Wish List Wednesdays: The Cutest Literary Ghosts for Halloween

From Amazon

Ghost décor for Halloween seems to be everywhere this year.  While I love a good ghost story (probably my favorite horror genre), I had no ghost-themed items for Halloween - until this year.  Reading ghosts in particular really caught my fancy, so I ordered a couple of ghostly items with a literary theme and am quite pleased them.

I always try to have a Halloween jigsaw puzzle to work on in October, and when I saw this 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle ($21.99 from Amazon) of a cute ghost sitting in a cozy library enjoying a hot beverage I could not resist.  There are a number of Halloween-themed puzzles available at this same link, most of which are spooky cute rather than scary, so if ghosts are not your thing you still might find a different puzzle that appeals to you.

I try to limit the amount of seasonal décor I buy since I already have so much, but the GlowSpirit Ghost Light ($26.88 for two 6-inch lights from Amazon) is small enough to use anywhere and stores easily when not in use.  And the smiling faces of these little ghosts as they happily read a book are just the right cheerful note for a not too scary October.

Finally, to continue the cozy reading ghost theme, I just had to have this Halloween Reading Ghost Ceramic Mug ($10.82 from Walmart).  At eleven ounces it is on the small side, but except for my morning breakfast tea I prefer a smaller mug, so it will work perfectly for afternoon or evening hot beverages.

I think I am now set for a sweetly spooky Halloween, working on a fun jigsaw puzzle while sipping a hot beverage, my cute little reading ghost lights looking on while glowing softly.  What more could one ask for really?  👻🎃👻

Wish List Wednesdays: Toptier Electric Ceramic Tea Kettle

I have been looking to replace my old electric tea kettle for a while now.  It is an old West Bend kettle that still works well, but the short spout is annoying because water always drips on to the counter when I pour it into my tea mug.  I wanted a kettle with a gooseneck-type spout, but most modern versions are designed for pouring the boiling water over coffee grounds rather than tea, and I just do not care for the really skinny spout.  Also, to me these modern electric kettles look rather ungainly and, frankly, unattractive.

Finally, after a long search for just the right kettle, I found the Toptier Electric Ceramic Tea Kettle ($52.99 on Amazon) which is both attractive and functional.  As soon as I saw the colorful Dot pattern I knew that this was the kettle for me!  I also love the fact that it is ceramic rather than plastic or metal.  While some reviewers complained about a funny smell to the water when using the kettle, I simply followed the instructions which said to boil water in the kettle and discard before using it, and I have had no problems whatsoever.  There were also a few complaints about leaks from the base but I did not have that issue either.

I have been using this kettle for a few weeks now and I have to say I am quite pleased.  The water comes to a boil quickly and the gooseneck spout never drips water on my countertop.  Unlike my old kettle, this one can be removed from the base with the heating element, but I do not find this to be either better or worse.  The cord on this kettle is much thicker and sturdier, which makes it a bit harder to coil up when not in use, but this is probably a safety feature so I am not complaining.  Really the only minor complaint I have is that the knob on the lid gets hot when the water is boiled, so I have to hold and remove the lid with a paper towel when the kettle is hot so I do not burn my fingers.  I am on the lookout for some sort of silicone cap to put on this lid and thought I had found one but it was too wide and did not fit, so I am still looking.  If I find something that works I will update this site with the information.

If you are looking for an electric kettle that works well and also looks attractive I highly recommend the Toptier Electric Ceramic Tea Kettle.  It comes in several different styles and colors as well as two different sizes, so check it out if you are interested.  (For cat lovers there is an absolutely adorable Greedy Cat design in blue and white - I was really tempted, but I am more of a dog person and Dot was the name of my first Dalmatian, so I had to go with that pattern instead!)

Wish List Wednesdays: Recent Purchases for Autumn

Image from Mercari

After returning home from a train trip back east for two weeks to visit family for Labor Day, I am so ready to welcome autumn.  We had a particularly hot and dry summer this year, but have finally gotten some rain and cooler temperatures with the onset of fall, and I could not be happier.  Since we are still unpacking boxes after moving all of our numerous belongings from Georgia to New Mexico, I rarely give myself permission to shop for anything other than essentials.  However, I decided that I would indulge just this once to celebrate my favorite season, so let's take a look at what I found.

At the top of the page is an image of the Peanuts Autumn Is Calling mug that I found at TJMaxx for only $6.99.  I love Snoopy, of course, but also the colorful leaves on the exterior and the orange handle and interior.  Best of all, there is even an image of a fall leaf at the bottom of the interior!

Image from Poshmark

I also found this DW Home Log Campfire candle at TJMaxx for $12.99:

While I am not crazy about the scent (it is okay but not my favorite), I could not resist the cute embroidered top with an autumnal mushroom design.  Luckily this top fits on other candles I already own with scents that I really enjoy, so I can easily reuse it.

I really did not need new kitchen towels, but I could not pass up the cute autumn dogs pattern on this Casaba Home Kitchen Towel Set (2 patterned towels and one orange towel) for just $9.99, also from TJMaxx.

I am hoping that purchasing these towels with give me the push I need to sort through my kitchen towels and finally get rid of some of the older ones that have been kept around for far too long!

My last autumnal TJMaxx find was a couple of packages of Simply Wize Gluten Free Pumpkin Gnocchi for just $3.99 each.  While I am not on a gluten-free diet, I do like pumpkin gnocchi, which I have actually made from scratch before, so I am looking forward to trying these, perhaps with a simple garlic and sage butter sauce.  This is apparently an Australian brand, so I was lucky to find it for such a reasonable price in the United States.  Luckily food purchases are only temporary additions to our home, so I don't need to feel guilty about bringing them into the house. 😊

I found the Republic of Tea Pumpkin Spice Black Tea Bags for $7.99 at our local Sprouts Farmers Market.  Of the various pumpkin spice-flavored teas I have tried, this version is the one I prefer.

My next purchase was quite the splurge, but I really wanted to try the Fall Tamales from Williams Sonoma ($99.95 for a dozen tamales).  The pumpkin mole flavor sounds delicious and I can't wait to try these with the surprisingly tasty Roasted Tomato and Chipotle Salsa Roja from Walmart.

Update: These tamales were okay but a bit dry and bland.  In my opinion they need the addition of cheese to reduce the dryness and some Hatch or other tasty chilies to add more kick.  I still have half of the order left, and plan to try them with a generous amount of cheesy enchilada dip to see if that enhances the flavor.

And speaking of Walmart, I also picked up a package of Oreo Pumpkin Spice Cookies there (available online for $4.58).  I do not usually buy packaged cookies, but I have never tried this flavor before and I do usually let myself try something new once, even if it is not the healthiest choice.  I hope I like them!

Update: Meh - I was not impressed.  These Oreos did not taste like either pumpkin or spice - all I could taste was sugar.  You would be better off getting the Halloween Oreos with the chocolate cookies and bright orange filling because at least then you can taste the chocolate.

I always seem to end up buying new sweaters every autumn, and this year is no exception.  I purchased two St. John's Bay Womens V Neck Pullover Sweaters from JCPenney (one in Rustic Brick and one in Deep Bronze, two very autumnal colors) for a very reasonable $16.49 each.  If you are looking for a good quality inexpensive lightweight mostly cotton sweater I highly recommend these (they also come with a crew neck but I prefer the V neck).

Okay, one last purchase I made for fall is the Galison Autumn in the Neighborhood 1,000 Piece Puzzle ($17.99 on Amazon).  I love 1,000 piece puzzles, and the little dog reminds me of our dog Madison, so I will truly enjoy working on this one!

As you can see, I really stocked up on seasonal goodies for fall this year.  I also added to my book collection in anticipation of more time for reading once gardening season is over and the weather turns chilly, so I have a future post planned with recommendations for spooky season reads.  Bring on the fall weather! 🍂🎃🍁

Wish List Wednesdays: Fun Finds for National Pumpkin Day

From Wallpaper Safari

Did you know that today, October 26th, is National Pumpkin Day?  In honor of this very apt seasonal celebration, I found a few pumpkin-themed items that would be great for today as well as all through the fall season.  Let's take a look, shall we?

Why not dress for the occasion in this cute and casual Patchwork Pumpkins Top ($39.95-44.95) from Serengeti?  Made of 100% cotton in a heathered oatmeal color, this three-quarter sleeve tee is versatile enough to wear as part of almost any autumnal outfit.

Cooler fall weather means it is time to savor hot beverages and mugs of soup.  What better way to serve them than in the Pumpkin Shaped Stoneware Mugs (clearance at $41.99 for a set of 4) from Pottery Barn?  Microwave and dishwasher safe, these mugs are generously sized at 18 ounces for an ample serving of a warming drink on a chilly morning or evening.

Make breakfast a little more fun in the morning by creating pumpkin-shaped waffles with the Dash Pumpkin Mini Waffle Maker ($12.95) from Crate & Barrel. This small and easy to clean appliance makes a single perfect waffle in just 2.5 minutes, and its size means that very little storage space is  required.  The bright orange color is so autumnal, and I love the extra detail of a green light on top which resembles the stem on top of a real pumpkin!

I enjoy working on jigsaw puzzles and fall is the perfect time to start a new one, so why not a puzzle featuring pumpkins like the Heirloom Pumpkins Puzzle (on sale for $13.98) from Bas Bleu?  This 1,000-piece beauty shows an image of an array of different pumpkin shapes and sizes in shades of green, ivory, pink, yellow, and orange.  Who knew there were so many different kinds of pumpkins?

I just could not resist including this final item - even though they are not technically pumpkins, isn't pumpkin pie one of the best ways to put a pumpkin to good use?  The Handcrafted Pumpkin Pie Earrings ($29.98) from Catalog Favorites just tickle my fancy.  If I had pierced ears I would purchase them in a heartbeat, and I am considering them for a friend of mine with a birthday in November (great to wear to a Thanksgiving family gathering, in my opinion!).

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

I know I have been MIA on my blog for most of the month, but I had a good reason - my old dog Ruby, who will be sixteen in a few months, had a couple of health issues, one of them potentially serious, this month.  Luckily she seems to be on the road to recovery, so I will try to post more - even though it is a bit late for Halloween topics, there is still plenty of time for all things fall, which is after all my favorite season!

Wish List Wednesdays: A Couple of Lovely Tops and Socks for Fall

Fall is my favorite time of year to shop for clothes because I can find so many items in my preferred autumnal colors.  I treated myself to a couple of new tops recently that I just had to share, especially as they both feature animal print patterns, which are also a favorite of mine! Shown above is the Who's Who Sweater ($89.95) from Coldwater Creek in Spice Multi with an allover owl print.  This relaxed lightweight 100% cotton sweater is perfect for early autumn, and the owls are adorable, as you can see in the image below:

I found the Playful Foxes Striped Top ($34.99) shown below on the Serengeti website.  It is a three-quarter sleeve cotton tee with an allover fox print on an off-white background with gold stripes.

The foxes printed on this top are just as cute as the owls on the sweater shown above:

To complement these two new tops I decided I just had to add some new socks as well.  The Spirited Season Socks ($14.95 each) from Coldwater Creek were originally available in three different prints, but now only the fox print is still available (of course I purchased the owl print and the fox print socks!):

We had a lot of rain today, which is wreaking havoc with my internet connection, so I will get this published now while I still can.  I hope you are enjoying fall as much as I am - it is by far my favorite season!

Wish List Wednesdays: OXO Good Grips Little Salad & Herb Spinner

I have been wanting to replace our old, oversized, difficult to use salad spinner which we never use with one that was smaller and better designed for a while now, and I finally did it.  I decided to purchase the OXO Good Grips Little Salad and Herb Spinner ($24.99) and could not be happier with with my choice!  It just arrived yesterday and I have already used it to dry salad greens as well as blueberries - it worked perfectly for both.  The pump-style spinner is so much easier to use than the handle we had to turn on our old one.  The bottom has a sturdy nonslip surface that keeps the spinner firmly in place while in use.  I like the fact that the bowl is attractive enough to be used for serving, and the basket can be removed and used as a colander.  It even has a brake button to stop the spinning as well as a lock that holds the pump button down and out of the way until needed.  This salad spinner is easy to clean and the smaller size is so much more convenient to use and store.  I don't know why it took me so long to replace our old salad spinner, but this new one will definitely be getting a lot of use!

Wish List Wednesdays: L.L. Bean Women's Sunwashed Shorts

I have been looking to add some new shorts to my wardrobe that are comfortable and casual but nice enough to wear into town if necessary.  The L.L. Bean Women's Sunwashed Shorts ($39.95, in denim or canvas) check off all of these boxes and even come in colors that I prefer (I am trying to slowly increase the number of apparel items in rust-colored and light to medium denim shades in my wardrobe, as I find these colors to be more flattering to my coloring now).

The canvas shorts shown above are in a color called Copper Brown, while the denim shorts below are the Medium Wash color.  Both canvas and denim are super soft and a comfortable relaxed fit, especially the pre-washed denim.  These shorts sit as the waist rather than slightly below, which is better for me as I am long-waisted.  I would love to see the canvas shorts become available in an olive hue, which is another color that suits my complexion, and I will probably buy the Coastal Tan color as well.  That should be more than enough pairs of shorts to get me through the summer!

Wish List Wednesdays: A Couple of Summer Crustacean Finds

Even though we now live in arid and land-locked New Mexico, I am still always on the lookout for items with a crustacean theme, and summer is the best time to find them.  I recently found two that I could not resist.  The first is the Pull On Cotton Voile Shorts in Allover Lobster Print from Talbot's ($69.50, currently with a 30% discount).  Made of a lightweight cotton fabric that is perfect for summer, these high-waisted shorts are 100% cotton lined, with a drawstring elastic waist and on-seam pockets.

My other irresistible crustacean find is the Earthenware Crab Pitcher from Zara ($49.90, but unfortunately currently out of stock).  This 10-inch tall pitcher with a 4.5-inch diameter would be lovely on a summer table as either a pitcher or as a vase for flowers, which is how I envision using it:

Have you discovered any must-have items for summer yet?

Wish List Wednesdays: Tiny Pantry Cookbook by Isabel Paige

Last fall I posted a recipe for a dish called kitchari based on a recipe from a digital cookbook I purchased called Tiny Pantry by Isabel Paige.  Isabel Paige is a YouTube vlogger who makes the most fantastic vegan meals in a tiny house she built herself.  Recently she made her cookbook available as a hardcover book ($34.95; also includes a free digital copy), and I wasted no time in placing my pre-order (the book is published independently so copies must be pre-ordered).  The original e-book has been edited and updated, with new photos and ten new recipes added.  The updated version is also available as a digital download only ($14.95) if that is your preference, but as an ardent book lover I can't wait to get my hands on the hard copy!  It will take a few weeks for the book to arrive, but once it does I intend to make a few more of the tantalizing recipes.  I recommend watching the following episode from A Cookbook Collector vlog which shows a non-vegan making and trying out some of the recipes from the original e-book, just to get an idea of how user-friendly and tasty these recipes really are:

Wish List Wednesdays: Loft Strawberry V-Neck Sweater

I am a big fan of sweaters with unique and fun prints, so when I saw the Strawberry V-Neck Sweater from Loft ($79.50, but currently 50% off plus free shipping!) I knew I had to buy it.  The fact that it is 100% cotton and has a v-neck, which I prefer to a crew neck, made it even more attractive.  One of the comments mentioned that it is more fitted than loose.  Since I have very broad shoulders and a long waist, I sized up, and the fit is perfect for me.  Loft has many items for sale at 50% off with free shipping right now, so even if this sweater is not your style you may want to check out some of the other sale items.  As for me, I am delighted with my new sweater!

Wish List Wednesdays: MIUZMORE Pot Lid Holder and Spoon Rest

For me, one of the minor but annoying things about stovetop cooking is where to put your pot lid once the liquid in a pot has come to a boil.  The lid is hot and usually dripping with moisture, and I prefer not to place it on the countertop where it will make a mess.  I would rather place the lid with the inside facing up so that it does not stick to the counter, but trying to manipulate the hot lid with a potholder so that the top faces down can be hard.  However, I have finally found a solution to this lid problem, and it is the MIUZMORE Pot Lid Holder and Spoon Rest (a mere $7.99 for this ingenious gadget!).  When folded flat it can easily be stored away in a drawer until needed.  To use this device, simply fold the lid holder up and place on your countertop, as shown below:

The convenient slots for multiple spoons, spatulas, etc., means that I no longer have to have a spoon rest on the counter anymore either.  When you are done cooking, simply wash the pot lid holder, fold it up, and put it away until needed again.  I am so pleased with this clever little gadget - I wish I had discovered it sooner.  Sometimes it really is the little things that make life more pleasant!

Wish List Wednesdays: Koala Scarf by Un Poco

This lovely Koala Scarf ($195) by Un Poco was featured recently on one of my favorite blogs, The Vivienne Files, and I have to say I am quite smitten.  The 90 centimeter (about 35 inches) square scarf is 100% silk twill with hand-rolled edges.  In addition to the koala several other Australian animals are featured, including an echidna, emu, kangaroo, and cockatoo.  Best of all, this scarf features many hues in my color palette, including olive, rust, denim blue, and cream.  I have already hinted to my husband that it would be the perfect Valentine's Day gift - I hope he takes the hint, but if not I will just need to order it for myself!

Wish List Wednesdays: Valentine's Day Red Heart Pendant Necklace from Chico's

Necklaces are about the only jewelry that I wear (except for a few favorite cuff bracelets), and I have an impressive collection, but if I were looking for a new necklace then the Valentine's Day Red Heart Pendant from Chico's ($39.50, but currently on sale for 25% off) would be at the top of my list.  I love the simplicity, the pendant style, and most of all the adjustable length, since one of my biggest problems with necklaces is trying to match the necklace length to the necklines of my tops.  Multiple layers and thick sweaters in colder weather call for longer necklaces, so one that adjusts means that I could wear this pendant more often no matter what outfit I am wearing.  I think it may be time to drop a few hints to a certain someone about a perfect Valentine's Day gift!

Wish List Wednesdays: Talbots Reindeer Fair Isle Sweater

I mentioned in a previous post that I was on the hunt for a Christmas-themed sweater that did not fall into the category of "ugly Christmas sweater", and I do believe I finally found one!  The Reindeer Fair Isle Sweater ($89.50, but on sale for 40% off) from Talbots has the classic fair isle pattern around the bottom, cuffs, and neckline, but also features a subtle and sweet little reindeer sporting a fair isle sweater on the front.  I am always a sucker for clothing featuring animals, so for me this is the perfect Christmas sweater.  I also love the colors and the fact that it is mostly cotton.  Reviews mention that it is a lightweight sweater, but I actually prefer a less bulky sweater that can be worn as a second layer over a long-sleeved tee, so this should work well for me.  I have already placed my order - I just hope that it arrives in time for Christmas!

Wish List Wednesdays: Two Good Reads for the Holidays

Our holidays are particularly chaotic this year as we continue to unpack our moving boxes, but I still try to find a little time to relax with a good book when I can.  Currently I am reading two short story anthologies as I find it easier to quickly read one story at a time whenever I can fit in a short reading break.  I am really enjoying The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories ($14.99 on Amazon) edited by Martin Edwards, which is one of his British Library Crime Classics featuring holiday-themed short stories written during the Golden Age of detective fiction.  If you are a fan of short mystery fiction, check out the other Martin Edwards anthologies here.

The other anthology I will be reading for the holidays this year is The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories: From Hans Christian Andersen to Angela Carter ($13.56 on Amazon), which is one of the Penguin Classics Hardcover books.  All of the stories have a Christmas theme, but the genres range from fairy tales to ghost stories, so this should be a fascinating read.  I intend to start this one on Christmas day, which I plan to spend quietly, doing as little work as possible and only engaging in cozy and enjoyable activities.  I hope your holiday plans include only fun activities as well!

Wish List Wednesdays: Republic of Tea Sip and Be Merry Holiday Gift Tea

I recently received a catalog in the mail from The Republic of Tea which included a free teabag for a Christmas black tea called Sip and Be Merry - smart marketing, because as soon as I tried it I decided I had to get a tin!  The Sip and Be Merry Holiday Gift Tea ($12.95 for 50) is a tasty black tea flavored with sweet blackberry leaves, natural caramel and vanilla flavors, and cardamom seeds.  It really does taste like Christmas in a cup!  This is a limited edition seasonal tea, so if you are interested you should order soon.  Hot tea is my favorite cold weather beverage, and I love a good flavored tea that is inspired by holiday spices, so I am really looking forward to having this tea for the upcoming holidays!

Wish List Wednesdays: Ann Taylor Horse Print Sweaters

I always enjoy finding a good animal print sweater when winter apparel becomes available.  This year's selections have not been as interesting as ones I have found in previous years, but I did find a couple of nice horse print sweaters on the Ann Taylor website.  The Horse Print Sweater ($98, but on sale today for 50% off) above seems a bit pricey for a mostly polyester sweater and may be too short for me as it is only 23 inches long and I am long-waisted, but for 50% off I am willing to order it and see how I like it.  The Horse Print Sweater Tee ($64.99, but on sale today for 50% off) shown below is a more usual 24 inches long and seems like a better deal, as it is all cotton and has two 5-star ratings.  I am hoping that I will like both of them enough to keep, as I love the pattern and find the colors of the long-sleeved sweater to be especially attractive.  I am still on the hunt for a nice patterned Christmas sweater that looks good without verging on ugly Christmas sweater territory - wish me luck!

Wish List Wednesdays: Hygge Collection Cozy Fireplace by Olivia Gibbs 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

I normally prefer to buy 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles because I like the challenge, but when I saw the Hygge Collection Cozy Fireplace by Olivia Gibbs 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle from KI Puzzles ($17.99 on Amazon), I just could not resist!  Not only is this cozy image perfect for a chilly autumn day, it even comes with a Wood Sage and Sea Salt scented candle to burn as you set about putting this cozy jigsaw puzzle together.  There are two other puzzles available in this Hygge Collection (both options can be viewed if you check out the link above) which also come with their own unique scented candle.  I can't wait to start working on this puzzle, sipping a hot cup of tea while enjoying the aroma of the scented candle!

Wish List Wednesdays: 1,001 Ways to Celebrate Christmas & Create Lasting Traditions Book

If you are looking for a way to get into the Christmas spirit, I highly recommend a little book called 1,001 Ways to Celebrate Christmas & Create Lasting Traditions ($16.95 on Amazon).  As the title states, this book lists 1,001 ways to celebrate Christmas, with ideas ranging from holiday recipes to festive activities to seasonal arts and crafts plus a whole lot more.  Each idea is presented in a short sentence or paragraph, and you can read as few or as many as you want as time and inclination permit.  Read them in order or skip randomly through the book - no matter how you proceed, these ideas are sure to get you in the holiday mood!

Last month was extremely busy for me, and I hope to do an On the Homefront post soon to get caught up on all that has been going on here, but the big news for now is that we sold our Georgia home and my husband has now officially made the move to Santa Fe!  We have a frightful amount of unpacking to do, but the majority of our belongings have arrived, and we can finally settle into becoming New Mexico residents.  Hopefully more information will be coming soon, but I really intend to get back to regular posting now!  I hope you all had a fun Halloween and are looking forward to all of the upcoming holidays.

Wish List Wednesdays: Fixin' for Foxes Sweater from Coldwater Creek

Happy first day of fall, everyone!  We have endured an especially long, hot, and surprisingly wet summer this year in New Mexico, with an unexpected heat wave for the past two weeks, but yesterday it finally cooled off and it really does feel like fall today.  This time of year just about everyone starts thinking about getting cozy for the upcoming cooler weather, and I am no exception.  I would like to add one new sweater to my wardrobe for the season, and I think this Fixin' for Foxes Sweater ($79.95-$89.95) from Coldwater Creek is the one.  I love the dark peacock blue color, and the allover fox print looks quite autumnal to me.  The sweater is a 100% cotton fine-gauge knit that makes it the perfect weight for fall weather.  What a great new addition to my fall wardrobe this pullover sweater would be!