Halloween kicks off the maker/crafter/seamstress time of the year, and I don't mind admitting it is my favorite holiday of the year.  Here are the projects I have planned:

1. Take Zoe to a pumpkin patch  (Pre-step:  Find out if they have a pumpkin patch in Central Texas)
2. Decorate the house, including some inspiring pumpkin ideas found on Pinterest
3. Not one, but TWO Halloween costumes for the 4 year old who has several party invitations piling up already.   Can you guess what Zoe wants?  Of course!  An Elsa dress and a pink princess dress.
4. Help plan the school party and make fun treats
5. Make cool flashlights for the neighborhood kids 

I'll be sure to link the projects as I get them finished -- help me stay accountable, will you?

xxx Anna

Was able to make my own birdseed today using the languishing ingredients from my pantry:  raisins, stale cheerios, pecans, flax seed, rolled oats, bulghur wheat, wheat germ, and leftover crackers.

Excited to read Neil Gaiman's new book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane. 

I love all of his work, and especially recommend Anansi Boys, The Graveyard Book, and American Gods. 

My neighbor Robert is going to build a treehouse for Zoe this fall.  I'm collecting ideas on my Pinterest board and would love your ideas also.  I want it to be something that will grow with her, a getaway she can still use in high school if she wants.

Speaking of her treehouse, wouldn't this be a great lighting
idea?  And a great way to use up all those fabric scraps.  I
look forward to making these mini fabric  lamps. 
 

Check out the beautiful jewelry at Austin's own Polished. 

Last year, Zoe and I had lots of fun with our first garden project, a 4 x 4 raised bed.  This year, we'll expand our project with 2 more raised beds and a compost tumbler.  Our garden plan is below -- PLEASE let me know if you have any suggestions for improvement!

We also will paint the wood with plant-safe paint this year.  Here's the colors Zoe and I picked out!

For more of our future backyard oasis plans, please see the board Zoe and I created on Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/akkland/deck-backyard/