Category Archives: Holidays

Halloween at Welcoming Haven

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🎃 Halloween at Welcoming Haven 🎃

I love Halloween. So naturally, here at Welcoming Haven, we had to celebrate the spooky season with a few frightfully fun finds. While some stores are already decking the halls with Christmas cheer, we believe Halloween deserves its moment in the moonlight.

👻 Ghostly Campfire Nightlight
First up: a charming pair of ghosts toasting marshmallows around a flickering campfire. It’s cute, a little spooky, and makes the perfect nightlight for cozy autumn evenings.

 

💀 Skeleton on a Spin
Next, meet our resin skeleton who’s pedaled himself down to the bone—literally. This 6-inch tall exercise fanatic on a stationary bike is a humorous nod to fitness lovers who go all in.

👕 Spooky Shirt Collection
To round out the theme, we’ve curated a series of Halloween T-shirts that shout your love for the season. Whether you’re into ghosts, jack-o’-lanterns, witches, or pumpkins, there’s a shirt to match your mood.

 

 

Amazon Selection click here

🐈 Feline Familiars Forever

And of course, we can’t forget our feline familiars. Banner and Balboa—with their orange and black coats—bring Halloween vibes year-round. For these little monsters, we’ve added a Gothic cat tree with a coffin-shaped perch. It’s spooky, stylish, and purrfectly dramatic.

Gothic Cat tree selection at Amazon-Click here

 

 

🛍️ Where to Find Them

You’ll find all these seasonal delights in our Seasonal section, except for the cat tree—that one lives in the Pet section. And if you’re like me and can never get enough, check out my affiliate links to Amazon. They truly have everything.

Affiliate Disclosure:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love and think you’ll enjoy too. Thank you for supporting Welcoming Haven!

 

 

 

 

Prost (Cheers) from Munich

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 Oktoberfest Is in Full Swing! 🍺

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If you’ve ever dreamed of dancing to oompah music with a pretzel in one hand and a frothy beer stein in the other, now’s the time to make it happen. In Munich, we’re right in the heart of Oktoberfest—the world’s largest beer festival and a beloved celebration of Bavarian culture. This year, the official dates run from September 20 to October 5, and the city is alive with tradition, laughter, and plenty of hops.

A Festival Rooted in History

Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. What started as a horse race and public party has evolved into a global phenomenon, drawing millions of visitors to Munich each year. The festival grounds, known as the Theresienwiese, transform into a sprawling wonderland of beer tents, carnival rides, folk music, and hearty German fare.

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What to Wear and What to Sip

To truly embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest, don your lederhosen (for men) or dirndl (for women)—traditional Bavarian attire that’s both festive and functional. Then head to one of the 14 massive beer tents, each offering its own unique atmosphere and brews from Munich’s six major breweries. Whether you’re sipping a Märzen (the classic Oktoberfest beer) or sampling seasonal specialties, every stein comes with a side of camaraderie.

More Than Just Beer

While beer is the star of the show, Oktoberfest is also a celebration of culture, community, and joy. Families flock to the fairgrounds for rides and games, while food lovers indulge in roast chicken, sausages, sauerkraut, and giant pretzels. Traditional music fills the air, and spontaneous dancing is always encouraged.

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Raise Your Stein and Join the Fun

Whether you’re in Munich or celebrating from afar, Oktoberfest invites everyone to toast to good times and great company. So grab your stein, raise it high, and shout a hearty “Prost!”—because this is one festival where joy is always on tap.

 

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A Gothic Cat Tree That’s Drop-Dead Fabulous

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🖤 “Paws of the Crypt”: A Gothic Cat Tree That’s Drop-Dead Fabulous

This Halloween, give your feline familiars a throne worthy of their mysterious majesty. The Heavy Duty Gothic Cat Tree isn’t just a scratching post—it’s a statement piece for cats who rule the night. With blood-red accents and a coffin-shaped bed, it’s the purrfect blend of spooky and stylish.

Whether your cat is a curious vampire or a lounging ghost, this single-tier tree offers spacious comfort and eerie elegance. Designed for large cats who love to sprawl, scratch, and survey their haunted domain, it’s built to last through nine lives and beyond.

Available at Welcominghaven.com Here

🎃 Why Your Cat Will Love It

  • Spacious Coffin Bed: Measuring 23.8 x 16.1 inches, it’s deep enough for dramatic naps and midnight musings.
  • Stable Square Base: At 13.8 x 13.8 inches, the heavy-duty box keeps things grounded—even when your cat’s zoomies go full poltergeist.
  • Elevated Platform: The 19.7-inch rise from base to bed gives your cat the perfect perch to judge mortals from above.
  • Tree Branch Accent: Standing 23.6 inches tall, it adds a whimsical, witchy vibe that’s more Salem than suburban.

Crafted in bold black and red, these Gothic Themed cat trees turns your living room into a haunted haven. It’s not just décor—it’s a lifestyle upgrade for cats with flair. Order Here

Globlazer Heavy Duty Gothic Cat Tree, 72in Large Cat Tower with Coffin Bed, Sturdy Maine Coon Cat Tree for Large Cats 20 lbs+, Medieval Castle Style with 6 Scratching Posts & Hammock, S72, Black & Red

🕸️ Affiliate Disclosure

Heads up, cat lovers! This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that fit the vibe of Around Dusty Roads and make tails wag (or curl mysteriously around a candle).Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping keep the storytelling flowing

Want to add a little haunted luxury to your home? This Gothic Cat Tree is more than a Halloween treat—it’s a year-round throne for your furry familiars. Banner and Balboa would approve.

Banner and Balboa – photo credit Deb Neumann

 

 

Your Birthday Is in September—Are You Special?

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🎉 Your Birthday Is in September—Are You Special?

Calendar page for the month of September. Closeup, top view ...

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According to Good Housekeeping, the answer is a resounding yes. They’ve compiled a list of 21 reasons why September babies are extra special. I won’t spoil the whole list, but a few fun facts caught my eye—and I couldn’t resist sharing.

🍼 Fact #1: September Is the Most Common Birth Month in the U.S.

Let’s do the math. September is the ninth month. Human gestation takes about nine months. So what was happening in the U.S. right before January? Ah yes—holiday parties, mistletoe mischief, and New Year’s Eve revelry. It all adds up. Conception abounds!

1,300+ Baby New Year Stock Illustrations, Royalty-Free ...

 

 

🎂 Fact #2: September Babies Have a Better Shot at Reaching 100

The article doesn’t explain why, but statistically, more people born in September live to see triple digits. Maybe it’s all that autumn air and birthday cake?

Father Time And New Year’s Baby (Old And New Year)

🚌 Fact #3: You’re Likely the Oldest in Your Class

Thanks to the September 1 school enrollment cutoff, many September-born kids get an extra year before hopping on the big yellow bus. That means a head start in height, maturity, and maybe even snack negotiation skills.

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🍁 Fact #4: September Folks Are Less Prone to Mood Disorders

Could it be the crisp fall weather, golden leaves, and pumpkin-scented everything? Whatever the reason, September babies tend to be a little sunnier in disposition.

😮‍💨 Fact #5: But… You’re More Prone to Respiratory Issues

September giveth and September taketh away. Asthma and other respiratory conditions are more common among those born this month. At least you’ll be cheerful while catching your breath?

☀️ Fact #6: Born on September 16? You Share a Birthday with Positive Thinking Day

Coincidence? Maybe. But if you’re a September 16 baby, you might just radiate optimism. Or at least have a good excuse to fake it.

🍕 Fact #7: My Personal Favorite—September 20 Is National Pepperoni Pizza Day

That’s right. You can celebrate your birthday with pizza and cake. Two major food groups, one glorious day. Yum!

 

77,000+ Pepperoni Pizza Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty ...

🎈 That’s a Wrap

If you want to see all 21 reasons, check out the full article in Good Housekeeping. As a February baby myself, I can’t vouch for the accuracy—but I might be just a teensy bit jealous.

So here’s to you, September stars. May your month be filled with joy, deep breaths, and extra slices of pepperoni pizza. Happy Birthday!

photo credit Deb Neumann

 

 

 

Happy Labor Day!

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Honoring Hard Work: Celebrating Labor Day

Each year on the first Monday in September, Americans take a well-deserved pause to celebrate Labor Day. For many, it signals the unofficial end of summer, complete with barbecues, parades, and one last beach trip. But beyond the backyard gatherings and retail sales, Labor Day holds a deeper meaning—it’s a day to honor the contributions of workers who helped shape our country.

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The History Behind Labor Day

Labor Day was first celebrated in the late 19th century, born out of the labor movement. During a time when long hours, unsafe conditions, and low wages were the norm, hardworking men and women stood together to demand fairness and dignity in the workplace. Their efforts led to reforms we often take for granted today—such as the 40-hour workweek, better wages, and safer environments. In 1894, Labor Day was officially recognized as a federal holiday, giving Americans a day to reflect on the value of hard work.

A Day to Reflect and Recharge

In today’s fast-paced world, Labor Day is not only about honoring workers of the past, but also about acknowledging the efforts of those who keep our communities running every day. Teachers, healthcare workers, farmers, service employees, and countless others deserve appreciation for the vital roles they play.

Philadelphia celebrates workers rights and unity - WHYY

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It’s also a chance to recharge. Whether you spend the day with family at a cookout, take a quiet hike in the woods, or simply relax with a good book, Labor Day reminds us that rest is just as important as work.

Carrying the Spirit Forward

As we enjoy the holiday, let’s remember that Labor Day is more than just a long weekend. It’s a tribute to perseverance, unity, and the belief that every worker deserves respect. By recognizing the value of hard work—past and present—we carry the true spirit of Labor Day forward.

So, here’s to a day of gratitude, rest, and celebration. Happy Labor Day!