Hallmark's Alive and Talking Pumpkin

 

There are some really interesting products being made for Halloween and I cannot believe I missed this one.  It is Hallmark's motion activated Halloween Alive and Talkin' Pumpkin'. He measures 11 inches high by 7 inches wide, features a number of different Halloween-theme faces and, when you pass him by, he'll make a comment like: 

"Is that a mask? Please tell me it's a mask!"

"Have a nice fright!"

"Hope Your Halloween is Delightful."

"Ever since the carving, I just have this empty feeling inside..."

If you have seen the animated pumpkin up close and personal, be sure to let us know what you think. Meanwhile, I'm hoping I run into one out there in the real world.

As it turns out, this fun jack-o-lantern was made in 2013 and has been discontinued. However, you can still find Hallmark's Alive and Talking Pumpkin here on eBay.

Happy Hauntings!
Boo-renda

Quick Links:

Pumpkin-Themed Halloween Gifts for You and Your Kids.

Vintage Play-Doh Count Creepy Head Dracula Set Reviewed.

Discover the When Witches Go Riding Halloween Poem.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Small Automatic Sensor Touchless Lidded Trash Can Reviewed

I like having a garbage can in each bathroom, but I don't want one that takes up a lot of room.  Our half bath is small and has only the area on each side of the toilet for anything extra.  I already have my toilet paper holder storage stand on one side, which leaves only the other side for a small garbage can.  

I had several concerns when I started looking for a garbage can for our half bathroom.  It needed to be small and it definitely needed to have a lid.  Our baby dog, Watson, thinks any "box" needs to be investigated.  An open garbage can is an open invitation for him to inspect.  

A Kleenex is one of Watson's favorite finds.  He also thinks toilet paper rolls are fun toys.  I don't really mind him having either as long as they are clean, but a used Kleenex should be off limits to our baby dog.  I also want him protected from Q-tips or the plastic wrappers on bottles, like mouthwash.  

Unfortunately, like most people, we also have flies that come in when an exterior door is opened.  They are always drawn to smells or damp paper towels.  Having a lidded trash can traps trash odors and dampness inside the can so it doesn't draw flies. 

Therefore, a lid is essential. 

 

Automatic Touchless Garbage Can 

 KOEYLE 2 Pack 2.2 Gallon Automatic Touchless Garbage Can, Small Motion Sensor Smart Trash Can, Slim Waterproof Trash Bin for Bedroom, Bathroom, Office, Living Room, WhiteAs I previously noted, this is a small trash can, therefore it fits perfectly between the wall and the toilet.  

The touchless lid has a motion sensor and opens automatically so germs are not transferred on or off your hands.  Since you don't need to touch the lid to open or close it, the lid itself stays cleaner.  My husband frequently comes into the house with dirty hands from working on the cars or in the backyard.  He can toss paper towels directly in the trash can without touching it and then wash his hands.

I like the ability to toss Q-tips, cleaning wipes, tissues, cotton balls, product wrappers, mouthwash cups, etc. in the trashcan without having to have a free hand to open the lid.  As with all trash can lids, it prevents odor from spreading outside of the can. 

• Battery (2 AA batteries) Operated Sensor Lid
• Opens when Motion Detected 
• Closes when No Motion is Detected for 5 seconds 
• 2.2 Gallon
• Uses Small Interior Trash Bags
• Interior Trash Bag Retention Ring to Hold Trash Bag in place
• Waterproof & Moisture Resistant 
• 9.3" L x 6" W x 12.6" H
• Available in White or Black 

This touchless trash can will also open manually.  Simply press the up arrow button to open. After use, just press the down arrow button to close the lid.  This is a fabulous feature for replacing the trash bag or activities like clipping nails over the bin.  

 

 

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Small Automatic Sensor Touchless Lidded Trash Can Reviewed by:

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Disney's Halloween Trick or Treat Jack-O-Lantern by Jim Shore

Disney at Halloween?  I have never had the opportunity to be at a Disney Park during Halloween though I have visited at other times of the year.  However, I would really, really love the opportunity to see Walt Disney World or Disneyland when Disney waves a magic wand and casts a spell over the theme parks transforming them into not-so-scary destinations for one of the most important nights of the year!

Shown here is a Halloween-themed piece from Disney from 2014 that features Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. It is from Jim Shore's Disney Traditions Collection and it is a trick or treat themed jack-o-lantern that lights up. I love that no candle is required because it contains a light that goes on and off at the flick of a switch.

Originally, I believe that you could buy this figurine by visiting Disney Parks. However, it is retired now and to find this fun Disney-themed Halloween collectible, you will have to turn to resellers like the ones here on eBay.

Boo-renda

More Reading:

Disney's Halloween Treat Reviewed.

Under Wraps: A Disney Channel Original and a Hallmark Movie

What is Summerween?

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When Witches Go Riding and Black Cats Are Seen: The Halloween Poem That Inspired These Spooky Finds

When witches go riding and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween is a simple short piece of beloved folklore that immediately brings the season to life. A rhyme with author unknown. Often marked simply: Anonymous. It creates an entire scene usually presented in four short lines and conjures up pictures of witches riding on broomsticks, black cats and a personified moon. It’s playful rather than frightening. Child friendly even.

After some research, the mysterious history continues. I do not know who wrote those lines or when they were written or first appeared. That information does not seem to be documented, but nevertheless the poem has taken on a life of its own and I was delighted to find a few interesting items that you can buy today that feature this ever-so-slightly spooky poem. Follow along as I review a few of these bewitching items.

APRON

One of the simplest ways to celebrate Halloween during the month of October is to wear a Halloween-themed apron. I love this embroidered apron by Remi Louise of The Threaded Stitch Co. on Etsy. It features the poem and is available in five colors and seven sizes, including one for children. The design captures an old-fashioned feeling with a bit of whimsy. It’s perfectly seasonal and perfect for Halloween, although one pleased reviewer says she wears hers all year long.

Remi says that this apron is perfect for fall and Halloween baking and cooking, for anyone who loves Halloween poetry, for kitchens with a witch theme, for fall and October décor fans and, of course, as a seasonal gift and most definitely for someone who enjoys celebrating Halloween for the entire month of October. Available on Etsy from The Threaded Stitch Co. by clicking here.

T-SHIRT

Another practical gift that declares your love of Halloween and this poem is this fun t-shirt from Steeped in Puns on Etsy. It is made from quality cotton fabric, making it comfortable and durable. Perfect for all your Halloween celebrations. Like the poem, this t-shirt captures the essence of Halloween and is ideal for someone who loves an old-fashioned Halloween, vintage and spooky graphics and witch-and-black-cat designs. It features vintage-style typography, a witch on her broom, a black cat, a crescent moon and the verse and is available in five colors and sizes from XS to 5XL from Steeped in Puns Shop on Etsy by clicking here.

ARTWORK

Perfect for your Halloween décor, this charming Halloween piece has a wonderfully vintage-inspired feel, featuring the imagery that we associate with the poem. The black border and old-fashioned lettering add to its nostalgic character and the poem gives the piece a whimsical touch. A fun seasonal accent for anyone who loves vintage Halloween imagery, old-fashioned Halloween poetry, or a little spooky charm in their home.

This print, like the other items on this page, appeals to those of us who enjoy old-fashioned Halloween décor. It has a nostalgic, storybook quality, which would be lovely in a Halloween decoration collection or a witch-themed room. It is a piece of vintage-style artwork that includes the images associated with the season but a bit more nostalgic and sophisticated than some pieces, making this one an unusual choice. Click here to buy this framed Halloween picture from the Handmade Haven Sign Co. on Etsy.

DIE-CUT WITCH

This vintage Hallmark Halloween die-cut wall decoration features a whimsical witch riding on her broomstick with her black cat. Her outfit and grin give her a cheerful demeanor. She is a fun piece of nostalgia, possibly from the 1980s, for your Halloween collection and for people who collect vintage Hallmark, die-cut Halloween decorations, witches and other Halloween ephemera.

She doesn’t feature the poem but I think she is a fun addition to this page. There aren’t many vintage items with the poem and this is a piece that has the feel of the poem. After all, witches, broomsticks and black cats are what you think of when you think of this classic Halloween verse. She’s just one of many die-cut options. Click here to discover a whole coven of witches on broomsticks and black cats on eBay. To find this exact image, you will have to add Hallmark to the search.

THE MAGIC IS JUST BEGINNING

I hope I’ve inspired you to add one of these items - the apron, the t-shirt, the artwork or a die-cut witch - to your Halloween collection. If you happen to know more about who wrote this poem or when it first appeared, be sure to let us know in the comments.

Happy Halloween!

Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE HALLOWEEN READING:

Pumpkin Themed Halloween Gifts for You and Your Children

Hocus Pocus Halloween T-Shirt

Not To Scary Movies for Tweens

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Review of Fall Home Decorations for 2026

 I enjoy changing the decor in my home to fit the seasons and autumn is my favorite season.  I prefer decorations that are simple and classic.  For fall bringing the colors of the season into the home with colorful pillows and throws, leaves, pumpkins and candles give you a warm and cozy feeling.  I have an entrance table that I like to decorate with a fall runner and some simple decorations.  In early fall I have a sunflower runner and add a colorful pot and some fresh flowers in the colors of the season.  Later in the fall I will change to a pumpkin designed runner and some pumpkins and candles.  Below is a photo of my early fall runner and flowers.

Amazon has a lot of interesting fall decorations.  Here are some that I really like and thought they would be a great addition to my fall decor.

Leaves

Leaves make great decorations for a staircase or a fireplace mantle. This colorful leaves with berries and small pumpkins is 6 feet long.  it will be perfect for my mantle.  Here is a link to Amazon for the leaf's pictures above. Fall Leaves

Another great way to bring fall leaf color into your home is with this pair of colorful "Fall Maple Trees".  They are each 22 inches tall and are battery operated.

Here is a link to the trees on Amazon. Fall Maple Trees

Table Runners

Table runners are a great way to add a touch of autumn to your home.  I like to use them several different way.  They are great for my dining room table, my entrance table and sometimes I hang them over the banister leading to our downstairs.  Here are two that I found on Amazon.

Fall Pumpkin and Leaf runner                                                                           

Pumpkin Runner                                                                                               

Pillows

Colorful fall pillows can add a touch of fall to your sofa or chairs.  Here is one I really liked on Amazon.  They are covers for pillows and come in a set of two that are 18x 18 inches each.  What a great way to convert pillows you have into a fall theme.

Pumpkin Pillow Covers                                                                               

Fall Bathroom

I also like to bring a touch of fall into my guest bathroom.  Here are some items I found on Amazon the help give your bathroom a touch of the season.

Fall Hand Towels                                                                                              

Pumpkin Soap Dispenser                                                                                   

Fall Bath Mat                                                                                                 

Flameless Pumpkin Candle

Fall Kitchen

I also like to add a touch of fall decor to my kitchen.  Here are some ideas for you from Amazon.

Pumpkin Trivets                                                                                               

Fall Kitchen Towels                                                                                   

Fall Coasters

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Porch Goose and Porch Goose Outfits Reviewed

My daughter called me a few weeks ago and said she was going to paint a concrete porch goose in a craft class.  I asked her if she remembered having a plastic porch goose that she dressed for special occasions and seasons when she was a very little girl.  Unfortunately, she didn't have an actual memory of it, but I couldn't help but wonder if she was drawn to that class because of her old beloved porch goose.  Her grandmother and I both remember well how she liked dressing her first porch goose.

She has now finished painting her concrete porch goose and is ready for porch goose outfits.  With her birthday only a few week away, she added porch goose outfits to her gift wish list.  

You probably know what I am about to say!  Between her grandmother, brother, father and I, we purchased 14 new goose outfits for her upcoming birthday.  I can hardly wait to see the pictures as she changes her goose's clothes each month, occasion or season.  

It is hard to choose a favorite porch goose outfit, but I am personally fond of the yellow raincoat and umbrella.  It reminds me of the outfit her plastic porch goose had when she was a little girl.  I only remember her dressing her original porch goose in her own baby clothes or baby doll clothes, but I think it is totally awesome that there are so many outfits made specifically for a porch goose now.

 

Awesome Seasonal Outfits for a Porch Goose

My daughter plans to change her porch goose outfits each month, according to the weather or season.  Of course, there are costume outfits for Halloween, but there are also special outfits for all of the holidays.  You can even select a bundle package of costumes to get started.  Buying a bundle is less expensive than purchasing them individually.

 

 12 Set Porch Goose Outfits for 23" Porch GooseCheck Price

 

How to Get Your Own Porch Goose

My daughter painted a concrete porch goose, but most of us don't have a concrete figure store close to us.  Plus, the 23" concrete porch goose weights over 40 lbs.  If you plan to set your porch goose on your recessed or enclosed porch, you may well prefer one made of resin that is easier to move.  These options also have a place to fill the base with sand or gravel to keep it from toppling in bad weather.  Then, you can simply enjoy changing your porch goose outfits seasonally too.

 LarpGears Premium Adjustable Large Porch Goose Statue – 23” Realistic Hollow Plastic Garden Goose with Removable Cowboy Hat & Bandana, Stone Base with Sand-Fillable Design for Outdoor StabilityCheck Price Porch Goose Statue Large White Porch Goose Big Resin Garden Lawn Yard 20 inches High Check Price

 

 

There are lots of different styles and designs in the Porch Goose Outfits.  Click Here to see more!

 Celltestria 4th of July Goose Outfits for 2323Check Price 2 Set Porch Goose Outfits with Wings Ladybug & BeeCheck Price Fishing Porch Goose Outfits for 23 Inch Lawn Statue, Fisherman CostumeCheck Price Gaggleville Football Goose Outfit, Fits Large 23Check Price

 

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Porch Goose and Porch Goose Outfits Reviewed written by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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What is Summerween?

 

I have long known that Halloween is the biggest selling holiday in America. With all the costumes, candy and decorations that people buy, that comes as no surprise. But I have just discovered a trend known as Summerween that I will review here.

The stores have long put their Halloween merchandise out during the late summer. However, Good Morning America says that stores launched their Halloween items extra early this year at least in part hoping to catch a piece of this trend. People are not just buying their Halloween supplies early but they are actually celebrating the holiday twice. That is, in October and in June or July and hence the term Summerween.

According to the magazine Real Simple, the holiday may have originated from the Season 1, Episode 12, Disney Channel episode of Gravity Falls, in which the residents celebrated Halloween with jack-o-melons and trick-or-treating in the summer on June 22nd or the second to last Friday of the month. The Pioneer Woman points out that if this is the origin, it took more than a decade for the trend to translate from the screen to reality, which it has done in 2025.

Summerween is enjoying succes at least in part because of the nostalgia surrounding Halloween though  Summerween-themed merchandise tends to include our favorite themes with some brighter, summery colors like those shown in the photo at the top of this page. You will find an endless variety of items like these for your Summerween celebration here on eBay.

The new ‘holiday’ is I suppose whatever you make it but it tends to be a blend of summer and Halloween with both non-traditional Halloween items like the aforementioned melon jack-o-lantern, icy drinks and flamingoes to traditional items like Frankenstein, skeletons and ghosts. You can have a pool party and a BBQ. You can read fireside stories at the campfire. You can watch spooky movies outdoors!

What a great way to get double the value out of your Halloween collection. If once a year is not enough for you and you want to do Halloween twice, you’ll find lots of ideas for celebrating a traditionally non-traditional Summerween in your social media feed but let me take this opportunity to share a few great ideas here:

MORE SUMMERWEEN CELEBRATION IDEAS

Harley Quinn Costume 

A Harley Quinn costume might even be better in the summer than in the winter because you don't have to worry about being warm!

A Barbie-Themed Apron

How about a Barbie-themed apron? I think it would make a perfect part of your costume in the summertime especially if you are serving up some pink cocktails.

Here's How to Celebrate Summerween

A Summerween party with recipes from Delish that seem appropriate to the original holiday hosted in summer. Mummy hot dogs, pumpkin s'mores cookies and a black widow cocktail are just a few.

Creepypasta

Perfect for your Halloween-themed storytelling, fall or summer, creepypasta is definitely not edible.

Wait Until Dark

Audrey Hepburn's Wait Until Dark is a perfect psychological thriller considered "one of the most intensely frightening movies in movie history."

Halloween Treats Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzles aren't just for wintertime. If you find you have more time on your hands in the summer or you just enjoy puzzling all year long, you will enjoy this Halloween Treats puzzle.

SOUND UNNATURAL?

"Summerween?" says the Gravity Falls character played by Kristen Schall. "Sounds unnatural." What do you say?

Happy Summerween!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

SUMMERWEEN MERCHANDISE

Find the Summerween-themed pieces shown at the top of the page -- including Frankenstein's bust (and his bride, not shown here), a pumpkin flamingo, assorted skull ice cream cones and the female Scream movie character and so much more -- here, on eBay.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Solar Garden Lantern

 For Christmas this year, I received a beautiful solar garden light from a special friend.  This lamp is decorated with hummingbirds and flowers and at night will light up your garden with a lovely pattern.

Features of the Solar Lantern

In the photo below you can see the lamp in the dark after it has been charged by the sun for 6 hours.

Isn't it beautiful?  I charged it outdoors today, but since it is winter time I brought it inside to take the photo on my dining room table.

Here are some of the features of this beautiful solar lantern.

• Lantern can be used by hanging up or sitting on a table or stand
• It features auto on and off.
• It is solar powered and will automatically light up at night.
• When charged in sunlight for 8-10 hours it will then work at night for 8-10 hours.
• It is waterproof and is suitable for all outdoor environments.
• It comes in four designs:  the hummingbird (shown in photos), butterflies, mushrooms, or frogs.

You too can own one of these beautiful lamps.  Just go to Amazon at the following link. Solar Garden Decor

About my Special Friend

I'd like to share with you a little about my special friend.  Her name is Anna and over 60 years ago, when I was in girl scouts, I was working toward my pen pal badge. I was matched up with several pen pals from various countries and most I wrote to for a few months or maybe even a year and then the letters stopped.  One of my pen pals was Anna who lived in the London area in England.  I live in the midwestern United States.  Anna and I seemed to really connect with each other, and we now have been pen pals for 63 years.  Our lives took similar routes, we each married and had two children and we both have granddaughters.

We wrote letters to each other in snail mail for years and when we were each in our 40's we finally met each other in person.  Anna and her family traveled to the US to visit us. Since then, we have visited several times and now with technology we message each other regularly.  Our husbands have also become friends and will sometimes email each other.  We have vacationed together in Cyprus and Memphis Tennessee.  My husband and I have also visited Anna and Peter at their home in England near the border of Wales.  We attended their son's wedding and have met up with them when we were on cruises, and they would travel to one of our stops (Plymouth in England and Bruges in Belgium.)  We have developed a wonderful friendship over the years.  

Now that we are older my husband and I no longer are able to travel but we enjoy the wonderful memories.  We still message each other regularly sharing news of our children and granddaughters.

We also exchange Christmas gifts each year as we have for the last 60+ years.  This year we received the beautiful Solar Garden Lantern from Anna and Peter.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Decorative Window Film Review

I purchased a DIY decorative window film for my sliding glass door. This is my review and experience with it.

Years ago, I had installed a tinted window film to reduce the affect of the sun's rays. It served it's purpose and did a pretty decent job. Although on very bright sunny days, I still had to close the curtain to make the space more comfortable.

Spring forward to me getting a new computer desk and deciding to have it face the window instead of the wall. I wanted to see something more decorative, other than a tinted view of my neighbor's shed. I wanted something that was colorful.

I decided on the one with the grapevine design. (This is the view from below my desk.)

I love that I now have colors to look at. I can glance to the other glass panel to see what the weather and the birds are doing. So far, when the sun is bright, it gets scattered a bit and works as long as I don't look directly at the brightest spots.

I am happy with my purchase.

Installation Supplies:

The brand that I purchased is by Gila, and they recommend buying a separate installation kit. It comes with a liquid solution that gets applied to both sides of the film, and the glass that you are applying the film to. It also includes a spreader, cutter for spreading out the bubbles, and to do a final cut of the film around the edges.

I didn't go with an installation kit and instead did some searches on YouTube. I found out I could use distilled water with a couple of drops of dish detergent mixed in. (I didn't have distilled water on hand, and instead used some of my purchased drinking water.) As for the spreader, I used a 12 inch plastic ruler that has smooth edges and is see through. Here is a link for one if you need a ruler. https://amzn.to/3BGdr4d

I also used a utility knife and scissors.

Trim first:

I purchased the 3' by 6.5' size for the window film. The sliding door was two to three inches smaller than the film. Gila recommends cutting off excess film, leaving only around an inch of extra film before applying it to the window, glass. It is quite awkward to apply the film, so I do recommend trimming the film as well. I laid it down on my lightly carpeted floor to do the trimming.

Apply tape and separate top corners from backing:

The window film comes with an attached adhesive layer to keep the film from sticking to itself. This layer will need to be removed before applying the film to the glass. Gila recommends applying tape to the two upper corners on both outer sides of these corners. This is a big help to separate the film from its' backing. See diagram.

The upper ends of the tape are to be kept separated. The holder will then pull the two pieces of tape apart and watch for the film to separate from the backing. Separate a small section, then repeat on the other corner.

Spray on solution:

Spray on solution; either from kit or homemade mix of distilled water and a couple drops of dish detergent. I sprayed the top side of the film, the part that was facing up once I removed the backing. I kept spraying it in sections as I continued pulling the backing from the film.

While that was sitting, I sprayed the glass window that it was to get applied to. Then as best I could, I sprayed that back of the film that had been laying on the carpet, and then carried it to the sprayed window. You need to keep the film away from sticking to itself.

Apply the prepared film to the window:

I placed the smooth side of the film to the prepared window. It is quite slippery, which it is meant to be, so that you can slide it into position. I sprayed on more solution as needed. Since my desk was already in place, I had to work around and under it to get things in place. Oh well.

Once I got the film straightened out on the glass, I used the plastic ruler to squeegee the film to the glass, working from center areas out toward the edges. The goal is to work the bubbles out from under the film. Don't worry if the film starts to come down when you first doing this. I just pulled the film out and sprayed more solution on wherever it was needed.

Final trim:

After I got the bubbles all worked out, I did a final trim with the utility knife and scissors. The utility knife didn't always cut through the film, so I pulled it away from the glass, and used the scissors. I then applied more solution when needed and squeegeed again with the ruler.

Voila! I got it done. It took me longer than I thought, but would have went better had I decided to decorate my window before building my desk!

Anyway, I got it done and I am pleased with how it turned out.

Smaller windows should be a lot easier and also when nothing is as close as five inches in front of it; i.e. my desk. {grin}

Amazon did not show the grapevine scene that I purchased. If you want the grapevine scene, you can check with Menards. You can also peruse other designs on Amazon by visiting the link below.

If you're looking for an inspiring way to add more color to your life, and you're okay with DIY, I recommend a decorative window film.

Gila Glass Scenes Spiral Mosaic Decorative Window Film on Amazon.

Hope you enjoyed this project and that you learned some helpful tips.

Cheryl Paton

As an Amazon affiliate, Cheryl Paton earns income from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to the purchasers.

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Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Rug for Your Home Office

When it comes to designing a home office, one element that often gets overlooked but plays a huge role in functionality and aesthetics is the area rug. 

Having spent countless hours experimenting with layouts and designs, I've discovered a few strategies to help you select a practical and visually appealing rug. Let's dive into my personal tips for making the right choice.

Positioning Your Home Office Rug: Setting the Stage for Productivity

The placement of your rug can make or break the flow of your workspace. Here are a few considerations to help you position your rug effectively:

• Anchor Your Desk and Chair: I recommend placing the rug directly under your desk and chair to define your workspace. Make sure the rug is large enough so that when you pull your chair back, it stays on the rug. This creates a comfortable zone that enhances both form and function.

• Balance the Room: If you have additional furniture like bookshelves or a filing cabinet, consider how the rug interacts with these pieces. Centering the rug in the room or aligning it with your furniture can create a cohesive and balanced look.

• Keep It Clear: Avoid placing the rug where it might obstruct doorways or high-traffic areas. A well-placed rug should enhance the room's flow, not hinder it.

Size Matters: Choosing the Right Dimensions

Picking the right size rug is essential for maintaining harmony in your home office. Here's how I approach this:

• For Small Setups: If your office space is compact, opt for a smaller rug that fits neatly under your desk and chair. A 5x7 or 6x9 rug is typically ideal for tighter spaces.

• For larger spaces, I Recommend a rug large enough to accommodate multiple furniture pieces in a bigger office. Rugs measuring 8x10 or 9x12 can anchor the entire room, making it feel more unified.

• Think Beyond the Desk: Sometimes, a larger rug that extends beyond your desk can create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. This works exceptionally well in open-concept spaces.

Color and Pattern: Setting the Mood

Your rug's color pattern significantly impacts the vibe of your home office. Here are a few ideas based on my experience:

• Neutral Tones for Focus: Rugs in neutral shades like beige, gray, or soft blues create a calm and professional environment. They're versatile and pair well with most décor styles.

• Bold Hues for Creativity: Try a vibrant red or emerald green rug to energize your space. These colors can inspire creativity and make your office feel more dynamic.

• Patterns for Personality: Don't be afraid to choose a patterned rug to add character. Whether geometric, floral, or abstract, a well-chosen pattern can bring texture and depth to your workspace. Just keep the rest of the room's déroom's mind to avoid clashes.

My Wool-Patterned Office Area Rug is 30 Years Old! It was purchased in 1994. Here's a Photo. Yep, I Prefer Patterns.

For You: 

Here is a collection of wool area rugs, 

which you can view here.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Advent Wreaths ~ A Special Way to Countdown to Christmas~ From the Heart

For many people Christmas is a time of gift giving and holiday cheer, but for Christians, this time before Christmas marks a very special time to get ourselves ready for the Birth of the Christ Child.

A great way for family's to do this preparation is with a Christmas Wreath.   

What exactly is this Christmas Wreath?  

It's not just a door decoration but rather a decoration that sits on the Family's Dining Room or Living Room table.

It is a wreath made usually from evergreens and possibly decorated with some poinsettias or berries in between.  There is place on this wreath for 4 candles.

What is the meaning of all this?  Well from a Christian perspective, there is lots of  traditional symbolism involved with the Advent Wreath.

So let's break it down!  

• A wreath is round, a circle symbolizing no beginning and no end.
• It is usually covered with evergreens, either cedar or pine, again symbolizing everlasting life.
• All Advent Wreaths should have 4 Candles around the perimeter of the circle.  
• 4 Candles, 3 purple and one pink.  Sometimes Christians will add a 5th candle in the middle of White.
• 3 Purple candles symbolize, Faith, Hope and Love with the pink candle symbolizing Joy!

• The White Candle if added is a symbol of Christ and the Light of the World.

How do you use the Advent wreath?  Well for most Christians, each Sunday before Christmas is a countdown to the Big Event!  Not the coming of Santa Claus, but rather the coming of the Christ child.

Each Sunday for the 4 weeks before Christmas,  a candle is lit and the family sometimes will read the Bible story of the coming of Christ.

Week 1 will see one purple candle lit, week 2 two purple candles are lit, week 3 the pink candle is lit, and week 4 the last purple candle is lit.  Why the Pink candle?  Well as it gets closer and closer to the actual Christmas day, you can feel the Joy of the family waiting in anticipation.  By Christmas all 4 Candles are burning brightly.  Some family's will add that 5th candle, a White One, on Christmas Day symbolising the birth of the Christ Child.

Many times some of the symbolism will be scrapped and white or gold or red candles will replace the purple and pink, or a color of your choice to match your decor.  It is entirely up to you and your beliefs if you have an  traditional Advent Wreath in your home. 

Christmas will come one way or another, but sometimes it's nice to have the reminders of the reason for the season and help your family understand the story! 

Amazon has a lovely Advent Wreath that can be purchased here: https://amzn.to/4gx2alv 

Candles must be purchased separately here: https://amzn.to/4fsLY3T

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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