Will This Get Me Through 'Til Turkey Day?

Hmmm...I am not sure about this recent door hanger I painted throughout the week.  It started out as a Halloween thing...now I see more of a pilgrim's hat rather than a witch's...I may just keep it up till the end of November!

A "Bewitching" Birthday Artie Partie!

My precious little friend Peyton wanted an "Artie Partie" for her birthday this year and I was thrilled and honored!  Peyton loves a good birthday party as seen here and here when she was was turning 4 years old.  Where has the time (and her adorable baby cheeks) gone?  Her Mom suggested something for Halloween and I sent her a quick idea for her approval...that's how most things get started around here...with scrap paper and dried out markers sketches!

Check out this adorable picture of of Peyton taken by a very talented young lady...it really captures her spirit!  And that CAKE!  It tastes even better than it looks...which is fabulous!!

The girls are painting their banners green and will be copying the banner in the background.

Abbey has traced her legs and is ready for the next step!

Paint palettes are loaded with colors of the season.

Birthday girl Peyton starts to paint the witch's legs...

 and the girls talk about political ads on tv (of all things!)

while painting!  Oh yeah, and One Direction!

 Mammas are impressed with all that talent in one room!

Purple skirts, stripy leggings and 

big black boots make these witches adorable!

 All finished and ready to hang on doors and walls all over town!  What a great way to spend the day!

There's Just Something About Candle Light

Last night was the perfect autumn evening...it all started with morning coffee while we watched leaves fall from the trees on a rainy, dark day.  My husband made a big pot of Gumbo and I baked a dessert for the evening's meal.  

Throughout the day, I  happily cleaned the house, got laundry done and shine up the floors.  That's what I love about this weather, our beloved SEC football season, and home cooked meals...all seems right with the world!   Good friends were coming for dinner and to watch football, it was still raining and cool outside, the house smelled of sweets and savories, and the fall and Halloween decorations made it all the more pleasing.  

I lovvvve to light candles when I entertain...it is so warm and welcoming, and make our home so cozy...so light up the flambeau, 'cause I've got some illuminating to do...there are candles everywhere!  They are lined up in the foyer, on just about every table, counter surface, next to the potty,in front of the food, on the mantle and hearth!  Can't. get. enough.

I'll spare you pictures of all of the candles, but my favorite thing to do is to make the fireplace hearth look like there's a fire with lots of candles when it's not cold enough to lay one.  

Just love it...but let's keep going...on to the mantle!

The more the better...until my son pulls me out of this fantasy life by saying, "I think that's enough candles, Mom."  Simplicity is best.

There is something magical about candlelight, don't you agree?

Sneak Peak to a Young Man's Dream Room!

He's a great kid and soon to be an official teen-ager and Mom wants me to design a room he and his friends will want to hang out in.  He's a huge Hog fan and I've got some great ideas ready to fill his room on his special day...here's one of them I painted just for him today!  Can't wait to see how it all turns out and how he likes it!  Stay tuned!

Throw Back Thursday!

I went to an old friend's house last night for a delightful "Girl's Night In" and loved getting a chance to visit with friends that I haven't seen in a while.  And that includes this guy below!  I painted it for my hostess friend years ago and it was a fun one to paint.  She has it hanging on her china cabinet during the season.  It's good to see he's held up so well!

Your Real Estate Team!

My good friend has decided to sell some property and really wanted a hand made sign rather than a screened shop production or a "Big Box" store fill in the blank sign.  She said if she made the actual sign, would I paint it?  I think we made a great team effort on this one!  She asked her son to help her with the project and he did!  Not so much luck with that with my son!