Monday, October 31, 2011

Top October Posts

Happy Halloween, friends! Here is a round-up of your top three favorite posts from the month:

1. Vampire Bite Necklace DIY
 2. Last year's Jack O'Lantern Inspiration
3. Halloween Wreath DIY
I love that you love my tutorials--I promise to keep them coming!

♥ Shannon

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Ad Space Giveaway Winners!

Here are the new sponsors for November:

Feature:
--Hanna
Regular:
--Linda
--Ashley
--Melissa
--Dawn
--Suzanne
Mini:
--Autumn
--Janelle
--Amanda
--Katie
--Masa
--Ingrid
--Ilse
--Jodi

November is going to be a great month filled with giveaways, parties, and fun festive posts. New sponsors, get started on those buttons and check your inbox for details!

♥ Shannon

Vegan Pumpkin Recipe

Today's post is brought to you by Jade from Spirit of the People. It looks so delicious! I'll just get right to it.
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Happy Early Halloween everybody! I am so very happy that Shannon is letting me share one of my favorite pumpkin recipes - Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins! Trust me, they are fabulous!


I make these muffins all of the time. They are my go-to breakfast treat, but I especially love them around Halloween and the fall. Also, it doesn't hurt that they are so easy to make.

This recipe is a modified version of Isa Chandra Moskowitz's "The Best Pumpkin Muffins" which can be found in her cookbook Vegan with a Vengeance. She is a wizard in the kitchen! I hope that you enjoy these punkin treats as much as I do. They would be ideal for a work function or a fall brunch.

What you will need:

Dry Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups sugar (make sure the sugar is vegan)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients
1 cup pureed pumpkin
1/2 cup soy or coconut milk
1/2 cup vegetable or sunflower oil
2 tablespoons molasses
2/3 or 1 cup vegan chocolate chips, your preference (not pictured)

Preheat oven to 400 degree F. Lightly grease a twelve-muffin tin, or as I did, you can use fun, festive Halloween inspired tin liners. I spray them with oil to make sure I get the entire muffin out. I’m greedy like that.

Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, soy or coconut milk, oil, and molasses. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, mix, add the chocolate chips, and then stir until they are incorporated throughout.

Fill the muffin cups two-thirds full. 

Bake for 17-20 minutes, until a toothpick or knife inserted in the center comes out clean. (Watch your muffins because you don't want to end up like me. I let mine brown a little too much.)

Voila! Happy Eating and Trick or Treating!

P.S. Shannon posted about vegan candy a little earlier in October. Well, I thought I would share one of my favorites – Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks. You can buy these at Kroger on the Halloween aisle. A bag contains Summer Strawberry and Berry Patch packs. Kids and adults will love them.
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Thank you so much for this recipe, Jade--I can't wait to use it, like, every day until June....

Make sure you visit Jade's online shoppe, Spirit of the People. I particularly like her little fish brooch!

♥ Shannon

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Sponsor Giveaway Winner!

Thank you so much to my generous sponsors for their contributions and congratulations to Jocelyn Jane! Send me an e-mail with your mailing address and we'll get you your goods!

Come back later today for the Ad Space Giveaway winners!

♥ Shannon

Friday, October 28, 2011

Delicious Pumpkin Pancakes

I love pumpkin pancakes this time of year. They are so easy to make--and the beauty is that the pumpkin is what makes them vegan--use it as an egg substitute for delicious pancakes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
So here's what you do: your favorite pancake mix, but substitute 1/4 cup pumpkin for 1 egg. If the recipe calls for milk, use your favorite milk substitute (I like almond or coconut milk). Top these babies with some melted Earth Balance and a bit of Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup. Delicious!

♥ Shannon

Thursday, October 27, 2011

What I Wore: Bird Print

Oh I just love this blouse. I think it has the loveliest print, and it has pretty puffed sleeves, and and and....
Outfit Details: Blouse: H&M; Slacks: Banana Republic; Bag: Unknown (stolen borrowed from mother....)

The Santa Ana winds have begun in Southern California. Just a few days ago I was in the crisp autumn--seasons are the strangest things!

♥ Shannon

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Hair-Piece DIY

I did this tutorial for Paper & Sparrow's amazing Alfred Hitchcock Party. If you haven't checked out the party--go ahead and do so now. I'll wait!
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This movie legit scared me when I was little--to this day I hit the deck when birds fly by, so I thought it was an appropriate piece! Plus it makes an easy accessory for Halloween! Enjoy!
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Here's what you'll need:
--Old fabric straps, cut into strips (1-2 inches wide, 6-8 inches long)
--A barrett or hair clip of some sort
--A used avocado bag (lemons, potatoes, etc also work)
--Floral Stem Wire (I've got 26 gauge--use what you like)
--Birds! (I'm using silly little craft store birds, but you could do paper cut-outs or even sew your own!)
--Also helpful: scissors and a glue gun
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Step 1: Make a flower rosette. This is done by wrapping the fabric strip around itself and glueing it down. I kept mine messy, and then wove another color into it. Finished it off by glueing it down on a third strip of fabric.
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Step 2: Weave your wire through the rosette, glueing it at the bottom. Use as much wire for as many birds as you have.
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Step 3: Glue the rosette to the strip of paper at the bottom of the avocado bag (cut the top of the avocado bag off). Then glue the avocado bag to the barrette. 
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Step 4: Place a dab of glue to the bottom of your bird and insert the wire. 
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You're done! I paired my with a 60s beehive and cat eye. This baby is a head-turner.
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Thank you so much to Andrea for having me--her blog parties are always so fun!! Also, check out her adorable Frankenstein DIY--it's so easy and fun!

♥ Shannon

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Ad Space Giveaway!!

It's that time again! I'm giving away Ad Space for November--all the spaces are available, and they are FREE!

Here's how it works: everyone who enters wins a space, but the Feature Ad and the Regular Ads are done lottery-style. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below and tell me what your favorite topic is here on Little Luck Tree.

For additional entries:
--Follow me on Google Friend Connect
--Follow me on Twitter
--Follow me on BlogLovin
--Add me to your blog roll
--Tweet about this giveaway

This giveaway is now closed--congrats to the winners!

♥ Shannon

Sponsor Highlights

Hosting ad space on my blog is still new to me, so it's been wonderful having truly talented people to connect with. These two ladies have such fun and vibrant sites, I think you're just going to adore them. I know I do!

Meet Janelle, from J.P Photography:
"Hello everyone, Janelle here from J.P Photography, to start off I am so pleased to be able to meet all of you! If you visit my blog you are sure to be contaminated with photo after photo and a whole bunch of other stuff, but don't take my word for it, come visit me!"
Janelle just posted a fun Halloween makeup post--it's very fairy inspired! Seriously, her images will draw you right in, and her etsy shop is divine (see the red headband above? just a small sample of her work)--enjoy!
Blog  |  Shop
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May I introduce Laura from Blue Eyed Night Owl?
"My blog is about all the things I love and find inspiring. It includes art, music, movies, owls, and all the creative projects that keep me busy. And there's going to be a blog party quite soon! I also have an Etsy shop full of goodies and accessories I make from felt."
Her shop is super cute, too--how adorable is this elastic bookmark??
Blog  |  Shop
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If you want to be a sponsor for November, come back later today for the Ad Space Giveaway!!


♥ Shannon

Monday, October 24, 2011

Autumn Punch from Dancers and Dreamers

I am so excited about this post today from Hanna--not only is it beautiful, it looks absolutely delicious and perfect for fall! Enjoy!
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hot punch III
Hi there Little Luck Tree readers! My name is Hanna from Dancers and Dreamers and I am sponsoring Shannon's blog this month. I love sharing yummy recipes (probably because I like eating so much), so I decided to show you this one for hot punch.

As everyone knows, autumn is the time for walks outside in the crisp and cold air (the kind that makes your cheeks go red). Ever since I can remember, on special occasions, we would snuggle up with some blankets and drink something hot like this punch to get warm again once we were back at home. It is also a great drink if you have some guests coming over because it makes your home smell so delicious (and it is super-easy, too!). Even children can drink it because it is alcohol-free.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients: 1 litre grape juice, 1 litre blackcurrant juice, 1 apple, 2 oranges, sugar, cinnamon, cloves.

Chop the apple and one of the oranges into cubes. Mix the juice and the chopped fruits and flavor it with sugar, cinnamon and cloves (I added about five) to your liking. Squash the second orange and put the juice in with the other ingredients. Bring everything to a simmer (it doesn't have to boil!). Once it is hot, your punch is finished!

PS: You can also add some red wine if you want to, both versions taste delicious. Cheers!
hot punch II
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Thank you so much, Hanna--I simply cannot wait to try out this recipe. It seems so perfect for a Halloween Party or a Harvest Dinner, don't you think? Be sure to check out Dancers and Dreamers--Hanna has put together a fun autumn mixtape for you--and even great DIY for your mixtape cover!

♥ Shannon

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Harvest Halloween Wreath DIY

Today I am excited to share a guest post from Messy over at 2MESSY--and it's a fun one! Enjoy!
Hi Everyone!!! I am uber excited to be here at Little Luck Tree with my Harvest Halloween Wreath DIY for you all!!!
 
I adore having a wreath on my door...I just think it makes a home look so put together...even if it isn't. LOL

What You'll Need:
 
~ raffia wreath or foam wreath of any size
~ sewing pins
~ faux or silk autumn leaf garland
~ bunches of fake gourds, berries or pumpkins
~ Halloween ribbon with wire edging
~ Halloween garland, mini skeletons (optional)
~ fun Halloween sign or saying

STEP 1: Start with your wreath and wrap your leaves and berries (or whatever you have) that is in garland form around your wreath base. Tuck the ends in the back where the with pins or tucking like I did. {HINT: If you have an area where there is a open spot use a pin to force a leave to cover it!}

STEP 2: Stick your clusters of faux gourds and pumpkins through the base and bend the ends in back if too long. 
STEP 3: Tie a bow out of your Halloween ribbon around the bottom of your wreath. I left longer ends, cut them in peaks and used the wire to make a wave effect.

STEP 4: Add your Halloween sign and skeletons or whatever you have to make it spooky!!! :) {Last year I added a little spider webs to be different}
 
STEP 5: Add a hanging ribbon and hang on your front door.
 
Hope you enjoy! I often redo my wreath from year to year to change it up a bit. 
 
Thank you to Shannon for letting me Guest Post!
 
Cheers,
Messy 
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Thank you so much, Messy! I love this bright wreath--it's perfect for October and it can so easily carry over to November! Be sure to check out her blog over at 2MESSY. Tell her Shannon says hi--she'll know what it means.


♥ Shannon

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Alfred Hitchcock Party

Today I'm doing a guest post over at Paper Sparrow! Andrea hosts fabulously themed Blog Parties (Tim Burton or Harry Potter anyone?), and today she's tipping her hat to Mr. Hitchcock himself!
Here's a little peek at my post. I had so much fun with it (who doesn't love an excuse to wear cat eyes and a beehive hairdo?).

Stop by this afternoon and let me know what you think!

♥ Shannon

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Time for a Giveaway!

My sponsors are offering some great giveaway items this month! Super cute accessories and a featured ad space on a blog! Check it out:

"Upcycled from unused clothing, and handcrafted with love, this headband is classy and crafty. Whether its a date with your husband, or a day at the park, this accessory is good for any and every occasion."


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These ladies want to give you a gold tone cameo locket with a 17 1/2" gold tone chain.


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I am giving away a featured ad on the sidebar of my blog for the month of November. This month I'll be celebrating my 30th birthday, as well as getting back to regular posts on garden love & living simply. It's a big month! As I have no sponsors or other blog buttons on my home page, all the attention will go straight to you! Who doesn't like a little extra attention?


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This is a persimmon, lemon yellow, sky blue, and mint green crocheted pinwheel pin that can go on your bag as a brooch, on scarves, or even on your hair! It's innovative, colorful, and adorable, and is approximately 3x3 inches in size.


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To win, check out the girls' sites and come back to tell me what you love about them! You can get an additional entry by tweeting about the giveaway and linking it back here. Leave a comment for both entries. The winner will be drawn next week!

♥ Shannon

Monday, October 17, 2011

What I Wore: Vintage Fringe

Hello friends! I've made it to sunny California--it is definitely not fall here! Temperatures in the 90s...crazy! Is that stopping me from going into the air conditioned Starbucks for my Tall Soy Two-Pump Pumpkin Spice Latte? No. Not in the slightest.

Anyway, the nice thing about being home is raiding the closets of my mother and sisters. So here's what I'm rocking today.
Outfit Details: Shawl: Vintage; Dress: Victoria's Secret; Shoes: Calvin Klein; Bracelets: Handmade by Forest; Bag: Guess

It's a fun little outfit for warm weather! And kind of Halloweeny....

PS: Like the bag? It's going to be in Forest's pop-up shop! Coming soon...

♥ Shannon

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Featured Sponsor: Black Crystals

Have you met Ashley from Black Crystals? I just love her style--her blog is such a fun read, but her shop....ohhh her shop. I love her creations.
Here's what she has to say:


"I’m Ashley Woods, creator of Black Crystals! Since I was young, I have greatly enjoyed painting, drawing and any other crafts I could get my hands on. Recently, I sparked an interest in jewelry, and quickly it turned into a hobby. My art and jewelry reflects my love for nature and animals." 


Check out some of her shop pieces below--LOVE!
See the rest of Ashley's shop here, and pop by her blog to say hello!


♥ Shannon
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