We opened up our front door about 8:00 that night to retrieve our escaped kitten.  Waiting for us was this basket:

With this note:

And this ghost:

We had officially been booed.

As you see, the note said that I had 48 hours to gather supplies, make copies of the ghost and the note and go BOO two other families.  My kids were over the top with glee.  My thoughts?  I don’t have time to do this!  48 hours? I completely panicked.

Then, my heart stopped racing and I thought “You know, if it takes me until Sunday, that is OK.  No one will know.  This is so much fun and I’m so grateful to have been booed.  I mean, look at how HAPPY and surprised my kids are.  This is great.”  I embraced the Boo.

I went to Katy’s Hallmark this past Sunday to grab some special Halloween treats for our baskets.  I have to admit, my Boo baskets were pretty awesome because of Katy’s great selection – which is all 50% off right now.  My kids had such a great time picking out items and talking about whom to BOO.  Of course they wanted to BOO the celebrity on our block, but in the end, I picked two friends who I hoped wouldn’t stress – like I first did – since the week before Halloween is so hard for moms.

So, I guess showing this Boo basket may let the cat out of the bag for the two families that we booed. That's OK. My kids are coming apart at the seams and I'm sure the secret would not have lasted!

To whoever booed me, I’m grateful.  I’m so glad my kids were filled with the surprise and wonder of this kind and anonymous act.  So, whoever you are, THANK YOU.  This was such a fun tradition to be a part of and I will NEVER panic again.  Bring on the Boo’s!

To find out more about being booed, check out this site: http://www.beenbooed.com/

Happy Halloween!

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Theatre Mystique Open House
Thursday, October 8th from 6-8P
Saturday, October 10th from 10A-6P.

I was so impressed with Jason’s creations. The work and pride that goes into each piece is evident.  And, I know you won’t believe this, his prices start at just $35. Using antique and vintage elements to give that well loved look, Jason signs and dates every piece. Most items are One-of-a-Kind, where others are made in Very-Limited-Numbers. This protects the collectors of Jason’s work, and also ensures that each season offers new treasures!

Look at the picture of the cat coming out of the white pumpkin. It’s about 12 inches high. The pumpkin was made from an heirloom wool blanket and the cat was made from a 1920′s black Mohair coat, with vintage crepe paper trim, ribbons and an old bell necklace… and it is only $55!   That prices rivals mass produced decor from China and it is one that, with care, can be saved for a future generation.

Check out this sweet white cat made from vintage fabric. Even Jason's handwritten tag underscores how special each piece is. I also like how the cat is white and thus will pop against some traditional black Halloween objects.

Check out this cat-doll below.  Isn’t she stunning?  More stunning is the work and detail: “Themed The “Good Witch”, she has a Vintage Halloween Fabric Dress Trimmed In Old Ribbons and Trim, Holds a Black Cauldron on One Side…and a Vintage Nut Cup Purse on the other, With a German Die-Cut Witch Face on it circa 1900′s.  She Also Has a Black Felt Witch Hat Adorned with Old Millinary Flowers and a Cotton Witch Head Pick from 1940′s, German Spiderweb Die-Cut and an Old Spider Ring!” -$175.

Jason is one of those guys that you can just tell would make your house look it’s absolute best for any holiday or party you are having.  He’s been featured in Country Living, Southern Living, Traditional Homes, Country Home and Nashville Lifestyles.  And, he’s super nice, always a plus! www.jasonparkercouncedesigns.com.  Here are some pictures from his French Dolls Collection, made exclusively for a la Maison.

The Large French Witch (in the window) Has a 1940's Toile' Dress with a Black Felt Hat Adorned with Old Flowers and Net. Holding Her Key in one Hand and an Antique Copper Lusterware Cream Pitcher in the Other. Her hat is removable.

Jason's explanation on this French Doll Collection: (the ones pictured here are the smaller ones) "Each One Starts Off With a Vintage China Head. Then, I Create the Body on a wooden Base, Then Start Constructing the Elaborate Dresses...Using 1800's to 1940's Fabrics. I Make the Final Touches By Hand Sewing on Trims, Bows, Ribbons, Even Old Millinery Flowers. Ending Up With Some Antique Piece to Finish...My Signature This Season is an Old "Key"...Catch Phrase, The Key To Their Heart!

a la Maison has lots of other Halloween decor and I’ve picked out a few pieces to show you in the following photographs. Most everything you see is under $30 and much of it is individually made by Southern artists.

Be sure to stop by Thursday night, October 8th from 6-8P to experience eerie decor and ghoulish delights!  If Saturdays are just easier, another Open House is planned from 10-6P on October 10th.

a la Maison is located next to the Cane-ary and across from Douglas Corner and Karmel Skillington, on 8th Avenue South. It’s still easy to miss – look at the windows for signage, not up on the bricks.  Parking: either in front of the store, or just past that grouping of stores, heading towards town, on your right.  Absolutely worth the trip.  We have some future posts planned for more of the fun things we found!

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.