Fall, 2012

It's been a great while since I last posted, so I figured since we are halfway (or more) through summer, it was time for a new blog. I am already beginning to notice the usual signs of Fall showing up! JoAnn's Fabrics has put out fall leaves and flowers, and Michael's not only has these as well, but also black crows, owls and pumpkins. We are coming upon our favorite season. I expect our favorite holiday to appear in stores any time now, and as usual, I can't wait!!!

Halloween at Bath & Body

Just yesterday, I was searching for a room spray that I saw at Bath & Body Works two years ago and absolutely fell in love with. I lucked out and found my fragrance ('Fireside'), and also discovered that Bath & Body Works also carries an assortment of fun little Halloween stuff! They have some cute candles, soaps, plug-in room scents that come in several different spooky characters, and even lotions in Halloween-themed bottles. You get a wonderful array of fragrances to choose from such as: Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, Creamy Pumpkin, Caramel Apple, Pumpkin Patch, Autumn, Leaves, and Spiced Cider.

I never would have thought to look for Halloween stuff at Bath & Body Works. It's great to know that I now have another place to add to my list of places to shop for Halloween goodies!

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=11893243

Halloween has come to Michael's!

It's come quite early this year, it seems. I don't remember Michael's putting out Fall and Halloween stuff before July, but they sure did! I walked in the other day, and to my surprise, I saw Fall leaves and black crows in one of the aisles. They also have Halloween banners, wall clingies, ribbon and bows, and autumn flower bouquets. It always makes my day when the first signs of Fall pop up. Fourth of July may be a fun time to have a party or a barbecue, but nothing beats Halloween time! We have a little over three months to go!

Less than six months away...

...from Halloween, that is! :) I was pleasantly surprised when I was channel surfing earlier and saw that 'Halloweentown' is on two different channels tonight- the Disney and Family channels! A Halloween movie playing in June was certainly the last thing I was expecting to find. Even though I own all but one of the 'Halloweentown' movies, it was still kind of exciting to see it listed on tv tonight. I realized that we are now less than six months away from our favorite night of the year, so maybe that's why they decided to show the movie. We are actually only about four months from October now. Wow. The year seems to be passing by pretty quickly. Our weather here in northern California has been very fall-like lately, so by the time the Harvest month really gets here, it will probably seem like we didn't get much of a summer at all. I don't mind, really. It won't be the end of my world if summer feels a little shorter this year. I also know that in about another month and a half to two months from now, Fall and Halloween will begin showing up again in stores all over. We really don't have too much longer.

'Halloween Nation'

I was very excited yesterday when I was browsing amazon (which I often do) for Halloween books and I came across a brand new one! It isn't even out yet (will be released next month on April 15), and I am already anxious to get my claws, er, I mean, hands, on it. ;) I clicked on the "Look Inside" link and read to my heart's content. It isn't another "how-to" instruction book (plenty of those out there already), or another book about the history of Halloween (as much as I enjoy those!). Rather, it seems to be somewhat unique from other Halloween-themed books in that it discusses the question of 'why' Halloween is so popular, not only with kids, but with adults. It includes interviews with some well-known people in the Halloween industry about why they love Halloween like they do, and why they believe the holiday seems to become more and more popular with adults as the years go on. I think it looks like it's going to be a very interesting book, and certainly one I intend to purchase. I might even go ahead and pre-order it. It will provide me with a nice way of passing some time and satisfying my Halloween sweet tooth until October gets here. I am always on the look-out for new books or magazines to add to my collection, and I have a feeling that this one will be a great addition!

Halloween Cravings

March 4th. Halloween is about seven months away now. The halfway point will be upon us before too much longer. I love to think of it like that because it makes it sound like it's not as far off as it really is. I'm always surprised at how quickly the months following Halloween seem to go by. Last year around the six-month mark, the Disney Channel was showing some Halloween shows, like 'Halloweentown I and II', and 'Mostly Ghostly: Who Let the Ghosts Out?'. I remember being so excited to see Halloween on television in May! Even though I own the 'Halloweentown' movies, it was still fun to see Disney showing them that time of year. It was sure proof that Halloween was halfway here.

In order to bide my time waiting impatiently for Halloween to arrive, I started thinking of ways that I could somehow celebrate it during the rest of the year. I loved that Michael's and JoAnn's Fabrics kept holiday stickers and scrapbooking supplies on the shelves year-round, so several months ago I decided to put together a Halloween scrapbook. I had never done scrapbooking before, but I loved the idea of creating spooky scenes with all sorts of stickers, stationary, etc. It would satisfy my "Halloween homesickness", if you will. It was my way of "decorating", I suppose you could say, since I knew how bizarre it would be if I brought out Halloween decorations when it wasn't even close to October! (Although, it wouldn't be unlike me to put them up inside the house, and in particular, in my room. I love the idea of falling asleep to the eerie glow of a jack-o-lantern all year long.) I bought just about every sticker and background I could find and did my best to create the coolest looking Halloween scenes. I was even able to make one of my faves, 'The Great Pumpkin'. Linus sits in his pumpkin patch waiting anxiously, while Lucy, Charlie Brown and Sally go trick-or-treating. I decided at the last minute to add in a few photos of me from Halloweens past.

My scrapbook is already almost full, and I've already decided to start another one after this one is completed. I can't wait until October starts getting closer and the stores start adding new stuff. I had never thought much about scrapbooking before, but I'm finding that I actually quite enjoy it. I might even make one for Christmas!

Another one come and gone

Well, folks, I can't believe it, but Halloween 2010 has already passed us by. It seemed to come and go so quickly. I was driving by Michael's tonight and I thought to myself how I will miss all the Halloween stuff. I have to wait a whole other year to see it all again, and that's always kind of a depressing thought. I get really excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but there's something special about Halloween that fills me with excitement like no other holiday. My Halloween decorations are still up because I haven't had the time to take them down. Tonight, I turned on the orange lights strung around the deck 'cuz I still want to have the feel of Halloween around me. I will be taking everything down in a day or so and packing it all away again until next year. Funny. I almost feel like I'm saying goodbye to an old friend. Luckily, the Christmas stuff will go up before long, so things won't look too empty. I put one of my faux jack-o-lanterns that I carved this year on top of the dvd player on the dresser. I figured I'd enjoy its spooky glow once more before I put it in storage. I used a pattern from Zombie Pumpkins called 'Patch Master' on it, and I really love how it looks all lit up. I love scarecrows. This one is truly sinister.

Farewell, Halloween. I will look forward to your visit next year!

It's All Hallow's Eve

Well, friends (or should I say, "fiends"?), our favorite day is finally here! Can you believe it?! We wait anxiously all year long, hanging in there through the long, hot summer months, waiting for those first signs of Fall to pop up in stores everywhere. It seems an eternity has passed by the time October 31st gets here, and when it finally does, it's over before we know it. The Halloween decorations are up, and the pumpkins are carved and waiting for the first TOTs to arrive. This is the night we all look forward to all year. Somehow, it almost seems surreal to me when the big night actually arrives. I think of all the things I wanted to do, but didn't get a chance to. Ah, well! There is always next year to add in that one decoration we didn't put up, or that prop we worked hard on and didn't quite finish. One thing is for sure: Halloween will come around again!

I wanted to tell my fellow bloggers and Halloween lovers Happy Halloween!

Haunted attraction

I discovered a new haunt to check out this year, and I really think it looks like a good one! I love going to haunts every Halloween. It's probably my favorite thing to do to celebrate the holiday. There's just nothing quite like getting in costume (assuming the haunt allows you to dress up) and going with friends and getting spooked by a bunch of costumed characters, scary music, and, if you're lucky, a truly spooky haunted attraction. I didn't make it to any haunts last year, so I'm hoping Callson Manor will quench my thirst for something really spooktacular!

I can't believe Halloween is almost upon us! It's almost like there's a part of me that doesn't want it to get here *too* quickly because it's always kind of depressing when it's over. I think it's mostly the excitement and anticipation of waiting for it...knowing it's coming....and the thrill of getting ready with decorations, costumes, party plans, etc. That's what really does it for me. I love to see scarecrows and pumpkins on porches, and witches crashed into front doors as I drive by peoples' houses. I love the pumpkin patches along the side of the road, with hay bales and scarecrows which seem to beckon to onlookers to stop and pick a pumpkin. What a wonderful time of the year! Let's enjoy it while it lasts. :)

Callson Manor
www.callsonmanor.com

Something wicked this way comes..

If you're looking for something truly unusual for your haunt this year (or if you have a truly macabre taste for interior decorating), you should really enjoy '10 Coffin Furniture Ideas: Caskets Couches to Death Desks'. I never imagined there was actually a company that makes all sorts of coffin-shaped furniture for the home or office. Desks, shelves, tables, and even a pool table are among the eccentric items you can order. A home filled with this stuff would make the Addams Family mansion look almost normal.



http://dornob.com/10-coffin-furniture-ideas-caskets-couches-to-death-desks/

Ahhh, pumpkins

I figured that at any day now, pumpkins would start arriving at the nearby grocery stores. Sure enough, I was near a Safeway tonight and spotted the first big batch! Those most famous of all Halloween icons were sitting there by the entranceway in all their bright orange glory, as if waiting patiently to be taken home to be prepared for the big Halloween night. I did not purchase one. Not yet. As tempted as I was, I figured I would wait just a little bit longer, perhaps until October to celebrate its arrival. I cannot wait to bring some home and witness their ghastly transformations from ordinary squash, to creepy monstrosities. I am looking forward to frightening faces glowing in the dark, creating a feeling of menacing delight, as they light the deck and walkway. And that smell of burning pumpkin flesh! One of the most wonderful smells on earth. It is the very essence of Halloween for me. I have already carved a faux pumpkin, and as cool as it is to have some that never rot, it cannot compare to the real thing. Sort of like how convenient it is to simply put up a fake Christmas tree with the lights already strung up and ready to go. Without that Christmas tree smell filling up the house, it just isn't the same. I like to have a few faux pumpkins and real ones so that I don't feel I'm missing out on anything.

I don't have long to wait now. My craving for all things Halloween will soon be satisfied.

Carving patterns

www.zombiepumpkins.com

If you're into carving jack-o-lanterns as much as I am, then you should really enjoy this site that I ventured upon some time ago: http://www.zombiepumpkins.com/

When it comes to patterns to choose from, Zombie Pumpkins definitely takes home the prize. There are many different categories to pick from, including characters from movies, TV, cartoons, and bands. You do have to pay for most of them, but you're given the choice as to how much you want to pay for however many patterns you want. I didn't think the prices were at all bad, however; especially when you consider how incredible they are. The best part is you don't have to wait for a pattern book to be shipped--you just pay, print, and get ready to carve! You can even submit your carvings and they will post them on the site. My favorite category is 'Grinning Jacks'. I'll definitely be carving some of these evil new creations this year, and will happily share them! ;)

Halloween magazines

They started showing up in grocery stores and magazine aisles a month ago. I was very impressed with Martha Stewart's Halloween magazine last year, and I've been anxiously awaiting it to come out again this year. Well, yesterday my wish came true! It isn't the cheapest magazine ($9.99), but if you love Halloween like I do, it's definitely worth the money. There were some really great decorating ideas that I had never thought of or seen before. One example was instructions for how to make spider egg sacs using a foam egg, a white nylon stocking, and plastic spiders. It truly looked like a big egg sac about to burst with tons of baby spiders...creepy! There were also instructions on making your porch look like it's been taken over by giant spiders, with webbing covering everything except a tiny slit for an entrance. There are tons of great recipes, too, of course, as well as costumes for kids and adults. It's a pretty thick magazine, and I had a lot of fun looking through it and getting new ideas.

In the check-out aisle, I also grabbed a little Betty Crocker booklet called Fall Baking. I couldn't resist buying something with grinning jack-o-lantern cake pops on the cover. The booklet is loaded with delicious-sounding recipes that I am already dying to try. Some that really caught my eye are the Trick-or-Treat Cheesecake, Gingerbread Cupcakes, and tons of different flavored cobblers. I am really looking forward to making (and enjoying!) these little goodies.

My favorite time of year is finally almost here. Halloween and Fall are showing up everywhere, and the weather should soon be cooling off with Autumn's arrival. The leaves will soon be turning their gorgeous colors of orange, red and yellow, and pumpkins will be popping up on porches and walkways. I already have a Fall and Halloween banner hanging in my yard to welcome the season! Very soon, that smell that I love so much--raging fire pits and wood stoves--will fill the air. I am already filled with excitement!

Halloween festivities

It's almost never too early for me to start searching for local Halloween events. Last night, I decided to do such a search, and I was quite surprised at what I found. I came across at least several haunted houses I hadn't heard of before. I plan to check them out this year. Here is a short list of what I stumbled across:

Callson Manor
http://www.callsonmanor.com/

Run by a professional animatronics prop designer, I was very impressed (at least) with the website. They claim they are not your average haunted attraction with teenagers running around in ski masks. I love that there is quite an in-depth backstory behind the haunt. The creators really went to extremes to make a great site, and came up with an intriguing legend. There is even a great video to go along with it to really peak your interest.

Fright Planet
http://www.frightplanet.com/index.html

This one looks a little like a more typical haunt you might find, such as Gyro's World of Terror, but it still looks like lots of fun.

I'm excited to be finding some events for this year when it isn't even September.

'Spirit Halloween' superstore

Halloween is truly on its way: I spotted the first 'Spirit' store yesterday just down from Michael's! I figured I would see a 'Spirit' banner some time soon, but I was surprised to see it coming this early. I figure it will probably be opening in the next week or so. You can bet I'll be one of the first ones there!

I bought my first Halloween goodies of the year at Michael's. I couldn't walk out of there empty-handed! They are almost completely stocked up with Halloween stuff (and I even saw one aisle that had a few Christmas things!). As usual, I was tempted to buy one of practically everything, but seeing as I have a budget, I just bought a few little knick-knacks to begin with. I got a couple more black, iron spider candleholders to add to the three I got last year, as well as a pack of black LED tea lights, a small bat to hang from my rearview mirror (yes, I even like a touch of Halloween in my car!), and a bottle of Pumpkin Spice oil. I burned it when I got home, and couldn't believe how delicious it made the kitchen smell! If anything will put me in the mood for Fall/Halloween, it's the wonderful scent of spicy pumpkin pie. I saw a candle called 'Halloween', and also the usual autumn-scented candles and potpourri. I want to fill every room in the house with that scent. It's heartwarming.

Michael's

I went into Michael's today to see how much more Halloween stuff they had out, and I was very surprised at how much there was since I was there a few weeks ago! They have tons of Halloween banners out, skeleton candle holders, creepy candleabras, ghoulish picture frames, stickers, kids' Halloween projects, window clings, and a whole aisle of the Spooky Town sets. I was quite impressed at how much was now on the shelves. If I wasn't broke, I'd have bought a few little knick-knacks at the very least, but I don't get paid until the 10th. You can be sure that one of the first things I'll be doing is starting my Halloween shopping. ;)

On another note, our super awesome Halloween store, Evangeline's Costume Mansion, opens its doors this Sunday!! I look forward to this all year long. I can't believe it's already that time, and believe me, I couldn't be more excited to go back!

Halloween store to open in a few weeks!

On August 1st, the largest Halloween store in northern California will open its doors! Located on the second and third floor of an old, historic building, The Costume Mansion is always the first one around to invite visitors to begin their Halloween shopping. I am always amazed that the Mansion opens so early every year, but it is always a very exciting time for me. They have practically everything a Halloween lover could dream of--costumes of almost every kind, props, decorations, music, jewelry, etc. What makes it even more fun is that the place itself is old and creepy enough to be the star location in any horror film. It is kept like this year-round, although the Costume Mansion is officially closed most of the year until the 1st of August. You can still visit the Mansion during the off-season if accompanied by an employee. It's exciting to know that I can return to my favorite Halloween store in just a few weeks. One thing is for sure--it's never too soon!

http://www.evangelines.com/

Update on Michael's!!

I just wanted to report that I was back at Michael's today, and I am thrilled to say that I saw the first official signs of Halloween! Yessiree, Michael's has the first of its Halloween decorations- a whole bunch of cool ribbon! They had some with skeletons, spider webs, black cats, and some that are just orange and black. I think I'm going to buy some this year and use them on tall vases that I want to decorate for Halloween. I figure I'll get some black and orange candles, or even a large LED flicker candle, and then get some black, dark purple, and red flowers, maybe a crow or some spider webs, some moss, and whatever else might look a bit gothic looking. I think I might even make a couple of wreaths to hang around the house.

I'm so happy that Halloween stuff is already coming out! I can't wait to get started on making some new, exciting things!

Halloween fun

If you're waiting anxiously for Halloween like I am, and you'd love to find some fun, Halloween-related things to do to while away the hot, summer months, then check out the following sites. 'Haunted Bay' has some cool sound effects, music files, puzzles, and other things to play around with to satisfy your Halloween cravings. Be sure to scroll down to the audio files and listen to 'Tain't No Sin to Take Off Your Skin (and dance around in your bones)', a popular Halloween tune from the 1920s! I also love the classic 'Peanuts', 'Haunted Mansion', and 'Beetlejuice' themes.

http://www.hauntedbay.com/downloads/sounds/

If you enjoy doing mazes and word searches, then check out this site:

www.hauntedbay.com/downloads/

I love doing Halloween-related stuff even when it's still a ways off in the distance. It sort of brings it a little closer to home while I'm waiting for it to finally arrive.

It's official: Fall has come early at Michael's!!

I went into Michael's today, still expecting to find nothing but the usual (boring) things you always find during the summer: flowers, colorful banners, summer-style arts and crafts, party supplies, and of course, 4th of July decorations. As I walked in, however, a wonderful sight caught my eye: flowers and plants in beautiful Fall colors-red, orange, and gold! As I walked over to that part of the store, I also found pumpkins (pumpkins!), bows and other fall-themed decorations, and even black crows. I couldn't believe it! One of my fellow Halloween Haunters on this site had told me she had already seen the first few signs of fall at a Micheal's near her, but I didn't expect to find several aisles completely filled up before the end of June! I certainly didn't expect to find pumpkins (not the tall ones for carving that you find for Halloween), but pumpkins, nonetheless. Nor was I expecting to find those black, plastic crows that are commonly used in Halloween decorations. It seems incredibly odd that we have not even celebrated 4th of July, and yet Autumn is already arriving. Needless to say, I, for one, am excited. For an autumn/Halloween lover like myself, this helps break up the seemingly neverending, dull, hot days of summer that I grow so tired of once the temperature gets much over 85 degrees. It's always a relief to me to see Fall finally showing up, as it means that not only are the cooler, colorful days on their way, but so is Halloween.

I suppose in a way I almost love the days shortly before Halloween arrives even more than Halloween night itself. The reason is that I love that feeling of complete excitement as preparation begins. I love it when it's finally time to look for new fall and Halloween items to use for decorations, going on that search for the perfect, carvable pumpkin, and making plans for the big night. I love seeing homes decorated with skeletons and witches, tombstones, and ghouls popping up out of the ground, orange and purple lights, and porches glowing with jack-o-lanterns. It is such an exciting thing. Seeing the first fall decorations in the store today gave me the first tiny sense of anticipation. It is already within me. Fall is on its way. The proof is there. The best part is that if they are already putting Fall out on the shelf, then Halloween can't be far behind. How I love this time of year!