The Halloween party went well last week. But I must admit, I was glad when it was time to clear up the mess and get the house back to normal.If it wasn't for my daughter, I really wouldn't bother with Halloween at all. It's not my thing. I used to enjoy it, but then some teenaged toerags tried to steal the decorations from my front door and that was it. I had had enough. There are always some who see it as a licence to cause trouble, so I bowed out. I won't be taking my little girl Trick or Treating at any point, but if she wants Halloween parties for her friends, then that's perfectly ok by me and I'm happy to do that for her.
It's at this time of year when I crave my 'white month'. I did it last year, and explained it in a [little more detail then]. It's not really about painting everything white, more about clearing the mind, decluttering the house, toning down the colour and having some peace before the craziness of Christmas starts. I love doing this. I keep sheets white or pale pink, light white candles, have cream or white flowers, everything is muted and the house feels calm and relaxed. The wind can howl, the rain can thrash down, but I feel relaxed and cosy and calm.
I keep the fragrances around the house clean and fresh, avoiding the heady scents of the festive season that are in abundance in the shops.
I'm doing something extra this time too, as part of clearing the house of clutter, I'm taking part in the 30 day declutter, as hosted by [A Thrifty Mrs]. Useful and timely. It suits my mood perfectly to take part in this. If you need a gentle boot up the backside to get you motivated, click on the link and take a look, join in on Twitter too.My peace will be slightly shattered soon. Another room is going to be refloored with wood, but thankfully it won't take more than a day. I can cope with that!
I wrote earlier in the year that our hallway was being redecorated. It's getting there, still more to do but it is looking much better. It feels very relaxing walking through the front door now.
I am ashamed to show you the 'before' photo, but I will just say that this carpet had been down for 10 years. I think I'd look grimy and saggy if people and trampled on me every day for ten years!
Before ..
yikes! After ..
Love it all. The dark wooden floor, the painted sides of the stairs, the stair rods, the shades of grey. It's all so much nicer. Fresher and brighter. Mirrors on the stair wall and tiny chandeliers on the pendant lights will finish it off nicely.