It’s October!

Now, finally, we are officially in the fall. Halloween is a big deal around here and we are celebrating the cooler, beautiful weather with a price drop! Knowing things have been tough for a while, McMurtry Creative Media wants to help you out. We just dropped the price of A Harvest and Halloween Handbook II eBook on Amazon. We were at the bookstore the other day, checking out holiday magazines. Not only where there not many selections but honestly, they were not as cool and packed with fun as this eBook (and the others cost more.) Yes, I know I’m biased but I have a B.F.A. so I know good art when I see it 😉 There are dozens of party plans, DIY recipes, decor, activities, costume ideas, and everything you need to have a happy Halloween. Grab your copy today and enjoy a stroll through Halloween fun and adventure.

My Pinterest pins are buzzing with over 79,000 views in the last 30 days. And I’ve been busy adding decor to McMurtry Manor, here are a few new things and some golden oldies. These are my top pins on Pinterest right now, I’ll adjust as you let me know what you want to see.

Happy Halloween!

Coming in hot at #1 is this guy sitting on my desk, I thought he might be a cute model for Inktober. I love it too! 2087 friends have looked at it in the last 30 days.

“McMurtry Manor” is a seasonal favorite and is showing up with 2031 views.

At #3 are lunchbox jokes @ 1611 views. October is the perfect time to get all silly and send funny thoughts in your kiddos’ lunches.

And 1,817 friends have viewed this festive vintage trick or treat bag.

In fifth place with 1,477 views is “Spot.”

Here are a couple of new projects going on at the manor. We moved in about a year ago and I haven’t gotten to all the finishing touches yet. I am planning a gallery wall but for now our family photos are resting on this mantle. I’m thinking of changing out the frame on the family portrait and adding a few Halloween touches – will update!

I don’t know why, but for a while I’ve been wanting to dress up this metal form for Halloween – that creative spirit I guess. She’s in the garage waiting ’til we get a little closer to Halloween for her debut.

Batty started Halloween as a Dollar Store bat and got a reboot with black gauze, frayed-edge satin ribbon and button eyes.

This bat ended up on the fireplace. There are 6 of them in the house.

The Silly Old Cats came in from the cold and are snuggled on a rag garland.

In Wonderland, the crazy tea party is underway. I love how Halloween is a holiday free from the constraints of things like good taste!

Don’t forget – everything you need to create a DIY happy Halloween is at your fingertips in A Harvest and Halloween Handbook Second Edition. Download yours today; if you don’t have a Kindle, no worries, there’s a free app in your app store that you can add to your favorite device.

Favorite Popcorn Balls

 My nieces Amanda Panda and Ems inspired today’s post when they requested this recipe. These buttery popcorn balls are dressed like little pumpkins so they fit it this week’s theme. For all you old-school popcorn ball fans these are the classic. The recipe is courtesy of Jolley Time Popcorn, and be sure to share. So enjoy; I’ve never eaten a better one.

Popcorn Balls

This has been a family favorite for decades. Wrap in yellow cellophane, tie with raffia and decorate with faces made of black tape.

Pop 

1 C Jolly Time Popcorn 

       Remove  unpopped kernels. Transfer popped corn to a large      
       greased baking pan or mixing bowl and set aside. Combine in 
       large heavy saucepan

2 C sugar
2/3 C light corn syrup

2/3 C water

1/2 C butter 
1 tsp salt

Cook stirring constantly to soft – firm ball stage 240- 245 degrees, you can test the syrup by dropping a small 
amount in cold water, it should be barely soft and slightly firm. Remove from heat and add 

2 tsp vanilla extract

Food coloring, if desired

With buttered hands, form warm mixture into balls, place on waxed paper to cool. Wrap in cellophane or plastic wrap. Keeps up to 2 weeks. Makes 15 generous popcorn balls. You might want to make simple tie on tags made with rubber-stamped cardstock . *Jolly Time sells popcorn ball molds for those of us who don’t like butter between our fingers and hot sticky hands!

For more delicious recipes, download 


  http://www.amazon.com/Harvest-Halloween-Handbook-Artisan-ebook/dp/B009PA8ON6/?keywords=pam+mcmurtry&qid=1374845872&ref=sr_1_1&ie=UTF8&sr=8-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-harvest-and-halloween-handbook-pam-mcmurtry/1116031757?ean=2940148379744


Don’t forget! A Halloween show for you on BYU Sirius Radio 143; October 31st at 1 p.m. Mountain.
Halloween art courtesy of Laurel ChaddockPhillips
Some of you dear readers have sent comments, but I, with my untechie ways, have not been able to access them yet. I apologize and will find your great responses soon, I promise!