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Spiders, Crows & Mice Oh My! – Halloween Mantel

Halloween mantel decorating crows spiders boo sign

So here it is… my Halloween mantel. It is not super scary, but works for me. Because I don’t like taking down the Chinese vase, horse bookends or Imperial horse artwork, I simply decorated around them.

halloween boo sign diy glitter black

Orange wax paper was wrapped around jars props up a message from beyond. The “boo” letters purchased at Michaels were white and I glued black glitter for a Halloween look. Black bat garland {Martha Stewart} adds contrast to the all white mantel.

halloween mantel black crow in tree branch

Three black crows perch in bare branches and red berries. There is something about those crows that are just down right spooky.

halloween mantel mice spiders web decor

Simple white tulle is draped under the mantel to mimic a web for glittery spiders to creep and crawl. Black mice cut-outs {Martha Stewart} scurry up the walls. Yikes! Books with orange spines are used to add pops orange.

halloween mantel black owl on pumpkin

Perched on a small pumpkin, this little black feathery owl was purchased at Michaels. I glued paper with a rat punched out {Martha Stewart} on to a simple white votive candle. Voilà!

halloween witch kids painting
Happy Halloween!
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Read full story By on October 14, 2010 in DIY, Halloween, holiday decor

Rue Magazine is Live & Fabulous

It’s a party! Online shelter magazine, Rue has launched today and it’s gorgeous! The magazine’s talented co-founders, Anne Sage of The City Sage and Crystal Gentilello of Plush Palete were joined by Managing Editor Alaina Kaczmarski and Market Editor Caitlin Flemming, of the blogs Live Creating Yourself and Sacremento Street
 
In her first Editor’s Letter Crystal writes, “Fueled by our misson to bring the inclusive nature of blogging to a magazine, the Rue team took a leap of faith with our adventure.” And aren’t we glad they did? Congratulations ladies, you have worked so hard to get to this moment!
The first issue is full of amazing articles and images featuring some of the most talented in the design industry. Vincent Wolf. Woodson & Rummerfield. Mary Douglas Drysdale. Grant K. Gibson. Heather Clawson. Emily Henderson. And so much more!
Take a peek at Rue for yourself here. Enjoy!
 
*all images courtesy of Rue Magazine
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Read full story By on September 16, 2010 in Entertaining, interior design

Halloween Decorating Ideas for Your Home – Many DIY & Inexpensive

 
 {image via Martha Stewart}
As summer comes to an end, soon we will be pulling out  eerie decor such as  bats, jack-o-lanterns and spider webs to greet Halloween trick-or-treaters to your home. Whether you’re a minimalist or prefer a little bit of everything, here are some Halloween decorating ideas you may want to consider. And best off, most are inexpensive DIY projects.
Greet your guest with illuminated mini pumpkins. This DIY project from Country Living, is fairly easy. First, pencil letters on hollowed pumpkins and carving out  an opening from the bottom. Using a 1/2 inch drill, create holes to form each letter. Then string Christmas tree lights, gathered in small bunches to light up each pumpkin and remove bulbs where the string descends to the next row.
 
Decorating your doorstep for Halloween can be as simple as adding a spooky doormat. This bat-themed doormat is another easy DIY project. For the “how to”, visit Better Homes and Garden. Bif! Baf! Pow! Batman!
 
Decorating your fireplace mantel is way to decorate  the inside of your home for Halloween. This mantel with greeting from the grave is from Delish. The “boo” pumpkins {in a size that will fit on the width of your mantel} can be either bought that way or spray painted with white enamel paint. A black marker was used to draw out the letters B-O-O. The creepy ivy is simply real or artificial ivy spray painted black. Use black spray paint to color artificial ivy from the craft store or real ivy from your garden. Love this simple DIY idea!
 
These bewitchingly cute, Halloween Revelers are impeccably dressed for a night on the town. The spooky trio is another great option to decorate your fireplace mantel, buffet or dining room  table. Each character is handmade and available at Gump’s San Francisco.
 
Battery-operated candles are a kid and pet-friendly way to decorate your home for Halloween. These battery-operated candles with eerie Halloween landscapes are available at Pottery Barn Kids.
 
Hanging spiders or placing them on tables is cute way to decorate a home for Halloween. It is also a fun DIY, inexpensive project you can do with your kids. Here’s what you’ll need: 1 skein black yarn (not shiny or metallic), 5 pipe cleaners per spider, scissors and 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch green or orange buttons for the eyes. The directions are here at eighteen25.
 
Displaying a spooktacular “subway” sign is a darling way to get your home in the Halloween mood. I would create one for a menu or activies at a Halloween Party. Crafty blogger, A Glimpse Inside shows us how to make a subway sign using a machine cutter here.
 
A tree with mini treat bags in festive prints is a fun way to distribute treats to guests. For instructions for this DIY craft, visit Woman’s Day
 
Many of us look to Martha Stewart’s creations for inspiration when decorating for Halloween. This black chest is loaded with Halloween treats. Brilliant idea! Pumpkins decorated with candy top large glass jars filled to the top with more treats. For the “how to” on decorating a pumpkin with candy, go here.
 
Simple cupcakes are ready for Halloween guests when ghoulish skulls and boo greeting is added. Download the printable images for free at Paper Glitter
 
Not a decoration, but these trick-or-treat bags at Pottery Barn Kids are too cute to pass up. These three are my favorites and can be personalized! PBK has lots of fun Halloween costumes for your little one this year too.
 
Speaking of cute kids Halloween costumes, Chasing Fireflies has an amazing selection. {loving the Queen or Hearts and Viking Warrior first image above} They are not inexpensive, but the fine detailing can’t be ignored.The baby and dog costumes are the best!
Need more ideas? Visit, this link for even more Halloween decorating ideas.
What is your favorite Halloween decoration or craft?
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Read full story By on September 12, 2010 in baby and children, Entertaining, Halloween, holiday decor

Bake-N-Blog: Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Marshmallow Frosting

Normally I don’t write about food, but when fellow design blogger, Staci Edwards of  Ontario asked who would be up for baking-n-blogging about one of Ming Makes Cupcakes desserts, I jumped right in. With thirty-three gourmet cupcake recipes to choose from, it wasn’t easy to narrow it down. Cupcake #8, Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Marshmallow Frosting was the one I selected because it looked like one I couldn’t mess up. Here is the recipe:

The cupcakes were a breeze to make and I presented them to my Dad for his birthday. He and several other tasters gave them two thumbs up! The cupcakes were super moist and the cool marshmallow mint frosting was a nice compliment to the rich chocolate. Can’t go wrong with this recipe!
Thanks Staci for this fun blogging opportunity and to see more yummy cupcakes go here.
Happy baking!
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Read full story By on August 19, 2010 in Entertaining, food