Seasonal Blog

2014-10-14T10:00:00.001-07:00

Preparing Pumpkins For Cooking

As a sucker for autumn I had to try my hand at planting pumpkins last year. It ended up being a total disaster. Every pumpkin died and eventually squash bugs depleted my crop. So, this year, I planted a bit early, took care of the pumpkins during frosts, watered at the root, used plant food and fungicide and was blessed with 25+ pumpkins. Unfortunately, with all the rain we got (including some flooding) I had to harvest early. Some pumpkins will hopefully be saved for carving, but others were pureed and will be frozen until autumn (if I can keep from cooking them earlier). Even so, for anyone who needs help pureeing and storing pumpkins here's an easy way to do so.

How to Puree and Store Pumpkins for Later Use

Cut the pumpkin at the top of the stem.
Wash it off with warm water and wipe dirt off with a lukewarm clothe.
Cut the pumpkin in fours and get the seeds out (save the seeds for planting or later use).
Cut the 1/4's into strips and 1 inch chunks.
Place the chunks into a large pot of water and boil for 10 minutes.
Turn the water down to medium high and continue boiling for 20 minutes or until the outside easily parts from the inside flesh.
Drain them thoroughly. Let them sit for about five minutes then use a tea towel or clean clothe to squeeze out as much water as possible.
Mash the pumpkins like mashing potatoes.
If desired, place the mashed pumpkins into a food processor to create a more smooth puree.
Store in a plastic container that can be placed in the fridge, with at least an inch from the lid to the puree for up to 6 months.

Do not give up on the pumpkin crop. The best to puree are definitely the sugar pumpkins but others work as well. In fact, some that are still green can be used in soups or dips.

Happy Autumn!

2014-10-14T09:59:00.003-07:00

Kids Craft Fall Leaves:

Pictures for the Home

The most delightful thing about autumn is the changing of the leaves and bringing some of that changing color into the home. Nothing says autumn like the purple, red, orange, yellow, and golden hues surrounding so many of us. It is the most beautiful sight and there is no reason it should not be brought inside to enjoy. Preserving leaves and framing them in a black or wood picture frame is easy, inexpensive, and makes fall decorating easy.

Fall Leaf Pictures

As a girl, my sister and I always went on walks, picked up leaves, and framed them or made books with them. This is not only a simple craft, it could also be used as a kid's craft for the season.

Materials:

Fall colored leaves (however many one wants)
1 or more black or wooden picture frames
2 Self adhesive laminating sheets for each picture
Hardware to hang the picture

Directions:

Go for an autumn walk or to the back yard and collect leaves-the flatter the better.
Be sure the leaves are not wet. If needed, dab the water off the leaves with a towel before proceeding.If the leaves are wet then they will need to be dried off, there is a number of methods for this, the one I use is just placing it between two towels, pressing slightly, then laying out on a table that is away from vents and letting it dry over night-it usually works, as long as the leaf is not soaking wet.
Decide how the picture is to look, how many leaves to use, how to arrange them, and then lay out a sheet of laminate paper with sticky side up. If needed, cut the stem of the leaf in order to keep it pretty flat. Gently press the flowers in desired arrangement onto the paper.
Place the top laminate paper sticky side down, onto the bottom piece. Be sure to line it up and keep it smooth going over the bottom piece and the leaves.
Cut the edges of the paper in order to fit into the frame correctly.
Frame it, display it.

This is great for bathrooms, entrance ways, kitchens, and hallways.

A second way to make this would be perfect for kids. Tracing!!!

Kids Craft:
Tracing and Framing Leaves

Materials:

Leaves, dried
White Computer or Construction Paper
Crayons
Picture frame for each picture

Directions:

Collect and dry leaves.
Place the leave under the paper.
Take the crayon and just move back and forth over the leaf gently. Do the same with the other leaves (there can be multiple leaves on the paper, leave it up to the artist).
Write the artist's name and date.
Frame.

This is perfect for hanging in children's rooms giving the room a feel of fall.

Happy Autumn Ya'll!!!

2014-10-14T09:59:00.001-07:00

Autumn Leave Picture Frames

Yesterday was Leaf pictures, today is leaf picture frames, two ways. They are both simple,using construction or computer paper and easy to find craft items. This is a great concept for young children.

Materials

Pumpkin Blooms

Colored Construction Paper, Fall Colors-even purple
Leaf shaped cookie cutters (I use Maple Leaves)
Pencil
Crayons
Plain picture frame with smooth edges
Glue or double-sided tape
Scissors
Autumn colored letters (optional)
Picture-autumn or school

Directions:

Trace the cookie cutters onto the construction paper.
Draw the inside stems of the leaves onto the cut-outs (optional)
Place leaves around the frame, side by side, using glue or tape, have the edges sticking out, away from the picture area. Leave the bottom blank.
Place the name of the artist or the person in the pic using the letters on the bottom.
Place the picture in the frame.

Option 2:

Materials

Dried collected Leaves
White or light colored construction paper
Crayons
Autumn colored duct tape
Scissors
Glue or double-sided tape
Picture Frame
Picture

Directions:

Place leaves under the paper on a sturdy surface.
Use a crayon to copy the leaves (just go back and forth), set aside.
Place the duct tape around the frame, in four strips
Cut out the leaves as close to the outer lines as possible.
Place around the frame.
Put the picture in.

These are two simple ideas, great for young children and the fall. Happy Fall.

2014-10-14T09:58:00.001-07:00

Fall in Weaverville, North Carolina

It is easy to fall in love in this small, yet big hearted, town of Weaverville, N.C. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, about 10 minutes north of Asheville, Weaverville is a historic gem. It is the best town around to walk about, view art, grab groceries and shop, or enjoy a meal or treat at one of the local businesses. If visiting true Asheville area, take a trip up to Weaverville for a day and take in the relaxing sites.

Where to Eat in Weaverville, N.C.

Autumn is the best time to visit Weaverville. It is still warm enough to sit outside or stroll along the sidewalk or at a park, but cold enough to wear a light sweater. Weaverville offers top rated restaurants with something for everyone. Besides the fast food chains, such as Zaxby's, McDonald's, and Shake-n-Steaks, there is Blue Mountain Pizza (totally delicious, best pizza and lasagna around), the Creperie and Cafe, Well-Bred Bakery, Mike's, the Golden Onion, a great Japanese restaurant, and another coffee shop. On the out skirts of town is an absolutely terrific Greek restaurant, Stony Knob Café. The prices are a bit high on entrée's, but the sandwich prices are comparable to places like O'Charley's or Applebee's. Also on the outskirts, two places locals often recommend, the Mill Restaurant and Fireside Restaurant. Even so, of all the places in the town, the Pizzeria and Well-Bred Bakery are personal favorites.

Part of Main Street Weaverville

Weaverville Pizzeria and Well-Bred Bakery

The pizzeria is a good place for a drink, especially a drink by one of the local brewers, and a meal that will make any family happy. The staff is friendly, the food delicious, the pizza dough is out of this world tasty, and even the deserts are worth splurging on. The pizzeria offers specials and even has a Thursday night spaghetti night, but get there before 5:30 (when the special starts) because it gets packed.

Well-Bred Bakery is the one stop shop for breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, desert, bread, and coffee. The Mountain E'clairs are ginormous and a must try, the choices in cookies is endless (Ginger-Molasses, Pecan Praline, Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, Gluten Free options, and more), and during the autumn months and holidays, specials such as Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumpkin Bars, and Pumpkin Roulade is available. On the other side of the counter is burritos, Ciabatta Sandwiches, Meats made fresh daily, and behind the counter is the soup specials of the day. However, do not forget the coffee, the holiday specials (in autumn, gingerbread and pumpkin latte's) are a must buy. Take the coffee to go or dine in and read the local headlines and grab a fresh homemade loaf of bread to go (day old items are discounted 50-70%). This is a must stop eatery.

Just to note, Soba Sushi has been a huge local hit along with the Creperie and Café, and Mike's (very good place for burgers and wings). Many folks will tell visitors to go to the Creperie for lunch or breakfast, great location and next to a massage studio.

Relaxing in Weaverville, N.C.

While in this part of town, get a massage or go to the spa. Clay Spa is the number one spot for most locals, offering salon, massage, facial, manicure and pedicure services. A favorite is Calm Sensations, an hour for $40 and it is perfectly quiet and oh so relaxing, but most importantly very good. Other places include Mountain Massage and Center for Massage and Natural Health. For hair, Aabani Salon is a good place to check out.

Trick-or-Treating in Weaverville, N.C.

After walking the parks, eating the food, shopping, and relaxing, put on the costume and take the kids along the sidewalks to one of the biggest events in town, trick-or-treating. This is a huge party in Weaverville and on the corner of South College Street it is evident. Families have big displays, decorate like mad, and even place movie screens in the yard with Halloween (kid friendly) or cartoon movies playing. Churches have Halloween festivals and trunk-or-treat, where many go before hand. There is such a feeling of fall and Halloween when walking through the homes of this beautiful town, if visiting with children during this time this is a must do event.

To add to events in autumn, Weaverville offers art in autumn, a time to visit local artists and their work, Bike for Kids, where motorcyclist take off to raise money for children, bike nights (Thursdays) run until the end of October, Library Story Telling and seasonal reading for children, and militia events at Vance Birthplace. All are welcomed and treated like family. Happy Fall!!!

2014-10-14T09:57:00.002-07:00

Kids Craft: Leaf Masquerade Mask

Using cardstock, scissors, twine or popsicle sticks, glue, glitter, a hole puncher, and loose fake leaves (found at craft stores), this leaf mask is fun to make for wearing, decorating, or even for creating a masquerade wreath.

Materials:

Leaf Mask using Ribbon and Cardstock

Cardboard or Autumn Colored Cardstock Paper
1 Roll of Twine
2-3 Bags of Colored Fake Loose Leaves
Double-sided Tape or Glue
Scissors or, if using cardboard sharp knife (used by grown-up only)
Hole Puncher or Popsicle Stick
Glitter (optional)
Black, Orange, or Brown Marker

Directions:

Shape the mask, use a pencil to draw the mask like a Raccoon's mask and draw where the eyes will be.
Use Scissors to cut out the mask.
Trace around the eyes with a marker, shade around them.
Place loose leaves at angles around the outside of the mask, then fill in the center parts, using tape or glue. Cut the leaves to fit and stay out of eyes if needed.
Punch a hole in each side of the mask. Cut two 8 inch pieces of twine, place through holes, tying the outter end into a knot. If using popsicle sticks, glue to the back of one side and paint brown or black before using.
Lay the mask on newspaper and sprinkle autumn colored glitter over it. Let it set a few minutes than shake off and wipe away from the eye holes (optional).

These masks are fun, affordable, and a great project to enjoy for fall. Happy Autumn!

2014-10-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Coffee

The season of pumpkin is upon us and that means, Pumpkin Everything!!! It also means, for those who love pumpkin, spending, spending, spending. So, to cut some costs on at least one pumpkin item, try this simple recipe for a morning cup of sweet tasting pumpkin coffee, great for a start to the day and for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

10 tablespoons regular or decaf coffee, plain
10 cups water
4 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
3-4 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

Mix the dry ingredients (coffee, pie spice, brown sugar, and nutmeg) in a small bowl using fingers.
Pour into a coffee filter inside the coffee pot.
Fill coffee pot with 10 cups water and brew.

Add milk, cream, sweetener, or more sugar once brewed. If serving at a gathering, serve topped with whipped cream and a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg sprinkled on top, along side a delicious dessert. Happy Fall!!!!

2014-10-14T09:54:00.001-07:00

Fall Flower Tablescape

Creating a tablescape with autumn blossoms is super easy. Using mason jars, simply decorated, empty wine and beer bottles (cleaned and rinsed) without the labels, and large pitchers that seem to just sit under the cabinets, putting some flowers together for a gathering or just decoration is quick and inexpensive. Here are a few ideas on how to decorate and arrange flowers using these items.

Decorative Mason Jars

Mason jars are available in many colors now and can be used for a variety of reasons, from canning to becoming a floral centerpiece. If desired, simply pick a fall colored mason jar or spray paint one and place a floral arrangement inside. For a more decorative look, use glitter and ribbon.

Materials:

Mason Jars (as many as planning to place on table, medium to large size)
Autumn or Halloween ribbon (available for less than 1.49 at Micheal's)
Glue
Glitter (orange, purple, red, brown)
Floral arrangement from store, mums, or fake flowers and leaves

Directions:

Place some tissue paper inside the jar, to catch the glitter, and place jar on a thin paper plate.
Put glue around the lid of the jar, sprinkle glitter over it till covered, and tie a ribbon just below the lid. If desired, make witch hats, leaf shape, pumpkin or pumpkin face, or write an autumn message on the smooth side of the jar with the glue and then glitter. Let dry before pulling out the tissue paper.
Cut flowers to fit inside the jar or place some leaves or a candle inside.
Arrange in a line on the table with small pumpkins sitting on paper leaves in between them.

Wine and Beer Bottles

This is really easy. Just empty out the bottles, rinse and remove the labels. Spray paint the bottles or leave as is, or use laminated paper to place a dry leaf or a fake one onto one side of the bottle. Place leaves or some flowers inside and place around food platters on the table.

Pitchers

This is is also simple. Just find a bunch of flowers at the local super market, fill the pitcher with water and mix plant food packet into it. Cut the flowers and place them inside, use as centerpiece of the table.

All these can be altered for Harvest or Halloween parties. Happy Fall Ya'll.

2014-10-14T09:53:00.001-07:00

Black & Purple Halloween Wreath

It is that time of year to get crafty and for those of us who want to be crafty in a hurry, a project such as this is quick, easy, and less than buying an already made wreath (even with products from Micheal's). Using a black tinsel wreath, a long branch of multiple purple and black leaves, and two purple glitter pumpkin heads, this wreath was less than $10 to make and took less than 5 minutes to put together. It would be perfect on the wall, above the fireplace, on a door, or in a window.

Materials:

1 black glitter wreath
1 large branch of multiple purple and black glitter flowers or leaves
2 glitter pumpkin hands
Black Ribbon (optional)

Directions:

Cut the branches off the leaves using scissors or kitchen scissors.
Place the branches into the tinsel wreath, twist the wired tinsel on the wreath around two or three areas of the branches to hold them in.
Pick a spot to put the pumpkin heads and stick into the tinsel, wrap the wreath tinsel's around the pumpkin head sticks if needed.
Wrap a ribbon over the top middle of the wreath, tie into a bow or a knot and use the ribbon to hang the wreath (optional).

All of these items are 30% to 50% off. These would look great in windows, especially for a gathering, and could be used with multiple colored leaves, flowers, and faces, such as orange and green, or use black on a purple tinsel wreath. Versatile, Decorative, and Inexpensive Decorating. Happy Halloween!!!!

2014-10-14T09:52:00.001-07:00

Halloween Costumes

Halloween is fast approaching and soon people will be scrabbling to find the perfect costume or just a costume. Even so, costumes can be pricey and sometimes it is better to be creative than spend $25+ for something that will only be worn once (especially when it comes to kids). Of course, adults can also get in the fun by keeping it simple and somewhat cheap.

However, if one is set on a specific item, Halloween outlets are offering deals. September is a great time to buy because there is still plenty of stock and lots of good deals, after the first week of October, items start to go pretty quick. Meanwhile here are a few ideas for costumes.

The Incredible Hulk Kids Costume

Materials:

Green long sleeved pull over shirt, cotton
Jeans or elastic band pants
Black Sharpie
Paper bags or plastic, or wrapping and tissue paper, balled up
Green face and body paint, safe for kids
Black face paint, optional

Directions:

Turn the shirt inside out, if desired, and place on the person. Draw ab in the area of the persons, using a sharpie. It can be real simple, just an outside outline and a line down the middle from the end of the chest down. The chest can also be drawn if desired.
Stuff the arms and shoulders with paper to make them look like muscle, if needed use some medical tape to hold the bags down.
Tuck the shirt into the pants.
Paint the hands and face green, or get green gloves for the hands.
Paint the eyebrows black, optional.

This entire costume, with a shirt from Wal-Mart, cost under $10 and people enjoyed it and our son loved it.

Kids Mummy Costume

Materials:

White long sleeved shirt or a shirt with white long sleeves
Torn white or off white bed sheets
Safety pins or fabric tape, optional
Brown face paint or brown eye shadow

Directions:

Simply wrap the torn sheets around the tummy, chest, and arms, tying or securing with tape or safety pins.
Wrap some more sheets around the head and tie to secure.
Rub some brown face paint or eye shadow over the face and hands.

Another one for well under $10 and loved by the kids.

These are two fun and easy ideas for kids, the best part is it is no fuss and easy to put together and under 20 bucks or even less for two kids. Happy Halloween!!!!

2014-10-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

Best Halloween Movies

Halloween seems magical, with the changing of the leaves, a soft blow of cool crisp fall air, and something about the way the moon glows during this time just makes this season enchanting. Instead of super scary Halloween movies (although, some are really good), there are some movies that really seem to capture the spirit of the season without a ton of blood and guts. On the plus side, there are movies that families can watch together to really feel the spirit of autumn.

Best Halloween Movies:

Starting with some scary ones for adults or, perhaps, teens:

Halloween-the classic thriller gets me every year. It is really creepy. The thought that some guy walking in a mask that looks like a blank face with holes can just turn up anywhere or is stalking before the kill is definitely terrifying. However, it is as must watch each year for me, usually late night after the kids go to bed ands then I go to bed a little more paranoid.
Carrie-Classic!!! Girl goes psycho on the whole school thanks to the mean girls who decided to humiliate her during prom. The moral of the story, don't mess with a girl's prom.
Poltergeist-Another one that seems to be a must watch and an even more creep-me-out movie. Both this and Halloween just seem like they could happen, making it all so much more disturbing. A family, who should've just left the house when chairs started stacking themselves, finds out the house is built on a burial ground. Would've been nice to know before buying. So, weird stuff happens... very weird.
The Omen-Another one that is must watch, old or new, good viewing.
Bram Stoker's Dracula-So good, definitely the best portrayal of the story of Dracula.
Sleepy Hollow-Love Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane, this is an awesome adaptation of a classic story of the tale of the Headless Horseman. A must watch, the scenes are filled with autumn glory and some heads rolling around.

Family Halloween Movies

These movies are wonderful to watch with the family (parents make their own decisions on which ones to watch based on age), and some of our family has seen them, minus a few scenes we tell them to close their eyes while we fast forward. Even so, most of these are family friendly and will put everyone in the trick-or-treat mood.

Hocus Pocus-This has become a Halloween tradition. The Salem witches are back to put "a spell on you," and are attempting to be young again and live forever! But Box the cat and three kids are determine to make sure that does not happen. Everything from the scenery to the trick-or-theaters makes one want scream for Halloween!
Casper-Such a good film to watch with the kids. Light-hearted and good meaning ghost, Casper, just wishes to be part of a family again. When a widowed husband and his daughter move in, he becomes attached but some other buyers want the home and fight for it. With the help of 3 not so friendly ghosts, the buyers loose out. Kids really enjoy this because of the story line, the fun scenes, and the Halloween party.
Disney's Halloween-Anyone remember the old Halloween special that used to air on Disney in the 80's and early 90's? There were some great cartoons, including Ichabod and the Headless Horseman. Now, most of those are available to purchase. There are also other recent cartoons such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse that is very good for young children, and of course, don't forget Winnie the Pooh.
The Worst Witch-This used to be a must see during this time of year, very Harry Potter like. A young girl goes to witch school, is teased by those better than her, not really liked by the staff, but is determined to be a successful witch. This was a favorite to see each year, and right now it can be found on Amazon.
Harry Potter-The first one is good for all ages, and not much to say but what better way to set the tone for a magical Halloween.
It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown-Not Halloween without this cartoon. Charlie Brown enjoys Halloween festivities with friends, Snoopy can't get enough of the Red Baron (neither can the audience), and Lucy is her usual crabby self, but most of all, Linus believes so deeply in the Great Pumpkin he waits for it in the pumpkin patch on all Hallows's Eve and Sally is so in love with him, she waits with him. A classic and one all will fall in love with.
Bedknobs andBroomsticks-Must see for families. Angela Lansbury shines as a witch in this tale of two children who find themselves in her care, taking a journey they will never forget, flying on a magical bed, and enjoying some catchy tunes along the way.

Happy Halloween!

2014-10-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Kids Crafts for Fall:
Flower Pots and Candy Dishes

Bringing the warmth of fall inside is simple and fun. Fall is the time to prepare for winter, and most folks tend to stop gardening during this season. However, there are winter vegetables that can be planted as late as early September that do quite well during this time, including the popular favorite green, Kale. It is also a great time to grow some fresh herbs inside, placed near a window with plenty of sunlight. Although, flower pots and mason jars can be transformed to fit any season and used for holding flowers, plants, pencils and pens, art supplies, and even candy. With some paint, a marker, maybe some seasonal ribbon, all those pots and mason jars that tend to lay around can become useful for decoration and organization.

Fall Flower Pots

Materials:

1 small clay pot (bigger, depending on what it is being used for)
One 2 oz. Outdoor Patio Paint in a fall color, depending on what is being painted
1 Black Sharpie
1 small scarecrow on a stick (found at Micheal's for 40% off), cut to fit into the pot
1 small tipped paint brush, a liner and an angular shaded work well, use both if desired
1 or 2 bags of candy or potting soil and herb

Directions:

Place the clay pot on top of some newspaper to protect the surface underneath from possible paint stains and to lay the brush on.
Before painting, write a message on the brim of the pot, such as: Happy Halloween or Happy Autumn.
Paint a Pumpkin face, using stencils or free hand, or even Autumn Leaves on one side of the pot. Let Dry.
Pour in the bag of candy and place scarecrow inside. Put in a spot where people can go by and grab some candy throughout the season.

This could even be used as a party favor at a kids Fall or Halloween Party. Buy the super small, $.89 and under, clay pots, fill with candy, cut the scarecrow to fit and place on the table. This party favor is very cost efficient.

Pumpkin Face Mason Jar

Using a colored jar from Micheal's, 60% off, a sharpie and some seasonal colored ribbon, this jar goes from just a drinking glass to a seasonal decoration.

Materials:

1 Mason Jar, medium or large
1 Black Sharpie
6-8 inches of seasonal colored ribbon
1-2 bags of candy

Directions:

Draw a pumpkin face on one side of the jar with the sharpie.
Tie the ribbon just under the rim.
Fill with candy.

This makes a great centerpiece for gatherings. It can also hold a plant or flowers or, as shown in the photo, Halloween pencils for the kids.

Hope everyone enjoys these simple fall ideas and enjoys this awesome season. Happy Fall!!!

2012-06-13T11:24:00.001-07:00

Fall Decorating

Autumn is the most beautiful, most spectacular season of the year. There is nothing that compares to the crisp fall air and the spectacular views of changing leaves, and it is a time when the inside of my house becomes an empty template ready for some autumn decor.

Decorating for such a wonderful season as autumn does not mean going to the local craft store and stocking up on the latest craft items, which many have little time to do. It simply means keep it simple and fun. Here are some tips to coming up with ways to decorate rooms in your home with fall sights, colors, and smells, without overspending time or money.

Fall Candles

Every autumn, the stores stock up on the most delicious smelling candles and unique seasonal candle holders. Candles not only provide light for those unexpected power outages, they can also be used as a way to fill a room with warm seasonal smells. With the right candle holder, they can be enticing to the eyes and the nose.

A popular trend is cutting the top center part of an apple out and placing a tealight inside. Another is going outside, collecting leaves and placing them on a glass luminary or candle holder, with a candle inside. This causes the leaves to glow from the candle light. [Beware of the fire hazard, please!]

These are both great ideas for everyone because all of these items are simple, use every day items one can find at a grocery store or a local shopping center, and they will not cause you to go broke. These items can be used as centerpieces, window decorations, or in family rooms on top book shelves.

One type of candle I would suggest buying is an aroma melt holder, and find fragrances to fit the season. An aroma melt is a two part system, tealight on bottom and block or half ball of wax on top. One aroma melt can fill a room with fragrance in a matter of minutes, and it makes a great window or shelf decorating piece. Some companies sell seasonal aroma melts holders and aroma melts that are perfect for holiday decorating.

Another way to create fabulous fall sights and smells is collect some leaves from outside, set them on a shelf, a window, or make them a centerpiece, and place a fall scented candle on top of the natural fallen leaves. [Beware of the fire hazard, please! Be sure to use a candle in a jar, or even wipe the leaves with water a bit, or just place the leaves around a jar candle, beware of fire hazard when using candles always.]

One last idea is to find an autumn colored charger, or a small mirror, to place different height pillar candles on to create a nice reflective glow.

There are hundreds of ways to create a lovely seasonal atmosphere with candles, just be creative, keep it low stress, and enjoy filling the house with smells of autumn.

Decorating for Fall With Items From the Grocery Store and Items at Home

OK, as I have said and will continue to say, keep decorating simple and creative. Using items in the house, along with items from the local grocery store, can add easy, inexpensive fall ambiance in any home.

Let's start talking decorating with less thought using items such as candy, hand and dish soap, and paper towels. Yes, hand and dish soap and paper towels can all add an unexpected touch of autumn in the home. Many hand and dish soaps come in autumn colors such as orange and yellow, and in many cases paper towels with fall leaves or some sort of fall print are sold each autumn season. All one has to do is buy dish liquid and fall paper towels and your kitchen will have an instant touch of fall, and if having the liquid soap in the original container is a no-no, just buy a simple dispenser to put it in and place it on the sink.

Autumn candy hits the stores at the end of August now. Go ahead, grab some. Find some glass bowls or the glass pumpkin dish, or even a basket and pour autumn colored candy into it. This is easy, a no brainer, no worries, and is a great coffee table or book shelf piece. If you are like me, it may even be a nightstand piece.

Last but not least are the most obvious grocery store items of all, the seasonal foods. Pumpkins, squash, nuts, and Indian corn are fantastic decorating pieces that are always in season this time of year and will never go out of style. Place some nuts around a cut out pumpkin with some holes and a candle inside to make a simple festive center piece. Grab some Indian corn and a pumpkin and place them on a window sill or a table, or simply grab some fallen leaves on your way into the house and place a pumpkin on top of them to create an easy no problem center piece.

Finally, when strolling through the grocery store, think about how you can decorate and shop for meals in one trip.

Easy Fall Color Decorating Tips

One of the best things about fall is the colors. Nothing says fall like oranges, golden browns, soft yellows, and some red. Decorating the house can be as easy as changing a room color or the drapes. If one wants to redecorate the bathroom, try painting it a nice fall color and adding a rug and plain or decorative hand towel to match.

If one wants to turn a bedroom into a fall paradise, find some fall colored bed sheets, place a few fall scented candles in the room, maybe a pumpkin, and change the drapes. For added effect, use pillows and sheets alternating in colors such as yellow and orange on the bed. Place a bowl of autumn colored candy on the night stand and in less than thirty minutes, the bedroom can be a fall get away.

To add fall to the walls without changing the paint, go outside and collect leaves. Grab some picture frames. Place the leaves between some clear sticky laminated paper, and frame them. Hang them on the walls and there is an instant touch of fall.

Keep an open mind.

Enjoy Decorating for Fall

Overall, have fun decorating for this beautiful season. Just because your idea might not be what you see on a magazine cover does not mean it is not a good idea. Let the creativity flow. Come up with fun, new ideas that work for you and enjoy using what this awesome season of color has to offer, and remember to keep it low stress. Have a blast and enjoy being creative.

2012-06-11T20:51:00.001-07:00

Salem Witch Trials

Samuel Parris Enters Salem

In 1689, Samuel Parris became Salem's position as minister. Parris was born into wealth, and lived in Barbados most of his life. He had studied at Harvard, was a merchant, but decided to change his "occupation" after tiring of being a merchant. He had brought with him a slave named, Tituba, and his wife and children (Thomas, Betty, Susahanna).
Salem Village was not pleased with the new preacher, and by 1691, Parris was feeling the tention tighten between him and the village. The village showed their disdain by making him wait on his pay and not enforcing taxes to increase his pay. A frustrated Parris begin preaching "conspiracy" in the village, and saying it was the work of Satan.
During this time, Parris's neice, Abigail Williams, had entered the home. His daughter, Betty, spent much of her time with Abigail, and the two are thought to have participated in practices with Tituba, that were against the law of the village. However, the real problem occurred when the two girls became ill in 1692.
Abigail and Betty apparently became extremely ill, coughing and convulsing. Parris was concerned and called for his friend, "Reverend Hale," to observe the girls behavior. Hale could come to only one conclusion after observing the girls who, "were bitten and pinched by invisible agents; their arms, necks and backs turned this way and that way and returned back again so as it was impossible for them to do of themselves and beyond the power of any Epileptic Fits or natural Disease to effects;" it was witchcraft.
Upon hearing this, prayer and fasting took place to rid the girls of the spirits taking control of them. The illness did not stop, and Parris contacted Dr. William Griggs. Dr. Griggs confirmed Reverend Hale's prediction, and determined the illness was the work of evil.

Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692

The witchcraft trials did not come about just because of the girl's illness. Salem Village had been experiencing hardships for several years prior to Samuel Parris arriving. Village members did not readily accept church law or positions, land disputes were on the rise, and the economy was not pleasant for those in Salem (to name a few).
With continuous hardships, and living in a community where everyone knew everyone's business, an uprising of sorts was to be expected. Even so, there is a good chance no one in Salem expected it to come from children who would accuse dozens of witchcraft.
Even so, as the girl's condition worsened, and others experienced the same symptoms (all young girls), Parris wanted answers. He demanded to know who was doing this to these girls. In February 1692, three women had been arrested, one of the, was the slave Tituba (an easy accusation due to her "native folklore"). After the arrest, the girls named their victims.
The first three victim's were easy, one a Barbados slave, another who was a beggar, and the last who did not go to church. The trial could have easily ended there, and why it did not is a mystery. Perhaps the girls became over confident in their new found attention and power. After Tituba openly admitted to witchcraft (although, in some ways the admission seems sarcastic and very false), Parris set out on a "witch hunt" that would claim lives and ruin others.

The Victim's

Victims of the Salem Witch Trials were often women, but one victim was a four year old girl named Dorcus. Dorcus was the daughter of Sarah Good. She and her mother were accused of biting the girls and sending their spirits out to attack them. Dorcus was sent to prison for 8 months. She watched her mother ride off to the "gallows," and she "cried her heart out, and go insane."
Some victim's were arrested because they questioned the sincerity of the girls. They also questioned how the trials were being handled (such as the case with Martha Corey). After Massachusetts governor returned from England in the spring of 1692, five judges were appointed to oversee the trial. The judges allowed "here-say, gossip, stories," assumptions, disputable evidence, and marks of a witch (such as a mole) to be used as evidence. Those accused were not able to have witnesses nor a lawyer to speak for them.
The trials last throughout 1692. Anyone who was thought to be a witch had little hope of winning the case bought against them. Even if those accused were able to recite "The Lord's Prayer," "The Ten Commandments," or were well-respected members of the community, it seemed to matter not.
A huge turning point in the trials came when Rebecca Nurse and the former pastor, George Burroughs stood trial. Burroughs was not the most liked man in Salem, he had left the village quickly, and without a minister. He often participated in salary and land disputes, but he also displayed characteristics of generosity, gratitude, and humility. Despite his innocence (along with the reciting of "The Lord's Prayer" upon the gallows), he was hanged.
The biggest question arose when an older member of the community stood trial. Rebecca Nurse was a mother and grandmother and a well known figure in the community. She was proclaimed innocent after standing trial, but her accusers grew angry and continued to press to have her convicted. Unfortunately, by the end of July 1692, she was convicted, along with her other sisters, and was taken to "Gallow's hill."
Perhaps, both Nurse and Burroughs had been convicted due to land disputes and money. Burroughs was probably a prime target because he had caused trouble in the Village, but Nurse was a humble woman. However, John Putnam was a ruthless man who wanted land, and had been fighting with Nurse's family (Topfields) for quite some time.
As 1692 came to an end, the community started to tire of the witchhunt. Nobody was as sure as they once had been of who was being accused. It was at this time, "spectral evidence" was excluded. From here on out, witches had to be proven guilty "by clear and convincing evidence." This obviously caused the trials to slow and eventual stop.

After Math of the Witch Trials

Nineteen accused witches "were executed," four "died while in prison," one man was put to death by being pressed by stones, two dogs were accused and killed, and "one to two hundred" were charged and imprisoned. Upon ending the trials, accusers were ordered to give apologies for the hardship and injustice they had caused.
Samuel Parris lost his position, and blamed anyone but himself. One main judge of the trial absolutely refused to apologize for his actions, but it did not hurt him, because William Stoughton became governor of the colony.
Overall, the trial was never about witches, it was about money and land. Many who were accused were wealthier than those who accused them. The accusers had much to gain. By using the girl's sickness and actions to promote their desires, they created a hysteria that has become part of America's history.

Sources:
Douglas Linder, Salem Witchcraft Trials 1692, www.law.umkc.edu, updated September 2009.

2012-06-11T20:47:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin Carving

Pumpkins are the best fruit to use as decorations during the harvest season. They can be carved, painted, drilled, or just set beside some flowers or alone to add autumn charm to the home.

Painting Pumpkins

Instead of carving pumpkins, try painting them instead. Using spray paint and acrylic paint, decorating for Halloween without carving. Spray paint the entire pumpkin or paint zig-zags, flowers, leaves, or spots with acrylic paint.
On page 56 of Rachael Ray's October 2011 magazine, are several ideas for painting pumpkins. One really cool idea is to make a silhouette using a "paint pen." The silhouette could be a ghost, witch, bat, or anything to do with Halloween. To add to the silhouette, spray paint the pumpkin gold.
Another great idea is to simply spray paint pumpkins black, purple, or white. Paint words or sentences on them, such as "Boo!" or "Beware!" or simply, "Happy Hallows Eve." Use white acrylic paint to write on black pumpkins, and black on the purple and white.
On page 13 of Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade magazine, are "black and white" pumpkins with stencil flower patterns. For a Halloween dinner party, these would add alot of character to the table.

Drilling Pumpkins

Drilling a pumpkin is fun, and a great simple way to decorate. Martha Stewart does this quite often on her show, and drill holes can be made in patterns or at random using different drill head sizes. Some pattern suggestions are: triangles, squares, circles, straight lines, smiling face, or a PAC-man.
For the triangles, start with four or five holes on 1 line then 4 on the next, followed by 3, then 2, then 1 (like an upside down Christmas tree). Do one or several around the pumpkin.
A neat square pattern would be, smaller squares inside a large square. Drill 1 large square. Inside the large square drill a smaller one, and so on until no more squares can be made.
As for circles, make connecting circles around the pumpkin. Drill circles in a straight vertical line around the pumpkin using different sizes. Connect circles to spell the letter of a favorite team, or spell words using the drill.
Making a smiley face is really easy with a drill. Just drill the eyes and the mouth and set a candle inside. For a PAC-man, drill the half moon shaped character chasing a ghost or gobling the balls.

Pumpkin Carving Ideas 2011

Coming up with pumpkin carving patterns is easy. The most important thing is, keep it simple (unless able to carve really well). Carve out a bat, owl, or cat. Find a pattern to trace and place on the pumpkin.
To carve one of the three mentioned above, draw on a piece of plain white paper or find a pattern. Tape it to the pumpkin and punch holes into the pattern. Cut around the holes to carve the pattern on the pumpkin. If drawing the patterns, get creative. Draw a moon with 2 or 3 small bats flying out from it, or a cat with a witches hat. As for the owl, have it seated on a branch.
To keep it even more simple, stick to carving the basic jack-o-lantern. Just have fun coming up with scary or silly faces. Use hats and other accessories to dress them up.
All of these ideas are simple. They can be found in magazines or online. Pumpkins are the official fruit of Halloween and the official decoration of all Hallow's Eve. So have fun and be creative.