Ooooo Scary... Read it Again!

Since the first hint of pumpkins, goulies and witches hit the stores weeks ago, my girls have been begging me to break out the Halloween goodness. I have a hard time doing anything before October 1st, so now that we're officially past that, I could no longer procrastinate and Jim and I were forced to venture under the house and dust off the Halloween bin.

After a fun filled evening of spooky inspirational music and candy corn treats, we've put everything out and the girls are super excited. I dug out all the Halloween/scary movies (Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline, Corpse Bride, It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown) and pulled all the Halloween books from the shelf so we have a month of spooky reads. Yup, we're all set!

Alyssa's book post got me thinking about all the Halloween books we like to read around here. They've become even more special since we only read them this time of year. So I thought I'd share our faves and hopefully, you'll share yours because we're always looking for more! Plus, it's early enough in the month, that there's still time to check them out!


Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman

This is probably my favorite one. The girls and I just read it tonight. It's about a witch who grows a pumpkin so large, she can't manage to pull it off the vine and she's got quite the hankering for pumpkin pie!
Lots of fun to read and cute repetition for the kiddos.

I give it 5 out of 5 pumpkins



Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

The story of a witch out for a nice leisurely flight. She meets some friends along the way, each one hoping that there's "room on the broom" so they can come too. Super fun rhyming tale (I love cute rhyming stories) and there's definitely room on the broom so don't miss out!

I give it 4.5 out of 5 pumpkins



In the Haunted House by Eve Bunting

Not a whole lot of story to this one, but the girls love it, so I have to include it in the list. Cute story about a little girl and her dad who venture into a haunted house, but who's the one who's really scared? Like I said, not the most fun to read, but the kids enjoy it.

I give it 3 out of 5 pumpkins

Spooky Hour by Tony Mitton

Another fun rhyming tale as the "midnight spooks" countdown to their Halloween party. Cute story with lots of different ghoulies and fun to say sound words like "clickety clack."

I give it 4 out of 5 pumpkins

Pirates Don't Change Diapers by Melinda Long

Technically not a Halloween book, but with the pirates, I'm sneaking it in here. I was reluctant to read this originally, but found out that it's a really cute story and it's made even better if you use your best piratey voice when you read it. Argh, matey, don't pass this one up!

I give it 5 out of 5 pumpkins



Happy spooktacular reading! :o)








Originally written for The Mama Dramalogues.

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What a Treasure!

How fitting for the first day of October.

Treasury created by PreschoolDoll Design, a member of the EtsyKids Treasury Team.

Pop over to Etsy and leave a comment on this treasury and the many other great treasuries created by and featuring EtsyKids team members.

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EtsyKids Design Challenge: We have a Winner!

Green Goat's little dress (entry No. 2) is the winner of this month's challenge! Congratulations!

Green Goat is an Etsy store that displays a fantastic collection of animal and nature inspired illustrations, all hand printed by talented Mary Cobb on organic cotton shirts and dresses. Mary is a loving mommy of two by day and talented artist, and screen printer by night. Her work shows her love for natural, simple things, and images of yesterday. Please make sure to visit her lovely store.

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Trick-or-Treat

There is something about a trick-or-treat bag isn't there? My kids, certainly have their favorites that are used year after year. The sweet little quilted buckets grandma made for them as toddlers were quickly out grown, and they graduated to larger buckets.

You see, in our neighborhood highly populated by young families with kids, the perfect trick-or-treat bag is as essential as shoes. Comfortable reinforced handles, good depth but not too much so it drags on the ground, and needs to hold lots and lots of candy because you'll explore every inch of the neighborhood 'till the neighbors all run out!

EtsyKids team members are a great resource for unique handmade trick-or-treat bags. Just look at this whimsical collection ... they'd even work as gift bags and would be perfect for BOOing your neighbors.

Boutique Cats and Bats Trick-or-Treat Basket by ladesigns2
Costume Halloween Tote TOT by SkippyDoodle
Customized Trick-or-Treat Bag by sewcutecreations
Jack-o-Lantern Tote by twozanyzebras
Candy Corn Trick-or-Treat Bag by pumpkinsboutique
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Bags by monkeytreecreations
Crocheted Lady Bug Tote by onceuponahook

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The Kindergarten 15

It's hard to say "no" to a face like that.

This is the year I finally have a kindergartner. She's almost as excited about it as I am. Almost. I'm pretty darned exited about it. Especially since her younger sister started preschool and I have 4 whole hours to myself each week! I know the mind boggles with what to do with all that "free time."

There have been a few hiccups with the new routines; the bus drops Peri off at 11:25 and Ryah's preschool is over at 11:30, so I've had to find work arounds for being in two places at once. Fortunately, I have great friends that help me out. But for the most part, things have been running smoothly and we've all adjusted. Imagine my surprise when I got a phone message the other day, from Peri's kindergarten teacher...

"Hi Holly, this is Amber X, Peri's teacher, and I just wanted you to know that Peri has been eating breakfast in the cafeteria in the mornings. I only just found out today and when I talked to her about it, she said it was her second breakfast and she was able to tell me what she'd already eaten at home. I thought "Oh no" and I'd better check with you about that. Sorry I didn't catch it sooner, but she's been charging her breakfasts. I'll send her account balance home with her next week."

I didn't know whether to laugh or groan. I mean, it's pretty funny that a 5-year-old can just walk in there, get breakfast and have it added to her non existent account. But I was also a little annoyed that I was footing the bill for such an obvious oversight on the school's part. After I called her teacher back, to let her know that Peri should not be eating at school and that I would pay the balance next week, I was baffled as to how that could even happen. I remember as a kid that you either had to pay cash for your school food or have a prepaid card from your parents, there was no "tab."

So, for the last two weeks, Peri has been running up a cafeteria bill, unbeknownst to me and her teachers. I know she did it because it was there and she saw other kids eating and thought it was okay. But I wonder how long it would have gone on? Maybe until her next well check up visit, when the nurse would inform me that Peri had managed to gain 15 lbs since her last visit and that it's a little excessive. Or those brand new school clothes start fitting a lot snugger than they should.

In any case, there is now such a thing as the Kindergarten 15 and you heard it here first. This will be one of those things I tease her about in the future and we'll just laugh it off, but for now, I have to go pay the bill. Then again, today is her birthday (Happy 6th Birthday Periwinkle!); perhaps we'll just write it off as a gift and not add it to her tab. :oP








Originally written for The Mama Dramalogues

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I'm reading a new book

Since I've stalked Kimora Lee Simmons and read everything she's written...I thought I'd start on Russell now! LOL! Actually, I've been wanting to read this book forever! And I have to share 'nuggets' - you now how I do it! So here we go.... short and sweet!

Law Number One: See your vision and stick with it: Degrees are helpful, but they won't guarantee you success in the business world. Only faith and dedication to your vision can do that! *I dream my painting and paint my dream* Vincent Van Gogh

Have a great weekend! OX

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EtsyKids Design Challenge: It's time to VOTE!

It's time to vote for your favorite item! Voting will be open through midnight EST on Monday, September 27th. This month, EtsyKids members were challenged to create an exciting new item based on a theme "Orange Spice". We received a lot of fantastic entries from some talented designers and crafters. Each participant was assigned a unique random number. Please note your favorite from the list below and place your vote. You can also view each entry in detail by clicking on links provided at the bottom of this post or HERE.


(If you can't view the voting poll above, please follow HERE to vote.)

1. felted high top baby shoes - pumpkin - size 1, 0-3 months by thecleverkitty
2. Reserved listing for Ellenor by greengoat
3. Plush Stuffed Duck Recycled Boiled apricot cashmere Fuzzy Duck by rosirouge
4. Dachshund puppy - crochet doggie in the colour of your choice (made to order) by KuDum
5. Autumn Fox - Wool Felt Finger Puppet by stayawake
6. Drawstring Unbleached Cotton Crawler Pants with Orange Reinforced Knee Patch by jessierivers
7. Overall in Orange Stripes - INFANT SIZE 6-12 MONTHS - READY TO SHIP by OverallBaby
8. A Set of Crochet Earflap Hat and Knitted Wrist Warmers by ilutegijaDesigns
9. CSL Real Neck Ties for Little Boys in Groove by CandyStickLane
10. Fall Harvest Posh Tutu Perfect for Thanksgiving by dara43
11. Halloween Pumpkin Witch Girls Bubble Skirt - reversible denim - Toddler 2-3 years by angeluci
12. Pumpkin Patch - creeper or t-shirt by roseprintsonline
13. Halloween Jack-o-Lantern Ribbon Tag Blankie Blanket Lovie Lovey Baby Gift by LifeInTheSassLane
14. Mommas Lil Pumpkin Hat Orange by ohbabydotcom
15. Little Miss Frilly PUMPKIN crochet hat perfect for HALLOWEEN or THANKSGIVING by littlemissfrilly
16. THANKSGIVING DAY HAIR BOW FOR BABY TODDLER LITTLE GIRL by jjkgirlythings
17. Butterflies Boutique Custom Handpainted Jeans Blouse Girls 2-8 by paintedbutterfly
18. ToadStool Back Pack- Burnt Orange Fairyland Dreams by TheSewingLoft
19. Retro Pillowcase Dress by reachmichellee
20. Halloween Trick or Treat Bag ready to ship by monkeytreecreations
21. Custom Boutique Halloween Orange Dotty Trick or Treat basket by ladesigns2
22. Black Jack O'Lantern Turtleneck Bodysuit 12 mos by windylou
23. Pumpkin Baby Sweater in Soft Merino Wool by BurryBabies
24. Maria the fox baby bib by PinkNounou
25. Beautiful A-line Top with Coordinating Capri or Pant Set by MomFriday
26. Raggy Pumpkin Applique Shirt or Onesie - Embroidered Personalized Custom Monogrammed by EmbroideryByCindy
27. Song Bird Autumn Apron Knot Dress 3 4 year 3T by AveryLane
28. Puffy Thanksgiving Fall Pumpkin Hair Clippie by mormishmom
29. CANDY CORN TRI COLOR KNIT CHILDREN'S HAT by Sew4MyGirls
30. CUSTOM HANDMADE HALLOWEEN BOUTIQUE WITCH PILLOWCASE DRESS / SWING TOP / TUNIC TOP 18M. TO 10 YRS. OLD GWBG DBCB by PRINCESSDESIGNS
31. Minky baby or toddler blanket and 2 burp cloths. towels, fall rainbow gift set by yourloveyboutique
32. Orange Glow Flower Fairy Princess Skirt and Crown by FairyGodmother4Hire
33. ETSYKIDS ORANGE SPICE CHALLENGE. JUMPER WITH MATCHING JACKET. Reserved Listing for Kipper808. by auntyanndesigns
34. Trick or Treat Pillowcase Dress - Custom sizes 0-12, 12-24, 2t, 3t, 4t, 5t, 6, 7, 8 NEW DESIGN by thepolkadottotspot
35. SPOOK TIE Halloween T-shirt or Onesie by thenook
36. Yellow and Orange Pompom Hat by littlechickknits
37. Bebe Paper Doll 9 - Autumn Wicca by rockpapertekla
38. EXTRA LARGE ORANGE SPiCE FLOWER WiTH BLACK NYLON HEADBAND by kyliemichelle
39. Colorful poncho hand-crocheted for baby with FREE SHIPPING by IrishHooksAndYarn
40. Little Boys, Vest and Reversible Pleated Pull on Pant, 12-18 months, Oh Boy Transportation by CottontailKids
41. Amber Sun- Regal Play Ball- Medium Size by RegalCottage
42. Girls Blouse - Orange floral long sleeve tunic custom handmade by littlestarclothing
43. Orange Blossom Reversible Classic Apron - Kids Size - SALE by luckyduckydesigns
44. OOAK Child Baby Autumn Fall Leaves Hat Acorn DESIGNER Hand Knit Oak Leaf Cap by FiddlestyxStudios
45. The Esmerealda Two Tone Twirly Skirt by Bellesmademoiselles
46. Flames Bib/Burp Cloth Set by LilBitSassy
47. Tawit Tawoo - Children's belt by belties
48. Patchwork Lovey ..... Fall Breeze by SquishyBee
49. Orange Pencil/Marker/Pen/Crayon Cup with Chalkboard Label by PreschoolDoll
50. Geometric Retro Pattern Baby Changing Pad by LulabellesGifts
51. Leaf Suncatcher Kid Kit by SmartBottomKids
52. Fall pumpkin onesie or t-shirt by hounddogdesigns
53. AUTUMN LEAVES and ACORNS Moda PUMPKIN SPICE by Deb Strain Orange Brown FALL Boutique Custom Pillowcase Dress by lilsweetieboutique
54. Infant Sleep Sack - 100 Percent Organic Wool Filler - Just Peachy Damask by WoollyBoo
55. Pumpkin Felt Hair Clip by cortsthings
56. Halloween and Fall Pumpkin Patch Applique Custom Onesie or T Shirt with Name by TheRoyalDetails

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