Last Minute Treats {Pumpkin Flavored Rice Krispies Squares}

If you've read Bess' Bag for awhile, you probably know I'm no cook.  I just don't seem to be gifted in that department {the kitchen department, that is}.  But, I'm working on it.  I just need practice.  Right?  Let's hope.  Today I was so excited because I made something... yes, it was in the microwave & there wasn't any real "cooking" to it, but it still counts! =) 

Pumpkin Rice Krispies Squares

{Takes about 5 minutes to make!}

I used the microwave recipe from here {the Rice Krispies official website}.

How'd I get them to taste like pumpkin, you ask?  Pumpkin flavored marshmallows, of course!  Now that it's autumn you should be able to find some pumpkin marshmallows {mine were even shaped like little pumpkins - made me sad to melt them} in your local grocery stores.

Before I melted down my sweet little pumpkins...

My finished product!  So satisfying!  I wished I had a pumpkin cookie cutter.

I placed the sticky squares in plastic baggies, then in these cute candy corn treat bags.  Would be adorable with the following verse on a tag...

"Taste & see that the LORD is good; 

blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

-Psalm 34:8 NIV

Love & Sugar,

-Bess-

Giant's Candy {A {Non-Food} Tutorial}

Here's a super easy decoration for your church's fall festival or for your home:  giant's candy {no sugar & no chance of cavities}!

What You Need:

-tissue paper {at least 2 sheets for a medium size ball}

-toy ball

-tape

-string/ribbon

-fishing line {optional} {NOTE: If you want to hang your candy, tape the fishing line to the ball before you cover - making sure to leave the clear twine out through a hole or fold in the tissue paper.}

What You Do:

Tape two sheets of tissue paper together {this is for a medium size ball like the one I used; if you have a larger size, you'll likely need to tape more tissue paper sheets together}.  I wrapped the ball in sort of an angle/diagonally, taping as needed, where needed.  Using string or ribbon, tie the ends {right next to ball, like a piece of candy}, & using your hands help shape & puff out the edges.  

Enjoy!

Sweet Tooth Crafting Love,

-Bess-

Unto The Hills

I took this photo this past summer on a trip to an arts & craft festival in a tiny Tennessee town called Beersheba Springs.  Do you notice the engraving on the large circular stone?  A perfect verse for a perfect view!  

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven & earth."

-Psalm 121:1-2 KJB

The Maker of the universe {including the rolling hills & steep mountain slopes} will be my help!  How amazing is that?

I wish I could return & see the hills aflame with autumn colors!

Love,

-Bess-

Free 2013 Owl Calendar

Hi girls!  Sorry I've been a little absent lately!  I've got a relatively new job where I work until midnight 4 days out of the week.  Ick!  Thankfully, I'm about to change my schedule so I won't have to stay so late.  Working till 12 is less Cinderella-ish & more grim{m}. =) 

Today I wanted to share a freebie with you!

Visit My Owl Barn blog to choose the owl art {+ the month you want to use each pic}, download your calendar, & print!  

Could make a great gift for you or a friend!

Love,

-Bess-

Crushed {The Day After}

Yesterday's Post

I have to say – giving a voice to all my inner struggles was freeing. Last night, instead of tears there was laughter & singing songs of praise. No, nothing has changed outwardly in my circumstantial realm, but inwardly I re-found my joy & hope. It doesn’t mean I won’t lose it again {“prone to wander, Lord I feel it”}, but for now - this lovely moment - I have it. Sometimes, perhaps most times, we just need to take it day by day. He will give us strength for today… every day, but let’s just stick with today for today. =) Take care today, with Christ you will make it!

Love,
-Bess-

Crushed

You know the memory verse over on the right hand side of the blog? Scroll down a teensy bit – there it is. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted & saves those who are crushed in spirit.” –Psalm 34:18 NIV. If that verse were a person, I’d be bear hugging it to death. If it were a handle on the subway, I’d be gripping it till my knuckles turned white. Right now, at this point in my life {in respect of honest blogging}, I feel crushed. Mortar & pestle crushed… down to ashes.

Certainly, God told us this life would be hard. “Here on earth you will have many trials & sorrows.” –John 16:33 b1 NLT. It’s been hard for a long time. I often ponder if this is ever going to get better this side of heaven - if everyone {or, at least, the majority} are under heavy loads that are slowly crushing them into the dust of their own bones. Are most people happy? Is happy even a suitable goal? Is it even right to be happy if so many are aching in the ashes of their trouble? Of course, I know we are to be joyful in Christ – no matter the circumstance, & that joy is deeper & stronger still than mere happiness.  But I am apt to loose it on the path.  

There is a catalyst to all my ponderings, an evil source that strives to drive these uncertainties into my being – like a venomous ingredient stealthily slipped into the mortar & then ground into my soul. The devil is at work in my weak moments, seeking to bring me lower, with lies & fears & doubts that fly like flaming arrows hitting my weakest spots, which my enemy knows full well.

In this crushing season, there is still God at work. He hasn’t taken time off, in fact, He is intricately working through this season. There is something to be learned that will make me better, more whole, more beautiful – or there is another path that God is bringing to newer & better things that I would never have taken had it not been for the broken road. If only I could see it. Have you noticed how I want it easy? Instant peace, like instant oatmeal, right now understanding - no strength, endurance, self control, faith, hope necessary. I see the weakness of my flesh; the lack of maturity to my soul; my selfish childlike ways… Yes, sometimes there is necessity to being crushed – impurities need to be ground away & the Potter’s hand needs to smooth out the imperfections to make us beautiful – beautiful through His hand.

So, if you, like me, are “brokenhearted” & “crushed in spirit” know that He is close, just as He said. When you weep yourself to sleep & feel the deep down cutting ache; when each step is burdensome, like wading through quicksand; when you are too weary to hope or pray or trust; when you don’t recognize the girl in the mirror & you feel like you’ve lost yourself & are going crazy, know He is there & at work. You probably won’t be able to see it right now. It may feel like the Lord’s out to lunch & you’ve been abandoned, but that is the creeping lies of the evil one that doesn’t want you to see the miracles at the end of this. Don’t believe him – he lies. “For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” –Hebrews 13:5 b NLT. Hold on to the Truth. Hold on to that hope.

Love & Hope,

-Bess-

An Announcement!

You know how I was sort of soul-searching a few posts back about blogging in general?  Well, I’ve gone & done it – I’ve started a new blog.  Don’t worry, I’ll still be blogging here at the Bag!  I’ve just decided at this point in my life I’d like to create a blog devoted to my life right now as a single girl {waiting on God’s perfect timing}.  This “diary” is a little more geared to young adult women {college age & beyond}, but as always everyone is welcome.  I just want a space to be honest & real about the challenges & achievements of the single life.  So, without further ado, click here to visit Diary of a Single Girl!

Love,

-Bess-

{Lolli}Pop Pumpkin Tutorial

So, I've been experimenting with fall crafting as of late.  This latest tutorial costs only $2 {candy included}!  Here's how to create it...

What You Need:

-stryofoam pumpkin from the Dollar Tree

-Dum-Dum lollipops from the Dollar Tree

-paper tag (optional)

-alphabet stamps or pen (optional)

Push the lollipop sticks into the stryofoam pumpkin any way you like.  You could also create one of these with a real pumpkin, if you like {but you'd need to gut the pumpkin & create holes with something like a screwdriver}.

You can also add a tag with a phrase.  I used alphabet stamps to spell out, "Take your pick."

Happy Fall,

-Bess-

October Musings

"There is no season when such pleasant & sunny spots may be lighted on, & produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October." 

-Nathaniel Hawthorne

"There is something in 
October sets the gypsy blood astir,  

We must rise & follow her;

When from every hill of flame,

She calls & calls each vagabond by name"

-William Bliss Carman

"Listen!  The wind is rising, & 
the air is wild with leaves,

We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!"

-Humbert Wolfe

{source}

Love,

-Bess-

Jack O' Lantern Soap Tutorial

Here's a simple tutorial that makes a great fall gift {or you could just give it to yourself, too} =).  For some reason this makes me think of germaphobes - you need not fear bacteria! =)

  

 more supplies you need...

Using a permanent marker, draw on your Jack O' Lantern's face {I don't really like how my pumpkin's mouth came out - I would do more of a curved grin if I had to do it again}.  Make your tag with the verse, "'Fear Not,' says the LORD."  Punch a hole in your tag and add it to your soap bottle with twine or ribbon.  Then, add your silk leaf with either bottled glue or hot glue {I used hot}.  There he is, a jovial Jack with a great message.  Don't be scared - God says so!

Fall Love,

-Bess-    

Taking It Into Autumn: Helping Your Summer Clothes Make the Move

Source: thedaybookblog.com via Sarah on Pinterest

You may have worn a cropped top during the summer months with just a simple sleeveless blouse, but now that we're in October {Who can believe it?}, layering over a button-down keeps the chill away.

Source: stylesight.tumblr.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

A turtleneck is a fab base for layering summer tops.

Source: chictopia.com via lani on Pinterest

Be a little bold & pair modest shorts with tights.

Source: laviepetite.blogspot.com via academom on Pinterest

Boots over cropped summery jeans makes an easy autumn switch.

Source: thesartorialist.com via Alissa on Pinterest

Socks paired with summer's strappy shoe = year round footwear choices.

Source: harpersbazaar.com via Harper's on Pinterest

Trouser socks with ankle length pants make for cozy fall bliss.

Hope you found some helpful tips to take that summer wardrobe of yours into the fall!

Style Love,

-Bess-