Sunday, September 22, 2013

Halloween In The House

It’s the first day of Fall and I’m all finished decorating for Halloween.  It took me a serious amount of self control not to start decorating at the end of August.  Halloween is my most FAVORITE time of the year.  I love Christmas just as much…I really do.  But there’s just something about Halloween that makes my heart way too happy…the cooler weather, pumpkin spiced lattes, and well…everything in between!!! 

My boys were chomping at the bit to get this place decorated.  I was a big holiday bah-humbug last year and didn’t put too much effort into decorating for anything.  Now that we’ve been here for a year, I am way too excited to celebrate everything!

My favorite part of the house is definitely my fireplace/mantel area.  And I’m super excited about the way it turned out this year.

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I’ve had these pumpkins for YEARS and finally have a place to put them all!  The big spiders were from Martha Stewart & I got them at Michael’s for 25% off :)  My boys are OBSESSED.

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I found the wreath at Marshall’s and that little October 31st sign from Ross for a grand total of $20…I think.  The banner is another Martha Stewart creation and I found that at Michael’s, too.  I really considered making my own, but I’m all about using the Easy Button these days. 

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My sassy little glitter spiders are from Michael’s and I wish I would’ve picked up more. 

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You’ll notice that I have a serious obsession with chalkboards and skulls…both of which are a predominant decoration in the house this year.  My big black glittery skulls are from the Dollar Tree and I’ve had them for a few years.  You could easily make your own with a little black spray paint and glitter.  The smaller skulls are from Michael’s and the Dollar Tree.

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I found that fun little framed skull pic at Marshall’s, the jack o’lantern is from Hobby Lobby, and that scary little boy is from Ross.  I’ve had him for a few years and each time I take him out of the box, Mr. Spouse freaks.  He absolutely HATES that thing.  I agree…he’s a pretty creepy little thing to look at.

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We have a pretty open floor plan and you can see this table…and the living room…as soon as you walk in the house.  I wanted to make sure to decorate this little space this year and it’s kind of just a hodge podge of randomness, but I’m loving the way it dresses up this little space.  Those cute little witch feet are still my favorite piece of Halloween décor!  I got those years ago from Kirkland’s after Halloween and I think I only paid a few dollars for them!!!  I LOVE them!!!

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Speaking of good deals, I found this darling little piece of subway art last year after Halloween and paid a whopping $3 for it!!!  I love it when I find cute things on the cheap!  It’s even better when you totally forget you bought it and you get a pretty nice surprise when you open up your holiday boxes to see it sitting there.  Good times, I tell ya.halloweenhouse10

This was another Kirkland’s find a few years ago and it’s right up there with one of my favorites.  Just too cute!

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And here’s just a whole bunch of random.  halloweenhouse12

Here’s another little table you see as soon as you walk in the front door.  It’s a little blah, but it’s a tiny table so there’s not much I could put there.  I made the music sheet wreath a few years ago and it’s a permanent decoration.  We didn’t have anything else to go there :)  I’m LOVING my little cloche that I found for a steal at Marshall’s!!  That little Trick or Treat sign is from Marshall’s, too.  Can you tell I love that place?!

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I used cheesecloth for my table runner and plopped a big ol’ tray full of apothecary jars filled with Fall goodies on the top.  I found the bats at Michael’s {Martha Stewart} and I need to go back and put them all up because they’ve since fallen off.  Dangit.

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A little spanish moss and some Dollar Tree skulls & Hobby Lobby pumpkins make up this little arrangement.halloweenhouse16halloweenhouse17 halloweenhouse19 

Here’s our little shelf/buffet area in our kitchen.  My husband made these shelves for me a couple of years ago following the House of Smiths tutorial.  Technically the short shelf should be on the top, but we hung these around 4 am the morning of my sister’s baby shower and I didn’t notice what the heck we were doing.  But let me just tell you that I love it.

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I use chalk markers for all my chalk art because I don’t get along with the real deal.  Chalk doesn’t like me.  I freehand everything, so that’s why it looks a little scary & askew.halloweenhouse22halloweenhouse23 halloweenhouse24halloweenhouse25 halloweenhouse26

This little window is hanging up right across from my shelf area.  I know I could probably dress it up a lot more, but I’m sorta loving the simplicity.

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I think my boys were most excited about these little silhouettes I found at Michael’s  {Martha Stewart}.  I let them decorate this {almost} all by themselves. 

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The porch is still a work in progress.  I really, REALLY want to go all out.  I’m not sure I have the energy.  Or the time.  Or the funds.  But I really, REALLY want to.  Chances are, this will be the only thing on our porch when it’s all said and done.

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I wasn’t kidding about my obsession with chalkboards and chalk art.  Don’t look too close because this is a little jankity, but I absolutely LOVE this chalkboard.  I found it at Hobby Lobby in the furniture section and used my 40% off coupon :)  Thank you, Hobby Lobby!!

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So there’s my little Halloween house tour.  Nothing fancy.  Nothing special.  But so perfectly Halloween and that’s just my favorite part of Fall :)  Now it’s time to light my pumpkin spice candles and cozy up on the couch.  It’s FREEZING here!  The temperatures actually dropped below 90 and I’m in long sleeves and pants…we haven’t seen the low 80’s in FOREVER ;)

Happy Fall, y’all!

69 comments:

  1. Your decorations are fabulous, but I'm not a big fan of "holiday creep"! :) I started decorating my house for fall today, but I won't put up anything specifically Halloween until Oct 15th or so. And I won't put up anything Christmas until Dec 10th at the earliest.

    I love my holidays, but IMO, decorating for them too early takes the special-ness and excitement out of them. After a couple of weeks, you just don't see the decorations any more.

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    1. Well...everyone is entitled to their own opinions :) What works for one family doesn't work for everyone! We absolutely LOVE decorating far in advance and we've done it since I've been married...10 years now :) I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll be decorating for Christmas on November 1st :) Can't wait!!!

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    2. Oh my GOODNESS! Your house and decorative skills are out of this world. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything. I don't know how you do it all...you truly are super woman (and super talented). Thanks for sharing. You have inspired me to go get decorating ASAP!

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    3. It's never too early to decorate for the holiday!! I love your house! You decorate whenever it makes you happy! To each their own!

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    4. It's NEVER too early to have fun with your family and CELEBRATE!!!! IMO everyone has an opinion and not all opinions are right. But, that's just IMO. ;)

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    5. I disagree, it's never too early to decorate... especially for FALL! I actually think that if you wait until a few weeks before, then you don't get to enjoy them as long. As for me, if I leave my Halloween and fall decor up for a month, I am ready to take it down and switch holidays :) I love your stuff! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. I love your decorations....how fun for your kiddos. Tis deserves to be featured in southern living! :)

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  3. Quick question...what type of camera and editing program do you use?Thanks!

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    1. I shoot with a Nikon D700 and edit with Photoshop CS5 :)

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  4. Nothing fancy!? I'd beg to differ. I think your house looks AMAZING. You have quite the eye for decorating. I would never have thought to put the glittery skulls in glass jars but I LOVE the way it looks!

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    1. Thank God for Pinterest!! Don't give me too much credit!

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  5. Love it all! I started my fall decorating today and I'll do my Halloween decor soon after. It's too fun to wait long! I also start Christmas decorating by November 1st. My family really enjoys it and that's all that matters.

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  6. Seriously, beautiful!!! And your chalkboard skills are amazing!

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  7. Your house looks AMAZING! I was walking through my family room today thinking "I can't wait to put the Christmas tree up!" So I will certainly be thinking of you on November 1st when I am decorating for Christmas! I wouldn't have it any other way!!! :)
    Enjoy!
    Jenn

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    1. We can decorate together in spirit :) I feel the same way!

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  8. WOW! We moved and I tried to step it up at the new house, but your Decor is my goal. Amazing! Thanks for sharing your talent!

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  9. Love the decorations! You did an amazing job. I put up my fall stuff about a week ago and will probably decorate for Christmas as well early November. The kids love it!

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    1. Yes, they do!!! My boys can't stop talking about it! Love celebrating the holidays with those guys!

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  10. How do you get your chalkboards to look like that??? I seriously have handwriting envy right now. Your home looks amazing! I have been itching to decorate for Halloween. I have had my fall stuff up since August. No joke! This Texas girl needs reminders all around that the cooler weather is on the way!

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    1. Thank you! It's hard not to decorate early!! I hate the idea of putting lots of effort into decorating and only getting to enjoy it for a few weeks...I want to enjoy it as long as I possibly can! I'm ready for the cooler weather, too!!

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  11. I love it! Halloween is my favorite time of year to decorate. I have those mice, too, going up my stairs! Beautiful home!

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  12. Looks fabulous! I love the holidays and love decorating early!

    Thanks for sharing the pics! :-)

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  13. Your house is so stinkin' cute! You are making such sweet and precious moments for your boys! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

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  14. I ditto Amy's comment! Love it all and LOVE you even more!!! XXOO

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  15. Beautiful!!!! You have such a talent, my friend! :) Although I still stand behind my recent comment that there's absolutely you can't do well! :) XOXO! Love it!

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    1. Awww...thank you, sweet friend. Love your sweet heart :) XOXO

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  16. Nothing fancy? Nothing special? Ohmiword girl, that is amazing. Your decor looks like it is straight from a magazine!!

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  17. Love it all! Do you make your own chalkboard frames or buy frames that are pre-made chalkboards?

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    1. I definitely buy the chalkboards already in the frames. I have made a couple before, but I don't have the patience to wait for the paint to dry...and it seems like I never have the supplies on hand and I always forget to pick up the paint. Plus, there are some REALLY cute chalkboards out there right now!! :)

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  18. I cannot handle the cuteness!!!!!!

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  19. This has got to be the cutest decor ever!!! I've been chomping at the bits for weeks to decorate! I love this time of year! Thanks for sharing the pics of your cute decor and beautiful home! :)

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    1. I love this time of year, too!!!! Thank you for the sweet compliment :)

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  20. Love your décor! I'm in love with fall as well! The chalkboard was my favorite! Super cute!! Happy fall to you!!
    -Dawn
    http://happyhattabaughs.blogspot.com

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  21. I LOVE your decor, Cara. Where did you find the window shutters that you placed on your mantle?

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  22. Oh my... I found the BEST deal a few years ago through Craigslist of all places. Some guy not far from me was selling a bundle of 12 shutters for a whopping $25!!!! I couldn't believe it!!! I isn't know what is do with them at the time, but I'm so glad I scooped them up when I did!!!!

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    1. Wow... That sounded illiterate. *** I didn't know what to do with them at the time...***

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  23. Where did you find the gauze fabric? I love it behind the banner... I have a banner but it looks out of place when I hang it on the mantel but the gauze ties it to everything so nicely.

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    1. Hey Jennifer!! I found it at Michael's! They have black, olive, and cream :)

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  24. I love all of your Halloween decore! Thank you so much for ideas/inspiration! I can't wait to get started on mine. :)

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  25. I truly think you are THE most talented person in the world! I mean...who has teaching, decorating, and great handwriting powers as cute as yours all in one!?!?

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  26. Well...you are too sweet!!! Don't give me too much credit though!!! You only see the highlight reel... I'm a hot mess behind the scenes ;)

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  27. WOW!!! Your decorations look absolutely amazing!! I am going to start some decorating today and now I am convinced that I need to go out and do some shopping!! And I am obsessed with chalkboards as well! Your chalkboard writing is fabulous! :)

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    1. Well, thank you so much!!! And have fun shopping :)

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  28. Hey just saw this post today - question: What kind of marker is that that you use on your chalkboard? Does it come off easily or how do you get it off? Thanks!

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    1. Hi! The chalk marker comes off VERY easily! Just a wet cloth and it wipes clean. I would definitely recommend seasoning the chalkboard first before writing on it with the marker so that the chalk doesn't burn the surface. Just rub the side of a real piece of chalk all over the board first, wipe, and then start writing :) The chalk marker I have is a Bistro Chalk Marker & I got it at Hobby Lobby, but I know that Michael's carries a variety...colored, regular, etc. I'm sure you could get them off Amazon, too :) Hope this helps!!

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  29. Hi Cara! Wow! I can't believe that you have the time to do all of this decorating, in addition to being a terrific momma and wife, chef, teacher, lesson planner, blogger, "TpTer", and everything else! I'm in awe! Your handwriting on the sign on the porch is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!! You've inspired me! Time to pick myself up, dust myself off, and charge ahead (and over to Hobby Lobby)! You rock! Thanks for sharing your beautiful home and talents with us!

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  30. Boo-tiful!! I love the decorations! I'm more into the Fall stuff rather than Halloween. I am so jealous because I love to decorate, but I don't have a creative eye at all. My decorations look like I put things in a random place-which I did. I don't have a lot since my husband doesn't care for decorations either. Happy Fall!

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  31. Hi Cara,
    I am new to your blog. I found it through your First Grade Parade blog as I am new there too. I'm a new homeschool mom who also happens to do all types of crafts and home décor so I figured I would join both of your blogs to find inspiration and get ideas and such. Lovely home you have!! It's beautiful and your Halloween décor is stunning! I'm jealous! I too, Love Halloween and Christmas just as much equally but there is something about Halloween that just makes you feel happy. I understand what you mean. I am also in Texas. Moved here in 2011. Where abouts in Texas are you? I would love for you to stop by my blogs and have a little look. Have a wonderful day!
    Hugs,
    Jo
    ♥ School Of Dreamz&;
    ♥ Jo's Scrap Shack &hearts'

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  32. WOW!!! That's really all I can say! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  33. You are SOOOO amazingly talented! There is nothing you can't do! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the decorations! I am obsessed with your chalkboards!

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  34. I can't wait to see your Christmas decorations! When do you start decorating for the holidays?

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  35. Would you mind telling me where you got your kitchen table?

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  36. Oh my goodness...AMAZING!!! Your decorating makes me wish I was a kid again!!!
    I love it all....But I really love your black curio cabinet in the corner... Where ever did you find it?
    It is the perfect size for a small room....Please tell me you'll didn't make that...
    I want one...Hugs to teaching and to being a rockin mom <3

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