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Modern Pumpkins

October 9, 2012

I’m trying to change it up a bit this year and infuse a little modern into my Fall decor.  I love the design trend of using geometric shapes.  So, I thought my pumpkins could sport some simple white triangles.  I think I’ve always leaned towards simple and clean design.  But, lately less is definitely more.  
This has been kind of rough couple months for our family.  In order to make ends meet, Lonnie has been working extra, teaching evening classes.  And on top of that, he is working on his Masters in Biology.  So, he is also at the University a lot.  Some days he leaves at 6:45am and doesn’t get home till 9:00pm.  He is exhausted, and I feel sorry for him having to work so hard.  But, it’s also kind of tiring for me too.  And we just miss having him around.  The kids get sick of me and want their dad.  We’re a team and around 7:00pm, I’m about done with single parenting.  If you are a single parent – my hat goes off to you.  I don’t know how you do it.  
I’m not sharing this to complain, I just want to be honest.  Life isn’t always exactly how you want it, sometimes you just have to chose joy and make the best of the situations.  I know this is just for a season, but sometimes in the middle of it, it’s hard to see the end.  
So, to help keep my sanity and have a little fun with my kids, last night we worked on painting these pumpkins.  Dylan really had the idea for the triangles. He wanted to do a pattern similar to his desk that I painted for him.  And for the little pumpkins, we wanted to make them look like they had been dipped in paint. 
We simply used blue painters tape and white craft paint to achieve these simple looks.
How do you deal with stress?  Or is life not as perfect as you’d like it to be?  

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Happy Halloween Party

October 8, 2012

I love a good excuse for a party.  Halloween parties are so much fun.  What’s better then costumes and candy?  Last year I managed to throw my kids a Halloween party with a one month old.  Not sure how I made that happen.  I’ve shared before that I’m not much for the scary side of Halloween.  So, here’s a few fun Halloween treats that have caught my eye this year.

I’m going to try to put together a party this year as well.  I figure you spend so much time and money on costumes, kids should get to wear them more then once.  So, sometime in the week before Halloween, we’ll have a little get together with treats and decorations.  Maybe a pumpkin carving party. 
Dylan and Denali are getting so big.  I hate to think that someday they aren’t going to want to dress up for Halloween in cute costumes.  I have got to maximize on the time I have with them now.  And I better start sewing their costumes soon.  I have Harry Potter cloaks to make this year.  

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Make your own ceramic beakers

October 5, 2012

A couple weeks ago I shared on Thrifting Thursday these cute white pitchers.  I wanted to mark them with graduated measurement lines.  Well, I finally finished their little mini makeover.  I made my own ceramic beakers!  Once I found the right supplies, it was totally easy, and a lot of fun to do.  These are going to make charming vases or pencil holders or who knows what – but they are cute!

I attempted painting the lines and numbers with Martha Stewart’s glass paint – no go, couldn’t get it to look nice.  Then I decided to try this Sharpie Oil-based Paint pen.  It worked like a charm.  I’m not sure if it’s dishwasher safe, but it’s definitely on their permanently.  I’ll probably just hand wash them to make sure.

Here’s how I did it:
1. Tape off the area that you will be painting in.  This gives you some guides to work with.  On one side of the blue tape, mark off in pencil the line and numbers where you want them.  Then mark the longest lines first.
2. Now mark off the medium length lines (that fall in between the long lines), then mark the tiny lines in between those lines.  
3.  Remove the piece of tape on the right.
4.  Write the numbers.
Let the paint dry for at least 24 hrs.
Ah the possibilities are endless.  Now to find more things to paint on with sharpie paint pens.  Do you have any creative ideas using paint pens and ceramic dishes?  
If you like what you see, BE A FRIEND!  Leave a comment, follow Oleander and Palm by email, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter.
Check out the Give Thanks plate I made using this same technique.  

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The Scooter Party – The details

October 4, 2012

Yesterday I shared some pictures from Olivia’s party.  Here’s a few more pictures of the details from the party.  On the dessert bar I served Pink Oreo Truffles, Sugar Cookies decorated with number 1’s, and Lime Marshmallows (recipe to come soon).  I also love to have candy jars and little paper bags so that the kids can fill their own bags.  Kids absolutely love this.  To go with the colors of the party I had mint green rock candy, Dark Chocolate Mint M&Ms, old fashioned butter mint in pretty pastels, and Strawberry Malt Balls.
For drinks I served pink lemonade in milk bottles decorated with my scooter decals and I kept a punch bowl full of, the ever popular, Lime Sherbet Punch.  

I know this is a lot of pictures, but I just had so much fun with this party I have to share.  I still want to share the lunch menu with you.  I had a clever idea for the lunch and I think it went over really well with a crowed house of guests.  So, I’ll be back tomorrow with more scooter party fun. 

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Olivia’s Scooter Birthday Party

October 3, 2012

We celebrated Olivia’s 1st Birthday on Saturday.  I think the Scooter Themed Party was a success.  I definitely enjoyed myself.  We were so blessed to have lots of family in town and lots of great friends.  Olivia was very serious, but just took in all the action.  There are lots of pictures so I’ll probably share these over the next two days.  But, to start, here’s the dessert table.
We set up Lonnie’s scooter outside with balloons on it.
All three of my cute kiddos.
She is really enjoying her new pink scooter.
I had so much fun putting this party together.  Olivia is such a blessing and even though she won’t remember this day, she can look back at the pictures and see how much she was loved.  
My mom was here for the party, so that meant that I didn’t have to do the cake.  She is amazing!  The cake was absolutely adorable and very yummy as well.
Olivia definitely enjoyed her cake.  Come back tomorrow and I’ll share more of the details and treats from the party.

And a special thanks to my sister in law, Lidy (Hello Lidy), for taking some of these pictures during the party.  What I relief to hand that responsibility over to capable hands.  It’s hard to throw a party and capture all the moments at the same time.  Thanks so much.

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Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee and Caramel Apple Crepes

October 2, 2012

Ok, I’m officially ready for Fall.  And what’s Fall without some yummy treats inspired by the season?  This weekend I made two yummy desserts – Caramel Apple Crepes and Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee. These might sound super fancy and complicated, but they really are so easy.  My secret is World Market.  

I have long been a World Market shopper.  It all started when I was in College.  I discovered World Market in Boise, ID and purchased an area rug there for my dorm room.  That was 15 years ago (ouch, I feel old), and ever since I’ve tried to make it there as often as possible.  I actually make it to World Market at least once a month.  It’s not always for their amazing furniture, home accessories, and dishes, but often for the gourmet and international food selection.  There are certain favorite items that I can only find there (like Birds Custard Powder, Papadoms, Crunchie Bars, and Tim Tams).  I love their seasonal products as well.  Right now the store is full of fun Fall and Halloween decor and treats.  And it’s so reasonably priced, that I can afford to be stylish.

I bought these cute little pumpkin shaped bake ware dishes to serve my Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee in.  They come in classic orange and this pretty cream color.  They would also be great for serving pumpkin or squash soup in, or just cute Fall candy dishes.  

This recipe has the warm spices of pumpkin pie, but the ultimate silky texture and creamy taste of creme brulee.  What could be better?  Using Dr. Oetker’s Classic Creme Brulee the guess work is gone and you know your creme brulee will be perfect.  I’m all for making things from scratch, but no one would even know this came from a box.  It’s that good.  

Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee
1 package Dr. Oetker Classic Creme Brulee
2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
a pinch of salt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg 

In a pot whisk together all the ingredients.  Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.  Simmer and stir for 30 secs.  Pour into ramekins or pumpkin bake ware.  Let stand at room temperature for about an hour.  Sprinkle with caramelizing sugar.  Broil for 3-4 mins or torch the tops until the sugar is brown.

To make my table ready for the season, I also bought these beautiful birch bark pillars to put in my hurricanes.  And what’s dessert without coffee?  How about Caramel Pumpkin Pie Coffee?

Here’s what I bought at World Market that made these recipes so easy.

Another Fall inspired recipe I came up with is these Caramel Apple Crepes.  I’m a huge crepe fan and make them often for dessert and breakfast.   My Grandpa was a Swede, so I think it’s my duty to my heritage to make great crepes.  I made these crepes using Kungsornen’s Swedish Pancake and Waffle Mix.  Holy Cow!  This was so easy.  Just add water – that’s it!  The crepes were perfect and my family ate them all and wanted more.  

I filled the crepes with a generous spread of Gaucho Ranch Dulce de Leche.  It’s a milk caramel spread form South America.  I rolled them up and topped them with sauteed apples and cinnamon whipped cream.  

Caramel Apple Crepes
1 box of Kungsornen Swedish Pancake Mix
Dulce de Leche
4 large apples, cored and sliced
Juice of one lemon
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 brown sugar
5 tbsp. butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Make the crepes according to the package directions.  

Saute the apples in the butter with the cinnamon and lemon juice until they become tender, about 12 mins. Sprinkle 1/4 brown sugar and saute 1 more minute, or until the sugar melts.

With an electric mixer, beat the whipping cream 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and vanilla until it makes soft peaks.  

Assemble the crepes. Spread about 1 tbsp. of Dulce de Leche in the middle of the crepe.Roll up the crepe, top with the sauteed apples and a generous dollop of whipped cream.

I had fun with instagram while shopping.  It’s such a great way to share your shopping finds and also document and file away future purchase ideas.  You can follow my instagram (@jeranmcconnel) here, and you can even follow World Market on instagram.   Here’s a few items that caught my eye this week.

World Market often has coupons and lots of special offers with their Explorer Program.  I make sure to follow World Market on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and check their website often.  This way I can see any new deals or offers.  You can even print out coupons.  Every time I shop, I just enter my phone # and I save!  

And you should definitely check out the Passport to Style Sweepstakes World Market is running right now. Here’s a little more information about it  and how you can enter. 

HGTV Passport to Style Sweepstakes
  • Grand Prize package includes: A $10,000 World Market shopping spree and design consultation with an HGTV Designer
  • There will also be 3 runner up prize winners that will each receive a $1,000 World Market gift card!
  • The HGTV Sweepstakes runs from September 22, 2012 until October 26, 2012.
  • If you share the sweepstakes with 5 of your friends (via FB share or email) you can receive 5 additional bonus entries. This is part of the registration process when entering. Users can also enter daily for more chances to win.
  • Enter online at WORLDMARKETSWEEPSTAKES.COM or FACEBOOK.COM/WORLDMARKET
This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™, but all my opinions are my own.

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    Monthly Baby Pictures for 1st Birthday Party Decorations

    October 1, 2012

    Every month I have taken a picture of Olivia in this black polka dot shirt in my green leather chair.  It’s been fun to see how she has grown and changed.  I decided to use the pictures as part of the party decorations for her first birthday party.  I simply strung up a piece of yarn on my mantel and clipped the pictures to it with mini wooden clothes pins.  I think the party guests really enjoyed this.   The green chair worked well with my party decorations, but the pictures could easily be all printed in black and white to go with any party color scheme.

    I started with her screaming newborn picture and ended with her one year picture where she’s standing pulling the books off the bookshelf.

    I actually bought the shirt in 3 sizes so that I could have to same look for all the pictures.  I wasn’t very consistent with the position of the camera or angle, but I’m ok with that.  I can still see her growth and remember all the stages.  I’ll put them in a little album now or maybe even make a little slide show out of them all.

    I wish I would have done this for my other kids as well.  I’m so glad I have this collection.  What are some of the special things you have done or will do at your children’s birthday parties?  

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    Thrifting Thursday: a nightstand with potential

    September 28, 2012

    Salvation Army saves the day again.  I picked up this small dresser for just $22, I waited for it to go 50% off.  I’m going to use it as a nightstand in my bedroom.  It will offer a lot more storage and a bigger surface for my lamp and bedside accessories.  It has a kind of weird laminate top, but I know how to paint laminate furniture.  I’m thinking about leaving it the two tone, it has the potential to look like something out of the pages of a West Elm catalogue.  
    The hardware is pretty great, I’m going to be keeping that. 

    What would you do to this piece?  Any suggestions or great ideas?  I’d love to hear.

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    Our Little Scooter

    September 26, 2012

    I thought I should better explain why we are having a Scooter Themed Party for Olivia.  This video shows why.  I’ve said that she doesn’t crawl, she hasn’t ever even tried to.  She scoots on are butt and propels herself forward with her arm.  She kind of looks like a monkey or a baby ape.  She’s fast when she scoots, so she sees no need to try any other method.

    This is her birthday present.  She just had to have this adorable rocking pink scooter.

    Scooter from Jeran McConnel on Vimeo.

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    It’s a Small World Party

    September 25, 2012

    My niece, Carolina (Olivia’s almost twin) turns 1 just 3 days after Olivia.  I put together some  decorations for her It’s a Small World themed party.  They are huge Disneyland fans.

    And here’s the invitations.

    All printables are available at my etsy shop.