Darkness calls early, whirling colored leaves;

Shhhh... Hear the scamper of those tiny little feet?

Tonight, they come calling for a Trick or a Treat;
Their sacks are bulging with delightful stash,
Running with friends, race to the dash!
Shuffling in disguise, hurrying to your door,

Adorable little goblins eager for more;

Remember this night when you could be anyone?

The simplest costume, the ticket to fun?

Their folly reminds us the youth of our past,

Such pleasure to behold, encourage and hold fast;

For carefree youth scurries quickly away,

As adulthood  comes calling and here we stay...

So as you fill each bag of goodies tonight,

Remember... always keep imagination in your sight...  ~SMF

Halloween is creeping closer... Dare to look into the future?

Inspired by the warm and mysterious colors of the season, here is a little peak at some delightfully mastered adornments to greet the annual festivities with a bewitching blend of bold and beautiful... 

Left: Hot Tamale necklace with hammered coins and glass peppers amid entwined soutache braid and silver Front: Pirate bracelet features silver trinkets and rhinestones

Front: Python necklace has Deux-coupage pendant, Dalmatian jasper and hand-painted glass Right: Autumn Spice necklace with macrame leather, wood, resin & glass beads

Light the candles and deal the cards...

The bewitching hour is upon us... xoxo-Sonya

For those of you desiring a reason to enjoy some splendid sugary delights, rest assured today is the day for you...

Happy Sweetest Day everyone!

Yes, the Sweetest Day is a holiday celebrated each year on the third Saturday of October. Although often regarded as a second Valentine’s Day, Sweetest Day is actually a day established to celebrate all the special people in your life. Uplifting and fun, this occasion echos an opportunity to bring someone joy and embrace the power of a smile.

Founded by Cleveland candy company employee, Herbert Birch Kingston in 1922, Kingston aimed to bring cheer and happiness to the lives of those who were often forgotten. With the help of his friends, he began distributing candy and small gifts to children living in orphanages as well as those stricken with disabilities and illness. Over the years since, this novel idea of spreading cheer to the underprivileged has expanded to an occasion enabling an opportunity to remember not only the orphans, sick, aged and disabled, but those dearest to us in family and friends whose kindness and graciousness enrich our lives.

So, go ahead... Enjoy some sweet bliss... xoxo-Sonya

Working into the wee hours of morning, I feel compelled to execute what my mind envisions before the idea escapes. And after several attempts, I am pleased with the final result... 

Strands of fresh water pearls entwined with gold, silver, soft grey knit with a hint of space-dye, all heavily adorned with pewter and antique gold trinkets... I shall name this one Chloe. 

Continuing with the momentum generated by my daughter's bedroom make-over, I tackled the downstairs bathroom with renewed spirit. After stripping the walls of paper I applied twelve years ago, there was much repair work to be done to these bare walls, restoring the 'blank canvas'. So much work for such a tiny space! But the result is a quiet respite with a touch of stenciled flair and Art Nouveau alongside complimentary Chinese and Delft blue porcelain. Here, have a look...

Autumn...

With the days gradually getting shorter, darkness comes calling a bit earlier. It is already fall. Halloween is around the corner. But I don't mind...

There is a crisp chill in the air that circles round while the leaves and acorns hit the ground. Familiar scents of home-baked apples with cinnamon and nutmeg swell in the oven, overflowing to fill the house with distinct comfort. I love this time of the year...

Time to re-open our dining room, bringing the party inside once again, inviting guests for good food and engrossing conversation at our table.  We kicked off the season with our annual apple picking excursion into New York. What fun we had! And what an impressive batch of apples we collected!