October | 2014 | Knit, bake, cultivate

I don’t know about you, but I like halloween. Its a bit of harmless fun, getting dressed up, doing craft with the kids, carving pumpkins, decorating the front door ready for trick or treaters. I love seeing all the costumes and the little kids excited faces.

I know halloween isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. A couple of years ago my husband took the kids trick or treating down our street. One person had a sign up saying ‘we do not support this pagan festival’. I know it has dark undertones, but I do think they were a little bit over the top. When trick or treating with the kids now, we tend to only visit houses that have decorated for the occasion, that way we know we’re not upsetting those that aren’t into it. The kids and I always decorate pumpkins and put them outside so local families know we welcome trick or treaters. Our designs have been more adventurous this year.

three pumpkins different colour and shapes

These three were transformed into…

I was browsing the net to find some easy halloween craft projects I could do with the 5 year old, without too much help from me. I came across a lovely little craft project to make hanging bats at happy clippings. Its an easy little project that uses things I have in my craft cupboard, googly eyes, glue, black paint, ribbon and egg boxes.

I think they look pretty cute hanging about my place. For me, halloween is all about crafty fun and dressing up with the kids. They love it when I dress up too. Are you planning a party or some halloween fun this weekend?

Well, I’m back, after eight weeks of drama and excitement! I’ve been busy. We have finalised our tree change plans and it is happening. Our dreams have come true. There is no turning back. Our house is sold and we have found a new home nestled on a 10 acre plot surrounded by rainforest in the beautiful sunshine coast hinterland. There will be a lot to learn but we are ready to jump in with both feet. I had such a lovely time house hunting since my last post. It was fantastic having time to myself. I stayed in a little B&B called Monbii, right on the edge of Montville with the most beautiful views out to the coast.

early morning mist over the lowlands

An eager Kookaburra eyeing my breakfast

The room was gorgeous with a big comfy bed, and a wonderful deck from which to sit and ponder the views. It was hard to tear myself away. The bathroom had a huge spa bath with a view, and candles were provided in the room for the full decadent experience. Of course I had to indulge. The continental breakfast was fantastic, a real treat with fresh fruit, croissant and pastry or mini quiche, thick creamy yoghurt and fruit juice. Too much for me in one sitting, so I took the quiche with me for a quick snack between house viewings.

scrumptious breakfast

I managed to sneak in a spot of shopping and lunch in gorgeous Montville, and wished I’d brought a bigger suitcase with me. I finished off my trip with a walk along Coolum beach before heading to the airport. It was lovely to be there on a friday afternoon with people out walking dogs, mums with kids in school uniforms burning energy off after a busy week, and teenagers heading out to catch a few waves before dusk. It had a such a laid back vibe. I’m sure its a different story during peak holiday season though.

enjoying a stroll along the beach at low tide

guys out for a surf

failing light and long shadows as I leave the beach and head to the airport

Back home we started the laborious job of packing boxes and having a clear out. Luckily we are not hoarders so fingers crossed the job won’t be too bad. I was hoping to get back into doing some craft projects again. I still haven’t finished the knitted bunting for my daughter. We had a lovely day yesterday just relaxing by the pool. We really needed it as the past few weeks have been hectic with open homes and house viewings. We treated ourselves to some french champagne in the afternoon, curtesy of our real estate agents. Hubby chilled out on the daybed and I sat and did a spot of crochet while sipping a cold glass of bubbles. Perfect.