REMAINS OF THE DAY CASSEROLE

Happy Day After Thanksgiving! I hope you all were stuffed and roasted this holiday.

It was quite a feast around the ol' Manor.... we had tons of roast beast, and the gobblin gravy was flowing! But even with all of our guests, I've still got tons of leftovers.... oh what to do?

There are so many leftover turkey recipes out there, but here's my favorite:

Ingredients:

~1-1/2 pounds shredded turkey meat
~1/2 cup chopped onion
~ 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
~ 1 cup salsa
~ 1/2 cup chili sauce
~1/2 cup black beans
~ 1 cup frozen corn
~ 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
~ 2 tablespoons brown sugar
~ 1 sheet refrigerated pie pastry
~ 1 egg
~ Orange paste food coloring

Directions:

In a large skillet, heat shredded turkey and onion over medium heat until onion is cooked. In a small bowl, combine the flour, salsa and chili sauce until blended; stir into skillet. Add the corn, chilies, black beans and brown sugar.

Transfer to a deep-dish 9-in. pie plate. Unroll pastry; place over filling. With a sharp knife, cut out a face to resemble a jack-o'-lantern; flute edges. Beat egg and food coloring; brush over pastry.


Bake at 450° for 9-11 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. This recipe makes about 6 servings. You can also replace the turkey with ground beef, for this recipe, it's a fun one to expreiment with. So give it a try, and have fun. Now, what to do with all that leftover gobblin gravy????
 

MEET ARCHIE McPHEE

I'm sure you may be on holiday shopping overload..... you know, I actually heard an ad on tv for a "Black Friday Eve Sale"!

But if you've got shopping on the brain, and you want to find some really fun gifts for those nutty people on your shopping list.... you don't want to miss this!

One of my all time favorite shopping sites is Archie McPhee!

It's just silly fun, and where else are you gonna find cool things like an Edgar Allan Poe Candy Book, a super-cool Voodoo Doll, and my personal favorite.... the Devil Duckie!?!


I promise, if you've got that crazy aunt or brother-in-law, that you just have no idea what to get them.... be sure to check out the bacon section!

You won't be disappointed!

WICKED CHARM

 

So pretty, and oh so wicked!

I love gothic style jewelry, not only for Halloween, but little gems like this, that are so pretty (and unusual) you'll want to wear them all year round.

I found these on the Charmed In New England site, along with lots of other goodies.

I love this PASSION bracelet, it's a tangled cuff of bloody thorns encrusted with red Swarovski crystal drops.

This little beauty retails for $169.99 when you purchase the matching earings and necklace.

 

The Death of The Vampire pendant features a blood red Swarovski crystal, gothic inspired details, and retails for $45.99.... just in time for you to add to your holiday wish list!

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

As I've mentioned in some earlier posts last week, I've got the redecorating bug, and I'm on the hunt for some new ideas for The Manor.

Our Master Bedroom could really use some updating. And bedrooms can be so tricky. You want them to be comfortable, functional, and for most of us.... pretty.

The Count won't sleep in anyhting with flowers on it, and he likes dark colors (imagine that), but I want a cozy room to rest in peace.

I'm really loving this black on black color combination. Notice the shades of black and grey, but all the textures are pretty amazing, too! The wallpaper has a bold print (not girly at all) and the gold accents on the lamp and night stand, blend well with the wine colored flooring.

Did you notice the fur rug? How gothic and delish is that?

So remember, if you're thinking about a black on black design for any room (or tomb), don't forget to add some visual interest with a simple, bold pattern, some shiny metalics, and some fab-boo-lous textures.

Don't be afraid to try new things. Change is good! If you don't like the color, you can always repaint it. If you don't like the bedding you bought.... take it back. Be brave, and promise me that you'll do one decoratiing project this weekend.... no matter how big or small. Trust me, you'll thank me later.

Enjoy your weekend! Happy redecorating!

MORE FUN WITH FOOD

I seem to have a bad case of the munchies this week.... so let's continue with another favorite crunchie munchie of mine, Taco Dip!

Oh yum! This is always a crowd pleaser around The Manor, and there are lots of variations on this oldie but goodie, so feel free to use your own recipe.

Just be sure to use a pastry bag or squeeze bottle with a narrow tip, to add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt is quite delish!) to form the cute spider web.

One of the things about making this dip, is that it's so easy to accomidadte a small crowd or a large one, just adjust the size of the serving dish. (And the amount of your ingredients, accordingly)

If you're looking for a good (and super fast) Taco Dip recipe, here's one right from The Queen:

Get your favorite baking dish or cooking tray.... start with a layer of black beans (or refried beans, which ever you prefer), then add a layer of shredded lettuce, a layer of salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, and a thin layer of guacamole, to top it off.

Bake in the oven at 300 degrees for about 15 minutes (or until the cheese is melted), remove from the oven to cool for a few minutes.

Then to add the finishing touch, the sour cream spider web.... add your favorite tortilla chips (blue corn for me!) and it's ready to serve to your guests!.... or victims, which ever you prefer.

TIME TO THROW IN THE TOWEL(s)

Good Morning to all my Halloween Homemakers!

Time to get up and get moving around The Manor and start the daily house cleaning. Personally, I'd rather go shopping.

Let's check out what I've got my eye on today, shall we?

If you're anything like me, I bet your bath towels could use replacing. The Count had been on me for quite a long time to get some new ones.... ours look more like something the Mummy would wrap himself in, than a bath towel....

And you all know, I love finding stuff that not only shows my style, but is way fun, at the same time.

Like this super cool Jacquard-Weave Bath Towel with the Skull Print design from H&M Home, retails for $17.95. What a bargian!

I think these not only would look fab-boo-lous in the Master Bath, but I think they'd make a pretty neat Christmas present, for any Halloween-lovin' couple on your holiday shopping list!

FUN WITH FOOD

One of my favorite Pinterest pals Katie, sent me this cute avocodo skull, along with her favorite guacamole recipe, so I thought I'd share.

How great would this look if you place the skull right on top of the guacamole, when you serve it to your guests? Love it!

Katie says this recipe makes 2 cup servings, takes about 10 minutes to prep, and 40 minutes to chill. Here's what you'll need:

2 avocados

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 ripe tomato, chopped

1 lime, juiced

salt and pepper to taste

Here's what you'll do:

Peel and mash avocados in a medium serving bowl. Stir in onion, garlic, tomato, lime juice, salt and pepper. Season with remaining lime juice and salt and pepper to taste. Chill for about 40 minutes to blend flavors.

Put it in a pretty bowl or serving plate, and don't forget the blue tortilla chips!

Thanks for sharing, Katie!

CHALK BOARD PUMPKINS

Happy Monday Morning, Halloweenies!

I hope you all had a dreadful weekend. Now it's the start of a brand new week, and how about we start it off with a project?

I know many of you are still holding on to pumpkins (we do have Thanksgiving coming up, after all) and I thought this was such a cool idea.... I just had to share!

If you've never used chalk board paint, well this is a good time to start. It's so fun and easy.... you'll be looking for lots of things you can paint with this stuff! All you need is a can of chalk board paint, some brushes and newspaper, and of course, chalk. (I prefer colored chalk, you can be more creative)

Now here are a few ideas, for example.... if you'll be hosting dinner this holiday season, I think painting some little mini pumpkins and writing your guests names on them, would look good as place settings around the dinner table!

You know, I think if you painted some large pumpkins for the kids, give them some chalk, and let 'em go to town.... it just may keep them busy for hours!

Or you could decorate with them, and write your holiday menu on the pumpkins, to greet the guests when them come into your kitchen!

Lots of ideas! Be creative, be sure to follow the instructions on the paint, and have lots of boxes of chalk!

Enjoy.

SKELETON HANDS SERVING SET

Here's another one of those cool things that I'd just kill for.... check out these serving forks from Pottery Barn! The set retails for $19.00, but according to websearches on their site, they're no longer available.

But a little bat told me, recenetly they've seen quite a few on e bay. So the next time you're flying around on the www, you may want to look. I think it would be worth it.

I hear they also make excellent back scratchers, too.

GOTHIC & GEORGOUS

So you want to redecorate, but you've got no idea where to start? You think it's time to replace that old coffin table you've had since college? Would you like something a little more spohisticated? A little more Goth?

Well, here's some expert advice according to F.R.R. Mallory, from the SF Interior Decorating Examiner. Read on....

Do you want to decorate for Halloween but in a more adult, upscale way? You're not alone. An ongoing trend is placing goth art, decor and accent pieces on designer store shelves, year-round! Here are some cool items to look for when you are shopping:

• Sculptures that suggest famous scenes from books and movies such as a black raven for Edgar Allen Poe's famous work.
• Black, red or lace-design candles. Use ornate candle stick holders and group the candles at different heights for the best effect. Be sure to burn your candles to get some decorative drips going.
• Add black lace tablecloths, runners or piled decoratively on a table to bring in instant goth glamour.
• Paint curly or architectural branches with black paint and arrange the branches in a glass vase. Decorate the branches with commemorative hand-written notes to parted friends and family.
• Stack books with unusual, dark titles for guests to read.
• Mix vintage textiles, purses, scarves, jewelry, hats, glasses, canes, umbrellas and other pieces in with your more modern decor. These will carry your theme throughout the room.
• Look for cultural art that features similar motifs to bring in color and a different viewpoint.

A little goth goes a long way. Surprise is the element that excites visitors. Paint an old lamp or chandelier black and embellish it with beads and crystals to delight guests.

Thanks for the boo-tiful ideas!

WHAT KNOCKERS!

Ok, this is one of my favorite finds! Forget Oprah's favorite things.... check this out!

If you're looking for something truly spooktacular to adorn your front door, this would be perfect! These handcrafted door knockers are so cool, you'll want to put one on every door!

Gothic 13th Century Design custom door knockers and pulls can be crafted in any style, and are hand forged by master blacksmiths. HJ Nick certified originals are heavy detailed to world fine art standards. Solid hand forged wrought iron (no casted copies or hollow metals)  Multistage process heat patina finished to world class antique collector standards (no spray on faux paint jobs) You can order any size or style. Virtually Maintenance Free and Guaranteed Forever! Backed by over a century of fine craftsmanship since 1913.

This fine art designer door knocker features a Medieval castle inspired design with a hand crafted dragon made from solid hand forged wrought iron, hand tooled by master blacksmiths. Using old world techniques, custom door hardware is hand-crafted by American metalworkers in any shape and design theme that you can come up with!

Each door knocker, pull or handle is patina finished using hand applied iron oxide heat finishes, for a virtually maintenance-free piece of customized door hardware.

For selections and order information, log on to the Scottsdaale Art Factory's website!

"Sank you, doctor!"

CANNIBAL STYLE HOT DOGS

Ok, when I saw this on Pinterest, I just about laughed myself silly! How fun is this idea? All you need to make these little yummies, are hot dogs, buns, and lots of ketchup!

Can you imagine the screams you'd get,  when you serve these up to the kids, for a weekend dinner?

This isn't difficult at all! Trust me. What you'll want to do, is take each hot dog, and with a knife.... gently slice the top of the hot dog to look like a fingernail. Remove that piece, then take the knife and score a few lines in the middle, to make it look like a knuckle.

Then tear each end off the hot dog, to make it look like it was just ripped off some poor victim. Cook the hot dogs, then place them in the buns.... and don't forget to give them a few bloody squirts of ketchup!

How easy is that? What a fun idea for a kiddo's zombie-themed birthday party!

WHAT A DOLL

Happy Monday, everyone! Eeeecccchhhhh! Mondays are just dreadful, aren't they? So depressing and scary.... and speaking of scary....You know when my little Princess was a tiny monster, she was really scared of dolls. And I'm not kidding....

I remember when she turned 2 years old, her Grandmama had bought her one of those expensive "American Girl Dolls" for her birthday. She opened it, and screamed bloody murder! No kidding. And to this day, she's not a fan of dolls. She says they still creep her out.

So imagine what it would be like to have a haunted doll. Apparently they do exist, and they've been known to cause lots of scares....

Joliet the doll, allegedly now owned by a woman named “Anna,” has been passed down from mother to daughter through several generations. The doll is said to curse each daughter to give birth to two children: a daughter (whom the doll will later be given to), and a son — who will die within three days of being born. The spirits of the lost sons are said to inhabit the doll, crying through the night.

        

Robert was once owned by painter Robert Eugene Otto, who claimed he received it in 1906 from a family servant, who was skilled in black magic and wanted to harm the Otto family. Eugene’s parents were said to have heard him conversing with the doll, and neighbors saw it moving rooms from the windows when nobody was home. The family that moved into the Otto home after Eugene died, had a young daughter, who began to see the doll in her room at night — claiming it was trying to kill her.

Before the movie 'The Conjuring" (and the latest movie, "Annabelle"), Annabelle was a real doll, and actually a rag doll, not like the scary looking doll in the movie. Apparently, Annabelle would shift positions during the day while its owner, a nursing student named Donna, was out of the house — sometimes moving to a different room entirely. Donna also claimed she’d come home to find penciled messages, seemingly from the doll, on paper she couldn’t identify as coming from her house. One read “Help Us.” She also once came home to find drops of blood on the doll’s chest, and the back of her hand.

 

       

 Amelia was once auctioned off on eBay, where she became one of the highest viewed items. Its seller posted “This doll is not recommended for the weak at heart or for any little kids to have in their bedrooms!” Apparently, its original owner claimed that Amelia’s eyes were originally blue, but had glazed over in a creepy, glowing green despite being kept out of direct light. Once her eyes changed, weird things started happening. The person who purchased her reported that he found her standing in the hallway, heard her giggling, and once saw her wave.

 

And Bebé, owned by haunted doll collector and paranormal investigator Janice Poole, who claims her home became haunted after purchasing the doll. Poole claims the doll’s eyes follow her around the room, that she giggles, and that she’s run past her feet on several occasions.

So, are you hooked? Pretty creepy stuff, right? Want to read more?  Click here to check out The Haunted Doll Museum!

PLEASE PASS THE SALT

Happy Friday, Halloweenies!

Hope you all have a frightful weekend planned. The Queen will be in the kitchen cooking up some creepy chili for The Count (at his request) and I see a Munsters Marathon in my future. Nothing better than some hot chili on a cool day, and snuggled up watching The Munsters, am I right?

Unless of course it's shopping....

Check out these little salt and pepper cuties! Wouldn't they look great sitting on your dining room table, or resting on the stove, as you're cooking? Guaranteed to make you smile!

I found them on the spitfireinteriors.com website (which has tons of super cool stuff, by the way....) and they're only $14.99 for each set. You can choose from Frankie and his Bride, Mr. and Mrs. Dracula, and the Skeleton couple.

What a spooky way to spice up dinner time!

 

HAVE A SEAT

Now that the Halloween has come and gone, this is usually the time that I think about redecorating a bit, around The Manor.

This also is a great time to look for deals on the www, since holiday shopping is right around the corner. And I for one, think this would be a lovely addition to our cozy, little home.

It's a Vintage Perpetual Fabric Arm Chair, from wayfair.com and I love it! It's priced at $4,842.99 but you may want to put this splurge-worthy little beauty on your Christmas list.... just in case!

I think it's just divine, and I'd kill to curl up in it, with a cup of hot tea and a good murder mystery.... wouldn't you?

Features:
•Black varnished super glossy structure
•Black / charcoal damask covering in velvet
•Chrome glossy studs
•Suitable for lobby, hospitality, dining room

Dimensions:
•Overall: 43.25" H x 35.38" W x 35.38" D
•Overall Product Weight: 72lbs

GUILTY!

Yes, The Queen is guilty!

Guilty of not posting for the last few days. Not only was I quite worn out from all of the Halloween festivities around The Manor.... but I had to report Monday, Tuesday, and this morning, for jury duty!

Well, it was an interesting experience, but I for one, am glad it's over.

Now on to more Halloween-like things.... Are you ready to for a killer breakfast? Make eggs dangerously cool with this Funny Side Up Skull Egg Shaper! This handy frame shapes and molds two eggs into attractive egg art.

Just place the mold in your frying pan, crack two eggs into the rings and soon you’ll have a breakfast buddy to hang out with! Just remove the frame by picking up on the handle- it’s nose! And don’t forget to complete the look with some bacon “cross bones”!

It's from those wicked folks at vampirefreaks.com, retails on sale for $9.99, and I love it! Looks like it's another day of online shopping for the Queen!