Polka Dot Party!

  I just got my hands on these fun polka dotted buttons and they look like a party!  This sweetie will soon be going in my shop- if I don't keep her for myself.... :D

Caramel Apples

    Mini Andes Mints....

Mini Reese's Pieces (my personal favorite)

                                         Mini Heath Bar Bits (Jeff's favorite)

Mini M&M's....

Crisp Apples.....

   Making caramel apples has become a tradition at our house.  We all enjoy it and everyone gets to choose their favorite toppings...

   Oh my goodness, look at the caramel!  Why not make some tonight??:D

BOO!

   I was boo'ed today by Robin!  So here is the deal.  If I sent you a note, consider yourself boo'ed too!  Now it's your turn to Boo someone!  Let your friends know that they have been boo'ed and send them back to your blog to get this fun little "Happy Halloween" picture (below):

   Then post the picture on your sidebar so other will know you have boo'ed already!  Happy Halloween!:D

Eye of Newt Soup

   The girls and I are studying William Shakespeare and today we read a bit of MacBeth.  There are 3 witches in the story that foretell MacBeth's future and also recite a recipe for Eye of Newt Soup.  How perfect for this week!  The recipe that follows is from The Story of the World by Susan Wise Bauer...

Ingredients:

fingers- tootsie rolls

eye of newt- chocolate chips

Tongue of Dog- red licorice

Owlet's wing- mini marshmallows

Dragon eyes- bubble gum balls

Lizard's leg- pretzel sticks

Tooth of Wolf- candy corn

Scale of Dragon- smarties

Gall of Goat- raisins

Also:

A cup of baboon's blood- Grape juice or cranberry juice (to drink with the Eye of Newt Soup- NOT IN IT!)

Directions:

Read the poem.  When you get to each ingredient, put it in a big pot and stir the "soup" with a big wooden spoon!

Double, Double toil and trouble,

Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

Round about the cauldron go;

In the severed fingers throw.

Fillet of a fenny snake,

In the cauldron boil and bake;

Eye of newt and toe of frog,

WOol of bat and tongue of dog,

Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting,

Lizard's leg and owlet's wing,

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hot broth boil and bubble.

Double, double toil and trouble,

Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf,

Witches' mummy, maw and gulf

Of the ravined salt-sea shark,

Gall of goat removed in the dark.

Now drink a cup of baboon's blood,

THen the charm is firm and good.

Have fun with this!  I think we will make our Eye of Newt Soup this afternoon.:D

The Kate Bracelet

   Pink, preppy, pearl.... Perfection.  The Kate is now available in my shop.

Pineapples and Apples

        I told my girls that it is best to keep your thoughts to yourself when it comes to politics.  You know, the old saying about religion and politics...  Well, my girls know how I feel about this election and what I think about the key players, so the topic comes up often whether I like it or not...  Today at the post office, we started to talk about "Pineapple" and "Apple".  The girls stated that "Pineapple" was kind of cute (giggle giggle) but that "Apple" would not start any wars (giggle giggle) and on and on.  They were giggling so loudly with their "secret code"!  We went to vote after the post office and I told them they had to stop talking about "Pineapple" and "Apple".  They couldn't stop giggling, though.:)

Whether you vote for a "Pineapple" or an "Apple", please pray for our country....

Stocking Swap

   I received the most gorgeous package this weekend from my dear friend, Heidi.  We were partners in Robin's fabulous Christmas Stocking Swap.  Heidi knows exactly what makes my heart go pitter patter!  When I was done unwrapping the layers of fluffy white tissue paper I found the most beautiful stocking done in colors of cream and white and accented with glitter and a jingle bell!  The stocking is pictured above- so lovely!  Heidi filled my stocking with the most lovely seashells, as she knows that I adore them, that she had made into glittery ornaments for my Christmas tree!  There were also the loveliest buttons and beads in cream and white!  Look at the little church Christmas ornament....  Oh, and do you see the billowy white bows?

   Heidi also tucked in a lovely notepad and the gorgeous tags that I am adding to my collection!  Each gift was created and wrapped with such care and love that I felt like Heidi was right there with me while I unwrapped everything.:)

   And look at this!  Heidi told me it is one of her favorite books and I can see why.  The pictures are amazing!  Such lovely ideas!  Heidi, thank you so much again for this early Christmas present.  I treasure each and every seashell, button and bead, but I treasure your friendship even more.:)

Welcome to the Haunted Mansion

   You know, the Haunted Mansion at Disney World still scares me!  Especially when the lights go out...  A few years ago I was sitting in one of those cushy little chairs on the ride and it stopped for about a minute!  My Mom was in the next chair and I still was a bit freaked out.  We were in the attic.  Oh yeah.  Happy Halloween!  

The haunted mansion below is from Department 56 and I love it!  Jeff bought it for me as an anniversary gift years ago...

   A tiny disc inside goes around and around and you can see a witch flying on her broomstick.:D  I love the tiny leaves and the trees...

   The tiny pumpkin luminaries light up!  Is it possible to be spooky and precious at the same time?
   BOO!   This tiny little ghost keeps an eye on things...

   Jeff finished painting the dining room wall.  Yes, I said wall.  We decided to paint one wall as an accent and it really is flattering.  The color is "Cider Toddy" and really warms the room.
   Now that the wall is done I am able to hang my new favorite picture from Robin and BJ!  It feels right at home here.
   Thanks for stopping by and have a very Spooky Day!:D

A Day with the Trolls

   Field Trip!  The girls and I met up with some friends to spend a day with the trolls!  The day started off quite chilly, but we braved the elements and packed a picnic for the park.  By the time we opened up our PB & J's the sun was out and the weather was perfect!  After lunch we went exploring and were amazed at all the creativity around us...

This is a submarine sculpture in the goldfish pond!

   Bells that sounded heavenly in the wind.  The girls had to check it out!

   This is where we had our picnic.  Lovely.

   These are some of the fun tables where you can enjoy coffee and something sweet.  We were all impressed with the creative decor.  It was hard to decide where to sit!

   Who wouldn't want to feed this guy?  What a great idea for getting people to throw away their trash!  He was one of many...

   Katie and her friend, Ella:D

   This is called The Ballet Lesson...

   Silly girls in a swing!

   The younger set was much better behaved- lol!:)  They will still smile for pictures!

   My girls have joined a Troll Tribe!

   There were labyrinths, secret windows to peek through, hidden doors and even a Troll Door!
   The falling water was the perfect accompaniment to the park.  Very peaceful.

  Oh yes, there were dragons, too!
   What a fun day!  We can't wait to go back with Daddy!:D

Little Piggies and Sounds Around Town

    I am always on the lookout for good books.  These are two books that the girls and I have recently discovered.  They are new favorites!  The first one is part of the Toot and Puddle (two darling pigs) series by Holly Hobbie.  Yes, it is the same Holly Hobbie from our youth!  The One and Only is about Puddles (another sweet little pig) and how she manages to handle a "copycat" admirer.  Very sweet.  

   The next book comes from the Barefoot Books company.  Barefoot Books have never disappointed me.  The stories are entertaining and engaging and the pictures are beautiful.  I want to buy each and every one!   The Sounds Around Town by Maria Carluccio follows a mother and her child as they stroll through the neighborhood.  Sounds boring?  Just wait until your children (even a 10 year old that I know) start reading all the sounds and anxiously await the next page.  Katie read us this story and we all had a great time!:D

   I would love to hear some of your favorites!  For adults and children!  Birthdays and Christmas are just around the corner...:D

Amazing Aprons and a Pumpkin Mouse named Mallory

   I admit it.  I am absolutely in love with aprons.  No longer do I think of Beaver's Mom, I now think of ladies that wear aprons as a sort of fashion statement.  Look at me!  I am taking care of my family, making a delicious meal and looking great at the same time!:)  So, when Amy told me I had won her AMAZING election apron I was over the moon!  The apron arrived today and I was thrilled, to say the least!  Look at how cute it is!  I LOVE how she added enough length so it could be tied in the front.  

   And look at how she wrapped it.  Darling, Amy!  Thank you so much for treating me to this wonderful work of art!  When are you opening your shop??:D

   And if that's not enough, my sweet friend, Summer, sent me a lovely surprise package!  This cutie pie is Mallory the Mouse!  Summer wrote me the most lovely note, too.  She made me cry it was that sweet.  Mallory Mouse is part of Summer's art collection, but you must stop by and see what else she creates!   Summer is amazingly gifted...

   Summer is hosting a giveaway right now, too!  Stop by before it's too late!

Waiting Up for the Tooth Fairy

   The Tooth Fairy came by last night...  Katie's other front tooth is loose, too, so I think we may soon be hearing "All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth"!:D

   While waiting for the Tooth Fairy to arrive I was busy making some treasures for my shop!

   This sweet bracelet would be perfect to put in a stocking!  Tiny hearts and flower shaped cat's eye beads in a rainbow of colors.  Sweets for your little sweetie!:D

   Freshwater pearls are perfect for the holidays- and every day!  Simple, yet elegant....

   I call this one "Rock Candy"!  The gemstones are lovely with the most amazing colors!  

   By the way, what is the going rate for the Tooth Fairy?  I heard that she brings presents to Heather's kiddos!  What is it like at your house?