Congratulations to our winner.

Well done to Lydia in Wiltshire, who's name was first out of the witch's hat to win a copy of 'A Zombie Ate My Cupcake'...a gruesome collection of recipes ideal for a Halloween party.

Planning a Halloween Party?...

Here are a few top tips for a successful 'fright-night'...


1. Create a spooky scene...inside or out...with low lighting and gruesome props.
2. Make the food as revolting as possible...no I don't mean your cooking...find inspiration here.
3. Make up a monster music montage.

4. Be ready with freaky activities and games.

5. Send your guests home with a few party-bag horrors.


For more ideas, download our Halloween Party Ideas

Image from wvpics.com.

Halloween giveaway...

Hi there 'fright night' fans.

Looking for some macabre recipes that will have your little monsters screaming in delight...?

Take a look at 'A Zombie Ate My Cupcake' by Lily Vanilli...we're loving the marzipan beetles and meringue bones!

What do you need to do to win a copy?

Just sign up for the monthly Dreams and Wishes e-newsletter HERE ...before 27th October '10, and the first name out of the witch's hat on that date will win the book!!

Ghoolish good luck to you...

A great day for charity.

He's finally done it...my 'other half' completed his charity parachute jump last Saturday...

Here he is floating in to land...

And that means the two weeks of cake-baking is done too...lots of money raised though, so it's all been worth the upheaval!

Some of my cooking creations...

Reviving my Domestic Goddess

My sixteen stone 'significant other half' is due to throw himself out of a plane very soon...!

It's all for charity I hasten to add and, whilst I commend his bravery, it's not something I could do myself.

So in support of his actions I am baking cakes...!!!

Now I know that doesn't sound very adventurous but, believe me, the kitchen holds many fears for me!

So for two weeks, starting yesterday...here's my first attempt...I'll be baking various delights to sell to friends and colleagues to help raise money for Brake, the road safety charity.

Bring on the colour...

I hadn't realised how long it's been since I last blogged...!

I'm ashamed of my neglect...

Here to brighten your day is a selection of my favourite kid's rooms. Full of colour and a little bit eclectic, they show 'mix-and-match' can be so good.

..

My thanks to numerous blogs and websites for profiling these beautiful rooms...including Atticmag, Make room for living, Room 7 and Skona hem.

Kid's room clutter-busting tips.

With the kid's heading back to school next week...now might be the right time to consider venturing into their room for a bit of a clear out!

Here are five top tips to help you...

Make a date...Set aside enough time to clear out all the unwanted, outgrown or broken items.

Involve the kid's...explain your actions to avoid argument.

Tackle one area of chaos at a time...i.e. clothes, toys, etc.

Plan appropriate storage as you go...make it easy for the kids to use.

Make it fun...and reward yourself for a job well done!

Thanks to Zany Holidays for the image.