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Many years ago, my Father was transferred to California for work. He took with him his wife and three daughters who were 6, 3 & 1. We moved from our home in the Home Counties of England to just south-east of San Francisco. There were many cultural differences between the USA and the UK, not least the celebration of Halloween.

To go to school in one’s Halloween costume was not something that I had ever encountered in England. In fact, costumes were more for school discos or parties rather than school events. I had not even *heard* of trick or treating, let alone experienced it. And as for school Principals who dressed up as Big Bird and then led a school costume parade around the football field, well, let’s just say I was a little surprised.

Fast forward over 20 years, for it is, I realised 21 years since we moved to California {and 20 since the earthquake I was able to write about first hand in a school Geography lesson a decade later back in England} and Halloween is far more widely celebrated in England than ever before. Traditionally, UK autumnal celebrations centre around Bonfire Night/5th November/Guy Fawkes night {which I will tell you all about next week} but in recent years we have celebrated Halloween ourselves as well.

So, on Saturday afternoon I carved our pumpkin (turning the fleshy part into puree which I froze to use as part of the food for our bonfire night party) and hung the decorations I made last year up with some fairy lights in our kitchen window. Turns out paper pumpkins, witches hats and bats illuminated in the window at about 6.30pm declares that you “are open” for trick or treaters. Who knew?!

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My nephew recently turned two, and as he now lives halfway across the country, I relished my time with him while he and his mom were in town for a quick visit recently.  Over lunch, my sister reminded me of a certain disaster surrounding the baby shower I helped host for her and who am I to withhold a self-deprecating story from you ladies?

For those of you who know me, you know I like to farm out my brilliant ideas to people who can make them happen and then all is well with the world.  In prepping for my sister’s baby shower, however, I was going to need to do some of the projects myself.  Isn’t that the way it always seems to go?

First up, these ultra-cute tissue pom poms featured on Martha Stewart. She claims they are joyous bursts of color dancing above the table. And really, everyone needs some joyous bursts in their life . . . how could I resist? So I set to work to see just how easy these color-bursts were for us non-crafty people.

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photo by Zvone Lavric, Slovenia

I’ve been on the hunt for social calling cards. Before you say that I can buy them at my local corner store, I’m not looking for those kind of cards. I’m looking for what is also known as a visiting card. In Victorian times, they were were used when making introductions and home visits. They had their own set of rules and etiquette. It’s actually quite fascinating.  You can read about them here and here.

Essentially, social calling cards are just like business cards except they don’t “state your business”. They simply have your name and contact information. I am interested in them because frankly I’m tired of scribbling my name and personal email address for people. I could use my business cards, but there are instances where I’d like to give people my personal contact information and keep my business separate. Social calling cards are also useful while traveling. You can meet some wonderful people during your journeys and they make it very easy to exchange personal information. For Newlyweds, they are a great way to share your new name (if you went that route) and/or your new address. Because there are no rules for today’s social calling cards, they are great avenues of self-expression. These can be less serious than your business card.

Most calling cards have some, but not all of the following information:

• Name
• Phone Number
• Address
• Email address
• Blog or website address
• Twitter username
• Facebook or Myspace name (if it’s different than the one on the card)
• Instant message name
• Blackberry PIN

Here are some examples of social calling cards.

from Etsy Seller Armato Design

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Miss me?! After a two week break for vacation, I’m back and ready to create.

I saw an article about art journals on decor8 that hit a chord in me. One of the areas I’ve struggled with is keeping memories alive through my journals and writings. I’ve tried my hand at scrapbooking, but the supplies can be incredibly expensive. Art journals are more informal and organic. I can use whatever objects strike my fancy, and I don’t have to worry about everything matching.

This art journal is by Patty Von Dorin.

A decor8 reader left a comment with a link to the website of Matt Mallams. I was completely absorbed by this male perspective on journaling and art.

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Aren’t these Printable Apple Note Flats adorable? One of my favorite design bloggers, Ez at Creature Comforts, created them and is generously offering them as a free download to her readers.

You can find directions and the free downloadable file here.

Have put these rubber stamps by Paperwink (via Green Wedding Shoes) on my list of must purchases.

Melissa posted about this last June and it continues to be one of my favorite ideas.  This would work for any person or couple who has a lifechanging event and wants to show how much the support of their friends and family meant during that time (recovery from cancer, adoption, death, marriage, divorce, etc.).  Just a reminder that you’re still thinking of them, one year later.

Oh So Beautiful Paper is a blog you should be reading.  Nole finds the best images, products and stationery.  She’s a columnist over at EAD Weddings as well.

Chellé Paperie via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Harmonie-intérieure via Oh So Beautiful Paper

The Beautiful Project via Oh So Beautiful Paper

How perfect would these prints from Etsy seller rdksign88 look in a little girls’ room?

They’re just the right amount of girlie.

Cupcake barrettes?  Sign me up!

Am completely blown away by these baby shower invitations posted over at Mint!  Everyone should have friends as talented as these two ladies.