bajillion times better. Seriously, who cares that you checked into the gym when you could post a picture of your super cute running shoes instead?! Also, did you know Spool and Spoon has a Facebook? Hop on over so you don't miss any of the fun. 

Scarves: The Ultimate Fall Accessory

My favorite accessory, especially when the temperatures drop, is definitely a scarf. I wear one almost everyday, no lie! Maybe yesterday's infinity scarf tutorial hinted at that. Scarves can work with every outfit in your closet and you'll always look fabulous.

Those are just a few of my favorites that I've collected over the years. A girl can never have too many shoes, diamonds, or scarves. Just sayin'.

Tutorial: 30-Minute Infinity Scarf

It's official. I'm back on a crocheting kick. Despite having known how to crochet for nearly two decades, I still have no idea what the names are for most of the stitches so sharing my more "complex" projects would probably leave you more befuddled than anything. Here's a super simple infinity scarf that even the most beginner of beginners can whip up in less than one episode of your favorite tv show.

Pecan, Pumpkin and Ricotta Quick Bread

When it gets cooler, the first thing I like to do (besides pulling out my snuggie) is baking. Nothing marks the change of the seasons quite like filling the house with the aromas of warm baked goodies. Yesterday, I grabbed the last mix I had from our Williams-Sonoma shopping trip and threw together this delight: Pecan,  Pumpkin & Ricotta Swirled Quick Bread. Geez, that's definitely a mouthful (and a delicious one at that!).

Yep, this is a QUICK bread. No yeast, no waiting, no nothing. I highly suggest you make this in a jiffy. Yep, I said that.

Insta Replay Monday #5

Welcome to Insta Replay Monday! I hope you had a fantastic weekend because the Mr. and I definitely did.

We spent a lot of time relaxing and it was perfection. We went to a Halloween party on Friday night as Honey Boo Boo and Jim Halpert as Book Face. On Saturday, we literally spent the entire day snuggling and watching movies: Ju-on, Coffin Rock, What to Expect When You're Expecting, Grave Encounters 2, Hocus Pocus, and The Hunger Games. It was the best day I had in forever. And on Sunday we got to celebrate the first birthday of our best friends' daughter (aka our niece). As nice as this weekend was, I'm looking forward to enjoying some more time at home.

I'd be delighted if you'd consider following Spool and Spoon via email or through Google Friend Connect; there are plenty of other photos for you to discover on my Instagram! Also, did you know Spool and Spoon has a Facebook? Hop on over so you don't miss any of the fun. 

Honey Boo Boo Costume

I'm sorry for being absent this week. Sometimes, life just gets away from you and you have to spend a few days playing catch up. While I was MIA, I also moonlighted as the one and only Honey Boo Boo at the annual Halloween party (aka Liquor Treat) on Friday night. 

Like my costume?

We kinda slacked this year and didn't decide on our costumes until an hour or so before we had to leave. Unfortunately, he didn't let me dress him up as Sugar Bear like I had wanted haha. 

You too can make your own costume for Honey Boo Boo or any other Toddlers and Tiaras pageant princess!

Try Something New: White Truffle Oil

One of my favorite accent condiments is white truffle infused olive oil. I had never seen it at any of our local grocers but when browsing the aisles of HomeGoods a couple of weeks ago, I came across a perfectly sized (and priced) bottle. Yeah, it jumped into my basket faster than I could blink. 

You see, our first exposure to truffle anything was at our all-time favorite restaurant in historic Skippack village. The Mr. had truffle mayonnaise on some sort of steak and he went nuts for it and insisted I try. I must admit, it was delish. Another talented chef dressed up the all-American classic of french fries with a drizzle of truffle oil and it was out of this world. That tends to be what I do most, but below are a few ideas for how you can bring it into your family's meals.

Imagination {Printable}

Once upon a time, Mr. Mark Twain said, "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." How perfectly stated is that? Sometimes you need to let yourself look at things a bit differently especially if you're in a creative funk. You'd be amazed at all the new things you could discover.

download your hi-res 5x7 copy here

I'd be delighted if you'd consider following Spool and Spoon via email or through Google Friend Connect; there are plenty of other printables, simple tutorials and mouth-watering recipes for you to discover! Also, did you know Spool and Spoon has a Facebook? Hop on over so you don't miss any of the fun. 

I'm linking to:

DIY Showoff | S3 | Classy Clutter | A Little Tipsy | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | Somewhat Simple | My Simple Home Life | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things

Insta Replay Monday #4

Welcome to Insta Replay Monday! I was up to a whole lot of nothing this week but maybe it was just what I needed to recenter myself and focus on what's really important.

I'd be delighted if you'd consider following Spool and Spoon via email or through Google Friend Connect; there are plenty of other photos for you to discover on my Instagram! Also, did you know Spool and Spoon has a Facebook? Hop on over so you don't miss any of the fun. 

Meat Lovers' Turkey Lasagna

Is there anything quite like a delicious homemade Sunday supper? I doubt it. 

Last weekend our amazing next door neighbor stopped by with homemade tomato sauce. The Mr. likes spaghetti so that was my first instinct, but special sauce deserves a special meal. I went to the grocer and stocked up on everything I'd need for something that would definitely whet the Mr.'s appetite: Meat Lovers' Lasagna. To lighten it up, I went with three varieties of turkey (ground, sausage, and pepperoni). 

Tutorial: Felted Acorn Garland

As you may have guessed, I'm spending the weekend on the couch while recuperating. It's a bit disappointing because I would have preferred to be at the pumpkin patch or a haunted house or two but you gotta do what you gotta do. At least I can share some Autumn goodness with you through this festive garland.

How darling are those little felted acorns?

Ouch!

So sorry for the lack of updates this week. If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you probably already know that I suffered a pretty nasty injury on Wednesday night. I'm doing a bit better, but there was a point where I was panicking beyond comprehension (because that's what I do best).

the newest accessory to join my closet: a post-surgical boot

I spent the entire night in the hospital and stayed home today. I had anticipated to write up a post or two since I had taken the day off and was stranded on the couch but things never go as planned. Turns out that it's really hard to focus on material when you're taking painkillers that knock you out. Even if I had the mind power to write, the electricity went out midday so it wasn't even an option. Hopefully I'll feel a bit better tomorrow night and be able to get all caught up. Again, I'm so sorry. 

Some things to look forward to in the next couple days:

• homemade lasagna
• felt acorn garland
• dog crate cover (if I can manage the presser foot...)

I hope you'll check back soon! Until then, have a great day and do your best to avoid jagged glass at all costs. 

Tutorial: Doggie Tutu and Puffy Bow

Once upon a time we welcomed our second "child," Quinn, into our lives. She's adorable and easygoing so I was looking forward to getting her into a Halloween costume this year. Even the neighborhood kids have expressed interest in Quinn getting dressed up... bwahaha.  I thought a simple tutu and Halloween bow would be perfect without being too over the top.

Tutorial: Washi Tape Suncatchers

I really must have an obsession with craft supplies. It's not bad enough that I'm a regular at A.C. Moore, Michael's, AND Jo-Ann Fabrics but then I go and get snagged by Pick Your Plum and The Plaid Barn. Golly... well, at least I know where my money is spent haha.

One of the more recent craft product sensations has been washi tape. I like Down Town Tape because it's probably the best selection and price around (and no, they didn't pay me to say that.) Way back when, I made a washi tape bunting with a couple of my favorites. My stash has grown quite a bit since then so I decided to whip up something sunny to turn around the grey days we've been having around here.

Insta Replay Monday #3

Welcome to Insta Replay Monday! This past week was stressful as all heck but there were definitely some highlights... Take a look!

Are you on Instagram, too? If so, do you put only "important" things on there or do you share random stuff like me? I'd love to see for myself... care to share your username? Please and thank you!

I'd be delighted if you'd consider following Spool and Spoon via email or through Google Friend Connect; there are plenty of other photos for you to discover on my Instagram! Also, did you know Spool and Spoon has a Facebook? Hop on over so you don't miss any of the fun. 

Paint Chip Goodie Bags

Yesterday I mentioned that I had an Autumn goodie bag tutorial that was perfect for the cookies I made and today I live up to my word!

I'm all about being green (and cheap) whenever I can so it's nice when I find new ways to use old things.

Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Do you know what is momentous about today's post? It's NUMBER 100! I probably should have planned ahead and did something centered around that premise, but instead I share a ridiculously delicious cookie recipe. Sue me! ;)

I'm sure you've heard the old adage: why fix what's not broken? That's the way I feel about the classic double chocolate chunk recipe from Nestle Toll House. Well, that was until I decided to donate some cookies to a bake sale fundraiser and felt the need to go above and beyond the norm. I grabbed a container of Skippy and a bag of mini peanut butter cups and got to work.

How yummy does that bite look? Chunks of bittersweet chocolate and entire morsels of peanut buttery goodness... what's not to like? Evidently they were fan favorites at the bake and I can't imagine why, tee-hee!

Fabric Candy Corn Treat Bags

Ahhh, October! It's beginning to get cooler and the leaves are starting to change. It's time to deck the halls with cobwebs and skeletons and start singing Monster Mash! This weekend I got around to dressing up some fabric treat bags for our favorite kids. Not only are these adorable, they're also super easy and NO-SEW!  Sweet!

Want to find out how to make a set of your own? Read on!

Insta Replay Monday #2

HAPPY OCTOBER! I can't believe that Autumn is in full swing already... Yay! 

Anywho, we're back for week numero dos of Insta Replay Monday! I hope at least one of the pictures from this week gets you a bit intrigued as to what I'm up to on a day-to-day basis. 

As with last week, feel free to ask anything you want about the pictures.

This isn't show and tell so normally I wouldn't throw in any blurbs... but what about that spider?! EEEEEK. It had been staked out all week on our patio, until today... DUN DUN DUNNNN. The Mr. came to my rescue and finally took care of it today. Have I mentioned how much I love him?

I'd be delighted if you'd consider following Spool and Spoon via email or through Google Friend Connect; there are plenty of other photos for you to discover on my Instagram! Also, did you know Spool and Spoon has a Facebook? Hop on over so you don't miss any of the fun.