Happy Halloween

Francesco Lagnese for REAL SIMPLE, via Viva Amore

Holidays always remind me of how much I miss home. For some people, the holidays are stressful.. I get that. In-laws, family who you only see a few times a year, cooking, travel, gifts... On top of "Real Life" it can be a lot. Still, I am endlessly thankful for all of the vivid and fabulous memories I have of traditions, mishaps and joyfulness. I'm sure if this short entry was about Thanksgiving or Christmas (Christmas, especially) it A) wouldn't be short and B) would be a whole lot more sappy. Halloween is, and has always been, my Dad's favorite holiday. Between my mom and dad duplicate pumpkins are purchased every year. Considering that's 6+ pumpkins.. I'm sure you can imagine the front porch. Extras: boyfriends, friends, friends of friends, relatives of friends... there are always extra participants.. and always enough pumpkins. Dad always does the prep work while the kids (Well.. when we were kids... haha.. Who am I kidding? We'll always be kids) dig out the slimey pumpkin seeds. Mom and Em and I always save, rinse and prep for baking. Everyone carves.. somehow mom always last. Kiss FM or something mainstream like that plays on the ancient garage radio. When pumpkins are finally lit, placed on the ledge, decorating the front of the house in a less-than spooky manner, we all gather inside for some sort of gourmet take out. Man.. I miss home.

Carving Pumpkins in the Garage

Cheesy Decor

Terra Bella

Can't forget fabulous October Orange County sunsets.