Happy Halloween

Legend has it that once a year the thin veil that exists between our world and the world of the spirits is lifted, but only for a night. On this one night the spirits are free to roam the human realm and cause mischief and mayhem….and screams……

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I have loved Halloween for the longest time, in fact I think I can trace it directly back to my primary school days when I devoured 'The Baby Sitter's Club' books, and noticed that there were so many seasonal traditions and holidays that were different to the ones we celebrate in the Great Southern Land.

The autumn and winter holiday period has always fascinated me the most. From late September Australians are preparing for the longest, hottest, and (sometimes) rainiest period of the year; a time when it becomes impossible to be bothered doing one's hair because humidity makes a joke of even the sternest attempt, and when as a child it was perfectly normal to run under the sprinklers at school in our togs (bathing suits) at lunch time. Our northern cousins meanwhile are watching the leaves change colour, getting their winter wardrobes ready, baking all sorts of tempting treats, and celebrating traditions like Halloween and Thanksgiving.

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So this year, I am bringing a little Halloween down under. I have two massive and gorgeous pumpkins decorating my table, a bucket of spooky toys and treats for the few trick-or-treaters we may have visiting our door tomorrow night, and these beautiful cupcakes to share with my work family tomorrow.

Of course, I have taught myself to cackle in an appropriately witch like manner as well.

I want to be prepared just in case that really is a goblin knocking at my door on Halloween night….

Pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, thanks Martha

In other news, this is evidence of exactly how much more clever and talented the mini chickpea (my sister, Jess) is than I am.

Yes, we now worship at the altar of Jess.