just because . . .

When your big sister doesn't want Amma to take your picture . . . 

Be Happy . . . and take care of each other!

September Doodles . . . 

Whatever makes you weird 

is probably your greatest asset. 

 

Happy October . . .

I cannot help myself when it comes to decorating for Halloween.

I thought I would share some of the decorations I have out this year.

I am not sure where this obsession with Halloween came from . . . but it just keeps growing.

HAPPY OCTOBER!

It's October!

. . . let the decorating begin!

caramel apple favors . . .

 

I took very few pictures at my son's wedding.  I would have loved to, but decided to just enjoy and have fun . . . and leave the picture taking to someone else.  I am glad I at least snapped a couple of the caramel apples.  From the moment Kasey started planning her wedding she wanted caramel apples for her favors.  One of my coworkers made these for us . . . she made six different varieties that Jake and Kasey wanted.  The apples were a big hit.  They looked so pretty - and they were delicious.  

Bleachy Christmas Trees

I found this idea to bleach these bottle brush Christmas trees on this wonderful blog - A Fanciful Twist.  So I thought I would give it a try.  I bought a package of the Christmas trees at Michael's (I had a hard time finding them and was told they didn't have any, but finally located them in the section where they sell the Christmas village pieces.)  I love how they turned out!  You can also dye them after you bleach them - pink ones would be cute.  Or you can add glitter (which I might do tonight) . . . as well as find fun places to set them.
Happy Monday!

A little PINK for Christmas . . .

 

 I'm all over the place today . . . not necessarily getting done what I want to or what I should be - but getting things done.  My head is saying one thing and my mood is saying another . . . who knows? 

Halloween glitter . . .

An old gourd, some paint and glitter, and a scrap of black lace . . . a very simple and very pretty Halloween decoration.  

When in doubt . . . just add glitter! 

Halloween Time!

EEK . . . time for Halloween decorations!

 

 I'm sure I posted about this last year, but always have to take a picture of this cute book.  This is one of my favorites . . . our library at school had to discard this book a few years ago because of the references to witches.  It is full of cute Halloween poems and illustrations and has this wonderful black on black witch on the cover.  Our librarian thought I had to have it.

 Some old . . .

 . . . some new.  Andrew an American Creature (one of my Halloween & Vine buys) found a home hanging on a shelf in the entry.  He fits right in.

I bought this cat last year at Halloween & Vine.  His name is Warren . . . made by the same artist that made Andrew. (Christy Silacci)

I had hoped to get more things up today . . . but it's a start.

When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.
                                   ~Author Unknown

 

A little Halloween at work

 I love grinning Jack O' Lanterns . . .

I had a busy week at work . . . but the women I work with know how much I like Halloween and got me moving as far as putting up some decorations.  Even my boss had made a comment that I was behind schedule on the Halloween decorations . . . so we pulled some stuff out, I brought some stuff from home, and I even cut my walk short at lunch to stop  at Pier 1 and pick up a few ornaments for the Halloween tree we have . . . which for some reason I didn't take a picture of yesterday.  We have a few more things we want to do . . . but the office is looking quite festive.  I think we have as many lights as we do at Christmas time.  :)  The kids love it when they come into the office.  The last photo is a flower pen made out of duct tape that our nurse bought for me . . . one of our parents at school makes and sells them.  I don't think I have the patience to make them . . . but I added a link to a YouTube tutorial if you would like to try . . . they are so cute! 

So the Halloween spirit has definitely hit our office.  I have said it many times, but will say it again . . . I work with an amazing group of people that make going to work not seem like work at all. 

recycled packing material

I was in quite a silly mood yesterday at work . . . so when I came upon this strip of packing material - my mood took over and turned it into a Halloween decoration for the office.  Some quick faces drawn with a Sharpie . . . and some raffia.  I like how it turned out.

Happy October!

4th of July

Hung up my large flag for the 4th of July . . . I think I may just leave it up for awhile.  I really like how it looks.  (Although I think I am going to have to move that line running around the house.)  Our weather has been so beautiful.  Usually by now - our temperatures are upper 90's and over 100 by this time of year.  I don't really mind the heat - but upper 80's and 90's with a breeze has been wonderful and I am going to love my gas and electric bill this month - haven't had to run the AC much at all.

We are going to BBQ today of course - may have to make an apple pie. 

Origami Therapy

I tend to get a little obsessed whenever I start playing around with origami. It started out learning how to make the little stars like the one on top of this tree. I can't tell you how many stars I have folded over the last week. I think it works like therapy for me. Here's a little tree topped with one of the stars. Then I decided my little tree at work needed some cranes.So now, not only am I obsessed with folding the stars . . . I'm back to making paper cranes. There is something about folding these simple things - that relaxes me.