halloween decor

I LOVE HALLOWEEN. I just think it’s the holiday that begs for THE most creativity and resourcefulness and commitment to the cause; people BRING it for Halloween. I love seeing what people dream up for a holiday that’s designed just for fun. And while I SO appreciate the grimmer and more, um, graphic things that people dream [or nightmare] up to mark the occasion, my version def leans more PG. I’m a bit of a weenie and it doesn’t take much to jump-scare me into nearly wetting my pants, so we keep it pretty Hallmark over here. Fortunately, there is no shortage of Halloween stuff that’s more darling than devilish and I love it.

IF YOU ALSO prefer Halloween decor that won’t scare the pants off your guests, I’ve rounded up some pretty, subtle, elevated things that will have your haunt looking festive, but not freaky, for spooky season. Accents here and there can go a long way to creating a solid Halloween vibe without cackling heads or severed fingers [if that’s your thing, you GO and send me a photo]. To help get even more into the ‘spirit’ of the season, check out the Gift Guide to Halloween and Our Favorite Halloween Books to truly delight your little ghosts and goblins all month long. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

pretty halloween decor

OOO Geometry’s Halloween-themed Tea Towels, Dinner Napkins and Not-Paper-Towels come in THE best prints, whether you want the ‘spirit’ of the season to be shouted or whispered OOO | Use code Darcie15 any day of the year for 15% off

OOO Anthropologie’s huge collection of spooky and gorgeous decor will elevate any space OOO

OOO I love these sweet handmade Ceramic Ghosts and each one is unique OOO

OOO A PyroPet Cat Candle is a fun way to count down the days to the spooky finale when a skeleton emerges from the wax shell OOO

OOO Love these Le Cruset Mini Pumpkin Cocette. They’re perfect for dips or candy and go straight from oven to table OOO

OOO Oh I love this Fang Wall Art and lots of the other prints by this same artist OOO

OOO Love these Icon Double Old-Fashioned Glasses for a party or just a fun water glass OOO

OOO This Felt Monster Candy Bowl comes in three versions and is sooo dang fun OOO

OOO I love the cool spooky details in this Toile Linen Runner with skeletons in a graveyard OOO

OOO West Elm’s Ed Emberly Halloween Collection is absolutely perfect, including this Glow-in-the-Dark Eyes Doormat OOO

OOO This fun set of 3D Bat Stickers sets a vibe that’s not too creepy OOO

OOO Love these cutie embroidered Ghost and Cat Pillows. They’re a purrrfect way to celebrate the season. OOO

OOO These pretty Bluecorn Beeswax Tapers come in a bunch of colors that will elevate your table for the season OOO

OOO Crate & Barrel’s Haunted Houses come in 3 different sizes and set a fun spooky mood OOO

OOO Both useful and pretty, Skeem’s Glass Match Cloches include a striker and set a mood OOO

OOO These big soft Pumpkin Pillows are a fun squishy accent and can carry you all the way to Thanksgiving OOO

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our favorite halloween books

WHEN MY boys were teeny, we started collecting books for each holiday. It has been a super sweet ongoing tradition and I just love pulling out the books each season, signaling the start of the holiday hoopla. Thank GOODNESS my big guys are still willing to read some picture books with their mama; I’ll be truly devastated when they start to roll their eyes at me when I bust out the holiday books. For now, I’ll cherish each snuggle and giggle and “ooh, I remember that one!” We have amassed a truly awesome collection of Halloween books and I wanted to share a big pile of my favorites and a few that are on our list. Some are sweet, some are spooky, but they’ll all get you excited about the season. If you have any favorites, please do share! I’ll keep adding to our collection until we’re solidly into the eye rolling phase. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

:: Dia de los Muertos is an excellent explanation and celebration of this colorful holiday with the most awesome illustrations. ::

:: How to Make Friends with a Ghost is sweet and adorable and touching and has really pretty illustrations, too. ::

:: Of course The Scariest Book Ever isn’t even the tiniest bit terrifying, but a scaredy ghost thinks it will be. It’s super adorable and has the brightest, happiest illustrations. ::

:: I absolutely love the fantastic illustrations in Bone Soup. It’s a clever story about using your wits to get what you need and bring people together. ::

:: A World Full of Spooky Stories is a big gorgeous collection of scary stories from around the world, some you may have heard and many that you probably haven’t. ::

:: Skeleton for Dinner is a super cute story about a BIG misunderstanding between friends that ends sweetly. ::

:: The Hallo Wiener is a story about how the tables turn when a small dog saves the classmates who bully him. It’s written by Dav Pilkey, author of Dog Man and Captain Underpants, so you’ll get bonus points from the start. ::

:: Uh oh, Wolfboy is super hangry. This funny book has a surprise ending and THE most awesome ‘illustrations’ made entirely of clay. It’s visually fantastic. ::

:: Popcorn is one in an adorable series of Frank Asch Bear Books. It’s about what happens when you have too much of a good thing. ::

:: Sara Conway’s illustrations in Ghost Afraid of the Dark are SO sweet, plus the cover glows in the dark, which is always a hit. This is a cute story about being brave enough to face your fears. ::

:: I LOVE No Such Thing, it’s part adorable seek + find book and part sweet story about denying that something is right in front of you. ::

:: Bear's Spooky Book of Hidden Things is just THE most adorably illustrated seek + find book ever. My big boys still love going through it together. We also love the Christmas and Springtime versions. ::

:: I LOVE Nobody Likes a Goblin and Ben Hatkes’ gorgeous, detailed, adorable illustrations. While not a true Halloween book, it’s a sweet story about friendship and being brave in the face of perilous adversity AND has goblins, skeletons and witches, so... ::

:: I Need My Monster is a funny, suspenseful story about imagination and unlikely friendship. ::

:: If you love the Crayons’ silly banter as much as we do, you'll appreciate The Crayons Trick or Treat, a wee little book about them trying to learn about this important holiday ritual. ::

:: Gustavo the Shy Ghost is a really sweet story about finding the courage to make yourself seen. ::

:: Creepy Pair of Underwear is another spooky, funny story in the ‘Creepy Tales’ series, filled with mystery and bravery. ::

:: Lonely Planet Kids Atlas of Monsters and Ghosts cleverly teaches kids the story behind the most famous monsters and mythological creatures around the world with some bonus geography in there, too. The illustrations are really fun. ::

:: Creepy Carrots is a funny book about what happens when you get a little greedy. The illustrations are awesome. ::

:: Peanut Butter & Brains is just a really cute and fun story about staying true to yourself even if others don’t get it right away ::

:: Bonaparte Falls Apart is an adorably illustrated story about the power of friendship to help you keep it together. ::

:: That greedy pug is at it again in Pig the Monster. He’s rudely trying to steal everyone’s candy until he’s reminded that dogs can’t eat chocolate and he learns his lesson in the grossest way. ::

:: Room on the Broom is the most awesome now-classic story of inclusivity and friendship and adventure. I just love all of Julia Donaldson’s books. ::

:: Love Monster and the Scary Something is the cutest darn book about being super brave and facing your fears. ::

:: Bonesville is a big gorgeously designed and illustrated book that teaches kids about every bone in their little body while they try to solve a very perplexing Bonesville mystery. ::

:: Monster Needs a Costume is an adorable story about trying something new. It’s super cute for little littles. ::

:: Trick or Treat, Crankenstein is the newest in this series that we love for its relatable grumpy main character and truly awesome illustrations. It’s about what happens when nothing goes the way you’d hoped. ::

:: Ready, Steady, Ghost! shows us that everyone can be brave no matter your size. ::

:: Ok, so Ed Emberley's How to Draw Monsters isn’t a book per se, but it is a favorite. Learn how to draw all of the season’s spookiest characters in Emberley’s iconic style. ::

:: I just love the vintage-feeling illustrations in Ghosts in the House! It’s a simple, super sweet story about how to solve a potentially spooky problem. ::

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my clean makeup favorites

I WAS A VERY girlie girl growing up and probably imagined myself sailing through my adult life with perfectly coiffed hair and a perfectly lined lip. I still have that fantasy on occasion, but… my casual, active lifestyle just doesn’t really call for it and I’m usually in a pretty minimalist, ‘natural’ state. I mostly choose to focus that girlie energy and long-standing clean beauty obsession on my skin and skincare [and the 11 lip glosses I always have in my bag]. That said, I do use some pretty things when I want to get gussied up to go out or sometimes just because it’s fun to be a little extra. I try out a lot of makeup even though I don’t use it everyday. It’s just fun and I guess some of that girlie girl love of makeup is still thriving inside, even if it doesn’t always show on my lids and lashes. I love to stay up on the latest clean brands and trends, plus I learn a lot from the cutie teen girls in my life.

SO HERE are my current favorites for cheeks, lips and lashes. If you manage to sail through your life with perfectly coiffed hair and a perfectly lined lip, please do share how you do it, there’s still time for me to make my 12-year-old self extra proud. And to learn more about the skincare I love, check out My Clean Beauty Favorites for a BIG list. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

My Clean Makeup Favorites

+ Ok, I recognize that sunscreen does NOT qualify as makeup to normal people, but I LOVE Tower28’s Sunny Days SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen and I wear it everyday for some light coverage. It’s about as close as I get to a daily ‘foundation’ type product, so it’s ON the list. It’s a broad-spectrum SPF formula that comes in 14 shades [I like Ocean Park]. It goes on smooth, doesn’t feel heavy or greasy and doesn’t get all caught up in my wrinkles. It leaves my skin looking even and maintains the moisture that it so badly needs. It’s basically awesome. + $32

+ This Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is the closest I get to a foundation. It’s awesome. The coverage is light, but enough for me, and it’s super hydrating so it doesn’t settle into my wrinkles and make them look worse like some products do. It comes in like 87 shades, so you’ll def find one that works for you. I hoped when it launched that it could act as my daily SPF, but it’s just a bit too thick for that, especially when I’m working out + sweating. But for a low maintenance makeup person, this is perfection. + $48

+ I love a multitool and this Gen See Clean Sheen Cheek + Lip is versatile, so pretty and easy to use. It’s buildable and blendable and a little goes a long way. I like Lychee for my complexion, just a little dab on the cheeks and a swipe on the lips and I’m ready to go. + $24

+ I love this Ilia Multi-Stick Cream Blush + Highlighter + Lip Tint so much. It can be as subtle or pop-y as you like, it doesn’t get stuck in my wrinkles and it comes in a ton of pretty colors for every skin tone. It’s easy to apply, too, and doesn’t stain. I use Dreamer on cheeks and lips and it’s perfect for me. + $36

+ Saie is a gorgeous clean beauty brand that combines sophistication with accessibility. I really love their Glossybounch Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil and SuperSuede Powder Blush. I have the Dew Blush on my list. The lip shades look super bright, but they’re sheer and blend perfectly when they’re on. People also love the Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF, but I haven’t tried it yet. It’s all super clean and lovely. +

+ Ok, this Tower28 MakeWaves Mascara won the Allure Best of Beauty award BEFORE it even launched and has since become a bit of a cult favorite and I think it’s totally deserved. Tower28 is formulated for sensitive skin and this def doesn’t mess with my super sensitive eyes. I love the silky, lightweight formula and the applicator, which combine to give you a super smooth and not at all clumpy look. LOVE it. + $20

+ I love the way this Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara doesn’t clump up my lashes. It goes on really smoothly because the unique brush has a different pattern on each side, one that lets you lift and separate while applying. It also has a bunch of super nourishing ingredients and it doesn’t bother my sensitive eyes. Love it. + $28

+ Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm ticks all of the boxes for me and my fussy lip needs. It has no bothersome taste or smell, isn’t sticky or tacky, has universally flattering colors and is super hydrating even after wearing it for a while. I have Cool Beige and it’s a pretty, neutral with enough hint of color for me. + $38

+ Love the Tower28 LipSofties even though they actually violate one of top my lip goo rules - they smell. But yummy. Not in a saccharine sweet Lip Smacker kind of way, but in a subtle, yummy way. Dulce de Leche and Red Bean Mochi are my favorites. They’re both super pretty neutrals. And the SOS clear balm is in my car, bag or pocket at the ready at ALL times. I also love Tower28 ShineOn Lip Jelly [love Pistachio]. + $16

+ I also love this Exa All Smiles Universal Glow Lip Oil. It’s not sticky, doesn’t smell, has a little hint of shimmer and is super hydrating. The colors looks wild, but they’re sheer and pretty. LOVE it. + $15

+ Kosas’ Wet Lip Oil Gloss is super hydrating and not sticky or stinky, so… I love it. It’s intended to ‘plump’ but I can’t make that claim, I don’t notice a difference. I will say it doesn’t feel all bee-stingy like some plumping glosses [personally do NOT like that feeling] and instead just feels really nourishing. Unhooked is an everyday go-to shade for a no-fuss, but put together vibe. + $24

BUY FROM KOSAS or FROM SEPHORA

double maple mummy cookies

SO PART of me can’t believe it’s almost Halloween and the other part is like ‘didn’t we do that 3 weeks ago?’ Maybe it’s because there has been Halloween stuff in the stores since July or because our weather has been so spectacular that it still feels like we’re tiptoeing away from Summer. In any case, my boys had their last Flag Football games of the season yesterday and it felt like treats were in order, so I figured I’d stick with the spooky theme until the bitter end. I saw these Runamok x Lenox Bakery Maple Mummy Cookies the other day and they looked so fun + yummy [and EASY]. And it turns out they are even better [and easier] than I expected, like SO so delicious that we might need to just give them all away. My boys were gushing and my little woke up this morning asking if he could have a cookie for breakfast [um, no, but I love the enthusiasm for my baking]. And if you leave off the goofy eyeballs, they’d be a fantastic treat anytime of the year, like maybe right next to the pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving.

THIS RECIPE calls for Runamok maple syrup, but obvs use whatever kind you like. I will say, the Cinnamon + Vanilla infusion I used in the glaze was next level and I’m guessing any of Runamok’s Infused [Cardamom would be amazing] or Barrel Aged syrups would be super delicious. I modified the original recipe slightly to accommodate my family’s dietary needs and it worked perfectly. SO, if you still need a fun + scrumptious treat for this season or the next [or the next], give these little mummies a whirl and enjoy eating them with your favorite ghouls + ghosts [or little turkeys]. xo

Double Maple Mummy Cookies Recipe

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE cookies…

• 1/2 cup butter

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup [I used Runamok Sugarmaker’s Cut]

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 eggs

• 2 1/3 cup flour (I use King Arthur Measure for Measure GF)

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• candy eye balls

FOR THE glaze…

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1/3 cup maple syrup [ I used Runamok Cinnamon + Vanilla Infused]

• 1-2 teaspoons milk (I used almond, but you could probs just use water, too)

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 350

• With a stand or hand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar and light brown sugar

• Add in the eggs, maple syrup + vanilla

• Mix in the flour + baking soda

• Line a baking sheet with parchment and scoop the batter into little ping pong-sized balls

• Bake for about 10 minutes or until they have just started to brown at the edges. Remove from the oven to let cool. 

• Make the glaze by mixing together the powdered sugar, maple syrup and milk until well combined, then drizzle it on the cookies to make the cutie mummies. I started with 1 tsp of almond milk and then added a bit more to thin it enough for drizzling.

• Add the candy eyeballs if you’re making mummies

• Gobble them up with your favorite ghosts and ghouls [or little turkeys]

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pretty fall entertaining

I LOVE TO entertain any time of the year, but there’s something special about gathering in a cozy, beautiful space when the leaves start to fall and the temperature drops. I guess it’s my nesting instinct kicking in or me wanting to hold on to the beauty of the season before the holiday rush comes barreling at us, but something just makes want to create a warm spot to host friends and family to gather with big hearty bowls of soup and gooey treats. With that in mind, I’ve ‘gathered’ some really inspired, beautiful handmade things from Etsy that have me ready to invite all of you lovelies over for a warm meal. The rich texture, color and natural beauty of the season begs for handmade and there’s no better one-stop-shop for beautiful things made with love than Etsy. They’d all be gorgeous on your own table any day of the year and they’d also make stunning holiday or host/ess gifts if you’re lucky enough to be invited somewhere cozy for a warm bowl of hearty soup. You can also see Etsy’s own picks for Fall Decor Essentials for more ideas. Enjoy, lovelies. I’ll save you a seat. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Pretty Fall Entertaining

>> 194 Gift House hand-makes some really unique and stunning Wooden Salad Servers and little serving spoons in several pretty shapes. >> $17.99

>> These Leaf Name Tags are such a pretty detail and allow you to decide where everyone sits at the table. After dinner, they can either be saved for next year or given to your guests as party favors. They come in a bunch of pretty leaf shapes, too. >> $4.50

>> These smooth concrete Pumpkin Tea Light Holders would be so pretty on a table or in the bathroom >> $19.99

>> The ornate detail of these handmade Acorn Jars is so beautiful. They come in 4 different sizes to store anything from salt to cookies. >> from $48

>> Lovely cotton flour sack Block Printed Napkins will add such a pretty touch to your table. >> $40

>> I love the little pop of color these hand-made Concrete Salt Cellars add to the table. >> $14.50

>> Ooh I love the organic edge of this hand-built Rustic Ceramic Serving Bowl, It would be a serious show-stopper on your table. >> $65

>> These Brass Salad Servers are hand-forged from solid brass in Nova Scotia and GORGEOUS, I love the unique, pretty shape [she makes really pretty jewelry, too]. >> $125

>> I love the unique proportion of these handmade Short Taper Candles and the colors are perfect for fall. >> $25

>> These Natural Sisal Placemats are hand-braided and beautiful on a table for the holidays or any other day of the year. >> $45

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