Happy Halloween ~

Happy Halloween...

 

Don't let the goblins get you!

 

 

A bit of this and that ~

Just a bit of this and that to share with you.

 

On my list of purchases to fill out my wardrobe this year was a new black handbag. I wanted something for everyday use, not too big that I could alternate as a cross-over body bag and a shoulder bag. I was delighted to find this one at Marshall's: it is black leather and just the right size and shape. Exactly what I was looking for. I don't carry much in my handbags, if I am going on a shopping trip I carry a tote to stash my purchases, but for everyday errands I have drastically pared down what I need. This is perfect!

 

 

Next on the list...this book. I don't know if it would really make one 7 years younger, but it is full of good, solid, well researched information on health, nutrition, exercise, and beauty, there is even a chapter on stress reduction techniques. I found it very interesting and well worth the read. 

 

And then...who would think that my favorite new neutral for nail polish would be lavender, amazingly it seems to go with everything I put on. This soft shade Lav-endure, is by Cover Girl and I love it. I find that their nail polish is just as long lasting as some of the pricier brands and the colors are new and interesting.

 

Talk about color, it is hard to beat the blue tones of fall blooming asters. They put on the most amazing show and are well appreciated for the interest they add to the garden at this time of year. Growing almost 6 feet tall these are garden giants and definitely have to be placed in the right spot. They also appreciate some support. But my, aren't they spectacular!

 

 

 That's all for now. Thank you for visiting and have a very happy day!

Scary greetings ~

this little witch stopped by to tell you Happy Halloween...she can hardly wait to have some scary fun!

 

 

 

How about you, are you all ready for Halloween. I still have to buy my treats, but the front porch is all decorated. This is such a fun holiday.

 

 After Halloween the little witch will depart and this will be the perfect spot for my beautiful new turkey; decorating for two special occasions in one ~ perfect

Spring surprises ~

Fall is one of my favorite times in the garden, the roses have a new flush of bloom and in our temperate climate it is also an excellent time to plant many things including perennials, winter annuals, winter vegetables, and bulbs!

 

Here is a sample of the bulb selections I have made for this year. These bulbs do not need winter chilling so they do very well for us and come back year after year, popping up in the most surprising manner; I never can seem to exactly remember where I planted them.

I can hardly wait to walk out into the garden this spring and see the lilies blooming, but daffodils, iris ( who could resist an iris called Cherubs Smile) and the dainty leucojum are wonderful too. And what about the sweetness of freesias.

 

I have a feeling that tomorrow is going to be a very busy day!

 

Are you planning any spring surprises in your garden?

 

This post has been linked to: http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/

Un peu de beauté pour la journée ~

A little bouquet made up of garden remnants...a dahlia, some petite chrysanthemum , lantana and  a few succulents.

 

Just a little beauty for your day.

 

 

Soon I will have a flush of fall bloom on the roses, now that will be something truly lovely.

 

Thank you for visiting, I hope you have a wonderful day!

Magical ~

In the far, far back of the garden, in a mysterious place that anyone seldom goes...

..there is something growing. Not only growing but taking over much of the space. It is the pumpkin patch. It springs to life every year, volunteers from a few seeds planted long ago.

 

With no care, and little water, the plants miraculously flourish and come autumn I have a wonderful crop of pumpkins, just in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving.  

 

They like to hide out within the vines, but they get so big that it is easy to find them. In fact they are too large for me to lift alone; when Chris, who helps me in the garden, comes next I will ask him to bring them up to the house. I like them all, but my favorites are the Cinderella types...anyone need a carriage?

 

After the holidays, I will chop them up and throw the remains back on the compose pile where hopefully they will reseed again for next year. My magic pumpkins!

 

Thank you for visiting, I hope you are enjoying these wonderful autumn days.

 

Facile et simple ~

I mentioned in my last post that I had cut some eucalyptus branches from a near by bridle path. I love them, they make the house smell delicious and dry beautifully ~ plus they are free! My favorite way to use them is in a Moroccan vase on the kitchen island. A simple arrangement, but with a large impact. These will last for several weeks or until I tire of them.

 

With the left-over branches...

 

 

I made an arrangement for the interior hall. I combined them in a basket with Sea Lavender, Baby's Breath and Hydrangeas, all that I had dried earlier in the summer. Easy and simple.

 

 

Sometimes easy and simple is the best!

 

Thank you for visiting I hope you are having a lovely autumn day.