Scrappy Halloween!

Was there ever a doubt that I would dress up the pups for Halloween? We found out that Pete really loves a good costume and the reason why-he thinks he's going for walk. I could never deny my little monsters so OMP took them out trick or treating.

At first Pete wanted to be Frankenstein

Everyone thought Lola looked best as a Dinosaur. I think Pete wanted to eat the caveman.

Everyone loves a clown, except Jujube....

Pete finally settled on being a bumble bee. C'mon dad! There are tricks to be done and treats to eat! Let's go!

Scrappy Halloween everybody! I hope that it's full of scrappy goodness, lots of treats and a few tricks.

Salivating Saturday

It's soup season and I love a good chowder. I've always been afraid of making them from scratch but I found the easiest bisque/chowder recipe known to man.

Shrimp and Crab Bisque
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules (this is one cube, crushed)
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
garlic to taste
1 1/2 cup half and half cream
1/2 pound shrimp
1/2 pound crab
1/2 cup white wine

In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, bouillon granules, onion and garlic.
Blend in 3/4 cup of half and half into the mixture.
Mix in shrimp and crab
Turn temperature to medium/medium high heat, stirring until mixture thickens
Blend in the remaining half and half (the other 3/4 cup) and wine into the mixture. Allow to thicken a little more. The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

We made bread bowls and served it up. It was so amazing! If you don't like seafood you could make a vegetable bisque. I now have a new favorite soup.

Feel Good Friday

 Booooooo! Scary Feel Good Friday! You made it to Friday without any spooky ghosts chasing you down. Now it's time to party like a the cool ghoul you are!

Flossbox rocks my socks!

I love a good ghost story. I can't think of a better way to spend a night, then by the fire, hearing a wonderful spine chilling story. American Folklore has every story you can imagine. There are some you can read and others are told via podcast. Just make sure you listen with the lights on.

 

I NEED these! Or can someone can teach me how to tat? TotusMel has so many beautiful creations.  The rings are stunning and I love the necklaces. Everything is so delicate and spectacular. 

Who's the happiest Halloween cat in the whole world? C'mon, give mom a kiss!

Okay my little beasties! Get out there and get your candy on! Beware of bumps in the night-you might fall over them-HA! Happy Halloween!

Too Many Cooks

I can't believe that I haven't posted these cute little chefs before. My favorite, of course, is the chef sewing his sock. I also like that these are kind of manly and would be great on a dude apron. Hee hee!

Guys and Ghouls

Wanna know what I hate? Infomercials. I despise them with a passion. Wanna know why? Well, because some nimrod at a local station is thinking with his wallet and not about quality television. Yeah, some joker decided to get rid of the cast of late night hosts and those wonderful movies they would show into the wee hours of the morning. It makes me shed a tear every night that I have insomnia. Look Mr. Television-I don't need the Ronco record cleaner, what I need is good dose of bad movies with a creepy/sexy/goofy host.

From the humble beginnings of television in the 1950's, late night horror hosts like Vampira and Zacherely paved the way for other greats such as Chilly Billy, Cool Ghoul and later greats like Joe Bob Briggs and Elvira.

Probably one of my favorite hosts, although her show was short lived is Vampira. She had is all-looks, dry humor and great "B" movies. Not only did she show low grade movies but also starred in them. She played a ghoul in Plan 9 From Outer Space. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention-James Dean was totally in to her. Could this woman get any better. Other sexpot hosts like Elvira, Moona Lisa and Stella the Man Eater from Manayunk owe their careers to Vampira. She paved the wave for smart, sexy sassy women in the "B" movie host genre.

I'm not sure what it is about Ohio but man, can they produce a great horror movie host. Beginning with Ghoulardi. He hosted a late night show, a Saturday mystery show and a kids show. A hipster beatnick who loved to play rock n' roll and jazz, Ghoulardi was often more popular than the movies he presented. The show was insanely popular and continued on with The Ghoul and then with Son of Ghoul. Cleveland, I love you for the simple reason that you cherish the late night movie and the host that trudges along with us through the forest of the low budget movie.

Times have changed and the movie host right along with it. Joe Bob Briggs brings the smart ass humor that is essential to the cult movie. Often during his viewing of movies you would get a running body and breast count. Sure he was a redneck and very often you were shocked by what came out of his mouth but the humor was so low brow that you couldn't help but giggle.

There are still late night TV host out there. They are on the web and yes, if you can believe it, still on your local TV stations. The bloodsucking informercial has not killed all of my fun. Every time I go to Chicago I insist on watching my favorite late night host after drinking way too many cocktails and downing a plate of nachos. I personally don't think there is any other way to enjoy the late night movie and host, but eh, that's just me. Happy Halloween all you guys and ghouls-may your dreams be filled with corny movie host and bad movie monsters.

PS-If you want to see a fun documentary on the subject of late night movie host, check out American Scary

Salivating Saturday

I am so not with it. Whoopie Pies have been on the scene for some time now-my only problem is that I am not a big marshmallow person and because of that, I have been avoiding the whole scene. Well, no longer! I decided to make the pies with a creamy icing filling instead of the traditional marshmallow They may not be the prettiest thing but man are they good.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup packed dark brown sugar (this will give it a more caramel aftertaste)
1 large egg
1 cup unsweetened applesauce (this gives it a very nice smooth fluffy texture)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners' sugar
Preheat oven to 375. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg; beat until smooth. With mixer on low, alternately add flour mixture and applesauce, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until smooth (do not overmix).
Drop dough by heaping tablespoons, 2 inches apart, onto two baking sheets. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cookie comes out clean, 9-12 minutes. With a thin metal spatula, immediately transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool completely.
Meanwhile, make filling: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat vanilla and remaining 1/2 cup butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners sugar, beating until smooth.
Spread bottom of half the cookies with 1 tablespoon filling each; sandwich with remaining cookies, pressing gently so filling oozes out slightly.  Let rest 15 minutes to set.

Like I said before, these little guys may not be the prettiest thing around but they are so tasty.  I thought the icing would be too sweet but the cake part is not very sweet at all so it really balances out. The dark sugar gives the pie a wonderful caramel aftertaste that goes great with coffee.  Enjoy!

Ohhhhhh! Scary Halloween Patterns!

Normally I would be posting patterns from my own collections but tonight, I'm showcasing other patterns. There are several reasons for this but the number one is that I am tired and being lazy tonight. So enjoy and forgive me for wanting to snooze for a little bit.

 This wonderful pattern comes courtesy of She Brews. Her blog rocks!

 

What an adorable little witch! I love the puzzled look of the kitty. Quixotic Pixels has the best pictures! I want to be a part of her family. 

 

I am a sucker for anything Dia de los Muertos. This very cool sugar skull does not disappoint. Special Thanks to Elemental Stitches for offering this up.

Last but not least, make sure you check out Craft Gossip. They have the best free patterns from all over the net. You might even see a few from me in there.

YAWN! Sorry guys! I'm so sleepy! I'm gonna curl up next to the fire for a little snooze. Have a great night.

Tie One On Tuesday!

 I can't believe that Halloween is almost here. My house is all decorated, my costume is ready, all that is left is to mix up my favorite concoctions for my adult trick or treaters.

For all those blood suckers, I have the Vampire Kiss. This drink is so easy to mix up. It's a shame if you didn't make it.


Vampire Kiss
3 oz Champagne
1 oz Vodka
1 heavy splash of Raspberry liqueur
Fill a specially prepared glass* with ice
Add in 3 oz of Champagne and 1 oz Vodka.
Top the drink with a heavy splash of Raspberry flavored Liquor.
For an extra special touch, garnish with vampire teeth and serve.
Special prepared glass*
Pour ¼ cup of Clear Corn Syrup into a wide, shallow bowl.
Add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until the syrup has a bright red color.
Using a clear glass tumbler dip the rim in the syrup mixture and set the glass on wax paper and allow to dry overnight.  The syrup will drip down the glass creating the desired "dripping blood" effect.


When the undead come for your brain, offer up the Brain Fluid Float  instead. It's much taster than brains or other body parts, trust me.

Brain Fluid Float
2 ounces melon liqueur
1 ounce vodka
1 ounce irish cream (bailey's)
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass.
Add ice, shake, and strain into a cocktail glass.


For the swap monster in your life, give them The Bayou Slime. This yummy drink will remind them of home and put a big smile on their scaly face.

Bayou Slime
2 oz Dark Rum
6-8 fresh mint leaves
1/2 oz  Spiced Cordial Syrup
1 egg white
Muddle mint leaves and syrup together, making sure to crush the mint leaves.
Place all ingredients into a shaker.
Shake until well-chilled and frothy.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with additional crushed mint leaves.

Oh boy! Do those drinks sound yummy! I may not wait until Halloween and just have my own little trick or

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

I'm so excited that Halloween is almost here. Have you gotten your costume yet? Lola, Pete and Jujube are all set for a night of barking at every trick or treater that comes our way. Just in case you haven't picked out a costume yet for your little beastie-here are some ideas.

There is no escaping how wonderful this costume is. Get it wonderful...wonder woman...Hello? Is this thing on?

I got a rock

Wait, this is a costume? At Casa de Pedersen, it's just another Saturday night.

It's Schmo, the outlaw cousin to Comet. He's not invited to the Family Christmas party anymore since the Baked Alaska Incident.

Well, as you can see there are many options for you buddies. They are silly, others are scary and some are just plain weird.  Just remember this Halloween to keep chocolate away from your pups, make sure they don't eat the glow sticks you attach to them when they go trick or treating and last, and this one is crucial, don't ask for a trick, dogs are notorious for being tricksters and unless you want your house TP'd or something left on your doorstep that smells-give them a treat and a hug too-cause everybody needs those. 

Feel Good Friday!

Let's hear it for Friday and hear it for boobies! Quit rubbing your eyes-you read it correctly. Boobies! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and you need to stand up and demand research, compassion and a cure for Breast Cancer. There are so many ways to get involved, these are just a few options.


Probably the most well know agency and website is Susan G. Komen. They have loads of information and links for you to check out. Whether you were just diagnosed or have someone close to you who is surviving cancer as we speak, this website is for you. Check it out and sign up to volunteer, in any capacity, today.

If volunteering isn't your thing-you can lend a hand by shopping! I love the color pink, so supporting the cause via shopping is not difficult for me. The Breast Cancer Store is a wonderful way to help every woman get a mammogram. It's pretty amazing! Another great thing about this site-not everything is pink and ribboned. They have lots of options.


WARNING! NAUGHTY WORD AHEAD!
My good friend Tara stitched this up awhile back. It was a featured project on Craftster. I think it pretty much says it all. 

Now head out and take care of those breasts! Have a boyfriend, husband, girlfriend or wife help with the self examination. I'm sure they won't turn down a chance to touch those spectacular ta tas. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. I want all of you to be around for years and years! Happy Healthy Friday!

It's a Virtual Yard Sale!

I'm doing a little fall cleaning and decided to give you the opportunity to buy some of my wears. These are just a few things and in the coming weeks I will be doing some more cleaning and selling.

How can you purchase these wonderful things, well let me tell you.
If you want to buy something you must:
1-post a comment on what you want-claiming it.
2-Email me that you are interested in purchasing it. In the email include your address so I can figure out the shipping cost. I will let you know the exact amount and the paypal account to transfer funds to.  My email address is v1313@hotmail.com
3-Once I receive payment, I will ship the item out to you.
4-Payment must be made within 24 hours after me telling you how much the cost is with shipping. If I do not receive payment within 24 hours of that time-the item goes to the next person.
All sales are final-just like a regular yard sale. You will pay for shipping to your destination. I will try to get the lowest price but I demand that I get you a Delivery Confirmation number.


First...Boots and heels.

 These are vintage camel color boots with cute stitching on the calf and the toe. They are scuffed on the heel and slightly on the toe, but it really adds character. Size 6.5. Cost $20.00

Black riding boots-pleather. Zippers up the side and laces in front. Slight scuff on toes. Worn twice. Size 7. Price $20.00

Black and white pleather cowboy boots. Worn twice. Size 7. Price $20.00

Hot pink go-go boots. Size 7. Worn one time. Price $20.00

I love these strappy heels but I have never worn them. They are a size 7. I believe the heels are 2 or 3 inches. Price $10.00

Now for the clothes!

Green mini dress with white polka dots. You could totally rock the Marsha Brady with this dress. Size 12/14. Price $10.00

Pink seersucker see through dress. Would definitely look cute with a slip underneath it. Size 14. Price 15.00

 

 Blue 1960's girl polyester shirt. I really love the texture. Size 10/12. Price $ 10.00

 

 Super hot pink nightgown and robe. PERFECT for a honeymoon night. It is in perfect shape. Size 12/14. Price $20.00

 Beautiful vintage navy dress. In perfect condition except for slight worn stains in armpit area. This can be taken care of by cleaning it. I love this dress so much but my chest just won't fit into in anymore. It is a size 10/12. Price $40.00

Cute little swing jacket. Navy blue. Missing top button. Size 12/14. It would look really cute with the dress above. Price $15.00

The Easter Egg sweater. I use to wear this sweater a lot in the spring time. It looks so cute with a pair of cuffed jeans. In excellent condition. Size large. Price $20.00

The 70's called and they invited you to a swinging party. I can just picture someone wearing this with their Farrah hair going on. In excellent condition. Size 12/14. Price $20.00

Cute psychedelic pink blouse. This baby is bright! Some hem work needs to be done but no holes or any other damage. Size 12. Price $10.00.

Oh yeah! 1970's wheat shirt. Ya gotta love the polyester style. Size 12/14. Price $10.00

Tie One On Tuesday!

Hello all you guys and ghouls. This is your ghostest with the mostest, ready to serve you up some tasty beverages that will tickle you with deadly delight.

This first drink is for my favorite "celebrity" Mr. Guy Mandude. I know that he will love this simply dreadful Dead Man-Go

Dead Man-Go
1oz Honey vodka
1 oz Mango Nectar
4 Slices Ginger Root, Finely Chopped
1 Tsp Agave Nectar
2 Slices Orange Wedges
1 Splash Raspberry Liqueur
In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the ginger and orange, and add vodka, juice and nectar.
Fill with ice, shake well and strain over ice into a rocks glass.
Garnish with a splash of raspberry liqueur.

Now here's one for the woman after my own heart...and yours too.

Blackberry Widow
1 oz vodka
2 oz  Dark grape juice
1 Tsp Raw sugar
4 Slices Fresh ginger
4 Whole blackberries
In a mixing glass, muddle together blackberries, ginger and sugar, add vodka and dark grape juice.
Fill with ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled Martini glass.


Now, don't think I've left out those little monsters you spawned a few years ago. Those beasties need their cocktails too.

Witch's Brew
To prep your glass:
On a plain salad plate crush 10 chocolate cookies.
On a separate plate pour ¼ cup honey.
Using a clear glass mug, dip the top rim of the mug in honey, then dip the rim into the crushed wafers, coating the rim.

When complete simply add the contents of your drink.
4 Parts Spiced Apple Cider (recipe below)
1 Part Ginger Ale
honey and crushed chocolate cookie crumbs (to rim glass)
Gummi worms for garnish

In a medium sized pot add 4 sticks of cinnamon and 10 whole cloves to one quart of apple cider.
Let simmer for one hour then remove the cinnamon and cloves.
Pour 4 parts of the cider into a specially prepared glass mug.
Top with 1 part of ginger ale and serve.

Oh my little evil children-I hope you enjoy these simply dismal delicious drinks. They may seem like a little bit of work but I guarantee you that they are easier than creating your own monster. Besides, if you serve a few of these concoctions,  you will have anyone do your evil bidding. (Insert evil cackle here)

BRAINS......

Last week I wrote a post about monsters and my sister from another mister, Becky asked about zombies. Now of course I can't disappoint my sister, so Becky-this one is for you!

There are three reasons I love zombies:
1-They love you for your brain
2-Zombies don't leave, they can't move too well and they may have lost their legs.
3-The love to go shopping! Hello! Original Dawn of the Dead!

Starting off with a little appetizer we are serving up Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things. OMP is a huge fan of this movie and I have to admit, I am too. Even though the special effects are strictly "C" grade (using a waving flashlight beam as a flickering firelight) the story is all "B" baby. A theater troupe decides to go to a remote island, do a little "druid" ritual and dig up their dead friend. Little do they know that their buddy is all zombiefied  and the rampage begins. The zombies are the one thing that the producers didn't skimp on-they are truly terrifying and extra gooey.

Now we get to the main course. I'm not really sure why zombies have to be SS soldiers. Sometimes they seem to go hand and hand ala Zombie Lake and Dead Snow. Shockwaves is the best of the Nazi Zombie movies. Yes, for some reason there is a genre. Anyhoo....Shockwaves has Peter Cushing in it and that makes me very happy. A yacht crashes off the coast of Florida thus summoning the zombies and the nibbling of brains begins! I'm still unclear how the nazi zombies ended up in Florida but hey-I can suspend belief for 2 hours.

Oh my goodness! We've made it to the dessert! Versus is probably one of the best Japanese zombie movies out there. You have gangsters, a resurrection forest, and lots and lots of blood. So much blood.  Oh wait! Did I mention the samurais? No, I am not kidding. A prisoner escapes and heads to the forest with a little cutie only to fight off gangster and zombies and have flashbacks of being a kickass samurai. It's a crazy combination that works brilliantly.

All right all you fans of the undead. I could go on for hours and hours about crazy zombie movies. It truly is one of my favorite genre. The one thing that I am going to say is shamble on down to your favorite video store and rent these three awesome flicks.

Salivating Saturday

Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! I love anything pumpkin-pie, cake, seeds. Add a little spice to that orange mass and you've got yourself a delicious dish! I ran across this recipe for pumpkin brownies and I couldn't resist. Pumpkin and chocolate! I'm in HEAVEN!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip  Brownies

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin-pie spice (if you don't have pumpkin spice, you can make your own with 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon each allspice and cloves all ground-I use less ginger but that's totally up to you. )
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups sugar1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 to 1 package chocolate chips (I used milk chocolate but you can use semi sweet also)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pie spice, baking soda, and salt; set aside

With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth; beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in pumpkin puree (mixture may appear curdled). Reduce speed to low, and mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake until edges begin to pull away from sides of pan and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan.

Lift cake from pan (using foil as an aid). Peel off foil, and use a serrated knife to cut into 24 squares.

These taste great with tea and coffee. The bitterness along with the spicy sweetness of the brownie is a perfect fit. I think I just described myself. Anyhoo! Enjoy!

Feel Good Friday!

 It's Friday! Oh yeah!  I am so excited that we are getting into the Halloween season. The house is almost decorated, the fire is blazing and I'm ready to settle into a Feel Good Friday. Let's see what I have for you my little kiddles.

I really think I need this cute little felted pumpkin cupcake. Fabric Fancies has adorable cakes, pin cushions and wreaths. Each cake is made to order, which makes them even more special.

I absolutely have the biggest sweet tooth known to man. I can't help it. If you dangle a donut in my face, I will follow you anywhere. When I saw these banana split bites, I about dropped over dead. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea! P.S-this has nothing to do with my theme but I couldn't help it.

Head over to Bakers Royale and check out these wonderful tasty treats. Here's the secret. There is ICE CREAM INSIDE the bananas! No, I am not kidding you! It is brilliant. 

When Staar84 posted this over at Craftster I instantly fell in love. The Raven is stitched up from the famous Edgar Allen Poe poem. It blows me away!

This is the perfect costume for Pete. I'm pretty sure that he has already built his jet pack.

Okay guys and ghouls! Once again, Turner Movie Classics is showing Hammer Horror films and this time we have ZOMBIES! I'm off to stoke the fire, heat up some apple cider and have the dogs attack my bunny slippers. Have a great weekend everybody!