“INSPIRATION EXISTS, BUT IT HAS TO FIND US WORKING."

~Pablo Picasso

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Autumn Rain Creations Fall Giveaway!!

We will announce the winner by email and here on Mon., November 8th.

I have 100 followers on my blog, so I'm having a giveaway! The winner will get to choose which prize they would like below. I've been chompin' at the bit for awhile now to have one so I thought the number 100 was a good place to start. While most celebrate having 100 sales, I am not there yet. I am very happy however to celebrate 100 blog followers. Thank you, it means alot♥


Value: $16.00

OR


Value: $10.00

  To enter the Giveaway please visit http://www.autumnraincreations.etsy.com browse my shop, and leave a comment here about which item is your favorite. Please leave your email address in the comment box so I may contact you if you are the winner:)

For extra entries do any of the following that you would like:
1. Blog about this giveaway (1 extra entry).
2. Twitter about this giveaway (1 extra entry).
3. Go to my sister shop on Esty, Our Sweet Dreams and comment here what item is your favorite.
(1 extra entry).
4. Become a Fan or Like Autumn Rain Creations on Facebook (1 extra entry).
5. Become a follower of Autumn Rain Creations blog (1 extra entry).
6. Purchase any item from Autumn Rain Creations (5 extra entries). Please leave the transaction number with your comment.
7. Purchase any item from my sister shop on Etsy- Our Sweet Dreams (5 extra entries) Please leave the transaction number with your comment.

Giveaway will end on Wednesday, November 3rd @ 11:59 pm PST by a random drawing from my cute little 4 year old man.

Best wishes to you!!

Yummy Pumpkin Cookies

This recipe has been in our family for 17 years. Handed down from a quaint family pumpkin patch in Oregon. After going back year after year it closed. Sad day. We will always have this recipe to remind us of that great little pumpkin patch.









We have made these cookies so, so, so many times the actual paper recipe is worse for it's wear but I suppose one of these days I will transfer it to the computer so I will have it to hand down for years as well. You will love them! They are soft and fluffy. Enjoy.

NOTE: These can easily be made into All Natural or Organic. You can find Organic ingredients pretty much anywhere now but I frequent Fred Meyer (Kroger), Whole Foods and Trader Joes. Also, you can cook your own baking pumpkins, puree and add to your recipe in place of canned versions.











Yummy Pumpkin Cookies
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup cooked pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional- 1 cup raisens, 1 cup cranberries, 1 cup of walnuts, or 1 cup of chocolate chips♥

Cream butter or margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, pumpkin and vanilla. Mix well then add the dry ingredients. Mix well then add your optional ingredients (raisens, cranberries, walnuts or chocolate chips) if you prefer.
Drop by teaspoon onto a well greased cookie sheet or non stick one. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned and insides are done. Remove from the cookie sheet while they are still warm, cool. Makes about 6 dozen depending on how big and fluffy you want these delicious cookies to be.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Fall Featured Etsy Seller ~Halpal28

Just in time for fall. Please meet Hallie and her wonderful and warm shop called halpal28.
A little about my shop:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Wellington Hat -
Pumpkin Orange with Vintage Buttons- $34.00
 
I am truly inspired by color. I'm particularly
interested in color combinations that seem slightly off like
 taupe and chartreuse, green and orange, yellow and gray, etc.
I think it gives an edge to classic styles,
and adds interest and uniqueness to very feminine pieces.



The Baby Wrightwood Knit Hat with Pom Pom 
Espresso Brown/Sky Blue Knit-$22.00

I love hearing from customers that they got lots of comments while they were wearing things that I made. I think what you wear should inspire you and the people around you,
so that's what I strive to make and sell.



 

 

 

Gray (Grey) Scarflette/Neckwarmer $28.00







 
 
 
The Sweetheart Hat
(Raspberry Pink and Burgundy Red Knit Hat with Bow)$32.00

Hallie is offering Free Shipping on anything in her shop for readers of my blog! Just write "autumnrain" in the "message to seller" and she will refund the shipping.

Best Wishes to you and yours Hallie!





Thursday, October 7, 2010

Tasty Chocolate Pudding (with avocado;) Review

Getting vegetables into your children's mouths can sometimes be a daunting task. I have resorted to pureeing them and adding them to dishes I already make in addition to whatever vegetable and fruit is served.  Shhhhhhh......don't tell your little loved ones. This is not my idea mind you. I came across the book "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld at a garage sale a summer ago. The recipes are good and I really enjoy knowing my kids are getting more nutrients at each meal. I don't always follow the recipes sometimes I just incorporate pureed carrots, peppers, spinach etc. into whatever we are eating. It's really simple. The most recent one I made was the Chocolate Pudding. I never would have guessed the avocado had no taste in the pudding.  If you would like to be sneaky this is a great after school or after dinner dessert.

Chocolate Pudding

1/4 cup trans-fat-free soft tub margarine spread ( I used butter and it still turned out)
1 cup avocado puree
1 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup cornstarch


In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine or butter over low heat. Stir in the avocado puree, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Cook, mashing with a silicone spatula ( I used a whisk, worked good too!)
to smooth out any lumps of avocado, until mixture thickens, 3 to 4 minutes. Off the heat, gradually stir in the cornstarch. Serve warm.










I added a dollop of whipping cream made with Stevia on top. Go one step further and use Organic ingredients. You and they will enjoy it!



 If you would like to look for this book you can still find it at Barnes and Noble, Borders, Amazon, Ebay, Half.com or keep an eye out at your local thrift store, Goodwill or garage sale. You never know. I got mine for .50 cents ;)