After my daily read over at Pumpkinrot, I was made aware of the new Halloween collection at Pottery Barn. They did it again!

I always liked the way this gift turned out…

For the recipe, click here.

One decision I make every year when planning the Halloween set-up is if I want to focus more on creating an “old manor” feel to the place or to up the Halloween vibe with lights and decor. I usually opt to include an even balance between the two, which can definitely be tricky. When planning the graveyard, the thought of jack-o-lantern lights nearby somewhat ruins the “creepiness” factor for me. However, the thought that now goes through my mind is, why can’t this Manor be having a swinging Halloween soiree?

This photo sums it up:

Image source, click here
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Disney’s Haunted Mansion gives a great example as well, see here.

While browsing Flickr today, I stumbled upon a treasure of vintage Halloween photos that I think you’ll love. Here are a few:

View the stream on Flickr, click here.

Okay so I forgot to put up an Easter post but thought these Easter eggs were just too cool not to show everyone. Have to try this out next year. Hope you all had a great Easter!

Image source, click here.

Image source, click here.

The Old Graveyard
By: Kurtis Primm

There is an old graveyard
I always walk by
Where others before me
Have died and now lie.

And when I walk by it
It gives me the creeps
To know that one day
It’s there that I’ll sleep.

Sometimes I see shadows
And I often hear sounds
Could it be coming from those
Buried deep underground?

I walked past one evening
It was quite late at night
I could see them there standing
A trick of the light?

I saw one approach
With it’s pale outstretched hand
And it beckoned to join it
So I turned and I ran.

Now I’ll never walk past
That old graveyard again
Cause I’m scared
I may never be heard from again.

The old graveyard’s still there
And I know in my mind
That the dead are there waiting
Just biding their time.

So if you walk past
And you hear the wind moan
It may not be the wind
But them calling you home.

After much detailed planning and research, I am pleased to announce the official Love Manor 2010 theme!

Yes, you’ve guessed correctly! For 2010 we are excited to be featuring the laboratory that’s been hidden within the dark corridors of the Manor throughout all these years. From bubbling test tubes to specimen ridden jars, we’re thrilled to bring you a new and enchanting vision of the ever so popular Mad Scientist theme.

Be sure to follow the soon to come blog posts for concept sketches and further ideas!