Halloween recipes

Hi all! So, I'm going to make this short and sweet. I've been busy cleaning this mess of a house and now feel like I'm combating a cold. However, I did tell you that I would share if I found any good recipes, and I haven't found anything that's blown my socks off... But I did find a couple that are cute and deliciously unhealthy. 

For something sweet, I'm going to make these yummy-looking cookies that have a lovely hint of festivity.

And for an app, I'm going to make some sort of a combo of these two dishes:

They're really quite similar, so it might be as easy as adding sour cream to the first one! Hopefully my concoction turns out!

images and recipes: The Faux Martha, Divine Dinner Party, and Skinny Taste

witchy woman

... but not this Halloween! While my witch dress is my backup plan, all the stars are aligning this year and my lifelong dream of being Snow White is finally coming true (what? it's normal!) After seeing a Snow White makeup tutorial on Classy Cosmetics (love her, by the way!), I chatted away to my coworker, who happens to have access to a Snow White costume up for borrowing! Yahoooo! Stars. Aligned. If that didn't fall into my lap, I would've gone with my old witch dress and these awesome eyes.

I thought it might be fun, more for you than for me. For me, more embarrassing, but full disclosure here, folks. So. I thought it might be fun for you to see my past Halloweens. I don't have pics from all of them, unfortunately and nothing is extremely creative, but I do love the holiday and decking out like somebody else!

2010: Hamburger and Hamburglar

2009: Fred and Wilma

2008: Witch

... and Flapper

2006: Fairy*

2005: The original witch

So that's all I have! I've also recently been a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Cher (or some other non-specific '70s gal.) What are you planning to be this year? I need to find a Halloween themed app. If I find some good options, I'll share!

*OMG. Have I never mentioned this? In 2006 I dated Ryan Gosling from October 30-November 1. It was great.

Images: Lover of Makeup, and me

Tasty Tuesdays : Potato, Bacon, and Brussels Sprouts Hash

This hash was DELICIOUS! Being a brussels sprouts lover, I indeed did love it. My relationship with this green veggie wasn't always so positive. I remember being young and having to clean my plate of them in a rather disgruntled state. I've since changed my tune and would be willing to bet this dish could make a brussels sprouts lover out of anyone.

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ pounds Russet potatoes
5 slices Applewood Smoked Bacon, nearly frozen
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts
1 onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Lots of freshly cracked pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup MSG free chicken broth
A few shakes of Tapatio Salsa Picante Hot Sauce, or hot sauce of choice
1/2 to 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
 

YOUR TASK:
1. Scrub potatoes and stab all over with a fork. Place on a paper towel lined plate and microwave on high until pierced easily with a knife. Cool a bit, peel off skins and cut into large dice. Set aside.
2. Clean and peel outer leaves from Brussels sprouts. Cut off stems and cut into quarters. Set aside.
3. Cut nearly frozen bacon into small strips. (Bacon cuts easier frozen). Place bacon in a very large skillet over medium to medium high heat. Cook until crispy. Turn off heat and remove bacon from skillet with a slotted spoon and strain on paper towels. Leave bacon grease in the pan.
4. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet. Turn heat to medium high and add diced onion, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook until translucent and add Brussels sprouts. Cook until softened.
5. Clear a small area of the skillet and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds or just until fragrant then mix into the sprouts. Add potatoes and warm through. Add chicken broth and hot sauce and stir.
6. Let potato mixture brown and crisp with chicken broth, folding the mixture occasionally. This may take awhile. Hash will be done when there are some crispy parts, the broth is absorbed, and everything is heated through. Stir bacon and Parmesan cheese into hash, taste for salt and pepper and adjust seasonings if needed. I cooked until everything was caramelized a bit.

Enjoy!!

Recipe and photo: The Cooking Photographer

Be my bridesmaid? DIY

There's a good chance you've seen this ADORABLE diy making its way around the web, but it was too cute not to share. Bethany of Rinse, Repeat made these "be my maid?" boxes to send her prospective bridesmaids. Being an attendant in a wedding can be quite a big deal (emotionally, monetarily, physically), so it's fitting to make the asking a big deal to!

Totes adorbs, no? (p.s. Am I allowed to say that without you wanting to punch me?)

images and genius idea: Rinse, Repeat

pucker up

I don't often post about fashion and style, but I've been loving the look of lipstick lately. It has a way of pulling an entire look together.

via the daybook

via The Cinderella Project

via Pinterest (not credited)

via the daybook

 via Glitter and Pearls

via Beauty First

Unfortunately, whenever I purchase lipstick or gloss, I end up being indifferent to it and just end up buying something else. Over and over again. Not great for the pocketbook! Anyone have any shades or brands that you love?