This year I was determined not to spend a lot of money on costumes.  We looked around the house to see what we had and how we could make due and here’s what we found.
Last night we went to the community fall festival.  There were games, vendors, inflatables, candy, horse rides, face painting, and all kinds of fun stuff.  It was all free! 

Last night Alligator Girl wanted to be a ballerina.  She already had the outfit.  Her cousin had recently outgrown it and passed it down.  Alligator Girl was excited to wear it out in public.

Cuddlebug was a baseball player.  We had the …read more

Many children will be trick-or-treating tonight and tomorrow night.  Here are a few reminders of safety for us all.

1)  Stay in groups.  Never go trick-or-treating alone. 
2)  Teach children to never enter a home without prior permission from their parents.
3)  Teach your children to never approach a vehicle unless they have their parent or guardian.
4)  Carry a flashlight or glow stick and wear reflective clothing.
5)  Never go up to a home that is not well lit.
6)  If possible, go with your children.  If not, go in groups or see if your child can tag along with another parent.
7)  Consider attending fall …read more

For the first time ever, I have three kids this Halloween.  If you’re like me, you don’t have $30-50 per kid to spend on a costume.  I’ve been searching around the internet and have found some do-it-yourself ideas.  Hopefully there will something that you like.

 
Black Knight Costume
Pocahontas
Parents has some cute costume ideas.  You probably have many of the items needed already at home.

Scuba Diver – uses 2 liter soda bottles, tubing, and goggles
Beauty Queen
Basketball Player
Artist
Mad Scientist
Rock Star
Magician
Doctor
Chef
Zoo Keeper
Construction Worker

Handmade Costumes – Most of these costume ideas are for smaller children.

Little Lamb – This one is my favorite. It’s so adorable!
Dalmation …read more

This past week, we discussed some ways to save money on Halloween.  One of our readers asked for tips to save money on Halloween candy.  Here are some ways to save.

1)  Give less candy.  Kids don’t need all of that sugar anyway.  I’ve even been to some houses that just have a big bowl sitting out on the porch.  Cut back on the amount of candy you give.
2)  Buy in bulk.  If possible, check out deals at warehouse clubs.  Most times the prices are less and they have assortments of candy just for Halloween.  If it’s too much candy, split …read more

Halloween is right around the corner! This year, be sure to capture your little ghost or goblin’s memories in a unique way. An expert in children’s photography, Linda Russell offers 5 tips for parents to take perfect Halloween pictures.  

 1)  Utilize available light: Turn off your flash and use a tripod or even the back of a chair to stabilize your camera and use a slow shutter speed to photograph your child by jack- o- lantern or candle light.
2)  Light your child from below: For a really “haunting” photo, have them hold a flashlight below their face pointed up. Under-lighting is sinister …read more

The National Retail Federation reports that Americans spend nearly three billion dollars on Halloween. Three billion dollars?!? :gasp:
Here are some money saving tips to help you enjoy Halloween a little cheaper.

7)  Do it yourself.  There are lots of costumes and decorations that you can make yourself.  I like this idea because it means that your costume will be unique and not like everyone else’s.  Check out this list of 50 do-it-yourself Halloween ideas.
8)  Look online or in magazines for ideas.  Sometimes I have a hard time getting creative but it’s easier with the help of others.  Some of the sites …read more

I have read that the average family spends about $40-50 on Halloween. Of course, this is an average and it varies upon where you live and how many children you have. I’m sure there are some people that spend way more than this amount.
It doesn’t take long for Halloween expenses to add up. Here are some ways to save.

4)  Shop yard sales.  When I moved last year, I had an entire table of holiday decorations.  There were Christmas ornaments and decorations and Halloween costumes.  These unused items frequently turn up at yard sales.
5)  Shop after-season clearance sales.  Of course, it is …read more

It doesn’t take long for the cost of Halloween decorations and costumes to add up.  Although it may not seem like it, Halloween is just around the corner.  Here are some tips to save.

1)  Check out the selection at close out stores.  One year my husband stopped in a close out store and found Spiderman and Backyardigans costumes for only $5 each.  Those costumes would have cost us at least $40. The kids were thrilled!
2)  Borrow from a friend.  Check with your friends to see if anyone has any costume pieces that you can borrow.  Sometimes you can borrow enough for a whole …read more

It’s just September I know, but in order to maximize your holiday savings for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other autumn and winter holidays, it’s best to plan your holiday budget now.  To get ready for bigger money savings this year do the following…

Take stock: Go through your holiday decor boxes, gift wrap storage, and greeting card you’ve been hanging on to, and make a list of what you already have vs. what you actually need and carry that list with you, in your purse from now on. It’s tempting to buy holiday stuff when you see it on sale (which …read more

When my son and I go out Trick or Treating on Halloween, we especially enjoy looking at the decorations on the houses in our neighborhood. There are a lot of Do-It-Yourselfers in the area, and I’m amazed at how creative they are. Taking inspiration from my neighbors, I give you:
50 Do-It-Yourself Halloween Ideas:
Halloween Costumes:

Operation game costume – All you need is some cardboard, some markers and a red rubber nose. A hospital gown is a plus.
How about a can of worms? That doesn’t look like a very happy kid, though.
It must be hard to go trick or …read more