Genie is out of the bag in our area :-( There was no halloween in Australia until maybe 9-10 yrs ago here. I hated it starting. First time 'cos I didn't have any lollies for a couple of teenage kids who came to the door - I was like, "You want lollies for what - oh right - hang on..." and returned with some dried apricots being the sweetest things in the house - very daggy. I then promptly closed the garage gates and curtains to deter any more visitors. Now though the whole neighbourhood has kids dressed up running around - there is certainly some fun in it but certainly some a lot of very cheap and nasty lollies full of colourings, preservatives, flavours and of course a tad more than 5% sugar :-) ! So i reluctantly wander the streets with forced smiles trying not to rain on everyone's parade - there is neighbourhood fun to be had though, people to chat and laugh with, and some fabulous decorations by those who really try hard. Not into the scary stuff for under 7s yet - poor little things can't tell if Santa is real or not or so how are they to know those scary ghouls and fantasy not fact... I fear there is no chance of stopping the halloween tsunami here any more than stopping xmas - choose your battles I suppose. At least there is no "tricking" as far as I have experienced. Nice little idea for warm climates like October in Sydney - instead of a pumpkin which goes mouldy quickly - use a watermelon to cut out a face.

The parlour palm is the most reliable palm for indoors .. Plants add exponentially to the indoors effect and personality, as has been said many times over, however as with anything, ideally should be placed/chosen tastefully and not in a hodge-podge or messy looking fashion. Unhealthy looking plants are particularly unattractive ..

Let's keep it nice, I don't think EthanWes is as precious as you may think and it is a forum for personal opinions after all. I also thought the comeback was unnecessarily aggressive & unwarranted. I would keep whatever you put there quite subtle and simple in colour so it doesn't draw the eye. You've got a nice retro/scandi feel from the look of it, see it as another way to carry this through?! So some ideas: - a small succulent in a low 1-2" pot, possibly including a trailing one such as Silver Falls (though don't let it get too out of hand!), will help make it look less compartmenty. Or even Ikea http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/40349079/ - a couple of neutral coloured cookbooks stacked horizontally. - a nice low serving dish in a soft grey - but make it one you will actually use, not just for aesthetics! ; D I have a similar one to this https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60209668/Tiro-Salad-Bowl.html https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60203911-9084/Tapas-Salad-Bowl.html and use it a lot. - or, if you like your tech, it could be a great place for a small wireless speaker. Expensive example, but something like the Bose Soundlink Mini If you're looking for more ideas, 'open shelving' should provide lots though you are constrained with the very low height of the shelves.

Hi Julie, Thanks so much for your respond. The ivy is currently on a plastic pot with good drainage on the bottom, it hasnt root bound or anything like that and it's not damp..i got a suggestion from a professional who said that devils ivy did hv this condition every now and then and i just need to cut the affected leaves. I did cut it off but just curious as to what happened.. So maybe I'll go to the botanical garden or nursery to get more answers! Thanks so much julie