COLD AS ICE

Since I've been talking a lot about party planning this week, let's keep going with that. Mostly because I found this amazing idea that I think would really perk up the old punch bowl, for your upcoming party....

Make some ice cube roses! Trust me, it's way easier than it sounds! And can you just picture these little beauties floating around some witches brew? Maybe even add some dry ice for a super-spooky effect.

For step-by-step instructions to make the ice cube roses, check out Jonathan Fong Style!

Here's what you'll need to make the Witches Brew:

This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and make, so be sure that your ice cubes are all set and ready for the punch bowl. This should be the last thing you put out (about 15 minutes) before your guests arrive.

20 cups water
1 lg. can frozen limeade
1 lg. can frozen lemonade
1 pkg. lemon-lime kool-aid
1 cup sugar (or 1 pkg. presweetened lemon-lime kool-aid)
1/2 lg. can pineapple juice
1 lg. bottle ginger ale
2 cups chilled vodka (optional)
Black food coloring

Add the first 8 ingredients into a large punch bowl. Mix well. Add a few drops at a time of the black food coloring, to get the desired color (darkness) that you want, mix well. Add ice cube roses. (I suggest that you make 2 dozen of these if you're going to use in a big punch bowl) It'll keep the punch cold enough, and look spooktacular when all the roses are floating in the Witches Brew!

This punch bowl would also make a fantastic centerpiece if you're hosting a Twilight movie marathon or a Vampire-ish themed dinner party..... love it! (More on that idea coming up tomorrow!!!)

TIME TO PLAN A PARTY!

What better way to get geared up for the Halloween party season.... than to throw a Spooktacular party!

There's only 113 days until Halloween..... and in case you didn't know, Friday the 13th is coming up on the calendar pretty fast. So let's plan a (gown-up..... no kiddies allowed at this one) party, shall we?

Theme parties are always fun, no matter what time of year. And a good one to begin with is a Friday the 13th theme.... complete with the Friday the 13th movies, cocktails, a fabulous menu... and guests come dressed as your favorite slasher Jason Voorhees...or one of Camp Crystal Lakes many victims!

As for the menu, think camping food....grill hot dogs, macaroni and potato salad, chips and dips! Have lots of soda, wine, and beer filled up on ice, in coolers. And if you've got the space and a fire pit in your back yard, plan on making a campfire and toasting marshmallows before the movies begin!

And if you've got time, it might be fun to make some camp counselor shirts for yourself or your party guests! Just copy and blow up the image below and use a transfer kit, or fabric paint to put on a plain tee-shirt!

It's gonna be a great party, Mrs. Voorhees would be so proud!

HOLY BAT PILLOWS!

Well, I've known for a long time that I've gone batty, but I can't help it! This pillow is just too adorable! I could see a flock of these sitting around the Manor. (Might even be a great idea for a lampshade??? Huuuuummmm......)

Pillows always add that finishing touch to a room, and if you're not an expret seamstress.... you can pretty much fake it, since they're not too terribly difficult.

This little masterpiece doesn't really take much time at all, so check out the the step by step instructions from Ameroonie Designs! Love it!

As for the lampshade idea..... get an old lampshade and stitch on or hot glue the bats.... (I think I have a new project this weekend.)

CAGED CREATURES

I always think some of the most fun I have during the Halloween season is the "making of the props"!

It gives you the chance to be wildly creative and you'll just love the "oohs" and "aaahhhs" you'll get from your party guests.

Bottles of potions, jars filled with eyeballs, and a bubbling cauldron are always a treat, but don't forget to have some caged creatures hanging around. Check out these amazing creations from CT Pub Blog.com, and get inspired! They'll give you the step by step instructions and I guarantee, once you get started, it'll be hard to stop!

Now don't be scared off, it's really easier than you think...... trust me.

A & E GREENLIGHTS "BATES MOTEL"

By Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY

No pilot necessary. A&E Network announced that it has ordered 10 episodes of "Bates Motel" the first new project from executive producer Carlton Cuse since "Lost" ended.

He'll be partnering with exec producer Kerry Ehrin (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood) on the show, slated to premiere in 2013.

Pre-production and casting will begin immediately on the series, which was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's famous "Psycho" film.

It's being described as "a contemporary exploration of the formative years of Norman Bates' relationship with his mother, Norma, and the world they inhabit," says the release. "Viewers will have access to the dark, twisted backstory and learn first-hand how Norman helped forge the most famous serial killer of them all."

For more on this story, click here.

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

Ok, time once again for another crafty project! This is so darn cute, I'd wear it all year long... and you can too! Now, if you're not an expert with the crochet hook, don't worry..... this is a pretty simple pattern, and hey.... you don't know unless you give it a try!

Just attach some bobby pins or barrette to use as a hair-clip.... or secure a pin-backing to pin it on your hat, jacket or handbag! And if you're an expert crocheter, wouldn't these be great party favors?! (Just hot glue a magnet on the back.... sooooo easy!)

Just click on the link for the directions, it comes from the amazingly talented folks at Louie's Loops!

PUMPKIN VOTIVES

If the thought of frightful jack-o'-lanterns gives you the chills, opt for a lovely and luminous group of votive holders instead. These gently glowing lights, cut from pumpkins in pale hues, are easy to make: Simply slice off the tops, and scoop off the flesh. Set on glass votive holder and candle inside each, and arrange a few small, uncarved pumpkins alongside. (But remember: Keep an eye on the lighted candles, and be sure to blow them out at the end of the evening)

To make pumpkin votives with miniature pumpkins (pictured below), you will need miniature pumpkins, votives, floral cutters, and a hand-drill fitted with a 1 1/2-inch-wide paddle bit. If possible, get a second person to help: He or she can don a pair of work gloves and hold the pumpkin in place as you drill.

1. Using floral cutters, trim the stem from the pumpkin.
2. Center the paddle bit over the pumpkin, and drill about 1/2 inch deep.
3. Insert votive. The pumpkin can be stored in a cool, dry spot for up to one day.

For more sophisticated decorating ideas, check out Martha Stewart.com!