Introducing a Brand New Feature: Casa Haus en Español

I'm very excited to tell you I have published my first two entries in Spanish!!! It's a whole new blog; same Casa Haus.

Casa Haus is meant to be a bilingual and bicultural blog. Bilingual, because I'll be posting both in English and Spanish. Bicultural, because differences between cultures and countries will be taken into consideration. BUT, it's the same old Casa Haus. Same project, same essence.

If you'd like to take a peek at Casa Haus en español, just go to your upper right corner, click on the sunset and tree image (just like the one below), and off you go!

Laundry Rooms: Inspirational Pics

We just recently finished building a new room to our little house, meant to hold our laundry room (promise to show you pics soon!). Eventhough it's still missing some things (such as a door/window), we're very excited for our new addition. As hubs and I are talking about it and making plans for it, I can't help it: I'm looking for inspiration everywhere and let me tell you, you can certainly find the most wonderful ideas out there! Please, go ahead and enjoy!

As you can see for yourself, there are wonderful ideas for any kind of space; size is no limitation. Don't you just love them? I like the color palette on the second and sixth. As for the fifth one, I would love to have such a beautiful working space / laundry room at home. Sigh. Of course I left the last place for one of my favorite designers in the whole world: Sarah Richardson. What a space!

Dia de muertos

Living in Mexico is a wonderful opportunity to experience unique celebrations, full of life and passions. One of such is the Dia de los muertos, which means "Day of the Dead", and takes place today: November 2th.

Day of the Dead is a very popular and beautiful tradition among Mexican people. Its actually a mixture of cultures, combining the Christian devotion with Pre-hispanic rituals and beliefs. A true party for the senses, a showcase of colors, smells, flavors, and sounds, all in one.

People make altars for their death people, where they place pictures of the deceased, as well as belongings and things, dishes, and food the person enjoyed in life. In the case of kids, toys are placed as well. This was thought to help the death people with their journey to eternal life. Flowers and candles are also a must.

While it could seem as a somewhat sad tradition, Day of the Dead is a very happy, festive, and respectful one, where death is regarded as a peaceful and transitional place for people: a place in between life and eternity.

Day of the Dead is a holiday which extends itself (as most holidays do) along late October and November. There are several iconic elements: flowers, candles, sugar skulls, and "death" bread (pretty yummy!).

All being said, it's quite obvious Day of Dead is not the same as Halloween, though some people tend to confuse them. Here in Mexico, one is able to find the most diverse opinions regarding both traditions. It's almost as if it was a popularity contest between both!

I personally believe there is place enough for both traditions. My siblings and I had the wonderful opportunity of growing up with Halloween and Day of Dead. Even as a kid, you are able to understand the difference between them, and totally enjoy both. Embrace both. Actually, I think Halloween and Day of Dead are complementary traditions, not excluding ones. Celebrating one, doesn't mean you shouldn't or couldn't celebrate the other (I know, it sounds obvious, but it isn't as clear for some people).

If you'd like to experience Day of Dead, I urge you to come visit Mexico. This is a total experience, and you'll absolutely love it!

Halloween is over...

I know, I know. It's time to start talking about Christmas now... time to start thinking about snow, chilly weather, and long scarves, among many others:

But before we do start thinking about Christmas decor, let me share with you our Halloween.

It was sooooo much fun! We loved it!

This year was special because it was the first year we took the time to make Halloween decorations. (Last year was our first year in this house, so we weren't really settled, nor had quite the energy to do so).

So, this year was pretty special. Since I didn't have much time and didn't want to spend the big bucks, I decided to go for DIY crafts, and they worked out great!

Cute cardboard letters and funny pumpkin (which were a blast for my lovely daughter):

Gorgeous mini pumpkins with candles for the living room :

A lovely chic large pumpkin I painted white and placed in the patio:

Another one more I painted a funny face on, and lots of spiders and bugs!

This one looked especially nice with candles (please forgive my dark picture here):

Last, but not least, bats and a fun windowlantern (great ideas from country living and family fun):

Kids in the neighborhood went crazy for it, and so did I! We actually had to wait 'til Halloween to cover the window, since the black cardboard darkened the master bedroom quite a lot.

It was our first Halloween to decorate home like this, and it was totally worth it!

How did you spend Halloween? Do share!