tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77438882755188651612024-03-05T16:42:05.764-08:00the queen of halloweenadventures of the Halloween HomemakerQueen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comBlogger543125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-3721524245139290662016-01-29T06:30:00.000-08:002016-01-29T06:39:54.045-08:00A STICKY SITUATION<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFy0EiKC7A5Xvwfih-QNg21MaB1fp3T_vyehrvkqIQ6aqSGB1MG_2DEiYNZEKqavtnVHXtWb0wr1cUXYXef2ZaIYpo8zAQrSsfFRo5HA5eP7z1X85X0bU77wcNJHXQGrEgu3ONPg5Q-s/s1600/111863728328_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFy0EiKC7A5Xvwfih-QNg21MaB1fp3T_vyehrvkqIQ6aqSGB1MG_2DEiYNZEKqavtnVHXtWb0wr1cUXYXef2ZaIYpo8zAQrSsfFRo5HA5eP7z1X85X0bU77wcNJHXQGrEgu3ONPg5Q-s/s320/111863728328_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #06c2b9; font-size: 14.5pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is probably one of the coolest things I've ever found on ebay! Now, don't jump out of your skin, Halloweenies... this is not a Skull & Crossbones Kitchen Aid Mixer.... well it is.... but you'll need a black Kitchen Aid mixer to pull this off. They're stickers!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #06c2b9; font-size: 14.5pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #06c2b9; font-size: 14.5pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's the listing from </span><a href="http://www.ebay.com/"><strong><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ebay....</span></strong></a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "proxima nova rg"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #06c2b9; font-family: "proxima nova lt"; font-size: 14.5pt;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "proxima nova rg"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #06c2b9; font-family: "proxima nova lt"; font-size: 14.5pt;">KitchenAid Fun Skull & Crossbones Vinyl Decals- Set of 8<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "proxima nova rg"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "proxima nova rg"; font-size: 12pt;"><em>For all my fellow Gamers/Nerds/Geeks out there, here is the vinyl decal collection to add a touch of Geekery to any item you own! These vinyl decals are made out of high quality Oracle 631 indoor/outdoor vinyl which can be easily applied to practically any smooth surface including walls, glass, porcelain, cars, etc. In every order I include instructions on how to apply decals but if you need more information please feel free to ask me any questions or refer to YouTube for step by step application instructions.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "proxima nova rg"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They're selling for $9.99 and I'm sure these will go pretty fast, so you might wanna jump on this pretty quick! What a <span style="color: purple;">skull</span>rrific way to start the weekend!</span></span><br />
<br />Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-25133560139416551562016-01-28T07:28:00.004-08:002016-01-28T10:03:53.487-08:00HOW SWEET IT IS!<div class="entry-details recipe-intronote">
<a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/spooky-tortilla-crisps-vertical-a-1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Spooky Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Crisps" always-show-count="true" border="0" class="photo" src="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/spooky-tortilla-crisps-vertical-a-1200.jpg" data-pin-description="Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Crisps, EASY Halloween treat! Crispy cinnamon sugar cookie crisps made with flour tortillas, cinnamon, sugar, and butter. Fun for kids or for a Halloween party! On SimplyRecipes.com" height="400" itemprop="image" width="265" /></a>Hello Halloweenies!<br />
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It sure has been a busy time here around The Manor, with cleaning cauldrons and polishing tombstones, getting ready for spring!<br />
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And it's just about this time that I really start to crave a little something sweet. And I think I found the perfect treat! Let's make some batty <strong><span style="color: orange;">Cinnamon Sugar Flour Tortilla Crisps!</span></strong><br />
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This fa<span style="color: orange;">BOO</span>lous recipe comes from that foodie goddess herself, Elise at <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/"><strong><span style="color: orange;">SimplyRecipes.com!</span></strong></a> </div>
<div class="entry-details recipe-ingredients">
<h3>
Here's what you'll need:</h3>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">4 Tbsp butter, melted</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 flour tortillas</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="widget-ad ad-mid-callout">
For Elise's step-by-step instructions, please <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/cinnamon_sugar_flour_tortilla_crisps/"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>click here!</strong></span></a></div>
<div class="entry-details recipe-method instructions">
<div itemprop="recipeInstructions">
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<img alt="spooky-tortilla-crisps-method-4" always-show-count="true" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-23142" src="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/spooky-tortilla-crisps-method-4.jpg" data-pin-description="Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Crisps, EASY Halloween treat! Crispy cinnamon sugar cookie crisps made with flour tortillas, cinnamon, sugar, and butter. Fun for kids or for a Halloween party! On SimplyRecipes.com" height="266" nopin="nopin" width="400" /> </div>
</div>
<div class="dont-steal">
How perfect are these little beauties?! And what a great after-school-snack for your little monsters. I told you, that Elise really knows her stuff! </div>
<div class="dont-steal">
<br />
Now you need to check out more amazing recipes on her site at <strong><span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://simplyrecipes.com./">SimplyRecipes.com.</a></span></strong> You won't be disappointed!<br />
</div>
Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-11748864690549220432016-01-04T07:24:00.000-08:002016-01-04T07:24:35.045-08:00LET'S GET BACK TO BUSINESS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VK8X5TxlXFqZghZLyO4jMFkdvReO0IJfC4rfov2ed3YfxsaTvRuSl7P5XN3PEbsfY9tG-_SvnfbWR2wJQKtTipQ6vXg71LY35YNTCTiekAgiruspXVlBMPDsIn8RgBQTyLle7LGKiNg/s1600/Witchwatchbroomsweep-animation.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VK8X5TxlXFqZghZLyO4jMFkdvReO0IJfC4rfov2ed3YfxsaTvRuSl7P5XN3PEbsfY9tG-_SvnfbWR2wJQKtTipQ6vXg71LY35YNTCTiekAgiruspXVlBMPDsIn8RgBQTyLle7LGKiNg/s1600/Witchwatchbroomsweep-animation.gif" /></a>I hope all my Halloweenes had a frightfully fantastic holiday and New Years! Now that all of the festivities are over, it's time for us all to get back to normal.<br />
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I love the holiday madness, but what I really enjoy is once all the decorations are put away, and we're getting back into our regular routines... is doing my <em><span style="color: purple;">Spring Cleaning!</span></em><br />
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Yes, I know some of you are saying.... <em><span style="color: purple;">"But Queen, it's not Spring, yet!" </span></em>Well, that's ok, because think of how great it'll be, when you get one of your resolutions knocked off your list! You know that "get the house organized" resolution that ends up haunting you all year long!<br />
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If you're not going to jump in with both feet, at least you can make a little hop by doing a few of these....<br />
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<strong><span style="color: purple;">1. Organize the junk drawer in the kitchen.</span></strong> And don't act like you don't have one, we all do, and it's ok. Throw out anything that hasn't been used over the last year. It probably won't take longer that 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how much junk you've got in there.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: purple;">2. Clean out the freezer.</span></strong> Come on! You know there's stuff in there you have no idea what it is.... and don't forget about that thing you keep pushing to the back, that was there the day you moved in.....<br />
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<strong><span style="color: purple;">3. Fill 1 box or trash bag with clothes that you can donate to your local thrift store.</span></strong> Get rid of those gaucho pants, spandex tops, and leg warmers already, you're never gonna wear them again!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: purple;">4. Clean out and organize the silverware drawer.</span></strong> Maybe even get rid of all of those mis-matched pieces, and treat yourself to some new utensils. Take advantage of all of the after-holiday sales and pick out something you really like, and I bet you can get it for a great price, too!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: purple;">5. Reorganize your bookshelf.</span></strong> Here's another great time to fill up just 1 box, of all the books you've already read, and donate them to a local used book store. Or take them to your <a href="http://www.hpb.com/"><strong>Half Price Books</strong></a> and sell them to make a little extra cash!<br />
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Trust me! Once you get a few of these things under your belt, I know that you're gonna want to do more. And the best part is, that once you get rid of some of that old stuff, you just may have a little extra cash in your pocket to buy something new for yourself.<br />
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Happy Monday, Halloween Homemakers! <em><span style="color: purple;">Now, get to work!</span></em><br />
Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-11838233925180721492015-12-31T14:36:00.002-08:002015-12-31T14:36:57.654-08:00HELLO 2016!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNuaLO81U-msuPpPqoNEMAutFdVsdx_dtjUhETno7ovIWCPfg7DyofNVYP-4bE3q50exNWS0yL9Tm6MmYelVKsxbwcc-f5WbpGVZmwkG1jIgLZqptv7JMoFGcl5qjOwdXH9bTW8kQgQA/s1600/New-Year-2016-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNuaLO81U-msuPpPqoNEMAutFdVsdx_dtjUhETno7ovIWCPfg7DyofNVYP-4bE3q50exNWS0yL9Tm6MmYelVKsxbwcc-f5WbpGVZmwkG1jIgLZqptv7JMoFGcl5qjOwdXH9bTW8kQgQA/s320/New-Year-2016-28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-15734821587042659972015-12-22T06:37:00.000-08:002015-12-22T06:37:01.819-08:00HAVE A VERY SCARY CHRISTMAS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmG_K5BqULsUtWkhGsutwcYYq5hBng_OIvWbjn6pakmYnVhRw-JJcjfdg6SbqKBEe1IEhVJTkI-iAF7UbPmPxOOnCOAEZpPWCHvcUqpIEjAEPvaDO_6yz5eEAyWS84xBe0xIcsVu5Fdpk/s1600/cc59a1ffe6fbdf980ee51fe901424fcd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmG_K5BqULsUtWkhGsutwcYYq5hBng_OIvWbjn6pakmYnVhRw-JJcjfdg6SbqKBEe1IEhVJTkI-iAF7UbPmPxOOnCOAEZpPWCHvcUqpIEjAEPvaDO_6yz5eEAyWS84xBe0xIcsVu5Fdpk/s320/cc59a1ffe6fbdf980ee51fe901424fcd.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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Can you believe that another year has passed again so quickly? Time sure does seem to fly by, when we have as much fun as we do around here!<br /><br /> I don't know about you.... but I'm exhausted! So, The Queen will be taking a much-needed break, to enjoy Christmas with The Count. <br />
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Have a safe and <strong><em><span style="color: red;">frightfully fantastic</span></em></strong> Christmas! And I want to thank you all so much, for being such loyal Halloweenies over the years, and I look forward to all of the <strong><span style="color: red;">fab-<span style="color: lime;">boo</span>-lous</span></strong> things that the new year will bring.<br /><br /><em><span style="color: red;">Enjoy this holiday season with your family and <strong><span style="color: lime;">fiends,</span></strong> and here's to a <strong><span style="color: lime;">Spooky New Year!</span></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-71031122887308093752015-12-21T06:50:00.001-08:002015-12-21T06:50:15.219-08:00MAKE A YUMMY HOLIDAY WREATH<img alt="" src="http://www.freefunchristmas.com/wp-content/uploads/Christmas-Mini-Sausage-Wreath-main1-340x340.png" /><br />
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Christmas isn’t complete without a wreath. Better yet, why not make it a wreath you can eat? A must-have recipe for holiday gatherings, this mini sausage wreath is simple and quick to make and is a marvelous centerpiece for your table of Christmas hors d’oeuvres.<br />
<h2>
Ingredients</h2>
<ul>
<li>Mini Sausages</li>
<li>Refrigerated Crescent Dough Rolls</li>
<li>Red Bell Pepper</li>
<li>Diced Rosemary</li>
<li>1/3 cup Butter</li>
<li>1/2 cup BBQ Sauce</li>
<li>1/2 cup Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Instructions</h2>
<ol>
<li>Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the package of Refrigerated Crescent Dough Rolls. Drain the liquid off of the mini sausages.</li>
<li>Unroll the crescent dough and separate at the perforations to create 4 rectangles. Press together the remaining perforation in each rectangle. With a knife or pizza cutter, cut each rectangle lengthwise into 8 strips making a total of 32 strips.</li>
<li>Wrap one strip of dough around each mini sausage. Lay out the crescent-wrapped sausages with their sides touching on an ungreased cookie sheet in a circle forming a wreath shape.</li>
<li>Bake for 11-15 minutes or until golden brown. Melt 1/3 cup of butter and brush the butter on top of the crescent-wrapped sausages. Sprinkle the rosemary on top of the butter.</li>
<li>Cut a red bell pepper into a bow shape for garnish. Combine the BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until heated through. Serve with wreath for dipping.</li>
</ol>
For more amazing holiday recipes, you need to check out <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters Stuff.Com!</a><br />
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-63875933121117806422015-12-18T07:04:00.000-08:002015-12-18T07:04:06.771-08:00CHEERS!<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_729" style="height: 342px; width: 325px;"><a href="https://cococatjolly.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/image28.jpg"><img alt="A bottle of Apothic Dark and you can't go wrong" class="size-large wp-image-729" height="320" src="https://cococatjolly.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/image28.jpg?w=604&h=603" width="320" /></a><br />
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<figcaption class="wp-caption-text"> </figcaption></figure>A very classy wine friend of mine, just told me about this wine, she said I<em><span style="color: purple;"> "absolutely need to try!"</span></em><br />
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Every year around this time, vintners and distilleries like to release special edition or limited engagement offerings. This year, <a href="http://www.apothic.com/"><strong><em><span style="color: purple;">Apothic Wines</span></em></strong></a> is offering their Apothic Dark. Blueberry, blackberry, coffee, and dark chocolate blend together beautifully in an under $15 selection that is silky on the tongue, but full of rich notes that linger, making the next sip as welcome as the first.<br />
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Served at room temperature or just very slightly chilled, will release the fruit scents as well as the classic coffee and chocolate combination.<br />
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Be sure to check out their <a href="http://www.apothic.com/"><strong>website</strong>,</a> they've got so many <strong><span style="color: purple;">faBOOlous</span></strong> wines to choose from, and it's a the perfect gift for the wine lover on your list.... or for yourself.<br />
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Sounds perfect for those long winter nights around The Manor......<br />
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-42967323670984084832015-12-15T06:41:00.002-08:002015-12-15T06:43:01.746-08:00COMPANY'S COMING!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpxcQnKVCJlEGQrOk1HwS46Fx8-NKBT1_yzyuL_SfxdOcuQM4412yvdeCssJy8KxmRfEXxmcyL_Xc_qreDVsVs5uQP_4bj4TruA8uMX_YEuQ2yApF_Is_TAf9fzRjDcGmQz_BFlSnzjk/s1600/house-work-exercise-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpxcQnKVCJlEGQrOk1HwS46Fx8-NKBT1_yzyuL_SfxdOcuQM4412yvdeCssJy8KxmRfEXxmcyL_Xc_qreDVsVs5uQP_4bj4TruA8uMX_YEuQ2yApF_Is_TAf9fzRjDcGmQz_BFlSnzjk/s320/house-work-exercise-art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The holidays are not only a time for hot chocolate by the fire, snowball fights, and Christmas shopping.... it's also time for house guests! And with all the holiday preparations, the last thing you feel like doing is cleaning your house before company arrives!<br />
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Well, let me tell you.... I, The Queen, am no different. I <strong><span style="color: lime;">hate</span></strong> cleaning, and yes, I have to do it too.... so when you don't have time to waste, you want to get it done fast! So what to do? Get some expert advice, that's what! And that would be Melissa at <a href="http://www.thehappierhomemaker.com/"><strong><span style="color: lime;">The Happier Homemaker.com</span></strong></a> on <strong><span style="color: purple;">"How To Clean Your Whole House In 1 Hour"....</span></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">Start at the Top</span></strong><br />
No matter what room your cleaning, clean from the top down so that dirt and dust from higher surfaces falls on lower surfaces that haven’t yet been cleaned. Dust ceiling fans, then furniture wiping dirt directly on the floor. Clean all of the floors as your last step to remove the dirt and dust.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: purple;">Bedrooms-6 minutes per bedroom</span></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Strip linens and remake beds. When making beds rather than hunch over tucking bottom sheets under the mattress use one hand to lift the corner while tucking the sheet with the other.</li>
<li>Clear all clutter , if you’re in a hurry gather clutter in a spare basket or bin for later organization and tuck out of sight in a closet.</li>
<li>Wipe down furniture with dust spray and microfiber cloth, working top to bottom.</li>
</ul>
<strong><span style="color: purple;">Bathrooms-7 minutes per bathroom</span></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>I like to clean all of my bathrooms at once-make a quick trip around all the bathrooms in the house to clear counters and spray counters and tubs with cleaner, allow to sit while you clean toilets and wipe down the outer toilet surface.</li>
<li>Go back and wipe down counters and rinse tub then clean mirrors.</li>
<li>Come back to clean the floors when cleaning the kitchen floor.</li>
</ul>
<strong><span style="color: purple;">Living/Dining Rooms-7 minutes</span></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Clear all clutter.</li>
<li>Starting in one corner of the room and working around dust all surfaces top to bottom. (If you have blinds and/or ceiling fans, dust those first.)</li>
<li>Use upholstery attachment and vacuum upholstered furniture.</li>
<li>Vacuum floors along with all house carpeting as last cleaning step.</li>
</ul>
<strong><span style="color: purple;">Kitchen-12 minutes</span></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Load all dirty dishes in the dishwasher and fill sink with hot soapy water. If your stove top has removable burner pieces that need to be cleaned, place in water.</li>
<li>Clear counters.</li>
<li>Dunk sponge in hot water and squeeze out excess, wipe down cabinets, counters and other surfaces again working top to bottom. Rinse sponge in hot water as you clean-you’ll be amazed how much dirt comes off!</li>
<li>Wipe down appliances. (When you have more time consider doing <a href="http://www.thehappierhomemaker.com/2014/03/how-to-remove-and-prevent-fingerprints.html" target="_blank" title="How to Remove and Prevent Fingerprints on Stainless Steel">this trick for preventing fingerprints on stainless steel</a>!)</li>
<li>Finish cleaning any stove pieces and replace.</li>
<li>Clean floors last along with all hard flooring surfaces in the house.</li>
</ul>
<strong><span style="color: purple;">Floors-15 minutes whole house</span></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>When vacuuming carpeted rooms work your way backwards out of the room moving quickly and without too much overlap to save time.</li>
<li>Vacuum, don’t sweep hard floors-use an attachment to get corners where dust and pet hair can accumulate. This helps prevent kicking dust into the air that will quickly settle again and aggravating allergies.</li>
<li>Steam mops or Hardwood Floor Cleaners (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016M4YQ2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0016M4YQ2&linkCode=as2&tag=thehapphome06-20&linkId=FVUUGFP75WW3EJIV" target="_blank">this is my favorite</a>) also make cleaning hard surfaces much faster than traditional mops, so I highly recommend investing in one of those to keep your cleaning quick!</li>
</ul>
Thanks so much for the words of wisdom, Melissa! Now that you've got the cleaning done, it might be a good time to sit down for a minute and relax. Make a hot cup of tea and enjoy the cleanliness.... because any minute, the doorbell is gonna ring.....<br />
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Happy Cleaning!<br />
<br />Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-64964618560815764582015-12-11T06:36:00.000-08:002015-12-11T06:36:16.234-08:00THE ZOMBIES ARE COMING.... FOR CHRISTMAS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7u2n1Ga4BZjGNv8E2oJLNRkjH6I6d4pkZK76YEPXgD6JTpfM5sQHbge15uPKOuqziriBCxxUw9tBVgYeKRemyDe2DQ7O3On9hYhKvXT6p_eP0xVnl4VJk7Zbft5tTuEzJ9XgTPBiqKoI/s1600/1d88_zombie_bowl_filled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7u2n1Ga4BZjGNv8E2oJLNRkjH6I6d4pkZK76YEPXgD6JTpfM5sQHbge15uPKOuqziriBCxxUw9tBVgYeKRemyDe2DQ7O3On9hYhKvXT6p_eP0xVnl4VJk7Zbft5tTuEzJ9XgTPBiqKoI/s200/1d88_zombie_bowl_filled.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I'm sure you all know a zombie-lover, or maybe you're one yourself! If it's you or someone else on your holiday shopping list, you really need to <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/"><strong><span style="color: red;">Think Geek!</span></strong></a> Check out all the cool zombified goodies on their website, and just in time for the holidays!<br />
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I for one, need one of the adorable <em><span style="color: red;">Zombie Bowls</span></em>... just $12.99! Tell me who wouldn't <span style="color: red;">LOVE</span> to have their morning cereal is this little cutie?! And at that price, you should probably get more than one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSIzOPLCxnN53_L8hy-4to8S2azVmz19Jdv-E325iClmAeoNjTmsfo1K2Mbr-DAyw4OlG1xZL0dvgUBAf9wJ_TlA7-C5tUP2TXEQXt69cmUDcXTMc4n-Frc5gas99ID3ihpPcs4Af2jg/s1600/ea01_plush_zombie_slippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSIzOPLCxnN53_L8hy-4to8S2azVmz19Jdv-E325iClmAeoNjTmsfo1K2Mbr-DAyw4OlG1xZL0dvgUBAf9wJ_TlA7-C5tUP2TXEQXt69cmUDcXTMc4n-Frc5gas99ID3ihpPcs4Af2jg/s200/ea01_plush_zombie_slippers.jpg" width="200" /></a>Some other cool stuff, are these oversized plush <em><span style="color: red;">Zombie Slippers.</span></em> So cute and cuddly, they'll keep your tootsies extra warm and tasty...oops, I mean toasty on those cold winter nights. They're priced at $24.99.<br />
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And for the gardener, they must have these <em><span style="color: red;">Zombie </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Apocalypse Garden Gnomes!</span></em> There are three to choose from, they're $19.99 each, and they are ready for battle! I can guarantee these are not your mom's run-of-the-mill garden gnomes..... and if they are, I know she'll love 'em too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyk0lAFBgpT731UrBMgJI5tFNmpFxog4JvTkCaZ-eO0osjhJaevp8e4bY70ecDOT06rw8pzImUi9J90bMO3CRp14XFE8xnYWLojTJmOqFzzqXwcHUzHeLaVdIsaek4qc8QSQHoV0gKmU/s1600/f439_zombie_garden_gnomes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyk0lAFBgpT731UrBMgJI5tFNmpFxog4JvTkCaZ-eO0osjhJaevp8e4bY70ecDOT06rw8pzImUi9J90bMO3CRp14XFE8xnYWLojTJmOqFzzqXwcHUzHeLaVdIsaek4qc8QSQHoV0gKmU/s200/f439_zombie_garden_gnomes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
For lots for fun holiday gift ideas, be sure to hop on <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/"><span style="color: red;">Think Geek.com</span></a>, it's definitely worth the trip! Happy shopping!<br />
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-37453865830624249792015-12-10T06:36:00.001-08:002015-12-10T06:37:30.899-08:00COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS CHALKBOARD PROJECT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx1f83WjKTUJ9YOBchbFVi5fCpttbj6CWEW6aRMU5My3ewojd1dC7W9IYOCOHXtAOaLn5V5oIlNkdCCpgdwLT6XMlAxPAeSAbiHBevFKVPEUkxOqLBjU0f92w_2fptQ36OOBfE0bwnqU/s1600/christmas-chalkboard-31.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx1f83WjKTUJ9YOBchbFVi5fCpttbj6CWEW6aRMU5My3ewojd1dC7W9IYOCOHXtAOaLn5V5oIlNkdCCpgdwLT6XMlAxPAeSAbiHBevFKVPEUkxOqLBjU0f92w_2fptQ36OOBfE0bwnqU/s320/christmas-chalkboard-31.png" width="213" /></a></div>
You know we love decorating for Christmas as much as for Halloween, and the craftier.... the better!<br />
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This super crafty idea comes from Abi at <a href="http://www.laughingabi.com/12-days-of-easy-christmas-decorating-a-countdown-to-christmas-chalkboard/"><span style="color: red;">Laughing Abi</span></a><span style="color: red;">,</span> and not only is it pretty darn easy, it something you can use all year long!<br />
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All you'll need is some white spray paint, and old picture or mirror frame, and some chalkboard paint! I'll let Abi take it from here.....<br />
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<em><span style="color: red;">Chalkboards are everywhere right now and my house is no exception. I love doodling new things on this one in our entry when the seasons change. (See my Halloween board and tutorial </span></em><a href="http://www.laughingabi.com/wicked-halloween-chalkboard-tutorial/" title="Wicked Halloween chalkboard tutorial"><em><span style="color: lime;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></em></a><em><span style="color: red;">.) I asked the kids what they thought it should say for the holidays and they both picked a Countdown To Christmas theme. (Did you hear what I said? They agreed on something.)</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: red;"></span></em><br /></div>
<em><span style="color: red;">Since I don’t like my own handwriting much I went searching for a font that seemed “countdowny” but wasn’t too detailed or fussy. I landed on this one called </span></em><a href="http://www.dafont.com/sandwich-paper.font" target="_blank"><em><span style="color: red;">Sandwich Paper</span></em></a><em><span style="color: red;">. After a quick download and install I got to work, following the </span></em><a href="http://www.laughingabi.com/wicked-halloween-chalkboard-tutorial/" target="_blank" title="Wicked Halloween chalkboard tutorial"><em><span style="color: red;">same steps I used at Halloween</span></em></a><em><span style="color: red;">.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: red;">As for the little fillers, a quick Google search for “chalkboard doodles” or “chalkboard flourishes” will turn up about a zillion ideas. I found my inspiration </span></em><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/166371889/christmas-chalkboard-elements-and?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools" target="_blank"><em><span style="color: red;">here</span></em></a><em><span style="color: red;"> but you could use anything. I just felt like swirls and twigs that day.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: red;"></span></em><br /></div>
<em><span style="color: red;">Then all that’s left to do is hang it up and admire its loveliness. Oh, and of course change the count each day.</span></em><br />
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Thanks so much Abi! And for more really cool ideas, be sure to check out the <a href="http://www.laughingabi.com/">Laughing Abi website!</a><br />
<br />Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-60589391212279509182015-12-08T06:22:00.002-08:002015-12-08T06:22:56.818-08:00LET THE BAKING BEGIN!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcl08YZ_n9wqC99kWK6UDHnVF8N7d5A1xT2S4aaX13Sl_YKUQHP8iwLe7QB2KipOxGSqDHQllvumlB8JACs-QndhD6DZpCuvXRWXQyek2vizML_ITWYlTRDdUpzSiG_gQJ51TqV0Z3qA/s1600/skelly+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcl08YZ_n9wqC99kWK6UDHnVF8N7d5A1xT2S4aaX13Sl_YKUQHP8iwLe7QB2KipOxGSqDHQllvumlB8JACs-QndhD6DZpCuvXRWXQyek2vizML_ITWYlTRDdUpzSiG_gQJ51TqV0Z3qA/s400/skelly+cookies.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
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<span>One of the best things about the Christmas holiday is baking cookies! And there are so many kinds of Christmas cookies.... I can hardly keep track! But one of my all time favorite is<strong><em><span style="color: red;"> the gingerbread man.</span></em></strong></span><br /><br /> I think these would look so festive, when you invite the neighbors in to share some holiday punch and cookies, don't you?<br /><br /> Now, I wouldn't be a very good <strong><em><span style="color: red;">Queen of Halloween</span></em></strong> if I didn't share my favorite recipe for <strong><em><span style="color: lime;">Gingerbread Skeleton cookies</span></em></strong>. All you'll need to make these little cuties is a regular old gingerbread man cookie cutter, and some food coloring. Now keep in mind, gingerbread cookies can be quite time consuming.... but well worth the work!<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Ingredients</span></h6>
<ul>
<li itemprop="ingredients">3 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">3/4 teaspoon ground ginger</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon ground allspice</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon ground cloves</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/4 teaspoon freshly milled black pepper</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup vegetable shortening, at room temperature</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup packed light brown sugar</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2/3 cup unsulfured molasses</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 large egg</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">Royal Icing (recipe follows)</li>
</ul>
<div class="subtitle">
<strong><span style="color: lime;">Royal Icing Ingredients </span></strong></div>
<ul>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 pound (4 1/2 cups) confectioners' sugar</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 tablespoons dried egg-white powder</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">6 tablespoons water</li>
</ul>
<div itemprop="ingredients">
Just combine the ingredients, mix well, and set aside until you're ready to frost the cookies. If you want to make black icing (take half to set aside, so you have some black and white icing) add a few drops of black food coloring, mix well. Then you can pipe the icing on with a pastry bag, or spread it with a kinfe.</div>
<div class="col12 directions" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<h6>
<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Directions</span></h6>
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.<br /> Sift the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, salt and pepper through a wire sieve into a medium bowl. Set aside.<br /><br /> In a large bowl, using a hand-held electric mixer at high speed, beat the butter and vegetable shortening until well-combined, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and beat until the mixture is light in texture and color, about 2 minutes. Beat in the molasses and egg. <br /><br /> Using a wooden spoon, gradually mix in the flour mixture to make a stiff dough. Divide the dough into two thick disks and wrap each disk in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled, about 3 hours. (The dough can be prepared up to 2 days ahead.)<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color: red;">Time to roll out the cookies:</span></em></strong> <br /><br /> Working with one disk at a time, keep the other disk refrigerated. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature until just warm enough to roll out without cracking, about 10 minutes. (If the dough has been chilled for longer than 3 hours, it may need a few more minutes.) Place the dough on a lightly floured work surface and sprinkle the top of the dough with flour. Roll out the dough 1/8 inch thick, being sure that the dough isn't sticking to the work surface (run a long meal spatula or knife under the dough occasionally just to be sure, and dust the surface with more flour, if needed).<br /><br /> For softer cookies, roll out slightly thicker. Using cookie cutters, cut out the cookies and transfer to nonstick cookie sheets, placing the cookies 1 inch apart. Gently knead the scraps together and form into another disk. Wrap and chill for 5 minutes before rolling out again to cut out more cookies.<br /><br /> Bake, switching the positions of the cookies from top to bottom and back to front halfway through baking, until the edges of the cookies are set and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on the sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire cake racks to cool completely. <br /><br /> Decorate with black and white <strong><em><span style="color: lime;">Royal Icing.</span></em></strong> If you want to make these guys look fancy, why not add a <strong><em><span style="color: red;">red bow tie!</span></em></strong> Now that's festive!<br /><br /> These cookies can be prepared up to 1 week ahead, stored in airtight containers at room temperature.</div>
<div class="col12 directions" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
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<div class="col12 directions" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-63481156120046975532015-12-04T06:38:00.001-08:002015-12-04T06:39:46.907-08:00HO HO HOLIDAY PROJECT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Friday Halloweenies!<br />
It's another fun project day here around The Manor, and today we'll be working on more Christmas tree ornaments!<br />
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Since we have several Christmas trees here at The Manor, my favorite one to decorate is the black tree. <em><span style="color: purple;">Yes, The Queen really does have a black Christmas tree!</span></em><br />
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And what better fitting a scary Christmas tree, than some <em><span style="color: purple;">Jack Skellington</span></em> ornaments?! Now don't worry, you don't have to be an artist..... (I've included a template in case you don't trust your painting skills...) and you'll only need a few supplies....<br />
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You'll need a few glass, round ornaments, and I'm sure you can pick up a bunch at your local dollar store, but make sure they're plain, since you'll be painting directly on them. You'll also need some white (gloss) spray paint, black acrylic craft paint, a few thin paint brushes, and a pencil.<br />
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Before you start to paint, if you want to use the template, be sure to reduce it to the size that will fit on the ornament, then make a copy, and print it out. Using an exacto knife, carefully cut out the black sections. You should have a cut out version of the face. Carefully place the template on the ornament, and secure it with a piece or two of tape, to keep it in place when you paint it.<br />
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First, spray paint each ornament (front, back, and underneath) and let dry thoroughly. Then draw on the face design on each ornament, in pencil. Once you have it the way you want, you're ready to paint.<br />
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Using the black acrylic craft paint fill in the design. Then let dry, and you're done! I think I'll add some shiny black ribbons for hangers, or some bows....<br />
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Another idea, is you could do them in reverse black and white, with black ornaments and a white face. The possibilities are endless!<br />
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Have a spooky weekend!<br />
Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-53028163418761259142015-12-02T07:54:00.000-08:002015-12-02T07:55:48.874-08:00KRAMPUS IS COMING!<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlfSYJh2pa5n06Ru-9_n2M97pi_Y40qjBNURdvtrjiikZeGxEqBUjBV0js7IctQ2yOmxWioCR5UxiRweCp2n97GyyzaUxfrKc4vqZ4bt9EnX_LwnRFiOjq9Syk1JE__1r7RwLWjmrgMM/s1600/MV5BMjk0MjMzMTI3NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODEyODkxNzE%2540__V1_SX214_AL_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlfSYJh2pa5n06Ru-9_n2M97pi_Y40qjBNURdvtrjiikZeGxEqBUjBV0js7IctQ2yOmxWioCR5UxiRweCp2n97GyyzaUxfrKc4vqZ4bt9EnX_LwnRFiOjq9Syk1JE__1r7RwLWjmrgMM/s320/MV5BMjk0MjMzMTI3NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODEyODkxNzE%2540__V1_SX214_AL_.jpg" width="200" /></a>Well, in case you didn't know....</div>
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In German-speaking Alpine folklore, <b><span style="color: red;">Krampus</span></b> is a horned, anthropomorphic figure who punishes children during the Christmas season who have misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards well-behaved ones with gifts. Regions in the Austrian diaspora feature similar figures and, more widely, Krampus is one of a number of Companions of Saint Nicholas in regions of Europe. <br />
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<div class="kno-rdesc">
And now.... it's Krampus, <strong><em><span style="color: red;">The Movie!</span></em></strong> The film will be in theaters on Dec. 4th, and here's a quick rundown.....<em><span style="color: red;">While the holiday season represents the most magical time of year, ancient European folklore warns of Krampus, a horned beast who punishes naughty children at Christmastime. When dysfunctional family squabbling causes a boy to lose his festive spirit, it unleashes the wrath of a <span class="r-i6Sb0FzKUQ8A kno-desc-sh" jsl="$t t-aej1vpv4GDU;$x 0;"><span class="_dgc">fearsome demon. As Krampus lays siege to their home, the family must band together to save one another from a monstrous fate!</span></span></span></em></div>
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<span class="r-i6Sb0FzKUQ8A kno-desc-sh" jsl="$t t-aej1vpv4GDU;$x 0;"><span class="_dgc"></span></span> </div>
<div class="kno-rdesc">
<span class="r-i6Sb0FzKUQ8A kno-desc-sh" jsl="$t t-aej1vpv4GDU;$x 0;"><span class="_dgc">So, if you're a Krampus fan, or have any on your Christmas shopping list, you may want to check out the goods from those crazy folks at <strong><em><a href="http://mcphee.com/shop/"><span style="color: red;">Archie McPhee!</span></a></em></strong> They've got all kind of <strong><em><span style="color: red;">Krampus koolness</span></em></strong> you'll want for Christmas. Scarfs, sweaters, candy canes, and even Krampus tree ornaments!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCiNG0mio0VdM0EIDSCXdxZv7xDllIt2h2Tlxhg2HK6PnrTSDEqwQkEpA5v81vVs4lOsiN0Cx7fMOpkBce-aVbBM9XOQgzVMl0THLfck896Y0MXfXBbndA5YGKpiyG6k6hZNGMjOjR4Q/s1600/krampus_sweater_vest_flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCiNG0mio0VdM0EIDSCXdxZv7xDllIt2h2Tlxhg2HK6PnrTSDEqwQkEpA5v81vVs4lOsiN0Cx7fMOpkBce-aVbBM9XOQgzVMl0THLfck896Y0MXfXBbndA5YGKpiyG6k6hZNGMjOjR4Q/s200/krampus_sweater_vest_flat.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfKdbwMrVw39LXTJZJJ_qAMW9HqHJS6dWxKH1oAB6aeToZTaoi5z2wJsDAxEZJRzIiymW5TSnFu0mgefDyceDSSyfVioP4FhiMBXbjJydP0gCWCBtsCC1oxr9QbJH9uDH2mo1qH9PwS4/s1600/krampus_candy_canes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfKdbwMrVw39LXTJZJJ_qAMW9HqHJS6dWxKH1oAB6aeToZTaoi5z2wJsDAxEZJRzIiymW5TSnFu0mgefDyceDSSyfVioP4FhiMBXbjJydP0gCWCBtsCC1oxr9QbJH9uDH2mo1qH9PwS4/s200/krampus_candy_canes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.krampusthefilm.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQiAyvqyBRChq_iG38PgvLgBEiQAJbasd54yB8uo1a-ATttEa8ePRM7A4s4WeQR2Q1NNa1-nxtIaAu508P8HAQ#/"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgCFu8oArIK-1P9rqVFLhSYgW_3tLgSWsuTwR2Q9ixcXWHW7l8ftbsxhfGrcQlxKXZqvEIU6LTkZsK4yUeW8iJfHqH4GXbzmfeixNPBYZUKQdzahB32CUG-zeS0N2R1HTF4NCX0o9Rlo/s400/maxresdefault.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="r-i6Sb0FzKUQ8A kno-desc-sh" jsl="$t t-aej1vpv4GDU;$x 0;"><span class="_dgc" style="color: red;"><strong><em>Scary Christmas, everyone!</em></strong></span></span></div>
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-31408154144674873002015-11-27T06:19:00.000-08:002015-11-27T06:19:01.721-08:00LET'S DO THIS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oILGhXdmmu6we8RYMqa0wXU0Qst-EHnyKS-EzhriE0H9AsXPoSGUo9emRU9dukikjfSWRr-R_fr9BbEl5E1Sopcdc4wO5s0BYg83S3co3zEVKevxe9tYaWQiggexgcHK8B7_g6kT0Ng/s1600/happy-black-friday-862x503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oILGhXdmmu6we8RYMqa0wXU0Qst-EHnyKS-EzhriE0H9AsXPoSGUo9emRU9dukikjfSWRr-R_fr9BbEl5E1Sopcdc4wO5s0BYg83S3co3zEVKevxe9tYaWQiggexgcHK8B7_g6kT0Ng/s1600/happy-black-friday-862x503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWy4l_RMzpLyoHPqRAleB5j8seGp9LYQjX4IseYFi6h3TjFwyvxGzad0CaRtCOjK2SVyXRIWG4HQ6yPTCRZDlfP91skAzOHkwRgwhkbtZdaxuJH4OJyScs_Le1zDJtV7722bz5_AfbYFk/s1600/happy-black-friday-862x503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWy4l_RMzpLyoHPqRAleB5j8seGp9LYQjX4IseYFi6h3TjFwyvxGzad0CaRtCOjK2SVyXRIWG4HQ6yPTCRZDlfP91skAzOHkwRgwhkbtZdaxuJH4OJyScs_Le1zDJtV7722bz5_AfbYFk/s400/happy-black-friday-862x503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oILGhXdmmu6we8RYMqa0wXU0Qst-EHnyKS-EzhriE0H9AsXPoSGUo9emRU9dukikjfSWRr-R_fr9BbEl5E1Sopcdc4wO5s0BYg83S3co3zEVKevxe9tYaWQiggexgcHK8B7_g6kT0Ng/s1600/happy-black-friday-862x503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">This is the day that can truly bring out the worst in people! So you need to be prepared. Here are a few tips that might help save the day, and your sanity..... </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oILGhXdmmu6we8RYMqa0wXU0Qst-EHnyKS-EzhriE0H9AsXPoSGUo9emRU9dukikjfSWRr-R_fr9BbEl5E1Sopcdc4wO5s0BYg83S3co3zEVKevxe9tYaWQiggexgcHK8B7_g6kT0Ng/s1600/happy-black-friday-862x503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">We all know Black Friday offers the best holiday season shopping deals, but they only come to those who are prepared and in the right place at the right time. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the sales and discounts so you get the most bang for your buck.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Do Your Research</strong><br /><br /><br />If you are planning on making a special purchase of a big-ticket item based on a Black Friday sale, it is important to remember to check consumer reports and read consumer reviews of the item before you decide to make the purchase. If the product is bad, just because you got it for cheap doesn’t make it a good deal. Take the time to make sure it’s a quality product and worth getting up early or staying up late for the price cut.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Browse the Deals Before You Go</strong><br /><br /><br />Thanks to my site, you can get a good idea of what deals will be where well before Black Friday shopping starts. Knowing which retailers are going to have what on sale and when before the big day will help you decide where and when you want to go, will help with budgeting, and will help you see who you have left to shop for. As you browse the deals, make a list with the product, who it’s for, the price, the location, and any special hours for the sale.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Compare Prices Before You Head Out</strong><br /><br /><br />Shop around to see what the average retail price of an item is before you leave, so you can go to the store that is offering the best deal. Check to see what usually comes with the item you are looking for, and what the store is offering. Many stores offer”stripped down” versions of products, which means you will have to spend money on accessories. Take time to see what accessories you will need to determine if the deal is really worth it or not.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Bring Ads with You</strong><br /><br /><br />Bring sales ads with you so you can have them available if you need to call a store out on their “lowest price guarantee.” Most stores have a policy that will allow them to match or beat a lower advertised price, but will require you to show the ad as proof to process the price difference. Generally speaking, the store policy will not apply to online advertised deals, even in the case of the store website due to online only deals, but you can always print the web page where you saw the deal with the advertised price and give it a shot.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Use Store Credit Cards</strong><br /><br /><br />I’m not saying go out and max your cards. You will still have to practice budget savvy shopping and make regular payments to avoid hefty interest charges, but many stores offer extra discounts and warranties if you make purchases on your store card. This, when paid in full as if it were cash, can offer extra savings benefits.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Early Bird and Night Owl Specials</strong><br /><br /><br />Many stores advertise early bird deals, generally between 4 and 11 a.m., to help draw in the crowd, but also offer night owl specials between the hours of midnight and 4 a.m. to draw in the crowd that doesn’t like to get up early, but would rather stay up late. Cashing in on these deals is not only a good way to beat the crowd, but it’s a good way to guarantee the getting will be good, because typically, once the deals are gone, they are gone.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Familiarize Yourself with Store Policy</strong><br /><br /><br />As stores are becoming stricter on return and exchange policies, knowing the store policies before you go can help you decide where to shop and what places to avoid. Most stores are now starting to charge a restocking fee and closing the return window, so customers do not have as long to return a product. The amount of time you have to return something is important since you’re buying nearly a month in advance. Having a receipt is also very important, because no receipt often means no return.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Don’t Forget the Gift Receipt</strong><br /><br /><br />Many stores are printing a gift receipt so you can include a receipt with the gift in the event of return or exchange, without divulging how much money you spent on the item. While many stores do this automatically for holiday season purchases, it is important to ask for one so you can be sure to have it for the recipient</a></div>
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-42229417340203492482015-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:002015-11-25T07:00:39.253-08:00WARM & TOASTY<a href="http://store.vampirefreaks.com/product_image/thumb/10439/1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Pop Pom Beanie - Graveyard" border="0" src="http://store.vampirefreaks.com/product_image/thumb/10439/1" /></a>With most of us feeling the chill in the air, we know that winter will soon be here. And you want to make sure you keep warm and toasty, but still look spooky chic, am I right? I just loooooove this pom-pom Graveyard Beanie!<br />
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Here's some fun hats and socks from those freaky freaks at <a href="http://store.vampirefreaks.com/"><span style="color: red;">Vampire Freaks.com,</span></a> that you'll definitely want to add to your winter wardrobe!<br />
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The hats are $22.99 on sale right now, and the socks are 7.99 and 8.99 per pair! Not a bad deal, and they're super spooky-cute!<br />
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Not only do they have awesome hats and socks.... but you can find some really fun handbags, shoes, boots, dresses, and tee shirts, too!<br />
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The prices and selection are great, so be sure to check out their store, before all the <strong><span style="color: red;">Black Friday</span></strong> madness, so you don't miss out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8M_jPsD7EVW8eBipMGJSHz2ZNpPAfxdveMKHDdlKxLN7iy-kWXMJI0KvTWESuikJmNbkDb0nUaFjeO78YIAKOVXtyODaK5eaGbEcBNDDM-eZO7w2IX283VcxjRFT510x8SBUgHiHTF8/s1600/sox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8M_jPsD7EVW8eBipMGJSHz2ZNpPAfxdveMKHDdlKxLN7iy-kWXMJI0KvTWESuikJmNbkDb0nUaFjeO78YIAKOVXtyODaK5eaGbEcBNDDM-eZO7w2IX283VcxjRFT510x8SBUgHiHTF8/s1600/sox.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcjzhsiWqxH5EURyG4AGdxKzwOyWVx00zguaVxG-WEr-bEi6-WW4kmLL6ZHjT9HT57v2NCZxVj_rb_30vNCv_s68UHUfsAa4yj5xentOaBi5VEbMS7pcs6k07tIsVIiN-HpK8r4FvJ5k/s1600/sox2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcjzhsiWqxH5EURyG4AGdxKzwOyWVx00zguaVxG-WEr-bEi6-WW4kmLL6ZHjT9HT57v2NCZxVj_rb_30vNCv_s68UHUfsAa4yj5xentOaBi5VEbMS7pcs6k07tIsVIiN-HpK8r4FvJ5k/s1600/sox2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://store.vampirefreaks.com/product_image/thumb/10440/1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pop Pom Beanie - Skeleton Ouija" border="0" src="http://store.vampirefreaks.com/product_image/thumb/10440/1" /></a></div>
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-13409414205777329922015-11-24T06:58:00.000-08:002015-11-24T06:58:01.918-08:00HOLIDAY PROJECT: GOTH CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0q183XXusBhVADk4ZgjMadxCoN4cqJH9HwsVq03rYNBdHoAdjdsNC1-MkdWoqnbogXWHRGIX6gRAdaBtrfB-mDiphXOk4IYbobt29bfQ_aDaVobTRtrpfgP2JtT8qlksA9SufpxcSoE0/s1600/bat8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0q183XXusBhVADk4ZgjMadxCoN4cqJH9HwsVq03rYNBdHoAdjdsNC1-MkdWoqnbogXWHRGIX6gRAdaBtrfB-mDiphXOk4IYbobt29bfQ_aDaVobTRtrpfgP2JtT8qlksA9SufpxcSoE0/s400/bat8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So, tell me, what's a Goth to do, when they're searching high and low for some really cool goth-inspired Christmas ornaments, for the holiday tree? Well, you can search the www and check out every store in town.... <em><span style="color: purple;">or you can make them yourself!</span></em><br />
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If you're looking for inspiration for your goth-side, you need to meet <em><span style="color: purple;">The Queen of Goth, Mary Rose.</span></em> She's a pretty cool goth chick, and has some amazing, crafty ideas. Like these Christmas ornaments, and here's the scoop on how you can make them, straight from Mary Rose at <a href="http://www.theeverydaygoth.com/"><strong><span style="color: purple;">The Everyday Goth.com</span></strong></a> herself.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRum1hOoH6fblyuSUMXQh2eTC7zVKIiwV68xAeOqYIhJ_bkAfL9UiAyC9nHj6_cBQ6kbbaEhWFLXVcZMobEThVZvrv4oy5CcDzIvLfOsapbXGv1HEZJsjjCHS2jiGfpMpWSe27CmK7yGKj/s1600/tumblr_nv618fCuJz1qbv558o2_250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Welcome" border="0" height="200" id="Image3_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRum1hOoH6fblyuSUMXQh2eTC7zVKIiwV68xAeOqYIhJ_bkAfL9UiAyC9nHj6_cBQ6kbbaEhWFLXVcZMobEThVZvrv4oy5CcDzIvLfOsapbXGv1HEZJsjjCHS2jiGfpMpWSe27CmK7yGKj/s200/tumblr_nv618fCuJz1qbv558o2_250.jpg" style="visibility: visible;" width="200" /></a><span style="color: purple;"><em>Polymer clay would be a good place to start. You can mold whatever you like
(that is within the realm of your ability), stick an eye-pin in it, and then
hang it by a ribbon. Personally, even with my limited artistic ability, I think
I could make (very round) bats, spiders, bones, coffins, fleur dis lis,
headstones, keys, icicles, and more.<br /><br />If you're the type of person that
has CDs of your favorite music hanging around, string those up on the tree with
ribbon. Best of all, they reflect light from string lights so your tree will
look twice as sparkly. Besides, since you don't have to punch a hole in the CD
to hang it, you can take the CD down after you're done with the Christmas season
and keep it year round.<br /><br />To use up some of your ribbon/lace collection,
start tying them in bows around the tree branches or onto smaller ribbons for
hanging. Or, you can them around the tree as a garland if you have that much
ribbon.<br /><br />If you saved any small wooden shapes
from craft stores around Halloween time, now would be the time to
slap some paint (or marker or glitter or Mod Podged scrapbook paper) on them,
punch a hole through them, and hang with a ribbon. If you want to you can give
them some Christmas style or just stick to plain Gothic (although I think one of
those bats painted with red and white stripes would look just
darling.)<br /><br />If you prefer the traditional round Christmas ornaments but
hate the usual color schemes (and the exuberant prices of non-traditional color
schemes) you can pick up some plain ornaments and have at them with paint. There
are lots of ways you can do this, from spray-painting the interior of clear
balls to swirling paint in circles and even to painting patterns on the outside.
Once the paint is dry, feel free to decorate the exterior with sequins, beads,
or glitter.<br /><br />Lastly, if you're interested you could take clear Christmas
ornaments and fill them with gothy things. Stuck for ideas? Here are some of
mine:</em></span><br />
<ul><em><span style="color: purple;">
</span></em>
<li><em><span style="color: purple;">Black feathers
</span></em>
<li><em><span style="color: purple;">Glitter
</span></em>
<li><em><span style="color: purple;">Ribbon
</span></em>
<li><em><span style="color: purple;">Beads
</span></em>
<li><em><span style="color: purple;">Miniatures
</span></em>
<li><em><span style="color: purple;">Fake Pearls
</span></em>
<li><em><span style="color: purple;">Dried/fake flower petals
</span></em>
<li><em><span style="color: purple;">Small animal bones
</span></em>
<li><em><span style="color: purple;">Fake spider webs from Halloween
</span></em>
<li><em><span style="color: purple;">Shredded pages of Goth novels
</span></em>
<li><em><span style="color: purple;">Rolled paper
</span></em>
<li><em><span style="color: purple;">Pieces of fishnet</span></em> </li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
Thanks, Mary Rose! Your goth style is truly inspiring! Now it's time to start on those crafty projects, and be sure to check out her blog, <a href="http://www.theeverydaygoth.com/"><strong><span style="color: purple;">The Everyday Goth.com!</span></strong></a><br />
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-56301686845009992532015-11-23T05:59:00.000-08:002015-11-23T06:03:07.872-08:00WE ALL SCREAM FOR HOMEMADE PUMPKIN ICE CREAM!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP_MM6LkaG6RGf3wHJBfu9R46fgFnK9zvotxdKDZdtFWXNIfzn-4LanQR5IHjG4PV-YUUA6Bb7U9HSARjHdFvNI_c5GRTmjOYaiQAFDs-0xbF-Cksdhy2b1coraPMMfX5w42mq7SVsD8/s1600/Pumpkin-Ice-Cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP_MM6LkaG6RGf3wHJBfu9R46fgFnK9zvotxdKDZdtFWXNIfzn-4LanQR5IHjG4PV-YUUA6Bb7U9HSARjHdFvNI_c5GRTmjOYaiQAFDs-0xbF-Cksdhy2b1coraPMMfX5w42mq7SVsD8/s400/Pumpkin-Ice-Cream.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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So many pumpkins, and so little time to use them all! Well, this is one of my absolute favorite ways to celebrate all things pumpkin! How about instead of the traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, we start a new tradition with some <strong><em><span style="color: orange;">home-made pumpkin ice cream</span></em></strong> at this year's holiday feast?!</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This devilishly delish recipe comes from that crafty couple at <a href="http://www.savvysavingcouple.net/"><strong><em><span style="color: orange;">The Savvy Saving Couple's blog!</span></em></strong></a> The recipe is pretty easy, and I guarantee it'll make you the holiday hostess of the year. (Yes, you'll need an ice cream machine) Check it out....</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: orange;">Here are the ingredients:</span></div>
<ul>
<li>1 can of pumpkin <span style="color: orange;">(not pumpkin pie filling)</span></li>
<li>1 & 2/3 cups heavy whipping cream</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon ground clove</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon nutmeg</li>
<li>2/3 cups of brown sugar</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: orange;">Here's what you'll do:</span><br />
<br />
In a mixer, or large bowl mix all your pumpkin ice cream ingredients until well blended. Add the mixture to your ice cream machine, and blend until you reach a soft serve consistency. <br />
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This recipe serves 8 people, and if you're not ready to ditch the pumpkin pie, this ice cream would make a wonderful addition. Add a dash of cinnamon right on top, and it'll be pretty as a picture.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Enjoy!</span><br />
<br />Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-14201180533062138822015-11-20T07:11:00.000-08:002015-11-20T07:11:33.897-08:00LET'S LIGHT THIS BABY UP!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8834NsrYEN7s-jIvXci2FeL9c0CTcN0EwhfGcF9w6jgFTYZP1lmcSoD0T9XRZSVBDVjK04zlWOuYmAa9GUMIoqeu-jmo2Wy1WB8UDCRw7Wh8IGjLl6UjC7hd5vZjQ3bb0NhxPuodcR_k/s1600/blk_wolfmoon_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8834NsrYEN7s-jIvXci2FeL9c0CTcN0EwhfGcF9w6jgFTYZP1lmcSoD0T9XRZSVBDVjK04zlWOuYmAa9GUMIoqeu-jmo2Wy1WB8UDCRw7Wh8IGjLl6UjC7hd5vZjQ3bb0NhxPuodcR_k/s200/blk_wolfmoon_large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Happy Friday, my dear Halloweenies!<br />
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'Tis the season of holiday shopping, and as I'm flying around the web, I've found some nifty gift ideas for some on my shopping list, and for me, too! That's always fun....<br />
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One of my favorite gifts to give are candles. Most people love 'em, and there are so many different kinds of candles on the market now a days.... so I get pretty excited when I find something new!<br />
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Check out these amazing little babies from <a href="http://www.witchcitywicks.com/"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Witch City Wicks!</strong></span></a> <em><span style="color: purple;">Great name, by the way....</span></em><br />
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These are hand-made, all natural soy-based wax candles, in lots of assorted scents. They range in price from about $6 to $20, so they're a real bargain, if you ask me! They've got some really interesting ones, like this <em><span style="color: purple;">Wolf Moon</span></em> from the <span style="color: purple;">BLACK COLLECTION.</span> (Please note: most of this collection have sold out, but I'm sure you can inquire when they'll be available for the new year)<br />
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The <span style="color: purple;">"House of Wax"</span> collection is a diverse range of alternatively-themed candles with ornate, decorative labels that compliment the theme of each individual scent. Like <em><span style="color: purple;">"Holy Ground", "Bite Me",</span></em> and of course, we all need the <em><span style="color: purple;">"Séance"</span></em> candle!<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3q4zsgilZlEwMjx9R3gseslnlgmeteTEv7SbgAeyxlTU8t1_AZEZ8EB2Tfe2BQW0HPIQtlWNK0ue4izWYhtATkl_6gc83wr-EuchSJ5hqjnE8ZlGdkAKE0wzwFVc4OpXyjskThagMZTY/s320/how_holyground_duo_large.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQp8BPOROAvbm0BAQmxgX7tpINi8G88KXu2HkRKJB1bVHaG_olY7JyDFPKhiUICX_9rDcETs-OWWnPQcGSHhjAwDcCa-4pbW7NmZi4yXJmdndU52LqhmU44S_cn7kk0r-7-mRJ7xxO9E/s1600/how_biteme_duo_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQp8BPOROAvbm0BAQmxgX7tpINi8G88KXu2HkRKJB1bVHaG_olY7JyDFPKhiUICX_9rDcETs-OWWnPQcGSHhjAwDcCa-4pbW7NmZi4yXJmdndU52LqhmU44S_cn7kk0r-7-mRJ7xxO9E/s320/how_biteme_duo_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are lots of great scents to choose from, which include some classics like,<em><span style="color: purple;"> Fall Harvest</span></em> and <em><span style="color: purple;">Lavender Rosemary.</span></em> They also have a <span style="color: purple;">"Curiosities"</span> collection with label art work is inspired by modern curiosities and nature, like <em><span style="color: purple;">Opium</span></em> and <em><span style="color: purple;">Rosewood Musk.</span></em> </div>
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And we can't forget about the guys.... they've got scented candles just for the men like<em><span style="color: purple;"> Black Leather, Driftwood, and BACON! </span></em></div>
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Today might be a good day to get a jump on your holiday shopping! Have a frightfully fantastic weekend!</div>
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-67228180075491398082015-11-19T06:30:00.000-08:002015-11-19T06:31:37.712-08:00GOTHIC & GORGEOUS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFj5GJeSPHQuzNqsJ8qssJPoOUy-Nc4mQEhMCOA1QVlPxHAs3DExTobAgILczD1L6TOIjRval3sftqS1ZGC5uiqiqRJwiuPF-qxI2vlGf_ADqOGx9ugkoXJhh3tEl5iSr7x-x_IcgZ8VM/s1600/dresser-chest-diy-makeover-gothic-mystery-feel-appeal-halloween-personality-furniture-unique-interesting-decor-accent-idea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFj5GJeSPHQuzNqsJ8qssJPoOUy-Nc4mQEhMCOA1QVlPxHAs3DExTobAgILczD1L6TOIjRval3sftqS1ZGC5uiqiqRJwiuPF-qxI2vlGf_ADqOGx9ugkoXJhh3tEl5iSr7x-x_IcgZ8VM/s400/dresser-chest-diy-makeover-gothic-mystery-feel-appeal-halloween-personality-furniture-unique-interesting-decor-accent-idea.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
We all like to have fun when we're decorating, right? I know I love to have unexpected surprises around every corner of The Manor. And it's stuff like this that just makes me giggle with delight!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKRJjZyC4HAbmFhp2VDzMtr92DIap9IuH9CZB98FyIdautWoBHs9F3fJHflnS1kDll_qsIXWgK7cV3wRl8tc8NQqruDWEIuxy-NI_EhZe6dqhaxS-tX2loQZrh67Y698sgrjbWNE52zM/s1600/BLACK_COCKTAIL_OPEN_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKRJjZyC4HAbmFhp2VDzMtr92DIap9IuH9CZB98FyIdautWoBHs9F3fJHflnS1kDll_qsIXWgK7cV3wRl8tc8NQqruDWEIuxy-NI_EhZe6dqhaxS-tX2loQZrh67Y698sgrjbWNE52zM/s320/BLACK_COCKTAIL_OPEN_500.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
Check out this amazing cabinet I found at <a href="http://www.jimmiemartin.com/menuNEW.htm?page=Main Menu"><span style="color: orange;">Jimmie Martin.com,</span></a> it's absolutely gorgeous! This <em><span style="color: orange;">Black Cocktail Cabinet</span></em> is just stunning, isn't it? Now this particular piece has been sold.... but you can always copy this gorgeous gothic look. <br />
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Using some black enamel paint to cover the outside of the cabinet, and a nice pop of bright color on the inside, would just make your guests swoon when you open it!<br />
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You might want to hire an artist to recreate the candelabra design on the outside, or if you're pretty crafty, you could make a template or stencil, and do it yourself! And while you're at it, why not use some <em><span style="color: orange;">glow-in-the-dark</span></em> paint to really make it something special!<br />
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But if money's no object, and you'd rather contact <a href="http://www.jimmiemartin.com/CAB1.php"><strong><span style="color: orange;">Jimmie Martin</span></strong></a> directly, you might be able to hire him to make one just for you. It wouldn't hurt to ask now, would it?<br />
<br />Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-58971734693711399402015-11-18T07:16:00.000-08:002015-11-19T06:30:56.534-08:00MOURNING GLORY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBIJXFuEaxYvWyixNkzP09hyHijtR3JXnwf2ugGrkHRwlbGjFRN_05UseqV6fkEheWXYJBT8D0xj_hsLisPR2ByVUjINyPpcPDBEBHf3MntvYQ7_PQyEHmu1W12v-bQsb90EcP4nFPjM/s1600/funeral-women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBIJXFuEaxYvWyixNkzP09hyHijtR3JXnwf2ugGrkHRwlbGjFRN_05UseqV6fkEheWXYJBT8D0xj_hsLisPR2ByVUjINyPpcPDBEBHf3MntvYQ7_PQyEHmu1W12v-bQsb90EcP4nFPjM/s200/funeral-women.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I received an e mail from one of my faithful Halloweenies, Allison.... who was on a recent trip to the UK, and was asking if I knew anything about a big trend going on over there, called <em><span style="color: purple;">"Mourning Jewelry".</span></em> Well yes I do, as a matter of fact....<br />
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Most of us associate jewelry with happy occasions like weddings, birthdays, and Valentine’s Day. But many folks are wearing jewels these days that symbolize quite the opposite. What exactly is <em><span style="color: purple;">"mourning jewelry"? </span></em>According to <em>The Jewelry Insider</em> at <a href="http://jewelry.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Jewelry.com</span></a> here's what they say....<br />
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Mourning jewelry is apparently all the rage right now, <a href="http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anna-schwamborns-hair-and-cremated-ash-jewelery">according to <span style="font-style: italic;">TrendHunter</span></a>, and with vampire chic taking over our pop culture – from <span style="font-style: italic;">Twilight</span> to <span style="font-style: italic;">True Blood</span> – it’s no wonder. So what is mourning jewelry exactly?<br />
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<a href="http://www.jewelry.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/skullsif9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.jewelry.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/skullsif9-300x133.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353264094240677650" style="display: block; height: 178px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>The earliest examples of mourning jewelry were found in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. Black and white enameled heads or skulls were often set into both rings and brooches and worn to signify a period of mourning after the death of a loved one.<br />
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The jewelry category reached its height of popularity in England with Queen Victoria after the premature death of Prince Albert in December 1861. Black jewelry soon became a must-have accessory, as thousands of Brits sympathized with their grieving Queen.<br />
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<a href="http://www.jewelry.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Schwarzer_Trauerschmuck1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.jewelry.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Schwarzer_Trauerschmuck1-214x300.jpg" height="200" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353264034454165026" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 286px;" width="143" /></a><br />
In the United States the use of mourning jewelry increased with the outbreak of the Civil War, which included the emergence of hair jewelry – lopped off locks given to loved ones by soldiers who went off to war, often worn as pendants or in closed lockets.<br />
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How interesting, and you learned something new today. Now let's go make it a fa<span style="color: purple;">BOO</span>lous mourning, shall we?</div>
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-21405651343613977562015-11-17T07:33:00.000-08:002015-11-17T07:48:25.890-08:00LET THE SHOPPING BEGIN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZtsYGu6OAxJwrmy2c7gOOEyenO-WjBmJ1uYDIqQeSQxfvF2RpJBNxGMRWM_-GbhkJ9z2wgxNWxNKNTWSv7s0MxHPwXVLb4ic9zR6p-rPN41L1o54HCAD3Denpl-PHgvLN9_Tlr13aFI/s1600/Design-Toscano-Castle-Dragon-Iron-Wall-Sconce-SP803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZtsYGu6OAxJwrmy2c7gOOEyenO-WjBmJ1uYDIqQeSQxfvF2RpJBNxGMRWM_-GbhkJ9z2wgxNWxNKNTWSv7s0MxHPwXVLb4ic9zR6p-rPN41L1o54HCAD3Denpl-PHgvLN9_Tlr13aFI/s320/Design-Toscano-Castle-Dragon-Iron-Wall-Sconce-SP803.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's that time of year again, and Black Friday will soon be upon us!</div>
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And if you're looking for that something special for a <span style="color: purple;">"Game of Thrones"</span> fan, or to add a little royal pizzazz to your own castle, check out this really cool <span class="title_name"><em><strong>Castle Dragon Iron Wall Sconce</strong></em></span> <span class="manu_name"> by <a href="http://www.designtoscano.com/home.do?dtpd&code=DTGoogleB&ploc=9028269&gclid=CjwKEAiAvauyBRDwuYf3qNyXmW4SJACX9-fXPAFSQLSAeGI-yL_OjGoxKXJiCD6okBMq1dweTzFNLhoCDOfw_wcB"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Design <span style="color: purple;">Toscano!</span></strong></span></a></span></div>
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They've replicated this distinctive sconce from an original heavy ironwork torch discovered in a medieval Italian village. This authentic foundry iron dragon will hold your two pillar candles and add marvelous European flair to your own castle's entryway or flanking one of our distinctively heraldic tapestries. Candles not included.</div>
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<strong><span style="color: purple;">Features:</span></strong></div>
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<li>Holds votive candles</li>
<li>Iron construction</li>
<li>Hand finished</li>
<li>Castle collection</li>
<li>Overall: 16" H x 9.5" W x 8" D </li>
<li>Back Plate: 3.25" W </li>
<li>Overall Product Weight: 9lbs </li>
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They're on sale for $62.90 with <strong><span style="color: lime;">FREE SHIPPING</span></strong> until Nov. 19th, on <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Wayfair.com!</span></strong></a> To purchase, or for more information on these beauties, be sure to <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Design-Toscano-Castle-Dragon-Iron-Wall-Sconce-SP803-TXG2043.html"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>click here!</strong></span></a><span style="color: purple;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;"></span></strong><br />Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-8738179511744783012015-11-13T07:00:00.001-08:002015-11-13T07:00:48.214-08:00HAPPY TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA DAY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirpLI7LWBOjOHJRm0K3xaA6evh_bbNKFqEVh2h4vR-sg0QpwEqazF2arsU1eBPkjrwzriVMWIB1UTTW2yJG2N7BM291M5vJ1u3JPGFplxhNHt2u1YrRcpUw23BeTRDolz5zVVv0iKP3U/s1600/images1U8IKXTL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirpLI7LWBOjOHJRm0K3xaA6evh_bbNKFqEVh2h4vR-sg0QpwEqazF2arsU1eBPkjrwzriVMWIB1UTTW2yJG2N7BM291M5vJ1u3JPGFplxhNHt2u1YrRcpUw23BeTRDolz5zVVv0iKP3U/s1600/images1U8IKXTL.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong><em><span style="color: lime;">Triskaidekaphobia </span></em></strong> is the fear of <strong><em><span style="color: lime;">Friday the 13th</span></em></strong>, and today some people will be so paralyzed with fear they simply won't get out of bed. Others will steadfastly refuse to fly on an airplane, buy a house, or act on a hot stock tip. It's Friday the 13th, and they're freaked out. <br />
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"It's been estimated that $800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day because people will not fly or do business they would normally do," said Donald Dossey, founder of the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina. </div>
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Among other services, Dossey's organization counsels clients on how to overcome fear of Friday the 13th, a phobia that he estimates afflicts 17 to 21 million people in the United States. <br />
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Symptoms range from mild anxiety to full-blown panic attacks. The latter may cause people to reshuffle schedules or miss an entire day's work. <br />
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When it comes to bad luck of any kind, Richard Wiseman—a psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, England—found that people who consider themselves unlucky are more likely to believe in superstitions associated with bad luck. <br />
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"Their beliefs and behavior are likely to be part of a much bigger worldview," he said. "They will believe that luck is a magical force and that it can ruin their lives." <br />
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Wiseman found that one quarter of the 2,068 people questioned in a 2003 survey associate the number 13 with bad luck. People with such feelings, he found, are more likely to be anxious on days like Friday the 13th and thus more prone to have accidents. In other words, being afraid of Friday the 13th could be their undoing. <br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: lime;">Ominous Number</span></em></strong> <br />
So how did Friday the 13th become such an unlucky day? <br />
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Dossey, also a folklore historian and author of <span style="color: lime;"><strong><em>Holiday Folklore, Phobias and Fun</em></strong>,</span> said fear of Friday the 13th is rooted in ancient, separate bad-luck associations with the number 13 and the day Friday. The two unlucky entities ultimately combined to make one super unlucky day. <br />
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Dossey traces the fear of 13 to a Norse myth about 12 gods having a dinner party at Valhalla, their heaven. In walked the uninvited 13th guest, the mischievous Loki. Once there, Loki arranged for Hoder, the blind god of darkness, to shoot Balder the Beautiful, the god of joy and gladness, with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. <br />
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"Balder died and the whole Earth got dark. The whole Earth mourned. It was a bad, unlucky day," said Dossey. From that moment on, the number 13 has been considered ominous and foreboding. <br />
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So to celebrate, let's all stop by and rent <strong><em><span style="color: lime;">"Friday the 13th"</span></em></strong> and make a date with Jason Voorhees at Camp Crystal Lake tonight! Happy Triskaidekaphobia! <br />
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-2375956590778172522015-11-11T06:46:00.002-08:002015-11-11T06:49:40.199-08:00WHAT A TREAT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TaBI4xMpd-mdaPBSnfXZvc35fhIwPyo0wZAIImANCHE4BbkkNy2zGNq0lEz8UPVgU4-fIfc5df0EPAe3iVlS77j1HIcjS_NOw9IL50xmwXi-urgtELlynHzWDZgfOi-uXRVX_1eA4hU/s1600/candy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TaBI4xMpd-mdaPBSnfXZvc35fhIwPyo0wZAIImANCHE4BbkkNy2zGNq0lEz8UPVgU4-fIfc5df0EPAe3iVlS77j1HIcjS_NOw9IL50xmwXi-urgtELlynHzWDZgfOi-uXRVX_1eA4hU/s1600/candy.png" /></a></div>
Well.... We did it!<br />
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We've got another successful Halloween under our belts, and it's time to relax. And I hope that everyone is still basking in the spooky glow.<br />
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Now, if you're like me and I know you are.... you still have a cauldron-full of candy around the house. I've gotten lots of questions on what to do with it all. Well, you can always donate it to a local shelter, senior citizen center, or food bank.... they're always grateful to have a few treats they can distribute.<br />
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Or you can keep it tucked away in a safe place, for when you need a little something sinfully sweet. Let me suggest the first thing you need to do, is take it all and separate it (just the mini chocolate stuff like peanut butter cups, Snickers, KitKats, etc.) into little Ziploc bags, and flatten them out, and store in the freezer. <strong><em><span style="color: lime;">Trust me on this.....</span></em></strong><br />
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You'll thank me, when it's a cold, stormy night, and you wake-up around the witching hour, and your sweet tooth is calling. Just go to your little stash and take out a piece (just one!) and it'll work like magic!<br />
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That's your <strong><em><span style="color: lime;">"Tip of the Day",</span></em></strong> now take today to enjoy what you've accomplished. You did a great job this year, and everyone was in awe of what an amazing <strong><em><span style="color: lime;">Halloween Hostess</span></em></strong> you are! Congrats! <br />
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And don't worry, with only 354 days until next Halloween, I'll have plenty of ideas to keep you busy, all year long!<br />
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<br />Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-56224004726017925912015-10-30T06:57:00.005-07:002015-10-30T06:58:58.559-07:00HAPPY HALLOWEEN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, over the last few months, it sure felt like Halloween was <strong><span style="color: purple;">NEVER</span></strong> gonna get here! But we made it! Tomorrow is the big day we've all be waiting for....</div>
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Happy Halloween to all my faithful followers.... and I know you're busy flying around trying to get the last of the cobwebs in place, cleaning the dungeon while the cauldrons are simmering, and putting the finishing touches on the devilishly good <strong><em><span style="color: purple;">boo-fet</span></em></strong>....but I don't want you to forget why we do all this....<strong><em><span style="color: purple;">to have fun!</span></em></strong></div>
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<em><span style="color: lime;">So I'm putting one of my magic spells on you, to have a fabulous, fun, and festive Halloween! No need to fret, I'm sure what you've done is perfect... and if it's not.... you're the only one who knows! So enjoy!</span></em><br />
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Be sure to send me any pics that you may want to share, and have a safe and Happy Halloween! <br />
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And remember, only 365 more days until we have to be ready for next year!</div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: purple; font-size: medium;">Happy Haunting!</span></em></strong></div>
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743888275518865161.post-80814845120050647332015-10-29T06:09:00.002-07:002015-10-29T06:09:38.825-07:00MONSTER PIZZA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTpH_yV9UW9h5uyhVOg-LspKBn9BCLrSGrEistzTFyr3P1d3OIxF89rNvD-176EDLaF4vDW8VGcBUg6BvfG2fs8xKyvc7T5XxFGKnG0WEhu-7Rpycf1LCX4rzXtrkW_NqpY9rwHzIrp8/s1600/partypizza'.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTpH_yV9UW9h5uyhVOg-LspKBn9BCLrSGrEistzTFyr3P1d3OIxF89rNvD-176EDLaF4vDW8VGcBUg6BvfG2fs8xKyvc7T5XxFGKnG0WEhu-7Rpycf1LCX4rzXtrkW_NqpY9rwHzIrp8/s200/partypizza'.bmp" width="200" /></a>If I can give you any of my Halloweenie wisdom this week, I'd say.... use the <strong><em><span style="color: lime;">"KISS"</span></em></strong> method. <strong><em><span style="color: lime;">Keep It Simple, Silly.</span></em></strong> Those are great words to remember when it comes to party planning. Especially for kids.....<br /><br /> Think traditional Halloween colors, lots of great visual stimulation (decorations and funny props) and <strong><em><span style="color: lime;">fun food!</span></em></strong> (Think finger food and even a candy station!) You know kids<strong><em> <span style="color: lime;">love</span></em></strong> to play with their food! So, make it extra fun for Halloween, try something "simple" like this scary, monster pizza. <br /><br /> Yes, pizza! Pizza is always great for a kids party....so easy to make (just add your own favorite veggie toppings) the kids can serve themselves, and clean up is so quick and easy! (And usually not too messy) You can make large ones or personal ones, even mini monster pizzas (perfect for little goblin hands) Be sure to make a pizza station on your decorated table, and watch the little monsters go bonkers! Here's a few ideas to inspire your pizza-creativity....<br /><br /><br />
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Queen O'Halloweenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368100370195894407noreply@blogger.com