Costume time: Wicked Witch of the East

Everyone seems to know her very famous green sister, but the Wicked Witch of the East was also a force to be reckoned with in Oz. And I thought she would be a great inspiration for this year's Halloween costume.

All we ever see of the Wicked Witch of the East is her stocking and shoes (the famous ruby slippers), so I got to use some artistic license when making the rest of the costume.

I figured she should wear an awesome witch hat. That part was easy, but I attached her impending doom to the hat, the tornado with Dorothy's house. Getting that tornado to stay upright was no easy feat, but with some wire and a strategically placed headband underneath the hat it all worked.

Then for the dress, I made a skirt out of this awesome "decorated" organza. Doesn't it look like little funnel clouds? I thought that would be a cool wink to the Witch's ultimate demise.

All witches should be fashionable, so she had to have a ruby cape to match her slippers. And then I wore my newly glittered shoes, which made the perfect ruby slippers.

So what did you think of my costume this year?

What was your Halloween costume?

Glitter shoes tutorial

A great accessory for any costume are some glitter shoes. They can make a fairy or princess even more perfect, and can just add that special touch to a normal outfit. I made some glitter shoes for my Halloween costume this year.

I had some old thrifted shoes that were perfect to glitter up for my costume. Glittering shoes (or glittering really anything) is so easy.

Here are the supplies you'll need:

Mod Podge

Glitter

Sandpaper

Paintbrush

Newspaper

Pour some Mod Podge into a container (I use a disposable bowl for ease of cleanup) and then add the glitter right to the Mod Podge. This is the key to this technique. Since you mix the Mod Podge with the glitter, it seals the glitter in place, making way less of a mess.

Next you'll need to prep your shoes. All they need is a light sanding with some fine grit sandpaper. You just want to take the shine off of the shoes, so the glitter will stick even better.

Stuff the inside of your shoes with newspaper to make sure the inside stays clean. Take your paintbrush and paint on the Mod Podge/glitter mixture. It might take a couple of coats to get the color you want. Just paint a coat on and let it dry a bit before adding more. It will look white, but the Mod Podge will dry clear and you will be able to see the glitter really sparkle.

Then wait for them to dry. After you have done all of your coats, let them dry overnight, so they will be really dry before you wear them.

Once they are dry it's like you have a whole new pair of shoes.

And voila! Your very own glitter shoes. You can use any color of glitter and any shoes you want to get the look that would be perfect for you.

Any guesses on my Halloween costume this year?

Debary Pink Feet 10k

Because I am crazy, and because I needed a time to move up in corrals for my half marathon (I'm currently in the last corral, and I need a time buffer!), I signed up for the Debary Pink Feet 10k. It was a small race about 45 minutes away from Orlando, and it was also the only timed 10k Kristina and I were able to find before the half.

On race day we got up super early to drive to Debary. It was about 6am, so it was pitch black when we got there. Luckily, it took us a lot less time than we had anticipated, but at least we weren't rushing.

There were about 300 runners for the 5k and the 10k combined, so it was a MUCH smaller race than then Happy Haunted 5k. This was a total plus for me, since I'm basically used to running alone. Though it was a small race, it was really well organized and everything went smoothly.

Kristina and I wanted to practice as best as we could like we were doing the half. We decided to start out slow and then pick up the pace at the end. The 5k and 10k started together, and then split a little after the first mile. Once we split, it looked like we only had one person behind us. But our strategy seemed to work, and we started passing people. Slowly but surely we kept moving up. We weren't the last ones.

Of course, my Garmin died, so I don't know our mile splits, but I know we kept a great pace. And it was just awesome crossing that finish line and seeing that my hard work in training is paying off. The course was all asphalt (a huge plus after the 5k trail run), but there were hills! Something this Miami girl is totally not used to. Also it was very humid out making it a harder to run, but at least the course was shady and the sun stayed away til after we finished.

My official time, and my 10k PR, is 1:26:18. Not bad for someone who thought 6 miles was totally impossible a year ago!

This was a great race, and I'm glad I got to do a distance longer than a 5k in a race before the half marathon.

Have you ever done a 10k?

Friday faves

This week has been a whirlwind. I'll be spending time at home this weekend, which is a welcome change. Here are some of my faves to get the weekend started.

picture from Northstory

This is a great idea for Halloween treats that don't involve sweets. These glow stick brooms would be prefect to carry on Halloween night.

picture from Carissa Knits

This is one of the most awesome handmade dresses even, becomes an even awesomer Halloween costumes. Cinderella's homemade ball gown made from thrifted bridesmaids gowns. Too cool!

picture from Me Sew Crazy

This infinity scarf is such a pretty fall accessory. Plus it's super easy to make.

picture from The Fitnessista

The foam roller has become my best friend through half marathon training. Gina shows you some great tips and tricks for using your foam roller.

picture from Cassie Stephens

I love these Haunted Masion pants. They are a cool way to do Disney and Halloween at the same time (and still look good).

picture from A Beautiful Mess

I love candy bars, but they are something I would never thing to make at home. Check out this  homemade Twix bar it looks great.

picture from Women's Running

I'm always looking for ways to keep my hair picked up and cute while I'm running, so these hairstyles for running will come in handy.

via Huffington Post

This story about knitting at Starbucks is awesome. Thankfully I know a couple of knitting ninjas.


This weekend will be busy, but I'll be keeping it in the 305. It's my last long run before the half marathon, so I hope my knees and legs can keep up.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

I have wanted to go to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival for a while. I had a trip planned last year, but never quite made it. With my annual Disney World pass this year I knew I had to go. And my tummy thanked me for doing it!

Kris, Eddie and I headed out to Epcot at about 5ish. We were glad we did, cause we avoided having the sun beat down on us on that hot day. Our first stop was the craft beers booth. Eddie and Kris both got a beer sample, I'm not really a beer girl, so I passed. But I did have a taste of their beers and they were good.

We got our passports and checked out what we wanted to get next. I had heard great things about Brazil, so we went there. I had the crispy pork belly with black beans. The pork belly was my favorite dish I had. I can't wait to go back and get it again.

They also had a sparkling Moscato. I love me some Moscato, and adding bubbles to something only makes it better.

Then we were off to Argentina. I got the grilled beef skewer with chimichurri and boniato puree. The beef was good (though it wasn't churrasco), but the boniato puree was great. It was so yummy, kinda like mashed potatoes, but different in the best way.

The sun began to set, and we kept walking around checking out all the countries. Eddie had a Kefta pocket (which was really good, the spices were amazing), but I don't have a picture of that. Luckily, I do have a picture in Morocco for some ambiance.

We also stopped in Japan for a california roll. I know not really, really Japanese, but it was fresh and so yummy.

We kept walking around, and finally got to my favorite country. You guessed it, France!

I got the Boeuf Bourguignon. It was so tender and the sauce was delicious and had a taste of red wine. I also got the Eiffel Sour Cosmo Slush. Unfortunately it wasn't too sour. It was very sweet and I would have been better off with some wine. But it was frozen, so it was refreshing on that hot night.

We kept heading around the world and stopped in Canada. Kris got the "Le Cellier" Wild Mushroon Filet with Truffle Butter Sauce. I had a taste and it was delicious, so tender, and the mushrooms were amazing.

At this point we were stuffed and really hot, so we headed back to the house. It was a delicious time to spend at food and wine, and I can't wait to try even more things when I head back.

Next time I'll be at Epcot Food & Wine Festival will be after the half marathon. It's so crazy to think that! But I know all that delicious food and wine will be a great reward after all that running.

Cowboy dessert table

I was asked to handle some decorations and the dessert table for a cowboy themed 50th birthday celebration. I was more than excited to do it, and was super psyched to make the desserts that they ordered from me.

They ordered some brand new flavors. First the rocky road cupcake. It's chocolate cake, stuffed with marshmallows and walnuts, and topped with a roasted marshmallow.

Then, for a vanilla based cupcake, we had the strawberry shortcake cupcake. It's vanilla cake, with strawberry filling and topped with a whipped buttercream and a fresh strawberry.

I also made brownies, both with and without nuts. (I make my brownies chewy!)

They also ordered s'mores on a stick. It's just like a s'more, but without the mess. It's a marshmallow dipped in Hershey's chocolate (gotta keep it authentic!) and then rolled in graham cracker crumbs.

I set up my desserts along with some other desserts brought by the hostess. Then I put out all the dessert labels. I just think the labels really bring a dessert table together. Plus it makes it easier for everyone, since they can see what they are having.

I also helped set up the rest of the part including making flower arrangements and setting the tables with the favors and bandana napkins. The party had a real cowboy/country feel.

I was so excited to help out with this party and dessert table it gave me the chance to delevop a few new recipes and set up a fabulous table full of yummy goodness.

What do you usually grab at the dessert table?

Friday faves

It's almost Halloween time! Do you have your costume ready? What about party ideas? I think I caught the Halloween big this week, cause I have tons of ideas here for you. Check out all the Halloween-y goodness and some more of my faves for the week too.

picture from One Creative Housewife

These basic Minion costumes are so awesome. And you can add accessories to make your favorite Minion.

picture from The Metapicture

Who remembers these long lost friends.

picture from Go To Sew

This treat bag is sure to make your Halloween extra spooky (but in a fun way).

picture from Hungry Happenings

These stuffed pizza skulls would be a great savory treat for a Halloween party. And I'm sure you can use other molds to make this recipe work for any holiday or party.

picture from Professor Pincushion

A pumpkin pincushion? That is freaking awesome.

picture from flax & twine

These placecards are so stunning. Can you believe that they are chalkboard?

picture from Run Eat Repeat

This list of 10 things to do before a race is great for this weekend's 10k and the half marathong coming up.


I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm off to Epcot's Food & Wine Festival this weekend, and a 10k too. It's gonna be busy, but so much fun.