Here's how it looks so far...without candles lit and with flash on.
Some details
Now I have to get the background wall decorated...
So much to do! 34 days to go.
Happy Haunting.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Getting some more decorations up around the house
Going for a haunted mansion look in the formal dining area and on the side board. I am thinking about changing to LED candles in the larger candelabra, all this fire makes me slightly nervous.
Full sideboard
Friday, September 26, 2014
Blow mold obsessed
My favorite decorations for Halloween and Christmas are certainly blow molds.
As these charming plastic light ups make a big comeback, they are becoming harder to find in my town (unless you want to spend a lot of money on eBay).
I love the true vintage blow molds but have no problem buying new when the price is right.
Here is my ever growing Halloween collection.
The two skinny witches are probably my favorite because I got them for a dollar each at a yard sale. (I love a great bargain!)
I can't get enough of these whimsical light ups. Hoping to find more on my thrifting expeditions.
So, what is your favorite Halloween decoration past or present?
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
The decorating has begun
My favorite areas of the house to decorate have always been the kitchen and dining room. Luckily this year I have two dining areas to play with! Here is my first one at our smaller dining table... 
I'm really starting to think I need another skeleton! He needs a drinking buddy. Or maybe a date?
Also up is this little witchy sign I found at Goodwill this week.
My honey has all of my lights packed up in the garage. Can't wait to pull them out and really get this going!
Happy Haunting all.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Today's finds
I posted earlier about my cute little candy dishes, but I had a few other awesome finds today while I was out that I thought I would share.
I'm a huge fan of blow molds and have several that are Christmas themed, but not many that are Halloween themed so I was really happy to come across one at goodwill today. It's an adorable totem pole of Halloween goodness.
I also found a 2010 boney bunch newly deads candle holder as well as four pottery barn kids Halloween plates. One has a cute witch silhouette on it, the other three have a happy skeleton.
Altogether I spent $15 on everything. I think that's a pretty good day of thrifting!
Super Halloween deal!
Today's sweet find comes from Albertsons grocery store.
My local Albertsons isn't done stocking their shelves with Halloween decor yet, but that didn't stop me from taking a look at what's out already! They have some really cute decorations and kitchenware. Almost everything is marked down or priced very reasonably.
But my favorite find, and the two things I could not resist were these adorable ceramic standing candy dishes. Clearance priced for $1.99, I had to grab them!
Aren't they adorable? I put some candy corn in their little heads today. I'm sure it will be gone in no time at my house!
Happy haunting ghoulies 👻
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Thursday, September 18, 2014
My picks for the 10 most badass Witches from TV & Movies
Every Halloween season, in trying to come up with a costume, I always consider falling back on a timeless classic and dressing as a Witch.
And last year I did just that, donning a black hat and dress, with my face painted green as an ode to the fabulous Wicked Witch of the West.
Witches, real and otherwise, come in all shapes, sizes and styles. They have intrigued, terrified, and fascinated people for centuries. With Halloween again approaching, I would like to salute some of my favorite fictional witches from television and the big screen, in no particular order.
First, a disclaimer, you will no doubt notice that absent from my list is the infamous Wicked Witch with a shoe fetish. This is only because I wanted to include some newcomers, and perhaps a couple less obvious choices.
Without further adieu, here are my favorites. Hope you enjoy!
10. The Sanderson Sisters (Hocus Pocus)
I couldn't bear to separate them for this because, well, they belong together. And while I have a special love for sexy Sarah (because that's my name, and because I adore SJP) all three life-sucking witches deserve a spot on my list. Favorite Sanderson sisters moments include Winnifred's rendition of "I put a spell on you", Mary's vacuum ride, and Sarah's dance with "the devil", or "Master" as they call him. (I felt sorry for them when they realized he wasn't their leader after all.)
You know a witch has you under her spell when you find yourself rooting for her to capture just one more child to suck the life force from, but alas, they got greedy. Instead of using the teenage bullies they had caged up, they sought to destroy Max and Dani, and failed.
Word on the street is a sequel is in the works. And while it isn't likely to happen, I have my fingers crossed for a return of these three ladies together on screen.
9. The Red Lady, Melisandre (Game of Thrones)
I am not even sure if Melisandre is technically a witch, but she casts spells, makes potions, wears a cape, and birthed a freaking murderous shadow. I don't love Melisandre, but I know a badass when I see one.
I just hope she keeps away from Jon Snow next season.
8. Nancy Downs (The Craft)
Poor, crazy Nancy. She just didn't want to be white trash anymore and look what happened? She wound up friendless, restrained, and flying for eternity in her own mind.
But before it all went wrong, Nancy was one hardcore badass weirdo with her black eyeliner and cigarettes, able to lead a small cult of teenage witch wannabes like a 90's goth girl Charlie Manson. Nancy, keep flying girl. You could have been the next supreme.
7. Joanna Beauchamp (The Witches of East End)
What is more powerful than a Witch and her spells you ask? A mama witch protecting her eternally ill fated daughters, that's what.
And last year I did just that, donning a black hat and dress, with my face painted green as an ode to the fabulous Wicked Witch of the West.
Witches, real and otherwise, come in all shapes, sizes and styles. They have intrigued, terrified, and fascinated people for centuries. With Halloween again approaching, I would like to salute some of my favorite fictional witches from television and the big screen, in no particular order.
First, a disclaimer, you will no doubt notice that absent from my list is the infamous Wicked Witch with a shoe fetish. This is only because I wanted to include some newcomers, and perhaps a couple less obvious choices.
Without further adieu, here are my favorites. Hope you enjoy!
10. The Sanderson Sisters (Hocus Pocus)
I couldn't bear to separate them for this because, well, they belong together. And while I have a special love for sexy Sarah (because that's my name, and because I adore SJP) all three life-sucking witches deserve a spot on my list. Favorite Sanderson sisters moments include Winnifred's rendition of "I put a spell on you", Mary's vacuum ride, and Sarah's dance with "the devil", or "Master" as they call him. (I felt sorry for them when they realized he wasn't their leader after all.)
You know a witch has you under her spell when you find yourself rooting for her to capture just one more child to suck the life force from, but alas, they got greedy. Instead of using the teenage bullies they had caged up, they sought to destroy Max and Dani, and failed.
Word on the street is a sequel is in the works. And while it isn't likely to happen, I have my fingers crossed for a return of these three ladies together on screen.
9. The Red Lady, Melisandre (Game of Thrones)
I just hope she keeps away from Jon Snow next season.
8. Nancy Downs (The Craft)
But before it all went wrong, Nancy was one hardcore badass weirdo with her black eyeliner and cigarettes, able to lead a small cult of teenage witch wannabes like a 90's goth girl Charlie Manson. Nancy, keep flying girl. You could have been the next supreme.
7. Joanna Beauchamp (The Witches of East End)
Joanna Beauchamp is sexy, smart, and has lived hundreds of years trying to save her children from their doom again and again by any means necessary. She also reads tarot cards. All of the above make her just a little bit cooler than your Mom. (sorry)
6. Ursula, The Sea Witch (The Little Mermaid)
Ursula is proof that with the right shade of red lipstick, a girl can do whatever she wants. While I personally feel she's just a bit misunderstood, most inhabitants of the deep sea might view Ursula as a control hungry narcissist willing to step on anyone who stands in the way of her one true love- POWER.
My opinion? Deep down inside, she is just a poor, unfortunate soul.
(Maybe Mother didn't hug baby Ursula enough with those 8 sticky tentacles?)
5. Prue Halliwell (Charmed)
If anyone was born to play a witch, it was Shannen Doherty. (remember Brenda?)
Prue was definitely the toughest and most powerful of the sister witches on the show, but sadly after three seasons, they killed her off. Rumors surfaced that it may have had something to do with the fact that Doherty was just as much of a witch off screen as she was on.
Regardless, for me the show was never the same, even with the casting of the sultry Rose McGowan.
4. Endora (Bewitched)
Sure, the main character on the show Bewitched was Endora's daughter Samantha, but Endora was the witch who really shook things up around Stephen's household. Always meddling in her daughters affairs, Endora truly meant well. And with a friends list that throughout the centuries included Helen of Troy and Julius Caesar, it sounds like she was the original socialite.
Much to her daughters dismay, Endora didn't exactly care for Sam's husband Darrin, and she always wished Samantha would embrace her own witchy roots more- and who can blame her? Mother does know best.
3. Eva Ernst AKA The Grand High Witch (The Witches)
When your main goal in life is to kill children because you don't like their scent, you might just be the most terrifying witch ever.
Some of her talents include shooting beams from her eyes- death ray style, turning people into mice or other more easily disposed of creatures, and removing her human disguise to reveal a nightmare inducing appearance. (the above pic is only the halfway point, it gets more frightening)
Angelica Huston was born to play Eva. She's mean, she's evil,and yes, she's a badass.
2. Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)
Maleficent's powers come straight from the source of all that is dark and unholy- good old H.E. double hockey sticks. And she proudly boasts that fact while declaring herself the mistress of all evil.
Possibly the darkest Disney villain ever, Maleficent can control the weather, teleport, and if all else fails, she just slips on into dragon mode.
One thing is for sure, you don't want to forget to add her to your facebook event invite list. If you do, there will be hell to pay.
1. Fiona Goode (American Horror Story, Coven)
While I didn't intend for this list to be in any particular order, I would be lying if I tried to say that placing Jessica Lange as Fiona Goode in the number one spot was unintentional.
Fiona is relentless, intelligent, cunning, unforgiving, independent and incredibly sexy and fierce.She says what everyone else is thinking and makes no apologies for it.
(SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT) She may not be winning any mother of the year awards for her relationship with her own daughter, but the scene in which she brought a still born baby back to life tore me up and made me see that Fiona truly does have a heart in there... a cold, black heart, but a heart none-the-less.
Cheers to Fiona Goode, someone get that witch another drink.
So, who gets your vote for most badass witch of all?
6. Ursula, The Sea Witch (The Little Mermaid)
My opinion? Deep down inside, she is just a poor, unfortunate soul.
(Maybe Mother didn't hug baby Ursula enough with those 8 sticky tentacles?)
5. Prue Halliwell (Charmed)
If anyone was born to play a witch, it was Shannen Doherty. (remember Brenda?)
Prue was definitely the toughest and most powerful of the sister witches on the show, but sadly after three seasons, they killed her off. Rumors surfaced that it may have had something to do with the fact that Doherty was just as much of a witch off screen as she was on.
Regardless, for me the show was never the same, even with the casting of the sultry Rose McGowan.
4. Endora (Bewitched)
Much to her daughters dismay, Endora didn't exactly care for Sam's husband Darrin, and she always wished Samantha would embrace her own witchy roots more- and who can blame her? Mother does know best.
3. Eva Ernst AKA The Grand High Witch (The Witches)
Some of her talents include shooting beams from her eyes- death ray style, turning people into mice or other more easily disposed of creatures, and removing her human disguise to reveal a nightmare inducing appearance. (the above pic is only the halfway point, it gets more frightening)
Angelica Huston was born to play Eva. She's mean, she's evil,and yes, she's a badass.
2. Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)
Possibly the darkest Disney villain ever, Maleficent can control the weather, teleport, and if all else fails, she just slips on into dragon mode.
One thing is for sure, you don't want to forget to add her to your facebook event invite list. If you do, there will be hell to pay.
1. Fiona Goode (American Horror Story, Coven)
While I didn't intend for this list to be in any particular order, I would be lying if I tried to say that placing Jessica Lange as Fiona Goode in the number one spot was unintentional.
Fiona is relentless, intelligent, cunning, unforgiving, independent and incredibly sexy and fierce.She says what everyone else is thinking and makes no apologies for it.
(SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT) She may not be winning any mother of the year awards for her relationship with her own daughter, but the scene in which she brought a still born baby back to life tore me up and made me see that Fiona truly does have a heart in there... a cold, black heart, but a heart none-the-less.
Cheers to Fiona Goode, someone get that witch another drink.
So, who gets your vote for most badass witch of all?
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
44 Ways to Celebrate the Halloween Season!
There are several ways I love to prepare for the big night of fright, so I thought I would share some with those who are looking for new arts, crafts, or traditions to add to their repertoire. Sure some of these may seem obvious to the seasoned Halloween lovers, but still, here are a few spooky ideas for the Halloween loving newbies or even the old dogs looking for new tricks!
I have attached links to tutorials whenever possible.
1. Make your own Halloween Countdown- you can use a chalkboard, a dry erase board, a good old fashioned paper chain and tear off a link each day... Or take a look at my halloween decorative block tutorial which includes a countdown side on the blocks-
http://thehalloweenchick.blogspot.com/2014/08/decorative-halloween-blocks-diy.html?m=1
or get really fancy and make something from this cute list: http://www.curbly.com/users/craftmel/posts/14277-roundup-10-diy-halloween-countdown-crafts
2. PUMPKIN SPICE EVERYTHING-
2. PUMPKIN SPICE EVERYTHING-
nothing says October or Halloween like pumpkin spice. From lighting pumpkin spice candles, to using pumpkin spice creamer in your coffee, pumpkin spice is sure to get you in the mood for some Halloween fun, which brings me to the next item on the list...
3. Host a pumpkin carving party or contest- Grab a bunch of the Pumpkin carving kits at the nearest grocery store, or print off some cool patterns and have a B.Y.O.P. (bring your own pumpkin) gathering. It is a ton of fun to get people together and see how creative (and competitive) they can be with their designs.
Added bonus- a lot of them will leave their pumpkin so you can add it to your yard decor, especially if you give them some pumpkin flavored brewskis.
This is a good idea for later in the month of October so that your pumpkins will last til Halloween, but it's never too early to start planning the event.
4. Not into the real thing when it comes to pumpkin carving? Make a paper mache pumpkin to display indoors or out (weather permitting). Check out these absolutely amazing examples on Stolloween.com:
http://www.stolloween.com/?page_id=67
5. While we are on the subject of pumpkins, why not visit your local pumpkin patch? Pick out a pumpkin and snap some pics of the kiddos (or kids at heart).
6. Dress your pets in Halloween clothes!
7. Dress your kids in Halloween clothes and pajamas!
8. No kids or pets? Dress yourself in Halloween clothes! Accessorizing with Ghostly PJ's or socks covered in witches will certainly put anyone in the mood for Halloween.
9. Get (or give yourself) a Halloween mani/pedi. Check out these adorable ideas for your digits:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/alannaokun/ween-nails#11px91k
10. Make (or buy) a chalkboard and write Halloween quotes, song lyrics, poems or saying on it and display it in your home. Change it up every few days or so.
11. Have a Halloween movie marathon-
3. Host a pumpkin carving party or contest- Grab a bunch of the Pumpkin carving kits at the nearest grocery store, or print off some cool patterns and have a B.Y.O.P. (bring your own pumpkin) gathering. It is a ton of fun to get people together and see how creative (and competitive) they can be with their designs.
Added bonus- a lot of them will leave their pumpkin so you can add it to your yard decor, especially if you give them some pumpkin flavored brewskis.
This is a good idea for later in the month of October so that your pumpkins will last til Halloween, but it's never too early to start planning the event.
4. Not into the real thing when it comes to pumpkin carving? Make a paper mache pumpkin to display indoors or out (weather permitting). Check out these absolutely amazing examples on Stolloween.com:
http://www.stolloween.com/?page_id=67
5. While we are on the subject of pumpkins, why not visit your local pumpkin patch? Pick out a pumpkin and snap some pics of the kiddos (or kids at heart).
6. Dress your pets in Halloween clothes!
7. Dress your kids in Halloween clothes and pajamas!
8. No kids or pets? Dress yourself in Halloween clothes! Accessorizing with Ghostly PJ's or socks covered in witches will certainly put anyone in the mood for Halloween.
9. Get (or give yourself) a Halloween mani/pedi. Check out these adorable ideas for your digits:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/alannaokun/ween-nails#11px91k
10. Make (or buy) a chalkboard and write Halloween quotes, song lyrics, poems or saying on it and display it in your home. Change it up every few days or so.
11. Have a Halloween movie marathon-
Need some suggestions? Well, my personal favorites are Hocus Pocus, Trick R'Treat and of course the original Halloween, but check out this list of 50 truly chilling horror flicks if you aren't sure where to begin:
http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/top-scariest-movies-all-time/Hw3HiLfctnUsYmlI89WPVJ/gallery.html
12.Visit a Haunted House/attraction in your area, or many of them!
13.Visit a graveyard (this one might not be for everyone, but there are some really beautiful cemeteries out there.) Of course, be respectful and considerate. (they're coming to get you, Barbara)
14. Make your own Spooky potion bottles. Be creative or keep it simple with stick on labels from any craft store. You can check out my potion bottles here:
http://thehalloweenchick.blogspot.com/2014/08/diy-potion-bottles-for-halloween.html
15. Make your own Halloween candles
with dollar store candles, craft paper or other printed Halloween images and a little modge podge.
16. Make caramel apples!
17. Host a "Secret Jack" (reference to Jack Skellington ;) Halloween gift exchange with friends, family, or co workers. Set a low dollar limit and specify gifts must be Halloween themed. Exchange mid-October so everyone has time to enjoy their treats. (or tricks)
18. Create a playlist of Halloween music, or create a Halloween station on pandora.
19. Fill jars with candy corn and place around the house for a cute display and a tasty treat.
20. Place Halloween printouts or Halloween craft paper in dollar store frames as a simple and inexpensive decoration. Here are some free printables to get your started:
http://thegraphicsfairy.com/50-best-free-vintage-halloween-images/
21. Create a Halloween table scape- use a Halloween table cloth or any table cloth that is black, purple, orange or your preferred hue, place a few skulls, a candelabra or two and add a couple of your potion bottles to your table create a festive tablescape.
This one is to die for...
Photo from:
http://betweennapsontheporch.net/elegant-eerie-halloween-tablescape-the-215th-tablescape-thursday/
22. Adopt a skeleton, give them a name, and dress them up. Pose them around the house for fun. (or scares)
You may have seen our family member, Grandma Mabel, and her kitty cat, Snowball. The kids get a kick out of finding her sitting in various places in the house with and without her wig. Costco has the best price on posable skeletons at $37 or so with Target close behind at $40.
23. Bake Halloween themed goods- who doesn't love cupcakes, especially those which are frosted to look like human brains? I dare you to find someone who doesn't!
Cupcakes, cake pops, cakes and cookies in a Halloween theme are always a hit! (stay tuned for some tutorials on these)
24. Save your jars and make Halloween lanterns- here is a craft of mine from last year that I reposted on one of my other blogs
http://www.3littlegoats.com/already-thinking-about-halloween-crafts/
25. Follow Halloween and Fall instagram accounts- this is a great place to find out where the good Halloween decor is, as well as to get ideas for crafts and costumes. You can start by following me, thehalloweenchick of course :)
26. Play a game of hide n seek with a Halloween decorative item.
You know that slightly annoying but super addictive elf on the shelf? We like to play a Halloween version of this game with one of our little pumpkin head decorations. My daughter looks forward to seeing where he will be and what he will be doing...
27. Pinterest- Pin pin pin! This one is obvious but start pinning like crazy so that if you are like me, you will get to two or three of the ninety awesome crafts and decorations you swear you will make this year!
28. Have a Halloween photo shoot- break out your old costumes or better yet, head to Goodwill or the costume shop and try on all of your favorites with a friend. Bring your camera and have a blast.
29. End the day with a Halloween themed bedtime story with the kiddos (or yourself).
For the parents- make sure it's nothing too scary or you may end up with a little goblin in your bed.
30. Binge on horror & spooky TV shows including the classics- Of course there is The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, and Hemlock Grove. But don't forget the oldies like The Munsters, or Tales from the Crypt and Creepshow.
31. Start using the Halloween kitchen ware. Hand towels, glasses, dishes, and any other Halloween themed decor you may have is a green light for daily use now. So break out the jack o lantern plates and Witchy dish towels. Don't have any? I suggest Ross, TJ Maxx/Home Goods for inexpensive and super cool Halloween wares.
32. Change your profile pic on social media to something creepy new or old. Last years Halloween costume, that Zombify app pic you made for fun, or bust out the green face paint and take a whole new photo to get not only yourself, but friends and family in the Halloween spirit.
33. Halloween prank your loved ones- sneak up behind them in a scary mask, hide that decapitated head behind the shower curtain, place your skeleton under their covers... Halloween pranks are fun! Just be ready for screams and the occasional throwing of objects.
34. Visit all of the Halloween stores and browse, shop, or take photos and attempt to replicate things you see that cost way more than you want to spend.
35. Deck out your vehicle with Halloween funzies... whether you want to commit to bumper stickers or just hang a fun Halloween sign in the window, driving around with some Halloween decoratives is sure to entertain those around you and get others in the mood for October. Target has cool Halloween signs in their dollar bins and Spirit Halloween has nifty Car magnets.
I personally am driving around with a large Jack Skellington sitting up in my back seat right now!
36. Create a Haunted Mirror to hang in your home for fun.
http://thehalloweenchick.blogspot.com/2014/09/haunted-mirror-tutorial.html
37. Go to Disneyland!
Ok so this one is not in the cards for everyone, even I have yet to make the trek to the happiest place on Earth at the spookiest time of the year, but it is on the to do list. And if it's a possibility for you then make it happen! (and bring me with you, please?)
I hear it is amazing.
38. Use lighting to set the Halloween mood around your home- Lights aren't just for Christmas. Orange, purple, and black decorative lights placed around window frames or near your Halloween decor can really help set the tone. It can look spooky or really classy depending on what you're going for.
39. Check out local "haunted" houses, hotels, or areas in your town. Almost every town has a place that is known to be haunted. Be a tourist in your own town and go on a ghost hunt!
40. Make a spooky shower curtain for your bathroom: Use a cheap white shower curtain and decorate it with bloody handprints, or if you are artistically inclined, use a sharpie to draw a silhoutte or bats etc on the outside of the curtain. Might want to do this one near Halloween if you use the shower regularly and the curtain could get wet and cause any paint, blood, marker etc to run.
41. Roast pumpkin seeds. A timeless classic.
42. Buy or make your own ouija board and connect with the spirits... I know, this one is not for everyone, but it might be fun for some. And if you don't want to summon the spirits, you could just use the board as decor. Here are some really cool homemade ouija boards.
http://www.museumoftalkingboards.com/kips.html
43. Make your own Halloween tombstones! Terra at scary lady videos takes the guess work out of making AMAZING Halloween tombstones for your yard haunt. Check out her basic tutorial here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyfmBL5JuH0&list=UUMrxX-vdE0ABTHOAkwFV-4g
She is truly talented and seems like a super nice lady,and check out this beautiful tombstone she created and eventually donated to a church group. Just brilliant!
44. Last but not least, enjoy the Halloween season with friends, family, and neighbors. Halloween is one holiday where the community truly celebrates together (if you are lucky enough to live in an area that still answers the door for trick or treaters). Support and promote Halloween by being the crazy person on the block that starts decorating before October 1st, even if no one else does.
Leave the lights on for trick or treaters and give out the good candy ... You might be surprised when your neighbors want to follow suit, and the kiddies will thank you.
Happy Haunting all.
http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/top-scariest-movies-all-time/Hw3HiLfctnUsYmlI89WPVJ/gallery.html
12.Visit a Haunted House/attraction in your area, or many of them!
13.Visit a graveyard (this one might not be for everyone, but there are some really beautiful cemeteries out there.) Of course, be respectful and considerate. (they're coming to get you, Barbara)
14. Make your own Spooky potion bottles. Be creative or keep it simple with stick on labels from any craft store. You can check out my potion bottles here:
http://thehalloweenchick.blogspot.com/2014/08/diy-potion-bottles-for-halloween.html
15. Make your own Halloween candles
16. Make caramel apples!
17. Host a "Secret Jack" (reference to Jack Skellington ;) Halloween gift exchange with friends, family, or co workers. Set a low dollar limit and specify gifts must be Halloween themed. Exchange mid-October so everyone has time to enjoy their treats. (or tricks)
18. Create a playlist of Halloween music, or create a Halloween station on pandora.
19. Fill jars with candy corn and place around the house for a cute display and a tasty treat.
20. Place Halloween printouts or Halloween craft paper in dollar store frames as a simple and inexpensive decoration. Here are some free printables to get your started:
http://thegraphicsfairy.com/50-best-free-vintage-halloween-images/
21. Create a Halloween table scape- use a Halloween table cloth or any table cloth that is black, purple, orange or your preferred hue, place a few skulls, a candelabra or two and add a couple of your potion bottles to your table create a festive tablescape.
This one is to die for...
Photo from:
http://betweennapsontheporch.net/elegant-eerie-halloween-tablescape-the-215th-tablescape-thursday/
22. Adopt a skeleton, give them a name, and dress them up. Pose them around the house for fun. (or scares)
You may have seen our family member, Grandma Mabel, and her kitty cat, Snowball. The kids get a kick out of finding her sitting in various places in the house with and without her wig. Costco has the best price on posable skeletons at $37 or so with Target close behind at $40.
23. Bake Halloween themed goods- who doesn't love cupcakes, especially those which are frosted to look like human brains? I dare you to find someone who doesn't!
Cupcakes, cake pops, cakes and cookies in a Halloween theme are always a hit! (stay tuned for some tutorials on these)
24. Save your jars and make Halloween lanterns- here is a craft of mine from last year that I reposted on one of my other blogs
http://www.3littlegoats.com/already-thinking-about-halloween-crafts/
25. Follow Halloween and Fall instagram accounts- this is a great place to find out where the good Halloween decor is, as well as to get ideas for crafts and costumes. You can start by following me, thehalloweenchick of course :)
26. Play a game of hide n seek with a Halloween decorative item.
You know that slightly annoying but super addictive elf on the shelf? We like to play a Halloween version of this game with one of our little pumpkin head decorations. My daughter looks forward to seeing where he will be and what he will be doing...
27. Pinterest- Pin pin pin! This one is obvious but start pinning like crazy so that if you are like me, you will get to two or three of the ninety awesome crafts and decorations you swear you will make this year!
28. Have a Halloween photo shoot- break out your old costumes or better yet, head to Goodwill or the costume shop and try on all of your favorites with a friend. Bring your camera and have a blast.
29. End the day with a Halloween themed bedtime story with the kiddos (or yourself).
For the parents- make sure it's nothing too scary or you may end up with a little goblin in your bed.
30. Binge on horror & spooky TV shows including the classics- Of course there is The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, and Hemlock Grove. But don't forget the oldies like The Munsters, or Tales from the Crypt and Creepshow.
31. Start using the Halloween kitchen ware. Hand towels, glasses, dishes, and any other Halloween themed decor you may have is a green light for daily use now. So break out the jack o lantern plates and Witchy dish towels. Don't have any? I suggest Ross, TJ Maxx/Home Goods for inexpensive and super cool Halloween wares.
32. Change your profile pic on social media to something creepy new or old. Last years Halloween costume, that Zombify app pic you made for fun, or bust out the green face paint and take a whole new photo to get not only yourself, but friends and family in the Halloween spirit.
33. Halloween prank your loved ones- sneak up behind them in a scary mask, hide that decapitated head behind the shower curtain, place your skeleton under their covers... Halloween pranks are fun! Just be ready for screams and the occasional throwing of objects.
34. Visit all of the Halloween stores and browse, shop, or take photos and attempt to replicate things you see that cost way more than you want to spend.
35. Deck out your vehicle with Halloween funzies... whether you want to commit to bumper stickers or just hang a fun Halloween sign in the window, driving around with some Halloween decoratives is sure to entertain those around you and get others in the mood for October. Target has cool Halloween signs in their dollar bins and Spirit Halloween has nifty Car magnets.
I personally am driving around with a large Jack Skellington sitting up in my back seat right now!
36. Create a Haunted Mirror to hang in your home for fun.
http://thehalloweenchick.blogspot.com/2014/09/haunted-mirror-tutorial.html
37. Go to Disneyland!
Ok so this one is not in the cards for everyone, even I have yet to make the trek to the happiest place on Earth at the spookiest time of the year, but it is on the to do list. And if it's a possibility for you then make it happen! (and bring me with you, please?)
I hear it is amazing.
38. Use lighting to set the Halloween mood around your home- Lights aren't just for Christmas. Orange, purple, and black decorative lights placed around window frames or near your Halloween decor can really help set the tone. It can look spooky or really classy depending on what you're going for.
39. Check out local "haunted" houses, hotels, or areas in your town. Almost every town has a place that is known to be haunted. Be a tourist in your own town and go on a ghost hunt!
40. Make a spooky shower curtain for your bathroom: Use a cheap white shower curtain and decorate it with bloody handprints, or if you are artistically inclined, use a sharpie to draw a silhoutte or bats etc on the outside of the curtain. Might want to do this one near Halloween if you use the shower regularly and the curtain could get wet and cause any paint, blood, marker etc to run.
41. Roast pumpkin seeds. A timeless classic.
42. Buy or make your own ouija board and connect with the spirits... I know, this one is not for everyone, but it might be fun for some. And if you don't want to summon the spirits, you could just use the board as decor. Here are some really cool homemade ouija boards.
http://www.museumoftalkingboards.com/kips.html
43. Make your own Halloween tombstones! Terra at scary lady videos takes the guess work out of making AMAZING Halloween tombstones for your yard haunt. Check out her basic tutorial here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyfmBL5JuH0&list=UUMrxX-vdE0ABTHOAkwFV-4g
She is truly talented and seems like a super nice lady,and check out this beautiful tombstone she created and eventually donated to a church group. Just brilliant!
44. Last but not least, enjoy the Halloween season with friends, family, and neighbors. Halloween is one holiday where the community truly celebrates together (if you are lucky enough to live in an area that still answers the door for trick or treaters). Support and promote Halloween by being the crazy person on the block that starts decorating before October 1st, even if no one else does.
Leave the lights on for trick or treaters and give out the good candy ... You might be surprised when your neighbors want to follow suit, and the kiddies will thank you.
Happy Haunting all.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Grandma Mabel
We are having far too much fun with our Costco skeleton. She has evolved into "Grandma Mabel" and today I picked up a pet kitty for her at CVS. 20% off Halloween merchandise with a cvs card, so not too bad for $16. (Plus tax)
Saturday, September 13, 2014
I want to see your Home Haunts
Looking for Home Haunters to share on my blog.
Please send me photos and info on where you are located. I would love to feature a couple of home haunts on my blog each week in October.
If you are raising money for a charitable cause with your haunt, I will include info in regard to your charity as well.
Happy Haunting Ghoulies and Ghosties!
Please send me photos and info on where you are located. I would love to feature a couple of home haunts on my blog each week in October.
If you are raising money for a charitable cause with your haunt, I will include info in regard to your charity as well.
Email thehalloweenchick@gmail.com to be featured!
Happy Haunting Ghoulies and Ghosties!
Friday, September 12, 2014
Everyone has Halloween merchandise!
The time has finally come. Halloween merchandise is in almost all of the stores, with Target being the biggest slacker of all of the large retail stores since they only have a few aisles started. However, I think Target is going to have some awesome Halloween merchandise this year from what I saw on the shelves today. But since I am a Target lover on a Walmart budget, I spent this afternoon browsing through most of their stuff and dreaming of what will remain on the shelves in the weeks after Halloween. The only thing I love more than Halloween decor, is getting Halloween decor at rock bottom prices. Clearance is a ghouls best friend!
This year Home Goods has been my favorite for cool indoor decorations at reasonable prices. I'm still on the hunt for one large prop that I can add to my collection. I am leaning toward more of a Haunted Mansion style setup this year so an eerie Victorian ghost or spooky Butler would be perfect. Right now I am eyeing one item on Kmart.com, I just keep hoping the price may drop or a coupon may show up somewhere.
So, now that all of the stores are filling their aisles with Halloween amazingness, it's time to start decorating at home. Pics soon to come!
Happy Haunting All!
This year Home Goods has been my favorite for cool indoor decorations at reasonable prices. I'm still on the hunt for one large prop that I can add to my collection. I am leaning toward more of a Haunted Mansion style setup this year so an eerie Victorian ghost or spooky Butler would be perfect. Right now I am eyeing one item on Kmart.com, I just keep hoping the price may drop or a coupon may show up somewhere.
So, now that all of the stores are filling their aisles with Halloween amazingness, it's time to start decorating at home. Pics soon to come!
Happy Haunting All!
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Haunted Mirror Tutorial
Quick little play by play on my Haunted mirror.
There are many ways to make these, I have seen some people use looking glass spray to create a mirror. I opted for the easiest and cheapest way though- here were my supplies
Mirror From Dollar Store- $1
Easy Off oven cleaner- had it in the house
Wash cloth & paper towels - had them
Vampire Decal from dollar store- $1 (any printed spooky pic will do, and I plan to change this out once I find something I like more)
So I took the back & frame off of my dollar store mirror carefully.
Sprayed the back side of the mirror with a generous amount of oven cleaner in the area that I wanted my image to show through.
I let it sit overnight and allowed it to do all the work pulling away the mirror paint.
Next
day I used a rag and some paper towels and wiped away the area where the oven cleaner had
started to lift the mirror. I did it slowly so that a little of the
mirror and some fogginess would remain.
Once
it looked how I wanted it, I positioned my vampire decal then cute him
to fit, taped it on the back, replaced the back of the mirror and frame
and voila!
Easy, cheap, scary mirror.
So I don't know how much sense it makes to see a Vampire in the mirror considering they do not have a reflection, lol, but he looks good for now until I find something better- feel free to send suggestions or links to spooky images!
TTFN!
Happy Haunting!
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