The Halloween That Wouldn't End

Halloween still hasn't arrived yet, but my family has already gone trick-or-treating (thank God). With these cold Michigan nights growing increasingly colder, I always jump at the chance to knock out the outdoor activities earlier in the month. Besides, once Halloween actually rolls around I can be home to pass out candy for all of the neighborhood kids--so its a win-win.

This year my son picked out his own costume. He was a vampire!

And oh what a cute little vampire he was!

 

 

His grandmother decided to do his make-up on the car ride over to our destination and it really stepped his costume up a notch!

 

 

He loved wearing his makeup :)

 

At the last minute I decided that I should be 'something' too. So I got some holly garland and some Christmas lights, stuck some gems on my forehead and called myself the Christmas Spirit. Lame I know, but it was very spur of the moment *shrugs*.

 

You can see a bit of the garland in my hair in this shot. My mom was Raggedy Andy and I thought she was just darling!

 

 

As always we had an excellent time at Crossroads Village and we even rode the old ghost train :-)

Ready to ride!

 

If you're ever in the area, Crossroads Village is definitely the way to go. Its completely family friendly and it runs the entire month of October.

 

Moving on.

 

This year we decided to try out Tillson Street in historic Romeo, MI--and I'm glad that we did. Apparently, it's a block of fun loving people that know no limits when it comes to Halloween décor. From old hunted pirate ships, extravagant castles, a dance party with people just 'dying' to get in, and even a Tillson Street Theater--it was all there on the block. If I didn't already love Romeo, this event would have won me over for sure. The collaborative effort of the neighbors to create something spectacular for all who venture out is truly something special.

 

I thought we were being smart by coming out the week before Halloween (Tillison Street attracts around 2,000 trick-or-treaters on Halloween night), not so. The streets were packed! The lines to see the homes were beyond ridiculous, so we opted to ride the street as slowly as possible in the car. But enough talk, here's the few pictures I managed to get:

 

Some of the homes were decorated more mildly. But nearly everyone on the block joined in on the fun.

The view was a bit obscured from the car, but you get the drift

 I think this one was my fav. This is the dead dance party I was talking about. The amount of creativity and skill that went into these displays is incredible, pictures could never do it justice. In real life the scene was better lit and of course a lot darker (the camera's flash lit things up a lot). Anyways, check out that chandelier in the tree :)

Here's a few of the dancers...

Another home showcased Pirates :) 

 This house was creepy on a whole other level, especially if you're not that into clowns

I mean really...

;-)



 I was extremely disappointed that I wasn't able to capture all of the amazingness on the block, but trust me when I say, it was a sight to behold. My little guy was happy so that's all that really matters.

To hear more about my adventures in Romeo when it isn't so spooky, you can go here. I Love that place. For a firsthand account of just what Tillson Street is all about go here, be sure to click on the gallery--really good pictures there. 

 

Now, these next few pics aren't about Halloween, but they are about fall. Every year I try to get a couple fall shots of my little guy. Here's this year's:

 

On the water

In the woods





 

This year I decided to take his pictures at Hawk Woods, a local nature preserve just a few miles away from home. My mom sent me a fall pic from last year (taken in my backyard) that she had edited into a magazine cover. I fell in love with it, my baby looked like he belonged.

 

Can we get this guy on the cover of a magazine, please? :)

 

And this is my newest favorite photo, just a random day at the park with my baby love :-)

 

If you've been reading the blog then you know that we've celebrated Halloween the entire month of October:

Week 1: Decorated the house

Week 2: Trick or Treating

Week 3: Tillson Street

& last but not least, this weekend, Week 4: It will be pumpkin carving and Halloween Night. Geeze! That's a lot, but it's all been well worth it seeing the smile on my little guy's face. So what about you? Know of a place that we should visit next year? I'd love to add it to our list, leave the details in the comments. Until the next time, Xo!



25 Rooms With A View

Sometimes I come across a house (or a room) and all I can say is WOW! What in the world do I have to do to live like that? Is it legal? I often wonder if the homeowners realize just how blessed they are or of they simply take life's luxuries for granted. At some point, I guess anything can become the norm if you're accustom to it, but man oh man--I'd love to find out firsthand. Calling these places below home would be a dream come true, but until then let's gawk!

I can seriously imagine curling up in this room with a throw blanket and a good book. Look at that view. I bet the sunrises here are amazing!

Just from the picture this space feels so light and breezy. I can only imagine what it must be like stepping out into the early morning light and admiring all the beauty that God has placed before you here.

I bet those city stars (lights) look lovely at night. Twinkle, twinkle!

Good Morning Sunshine! I'm sure the sounds of the ocean are just grand. Starting each day looking out at this view would surely put me in a good mood.

The perfect spot to have a few friends over. Oui oui!

 This would be the absolute best view for that man of mine--only thing is he would probably look out on a '69 Chevelle and a '83 Camero ;-) 

Coming here after a long day would be like a hallway pass to heaven.

Am I supposed to cook here or stare out the window and daydream? I'm confused :)

Could you wake up to this and not feel like a superhero? This screams Batman to me--time to save the world!

Ha! Really?

Brunch and Mimosas anyone? I don't know why, but this place makes me think about breakfast.  

Looks like the type of place you'd come home to after a bomb shopping spree.

 

 Saturday Morning chill spot, cue the Maxell...please.

 



Now this must be what it means to have the world at your fingertips...

I would be right at home in this office. I could spend countless hours in this space writing, and if I encountered writer's block I could just look at the birds and other wildlife. How cool is that?

And what do we have here? Although I love to keep things simple, I would love to put a T.V up on that wall.

See that sunset? See me sitting out there on the balcony? I do :)

Who needs a cabin escape when you can wake up to this every morning?!

Nice! I love the way the color of the chairs coordinate with the sky.

Design can be sexy and this one definitely is. Can you imagine the relaxing vibe this place must have when it rains?

This is the type of scene that inspires voluntary house arrest.

Family dinner? Let's always get together like this :)

They showed out here, really? They incorporated the trees into the design. That is what I'm talking about! Ahh, the joys of having deep pockets.

Bonjour! Bonjour! Living here it would be hard for me not to pretend to be Belle. I could certainly live comfortably here with a beast of my own!

This last room reminded me of someplace my mom would retreat to--IF she had to live somewhere cold, that is. That chair, that window--it's all so cozy. Makes me think of hot co-co and good reading :-)

 

One day I would love to have even one room similar to one of these listed here! I believe that beautiful surroundings are definitely good for your mental health. What about you, do you have a room with a view? What do you look out on or what would you like to look out on? I'd love to hear about it. Feel free to leave a description or drop a pic in the comments. Until the next time friends...

 

XO!

 

In Honor of Sweetest Day...

Here in Michigan we celebrate this little thing called Sweetest Day. For those of you not in the know, Sweetest Day is a lover's holiday much like Valentine's Day, the only difference is that occurs in October and is a bit more low-key. While some argue that Sweetest Day is strictly for the fellas, my husband and I tend to celebrate both days mutually. Let's face it, these 'romantic markers' are simply created to generate revenue to local businesses. And while I don't feel a designated day is necessary to let that special someone in your life know just how special they are (that should be ongoing), I definitely can't argue with a day that's meant to spread the love. This year the lover's holiday falls on the 17th of this month, so in honor of Sweetest Day I am going to list 10 of the most romantic times my husband and I have shared in our relationship.

 

I hope to grow old with you...

 

1. Shortly after meeting my husband my health took a turn for the worse. Not knowing exactly what to expect, I figured it would be easier to break up with my beau rather than pull him into my issues--but he just wouldn't leave :-) After a few failed attempts to end the relationship, he purchased a memory book and told me that we would fill every page of it as we created memories together. He then went on to explain that when we were done with that book he would buy another and we would fill that up too. It was obvious that he was committed to being with me no matter what and from that day forward I stopped trying to break up with him.

2. This next memory might sound a bit fake, cheesy, or maybe even downright corny to some--but I promise you that it is real (and oh so vivid in my mind). One day as my hubby (then boyfriend) and I were walking through the park we happened upon a field full of wild flowers with a rainbow overhead. As you can imagine it was truly a magical scene--and when I turned towards him he kissed me it swept me right off my feet! Swoon. #MovieMoment

 

 

& dance the nights away with you...

 

3. Our rainy day picnic is one of my fondest memories. Obviously, rain hadn't been in the forecast, nevertheless, when we got to our spot it began to sprinkle. Instead of being chased off by the unfavorable weather conditions, we indulged in our goodies and had a great time playing Uno (of all things). Looking back, our day couldn't have been any better if it had been sunny skies. Sadly, the area has since grown up and is no longer suitable/accessible for such things--but that clearing in the woods next to the water will forever be in my memories.

4. Jamaica! Do I really need to say more? Anytime that my husband and I get the chance to get away from the regular day-to-day it is always AMAZING. However, dancing to Jah Cure under the stars on a balcony overlooking the ocean ranks up there--high up there, for sure.

 

I hope to wake to you...

 

5. On my 30th birthday there was a terrible snowstorm--kind of comes with the territory of being born in the dead of winter, but that didn't stop our fun. Despite the toe curling, slippery, non-plowed drive, my husband whisked me off to an amazing bed and breakfast where ate good, listened to music, sipped wine, and read the novel that I was currently writing. That night he even read the bible to me as I relaxed *dozed off* in my big fluffy robe. The next morning we got up early and went for a romantic snowy morning stroll. Although I hate the cold, that walk seemed like something right out of a another time. There's just something about a quaint little snow-covered town as you walk hand in hand with your beloved. I'm such a sap!

6. One night my husband & I drove out to the country--I'm talking in the sticks where there were absolutely no street lights. Eventually he parked the car, came around on the passenger side to get me, and told me to look up--I was amazed! Never before had I seen the stars as clearly as I did that night, it almost felt as if I could reach out and touch them. It was as if a whole new universe had been opened up to me. I had never felt so enlightened yet so small, it was definitely a memorable experience.

 

 

& raise a king with you...

7. Our first Valentine's Day together my husband really tried to impress me. When I walked into his dorm room there was a little table set for two and he had ordered Applebees and put the food on plates--like it wasn't take-out, LOL! He even created a huge heart out of a bunch of candles. For a girl fresh out of high school it really was an impressive gesture, ha! Won me right on over.

8. Sometimes simply chilling can be all the romance you need. Since we've had our little guy we haven't had as many of these times as I would like to, but at our first place the hubby and I were the queen and king of chill. We'd light some candles, put on some music, take a shower, and get in the bed and just talk. Those times were/are always refreshing. I believe you need moments like that. Now we've traded in those late nights for early mornings. Most recently I remember cozying up with the hubby and a cup of tea while browsing a home & garden magazine planning out our future garden. Quiet times are always welcomed.

 

 

 

I hope to build with you...

 

9. Here's another "throw-back" memory. One year my husband decided to take summer classes--which meant that the campus was pretty much empty. Anyways, one night he planned a "retreat" for us under a huge pine tree. I am sure that if the campus cops would have got wind of all the candles he had lit amongst those dry old pine needles (stupid right?) it woulda meant trouble. As it turns out, nothing went up in smoke and we just had an enjoyable time. Thank God.

10. This last one isn't a particular time, but rather a reoccurring event--and I would be remised to leave it off of the list. Car rides--me and the hubby love them! It's so serious that as a part of his wedding vows he promised to always take me on long car rides. What's so special about it? Well, it serves as a wonderful time for us to connect--whether that means discussing our life's greatest desires and fears or simply turning on our favorite tunes and vibing together and singing along. Whenever we take a mind to ride I know that I will exit the car a little bit closer to him than when I entered--and THAT I think is a beautiful thing!

& cherish you...

 

So that's that--ten of the most romantic moments in our relationship. As I was writing this list I couldn't help but to think how amazing it was that I could have picked plenty more instances to include. Being a romance author my husband knows that he has to step to me with his A-game. The funny thing is, though, that the moments that take the least effort are my absolute favorite.  In closing I'd like to leave you with a 'wow' moment that really put our relationship into perspective. One day as my husband and I were walking and talking we came to a busy street. My husband looked both ways before crossing. Still enthralled in the conversation I did not. When he stepped into the street I did as well. It didn't dawn on me until I was well within the line of potential danger that I didn't think to look before crossing the street--I simply followed my husband. That day I realized that I trusted him wholeheartedly. I could let my guard down with him, I felt protected with him, and I believed in his ability to lead. It also served as a reminder that love can make you do some crazy things...what was I thinking? LOL!

 

If you've had special times you like to share I would love to hear about them in the comments. What's the most memorable event/moment that you can recall? What would be your ideal romantic day/date? A day meant for love is a really good time to reflect--and I am fortunate to have many loves. My mom is my first love, my son is my newest love, and my husband is my sexy love *insert the Neyo*--I am a very blessed woman.

 

Until the next time yall...Happy Sweetest Day!

 

Xo

Trick-Or-Treat!

Can you believe that it's October already? Wow, time flies! I am certainly not looking forward to winter, but its coming rather I want it to or not. With that being said, I decided to do a little seasonal decorating. I've never been a big Halloween fan, but for some odd reason my kid loves it...go figure. After putting a few decorations on the outside of the house and seeing how much he liked it, I figured why not bring a little bit of Halloween inside?
While I made sure that the outside of the house was totally kid friendly with cute little felt characters, I wanted something a bit more "grown up" for the inside to blend with my existing décor. I had no clue what I was going to do, but I knew that it needed to be executed cheaply and also it couldn't be too scary--I didn't want anything giving me the spooks while I was trying to watch T.V alone at night. Good vibes only please!
So of course I headed to the Dollar Tree (my go-to spot) to put my plan into action. Now one thing about the dollar store is while you can find amazing goodies, you better get them when you see them--if you blink they're gone. I missed out on some pretty cool trinkets simply because I hadn't planned on decorating beforehand. But instead of crying over spilled milk, let's take a look at what I managed to get my hands on :-)

I must admit, by the time I got home I was so excited to get started decorating that I completely forgot to snap pictures of my findings. Thank God for the power of the internet! I picked up the monster and the mummy up top to sit on my mantel (they have the little dangle legs).

These glittery black birds caught my eye, so I got one. The one with the turned head was my fav.

 

Ohhh! Creepy Crawly! While some people find spiders scary I definitely don't, but I picked up the two pack anyways hoping that it would add something to the overall look.

 

When I first saw this cloth I wanted it, but had no idea what I would use it for. Luckily, it was still there when I returned. I decided to drape the cloth over my mantel to add a bit of definition.

 

Along with the creepy cloth I thought that Spanish Moss would be perfect for texture! I was right. I hated my mantel display...until I added the Spanish Moss :)

 

 

I also picked up a Crow Menu that isn't pictured separately here, and my hubby bought me cool flameless candle (from Burlington Coat Factory) that I had my eye on for about a week. Although the candle wasn't purchased with the intent to use it for Halloween, I decided to add it to the space because with the surrounding items it sort of looked like something a witch might have ;-) I decided to also keep my "crystal" homemade candle holders because they looked a bit mystic and the vintage lighted "H" my hubby bought for me a couple of weeks ago stayed too. In total, I spent $8 to completely transform my mantel. So how does it look?

 

Whomp, Whomp, Whomp!

 



 

I must admit, I took some pretty crappy full pics, so I ended up with these fragmented photos of each side of the mantel. Anywho, welcome to the Witches' Lair (which I'm sure my husband will agree that sometimes I can be pretty wicked, lol).

 

 First up is the right side of the mantel. I think Mr. Monster & Ms. Mummy like it here ;-)

 Here's a close up of my letter "H" and spider slinking his way through the moss. A part of me hates that I got the spiders. My son is completely infatuated with them, so they'll probably go straight into his toy box as soon as I take them down.

Close up shot of my "Lucky Raven" menu and flameless candle. Doesn't the candle fit in well with the Halloween theme?

 

The left side of my mantel stars the raven!

   

& even my sea-grass vase is dressed for the occasion.

 

I stuck to the traditional orange and black color scheme.

 

$1 orange lights from where else but the Dollar Tree? :-)

And that concludes the inside of the house.

My felt characters are now amongst my harvest décor! By the way, I took this shot after the rain--I didn't notice at first, but my guy scarecrow over there got beat up pretty badly..I'll have to remember to fix him up tomorrow.

And here's a close up of my cute little spookies! I just want to pinch their cheeks! Mauh! :-)

 

So there you have it--my Halloween effort! In total I think I spent just fifteen bucks. Since my little guy likes the décor I will add to it each year--until he's over it, of course. Quiet as kept, though, I sort of got off into it. It's amazing the way a child's joy can make things seem new. Even though I normally pass out candy I've NEVER decorated for Halloween, now I can't wait to welcome all of our little Trick-Or-Treaters! What to know another thing I can't wait for? This:

Is this not the best darn Halloween show of all time?

 

 Over the weekend we also purchased my little guy's costume--and it was the first time he picked out his outfit on his own *sniffle*. He's going to be the world's friendliest vampire :-) My husband was worried that being a vamp might be too "dark", but I assured him that it's classic Halloween attire and it will be more "aww" than "eek". And just for good measure here's a Halloween pic from last year.

 

My cowboys! I thought he was the sweetest little thing this side of the Dixie!

 

So that concludes my decorating, what are your Halloween plans?