Pumpkin Vase

Today I'm going to share with you a lovely way to transform your boring pumpkin into a charming, colorful addition to your seasonal decor. This idea comes from the 2007 November edition of Martha Stewart Living Magazine.

Tools and Materials:

Cylinder vase

Scissors

Pumpkin

Pumpkin-carving tool

Spoon 

Flowers

Directions: 
1) Carve an opening at the top of your pumpkin. (Note: be sure to make the hole opening large enough to fit the entire width of your vase down in).
2) Scoop out and discard pulp and seeds.
3) Fit vase inside pumpkin and fill three-quarters of the way with water.
4) Cut ends of flower stems off diagonally to appropriate length.
5) Arrange flowers inside vase. (I used a autumn seasonal bouquet mix, but you can also include pressed leaves or berries).

This craft was linked up with the following:
Crafty Moms Share

Sweet & Salty Fall Treats

I've been wanting to make a little seasonal treat that I thought we'd all enjoy. So I decided to make a batch of chocolate covered pretzels. They're sweet. They're salty. They're crunchy. What's not to love?!

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

This treat is easy to make and ideal for any occasion. Here's how I made mine:

What you need:
- 1 package (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips
- 2 dozen pretzel rods
- Chocolate and orange sprinkles

What to do:
- Place semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and heat until melted. (NOTE: Be sure to stir after every 20-30 seconds).
- Hold rod by it's end, and dip it into the chocolate about half way.
- Allow to cool
- Place white chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and heat until melted.
- Dip rod in (on chocolate covered end) about a quarter of the way.
- Shake on sprinkles while chocolate is wet.
- Allow to cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator.



I'm pretty sure this little treat was a big success! My two-year old little girl seemed to think so anyway ;)