Have a spooky sweet Halloween with these fun and festive sugar cookies! They are my all time favorite holiday recipe for buttery soft and delicious cut out cookies.
I love to bake Sugar Cookies! The possibilities are endless especially for spooky season. These cookies are sure to be a hit at any Halloween party. This recipe yields about 4 dozen cookies.
Halloween Sugar Cookies
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Ingredients:
3 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup softened butter (not melted)
1 1/2 cups of granulated white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Directions:
Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, set aside. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add in the vanilla. Gradually blend in the sifted ingredients until fully absorbed. Cover dough, and chill for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheets. On a clean floured surface, roll out small portions of chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. You can find all kinds of cute and funny Halloween cookie cutters here.
Time To Bake!
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are barely brown. Allow cookies to cool for on the cookie sheet for 5-10 minutes. Then move from cookie sheets onto wire racks to finish cooling. Once cooled decorate using your favorite royal icing colors and flavors. You can also use buttercream frosting for an fun and easy decorating idea for children.
These cookies will keep their shape nicely and remain soft and chewy long after being cooled. They will be a big hit at parties! They remain fresh for 2-3 weeks if kept in an airtight container.
Bake ahead and store in the freezer. They will remain fresh for 3-6 months as long as they are wrapped tightly in plastic and kept in an airtight container. I honestly don’t know who would wait that long to eat them. Enjoy!
I hope you enjoy making this recipe, if so share it and also see my classic recipe for Easy Royal Icing!
Witchy Boo Halloween Tees and Accessories are here! Fall is my favorite time of year! The chill in the air as the temperatures drop and leaves begin to change means one thing…Halloween is near! Stay warm and comfy with these Halloween sweatshirts and hoodies, or if you live in a warmer climate stay cool in these cute and comfy tees.
***This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***
This year I have also added Popsockets, Iphone, and Samsung cell phone accessories! This cute design comes in ten styles and several colors, also available in Men’s, Women’s and Kid’s sizes. Get one for each member of the family to create a spooky matching family outfit! I wish you a safe and Happy Halloween! All items are linked below, and don’t forget to Eat, Drink, And Be Scary! See Buttery Soft Halloween Sugar Cookies
Prepare your home for autumn with fall decor from Amazon.
It’s never too early to get ready for fall, and if your are currently experiencing a heat wave you may be looking forward to it. You can start decorating as early as August all the way up until the holiday season. It’s no surprise that retail stores like Target And Walmart already have their fall decor and Halloween candy on display!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Coastal Fall Ideas & Inspiration On Amazon
Fall is all about using natural materials. When decorating for fall in a coastal themed home, the usage of pastel blues, neutral fabrics and light shades of turquoise and teal keep things coastal, while adding a nod to the coming holidays. Muted color pumpkins in cream and aqua blue blend perfectly into the coastal aesthetic.
Click to purchase Blue Pumpkin Fall Table Runner on Amazon
Here are five ways to add coastal fall to your home decor.
Use cream, white, and aqua muted color pumpkins.
Fill spaces with coastal style candles in neutral colors.
Use white, blue or driftwood lanterns filled with pumpkins.
Fill seagrass or woven baskets with cozy blankets and pillows.
Decorate with seaglass, starfish, and seashells in glass jars.
Fall decorating does not have to be expensive. To keep costs down, I like to stick to staple pieces that transition from season to season using my same color palette.
Everyone has a story. I believe that some things in life happen to us for a reason. I also believe that by sharing our stories we can heal other’s who may be in the same situation. I’m finally ready to share my story about how the beach saved my life. It’s something I have kept a secret for far too long. But it’s a story of survival that I hope will one day inspire someone.
***This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase. Please, see my affiliate disclaimer for more details.***
My Story
Just two short years ago, I was homeless. I lived in my car for about a year. I still can’t believe that I’ve had this experience. I always thought having a good job and going to college would protect me from being homeless. I also felt like a huge failure as my world all of a sudden spiraled out of control. I currently own my home and my experience makes me appreciate it that much more!
You may be wondering how could an educated person with income end up like this? I was simply the victim of a bad rental situation. In 2018 I rented a tiny, one bedroom in law apartment that was attached to a two bedroom main house to save money. I always paid my rent and bills on time, so you would think there would not be any problems. Right? Wrong! What I did not know at the time, is that the landlord was completely mentally unstable.
For the first month everything was ok. But by the third month, I was subject to this landlords advances demanding that I “spend time” with this person. I politely declined and then the advances became more aggressive. I was also subject to daily harassment and threats on my life from this person and their acquaintances. I was no longer able to sleep or feel safe in my home. But, that was the problem. It was not my home, and this person made sure that I knew this.
The police were called at least twenty-five times, even when I was not at home. I am not a criminal but the law states that they have to respond even if there is no crime. This landlord also began to refuse my rent payments in order to start the eviction process against me. I had to get a protective order until I was able to move, all because of my rejection.
We went to court three times and each time I had to take valuable time off of work. I won all three cases. The judge clearly saw right though the games, and ordered me to remain in the apartment for six more months rent free. By the time the last trial date came, I had already left the apartment for my safety. I only lived there for seven short months.
Why Mental Health Matters
Do to the stress of the situation, I developed PTSD. I still suffer from it to this day, but now I can live in peace and try to forget the trauma of having my life threatened daily. I managed to search for a new place to live, but would have severe anxiety and panic attacks. When the time came to view a new apartment or meet a new landlord, I would start to feel dizzy and begin to panic, so I canceled all of the appointments. My PTSD and mental trauma made me believe that if I rejected the next landlords advances, they would actually succeed at killing me.
There is huge problem with getting access to mental healthcare which is why so many people are suffering! Mental health matters because this horrible unstable person had also managed to affect my mental health. This was something new in my life that I had never experienced before, people know me as a kind and genuine person.
I never had my life threatened before. Just being around people stressed me out. My trauma caused me to isolate myself, and I didn’t share any of what was happening to me with my friends. I was too embarrassed and I didn’t have family near to live with. I also could not imagine living in a shelter. The homeless shelters are too overcrowded. Yet sadly half a million Americans are currently facing this crisis.
It Can Happen To Anyone
I have never judged anyone who has been homeless, because I can attest to the fact that it can happen to anyone. Everyone has a different situation as to why they become homeless. It’s not always drugs or alcohol as the news media and most of society will lead you to believe. It can happen to the nicest person, someone with a job, college educated, or a family.
In my case, it wasn’t for lack of a job or money, I was just the victim of circumstances in life that were out of my control. I decided that I would do everything within my power to take back control of my life. Within one year I managed to pull myself out of this situation, and was able to buy my first home where I could feel safe and in control.
How The Beach Saved My Life
During that tough year, I spent a lot of time at the beach. It was like free therapy for my soul. Staring mindlessly at the ocean waves, gave me peace of mind and the clarity I needed to pull my life back together. If I had to do it all over again, I don’t think I would be strong enough.
Sure I was in a bad situation, but the freedom that I felt while staring at the sea for hours on end is what helped me to heal. I would camp out at my favorite beach all evening and all day on my days off. No one ever knew that anything was wrong. I showered at the gym daily, went to work and right after work, I would go back to the beach.
During the night I would find safe places to park so that I could rest a little. You always have to be on watch for your safety. Some nights I stayed in hotels, but it becomes very expensive and I wanted to save up to buy a home.
My mind was at peace and I automatically went into a state of survival. I met so many wonderful people along the way that gave me hope and encouragement. I knew then that God had placed those very people in my path for a reason. That reason was to help me along this journey called life.
My advice to you is that if you ever find yourself in this situation, know that you will get through it. It’s not easy but humans have incredible survival skills. Those skills will automatically take over in any of life’s unpleasant circumstances. I now know the reason that I had to go through that experience. Not only did it push me onto the right path in life, but it also put me on a path to help others and home ownership.
The beach is where I started my blog. I had no idea it would grow into me owning my very own business. For me it was a way to escape my stress. It helped me to dream of a better life and express myself while going through a tough time in life. You may not understand why bad things are happening to you at the time, but keep the faith that life is taking you down this path for a good reason.
I know it was God who protected me from a world full of predators while I slept in my car. I never felt alone. I also am very passionate about helping those who are homeless and somehow strangely grateful for the experience. Although it has lead to my success, but I don’t wish this experience on anyone. I am crying as I write this because I feel like I have been carrying this heavy secret for so long. Now that have revealed it, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted, and that unfortunate chapter in my life is over.
Thank you reading this, I hope my story becomes someone else’s survival guide and will help in some way. I don’t consider myself to be brave, I just tried to make the best of a bad situation and the beach was my escape! I believe God created the beach because he knew we would need a place of peace and refuge in this world! For me it was definitely the thing that saved my sanity. Also see 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Me
Want to know how to choose the best paint colors for your home? Start with the colors you love, and then create a whole house color scheme that matches your furniture and makes your happy!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Sherwin Williams Serenely
I recently discovered the most beautiful beachy blue paint color! It is a perfect coastal blue-gray with a hint of green. It’s a calming paint color you will want to use in a bedroom to create a tranquil atmosphere, or use it in a bathroom for a soothing spa effect.
Image Credit: Sherwin Williams
I have always been obsessed with Sherwin Williams paint colors! My most favorite place in the world is the beach. It just naturally makes me happy, so I knew when I bought my home I wanted to surround myself with my favorite beachy colors. I wanted to keep that serene, calm coastal atmosphere and also make my home feel warm and inviting. I’m still renovating my home, so I will add more before and after pics later.
Aqua is my all-time favorite color, so I chose a breezy relaxing color scheme in several shades of Aqua that remind me of my favorite beaches. It’s really that simple. Below is The Aqua Cottage’s whole house color scheme. As you can see these colors work well together because they are different shades of aqua blues with green and gray undertones. I always recommend using a crisp clean white for the ceilings and trim. These colors also work well together in Coastal Farmhouse and Lake House interiors.
My Coastal Paint Color Palette
Topsail–Kitchen & Bathrooms- A pretty beachy light blue-green that has slight gray undertones.
Sea Salt-Guest Bedroom/Laundry Room- A cool green color with gray undertones that will brighten with daylight then appear soft and muted during the evening.
Greek Villa– Hallways- This warm white has deep beige undertones that remind you of a sandy beach.
Watery -Living Room–The most beautiful, almost tropical cool watery aqua blue with green undertones.
Serenely-Main Bedroom- The perfect neutral blue gray that reminds you of a cloudy day at the beach.
Extra-White-Family Room- A bright, breezy cool coastal white perfect for painting beadboard or shiplap.
Pure White- Ceilings/Trim– A warm white that ties all of the colors together, perfect for doors and trim.
How To Create A Coastal Whole House Paint Color Palette
These are the guides I use to create a matching color scheme. One of the best compliments I receive is how well the different colors flow and transition throughout the rooms into each other.
Start by picking your favorite color.
Choose a clean white trim.
Pick 3 more colors in your favorite color family to create a cohesive look. Repeat these colors throughout your home to avoid getting overwhelmed with color.
When picking several different colors the center of your home for example, the hallways should be neutral as I illustrated with SW Greek Villa in the center of the picture.
Consider your furniture and fixtures.
Get at least 2-3 paint chips in your favorite colors so you can play with the colors against your main color and the white trim color. That way you understand color theory and see how well the colors work together,
Test the color during the daylight and compare the difference shades in the evening.
Image Credit: Sherwin Williams
Most important, remember to have fun! You can always use Pinterest, store paint guides, and the color wheel to find inspiration! There are tons of color palettes available to help you choose the best colors for your home! I want you to know I am not a Sherwin Williams affiliate, I have just been a huge fan of their paint for years!
Also I don’t recommend getting color mixes and taking them to get a cheaper product elsewhere. It’s not the same. Your home is your biggest investment. You want to choose a quality paint that will transform your home and last for years to come. See my blog post Before & After Guest Bedroom Makeover to see what cheap paint does to your walls.You can also sign up for an account to get paint coupons and discounts at the sherwin-williams.com I just got an awesome $20 coupon in my email!
I hope you found this post helpful, thanks for reading!
Who’s ready for the beach? I know I am! With the temperatures rising thoughts of beach getaways fill my mind. If you are heading to the beach this year, be sure you have all of the beach essentials for a fantastic trip! I can’t tell you how many beach tote’s I have collected over the years! I just love them!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Check out this list of cute and trendy beach bags and totes to help you get ready for vacation and stay organized at the beach or pool. Here you will find some of the best summer bags from Amazon rounded up for you!
2. KUAK Extra Large Beach Bag– This waterproof beach tote comes in 6 tropical colors, has a top zipper, waterproof phone case, bottle opener, and key holder.
3. Jessie Women’s Summer Beach Bag– Make a statement with this gorgeous straw tote bag. This versatile bag can be used for the beach, as a travel purse, or evening tote bag.
4. TOP Design Canvas Tote Bag– Love the classy black beach lettering! This affordable canvas tote is perfect for a weekend getaway, short trips, or a day at the beach.
6. NovForth Beach Bag Extra Large Tote- This fun, festive beach tote comes in 8 bright colors. Also comes in 2 sizes.
7. Ubestpak XXL Beach Tote Bag- This roomy XXL large tote is perfect for mom’s on the go and comes in 4 gorgeous colors!
8. Swig Life Loopi Waterproof Tote Bag– With 16 colors to choose from you can’t go wrong with this waterproof beach utility bag. I love the easy to carry cushioned handles!
9. Columbia Unisex Lightweight Packable Tote– This classic unisex nylon tote from Columbia comes in 5 fun and bright colors, has reflective zipper pulls and a water bottle holder. It also folds into a tiny packable square perfect for travel.
10. CAMTOP Beach Bag Sandproof Canvas Beach Tote- This versatile beach tote is lightweight and durable which is perfect for travel, gym, sport, carry-on, luggage and more. Plus it comes in 10 fun colors!
10 Best Beach Bags Summer 2022
I hope you found this list helpful! if so leave me a comment and let me know what you like! All of these gorgeous bags are available on Amazon. Just click the link or image to find the items. Also don’t forget that Prime Day is July 12th and 13th. If you don’t have a Prime Membership you can sign up here for the 30 day free trial! Thanks for reading and have a great summer! Also see 10 Summer Beach Beauty Essentials 2022.
Make your 4th of July celebration a hit with this easy, beautiful and delicious flag cake! There are 2 different variations, one for strawberry lovers or raspberry lovers. This cakes tastes home made and is best made with fresh ingredients!
What makes this cake easy is that it’s made from a box mix. What makes it taste home made is the altered ingredients. I never use water in any of my box cake recipes because water does not add any flavor. I also like to add butter to the recipe because butter just tastes better.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Ingredients:
2 boxes Pillsbury Moist Yellow cake mix
6 eggs
2 cups of milk
1/2 cup olive oil, canola, or corn oil
2 sticks melted butter
1 pint or 1 cup of fresh blueberries
2 pints or 2 cups of fresh strawberries
2 pints or 2 cups of fresh raspberries
2 packages of cool whip
1 can of whip cream
Directions:
Prepare a large nonstick 13×9 baking dish orsheet pan by lightly coating bottom of pan with butter.
Add flour to dust the pan then place into the freezer.
In a large bowl add cake mix, eggs, butter, milk, and oil.
Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes.
Remove baking dish from freezer, then fill with mix.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 29 to 33 min.
Insert toothpick in the center of the cake to check and see if it comes out clean, your cake is done.
Cool 10-15 minutes before removing cakes from the pan or leave in pan to decorate.
Once cooled, add cool whip topping and decorate with fresh blueberries, strawberries or raspberries in the shape of the American flag.
Pipe cool whip or whip cream in the can on top of blueberries and in between the lines of the strawberries or raspberries.
Keep cake refrigerated until served. Serves 15-20, enjoy!
Invited to a 4th of July barbecue? Bring this delicious home made tasting cake with you! I have been making this cake for years and it’s always a hit! Also see my recipe for Coconut Malibu Rum Cake. Happy Fourth!
Smell good all day with this list of beauty must haves! Hello everyone, it’s officially summer 2022 and I have gathered all of my favorite essentials for summer time that I wanted to share with you!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Hitting the beach this summer? These are 10 beach bag beauty essentials you need to smell amazing all day! These products are available for purchase on Amazon, just click the image to shop.
Shield yourself from the sun with this foldable straw sun hat. It comes in 5 gorgeous colors and has excellent UPF 50+ protection.
Adrinfly Women Foldable Floppy Wide Brim Straw Sun Hat
Stay stylish with these Coach Sunglasses, they also come with the case to keep them protected.
Coach Sunglasses – Caroline / Frame: Silver Lens: Grey Gradient
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub-Moroccan Rose. Use this exfoliating scrub to prep your way to smoother skin before you hit the beach! It has moisturizing shea butter and smells amazing! It also comes in wonderful summer fragrances like Coconut Lime, Tropical Mango, Watermelon, and Island Mist.
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub Moroccan Rose
4. After your shower, layer on Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Body Gel Cream. This amazing gel formula instantly absorbs into your skin without that greasy lotion feeling, and the smell lasts all day! I am in love with this product!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Body Gel Cream
5. Next layer on Native natural deodorant in Sea Salt. What I love about this product is that it goes on easy, it’s cruelty free, and aluminum free. I love the beachy scent, plus it also comes in Ocean, and Coconut Vanilla.
Native Deodorant Natural Deodorant for Women and Men
6. Escape to a tropical island while adding another layer of fragrance with Tommy Bahama Set Sail Martinique Body Spray for Women.
Tommy Bahama Set Sail Martinique Women
7. Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer comes in 8 gorgeous shades, smells amazing, and gives a natural sun kissed glow!
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer
8. Keep your lips soft and moisturized with Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm. This lip balm comes in over 6 yummy flavors such as Banana, Coconut, Key Lime, and Mango.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Care with Aloe and Vitamin E
9. Your hair will smell amazing with L’ANGE HAIR Sea Salt Spray Texture Hairspray for Bouncy Beachy Waves
L’ANGE HAIR Sea Salt Spray for Hair Salt and Séa Hair Texturizing Spray
10. Pack all of your beach essentials in this roomy Beach Please 100% Cotton Canvas Tote Bag! Great for a weekend getaway or day at the beach!
Santa Barbara Design Studio Beach Please Tote Bag with Leather Handles
I hope you found this list helpful, don’t forget to save this list and shop Prime Day July 12-13th! If you don’t have an Amazon Prime Membership sign up for the free 30 day trial here. Have a wonderful Summer 2022!
Coastal Grandmother Style is making waves everywhere and ironically you don’t need to live near the coast or be a grandmother. This new trend blends blue and white color palettes with linen and cozy cable knits. This decorating style is quite similar to the recent grand-millenial trend that favors florals, chintz and soft pastel palettes. Click on the image below to see this amazing beach house!
Image credit Home Bunch Magazine
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Think Martha Stewart cozy interiors meets Ina Garten’s stylish Hampton’s beach house. The coastal grandmother decor style embraces all the little things that make a house feel like home such as cozy throw pillows, oversized slip-covered furniture and lots of natural light. In a nutshell, the coastal grandmother look draws inspiration from the aesthetic seen in Nancy Meyers’ movies—specifically. Think of the beach house in the movie Something’s Gotta Give which is one of my favorite movies. I loved Diane Keaton’s beach house!
Diane Keaton in Somethings Gotta Give
Coastal Grandmother Style is about utilizing what you have available to you in the form of heirlooms and mixing it with classic elements that evoke relaxation and calm. We could all use use a little more peace and calm after the last two years.
Are you wondering how to incorporate the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic into your space? It’s all about using neutral color palettes, breezy white linen curtains, a mix of antiques and modern pieces, overstuffed slip-covered sofas and handmade ceramics.
Below are 15 Coastal Grandmother home decor finds, you can click the link or the image to find the items. Click here to see all on Coastal Grandmother finds on Amazon.
I hope you enjoyed this post! Many of the items listed above come in several styles and colors so be sure to check them out. Thank you for reading and happy decorating!
Do you love to collect seashells? As a child I would spend hours at the beach collecting and sorting seashells. Once I found the perfect ones, I would bring them home, paint them and display them all over the house. If you’re a seashell collector you’ll want to preserve and protect your collection for years to come, especially after hours of searching for perfect sea treasures.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; should you choose to make a purchase using said link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
As an adult I must admit that I cheat and sometimes just buy them, but I love them so much I still display them everywhere. It just me so happy seeing my beach treasures displayed all around my home. Check out these beautiful ideas on how you can display your own collection. Click on the images with links to find the items on Amazon.
1 On a Tray Table
Shop Coffee Table Trays Here
2. In Decorative Apothecary Jars
Find it here
3. In a Giant Clamshell
Shop Giant Clamshells Here
4. In a Bubble Glass Vase
Find It Here
5. In a Glass Hurricane with Candles
Shop Glass Hurricanes Here
6. In a Decorative Bowl
Click here to find seashells
7. In a Decorative Beach Lantern
Image only, Lantern not available
8. On a Kitchen Shelf
Click Here To Shop Decorative Starfish
9. On a Platter-Mix large and small shells
Shop Seashell Platters Here
10. On a Tiered Tray
Shop Tiered Trays Here
11. On A Mantle
Shop Seashell Garland Here
12. In a Clear Glass Lamp
Shop Clear Glass Lamps Here, Image only, This lamp not available
13. In Mason Jars-Use string lights to highlight your sea treasures.
Shop Blue Mason and Apothecary Jars Here
14. In Oceanic Blue Vases
Shop Aqua Vases Here
15. On bookshelves use the larger seashells on bookcases and they will stand out beautifully!
Shop Large Coral Statues Here
I hope you you enjoyed this post! Be sure to save, pin and share these ideas with other seashell collectors!
