Witch Broomstick Breadsticks

I was browsing through Pinterest for inspiration for Halloween when I stumbled upon this recipe about Witch Broomstick Breadsticks. I thought this would be perfect to serve in a party as a finger food. That's one thing why baking fascinates me; it's like play dough that you can form into anything that you like. Just use your imagination and you can create a type of bread that's fit for any occasion or holiday. The possibilities are endless. You can use it as an ornament, centerpiece, or decoration. After I baked it, I got an idea to use it as a Halloween decoration.

This is also perfect as a side for soup or chili, or eating with marinara sauce or any dip.

What you need:

2 lb. Sweet bread dough or pizza dough

vase / bowl

butter for brushing the dough

Source: http://www.dessertnowdinnerlater.com/2014/10/witchs-broomstick-breadsticks/

Below are the pictures of the recipe's procedures.

Masquerade Ball: Frozen-Inspired Costume

“And after all,

what is a lie,

'tis but the truth

in a masquerade.”

--Alexander Pope

I attended a Masquerade Ball party last month, and this could be an inspiration for dressing up like Elsa, from the movie Frozen, this Halloween.

The Masquerade Ball began in Venice, Italy and it dates back to the 15^th century. Traditionally they held elegant and formal occasions. Today, Masquerade Balls doesn't have such stuffy Renaissance dresses. The outfit you choose to wear depends on who you are, and it also reflects on the events. It's all about mystery and intrigue that counts.

Every two years the Philippines Nurses Association of Oregon and Washington (PNAOW) holds a masquerade party, which is a fundraising event to raise funds for their medical mission in the Philippines. It benefits the less fortunate people and victims of natural disasters, like typhoons and earthquakes. Our good friend Madonna was formerly the president. I always like to support a good cause, and at the same time, I also have fun.

Choosing a costume is hard and time consuming because there are endless choices. This is about transforming yourself from the old era or into a character that you would like to portray. It can be Victorian, fantasy, or Gothic. I'm not into elaborate and stuffy outfits, which are heavy and difficult to pull off. Instead, I chose the Frozen-inspired costume. It is currently one of the top Disney animated movies. Another thing to consider is choosing the mask that complements the dress. Choose a mask and wear it well, so that no one can guess your identity once you enter the ballroom.

The occasion was a success, and I had lots of fun. I also won the Best Costume for the female  category.

Beach Inspired Décor

"Memories at the beach last a lifetime."

Summer has been so busy and I’m also glad that it’s finally slowing down at work. Now I can relax and do some posts. Since it’s still sunny this weekend, and as a transition to fall, I did a beach-inspired décor as a goodbye to the long, warm summer. It’s a perfect accent in our beach-inspired bathroom. The beach is one of my favorite places to relax and unwind. I like the waves ebbing as I watch from the seashore, and I enjoy seeing the turquoise waters. It helps clear my mind and gives me inner peace. It’s my dream to have a beach house someday; I'd walk every morning, read books, and watch the sunset at the end of a day.

We went to the beach last month, and we were kind of beach hopping. It’s my first time going from Seaside and then to Lincoln City. The view was gorgeous and looked breathtaking. We rarely go to the beach as a family because of our busy schedules. So, it was a precious time for us.

For this project, I used my collections of shells and rocks, and got the sand from the beach. I recycled two empty hurricane glasses that we bought last Christmas, which formerly contained candies. Whenever I look at the décor, it reminds me of growing up in the Philippines, when I visited the beach there. I hope to return to my hometown soon.

Materials

Hurricane glasses

Shells

Rocks

Sand

Succulent plant

Candle

Turquoise necklace