“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Friday, October 28, 2011

Halloween Party, Food & Fun...



..... And big ones too!

 Still not inspired for a big (or little) Halloween party? Grab some pumpkins, candles and some sticks from your back yard. Add some twinkle lights and voila, your home is magically transformed.

Well maybe it's not that easy, but with a few decorations, one great cocktail and some basic food you can have a fun and fantastic Halloween party! Here are a few ideas for you...



First of all...

Set the mood by adding something nice to your front entry.



 2 Hearts


No time to carve pumpkins? Simply arrange a few around the entry. Add battery powered candles if you feel uncomfortable with open flames.










Nice soft lighting makes your guests feel at ease.





Start with a fabulous cocktail!
Halloween Sunset cocktail recipe





How about a couple of appetizers? Yum!





A simple pumpkin cheese ball is always a hit.







Here is an example of a wonderful table set up for a party.


Halloween Dessert Buffet





Need more food ideas? Here you go.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites











You look stressed. Try this cocktail. It's called a Harvest Moon. Feel better now? Delicious!







Some yummy treats!









Caramel Apple Recipe




This candy arrangement makes a great 
centerpiece that you can eat.

Halloween Candy Kabobs


Hint: Add a few drops of canola oil to a paper towel and lightly rub the bamboo skewer before sliding the candy on. It makes things much easier. Arrange in a large vase or pitcher.


                  






A cup of warm cider sends your guests 
off feeling all warm and toasty!


272/365 - cider with cinnamon








Coffee after a party is the universal sign of
  "Thanks for coming and good night".



coffee curl




Make sure you have some ready to go about a 
half hour before you would like your party to end.  For more fun Halloween images and ideas visit my board below.





Hope you have a Spooktacular Party!


Update: Due to changes in Pinterest most images have been replaced with a link to my Halloween pinboard or removed. ~ Diane


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Black Cat Awareness Day - October 27

 Black Cats Iced Cookies


This time of year you can barely go anywhere without seeing the image of a black cat.  We love to decorate with black cats. We dress up our kid's as black cats and send them trick or treating. We make cupcakes and pumpkins that look like black cats. But when it come to adoption from the animal shelter the black cat's are often overlooked. In fact all black animals, even dogs, have a difficult time finding homes.

With cats, it may be based on the old superstition or people just don't think that a black cat is colorful enough for them. The truth is that a black cat is just as beautiful and loveable as any other color cat. Each cat has it's own personality and there is no reason why you shouldn't have a black one.  Black cat's are not evil or mean or unlucky. The fact that these animals are passed over is such a shame.

Black cat's can be wonderful pets. I know from experience. My black cat picked me to be his owner, he showed up on our doorstep one day and never left! Cocoa was a darling bundle of black fur and one of the happiest and most playful cat's I have ever known. He remained that way almost to the end. Even when suffering from acute kidney disease, he still had that spark that I will never forget. I have to say that I was a very lucky person to have such a joyful friend for eighteen years.

Keep in mind that most animal shelters do not allow adoption of a black cat until after Halloween. If adopting a cat or dog is somewhere in your future, please consider adopting a black one.





Click the link for more information about celebrities  involved in helping black cats.



























 T i t l e : "Sadie Sunbathing" A r t i s t : Rachel Parker 




The beautiful photos below are from the Flickr group Black Cat Awareness.






The Little Dictator





2004-2011 Mi


Black cat celebration-8


Baxter






*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *


This post is dedicated in memory of my very own black cat.

"Cocoa" 1991 - 2009



Saturday, October 22, 2011

Do You Believe in Magic?....


So, do you believe in Magic? 
 I believe there are all kinds of magical things in this world and not just at Halloween. Today I am sharing some of my mystical, magical pins from Pinterest and a great song too! Feel free to sing along! Just remember to click the pause button on the player on the right side of your screen so you can listen to The Lovin' Spoonful.




               Do You Believe in Magic by The Lovin' Spoonful.









Due to changes on Pinterest, please visit my pinboard below for more images. Thank you ~~ Diane

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Cozy Autumn Home...

I really don't decorate that much for Halloween. We have a nice pumpkin and beautiful mum on the front porch. Inside just a few touches of fall on the buffet and piano. I am more of a Christmas person but I did take a few photos of some of the things I have put out for autumn.

Cute Wooden Pumpkin Kitty and Pumpkin Spice Potpourri.


Darling Vintage Fitz and Floyd Mugs I bought on Etsy
I love the Raccoon mugs I bought on Etsy from Feed the Birdies Vintage!




I layered a gold placemat shaped like a leaf over the runner to set off the
kitty and potpourri bowl. They are in front of a large leaf embossed platter.




 Yes, there is a pumpkin sitting on the Witches hat.






I added some fun texture to my photos and in the above a little sparkle
to give it a little magical quality.




I think these Vintage Black Cat Salt and Pepper Shakers really look
at home in front of the white pumpkin.

I am linking with Potpourri Friday 2805.



Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Sunday, October 16, 2011

You Are Loved...

The National Breast Cancer Foundation's mission is to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for those in need. NBCF accomplishes this mission through various initiatives. NBCF programs provide women help for today and hope for tomorrow.

For today we are thinking Pink and I thought I would share some of my favorites today.



















Linking with: A Pink Pinning and Singing Party

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

We Love Cute Little Witches at Halloween...



Little Witches, Big Witches, Animal Witches, as long as they are Cute we love them all! Take a look at some of these items I  and see what I've found for you today! Images are from my collection.
















I hope you enjoyed this little tour of these devilishly cute witches! Have a wicked good day!

Linked with What I Love Wednesdays and Delightfully Inspiring Thursday