Fall...I love everything about it...the decorations, cooler weather, the colorful leaves on the trees, the smell of pumpkin....  Since I held a fall craft class last night, it was only fitting that I make one of my favorite fall recipes-Pumpkin Muffins.  This simple dessert has only two ingredients in it.  Yes, you read that right...only two!  Let me show you how to make them.

Place a box of spice cake mix (I used Duncan Hines) and a 15 oz. can of pumpkin in your mixer.  Blend well.  (You don't need to add eggs, oil, or anything else.)

Spray your muffin tin with a non-stick spray and drop dough by spoonfuls into muffin tins.  I used the tiny bite sized variety.

Bake at 350 degrees for 13 minutes.  Adjust the time for larger muffins following the directions on the cake box.

  Enjoy this wonderful fall treat!

Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite YA (Young Adult) authors.  She writes about many topics that teenagers face.  Although I'm several years past that stage in my life, I know a few girls who aren't, and it gives me a glimpse of what their world might be like. Ms. Dessen makes one think about the actions of themselves and others.  Her books show different opinions and viewpoints that teach valuable life lessons.  So, when teenagers ask for great book suggestions, I  have an answer ready.  Plus, a good book is just that...a good book, and I enjoy reading these YA novels myself.

Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she'ss been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.
 
That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking website around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, thepromise of college and a future. It's a dream come true, so why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?

Best-selling author Sarah Dessen explores the heart of a gutsy, complex girl dealing with unforeseen circumstances and learning to trust again.

My husband was quite excited to find rhubarb in the store the other day, because he could then make his favorite dessert...Rhubarb Pie.  I may need to explain to my southern friends that rhubarb is a fruit that looks like celery but is red in color.  It's even stringy like celery but tastes much different.  Whereas celery is very mild in flavor, rhubarb has a bitter/sour taste. 

The recipe below was given to Arlin's mom at her wedding shower in 1961.  It's been a favorite in the family since then. 

Let's get started making it.

You'll need 2 cups of rhubarb cut into fine pieces (1/4 of an inch or smaller).

Add two rounded tablespoons of flour. 

A cup of sugar goes in next.  Mix all ingredients. 

Place mixture in pie shell. 

Pour 3/4 cups of heavy whipping cream over the top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. 

Cool before serving.  Was that easy, or what?  Darlin Arlin was in heaven eating his favorite pie! 

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  Let me know if you have any questions. 

These fun Halloween treats were quite a hit with my stamping club friends, and I bet they would be with your kids, too.  They are so easy to make with Stampin Up's new cellophane bags that measure 1x8 inches...just the right size to add a single row of candy, a licorice stick, a couple of pixie sticks, or two pencils...to name a few. 

For the tag, I used the Batty for You stamp set by Stampin Up, the 1 3/8 circle punch, and the scallop punch.  For the additional little sayings...Frankie's Fungus, Bat Boogers, Pumpkin Poop, Ghost Droppings, and Vampire Blood, these were typed up on my computer using the Kristen font, size 12.  They were punched out using the word window punch and then were added to the tag with a black brad.  I adhered the whole tag to the cellophane bag using tiny glue dots.  Matching ribbon was then added.  Cute, huh?

20 Skittles of the same color were placed in each bag.  A large bag of Skittles made 21 treats. 

I got the inspiration for these yummy treats from one of my favorite blogs-Kerry's Paper Crafts. 

Thanks for dropping by my blog.  If you have any questions or would like to place a Stampin Up order, just let me know. 

I have to tell you...passwords drive me crazy.  It seems that I'm always adding more and more of them to the list, so I made this cute little book to help me keep track of them. 

I started out with two plain craft coasters.   They measure 4x4.  You can purchase them at stamp on this .

Next, I glued patterned scrapbook paper on one side of each coaster...

...before flipping the coasters over and adding a coordinating print to the other side.  I found that using a craft glue stick worked best to adhere the paper to the coasters.  Because my coasters were rounded at the corners and my paper squares weren't, I cut the paper with my small scissors following the shape of the coasters.  Then, I took my small sanding block and sanded all four edges of each coaster front and back. 

I decorated the front as shown using my circle punches, a scallop circle, monogram stamps, and ribbon. 

Before binding my booklet with the Bind It All, I placed blank index cards (also cut to 4x4) in between the front and back covers.  I had to round the index cards with my corner rounder. 

Now I have a pretty little book to help me keep track of all those passwords!

Thank you for stopping by my blog.  Let me know if you have any questions. 

Pocket cards are one of my favorite cards to make.  They go together very quickly, are cute, versatile, and easy to make.  They are also a great way to use up scraps of paper that are laying around.  I was first introduced to these when I visited a Stampin Up demonstrator's blog named Becky Roberts.  Follow these easy steps if you want to learn how to make a pocket card.

Cut out two shapes from the Top Note diecut using the Big Shot.  One should be a solid color and the other a print. 

On the patterned paper, score it at the top at 1 1/2 inches.  Fold it back on the score line and adhere the flap down with adhesive.  Place the patterned shape on top of the solid and adhere around the very edges. 

Make the card that will be inserted into the pocket.  The white cardstock measures 2 x 3 1/2 inches.  Add some colorful ribbon and secure it with a brad.  Stamp your sentiment next.

Place the card in the pocket, and finish it off with more pretty ribbon. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog.  If you have any questions, let me know!