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!

Fangs and Fish Tanks

Boo-Fest continues over here and this time I did a little something extra for my awkwardly round gold fish Lilly Jane. I have a feeling that if LJ could talk she would say "I am orange like a pumpkin and round like a pumpkin, why wouldn't Halloween be my favorite holiday?" And since I have been adding little spookties around the room, I couldn't help but dress up her little place. I love fish and dogs, I mainly love fish now because I cannot have a dog and won't be able to for awhile, but J and I definitely want to spread the Blackman love and adopt one of our own little pups eventually. But, until then I adore my little, awkward, puffed out, one black eye, one white eye, gold fish.By cutting out a few quickly drawn bats, LJ's tank was officially Boo-Fested. Even though I know she doesn't look too excited, on the inside her little mustard -seed- size- heart is beating wildly with joy.
I really enjoyed writing questions yesterday and I am still looking forward to all the answers, but I thought I would post 5 new ones for today! Please continue to post on them, I love getting answers!
Today is the classic ________ v. ________ Who will win out in the end? We will see!!
1. Candy Apples v. Carmel Apples, which one is your favorite?
I personally enjoy candy apples better then carmel. Candy apples just break off and aren't a major mess. Carmel apples, on the other hand are gooey, they get stuck in your braces (personal experience), and get all over your face. Messy. Candy apples win in my heart.
2. Hayrides v. Bonfires?
I prefer Hayrides for 2 reasons. 1. Someone always thinks it's funny to jump of the back and run ahead of the truck moving at about 3 mph, then they wait for the truck to catch up and scare the living breath out of you. I always find this hilarious! 2. You don't smell like smoke for a week.
3. Milky Way v. Snickers? Which is the better chocolate bar to pull out of that marvelous trick or treat bowl on the 31st?
My vote goes to the snickers! But, I would always dig around to see if I could find any Reese's, I was never the first at any one's house so usually all that was left were Sweet Tarts and Blow Pops, I'm not a fan.
4. Zombies v. Ghosts, whose scarier?
I think they are both equally scary, if I saw a transparent being, floating, trying to convince me, at night, that I should help their soul be released from whatever satanic power is holding it, I would freak out. If I saw a Zombie coming at me with blank eyes and a drooling mouth, grunting with every step, I would freak out. I think it is a tie in my book!
5. Bobbing for apples vs. pumpkin carving, which is your favorite Halloween party pass time?
I prefer pumpkin carving, I really enjoyed making my two little jacks this year. Plus, when you are a crazy character with even crazier make-up bobbing for apples ruins everything.
What about you guys? I'd love to hear what your favorite Halloween stand-off answers are! Plus, if you couldn't already tell, I treasure your comments!

Bony face...You've got the cutest little bony face!

I have been decorating for Halloween for the past week now and I think I have rounded everything up. Every surface in my room has a little something special that signifies All Hallows Eve! Today, I thought I'd share my little bony faces...J's and mine.

To add a little spook to my nightstand I created and cut out two skeleton faces then taped them to the picture. Simple as pie...maybe a worm pie since it's Halloween! I plan to post the little "boo"cents I've added around my room through out the week, but I really want to know what you guys have done! As seen here, I love comments and learning more about the 10 followers I have and what they think.

I love asking questions and getting every one's feedback so here are 5 questions about the Halloween season that I can't wait to read your answers to! I answered them as well, I know I can't expect you guys to answer if I don't myself!

1. What has been your favorite costume so far?

I was a clown one year when I was really little! I barely remember this Halloween, but I actually have the picture on my tack board now. My sister was a the Tin Man from Wizard of Oz and my mom was a Hobo...she really looks like one too, hilarious.

2. What's your favorite Halloween treat?

I really, really, like candy corn. I can't get enough! It is going to be the end of me! Sooo Sweet!

3. Whose scarier? Frankenstein or Dracula?

Dracula...even though I read Twilight, Dracula is not Edward Cullen...spooky. Plus, when I was a little girl (way to young to even be watching this movie, I think I did it without my parents knowing) I watched "Interview with a Vampire" with Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. To this day, I still sleep with the covers all around my neck, creeps me out! Plus, Frankenstein moves so slow, I think I could run away.

4. Whats your favorite scary movie? (In the Scream killer's voice)

I do not have one. Even though, I've seen way to many...I do not like to be scared and staying up at night because I'm freaking out about a crazy killer, with a creepy voice, stalking me, then taking me out to the dessert and slashing my throat. No thanks.

5. What is your Halloween tradition?

I really don't have one, I do watch Hocus Pocus every year so hopefully that will continue tomorrow night when it comes on ABC Family. I hope J and I will develop our own, we went to an AWESOME corn maze this year and I would love to go back!

Ok...now it's your turn, I hope you guys answer! I can't wait to hear about your favorite treats, screams, and costumes!

This is Halloween...This is Halloween!!!!

O Yea! I have begun Boo-Fest 2009 here at the house! I've hung some creepy lights, got some ingredients for candy apples, filled to jars with Candy Corn and Pumpkins and finally I have carved some Jackolanterns! Whew, what a day...I love Wednesdays off! I had the hardest time deciding what I wanted to carve into my little Jacko's and finally I figured it out! But, as we all know carving a pumpkin comes with a lot of...ick.
Eeewwww! Pumpkin Guts!

Any guesses on what I'm carving yet?!

That's right, Jack Skeleton! My brother in law is a huge Halloween fan and I have heard him talk about his love for Tim Burton movies, so I thought...whose face is better on my Jackolantern than Jack Skeleton's? No one's!!! I had so much fun carving his cooky eyes and stitched smile! He really has brightened the Halloween spirit around here!

I also carved another pumpkin with a message to Josh! It's cheesy but I always want to let him know that I love him! Gotta love Halloween!!!

What about your pumpkins? Any interesting, spooky, cooky faces?

January Wedding

I have not had any time in the last 24 hours to make time for projects! I am buzzing around like a craaazy bee trying to get plans together between my parents and I for Blackman-extraaaavaganza! Between invitations, napkins, bride's maids presents, AG's dress and other little odds and ends. I have had no time to get any extra curricular blogging done, school is on over load as well. Bummer. But, I can see the horizon, which is a bonus!

I plan...Lord willing...to begin some of J's and mine home DIY projects this week! But, BIG NEWS, tomorrow, yes tomorrow...my dear friend Brooke will be returning to the good ole' Natural State for a 4 day visit! I cannot wait to get to hang out with my bestie, my Ethel...(anybody pick that up? I'm a HUGE Lucy fan.) I haven't seen Brooke since she moved in August and I am bananas excited to see her! So...sad to say it, but I could be blogging a little less on the DIY/How-To front this week, but you can do me a huge a favor. Keep commenting on "Forge Ahead!!! What Would You Like to See?" it will help me get better perspective on some future blogs; and hopefully those supper fly blogs I have planned will be up and running soon!

J and I have been searching for a song that could be completely our own. It came close when I heard "You and I" by Ingrid Michelson, but Josh wasn't too sure about that one. Ne, we shan't wait long, for this very day Joshua called and introduced me to what is now "our song", (I've been reading Jane Austen's Emma). I wanted to share it with you guys so that you could hear the JOY I am filled with at finding a song that is completely and utterly unique AND pretty much...well...written for us, or at least that is what I like to think! Click HERE and please do, to hear Josh and Kelsey's song..."January Wedding" by the Avett Brothers. I have been replaying it on a very high volume and Lily Jane doesn't know what to do with herself. So funny!

Forge ahead!! What would you like to see?

I have been working on an especially difficult blog. I have been trying to edit a video using the site vimeo and I have been having the hardest time getting my videos uploaded! Any vimeo users out there have any advice? Well, since this blog that was supposed to be uber fabulous will not be out for awhile. I thought I would ask the 10 or so followers I have to answer a few questions for me. If you aren't a follower feel free to comment anyways, I want to know what you think and your opinions!

I am wanting to make my blog a more "eye-catching" and inviting place. What are some suggestions from you guys on how I can spruce up the blog. I am open to any suggestions you would like to offer. To kind of get an idea of my style and the backgrounds I like check Young House Love and Making it Lovely. Two of my fav's! I read them everyday!

This weekend I didn't have any How-To or DIY projects on the schedule and I thought to myself, "Self, what are some of the projects the readers (only the best 10 readers in the world!) would like to see me take on?" So guys, what kind of projects would you like to see me take on? Really stretch the limits and cook something, that's pushing it...or more DIY projects? I will be honest, I think I've got a couple of cool ones up my sleeve!

Also, with Blackman-extravaganza just around the corner (11 weeks around the corner) many of my post will become more about DIY party and home projects. Which is the direction I was wanting my posts to take in the first place, so what would you like to see me take a stab at? Monograms? Sewing? Painting murals for my home? Dying a slip cover? All ideas I have come up with of course, but what would you 10 wonderful readers like to see? Please let me know!

I can't wait to get started on the few plans I have left for this month, but I am even more excited on getting plans ready for what you would like to see! Can't wait! Please post a comment! Even you mom!

Loose Strings

I am in search of a sewing machine! Help! I have come down to two choices so, all of you seamstress out there I need your help! Introducing the BROTHER ELECTRONIC SEWING MACHINE! (Imagine me saying it in an ESPN announcers voice) After all the machines I have researched this seems to be the best one in my price range. I only found one negative review, about the electronic threader. The woman was pretty upset considering that is why she purchased this specific machine. But, everyone else has raved over the machine. Plus, it has tons of different stitching patterns to choose from! Sadly, It is a little bit more pricey then I like, rounding out at $179.95.

The next machine is smaller and comes with tons of thread, but I am worried that I am only interested in it because of the price.This is the Singer Pixie Plus: The Craft Machine. First and foremost, this machine is in the running because of everything it offers. I am not an experienced sewer, so I want to use a machine that isn't to complicated for me in the beginning and maybe graduate to a more complex machine later. BUT, this machine's reviews are from medium to really bad, no one had given this machine even a descent approval, which makes me worry. One lady, for example, only said "JAM, JAM, JAM" The plus is that this machine with all it's little nicks and knacks rounds out to about 60 dollars and is a quite smaller which makes for easier storage. Plus, it was approved by Martha Stewart, how bad can it be if it gets the Martha Stamp of Approval?

So what's your opinion? What should I do? I am not the most experienced sewer...I cannot think of anything I have ever sewn other than a button. But, I am hoping to be able to pick it up and make some cool creations for Chateau De Blackman!

Blueberry Lemonade

I found this recipe online and thought I would give it a try, it sounded really good! Since it sounded so good I thought I'd spread the wealth! So here it is, step by step, day by day, blueberry lemonade!

You will need: Lemonade mix, blueberries and sugar. The actual recipe calls for real lemons (5), but I am on a tiiiight budget and I thought I could save a little by using lemonade mix rather than actual lemons. I guess I'm a drink-making sell out.

Next, get those blueberries nice and clean!

After getting the blueberries rinsed off, fill a bowl with 3/4's cup of sugar, then add the blueberries and mix them together. Don't the blueberries look like blue gumdrops?

I'm sure everyone out there is beyond my level of cooking, in fact I know you are, but just in case you didn't know how to make lemonade mix. Pour the mix into a pitcher then add a little bit of sugar, followed by water.

Then combine the sugar coated blueberries and the lemonade mix...Let the fun begin!

Then, just let the mix sit in the fridge for a night so the blueberries flavor releases into the lemonade. I am so excited to try mine! If you guys decide to make some please let me know how it turns out!

Wacky, Wonderful, Weekend!

I had such a blast this weekend with my mom, J and his whole family! I couldn't have asked for a better birthday!

Thursday I was running and ranting around trying to get everything together for my mom and I before we left. When I got off work I got a call from the school saying I had a package waiting on me. It was flowers from sweet Josh, they got to me on my birthday and it was such a great surprise! I love flowers and Josh did a wonderful job picking out the most beautiful Gerber Daisies. They're sitting on my night stand, smelling up my room! Gotta love fresh flowers, thanks Josh! I love you always!

My mom came to pick me up on Thursday afternoon so that we could head to Branson to relax before making the big drive to Kirksville,MO on Friday. We laughed and listened to the "Wicked" soundtrack, which I knew every word to and I'm sure annoyed my mom. I love my mom she's a great road trip buddy, never a dull moment! Here's the weekend round-up! Total, my mom drove 20 hours this week, I helped some of the way but, my mom wanted to drive so we could get there and back faster. I drive a little slow. Mom, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for your loving spirit and joy this weekend! It made the trip so much fun and I am so glad you could be there, you made it so perfect for me! Here is me and my mother with one of my birthday presents, an apron from Josh's grandmother, thank you so much! It is too cute!

My apron says "You'll eat it...and you'll like it." So cute!

On Saturday Josh and I had a big day at the shower we had in Kirksville, Thank you to everyone who came! Thank you so much for welcoming me, I feel so blessed. Here are a couple of pictures from the shower, it was a blast!

Josh and I before the shower, I'm wearing my birthday gift from Josh in this picture. He is so amazing, I have to brag on him! Flowers were enough, plenty! But, the watch he gave me was too much! Thank you Josh for always being so kind and loving to me! I have wanted a Griffin and Cooke watch for so long and you have fulfilled my dream! haha! By the way, check out Griffin and Cooke watches here. They're so cute, or at least I think so!

This is Josh and I during the shower, who know what I am doing.

I think Josh was tyring to cheer me up here, this was right before my mom and I headed home and I was pretty depressed. If you notice, I am wearing a big warm coat, that was because it was 32 degrees in Kirksville all weekend, I don't know how I am going to handle Missouri winter when it is already 32 degrees in early October. I guess we will have to see!

Thanks to everyone for all my bday goodies - watch, coat, slippers, lotion, socks and foot lotion, perfume, jewelry, and apron! It was too much, you guys are so amazing! Also, thanks for an amazing shower, Josh and I are too blessed to have all of you in our lives! Mom, you're amazing! I had so much fun this weekend!

I'm sorry there was no Monday DIY post, but I am planning on posting one tomorrow that I prepared last week. Tell me how your weekend went! I sure hope you had a blessed one! Until next time!

Cute as a Button!

I do love felt, but one thing that I love to incorporate is using buttons! In fact, if you haven't seen Coraline yet and you like buttons, you should! Anywho, I had the desire to learn how to make my own buttons and after a little research I found a tutorial on buttons, DIY style. So here it goes.
I started with checking out different brands of clay Fimo clay seemed to be the best and they sell it in tons of colors at Hobby Lobby for pretty cheap, I went for white (because you can paint it), pink, and red...with sparkles. I also bought a ruler made for punching holes through clay and a pointer to put the holes through the buttons. Everything rounded out to be about $8.00 and I used some of my birthday money so it was more of a gift!

Flattening the clay can be a task, it's pretty tough. But after you lay it out, use the rounded ruler to cut out the circles for your buttons.

Next, use a needle point to make the button holes, make sure to work the holes through the back side of the button.

Next, bake the buttons in a 230 degree oven for 30 min.

Then remove them and try to ignore the smell, it is a little stinky.

Hooray! Buttons!

I'll put flowers in your hair on Sunday morning...

I love all things felt, check out my stock!

I have some new flowers to show! Please let me know if you would like me to make you any, I'd be super happy to! The pricing is clips:$10.00 and headbands: $15.00. Also, I added a new one for fall, I hope to get some more up soon! I added some with little girlies in mind hence the pink and white polka dots. My professor asked me to make some for her grand daughters so these where my first go around, what do you think? Let me know what you think! Here's a peek!

By the way, I am headed to J's this weekend with my mom tomorrow! So you will not be hearing from me this weekend! So have a wonderful weekend!

You're Invited...

To help me pick between invitations! Whoo hoo! O yea! As my mom told me and I have to say I agree completely with her, no one looks back and says "Wow, those invitations sure were pretty!" but, I would like them to look nice and actually, I believe I am going to go with a fairly simple look. I already have one of these in mind as my favorite, I just wanted to see what you guys thought! Also, the one that is my favorite is the cheapest so that is a plus. I think my parents and I are in agreement when we say that invitations are not where we want to spend a load of money!

All of the invitations pictured came from David's Bridal and The American Wedding.

So, what do you guys think! I am going to survey all the comments to help me make my decision! So your comment is wanted and needed! Thanks a lot guys!

Snail Mail

I haven't had any experience in making cards or stationary, but I thought it would be blast to try some ideas out. I actually found a pack of blank cards and envelopes at Target a few months ago so I was all set!

This is a "Thank You" with J and I in mind. But, I could make it using whatever initials or colors, or fonts that you would like.

I sketched this one with my new niece on the way in mind. Just in case you can't read the message it says:
"Butterfly kisses and ladybug hugs, sleep our little one, like a bug in a rug."

I saw that on a picture frame somewhere and have always remembered it, but this is the first time I wrote it. I thought it was a cute little saying, also on the side it says "Introducing Edy Rose". Since Ava Grace and Edy Rose are the sweet little girls that I always think of, that is why I chose to make this with her name. If you see this and you like it, feel free to email me and I can specialize it to your taste!

Finally, I have been writing this on lots of platters and bowls lately at my job and it seems to be a hit! I thought it would look cute on a seasonal card for Halloween. I am an October birthday, but I have never really been Halloween crazy, but for some reason this year...I AM!! I can't wait to start making my costume and eating lots of candy corn and pumpkins...that really, taste just like candy corn. Has anyone else noticed that?

If you like any of these cards and would like to learn more about them, please email me at kelsey.scroggins@gmail.com and we can talk about what you would like to do! Well...What do you guys think?

Don't be so caddy.

As I have mentioned before I love DIY projects and I love...LOVE art supplies. I know it sounds crazy to have an obsession for colored pencils and oil pastels, but what can I say...I am a nerd. My minor turned me this way, I swear, it was not by my own doing. Well for the past few weeks I have been wanting to have my basic supplies sitting at arms length, hands length really, for easy access. Introducing the newest and easiest DIY project do date, my art caddy!

I bought this little tray at Wally World yesterday. It was in the craft section where most of the wood projects are. All it needed was a couple of coats of paint and voila! An art caddy. Plus, after tax the cost rounded out to be about $5.00, cheapo!

Ok, everyone should now know that I love mason jars. I use them for tons of things, but mainly storage. I thought using mason jars would be a good way to store and separate all the doodle devices I own. Believe me, I wish it was more, you should see my boss's stash.

Next, I added the supplies. Colored pencils, Sharpies and Sharpie Fine Point markers ( I love sharpies.), scissors, brushes, drawing pencils, paint pens, and good ole' classic Crayola markers. Gotta love em'!

It is finished, Hooray! Now my supplies sit right next to my computer so I can start doodling as soon as the mood strikes. This honestly, even though it was super easy, has been one of my favorite DIY projects!

Listin' it UP!!!

I have made a list of all the blogs I would like to accomplish in the next month. It is quite the list! I really don't want to give anything away, so please stay tuned! Please don't peek to hard!

To help me in accomplishing my tasks I hung it strategically,smack-dab in the middle of my picture line; in plain sight when viewing my computer screen. Hopefully this helps me to be a good little blogger this month. Please excuse the dirty computer screen.