Welcome

I think we've pretty much made the tour of the inside of the house, so today we're on to the outside. Probably should have showed you the entry way first but it was actually the last thing I got to. I really wasn't even sure I was going to do it all this year, but I just couldn't help myself. Welcome.

Had to do a bit out back as well. 

So that is it for this year's decor. I did a few things differently but others stayed the same and I am OK with that. I have a pretty big house and lots of "stuff" for Halloween and the task of switching everything up every year is just too daunting for me at my age-lol!

Our weather is finally catching up to my decor and we are having some beautiful, autumn days. Going to catch one grandson's football game this weekend - the other injured his shoulder a few weeks ago and is probably out for the season - and then I'm heading down to "Halloween-town"-otherwise known as St. Pete to spend a week with our oldest daughter. We've got lots of fun things on the agenda-including a "witch crawl"-not sure what to expect but I know it will be fun!!

Last night I had the privilege of attending grandson #1's induction into the National Junior Honor Society. It was a wonderful ceremony followed by dinner out at one of our favorite restaurants. It never gets old seeing the "grands" receiving so many honors!

I'm off to make a pot of Martha Stewart Vermicelli Vegetable soup-one of my favorites. I'll share if it turns out good. Stay tuned.

Be My Guest!

I thought we would take a quick peek into the guests rooms today. Because we usually have a lot of company this time of year, I like to dress them up just a little-plus, it gives me a chance to use old decor pieces that I might not want to use in the main parts of the house but that have a bit of sentimental value to me so I'm not quite ready to say "good-bye" to them yet!

And yes, the hats are ready once again just in case any witch one is so inclined!

 

This is the room we call the "dormitory". That is because it has a bunk bed and trundle. It is amazing how many grands can sleep in here because they want to all be together when there are perfectly fine queen size beds in the other two rooms! This room also serves as my office and craft room so I keep the decor pretty simple-just enough to give a nod and make the kids think it is still Halloween in this room.

This year, I also added just a bit to our master bath-again, because I already have all of this stuff and because it makes me happy to walk in and see it.

We are almost done with this year's tour...just a bit more to come tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Almost There!

Halloween is almost upon us and I find myself still tweaking parts of my decor. If I wait long enough, maybe I will "get it right" before the big night. lol

Not much left to show you, so I thought we could look at two of the last number of  rooms today.

I kept the sunroom pretty simple-didn't even use any lights out here this year. Since we use this room for a lot of practical functions, it is easier to keep it ready to use. The easier, the better these days!

And on we go to the guest bath.

This month is moving so quickly! There was the smallest hint of cooler air early this morning so I am headed out to get some weeding done. I still have a bit more to show you, so stay tuned!

What a Fun Surprise!

I guess it's no secret that I love hand made gifts. And, I also love surprises! Since I am usually the one doing holiday crafts with my grand children, the secret element is pretty much removed for me. So, imagine my surprise when I was presented this work of art by my 8 year old ( and obviously very artistically gifted..lol ) grand daughter!

Presley and her brothers spent the weekend in Gainesville with my brother and sister-in-law. After a day of fun watching the UF Homecoming parade and participating in all of the celebrating, the girls were ready for some quiet time. They nailed together some pieces of siding and set to work. This is the one Presley made for Nana and Papa. We love it and it will always find a very special place in our Halloween decor...nothing like an unexpected hand made surprise to put a smile on your face and make your day! Stay tuned.

It's All About Family!

So today we hit the family room. I changed up the mantel a bit this year. You have already seen that I moved the photo gallery into the dining niche. I am happy with it there and now the mantel isn't quite as crammed full as it usually is. I like it but I'm not "in love" with it so I will probably be keeping my eyes open for new ideas and ways to tweak it a bit...which probably, in my case, means "more stuff" and it will be crammed full again before the blink of an eye! My motto seems to be "more is MORE"! lol

I am pretty much locked in to all of the photos in the media unit and the shelves. As much as I wish sometimes that I could "weed" out some of these photos, I simply can not! Every one is a special memory and I love looking at every one of them over and over. The only trouble is...I am pretty much already out of room and each year we keep adding to the number of pictures...but that means we are adding to the number of memories as well, so I will find a way! Thinking I may start to move some into the guest rooms. We shall see!

Also, I love my wreath and tomb stone vignette and even if I wanted to change it, I don't think I could come up with something I like better-at least not right now!

And so, on we go:

I still adore the spider lamps from the Bombay Co. I sure do miss that store and their seasonal items!!

I love it when I can find "kid" crafts that are fun for the kids to do but become a part of my favorite decor year after year! That is what happened with this witch hat picture holder. The kids just molded hats out of black Air-Dry Crayola clay. We used a round cutter to do the brim. Next, we twisted up a piece of copper wire and stuck it into the hat. Then it was just a matter of waiting for it to dry and embellishing. That was truly all there was to it!

I am amazed every year when I bring out this witch. I bought her at a garden and gift shop in the tiny town of Alachua many years ago and paid way too much for her but, she spoke to me and I knew ahe would become a forever  friend! It is hard to tell from a picture, but she is dressed in all sorts of fabrics and laces. Her boits are real leather and her finishing details are incredible! I am happy that she is being showcased on the mantel this year! I almost thought of seeing if I couldn't find at least one more similar witch to add to the vignette, but I have decide that I am not even going to try. I don't think I could ever find another witch as beautiful-lol!

I made these floral buckets many years ago from one that I saw at a craft show. I stole copied the idea and used them as gifts that year. Mine sits on the hearth every year filled with glittered branches from Illuminations but I just looked at it with "new eyes" and think I may have to try to come up with a new and improved use for this guy soon!

So that is it for the family room. This is my favorite place to sit and relax. Amongst all of the memories, warm glow of lights and candles and fabulous pumpkin spice smells, I am in heaven here! We are supposed to have a bit of a rainy week and I must admit that while it may not always be the case, this week I am actually looking forward to it. It gives me a good reason to curl up in my comfy chair and not feel guilty about letting everything on the "to-do" list just wait for another day! Stay tuned.