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21. pocket apple pies
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fall wreath
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fall stone leaves
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3. painted autumn leaves
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4. baked pumpkin doughnuts
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5. wash buckets with pumpkins
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6. apple chimichangas
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7. leaf bowl
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8. apple candle holders
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9. apple cinnamon waffle parfait
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10. stained glass waxed paper leaves
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11. pioneer woman cinnamon rolls
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glitter pumpkin candle holders
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13. halloween puppy chow
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14. fall luminarias
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15. caramel apples
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16. qtip tree
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17. cinnamon doughnuts
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18. apple candle holders
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19. leaf placemats
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20. candy corn
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21. pocket apple pies
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22. fall pumpkin craft milk jug
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23. applesauce spice muffins
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24. leaf rubbings
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25. apple pie cupcakes
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26. witches brew
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27. pumpkin patterns
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28. bread pudding
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29. thanksgiving garland
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30. pumpkin sourp
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31. dry ice pumpkin
It's October and our attention turns towards Autumn. For those of us not native to southwest Florida, Autumn seems to be the time we most yearn for the change of seasons and fondly remember the bright orange, red and yellow fall leaves that signal that October has arrived. If we're lucky enough, we have an October vacation planned that includes Autumn color, crisper weather and apple dessert.
We have 31 days of food, crafts and fun ideas to help you celebrate Autumn with your family. It may still be hot in Naples but in your home it can be Autumn all month!
1. Easy Leaf Wreath. A bunch of leaves you pick up off the ground, a cheap wreath form and a hot glue gun and you have this really pretty, sophisticated wreath to hang on your front door throughout the fall months The designer used brown leaves she found in the summer so our Florida leaves will do just fine! If you'd rather have a little color, pick up a bag of fake leaves at Joann's or Michael's.
http://www.thespacebetweenblog.net/2012/08/06/diy-leaf-wreath/
2. Fall Leaf Paperweight Stones. The website doesn't have instructions but these paperweights are simple to make. Gather a handful of light colored stones (or buy a bag at Lowe's) that have flat sides. You'll also need a package of paper napkins with fall leaves or other fall motifs on them. Cut the leaves carefully out of the napkin and use Mod Podge to decoupage the napkins to the stones.You can use the stones as paperweights or cluster a few together on a tray as a centerpiece.
http://www.craftideas.info/html/fall_leaf_stones_d.html
3. Painted Autumn Leaves. These leaves can become the basis for many of the projects we're featuring this month so make them early so you can be creative later! Kids will love painting them and mom and dad can glue on the wire so you have a fun family project. I think the simple branch of leaves in a white vase shown in the the last picture on the blog is just beautiful.
http://milkteaandpolkadots.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-11-30T09:00:00-06:00&max-results=10
4. Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts. These delicious treats are made with Bisquick as the base. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top while still warm.
5. Galvanized Tub Decoration. Pick up one of these galvanized tubs at Home Depot and fill with a variety of Autumn-themed items: pumpkins, gourds, corn cobs and trailing vines. You can put everything on a layer of hay (Michael's has prepackaged hay in small bales). Wrap a string of white lights throughout the tub to give it even more impact. So pretty outside your door!
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/d3/59/c1/d359c1b20e23963c3a8cf9900274a21e.jpg
6. Apple Cinnamon Chimichangas. Tortillas and a delicious apple filling equal delicious dessert. Leftovers–if you have any–can be warmed up in the microwave.
http://jcocina.com/apple-cinnamon-dessert-chimichangas-autumn-apple-party-for-sundaysupper/
7. Leaf Bowl. I love, love, love this project. It's easy enough for kids to do (or help with) but it really is pretty enough to display. It doesn't look crafty and it would make a really nice gift. I have seen the fake leaves online and in Micael's so you shouldn't have any trouble getting them.
http://thekrazycouponlady.com/family/thrifty-fall-decor-diy-leaf-bowls/
8. Apple Candle Holders. Here's a super-easy idea for decorating your house or as a centerpiece for your dining table. Just hollow out apples and insert a votive candle. Easy and SO pretty.
http://www.examiner.com/article/how-to-make-apple-candle-holders
9. Apple Cinnamon Parfait. This delicious after-school snack uses Eggo Waffles as the base. Yogurt and apples make it a tasty and nutritious snack that is so easy to make!
http://eatlittlebird.com/2011/08/05/cinnamon-donuts/
10. Stained Glass Wax Paper Leaves. Another fun craft for the kids that gives you a final product you can use in other projects. Mom or dad will need to do the leaf cutting and help with the ironing. But even little ones will enjoy dropping the crayon bits onto the leaf shape and then watching the magic as they melt into beautiful orange, red and gold swirls. Tape your leaves to a window, hang on thin string or use as bookmarks!
http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2010/09/how-to-wax-paper-and-crayon-fall-leaves.html
11. The Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls. Yes, they are a little bit of work but your family will feel the love if you make a batch of these.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/cinammon_rolls_/
12. Glitter Pumpkin Candle Holders. These tea light holders are so easy to make and so pretty. A small version would be beautiful as an individual decoration at a dinner party or place several on a tray.
http://leelala.net/2011/09/diy-glitter-pumpkin-candle-holders/
13. Halloween Puppy Chow. I admit that this isn't my favorite treat but I know lots of people who love puppy chow mixes, kids especially. This recipe is altered just for Halloween.
http://www.yourcupofcake.com/2012/10/halloween-puppy-chow.html
14. Fall Luminarias. This beautiful craft is from the Martha Stewart blog but it's also really easy. Be sure to read the reader tips after the instructions for some helpful hints to make the project even easier. You can put either candles in glass containers inside or the battery operated lights.
http://www.marthastewart.com/273501/autumn-leaf-luminarias
15. Caramel Apples. We've all made them! Just melt the caramel and dip away. But why not go one extra step this year and dip your apple into sprinkles or other small candle. Tie a bow on the stick, put it into a waxed paper bag and you have an awesome party favor!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/caramel-apples/
16. QTip Tree. Yes, the instructions are in Italian but you won't need them. Just look at the photos and you'll easily figure out this craft. Kids use QTips and paint to create tree paintings–as easy as can be and very cute. I'd have the kids make these on purchased blank notecards to use an invitations or thank you cards.
http://laclassedellamaestravalentina.blogspot.com/2011/09/un-pennello-un-po-speciale.html?m=1
17. Cinnamon Doughnuts. These remind me of the delicious doughnut at Lurcat on Fifth Avenue in downtown Naples. Make a batch to serve at a potluck or when you have aa crowd on Sunday for a football game.
http://eatlittlebird.com/2011/08/05/cinnamon-donuts/
I8. Apple Candle Holders. What could be easier than hollowing out a pretty red apple and putting a votive candle inside? Arrange a bunch on a platter or put one individually at each place setting.
http://www.examiner.com/article/how-to-make-apple-candle-holders
19. Easy Leaf Placemats. Another one that is so simple but will get a lot of use. Have the kids arrange the packaged autumn leaves (again) on construction paper and then glue down securely. Have the placemats laminated at Staples and you have a useful, daily reminder of Autumn!
http://hsbapost.com/2012/10/30/leaf-placem
20. Candy Corn Yarn Craft. This simple craft is perfect for children 4 and over. All you need to do is wrap cone-shaped styrofoam to make a really cute and simple centerpiece that is perfect for Halloween.
http://mooneyequalsmc2.com/2011/09/29/easy-yarn-craft-candy-corn/
21. Pocket Apple Pies. You will need a mold (available at Williams Sonoma) for these cute desserts but it's well worth the effort to get one. They are delicious and easily packable for a lunchtime treat.
http://www.the-crafty-penguin.com/2010/10/pocket-apple-pies.html
22. Milk Jug Pumpkin Treat Container. Have older kids make this pumpkin container for dispensing your Halloween candy.
http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/halloween.html#pumpkin
23. Applesauce Spice Muffins. A delicious breakfast treat with tea, afterschool snack or dessert. There's nothing better than apples and spice!
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Applesauce-Spice-Muffins-108784
24. Leaf Rubbings. This is the perfect fall craft for even the smallest in the house. All you need are leaves, paper and beeswax crayons. Scroll down about halfway on the link to find the instructions.
http://rhythmofthehome.com/2010/08/autumn-crafts-for-little-ones/
25. Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream. Apple Pie? Cinnamon? I'm there! How delicious would these cupcakes be with a cup of tea? I admit to skipping the apple toffee decoration of top–it seemed like a lot of work and I don't even know what a baby apple is but the rest? Delicious!
http://simply-delicious.co.za/2011/06/24/apple-pie-cupcakes-with-cinnamon-buttercream/
26. Halloween Party Food. You'll find a ton of neat recipes on the Food Network site including this awesome "witches brew" punch. You still have a few days to plan your menu for Halloween evening–enjoy!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/menus/a-spooky-halloween-soiree/index.html
27. Free Jack O Lantern Patterns. Tape the pattern right to your pumpkin and cut right through paper and pumpkin for a cool Jack O Lantern.
http://www.pumpkinmasters.com/free-patterns.asp
28. French Toast Bread Pudding. Delicious made with leftover challah bread (Publix sells a really good Challah bread locally). This pudding is simple, delicious and pretty easy to make. I like to serve it with sautéed apples.
http://sigalsasson.wordpress.com/2012/04/
29. Thanksgiving Garland. Yes, I know, it's still October but this garland is beautiful and I really want you to make it for Thanksgiving so I'm giving you time to have it ready for your holiday feast. All you need is raffia, paper, scissors and pens. Make the garland ahead of time and then have your Thanksgiving guests write what they are grateful for, one to a leaf. Or, do as the author suggests and make a garland with 30 days and have your children write what they are grateful for once per day throughout November. Such a sweet way to teach your children to think about all that is good in their lives!
http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2009/11/thanksgiving-garland/
30. Ginger Pumpkin Soup. This is a super simple soup to make with easy to find ingredients and using canned pumpkin. Delicious as a sophisticated starter to your Thanksgiving meal.
http://www.countryliving.com/recipefinder/ginger-pumpkin-soup-3268
31. Spooky Fog Pumpkin. Such a cool idea for decorating your home on halloween. Greet your trick or treaters with a spooky fog pumpkin. All you need is a Jack O Lantern and dry ice. Dry ice is available at various Naples Publix stores.
http://chemistry.about.com/od/halloweenchemistry/a/jackolanternfog.htm