ABC has announced its renewal of the classic Peanuts holiday specials for another five years. It’s not any wonder why the beloved Peanuts are being renewed. Peanuts have become a worldwide staple in pop culture and continue to deliver exceptional ratings for ABC. Peanuts are celebrating their 45th anniversary this year since the first airing of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” in 1965. In celebration, all the specials are going to be re-mastered on Blu-ray (and regular DVD) as individual releases and in a “Holiday Deluxe Collection.” (Quick lesson for the technologically impaired, DVD’s hold only 8 gigs of data where Blu-ray holds up to 50 gigs. What does that mean exactly? Well it mean’s superior video quality than previously available and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Blu-ray is a perfect example of the amazing quality that Blu-ray’s can offer).

Peanuts are a seasonal favorite of mine and for many other people as well. The specials bring back a feeling of nostalgia, of a simpler time or even a feeling of childlike innocence. The Great Pumpkin is certainly one of my very favorite Halloween specials. I often feel like Linus, waiting for The Great Pumpkin to arrive each year (or in this case – for Halloween to get here). Linus’s advice still rings true some 45 years later “3 things I have learned never to discuss with people; religion, politics and the great pumpkin.” Its imagery, dialogue and music are all part of its classic status as an iconic piece of art. The Great Pumpkin’s musical masterpieces (by Vince Guaraldi) are just as recognizable as its animation. In my opinion – the peanuts specials are some of the best animated pieces of art to ever be created. The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown is on Blu-ray September 7th 2010 or you can wait an additional two months for the deluxe collection.

I added TWO new wreath ideas to the decorating section as well as a Halloween CD review.

“The Good Witch” & “Good Witch’s Garden” re-showing on Hallmark, August 29th 9AM/11AM and 5PM/7PM.

I recently came across a TV movie a couple of months ago that I really enjoyed called “The Good Witch.” The movie stars Catherine Bell as a mysterious woman who moves into a small town called “Middleton.” Cassandra Nightingale (Catherine Bell) moves into a home the locals believe to be haunted and opens up an occult (or so it’s believed) shop. Rumors soon circulate about the new “wicked witch” in town and the mayor’s wife begins a campaign to drive Cassie out of town. It isn’t long until Jake Russell (Chris Potter) chief of police and his two children take notice of Cassie. The children almost immediately take to Cassie and her positive influence not only in their lives but their little town.

There is also a sequel called “Good Witch’s Garden” written by the same writer of the first movie. It captures the same magic of the first film and has all the original cast members. I found out a third movie is coming out this December and is entitled “The Good Witch’s Gift.” Catherine Bell posted on twitter that Hallmark has also approved a fourth script. I think it would be a great idea to create a TV show based on the movies; however Catherine Bell is currently in an existing TV show called “Army Wives.”

These films do have their silly moments but after watching the films, you can’t help be left with a happy feeling. Cassie helps people find what they need, their potential and the good in people. At the end of the movies, the viewer will be left wondering- is Cassie really a witch?! Check out the trailer on youtube.

Inspired by these very sweet movies, I have uploaded a “ Good Witch” wallpaper. Also added to the downloads section are a flaming skull wallpaper and a brand new “poison” wine label. Enjoy!

Thanks to the incredible Pumpkin Rot blog, for posting the news that Pottery Barn has added Halloween items to their website. Many of the items would create a wonderful and spooky tablescape perfect for a Halloween party. Right away I personally would choose several items including the bone martini glasses, the cauldron bunch bowl, the bat salad plates, and the mini skull vase filler. You could create an amazing table with just a couple of items.

Improvements Catalog has also put out their Halloween preview online. I have been eyeing the Great Pumpkin yard art for some time now. It wouldn’t be in the main part of my yard, but it definitely is my favorite Halloween special of all time.

Grandin Road updated their website as well. 23 pages, yes… 23 pages of some great Halloween merchandise! Some wonderful wine labels, exclusively created Martha Stewart props (she finally got into creating props) some resin cauldrons and some cool black trees.

More website updates are coming soon. Working behind the scenes on some additional updates, be sure to check back.