A Lenten Challenge

I woke up today with a rumbling and a slight ache in my stomach. Nothing unusual, just normal hunger  pangs. As I pondered what I wanted to eat for breakfast I was struck with the realization that I would not be satisfying my breakfast cravings today, because today is Ash Wednesday... A day of fasting and abstinence... no meat, and little food.

Most Catholics go through this day as an obligatory chore. I know plenty who stay up until midnight just so they can eat a full meal before bed. Some may wear their ashes proudly, but most go home and wash them off before they go out in public. Others may take the time to say extra prayers or do spiritual exercises, but most move through the day grudgingly, contemplating the food they are missing, taking out their bad mood on others around them. Most will not realize their complaints and minor hunger pains are perfect examples of first world problems.

Catholics love to discuss what they have voluntarily given up for Lent. Most people give up some tempting treat such sweets, or snacks, or even alcoholic beverages. Some people chose to add something to their daily lives like reading scripture, praying the rosary, or even physical exercise. Some Catholics take the penitential time of Lent very seriously and find things to give up, or things to add that will really challenge them. However, most won't go too far outside their comfort zone. Most will say, "I gave up chocolate, and it will be very hard, but I can still have it on Sunday."

The Lenten season is for 40 days and 40 nights, but each Sunday is considered a "mini Easter" and allows Catholics to have a break from their Lenten sacrifices. But, I have to ask the question, is it truly a sacrifice of penance when you look forward to having your treat all week until Sunday arrives and you can indulge?

I would like to offer my readers a Lenten challenge. When your tummy is grumbling, and your mood has turned sour from the pains of fasting, offer your suffering up for a child who has no food at all. When your cravings kick in and you want to give in and eat a burger on Friday, offer up your cravings for a family who is suffering from a great loss. When Sunday arrives and you want to indulge, offer up your Sunday indulgence for a child suffering from an incurable illness.

This is not to suggest one person's sacrifice is greater than another's, each sacrifice depends on the will of the individual. It is to suggest that you make each sacrifice count. To make your sacrifice give meaning to something beyond your own suffering. There are lots of needs in this world to offer our sacrifices for. Turn your Lenten sacrifices into deeds for a greater need, and maybe by Easter it will become a daily habit!

What have you given up for Lent?

Craft Show Crafting!

A good friend of mine and I have decided to work together on our very first Craft Show. We are sharing a table, and we have both been busy making new product to sell at the Craft Show and help build promotion for both of our etsy shops, Cinderley Designs and Sheep & Company <---click on the links to view each etsy shop.

I've been making lots of bows of all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Here is a sneak peak of some foundation bows waiting for finishing touches!

And a few bows that have been completed.

I designed my business cards, and finally got them in the mail this week!

Next week I will be working on more fabric flowers and headbands. And, if I have enough time, I have a few more surprise projects I would like to have done in time for the Craft Show. My partner and I have great idea's for our display table, and I'm very excited to see how it turns out! 

For those of you who are local, the Craft Show we are participating in is:

St. Mary's Christmas Bazaar

December 7th

10am until 4pm

At

St. Mary Catholic Church

10601 Dexter-Pinckney Rd.

Pinckney, MI  48169

I hope to see you there! 

Where In The Devil Is Halloween?!!!

Throughout the years I have come across people who wince at the thought of celebrating Halloween. They wouldn't dare allow their children to go out trick-or-treating because doing so would be participating in the Devil's holiday celebration, or even celebrating the Devil himself! Quite taken aback by these beliefs, I began researching the History of Halloween (before the convenience of google searches), and wrote a paper on this topic for one of my early college courses. Is Halloween truly the Devil's holiday? Quite the contrary!

Nowadays, it doesn't take much to find a plethora of online sources giving the history of Halloween to the masses. Speaking of "masses," October 31st begins the Triduum of Hallowmas. As most may know, November 1st is All Saints Day, and November 2nd is All Souls Day, so how does Halloween fit into this? The word "hallow" literally means "saint"! Therefore, All Hallows Eve (Halloween) literally means "the Eve of All Saints" which is a Christian celebration. No devil so far, but what about the tradition of trick-or-treating?

Trick-or-treating has a vast and rich history in many cultures throughout the world. Does it have some pagan roots in the Celtic culture? Yes it does, but so does Christmas and Easter. Do modern day pagans, and druids celebrate the Gaelic holiday of Samhain on Halloween? Yes they do, but unless you are participating directly in their celebrations with them, it has no direct correlation to our children who dress up in costumes and knock on doors for candy. In fact, some European trick-or-treating traditions began with adult peasants going to the homes of richer noblemen, and offering to pray for the souls of their dead relatives in exchange for a sweet cake known as a "soul cake". Once again we see the recurring theme of Christian practices. So, where is the devil in the Halloween tradition?

Because of the origins of praying for the dead, some cultures believed the dead walked freely on All Hallows Eve. People began dressing up in scary costumes hoping to scare the spirits away and leave them alone. This is also a tradition you will find with people carving scary faces on gourds, and pumpkins, thus creating the Jack-O-Lantern. Over the years costumes have evolved to become scarier and more gruesome. The stories of Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker gave foundation to the creation horror movies. Instead of sitting around the family hearth telling ghost stories of old, people now wait in line to be frightened in haunted houses. Does our American Halloween obsession with scary and evil looking things mean we worship the devil? Does the devil play a part in any of the modern Halloween traditions? Only if you choose to bring him into it! Most people spend their Halloween getting dressed in costumes, having parties, trick-or-treating for candy, or watching a good scary movie with friends without even a single thought spent on the devil. Halloween is time for fun rooted in Christian traditions of praying for the dead... there is no devil in that!

Besides, those of us who grew up in the Detroit Metro Area already know... Devil's Night is the night before Halloween!

HAPPY ALL HALLOWS EVE!

Something Wicked This Way Came...

For those of you who know me, you already know how much I love to decorate for Holidays, and how much I really love Halloween! It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that my latest crafting project has been all about decorating for Halloween! I have spent the past two weeks putting my Cricut to work once again, and am very delighted with all the new Halloween decorations I have created!

I started out with smaller projects, by making pictures to hang on the walls.

And found the perfect way to decorate the guest bathroom mirror

Then it was time to stretch my crafting "sea legs". I spent a whole week creating two different spooktacular scenes for my dining room walls!

I love the Trick-or-Treaters!

                          
This graveyard took me about 8 hours to make!

Having taken over the living room and dining room with all my crafting supplies, my husband decided to take pictures of my "craft room"... The scary part is, these pictures were taken on a more "clean and organized" crafting day! 

After my wall scenes were completed, I put together a few more smaller projects

                 

 

I have a couple more projects to get up on the walls before this years Halloween party, but I am very pleased that everywhere you look in my house says it's time for HALLOWEEN!

Do you have a favorite Halloween decoration you look forward to bringing out each year?

5 Tips For An Enjoyable Weekend!

It's hard to believe that the final summer holiday is already here! This is the weekend Americans are taking one last advantage of hanging out at the pool, having cookouts with family and friends, and hitting the big Labor Day Weekend sales for "Back To School" bargains. Here are a few quick tips to help everyone have a more enjoyable holiday weekend:

1. Let go of the stress! Whether you trying to hurry up and finish making a dish, hit a particular sale early, or trying to pack up the car to go camping, things will go alot smoother and even faster if you just relax, remember to breathe, and don't sweat the small stuff. Your dish will turn out fine, and if it doesn't then start over or stop at the store and pick something else up instead. That sale will be going on all weekend, and you will enjoy your shopping experience a lot more if you go shopping for fun! Packing up the car is always a tedious chore, but remember you are going on a mini vacation so why not sing a song while packing to help put you in the holiday spirit!

2. If you are going shopping, remember everyone at the store is there for the exact same reason... Trying to find a bargain. Remember shopping should be enjoyable since you are buying something new that you didn't have before! Try to take a deep breath or count to 10 when you encounter a rude or forceful shopper who just took the last hoodie you had your eye on. It's not worth ruining your mood or raising your blood pressure! And remember to smile and thank the store employees. They are the ones who have to work long hours and deal with crazy customers on a holiday weekend they would rather have off!

3. Just expect that you will forget to pack at least one thing. It happens... to everyone... all the time! If you prepare yourself ahead of time with the knowledge that it will happen, then you won't be so freaked out when you realize it actually did! And if it didn't, then you can give yourself kudos for being an efficient packer... This time!

4. Cookouts, barbecues, and picnics are always fun! While you are enjoying your time with family and friend, remember to be mindful of your surroundings. Try not to be too loud too late if you know there are neighbors nearby who do have to work in the morning. Remember to clean up your mess! Picking up empty cans and bottles, the rouge paper plate that blew off the table, and anything that wasn't there when you came and shouldn't be there when you leave. Your hosts, and/or the park/beach visitors will thank you for your courtesy!

5. Don't Drink & Drive! That should be a given on any day, but it's a good reminder that bad things can and do happen when you drink too much and get behind the wheel of a car, or boat, or jetski! Just don't do it!

I hope everyone has a pleasant, and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend!

Entertaining Those Who Are Abstaining

For most Christians, Lent is a time sacrifice, prayer, and reflection. It is about the things we do, and the things we don't do. We give up our addictions, material comforts, and distractions so we can focus more on our spiritual life and relationship with God. Considering that I am Catholic, I am writing this post from a Catholic perspective, but I'm sure it will be relatable to Protestants, and people who have Catholic friends, as well. So, what should you expect when you invite a Catholic (or are invited by a Catholic) to dinner during Lent?

It is important to understand the basics of what to expect. Some Catholics refrain from large parties, and social gatherings during Lent. If they decline your invitation, just know they will be back on the social scene after Easter, and ready to feast! Catholics must abstain from meat on Friday's with the exception of fish. Allergic to fish? How about pasta, salad, or cheese pizza? Most Catholics I know tend to give up alcohol, and sweets for Lent, so if you bring your hostess a bottle of wine, or a lovely dessert, don't be surprised if she kindly thanks you, and then puts it away out of sight.

Many Catholic's have very specific things they have given up for Lent that need to be considered when entertaining. For some it may be meat, or bread, or even large meals. If you know you are inviting a Catholic over for dinner it would be best to ask what they can, or can't eat. However, making sure to serve something that all of your guests will enjoy is basic etiquette during any day of the year.

During Lent, each Sunday is considered a "Mini Easter," and some Catholics take this day off from their Lenten sacrifices. For those who do "take Sunday off" this is the perfect day to invite them over during Lent with no restrictions. Again, make sure to ask first, because a lot of Catholics do not take Sundays off, choosing to see it through until the end.

Rest assured, in six weeks time your Catholic friends will be breaking out that bottle of wine, thawing out that fabulous dessert, and ready for some celebratory fun!

What did you give up, or choose to do, for Lent this year?

The Art Of Giving Gifts

It's hard to think of springtime when we are stuck in the bitter cold of January. However, spring is coming and with it comes a whole new gift giving season. The spring and summer months are filled with bridal showers, graduation parties, and weddings, and each event requires the guest to bring a gift. The question is: do you buy a gift off the gift registry or be creative and buy something of your own choosing?

Gift registries make buying gifts relatively easy and stress free. The gift recipient has conveniently let guests know what they need, what style they prefer, and what their favorite colors are. For those who find the task of buying gifts daunting, a gift registry is a welcomed relief. However, there are those who think that registering for gifts is crude, and a selfish way of picking out one's own gifts. These people usually have the mind set that they know what the recipient really needs and proceed to give what they think is a better gift. If you fall into the latter category let me warn you now, more than likely you do not know better, and your "off registry" gift is not appreciated, and quickly gets added to the bin for re-gifting gifts.

This is not to say that you can never buy a gift that is not on the gift registry. If you know the recipient well, and have a gift in mind that you know they will love and appreciate then you should definitely buy it. At my bridal shower, one of my aunts filled a laundry hamper with tons of kitchen gadgets, tools, and utensils I didn't even think to register for, but she knew I would definitely need. That was one gift (or a dozen gifts put in one hamper) that I truly appreciated, and continue to appreciate to this day. However, just because you happen to love a specific kitchen appliance does not mean that someone else will love it, or even want it to begin with. More importantly, your style and preferences for your home are most likely not the same as the person you are buying a gift for.

If there is a gift that you truly feel the recipient should have I would suggest you give it as bonus gift along with a gift you purchased off the registry. Consequently, you should not be offended if your gift is returned, re-gifted, or never used.

What is the best or worst gift you have ever received? Do you prefer to buy gifts from a gift registry or pick out your own gift?

One Man's Junk Is Another Man's Treasure

We have all gotten gifts that we absolutely love. Opening a gift and being delightfully surprised at how well thought out and perfect it is for you is always a wonderful thing. Of coarse there are those times when you open a gift, plaster on a fake smile, and say "Thank You!" All the while your mind is reeling with idea's of how to get it out of your presence as quickly as possible. So, what do you do with the unwanted gifts?

It would be so nice if every gift came with a gift receipt so they could be easily returned, but the reality is most do not. The important thing to remember is, just because a gift may not suit your particular style and taste, does not mean it wouldn't be absolutely perfect for someone else. Of coarse it would be great if I opened a gift I didn't like, and thought "I know the perfect person for this gift!" but that rarely happens.  Because there usually isn't an immediate designee for the gifts I intend to regift, I have a large bin I keep them in until a time arises. Furthermore, over the years my bin of gifts has seen multiple purposes. I have had gifts that have made excellent Bridal Shower prizes, gifts that were great for a game of White Elephant, and sometimes a gift becomes absolutely perfect for a holiday crafting/decor purpose years later!

There are many reasons people choose to regift a gift. Maybe they simply couldn't afford a new gift at the time. Maybe it is an extremely nice gift that they know they will never use, but want to make sure it is enjoyed by someone else instead of sitting in a cupboard or closet for decades collecting dust. Perhaps they just didn't have time to find a new gift, or maybe they are just extremely frugal (to put it nicely). Regardless of the reason there are some rules that apply to regifting. First, you need to answer the question, "Will the recipient like the gift?" If the answer is "maybe" or "I don't know" and you still intend to give it to them, then you mustn't be upset if  that person regifts your gift as well. Next, your regift must also be in perfect, or nearly perfect condition! Giving a used heirloom vase is a lot different than cleaning up a used toaster and wrapping it up. Finally, it would also be wise to regift to someone who is outside the circle of family and friends of the person who originally gave you the gift first. Imagine the insult your mother would feel when she see's the sweater she bought you on your sister's best friend!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with regifting gifts as long as it's done with courtesy and tact. Why should a perfectly good gift, that just isn't perfect for you, go to waste. As the saying goes: "One man's junk is another man's treasure."

What is the worst gift you have ever given or gotten? Do you re-gift your gifts?

A Craft Filled Christmas

This past fall I discovered the wonderful world of Pinterest! It's so easy to get trapped for hours on a lazy Saturday afternoon finding dozens of beautiful outfits, fabulous recipes, fitness inspiration, home and holiday decoration idea's, and lots and lots of craft projects.

I love craft projects. Finding amazing things that I can make for holiday gifts thrills me! I decided to narrow it down to two projects to give as Christmas gifts. Tile coasters, and homemade vanilla extract. Both looked like pretty simple projects, and both were budget friendly projects. After a little research, my husband and I found that there are a million different types of vanilla beans to choose from. We chose to go with a high quality Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean, picked cute little 4 ounce bottles with cork tops, and voila!

The tile coasters started out as a very fun project. Choosing lovely pictures and patterns to make various sets of four was the best part for me. They were so beautiful I wanted to keep them all! I had made sets of four coasters for 22 people, and had them all done by Thanksgiving. After allowing them to dry in the dining room for 4 to 5 days, I stacked them up and stored them in my bedroom closet until it was time to wrap them. This is where it all fell apart!

Upon bringing all my lovely coasters out to be wrapped I found that they were all stuck together! I was completely devastated! How could this happen?! I followed the directions to a T! Frantically, I began researching if anyone else had encountered this issue. I found a few comments on craft blogs that vaguely stated this had happened to them too, but no matter how much I searched I could find no answer to why this happened, and I had to start over from scratch. 

After some text venting to a crafty friend of mine, she suggested that I switch to cork backing instead of the felt I used on the first round, and try baking them to help cure the decoupage. I also decided to try a different top coat sealer I found was suggested on several craft websites...high gloss, pour on glaze. Let me spare you the scary details and just say that out of the 6 sets I used the high gloss glaze on, only 2 sets survived...barely. My husband came home from work that evening to find his wife sitting on the couch with a cocktail glass in hand and a bottle of Captain Morgan's sitting on the table in front of her...I didn't drink the whole bottle, just a drink... or two! The kitchen was a wreck and I seriously thought I was going to wake up the next morning with my hands glued together. I am not cut out for work that involves industrial strength chemicals! 

Luckily my husband came to my rescue and found a spray on glaze that seemed to be more durable than the original acrylic spray on glaze I used with the first batch. With a trip in the oven for a quick bake, and a 5 day stretch spread out across my living room and dining room under a fan, they were ready to be wrapped, and put under the tree with only a few days to spare before Christmas.

Next year I think I will stick with a project that is MUCH simpler!

Have you ever had a craft project go wrong?

New Year's in the Windy City!

Most people are shocked when I tell them I have never been to Chicago…especially when I have lived 4 hours away my entire life! I can now say, I will never get that shocked and disappointed look again, because I got to spend my New Year’s in the Windy City!

I must say, it is a lot easier to visit a big city when you are also visiting good friends who can show you the sights, and make the trip much more fun and enjoyable. It also made the trip a bit more affordable when our friend’s invited us to park our car on the free street parking in front of their apartment building in the charming Rogers Park. A 3-day CTA pass made travelling around the city easy, and sometimes entertaining. We found a great deal on our hotel in the Loop, and we were very pleased with the hospitality, friendliness, and cleanliness. In fact, Ken and I were both pleasantly surprised by the general friendliness of the city as a whole!

Our first evening we had dinner at Dick’s Last Resort. That was truly a unique experience! I highly recommend going at least once in your lifetime, but find it would be amazing for large celebrations such as birthday’s, bachelor/bachelorette dinner parties, etc.

After dinner the men went back to the apartment with the baby, and us ladies were able to shop the Magnificent Mile, all lit up for the holidays, at our leisure. We ended the evening with a stop at a Cupcake ATM! It was one of the best cupcakes I have ever eaten!

New Year’s Eve was spent exploring the Field Museum.

Six hours, and two very sore feet later we left the museum, and headed back uptown to the Cheesecake Factory. The restaurant was crowded, and we waited an hour to get a table, but the food was well worth the wait and the service was outstanding! We took our cheesecake desserts to go (I got the pineapple upside down cheesecake!), and headed back to our hosts apartment for an evening of cocktails, and Euchre. It was great day, and an amazingly fun evening. I can’t think of a better way to end one year and start a new one than with the sound of laughter with great friends!

Ken and I got on the L to head back to our hotel at about 1:30 am. To our delight the train was mostly empty, and a nice warm reprieve from the bitterly cold wind outside. However, slowly the trains started to fill up and before we knew it there were people jammed packed on to the train! People (mostly 18-20 year olds!) were sitting on top of one another, standing on the back of the chairs and on the dividers…smoking, passing bottles and flasks of beer and liquor, singing drunkenly, yelling, and then….someone puked! Our nice serene train ride back to the hotel had quickly turned into a frat house party nightmare! Each time the train stopped at a platform packed with wall to wall people, our train would get a little crazier! When our stop FINALLY arrived I allowed Ken to aggressively plow his way through the aisle to get me off that insane train! It was very stressful at the time, but it makes quite an amusing story to tell. Oh the adventures of travel! What was even more insane was all the women walking the street of Chicago in sub-zero temps (with the wind chill) with no coats, no stocking, and wearing short, strapless cocktail dresses! Here I was trying to walk the 3 blocks to my hotel wearing jeans, thick socks, a full length wool coat and a scarf wrapped around my head and still trying to manage not to get frost bite or hypothermia, and hundreds of women are walking around in little more than what they would wear to the beach!

Overall, I would describe our trip as fun, frigidly cold, entertaining, exhausting, educational, and nothing short of an amazing time! Happy New Year!!!

What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago? What is the best way you like to spend New Year's Eve? 

Christmas Affirmations

Christmastime is a wonderful time of year for the giving of affirmations. Every little thing about this season is a way to give someone else an affirmation of appreciation. From mailing out Christmas cards to friends and family, to baking treats for neighbors, or even giving a little something extra to your hairdresser, server, paperboy, or regular delivery person. Even most businesses and organizations host Christmas parties for their employees and volunteers.

I have had quite a wide range of Christmas party experiences in my lifetime. Some are held in fancy ballrooms with 5 course meals, drinks and dancing. Some have a “Secret Santa” with employee’s picking names to buy gifts for other employee’s or playing a fun game of White Elephant, some plan parties at restaurants, homes, or at the workplace. My current boss always finds a way to make the season special, and this year she took us out for a “Girl’s Day Out” which included lunch with cocktails and relaxing pedicures.  The most important aspect to remember is this is a chance to tell employee’s that they are appreciated and to find a way to show it.

Making sure your holiday events are well thought out, fun and festive will help show employees that they are appreciated. When employees truly feel appreciated they work harder, and are more dedicated to their position.  This is why well known companies like Google, make an effort to not only host amazing holiday parties for employee’s, but to make every day fun and enjoyable. It is a well known fact that companies who keep their employees happy, and feeling appreciated, have a more productive staff. When planning your next Christmas party, try to find a new way to do something extra special for your employee’s and let them see how much they really mean to your company.  Personally, I can say my current boss is extremely generous and I truly enjoy working for her!

What is your favorite Christmas party activity? Does your employer do something special for Christmas?

Let The Holiday Season Begin!

Our Thanksgiving weekend was blissful filled with good food, great times, and fun shopping. After spending a lovely Thanksgiving with my in-laws, I was invited, by two of my newest friends, to go shopping at the Tanger Outlet. We met there at 10 pm, and had a blast browsing most of the stores, stopping at the food court for a late night snack, and finally getting home at 3 am. I took a quick 5 hour nap and got back up to hit Michael's for some amazing Black Friday deals!

Despite the insane crowds at Michael's, I managed to stay true to my challenge, and remained calm, kept a smile on my face, and even chatted with some ladies while waiting in a massively long line. Despite the crowds, every person I encountered seemed to be in just as pleasant of a mood as I was. The rest of the weekend was spent visiting with amazing friends, going out with my friend Jacqueline for a "Girl's Night", and getting out my Christmas decorations.

I love decorating for Christmas, and I love my Christmas decorations! So, I decided to take some pictures and share them with you!

One of the amazing Black Friday deals I got at Michael's was a basic, plain, green wreath for $1.98. Combined with some of my ribbon and awesome bow making skills and VOILA!

This year is the first Christmas that we live somewhere that doesn't have a fireplace, so I decided to hang our stockings on the buffet hutch.

Here is a one sided view of our living room, but if you look closely you can see our Willow Tree Nativity reflected in the mirror.

And the best part is that lovely glow set off by the Christmas tree lights.

                          

 

I still have to put some tinsel on the Christmas tree, and put up a few more decorations, but our house definitely feels like Christmastime is here. Let the holiday season begin!

'Tis the Season for Giving

The holiday season is now upon us. Social networks are filled with posts about what deals someone found, what upcoming sales they will hit, what gifts their children are asking demanding  for Christmas. People are actively making their “game plan” for Black Friday as if it’s a sport…ruthlessly, selfishly, and in it to win it. I cannot even begin to name how many times I have been deliberately pushed, shoved, or slammed into by someone else’s cart so they can get the “prize” gift first. For this reason, I actively avoid the “early bird” Black Friday sales where I know the shopping crowd will be brutal. There is nothing I, or anyone I am buying for, need so badly that I must fight for it. That is not what the Christmas season is about for me.

Christmas is a time of giving. I love picking out the perfect gift (this year I am making most of my gifts, but I will write more about that after Christmas!), taking the time to perfectly wrap each gift and tie beautiful bows. For me, the presentation of the gift is just as important as the gift itself. I am not just giving a gift, I am giving all the love, time, and attention to detail I put into wrapping the gift, because most people love getting a beautiful wrapped gift, and I love giving them. I also love giving and receiving the gift of the holiday spirit. Therefore, this year I am challenging myself with a new “game plan” for the Christmas season.

The holiday season can be quite stressful, and a friendly smile and greeting could help brighten someone’s day…even if it’s just for a minute or two. So, I plan to give a friendly smile to every person I see. I will give my patience to impatient shoppers, store clerks, and service providers, and remember to wish them a “Merry Christmas” in a friendly tone. I will give my change to every Santa ringing a bell for charity, even if I only have a few pennies. I will remind myself to be more joyful and forgiving. I will make a point to stop and admire the Christmas lights and decorations that someone spent hours putting up for our pleasure. I will allow myself to enjoy the Christmas music playing in the stores, instead of getting annoyed that they are playing all season long. They are only played once a year after all. Overall, I will try to stress out less, and enjoy the season more, and I truly hope my example will help other's to follow.

Tell Me: What would you like to give this Christmas Season? Do you have a favorite tradition of giving in your family?

The Most Spooktacular Time Of Year!

Halloween is my favorite secular holiday. It's the one time of year that you can dress up as anything or anyone you want. Even when my daughter was young, I would dress up to take her out trick-or-treating. In the late 90's I had the pleasure of going down to New Orleans several years in a row for the Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club Ball. Not only was this event a lot of fun, but almost every person there took their costume choices very seriously and went all out!

Me and a friend on our way to the ARVLFC Ball 1998:

Me at the ARVLFC Ball 1999:

I love Halloween decorations, haunted houses, watching scary movies, and seeing the kids all dressed up to go trick-or-treating. Even though Halloween has always been a favorite time of year for me, it occurred to me that I have never personally thrown a Halloween party. So, my husband and I sent out some invites, got out our Halloween decorations, bought a few more, and threw a great party last night! 

  

I absolutely love when people dress completely out of character!

Here are my "Hard Rock" friends showing off a side I never knew they had!

It was a very fun night with great friends, and amazing costumes, and I hope to make this an annual tradition! 

Tell me, what is your favorite costume, or Halloween tradition?