Haunted Humpday is coming!

Boo!

It's time to think about Fall and pumpkins, black and orange glitter, spooky stories and haunted recipes. 

Haunted Humpday from Incipient Wings is back!

Only 2 things seem to bring me back to blogland every year.

Halloween and the enchanting Marfi who knows I can't resist any opportunity to get the most out of Fall.

Haunted Humpday starts on August 27th!!

Are you ready?

Haunted Humpday

It's Haunted Humpday #8!

 

I missed last week and I wanted to make sure I didn't miss this week so I'm posting on time for a change. It's also almost time for the Broomsticks on the Bayou party so busy busy busy.

 

Every October I complain about how no one else in my neighborhood seems to get into the spirit of Halloween. I mean here we are halfway through October and I can count how many houses around me might even have a pumpkin by the front door. Right now I'm the only one with any decorations up and well, it just makes me sad.

 

 

I have a few things on my mantle at least. I decided to do black birds and white pumpkins this year.

 

 

I was so excited to find this gate in the gardening section at Home Depot. I thought it would be perfect for the New Orleans party and afterwards it's going out by the front door to scare off trick or treaters. He he he!

 

I don't really drink much but mixing drinks fascinates me. I guess maybe because it's a lot like potion making. When I first got into my New Orleans kick I used to make one of their famous drinks called a Sazerac, a cocktail that goes back to the 1800's and is as much a part of New Orleans lore as a Mardi Gras parade.

 

 

However, one New Orleans drink I've never tried but seems more appropriate for the season is the Zombie. Want to give it a try?

 

1/2 oz Bacardi® 151 rum
1 oz pineapple juice
1 oz orange juice
1/2 oz apricot brandy
1 tsp sugar
2 oz light rum
1 oz dark rum
1 oz lime juice

Blend all ingredients with ice except Bacardi 151 proof rum. Pour into a collins glass. Float Bacardi 151 proof rum on top. Garnish with a fruit slice, sprig of mint and a cherry.

 

Are you ready for the party now?

 

It's going to be a mad rush for me but what else is new? I have beignets to cook, voodoo dolls to hang, tarot cards to find. Up until today I still had no idea what my post was going to be but I think I see a few things forming in my brain.

 

Oh and I need to find my crows!

 

 

I had them on my chandelier 2 years ago and I haven't been able to find them since.

 

And if you're looking for more spooky chandelier ideas like this one

 

 

go and visit All Things Halloween

 

 

I'm also finishing up Isis' tutu for the pit bull costume parade.

 

 

I can't decide whether or not to do fairy wings for her. I'm lucky she's such a good girl and she'll pretty much wear anything I put on her.

 

I'll see you guys back here this weekend for Broomsticks on the Bayou and don't forget to check out the rest of Haunted Humpday over at

Incipient Wings.

 

 

 



Haunted Humpday

Here we are. It's finally October!

Happy Haunted Humpday #6

 

I wish I could say I'm savoring cool cloudy days wrapped in a cozy scarf and warm boots. Alas the sun hangs around much longer here in Tomatoland and although the early mornings and late nights are  cooler, it's still not warm enough to bring out my favorite fall pieces. As I type this post I'm sitting here in my kitchen in a tank top and flip flops. But at least the AC can finally stop running.

 

 

I've been mentally working on my Broomsticks on the Bayou party post. Gathering ideas and props, looking through my stash of New Orleans what nots. Mambo is a little doll I've had for a few years. I ordered him from an artist in New Orleans and I carry him around in a carpet bag I use as a travel bag for overnight trips. I'm hoping he'll start to really inspire me very soon.

 

 

I'm also in love with this bewitching book that Marfi suggested. It's a book of Halloween ideas for grown ups and there's actually a section in it for a New Orleans style party.

 

 

It's deliciously clever and creative, artsy without being cutesy.

You can find it HERE if you so desire.

 

 

Speaking of books, this is one I've had for a long time. I bought it at an antique shop and for the longest time I didn't touch it. There was something about it that kept me from going through the pages. Maybe it was the thought of other souls getting goose bumps as they held this same book in their hands one eerie October eve.

 

 

I finally started reading one or two of the tales but there are still a handful I have yet to explore. If I'm brave I'll try to finish another one this month.

 

 

October is my favorite month for lots of reasons. Halloween being one of them of course, but it's also my son's birthday month and this year he turns 17! He was Frodo 10 years ago when this picture was taken. I took him trick-or-treating in a charming town not too far from us. I'm thrilled that he shares my love of Halloween so October is our month. I just wish it wouldn't go by so fast.

 

How many of you are looking forward to next week's premiere of American Horror Story: Coven?
 

I'll admit I didn't follow the first 2 seasons because I'm not particularly a horror fan but I do love a good story and great cinematography. Season 3 is about witches, voodoo and New Orleans and believe it or not I didn't know about it before we decided on BotB. I've been watching all the trailers which are wonderfully creepy so I'm excited to see it. I just don't know if I'll make it through the entire season but I can't wait.
 

Don't forget it's only 17 days away from the party!

 

Are you ready?

 

Happy Haunted Humpday

 

Pop over to Incipient Wings for more awesome spookiness.

 

 

 



Haunted Humpday

I'm back again for Haunted Humpday. Can you believe it's already October next week? Fall has a habit of suddenly sneaking up on us, embracing us in a whirl of crunchy leaves and pumpkin glitter. Then just like that, softly, quietly and oh so sadly, it disappears for another year.

 

So take a deep crispy apple toasty breath and enjoy the season.

Believe it or not this mini ghost pumpkin is from last Fall. I kept it by the kitchen sink next to a potted plant and it made it through the whole year. Isn't this giant mug spooky fabulous? It came all the way from Arizona :)

 

 

I stopped by my local Target store on my way home from the animal shelter earlier. I was so excited to see all their Halloween goodies finally out. It's a yearly ritual for me, checking and waiting for those aisles to fill up with bags of candy and spooky paper and trim.

 

Got your witchy hat on? Let's do some window shopping!

 

 

I love this year's black bird tree and skull theme. I've used vinyl tablecloths before as a backdrop or curtain and I think this one might be great for my Broomsticks on the Bayou party post.

 

 

This pillar candle and holder has a great New Orleans voodoo feel to it. Just add strands of beads or hang a poppet or two.

 

 

I can't remember if this lights up. I love the cage but I think I can get the same look with stuff I already have. I love the shape though.

 

 

Too cute! I'd use it year round.

 

 

How about gingerbread skeleton cookies? Perfect for a voodoo party.

 

So if you haven't had the chance to check out the Halloween collection at your Target go in and see if it's already up before everyone else gets their hands on it and they all disappear.

 

Now you probably already know that Isis and I will be in a costume parade next month to support Pit Bull Awareness Day. Isis thought she would show off a few more pieces from her fabulous haunted wardrobe. What do you think?

 

 

Bat wings (with a yet to be crafted black tutu)?

 

 

 Or sweet pittie pumpkin?

Hope you're having a fantastic Haunted Humpday.

Now go visit Marfi at Incipient Wings for more spooky bliss.

 

 



Haunted Humpday #3

Back again for another Haunted Humpday!

 

Today's post gets a little bit of help from Miss Isis Delilah Roux.

 

 

I found a couple of fun Halloween goodies this weekend.

 

How do you like this fabulous mini witchy hat?

 

 

Isis doesn't mind being dressed up at all though she first thought perhaps the hat might be some sort of bacon flavored waffle cone.

 

 

For less fancy Halloween parties (or morning walks along the river) Isis also has this adorable new bandana with little dancing skeletons. Simple yet hauntingly charming, yes?

 

 

What doggie wardrobe would be complete without a chic Halloween collar with printed bones and orange and black jeweled flower? I think it's her favorite.

 

Why is Isis so excited about her new witchy wardrobe?

 

We are going to be participating in this year's National Pit Bull Awareness Day on October 26 by joining a costume parade hosted by Chako, the pit bull rescue I volunteer with. There are events happening all across the country. You can find out more by visiting their website HERE

 

 

All she'll need is a bewitching black tutu then she's ready to join her furry friends to show our city how amazing these misunderstood dogs really are. Which means I better get started on that tutu soon.

 

Hope you're having a wonderful week and thank you to the dazzlingly magical Marfi for hosting this great challenge.

 

Be sure to stop by Incipient Wings to see more.

 

 

 



Haunted Humpday

Happy Haunted Humpday and Happy September too! Does it feel like Autumn where you are? My son headed back to school yesterday. Senior year! I still can't believe it.

 

 

It doesn't quite look like fall here yet unless you go into the shops. One of my favorite things at the end of summer is when the Halloween magazine issues come out. Target  had several out including Martha Stewart's new one. I used to buy as many Halloween issues as I could several years ago but I eventually realized a lot of them tend to recycle the same thing over and over again. So I usually narrow it down to 1 or 2 each year but I still love seeing them on the stands and I'll go through all of them before the season's done.

 

 

I have a major sweet tooth and I have pretty much zero will power when it comes to cupcakes and cake. I started out looking for a spooky cake recipe to share but then I kept finding images of all these amazing Halloween cakes.

 

 

They're works of art I think. Some of these look like wedding cakes but they would be amazing for any Halloween party.

 

 

How cute and clever is this one?

 

 

Look at this amazing Corpse Bride themed cake!

I think it would make a great hat too.

 

 

Here's another one. Love the purple and black.

 

 

How about this Day of the Dead cake? I love the white sugar skulls against the red. I can also see a mini cupcake version of this one.

 

 

Love this haunted house. I'm not sure who did this but it has a very Martha Stewart look to it.

 

I did find a cake recipe that sounds like it might be fun to try.

 

 

Hershey's has this Black Magic cake recipe on their site. It's super simple and would be great for cupcakes too. You can check out the recipe HERE

 

I hope the cakes inspired you a little bit. I know I'm ready for a bite of one so I think I might just have to go to the bakery and treat myself to a slice.

 

Don' forget to check out Haunted Humpday at Incipient Wings.

 

 

 



It's Haunted Humpday!

I'm joining Marfi at Incipient Wings for this fun weekly challenge because for some of us it's never too early for Halloween. I keep some of my favorite Halloween pieces out all year long, do you?

 

 

Like my witch Lucinda who's been on this blogging adventure with me from the start. She lives in my studio and never misses a blog party.

 

 

Of course there's always a witchy broom next to my fireplace. What proper witch would ever be caught without one ready for a quick spell or perhaps a moonlight flight?

 

 

I love visiting thrift shops. During one of my visits this summer I found this fun piece which I grabbed right away to add to my collection.

 

 

What's behind the shutters you ask?

 

 

Someone working on a witch's brew!

 

I will probably play with this and alter it before Halloween but I thought it was cute and I'm sure I didn't pay more than $2 for it.

 

 

Since my day today started at the shelter where I volunteer with a pit bull rescue I thought I would also share this sweet pup. She's black and white which makes her sort of spooky (in the cutest way) right?

 

Jada is a two year old enchantress looking for her forever home. She's one of the pups I train at the shelter. I get to teach her basic manners to help her get adopted. Isn't she the sweetest witch?

 

 

 

And that is my first Haunted Humpday post! I can't wait until it actually feels like Fall out there and I'll have more goodies to share. Thank you to the ever awesome Marfi for getting us through these last days of summer. Be sure to visit Incipient Wings to play along and don't forget to check out all the great spooky goodness everyone has to share.