The Ghost of Halloween Past!

My mom has been making Halloween costumes for over 40 years (just to clarify, I have an older sister). She has quite a following, as people who have seen and marveled at her work, began to look foward to her next creation. Many neighbors still talk about her stunning masterpieces.

Each year, hours were dedicated to selecting the pattern & fabric and sewing elaborate costumes. Many pieces were sewn by hand - every stitch was done with love. The tradition continues now that my mom, "Marmee" makes costumes for her 3 grandsons. This year is no exception..... trick or treating in the Norther Virginia suburbs will be the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz. Pics will be on the blog on Monday.

For fun - some pictures included from the 70s and 80s. Happy Halloween!

I LOVE Mail

Yes- its true. I am obsessed with getting the mail. All morning I look forward to it's arrival. I don't know why, I have always been this way. It may be the hope that something really great will arrive - a beautifully written letter, an invitation to a party, one of my favorite magazines (Bazaar just arrived today -yippee!) or even a check of some kind!

Since the debut of Hampton Paper, I have found an all new love with the mail - invitations and note cards sent to me on Hampton Paper. Just something small that really makes my day!

On My Bookshelf

So many books, so little time! I am in book heaven right now with all the new releases from some of my favorite authors! Here is what I am reading now....

• Mini Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella


• The Island - Elin Hilderbrand


• Safe Haven - Nicholas Sparks


• Rescue -Anita Shreve


• Last Night at Chateau Marmont - Lauren Weisberger

Recenlty Read and Recommend:

• The Help - Kathryn Stockett


• Promises to Keep - Jane Green


• The Castaways - Elin Hilderbrand


• Testimony - Anita Shreve

All Time Favorites

• For a lot of laughs.... Briging Home Birkin - Michael Tonello
• Beautifully written and a peak inside the life of the Kennedy's ...What Remains - Carole Radziwill
  

What are you reading now? Do tell.....

The Calm Before The Storm....

Hampton Paper employees took the weekend off (a very rare event) to cheer on Notre Dame ( a futile effort) at the ND vs Navy game at the Meadowlands. The event was fun thanks in part to some fabulous drinks and eats at the tail gate!

Photo: Web Designer Greg Mika, Owner Kristin Mika, Sales Executive Greater NYC Area Bob Lombardo, Artist Lucy Borge, #1 Fans Meri and Joe Deoudes.

Make A Wish...

If it was to be able to find Hampton Paper Designs at a fabulous stationery and gift boutique in Georgetown, then your wish came true! Congratulations to Heidi Kallett and her team from The Dandelion Patch on the grand opening of the new location in Georgetown Park. Grand Opening is on Nov 4 from 7-9.

Photo: The Dandelion Patch owner, Heidi Kallett, and Hampton Paper Designs owner, Kristin Mika, at the Hampton Paper Designs Trunk Show 5/10 in Vienna.

Halloween Fun for Kids - Part 1

Photos from the kids table at Gourmet Club at my house - oohhh so fun to make personalized place mats for the kids and goody bags full of candy.

www.hamptonpaperdesigns.com

Personalized Place mats - 2 for $30.00

Personalized Stickers - 27 for $18.00

Bags & Ribbon can be found at Michael's