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A decoration for all seasons

By Hillary McNabb | Friday, August 8, 2008, 08:01 AM

While perusing LTD’s site I came across this decoration that’s great for any time of year. It’s a candle lantern that features an interchangeable element for all seasons.

Photo: ltdcommodities.com

The Interchangeable Season Lantern comes with 5 black metal lanterns (shaped like a heart, flower, star, pumpkin and a Christmas-y tree). It also has 5 glass votive holders in red, yellow, blue, orange and green and a wall bracket.

And at $19.95 it’s a bargain. 1 decoration for the whole year! All you’d have to add is candles.

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Found: Fall leaves

By Hillary McNabb | Thursday, August 7, 2008, 03:37 PM

Just when I thought my hand would go numb from punching tiny leaves by hand to accent my Spooky Town village… a friend of mine called to report that she’d found me a bag of tiny maple leaves made by Lemax for just that purpose. She found them (along with some tiny Lemax trees at a better price than I’ve found in the Dayton area) at the Garden Ridge store in Springdale. Hooray!

Coming soon???

Saw a sign in the window of the former furniture store near the Wal-Mart in Beavercreek about a Halloween USA store coming soon. I’ll be checking it out and reporting back!

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Teeny tiny accessories

By Hillary McNabb | Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 05:43 PM

When I decided to really make the most of my miniature Halloween village (mostly comprised of the Lemax Spooky Town pieces) this year, I knew I’d be busy getting all the pieces to work together and even “landscaping” the town.

What I didn’t know was that I would be essentially hand cutting tiny little fall leaves to be on the trees I intend to make and to litter the ground and streets of my town.

When I couldn’t find a package of realistic looking leaves that are tiny enough to not dwarf the buildings (leaves can’t be as big as the windows!), I set out to make my own. At the suggestion of a very crafty friend, I purchased a bag of the larger decorative fall leaves in the pretty colors and I’m using a scrap-booking craft punch in the shape of a leaf to cut through the fabric leaves and create itty-bitty ones. So far so good, but it’s a lot of work for such tiny product. I punched for what seemed like hours and ended up with a little, tiny pile of leaves. Lucky for me, I’m getting started on this in July. At this rate, it’ll take me until Oct. to get enough leaves made!

As for the trees, you can of course, purchase ready made mini-trees to adorn your Spooky Town village, but at $5-$10+ each, that could get expensive fast. So, my next venture is to Mendelsons Liquidation Outlet in Dayton. I’m sure that I’ll find some sort of material to make some spooky trees for my Spooky Town. Who knows what other goodies I might find! I’ll let you know how it goes!

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The early bird gets the… great decorations

By Hillary McNabb | Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 02:10 PM

OK. I know it seems a little crazy (and they say real creativity takes a bit of crazy), but if you are or aim to be an extreme decorator for the fall, it’s time to get on the ball.

My particular passion is for Halloween and fall colors and decor in general and as noted the other day, some stores are already putting out their items. Walking in to Michael’s these days feels like at least October from the glow of orange, red and fall colors, plants, leaves, decorations, etc. adorning the walls and aisles.

True, you can get many items all the way through the season, but the really good deals and exceptionally unique items will be harder to find as it gets closer (especially with stuff being out for purchase already).

But equally important to some decorating, are the pieces you make yourself. Last year, I constructed a cemetery in the yard and while much of it was store bought, a few pieces were made and some created, from objects that I didn’t exactly find in the Halloween aisle. It took planning, research and a lot of time to put together and since it was the first time I’d taken on that daunting task, it was a work in progress all the way through Halloween. This year, I’ve learned my lessons and I’ll be getting started much earlier.

My advice if you’re going to be creating any of your decorations is to get started now. You’ll get the best selection of materials and when the time comes to put up your decorations, you’ll be ready to put yours up while the slackers are just getting started.

Are you building any decorations this year (or have you in the past)? Share your ideas and experiences below!

Good luck!

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Halloween? Already? Yes.

By Hillary McNabb | Thursday, July 24, 2008, 04:25 PM

Indeed, fall is fast approaching and Michael’s is wasting no time. The Beavercreek location already has a few aisles of fall themed decor and… drumroll please… one half-aisle of Halloween stuff! They have a few decorations, signs, etc. and they’ve also put out their 2008 Lemax Spooky Town display. For those not in the know, Spooky Town is like miniature Christmas villages, except it’s Halloween towns. Scary buildings, cemeteries, etc. Some of it can be a little on the high priced side, but there are a few reasonable pieces that someone could get if you don’t have the room (or the funds) for a full village.

I’ll be heading there this week to really check into the selection and I’ll be keeping you posted.

Have you noticed any stores with Halloween or fall stuff out yet? Let me know!

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Mother’s Day is right around the corner

By Hillary McNabb | Thursday, May 1, 2008, 11:06 AM

Mother’s Day is a little over a week away (Sunday, May 11) and since she raised you and probably brought you into the world, it’s a day to celebrate her. But how many knick-knacks can she possibly have (or cram onto a shelf)? Why not do something helpful and heartfelt? If you’ve got little ones (and dad’s and big siblings I’m talking to you here!) they will enjoy (and mom will treasure) making something for mom instead of buying her the standard trinkets, chocolates, flowers, etc. (though, those are nice too!)

A few ideas from personal experience and from others are below. What’s your favorite personalized gift idea for mom?

Without further ado… the ideas…

1.) As a child, my Girl Scout troop spent an entire meeting pressing our hands into pie pans filled with acrylic paint in bright colors and then placing our painted handprints into plain color carpet bath rugs (or inside door mat size). They dried and by the next day (and for us the next meeting) they were ready to go home and wrap. Fairly cheap to make and priceless for mom. My mom still has hers in our house with my 5-year-old handprints pressed in for a lifetime.

2.) From Marisa comes this idea: “It used to be the tradition in my family, when my mom still gardened, that my dad would take her to the nursery and she could pick out a new shrub/tree etc.” That type of idea can be used in many ways. If mom gardens, the above works just fine. If not, find something she’s interested in and let her pick out an related item or accessory. She’ll be happy and you won’t have to worry about what to get her as much.

3.) From Katie comes a great idea for dad’s (or children old enough to do it): “My dad one year washed every piece of laundry in the house ( a lot of loads) so my mom was all caught up, which lets face it never happens.” What mom wouldn’t love to come home to find her most daunting bit of housework already done for her? Whether it’s laundry, dishes, washing windows, whatever, it’s sure to be appreciated. Just make sure that whatever you do is done to her standards so she doesn’t secretly go back and re-do it all when you aren’t looking.

4.) It’s a fact. If it comes from your heart, there’s a really good chance that mom’s going to love it. If you’re broke, or really young, make her something. Whether it’s a card, a cheesy coupon book (for things like “1 night of doing the dishes”, “Cleaning my room without complaining”, “Hugs!”) a work of art, whatever. It will be a cherished memory for mom.

And if all else fails, spend some quality time with her. Help her cook dinner some night. Work in the garden with her. Go shopping together. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make mom happy.

What are you planning to do or have you done in the past for Mother’s Day?

Next time: Gift ideas for those shopping from afar… or with limited time.

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Luck be a… teddy bear?

By Hillary McNabb | Wednesday, March 12, 2008, 12:01 PM

In the spirit of both kids and holiday decorating… Build-a-Bear has added an shamrock teddy bear to its’ offerings this spring.

The “Lucky Fur You” teddy is $10 and can be left plain or you can choose from several festive St. Patrick’s Day themed outfits and accessories.

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