Cats...and Black Magic! Day 17

Cats feature a lot at Halloween and there have been a lot of cat decorations around this year, so today's post is all about CATS! *Ü*

I spent some time at my sister's home in Devon last month and I took lots of photos of her black cats - Magic and Aura - hence the title of today's post - Black Magic! *Ü*

LOL at Magic....the cat blinkie is so apt.
To start off the Halloween ideas, here is the first link to cat silhouettes...linked to Martha Stewart.com.  You can download templates for free.

This link is still at MS and is for hanging cat decorations - again with free downloadable templates. 

These cat templates would look good on a lawn.

Whatever you are planning for Halloween, do have fun. *Ü*

Not Your Mummy's Meatloaf! Day 16

I made this meatloaf last year and I thought it would be a good idea to post it again as it went down very well with my friends and sister. I have made 2 today and put them in the freezer. Enjoy you party planning. You can find the recipe here.

Things are really moving fast. Still got lots to do. *Ü* Toots for now,

Free printable labels! Day 15

Everyone likes a freebie. Right? *Ü* Everything today is a free download and will give your bottles and jars and food labels that extra special spOOkiness and fun. I have been scouring boot fairs and charity shops for some apothecary bottles and jars and I now have quite a collection for my 'emporium' of specimens! *Squeal*.

When I was shopping on Thursday, I saw some 'Limey Slimey' jelly topping for ice cream or the likes. I have a label for 'ogre snot' that I have stuck to the bottle! I wonder how many will be pouring it over their ice cream! LOL.

Rather than put photos with the link - which takes a LOT of time...I will say what the link is and post the link, then if you go see what there is, you can choose whether to download or not. *Ü*

A variety of labels including cup cake wrappers here. Also there are examples of what has been done with them.

Drinks labels here.

More labels here and instructions how to make some. Fab examples in 'the witch's kitchen'!

If you would rather buy than make your own, there are some examples on etsy here and here.

Have fun peeps and it would be nice if you could find time to leave me a comment as to what you like. *Ü*

SpOOktacular photos! Day 14

Are you in the mood for being spooked? It's not something I enjoy, nor do I seek to be but for some, Halloween is all about Fright Night and being scared! Here is a link to a blog with some eerie looking photos -  LoveManor . I do like the poem - 'He's been dead for 17 years'! LOL.

A few years ago, I took some photos locally in my area. There were gates and doors which had a covering of spider's webs and I even ventured into the graveyard to take some photos of gravestones for a project I made - see previous post of 'wreaths'.
These photos have an eerie feel to them.

...and this - a row of pumpkins in Central Park.

On our way to church one misty Sunday morning a couple of years ago, we passed a private, gated home. As my camera is usually attached to my hip, I got my husband to halt and I got out of the car to take this eerie photo! I have been wanting this scene for a long time and the weather was perfect that day. It looks like there is a shadow in the distance. It has since become a pet cemetary.

Oooo...I would LOVE to buy this house and use it at Halloween for a family and friends spOOktacular party. *Ü* Love the square turret.

...and this would be my front door...*Ü*

Why not grab your camera and take to the streets to look for some spooky photos? Have fun.

Cupcakes! Day 13

Cupcakes have become so popular and I have seen so many lovely creations - Halloween ones no exception, so here are my selection that I thought you might like.

You may have to click on each of these cupcakes for the recipe - Cindy gives lots of ideas.

Here is a basic cup cake recipe which has a video too.  The following are ideas for decorations. 

Martha Stewart always has lovely ideas too, so head over there to see what she is cooking today.
Happy baking,

Apples! Day 12

I was surprised at how many pictures and recipes I have found of apples when it comes to entertaining. When I was little...ahem...young, I remember the toffee apple man used to come around the estate on his bike when I lived in London. It was especially at Bonfire night and that memory contributes to many that I have of autumn, which is probably why it is my favourite season. *Ü*

So...on to the apples. These delicious ones look rather complicated to make, although I am more inclined to want to try making them.

These caramel ones look impressive...although they do look like chocolate! With - or without nuts.

I like the look of these - black and red. The recipe is an American one, so if someone could interpret 'corn syrup', I would appreciate it. I am thinking that corn syrup would be clear. Is it the same as 'golden syrup'? I am not sure that if using golden syrup, the colours would turn out the same as these.

Back to Martha Stewart's website for something really fun....I LOVE these shrunken head apples! LOL. They are in cider but apple juice could be substituted for children. There is also a video to watch how to make them.

 Apples can be used as cups like here...

Last up...I like this idea...apple slices...so easy and healthy...the core cut out with a cookie cutter.

Have fun with your preparations.
Toots for now,

Sips, slurps & concoctions! Day 11

Parties are all about the food and drink, so this post is dedicated to drinks.

Martha Stewart wins again for me! *Ü* I LOVE this punch bowl. I NEED that butler....but hey...Boris does a good a job as any! *Ü* He's all ready to come out of his box.

This link will take you to instructions on how to carve the pumpkin punch bowl. I am still trying to find where I can get some dry ice. Last year, I searched the whole of my area in the hope of obtaining some. There is still time and I shall check out the pub across the road which has a gas tank....yes, last year I learned about that but it was too late. Also, my local provider of gas bottles for heaters sells another type of gas - I do believe it's nitrogen but I have to check again.

I am one to like special effects when I entertain. I love the WOW factor and I will go to great lengths to get what I want. Watch this space! *Ü*

Other drinks that inspired me are from hostess blog ...which gives a variety of beautiful cocktails - visually stunning. Here's just one - Black Widow!

...and this one - Pina Ghoulada! LOL...

A tip from me regarding decorating the rim of drinking glasses with jelly. I have tried it and the best way to get a good rim is to melt a red jelly without adding any water - strawberry is best as it is 'blood' red. *Ü* Use a wide flattish dish - large enough to fit the glass when you dip it in the jelly. Dip each glass rim and turn the glass back upside. A little will trickle down the side of the glass, which gives the effect of dripping blood. Place the glasses in the fridge to set - although if you don't have enough room in the fridge (like me), put them in a cool cupboard. The jelly being 'neat' will set quickly. The fridge will also give a light frosted appearance. I tried the rim dip last year and added water to the jelly - wrong! It's too watery.

We don't drink alcohol, so I have lots of different types of drinks for adults and children alike. Such as...Innocent smoothies.

They come in wonderful Halloween colours - deep purple - blackberries, strawberries and boysenberries. Orange is mangoes and passion fruit and green is apples, kiwis and lime (banana free) - all healthy too. *Ü* I shall be making pina colada cocktails - again without alcohol and a warm spiced apple punch - hopefully served in a pumpkin bowl.  

So peeps...if you come up with your own concoction, do let me know and I will give it a try - so long as it is without alcohol! *Ü*