We Hope Everyone Had a Fun and Safe Halloween

Until we meet again . . .

We Hope Everyone Had a Fun and Safe Halloween

Until we meet again . . .

A Scary Halloween Village

I hinted last week in a post with a close-up shot that there would be more coming on how we decorated the mantel this year for Halloween.  Well, here it is.  I thought it turned out quite nicely.

This was a really fun project that took shape slowly over the past few weeks.  The houses came from Michael's as did the candles.  The black buckets are from IKEA.  They were stainless steel that we spray-painted gloss black.  The wicked little trees are from inventory here at Crest Avenue and I do not remember where they came from.  We have had those for a few years now.  The larger wicked black trees are from the gardens.  They were left over from the Microburst and Derecho we had earlier this year.  They too were spray-painted gloss black.  And the sheet moss that covers the mantel gives it an even more eerie feeling.  Oh, the pumpkin bobbleheads are from Michael's also.  The witch flying in front of the moon is a graphic I found online and printed on cardstock and then cut out with a pair of regular household scissors.  The Halloween arrangement of yellow and orange daisies is from Wegman's.

So all it takes it a little imagination and you can put together something equally as scary.  We will enjoy this for a few more days and then it will be time to start decorating for Thanksgiving.  The holidays are upon us!!

A Scary Halloween Village

I hinted last week in a post with a close-up shot that there would be more coming on how we decorated the mantel this year for Halloween.  Well, here it is.  I thought it turned out quite nicely.

This was a really fun project that took shape slowly over the past few weeks.  The houses came from Michael's as did the candles.  The black buckets are from IKEA.  They were stainless steel that we spray-painted gloss black.  The wicked little trees are from inventory here at Crest Avenue and I do not remember where they came from.  We have had those for a few years now.  The larger wicked black trees are from the gardens.  They were left over from the Microburst and Derecho we had earlier this year.  They too were spray-painted gloss black.  And the sheet moss that covers the mantel gives it an even more eerie feeling.  Oh, the pumpkin bobbleheads are from Michael's also.  The witch flying in front of the moon is a graphic I found online and printed on cardstock and then cut out with a pair of regular household scissors.  The Halloween arrangement of yellow and orange daisies is from Wegman's.

So all it takes it a little imagination and you can put together something equally as scary.  We will enjoy this for a few more days and then it will be time to start decorating for Thanksgiving.  The holidays are upon us!!

Happy Halloween!

A Happy Halloween to everyone!  We have brilliant sunshine here in the Mid-Atlantic today.  A welcome sight after days of rain and wind from Sandy.  I think I am ready for trick or treaters this evening.

We started out with quite a mix of goodies.

And we ended up with a basket full of treat bags for all our visitors this evening.  I hope that the children come out with their parents to enjoy the evening.  After being stuck in the house for days with the storm, it will be fun for everyone to come out and stretch their legs.

Happy Halloween!

A Happy Halloween to everyone!  We have brilliant sunshine here in the Mid-Atlantic today.  A welcome sight after days of rain and wind from Sandy.  I think I am ready for trick or treaters this evening.

We started out with quite a mix of goodies.

And we ended up with a basket full of treat bags for all our visitors this evening.  I hope that the children come out with their parents to enjoy the evening.  After being stuck in the house for days with the storm, it will be fun for everyone to come out and stretch their legs.

We Made it Through the Rain . . .

. . . and the wind.  We were very fortunate at Crest Avenue with this most damaging storm not to have any damage or flooding.

The table on the deck this morning.  I like all the different colors of the leaves on the table.

The deck.  The two plants on the right side of the picture are the hanging baskets of begonias and asparagus fern that I planted in the spring.  I thought it best to take these downs before the winds arrived rather than having them smash through the window and ending up in the tv room  These can be placed back on their hangers now.

Some bamboo that is a little water logged this morning.  I love the look and the privacy that bamboo provides around the deck.  Once this has a chance to dry out, it will take its place back in the grove.

Here we have a shot of the back yard from the deck.  Lots of leaves but no damage, thank goodness.

You will remember a post I made earlier this year about the gutter inserts I installed.  Before the storm arrived, I made my way up on the ladder to inspect those foam inserts to make sure everything was clean so there would not be any problem with water backing up in the gutters and running inside.  I lifted quite a few sections on the front and back and found that the gutters were as clean as they were before I installed the gutter guard inserts.  No debris had collected in the gutters.  There were no signs of rust or any kind of decay.  The rains came and the water made its way through the gutters and away from the foundation.  Actually, this is one of the first times I can remember not having water in the basement since 2001 when I purchased Crest Avenue.



We Made it Through the Rain . . .

. . . and the wind.  We were very fortunate at Crest Avenue with this most damaging storm not to have any damage or flooding.

The table on the deck this morning.  I like all the different colors of the leaves on the table.

The deck.  The two plants on the right side of the picture are the hanging baskets of begonias and asparagus fern that I planted in the spring.  I thought it best to take these downs before the winds arrived rather than having them smash through the window and ending up in the tv room  These can be placed back on their hangers now.

Some bamboo that is a little water logged this morning.  I love the look and the privacy that bamboo provides around the deck.  Once this has a chance to dry out, it will take its place back in the grove.

Here we have a shot of the back yard from the deck.  Lots of leaves but no damage, thank goodness.

You will remember a post I made earlier this year about the gutter inserts I installed.  Before the storm arrived, I made my way up on the ladder to inspect those foam inserts to make sure everything was clean so there would not be any problem with water backing up in the gutters and running inside.  I lifted quite a few sections on the front and back and found that the gutters were as clean as they were before I installed the gutter guard inserts.  No debris had collected in the gutters.  There were no signs of rust or any kind of decay.  The rains came and the water made its way through the gutters and away from the foundation.  Actually, this is one of the first times I can remember not having water in the basement since 2001 when I purchased Crest Avenue.



A Little More Halloween

Here are a few more Halloween ideas I had for this year. 



I found these scary little ghosts as Wegman's. 



And this is a bobble-head mummy.  Actually, his head does not bobble.  His whole body bobbles.  One foot is permanently attached to the base and the other is free floating.  So his whole body bobbles.  There is a tea light holder so his eyes and mouth are illuminited.

Another view of the mummy from above.

So, with a little imagination and some sheet moss and some branches from the yard spray painted black, you can make your house as spooky as any other house on the block for Halloween.

 

 

A Little More Halloween

Here are a few more Halloween ideas I had for this year. 



I found these scary little ghosts as Wegman's. 



And this is a bobble-head mummy.  Actually, his head does not bobble.  His whole body bobbles.  One foot is permanently attached to the base and the other is free floating.  So his whole body bobbles.  There is a tea light holder so his eyes and mouth are illuminited.

Another view of the mummy from above.

So, with a little imagination and some sheet moss and some branches from the yard spray painted black, you can make your house as spooky as any other house on the block for Halloween.

 

 

Tomatoes and Peppers

I would imagine this will be one of the last harvests of the season.  But I was pleased to be able to pick these from the garden this morning.

This year I used fertilizer that is designed especially for tomatoes.  I guess that is why I am still harvesting tomatoes on the 27th of October.  And the vines are still thriving.  When I checked them this morning there are still blossoms that could produce fruit.  However, with the cooler temperatures expected and shorter days, I don't think we will see anymore tomatoes.  The pepper plants were planted next to the tomatoes and I think they benefited from the fertilizer as well.  A productive garden this year.

Tomatoes and Peppers

I would imagine this will be one of the last harvests of the season.  But I was pleased to be able to pick these from the garden this morning.

This year I used fertilizer that is designed especially for tomatoes.  I guess that is why I am still harvesting tomatoes on the 27th of October.  And the vines are still thriving.  When I checked them this morning there are still blossoms that could produce fruit.  However, with the cooler temperatures expected and shorter days, I don't think we will see anymore tomatoes.  The pepper plants were planted next to the tomatoes and I think they benefited from the fertilizer as well.  A productive garden this year.

Sprinkles Cupcakes are the BEST!!!

I felt like I needed something a little fun this morning to get my mind off the impending storm.  So I walked up to Sprinkles Cupcakes located on M Street, NW in Georgetown.  I got one for myself and one for my BFF, Von.



I love the box.






Sprinkles Cupcakes.  Very cute!!



I got the Chai Latte for myself.

And a Dark Chocolate for Von.

Here is what Von and I think of Sprinkles Cupcakes.

I'm sure many of you have heard of or even visited Sprinkles Cupcakes.  Their shop on M Street, NW in Georgetown is so cute.  There are  a few seating areas if you would like to enjoy your cupcake there.  A beautiful display case.  You can visit their website at www.sprinkles.com.  If you have not stopped by, I would strongly suggest you do.  And visit their website and join their mailing list.

Sprinkles Cupcakes are the BEST!!!

I felt like I needed something a little fun this morning to get my mind off the impending storm.  So I walked up to Sprinkles Cupcakes located on M Street, NW in Georgetown.  I got one for myself and one for my BFF, Von.



I love the box.





Sprinkles Cupcakes.  Very cute!!


I got the Chai Latte for myself.

And a Dark Chocolate for Von.

Here is what Von and I think of Sprinkles Cupcakes.

I'm sure many of you have heard of or even visited Sprinkles Cupcakes.  Their shop on M Street, NW in Georgetown is so cute.  There are  a few seating areas if you would like to enjoy your cupcake there.  A beautiful display case.  You can visit their website at www.sprinkles.com.  If you have not stopped by, I would strongly suggest you do.  And visit their website and join their mailing list.

Hurricane Sandy is Heading Our Way

So, . . . it looks like we are in for a most interesting weekend.  We will be getting a visit from Hurricane Sandy.  I originally dismissed the forecast that we might be hit, but it looks ever more likely that we will.  I will be spending time tomorrow getting the generator set-up in the very likely event that we will be without power for some few hours or days.  And here I thought hurricane season was over!!!  Never a dull moment.


Storm Tracker

Hurricane Sandy is Heading Our Way

So, . . . it looks like we are in for a most interesting weekend.  We will be getting a visit from Hurricane Sandy.  I originally dismissed the forecast that we might be hit, but it looks ever more likely that we will.  I will be spending time tomorrow getting the generator set-up in the very likely event that we will be without power for some few hours or days.  And here I thought hurricane season was over!!!  Never a dull moment.


Storm Tracker

Fuji Finepix Camera

No Halloween post today.  I have a more pressing issue to deal with.  I have decided that I can no longer run a blog that is highly dependent on crisp, clear images by using the camera feature on my SmartPhone.  It is just not working.  Even though I upgraded my phone recently, the pictures I am getting from it are, well,  . . . disappointing.  I find it nearly imposible to be able to get a clear picture.  The slightest movement of the hand when you take the picture and it is out of focus.  I just cannot take it anymore.  So, I have purchased a new camera.  The Fuji Finepix S.

This camera did not come with a memory card, so I will be purchasing one today.  This model has a 30X Zoom lens and it feels good in the hand.  I feel like I have control over the camera unlike when I use my SmartPhone camera.  Let's hope that picture quality improves exponentially with this new piece of equipment.  There is nothing more frustrating than not having the right tool to get the job done.  As we say at Crest Avenue, "there's a lot to be done" and now we have the right tool for the job.  So let's go "get 'er done!!"

Fuji Finepix Camera

No Halloween post today.  I have a more pressing issue to deal with.  I have decided that I can no longer run a blog that is highly dependent on crisp, clear images by using the camera feature on my SmartPhone.  It is just not working.  Even though I upgraded my phone recently, the pictures I am getting from it are, well,  . . . disappointing.  I find it nearly imposible to be able to get a clear picture.  The slightest movement of the hand when you take the picture and it is out of focus.  I just cannot take it anymore.  So, I have purchased a new camera.  The Fuji Finepix S.

This camera did not come with a memory card, so I will be purchasing one today.  This model has a 30X Zoom lens and it feels good in the hand.  I feel like I have control over the camera unlike when I use my SmartPhone camera.  Let's hope that picture quality improves exponentially with this new piece of equipment.  There is nothing more frustrating than not having the right tool to get the job done.  As we say at Crest Avenue, "there's a lot to be done" and now we have the right tool for the job.  So let's go "get 'er done!!"

A Few More Halloween Ideas

Continuing with our week full of Halloween themed posts, here are a few more ideas to make for a fun holiday.



A fun soap dispenser in the bath.



And another in the kitchen.  These are the foaming hand soap dispensers which I really like.  I'm thinking, after the holidays, of replacing all the hand soap dispensers throughout the house with the ones that dispense the soap in a foam consistency.  I have seen them in mail order catalogs.  I'm sure they sell them at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  From what I can make of it, you add the liquid soap and some water to the dispenser and then the apparatus in the pump provides you with foamed soap when you press down on it.  I love that idea.  These little Halloween dispensers come ready to use.  So there is no need to mix soap and water.  Just twist the dispenser to unlock it and you are ready to go.

Oh, the sponge in the sink.  Isn't that a great idea.  I found these sponges at Whole Foods.  They come with the suction cup device that you can affix anywhere in your sink.  The sponge has an opening in the center and it slides right onto the holder.  And they come with a soft and a scrubby side.  Brilliant!!!



And finally today, a sneak peek at what is a much larger Halloween themed mantel which will be revealed later in the week.

 

A Few More Halloween Ideas

Continuing with our week full of Halloween themed posts, here are a few more ideas to make for a fun holiday.



A fun soap dispenser in the bath.



And another in the kitchen.  These are the foaming hand soap dispensers which I really like.  I'm thinking, after the holidays, of replacing all the hand soap dispensers throughout the house with the ones that dispense the soap in a foam consistency.  I have seen them in mail order catalogs.  I'm sure they sell them at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  From what I can make of it, you add the liquid soap and some water to the dispenser and then the apparatus in the pump provides you with foamed soap when you press down on it.  I love that idea.  These little Halloween dispensers come ready to use.  So there is no need to mix soap and water.  Just twist the dispenser to unlock it and you are ready to go.

Oh, the sponge in the sink.  Isn't that a great idea.  I found these sponges at Whole Foods.  They come with the suction cup device that you can affix anywhere in your sink.  The sponge has an opening in the center and it slides right onto the holder.  And they come with a soft and a scrubby side.  Brilliant!!!



And finally today, a sneak peek at what is a much larger Halloween themed mantel which will be revealed later in the week.