Have a Holly Jolly...Well, sorry I'm late!

What can I say? I am the worst blogger on the face of the planet...and honestly, it could be getting worse! Josh and I may not have Internet at our home so there is the possibility that we will not be having daily/weekly/monthly posts in the future. Which I am very sad about! I love my little blog! If by some chance I am able to keep the blog going I am thinking of changing the name. Josh and I are extremely interested in DIY projects, if you haven't noticed from most of our posts. I am thinking of changing the blog to more of a duo name rather than an uno name. What do you think yea or nay?
Here is a recap:
Josh and I had a fantastic Christmas! There is still more to come, but what it all boils down to is our families are awesome. Josh gave me an iPod touch...we both made this semi-deal to not spend a lot of money, which we both strayed from. I got J a blue ray player, but I was completely shocked by the amazing iPod touch. So far I have have all my music uploaded (which is a wonderful gift in itself because I have been having to pick and choose what music to listen to because of the limited space on my old iPod) and four apps (facebook, twitter, urbanspoon, and weather bug). Needless to say, I'm addicted. Thanks for an awesome gift J, I love you!

Next, was the shock of the century, my parents bought us a brand new TV! WE are thrilled, blessed, and moved by the love shown to us this holiday! I would love show you pics of the TV but, it's all packed away for the big move. So the big reveal will have to be after we get settled. Here's what is on the schedule for the J and K express:

1. Moving to MO on December 27 (aka Today!)

2. Put Casa DE Blackman together December 27-31

3. Christmas with the Blackman clan December 31-January 2

4. Run back by Casa De Blackman for a quick touch up -January 2-3

5. Travel back to Magnolia for the wedding January 3

6. Let the BlackScrogg extravaganza begin! January 4-8

7. The BIG day January 9

8. Honeymooners--Carnival Fun Ship? Here we come. January 9-17


9. Return, and so life begins! January 17-the rest of our lives!

I'm living a crazy life right now, I have programs to finish, our home to set up, and one more round of Christmas, but I can't wait! I hope everyone had a holly, jolly Christmas! Here is my favorite picture from the holiday.

This is Josh and my sweet, little, niece Ava Gracie right after we started Bed Knobs and Broomsticks, I guess it really didn't interest them.

NEWS:

I am no on Twitter! Feel Free to follow me! @kelseyblackman

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

BEFORE:AFTER:

I spent the day packing up my apartment and getting ready for the big move. I already packed my car down with one load and will come back on Thursday for the rest, with my parents. I couldn't do it without them! I can't believe it, in 2 days I will be walking on stage to accept my college diploma, who knew? As excited as I am about graduating, I can't wait to be a bride! It is the most exciting time of my life!

This past weekend I got to go and hang with my BFF Callie and a new friend Caitlyn, we drove around and looked at Christmas lights and do I have something to show you!?

This house may not look like much and that is because of my bad photography. Three houses on one block synced all there lights to blink to the beat of music. What makes this so special is that you could tune your radio into 89.9 and listen to the music inside your car. So cool!
Take a look at this!!! Whoa!!!!! I couldn't believe it when I saw it! Like the other houses, you could tune your radio into a station, but instead of Christmas tunes you hear....The Grinch! Yes, they have a screen set up and you could tune into 89.9 and bam...you're a mean one Mr. Grinch!
These crazy, non-ba-hummbugers also had a Santa that sang and dance in the front of their home! I gave him a smooch. Gotta show Santa some love!

Whose ready for some Winter Wonderland questions?

1. What are you most excited for this Christmas season?

Moving into my new home, with my unofficial/official in our minds, hubby Josh! I can't wait to organize and make our little home our own! Btw, anyone know of any cheap-o, stylish chair out there? If you do, please let me know!

2. Any Christmas traditions? Hot cocoa before bed? Reading the Christmas story? Do tell.

My family, not really. A few years ago we tried to read The Gift of the Magi, but everyone fell asleep as my dad was reading it, so the tradition died there.

3. Christmas dinner? What's on the menu?

My mom usually makes a traditional dinner, but a few years ago she made a shrimp and grits dish that I have loved ever since. My favorite!

4. What is your least favorite Christmas song?

I think it is called "Christmas Time Is Here" it is at the beginning of Charlie Brown Christmas and I think it is the saddest, most ba-hummbug song of them all.

5. How does Santa land on the roof without waking everyone up?

I have no idea. He's a pretty crafty fellow, that Santa!

Whew! What a break!

I have been separated from the blogging world for far to long! The Christmas season is well underway and slowly but surely this year is coming to an end. I will be getting married in a little under a month and then on a beach vacation! I can't wait to be laying out and enjoying some R&R.

Thanks so much for hanging in there and reading the blog (that hasn't changed in a month). School became a little crazy and I had to make a choice to devote more time to my studies and less time to DIY projects and blogging. I have still managed to squeeze a few in and will be sharing those with you guys. I hope your excited because you know I am!

The "tying the knot" ceremony is just around the corner and I can't wait, I have been dreaming of this day my whole life! But, since it is December and presents come to mind I thought of a Wish List. Back in the day when my blog was a new born I tried to share a wish list once a month. But I started to feel like a big, fat, whiner, "Wha!! I want this!! Wha I want that!" So I nixed it. But, for the sake of all things holly and jolly, why not?!
Now, I am getting the best Christmas ever...I mean ever. So, my wish list is small and I actually don't expect to get any of these gifts. I am getting a wedding and a dream vacation after all! Not to brag, but that sounds like a pretty fantastic Christmas to me!


As nerdy as this is, I love...LOVE Method cleaning products. If you haven't seen them at Tar-jet (check them out here)they are awesome. Fresh and clean AND environmentally friendly. All for a good price. Plus...as shallow as this sounds, the packaging is cute. If your interested click here to head on over to Method's website where they are offering a $2.oo off coupon, just print it out and save!
Seriously, how cute is she? Nobody and I mean nobody sings like Norah Jones, I actually lip-sing to her all the time. I adore her voice and her newest album has recently been released, I saw it at Starbucks and jumped for joy! There is something timeless about good ole' Norah, what a doll? She's got talent!

I have smelled and seen that Vera is good. (Anyone up for a little Biblical humor?) I thought this would be the perfect fragrance to wear all year around. How many times do you get to say, I'm wearing Vera Wang? Well, if you get the perfume, you can say it all the time! That is a plus right?

Finally, my BIG wish...a subscription to Real Simple Magazine. I have fallen head over heels for this magazine over the past couple of months, but sadly the issues are usually read in the check-out line or in Barnes & Noble killing time. This would be an extra bonus every month, plus the tips and ideas are fan-stinckin'-tastic!

My wish-list only has four wishes this year, my wedding and honeymoon are two of my life-long wishes that are being fulfilled and there is nothing else I really want in life. I am thankful for my two, unbelievable Christmas gifts this year! I need or want for nothing!

What about you guys? What are your wishes for this Christmas Season? I'd love to know!

Over Halloween I asked a set of questions to do with the holiday everyday, I really enjoyed reading comments and writing the questions, so I thought, why not for the Christmas holidays? So put on your mittens and turn on Bing Crosby it's way past time to get in the Christmas spirit!

1. When did you start getting bit by the Christmas bug this year?

It really started for me in late October a lot of customers came into the store to paint their Christmas presents. Little snowmen, Christmas tree and reindeer feet and hand prints all over the pottery! Plus, my boss got two Febreeze cinnamon candles and it filled the studio with that Christmas smell we all know and love!

2. Which is better Hot Cocoa or Apple Cider?

I love Apple Cider (or Wassail as my mom calls it). My mom makes it with a gallon of Apple Cider from the grocery store and two bags of Red Hots, it's awesome. My favorite Christmas drink by far.

3. Would you rather meet Rudolph or Frosty the Snowman?

Well they both have songs about them and they both have really interesting features (a red, light-up nose and frankly...Frosty's made out of snow.) but, I think I would go with Rudolph. The reindeer that leads the way? Can't beat that. Plus, there is always the chance meeting the big man in red.

4. Fruit Cake or Egg Nog, which one is more disgusting?

Egg Nog. I have grown up on my Gran's Fruit Cake and let me say it is delicious. I love it. I like it with coffee in the morning right after she's made them. She always makes them for us and sends them to us when we can't be together for the holidays. It's always a nice surprise!

5. Do you have a favorite ornament?

I do. I actually don't own it, but I have always loved the pickle. It's a Christmas tradition for some homes that on Christmas morning the child that finds the green pickle ornament gets an extra present. I always liked it because there is a random pickle everyone is looking for through out the holiday. Always fun for me!

Can't wait for your answers! It's good to be back!

Well maybe just a half a drink more...

One of my favorite Christmas movies is Elf...SAAAAANNTA!!!!!!!!! SANTA'S COMING!!!!!! One scene puts Woody the Elf and the girl that he is crushing on in a very awkward situation. But, the song that they sing is my absolute favorite. So for this Christmas I decided (because I still had left over foam board from J's Halloween Costume.) to make two small, easy, paintings to hang by my Christmas tree. But, I wanted them to be extra interesting and I wanted them to have a personal touch. And since my favorite Christmas song is Baby It's Cold Outside, I couldn't resist putting the lyrics on my foam board.

I really can't stay, but baby it's cold outside!

I love these two boards that were made for zero dollas, holla!!!

Whose ready to Deck em'?

I have been a busy bee, I was unable to post since Thursday and I am soo sorry! But, I hope you know I have been planning and preparing posts. I have come to the conclusion that even if no one reads them, I still love to write them. So, thank you to those who do read! I love it! After a pretty hectic week, I am glad to finally relax and blog my little heart out!

This week Josh's mom and grandmother came down to southern Arkansas for the first time. Along with Josh, they got to taste Backyard BBQ, which still to this day is the best BBQ I have ever had, Magnolia Bakery, and Mules Catina. Pretty much all my favorite places to eat, so that is good. It was good to spend time with family and friends!

Josh and I had our last shower this weekend and it was a-maz-ing. We both couldn't believe the blessings that were poured out on us. We feel so blessed to be surrounded by people who love us so much! I can't wait to move into our new little home and play with all of our new toys, I'm so excited!

Whose excited for the Holidays?

I know I am. The Holiday Season is officially underway here and I have all my decorations up. I put them up early because they are having to come down before the holidays even get here. Josh's favorite holiday is Christmas and because his holly-jolly, Christmas, spirit has rubbed off on me I have a little winter wonderland in my own little room. Beginning with the scent of Christmas, I can't exactly explain what it smells like but, if I had to describe what Christmas smells like I completely believe that the new oils I bought from Bath and Body Works embodies it.

This is Frosted Cranberry Christmas oil and let me tell you, it smells like Christmas. They also have Winter and Evergreen oils that smell just as wonderful. Plus, there are combo's that you can make by mixing the oils. My ultimate favorite is 10 drops of Frosted Cranberry and 10 drops of Winter, smells just like Christmas!

Since I enjoyed writing questions for Halloween (if you didn't have a chance to read them check them out here!) I thought I would do it again for Christmas. Starting December 1st, I will be asking those tugging on your heart strings, candy cane tasting, snow-flakes on your nose and eyelashes type of Christmas questions. So start thinking about your favorite holiday memories, foods, smells, movies, songs and anything else holiday related. I can't wait to read all of your answers!

Quick note: Head on over to Our Joy...His Glory to see my sis's Christmas decorations, they are Deck'n the Halls over at her home and she did awesome! By the way, my sister is almost 8 months pregnant and she busted out her Christmas decorations and put them up all by her self. All my women, who independent, throw your hands up at me!!! Way to go sis, too cute!

Tie what? Tie Dye?

Got some old t-shirts you want to spruce up? Well for the sake of recycling (shout out!) why not tie dye? I actually learned a new way to tie die today using the same basic steps but without any of the dye mess. It's called reverse dye and I'm sure everyone has known how to to do this for years and I am just now catching the dye wave. Instead of using RIT dye or any other dye for that matter, pick a solid shirt and dye it using bleach.

This is what you'll need:

1. A shirt, preferably old
2. A cup
3. A bowl
4. Rubber bands
5. Buttons
6. Bleach

Then place buttons where you like them, then begin placing rubber bands around the buttons and continue the process until you get a voo-doo doll.

See, voo-doo doll.

Then soak the the shirt in bleach and let it sit until it turns the color you like. This doesn't take very long before you know it the shirt is practically white.

After soaking the shirt to your preference remove it and begin rinsing it in water. Try to remove as much bleach as you can, you will be doing this with your bear hands. No one wants bleach-damaged hands...not cool. Plus, bleach could leave one painful skin rash.

Rinse, Rinse, Rinse.

Next, begin snapping those rubber bands, but be careful those little guys got a mean bite.

After your done snapping the rubber bands ball the shirt up and rinse it one more time. Then after your final good rinse hang the shirt up to dry. It might be a good idea to place a large bowl or bucket under the shirt to catch any left over bleach that could drip.

Then turn on Fleetwood Mac, burn some incense, grab your bell bottoms, and become one with the hippie inside of you...groovy.

We've got a bad case of Puppy Love.

For as long as I have known Josh he has had a friend closer than any brother or sister for that matter and her name is KC. She is a beautiful golden retriever who is cute as a button, is a good catcher, and loves her belly rubs. Since I've met KC I have longed for a dog for Josh and I to call our own and one for KC to be friends with! We have flipped flopped between Jack Russell Terriers, Golden Retrievers and many other kinds of playful, happy dogs. This is the one, the only, KC. She is too cute and sweet! I mean who wouldn't want a dog when this is the face you see everytime you go to see your future family? I know I want one. It always seems that I hear people say, "Oh, Don't get a dog, they are so much work and you have to clean up after them." Honestly, I don't think I'd mind. Ever since J and I have decided that one day....long down the road...when we can afford a dog (I want to stress that, there is no way we could afford to take care of a dog and ourselves right now. No way.) we want one, we have looked at different breeds and I think we have come to a conclusion. We're not ones for "yappy" dogs or prissy dogs; more like playful, fun, sweet, and loving dogs. Introducing...the hopefully sooner rather than later member of the J and K Blackman clan:The GOLDENDOODLE! To me, there is no denying how cute they are as pups! So sweet awww! I can't get over how much it looks like a golden retriever but has curly hair. Josh and I both want a girl, I was surprised but he said girl dogs are sweeter than boy dogs, so we should go with a girl. I agree. We wouldn't make this descicion without any research, we do want to be good pet parents. So after researching Golden Doodles this is what we found, I will say we were worried about the Golden Doodle being more like a Poodle rather that a Golden Retriever. But, none the less, this is what we found.

• The Goldendoodle does not shed
• The breed can get into micheif if left alone for most of their lives...but, who can't?
• They are hypo alerginic
• Loving dogs, who are loyal to their owners and sweet to their familes.
• Great with people and visitors
• Funny and happy, loves to play!

We were so satisfied and excited to know that the dog we desire is not a hiper, crazy, fool dog like the one I had as a child...(PJ, may he rest in peace.) Instead, Goldendoodles are better more like KC, less like PJ. Hooray! What about you guys? Any puppies taken over your hearts? I know J and I are pretty much in love.

Whoa! Cool Finds!

Lots of R&R this weekend and LOTS of web surfing. One of my favorite things to do! I went through many of my most-visited websites gathering inspiration for Chateau De Blackman that is fastly approaching becoming a reality, I can hardly keep up! So far...I think we have a little bit more furniture than we thought we were going to at the beginning, which I am thankful for! Hallelujah! But, I love being inspired and picturing J and I putting things together...together! He is kind of a handy man, so I know deep down in the bouls of his soul, he likes it too. Take a look at some of my finds!

Yes, this is a world map and no I'm not kidding. I have been searching, for what seems like forever to find J and I an 18 X 24 world map for one of our ideas for a DIY art project...hopefully we can show you once we are in our home. But, J told me to check out allposters.com and low and behold...there it was, Hoooo-ray! I am so excited, I hope to order it soon, and I can't wait it will add a nice, cheap, and DIY art touch to our home.
Dosen't this belong in a fairy tale some where? I think so. Picture it in a little girls room while she bounces around to the Wiggles...hmmm...sounds like a little girl I know! This was found on IKEA and was to interesting to pass up! What are the odds of a Dandilion ceiling light? Well, I am thankful that IKEA made it possible for us to enjoy!
I have fallen, completly and utterly in love with these little guys! They are Dryer Pillows made by The Lavendar Road, found on Etsy. For $15.00 you get a pack of 3 pillows that will last longer than any dryer sheets. Yes, they are reusable and yes, you'll be doing the environment a favor by not using 2 dryer sheets per cycle. Honestly, I use 3 or 4, so I would be doing the environment a HUGE favor. Plus, they are made using real scents, for example, these are actually filled with lavendar, not sprayed with a fragrence. Pretty cool, huh? This was probably my favorite find of the weekend!
Since, our future room is the following color scheme: light blues, creams, white, silver, brown, and a touch of green here and there, I adored the sconces from the get go. As seen here and here, I love candle light, and what a perfect way to add some to our room. I found the sconces after doing a little sniffing around on Z Gallerie, they were pretty reasonably priced. But, I do also see a possible DIY that could happen from finding some sconces at a garage sale, Wal-Mart or Target.
Another fantastic IKEA find, the Linus Chair. I picture this sitting in front of my of the future, refinished, desk that I had for most of my childhood. I can't wait! This was my second favortie find for the weekend. I think it's silver legs are fresh; plus, I like wicker. A lot of people discourage having any wicker furniture, but I like it, especially this chair.

Finally, a little personal want that has nothing to do with DIY or appartment building.

Lisa Leonard is a jewlery designer who makes really interesting and one of a kind pieces. Ofcourse, I wouldn't want a necklace that says "Henry", mainly because I know no one whose name is Henry. Her designs were so new and creative that it was hard to narrow down my favorite. I loved her braclettes and her necklaces, but this necklace was my favorite. I thought it would be neat to put 01-09-10 on a necklace someday. To cheesy? I thought so.

Shoot on over to any of these sites for new and interesting home pieces, designs, and of course, jewlery.
One last note, keep it up AG your doing great becomming a "Big Girl"! I'm so proud of you! I know your Bobby and Daddy are too!!

Get your hair did!

I have been getting a few calls about headbands and hair pins. So for a little incentive and hopefully to spruce up the blog, TODAY and only TODAY...if you who are reading this right now become a new follower of Writing Left Handed, you will receive 50% (holla!) off any one head band or flower pin of your choice! Regular price of pins is $10.00 and headbands are $15.00. Plus you get to create it all on your own!

Step 1: Shoot me and email at kelsey.scroggins@gmail.com titled, I am a follower (I thought it was funny!)

Step 2: Tell me the felt colors and button colors you want in the same email, two birds...one stone. Oh yea.

Step 3: I email you a pic to make sure you like it, I want you happy!

Step 4: I mail it to you!

Hurry! Hurry! There is no time to waste and honestly, I'm ready to start sewing and cutting for all you guys!

Even Lilly Jane cannot believe this deal!

Project Girl Compeleted

I am not a great artist, but I do enjoy painting, drawing, sketching, molding...and, I l-o-v-e looking at other people's work. That is where the true talent lye's, right? A few days ago I was doing some web surfing for some ideas for DIY projects for J and I, things that we could make for our home and save lots of moolah. Well, needless to say...I got inspired. Which is rare and I was excited, thrilled actually, as I began to work on the first actually art project not required, but for the pure enjoyment of painting and drawing. I decided I would recreate a painting I saw on a t-shirt website, the artist is amazing.

I didn't want to spend a lot of money, I am on a tight budget after all. So, I decided I would wait until paint went on sale at Hobby Lobby. I didn't realize how much I am in Hobby Lobby, but actually going to Hobby Lobby has become a hobby. Interesting. On Tuesday, I decided I'd swing by and check it out, when I walked in and grabbed the usual coupon sheet there was wonderful news. Acrylic paint was on sale for 77 cents. Hooray! I would never find it that cheap at Wal-Mart. Whoo-hoo! Since paint was on sale I decided to go ahead with Project Girl and get my paint on.

I had some left over foam board from J's costume that I decided to use for my canvas, I didn't want to spend money on a canvas (even though at HB this week canvas's are 40% off, but even still...out of my budget) so I jiggled for joy when I realized I found a penny saver for this project. Recycle, recycle, recycle. Using foam board isn't the greatest surface to paint, it's smooth as a baby's bottom, but it is BRIGHT and it doesn't absorb paint well. Therefore, Project Girl took about...forever. Painting 3 coats for the background, three for her hair, and two for the white in her hair and her profile.

I chose the mustard yellow, chocolate brown, and buttermilk (that was the name of the paint, it kind of grossed me out) white for my palate. I like these colors because, I wanted neutral, fall, tones but something that would match my room pretty well.

After all was said and done, this is what I came up with.

Sorry the lamp is blocking the full picture, but you get the idea. It was a lot of fun painting Project Girl, I haven't really ever felt inspired outside of the required projects in my classes. I was excited to do something that came from pictures and other works that I saw on the Internet.

The artist that inspired me did just about the same project. Honestly, I just recreated what I saw and added a few personal touches of my own. I want to give credit where credit is due! But, I don't know who did it, I was googling some t-shirts and found t-shirts at Dream of Stars, really innovative stuff! So whoever designed Project Girl, way to go, thanks for the inspiration and letting me borrow her profile! I love it and I promise, I am not going to sale it!Project Girl gives my room warmth and light, it's different walking into my room now with a large painting on the wall, but I'm loving it so far! Thanks again to Dream of Stars for the inspiration.

Candy Apples R.I.P.

A few days ago my BCM was having a costume party and we were all supposed to bring a little treat for everyone. I wanted to be adventurous and try something new, I guess so I could blog about it. I am NOT an experienced cook or candy maker, but I thought this could be a task that I could take on and hopefully, eventually, become a pro at! What is needed:
Apples

Corn Syrup

Sugar

Food Coloring, if you want.

Popsickle sticks

Next, stick the apples and get them all laid out on a pan. It's candy time.

Mix, 2 cups of sugar and 3/4 of a cup corn syrup, followed by a couple of drops of food coloring. Heat to a boil.

After reaching a boil, turn the candy down to medium heat and allow the candy to boil. Try not to stir because this does something to the candy; I'm not sure what, but, the instructions strongly suggested avoiding stirring after the candy has boiled. Using a candy thermometer, candy should heat to 290 degrees.
Double, Double, Toil, in trouble.

After heating the mixture to 290 degrees, remove candy from the heat and begin slapping it on the apples! Using a pastry brush or just by rolling the apple in the candy.
This is when it all went wrong. After applying my candy mixture to the apples the candy began to harden like it was supposed to, I am not sure if I wasn't applying quickly enough or if my mix was bad; but, my candy began to turn hard pretty quickly after the first 6 apples. Then, when I stuck them to the tin foil it molded to the tin foil and the foil could NOT be removed.

Am I destined for failure in the candy making world or are there simple things I can do to avoid this problem next time? For all you candy makers out there, what do you suggest? I want to try again,but I do want it to be a success! Help!?!

Who dosen't love frosting?

If you remember last week when I was getting Boo-Fest 2009 together, I purchased two glass cylinders for about 3 dollars a piece. Remember? If not, click here for a little refreshment. I wanted to find a way to use these cylinder's all year around, of course I could just put a little votive in them and they would still be just as pretty. But, I wanted to add a little something extra.

A few months ago I was helping my mom clean her house, while I was cleaning the bathroom I noticed these two really cute frosted, blue, glass candle cylinders. I loved them. The frosted glass made the light from the candles look so pretty and soft. Since then I have been searching all over interior stores, Target, Wal-Mart, and Garden Ridge in hopes of finding something similar to my mom's. When it hit. DIY project! Hooray! Why not take a little Armour Etch and frost the glass cylinders from Boo-Fest? What a penny saver?! If your not familiar with my first round at etching glass take a look here.

Anywho, Armour Etch has become one of my new friends. Thank you Armour Etch, I owe you one!

Gotta love it.

The process is really simple, but I must warn you, Armour Etch's smell is pretty stout so be ready; also, follow the warning label pretty closely. It seems like it could have some pretty long lasting effects if it comes in contact with your eyes. Other than that, this little jar does the trick!

These were the cylinders before, pretty? Yes. But, I wanted to kick it up a notch.

This is the after, when all the lights are out this is exactly what they look like! I am very satisfied. Instead of taping off boundaries and removing letters, this time I just applied two generous coats of Armour Etch and let the cylinders dry. Horray for a FREE DIY!

What do you think? I think it really adds something to the room, plus after J and I get married I think it will be a nice addition to the kitchen table, the bathroom, end table, bed side table, desk, bar...the list could go on! Have you done any interesting DIY projects lately?

One major DIY I would love everyone to check out is my new niece, Edy Rose's, nursery. My sister did an amazing job and it is too cute. I got to see it in person this weekend and it was darling! Shoot on over to Our Joy...His Glory for a closer look!

Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone had a chance to get their Monster Mash on, including treats and tricks! I have been saying all month, Halloween for some reason has taken over my mind this year and being apart of the Alice in Wonderland cast was the best part of my day! Having people in their cars look at me and then say to the person they were with "WHOA! A CAT!" was quite humorous. I have been working on a video that I made and it won't upload. It was made specifically for Halloween so, the public may never get to see this video. Don't worry you're not missing out on much! Here is a late "Happy Halloween" message from J and I! I love J's spider and bloody teeth! Spppoooooky!
What did you guys do for Halloween? Did everyone get their fair share of a sugar overload? I sure hope so!
Quick! Before you go! I have a general question for everyone out there! Yesterday before J left, (I don't like to talk about it.) we ran a few errands, returned a few items, and then headed to Tar-get for a quick browse. While in Target I scoped the entire store...well basically the entire store... for a reasonably priced noise maker. I know, I know, Kelsey, you need a noise maker? Aren't you a pretty good noise maker yourself? Well...not that kind of noise maker. I have issues falling asleep when all is quiet and still, I am wanting to purchase a small...I can't stress that enough...a small machine that will produce peaceful "hmmms", quite ocean roars, and light music.

This is the HoMedics Sound SPA Relaxation Sound Machine, found at Target. This is the machine that almost had me sold, but I felt like I should wait and save a little more money before I splurge 25 dollars. Are any of you guys familiar with this sound machine? Have you used one? and if Yes, did you like it? Was it annoying? Or was the name as it says relaxing? I'd love your input!

Illuminating Treats

3 days and counting until that Oh so dreadful, scare-ificul, fear-cinating day! Hooray for rotted teeth, sugar highs...and hangovers, toilet paper mummies and vampire teeth. I cannot believe how excited I am for Halloween! And with my itty-bitty room looking especially Halloween fabulous this year, it just puts me more in the spirit! As seen here and here I have been adding little "spookties" around my apartment for a complete Boo-Fest for the 31st! For my final touch I added these glass cylinders that were el' cheapo ($2.99) and filled them with yummy Halloween candy! I have to refrain from eating all the candy corn or I will go into sugar overload!

All of these "spookties" were done without spending tons of money and time. They were simple and easy! Out of all of this year's Boo-Fest decorations this had to be the easiest. Find some candle cylinders you like, pour candy in them, place a votive inside. Seriously, that easy. It looks really nice in the dark and it smells a-maz-ing.
I can't wait for all the hocus pocus, toil n' trouble, and monster mashing to begin! With that in mind how about another round of Halloween questions?!

1. Any interesting Halloween stories to tell, anything spooky, funny, romantic, or just plain weird happen to you on All Hallows Eve?

A few of my Halloweens were spent at my parents church where there was a costume contest for all the kids. My mom was a busy lady and most of our costumes were last minute, so one year I was a last minute book worm. I will say that my book (The Cat in the Hat) looked awesome as did my costume, very creative. But, I had bad vision, (still do) and part of my costume was wearing green pantie hose over my head an my glasses on top of them. I remember I couldn't see anything and kept running into things and falling down. Well at the very end of the night the leaders would go through each age group and give prizes to the top three costumes. I didn't win. I started crying and the pantie hose on my face were soaking wet, I couldn't breath, and my glasses were just plain obnoxious. Needless to say, my costume rocked but, I didn't take losing well.

2. Witches or Warlocks? Which magic person of the dark side is scarier?

Witches. It's girls! Witches are always eating children, and putting toes in their brew. Weird and scary!

3. For all the former braces wearers out there, how did Halloween effect the orthodontic process?

I remember I was ter-i-ble on my braces, it's why I had them so long. I remember one year I came into an orthodontic appointment the week after Halloween and I had broken two bands of my braces. I thought my doctor was going to kill me.

4. Any Halloween dances that blew your socks off?

Not really, I can remember my friends Julia and Lance having a dance in the 7th grade for their birthday party in September but it wasn't Halloween. So no.

5. What is your favorite Halloween song?

Purple People Eater wins in my book! "He was a one eyed, one horned, flying purple people eater"

I can't wait to read your answers! Keep posting on the other to post which are linked above!

BIG NEWS! My good friend Lauren over at Over the Rainbow has a little puppy named Snoopy that has been bestowed a great honor! Lauren and I both love the Petersik's over at Young House Love we read there blog religiously. Well their little pup is looking for love and so he is holding his own Bachelor search, the K-9 way. Lauren's sweet, little, Snoopy has been picked as a finalist and we are all cheering her on! So if you have time, drop a note of adoration for Snoopy over at Hamburger's House, Buger's (the Petersik's dog) blog. We want our Arkansan friends to keep winning, we can't stop with Kris Allen!