Something Different...

Look at what my friend Audrey does with gourds! She is a Gourd Artist right here in Hunterdon County, NJ. She carves gourds into all types of usuable and decorative things like birdhouses, luminaries, baskets and more!

Take a look at more of her gords at...

www.blackdogplants.embarqspace.com

Audrey also displays her work at local art and craft shows so make sure to check her calender for locations and dates.

Time in New England...

This past summer I had the opportunity to spend some time in parts of the northeast United States I have never seen before...and I was very impressed! The New England states are such an inspiration for me...I just love the classic look of the homes with the bright white exterior accented with the black, dark green or blue shutters. On the Cape the siding is typically cedar because it stands up well against the elements...particularly the salt air.



Woods Hole, Mass.

The Headlight in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

The beautiful gardens with the unbelievable hydrangea which grow effortlessly in the acidic soil are simply breathtaking. I never tire of the coast and all its light houses and beautiful harbors. The water is a crystalline blue and as clean and clear as that of the tropics. The New Englanders are also very friendly and welcoming people. They take great pride in their history and possess the desire to share it with all visitors who express an interest. I plan to visit Cape Cod and the New England states again and again...there is so much beauty to see. Time in New England is always time well spent!

Plymouth, Mass.

Fun Product Find for Halloween!!!

This is a fun find for the holiday...these lights are avaiable at Wal-mart in both orange and purple. Sets of 100 lights are $3.50 and sets of 50 lights are $2.00!

Here are a few more Decorating Ideas for Halloween...

1. Replace your regular light bulbs with either orange or purple...it really gives your room a spooky illumination.

2. Purchase some of the giant cob web cotton and spread it over areas not typically used. For example place it on the light fixture in the dining room and then gently pull it over the room's table and chairs and anchor it underneath the chair legs. Then add little plastic spiders to the web to make it look a lttle more authentic!

3. I also mix real pumpkins with faux pumpkins bought at a craft store like Michaels. If you display them together, at a quick glance it is hard to tell the real fom fake ...and this way you don't have to purchase a whole truck load of real ones each year!

4. Glam up you pumpkins by adding glitter to them . I did this one year as part of Grace's birthday party activites...you can use regular glue and sprinkle on the glitter or buy glitter glue. Mix the glitter colors together to create a really splashy and unique look!

5. Pick up items on sale before the holiday. I know many stores like Kohls will sharply discount items as the holiday grows near. Then get out early the day after Halloween for some real bargains!!

6. I also like to add some music to the whole evening so I have collected a few really good CDs of Halloween tunes like the themes from "The Twilight Zone" and "Ghosts Busters" along with classics like  "Monster Mash".