Tips For Halloween 2008

How To Send Halloween Party Invitations

2008-10-11T12:07:00.001-07:00

Almost everybody loves holiday parties. If you’re one of those many people, you’ll probably be interested in how to set up a Halloween party. Maybe you’ve started already, but if not, it could be the right time to get going. The sooner you start planning for the party, the faster you’ll be able to start inviting your guests.

If you’re wondering about how to send invitations to your guests, you should know that a whole host of options are available to you. It’s a matter of choosing one of them more than anything. Your invitations themselves reflect what kind of person you are, and what kind of party you’ll be throwing. You should take into account both the advantages and the disadvantages of the different invitation strategies.

Lots of people use official invitations for the parties they hold, Halloween parties included. These can be made at home using your computer or can be purchased at a party or department store. Using formal invitations is a good option if you want to keep a handle on your invite list and remember who they all are. Guests also prefer these kinds of invitations; it’s nice to get an invite by mail. The only real drawback to the formal kind of invitation is the cost involved. However, it’s not hard to find inexpensive types, or of course to create your own.

If you’re thinking of sending out personal invites, but are put off by the cost of doing so and aren’t keen on creating your own, quick notes are a good possibility. Just write down all the important information your guests need: time, place, and location. Formal invitations have their merits, but a brief personal message written by hand is also a nice way to invite people, and is inexpensive.

While the mailed invites are a good way to please your would-be guests, it’s possible that you won’t have the funds or time to send them out. However, you’re in luck, because it’s always possible to simply call all your invites and invite them personally to the party you’re throwing. It’s a great way to do things because it’s personal and warm, even more so than sending a letter. It does have one drawback, though, and that is the time it takes to phone up all your guests.

Another possibility these days is of course sending out e-mails to invite people to your Halloween party. This is especially easy if you happen to know all your guests’ e-mail addresses and can send out a group e-mail notifying all of them at once. Do this in the same way as you would with a more traditional invitation letter. Make sure you’ve told them when and where the party is taking place. You can also find online invitations that you can send at no cost. They’ll add a nice touch to party invitations you send by e-mail.

The method you use to invite guests isn’t the important thing. What’s important is that they get the invites and know everything they need to about your Halloween party. Do this in advance and you’ll have a great holiday bash.

Making Your Halloween Disguise Travel Friendly

2008-10-11T12:06:00.001-07:00

Halloween costume originality

Keep in mind that when you hit the streets, you are sure to run in plenty of vampires, ghosts, and recent movie persona. So if you are hoping to stand out at the bar or be the life of the party, you may want to try and discover a Halloween costume that is more unique. If you do choose to go with a cliché Halloween spook, consider doing something about it that will make you stand out from everyone else.

One way to do this is to create your own Halloween costume. However, for most people, this is more laborious than it sounds, and the finished costume may leave much to be desired. An easier choice is to go to online Halloween costume stores. These will offer a much wider variety than your local costume retailer, allowing you to find something that is unique from everyone else.

Restrooms and crowded locations

If you are headed out to the bar or to a celebration, not all costumes are going to work. For instance, if you are going to go out for some drinks, then there is a good chance you will want to use the restroom at some time in the evening. A costume that is tough to get in and out of can make this a problem. If there is going to be a large number of people in a small room, then bulky Halloween costumes can make it difficult to move around. Watch out for the sizes of objects like wings and other accessories to make moving about easier.

Watch your layers

While attractive Halloween costumes can be proper for an indoor party, wearing one out on a chilly Halloween night to take the kids trick-or-treating can leave you shivering. On the other hand, the thick gorilla suit can cause you to faint from heat exhaustion in the center of a crowded party. So ponder where you will be on Halloween night and choose your costume accordingly. If there is going to be a assortment of venues, consider a costume that has removable layers so you can adjust it for the weather.

Carrying your essentials on Halloween

Ever notice that Wonder Woman never carries a handbag? If you are going out on Halloween night, you will need to consider how you are going to carry your essentials like your wallet and car keys. Many costumes do not have pockets, so you might need to get creative with how you do this. Look for accessories that can double as a bag or handbag. Hidden wallets like are designed for travelers will also work well with some costumes as a hideaway for your money or ID.

If you plan ahead, your Halloween costume will prove to be less of a chore and more suited for partying.

Halloween Faq: Halloween Traditions Around The World

2008-10-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

* Was Halloween originally a pagan or a Christian holiday?

Like the celebration of Christmas day, originally Halloween was a pagan festival rather than a Christian holiday. It was only around 10th century that the Roman Catholic Church established this holy day. This was initiated for purifying the spirits of the dead.

* What is the origin of trick-or-treating?

Trick-or-treating, a major Halloween tradition, is related to the "soul cake day" of Christian people, with a belief that the treat pacifies a mischievous spirit. Formerly, children who were trick-or-treating would vandalize houses that did not give them treats. They roamed around the neighborhood soliciting candy or other kinds of treats. This was became popular up to the 20th century.

It was in the year 1970 that the trick-or-treating tradition started to wane because of several rumors that some households were handing out harmful or poisonous treats to children. Today many parents accompany their children while trick-or-treating or organize private Halloween parties.

* Why is Halloween celebrated on October 31st?

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st because the Celtic people believed that it is the end of "season of the sun" and the start of "season of darkness and cold" due to winter. They believe that it is the time when evil spirits are most likely to roam the earth.

* Is Halloween celebrated on the same day around the world?

No. Halloween in some parts of the world may not even occur on October 31st. A number of countries celebrate Halloween on November 1 or 2. Other prefers to celebrate it at some other time, mostly during the fall or summer season.

* What countries celebrate Halloween?

Halloween is one of the oldest traditions and is celebrated around the globe. While many countries commemorate Halloween it is in North America and Canada where Halloween is most popular. Other countries that join in the celebration are Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Czechoslovakia, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Latin America, Spain, and Sweden.

* How did Halloween get started in the U.S.?

The first-ever recorded Halloween celebration in the United States occurred in Anoka, Minnesota, in 1921. That was the start of trick-or-treat, Halloween costume parties, and a series of activities depicting the essence of the celebration.

* Why do we carve pumpkins for Halloween?

Carving of pumpkins is descended from earliest Irish tradition. Originally a turnip was used instead of a pumpkin. According to some stories, it was believed to ward off evil spirits.

When the Irish people began to immigrate to America, they realized that carved pumpkins were more realistic than turnips, as well as easier to carve.

The 10 Fun Benefits to Halloween

2008-10-11T12:04:00.002-07:00

Many people see Halloween as a time of fun, costumes and candy. Others see it as a way to honor the dead relatives that have passed or celebrate the coming of fall and winter. No matter what you think of Halloween, there are some benefits that celebrating this holiday can offer you. Here is a look at just some of them.

It's fun.

Halloween is fun all around. People enjoy dressing up and decorating. Fun can help people of all ages reduce the amount of stress, improve depression, and bring balance to their lives.

No dress code.

For the majority of your life, someone has dictated what you wear. Whether it was your parents or a dress code imposed on you by the schools or workplace. Halloween is the one day a year where it is socially acceptable to get a little wild.

Express yourself.

You may have a “going out” personality that you share with your friends and coworkers, and a totally different hidden side that you keep to yourself. However, it can be quite therapeutic to express that side of you once in awhile, and Halloween is a great way to do it. For instance, if you normally dress in dark colored, conservative clothes, a bright and flashy Halloween costume can be a lot of fun.

An excuse to socialize.

Everyone loves a party, but with today's busy schedules it can be difficult to find the time to get out and socialize. The many Halloween events help you to create opportunities to go out with friends.

Avoid being self conscious.

If you are normally they shy person in the corner at parties, then a Halloween party is one of the times where you can actually be yourself and become a social butterfly. Hiding behind a mask and costume can give you more self confidence to go out and meet people.

The gift of receiving.

Receiving treats while trick-or-treating is a lot of fun for children. Plus, it can be a teachable moment for parents to remind kids to be polite, speak clearly, and say thank you for items received.

The gift of giving.

By the same token, children can also learn about giving graciously. Whether it is helping to hand out treats or donating their outgrown costumes to the needy, it can be a great teaching moment.

Family moments.

Halloween offers plenty of moments for family fun. Whether it is a journey to the pumpkin patch, cooking up Halloween treats, or planning your own costume party, families benefit from spending fun times together.

Catching the spirit.

Even if you personally do not want to dress up for Halloween, it can be fun to see what everyone else chooses to do. There are always some unique and interesting costumes out there that might inspire you for next year.

Meet your neighbors. With everyone's busy schedules and the hesitancy of parents to send children out alone, you may not get the opportunity to meet those who live on the same street as you do. Trick-or-treating allows you to walk right up, knock, and say hello without anyone thinking twice about it.

There are plenty of other benefits that come along with the Halloween holiday, these are just a few. So why not create some reasons of your own?

Keeping Halloween Diet Damage to a Minimum

2008-10-11T12:04:00.001-07:00

If you are trying to avoid sugary sweets, either to lose weight or simply to have a healthier Halloween, this can be a frightful challenge. No other night of the year can compare to the amount of sugary temptations that are available, in fact, most Halloween activities center around candy. Before you run screaming this Halloween, here are some suggestions for limiting the sugar overload.

Choose healthier choices

Instead of putting all of the focus on the candy that is received at Halloween, why not put some of the focus on healthier alternatives? For example; have a costume party, create Halloween crafts, have a spooky scavenger hunt, or attend one of the Halloween alternative parties or festivals that are often offered by churches. This gives kids fun things to do on Halloween night instead of going trick-or-treating.

If you want to keep trick-or-treating in your routine, but are worried about the sugar, why not pass out goodies that are not candy? Often, children will be just as happy with a toy or other item given in lieu of candy – stickers, pencils, or even single serving snacks can be healthier alternatives to candy.

Limit the intake

Chances are, even if you aim for a healthier Halloween in your own home, somewhere along the line your child is going to come home with candy anyways. There are several strategies that you can use to dispose of it. Some parents will set a limit as to how many pieces a day can be eaten. Others will offer a trade of the candy for a toy or other item that the child has been desiring. You can also buy the candy back for a few dollars. These alternatives will help you get the candy out of sight and out of mind of your children.

Get rid of it

If you are also tempted by Halloween candy, having it hidden at the back of the cupboard may work for your kids, but often not for you. If you cannot handle the temptation of having it sitting out, find a way to get rid of it. Freeze plain chocolate to be used in recipes. You can also save some of the mini candy bars to hide in lunch boxes for a fun surprise now and again. Chop up candy bars and create cookies to send to neighbors, senior citizens, or your child's teacher. Or use the candy to bribe some neighborhood teen into raking your leaves or watching the kids while you run to the store.

Make it a learning opportunity

Halloween can be a good time to talk about good nutrition and moderation of sweets. Explain to kids why you want to limit their sweet intake, but don't take it away entirely or dwell on the topic. Doing this will only tempt them to sneak the goodies when they think you are not watching. Keep it fun and show them how they can share the goods.

Halloween doesn't have to be all about candy if you take the time to get a little creative and make smart decisions.

Halloween Party Games

2008-10-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

So you want to have a Halloween party, but are unsure how to keep the kids entertained while they are there. After all, there is only so much pizza and candy that a kid can take! If you are tired of the traditional games, like costume contests and bobbing for apples, here are a couple of alternatives that can help keep everyone entertained.

Spooky Storytelling

On a creepy night like Halloween, telling spooky stories can help set the mood. Before the party, you will want to take a small deck of index cards and write story-starting phrases. You will want at least one per party goer, and more if you want the game to continue longer. Keep them appropriate to your party's age group, but you can include things like:

It was a dark and stormy night...
The door creaked open and we saw...
The witch cackled over her cauldron, stirring what looked like...
I peaked under the bed and saw...
There was a knocking at the window and...
I heard a horrible scream and I knew...

To play the game, sit everyone in a circle and dim the lights. Consider having a flashlight to pass to the person whose turn it is to tell the tale. Have everyone pick a card, and then someone starts the story. Set a timer for one or two minutes, and that person has to start the story with the phrase on their card. When the timer goes off, the flashlight gets passed to the next person, who then continues the tale with the phrase on their card. This continues at least until everyone has a turn, or longer if you have the time.

Mummy Memory

Get a large serving tray and fill it with small Halloween goodies. Toy spiders and bugs, stickers, pumpkins, and other Halloween party favors can be a good way to go (plus, you can recycle these items into the goodie bags to go home when you are done). Cover the tray with a cloth, and give everyone a piece of paper and a pencil. Remove the cloth, giving everyone a minute or two to study the tray, and then recover. Everyone should then try to write down everything that they remembered, with the person remembering the most winning a prize.

Terror Tag

You need a larger, empty room for this game. Before the game starts, secretly assign each person to be a ghost or a mortal. An easy way to do this is to give each person a slip of paper with their designation on it – but make sure they know it is to be a secret! You should always have a much higher ratio of mortals to ghosts, so most of the time one or two ghosts will be plenty. Then, turn down the lights so that it is dark in the room (or you could blindfold players). Have them go about the room, shaking hands with other players, and whispering to them if they are ghost or mortal. If you shake hands with a ghost, you must freeze in terror. This continues until there are only ghosts left.

Halloween party games can be fun to play and help pass the time. If you need more ideas, consider giving any of your regular party favors a Halloween twist and using them.

What to serve at your Halloween costume party

2008-10-11T12:00:00.004-07:00

There are traditional Halloween foods and food items: pumpkin seeds and pumpkin pie, candy corn, assorted chocolate and candy bars, and more. But this Halloween, you want to whip up something different for your family and friends. Whether it is for a Halloween costume party or for your kids Halloween costume adventures (trick-or-treating, school parties), here are some wickedly tasty Halloween recipes!

Amazing Appetizers, Monstrous Munchies

Last year, my friend held a Halloween costume party. For her Halloween costume, she decided to be a Black Widow spider, the poisonous spider with a telltale red hourglass on its belly. She coordinated a lot of her Halloween costume party cuisine with her spider costume. For an appetizer, she served Spider’s Nest Dip, which sounds a bit gruesome but is a definite crowd-pleaser. It also went perfectly with her spider Halloween costume! For this recipe, mix 16 ounces Cream Cheese with ½ a packet of taco seasonings and a cup of sour cream. Next, spread a layer of refried beans on the bottom of a oven-safe dish and sprinkle a handful of cheddar or jack cheese over the top. Place dish in oven at 300 degrees until the cheese has melted. Use either homemade or store-bought salsa and guacamole for this next step: layer salsa, then some of your cream cheese mixture, and last, some guacamole. Continue to layer your items until you run out of ingredients: beans, shredded cheese, salsa, cream cheese mixture, and guacamole. Last, when you have used up all of your layering ingredients, place a spoonful of sour cream in the middle—the “spider’s nest.” Place about ½ a cup of sour cream in a plastic bag—Ziplock, grocer bag, whatever you have on hand. Cut a hole in one corner and, carefully squeezing the bag, draw concentric circles around the spoonful of sour cream. Put as many circles as you can without them blending together. Finally, use a pointed object like a toothpick to drag lines from the “nest” to the outside of the web. It will create a lovely web design. Serve with your favorite chips and garnish with plastic spiders. It’s a great addition to a witch, spider, mummy, or vampire Halloween costume!

Devilishly Delicious Eggs at Your Halloween Costume Party!

Deviled eggs haunt many a picnic, brunch, and family gathering. But little do we realize how great these are for fare at a Halloween costume party! And like the Spider Nest dip, you can coordinate this next recipe with your devil Halloween costume—or even your witch or werewolf Halloween costume. Boil one dozen eggs until hardboiled, cool, peel, slice in half, and remove the cooked yolks. Using a hand blender or chopper, blend together the yolks with 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar, two cloves minced garlic, a dash of hot pepper sauce, and, if you like spicy, throw in a few slices of jalapeno pepper. Blend until completely mixed together and creamy. Using a spoon, stir in a few drops of red food coloring and stir until the mixture has become your desired shade. Fill the empty egg white halves with the red yolk mixture, garnish with parsley or peppers, and enjoy! It’s a festive dish, and it works well for Halloween costume parties, holiday gatherings, and potlucks.
You can also substitute other food coloring—green, blue, yellow, whatever you wish! After your Halloween costume party, everyone will be asking for this recipe.

Halloween Costumes For Pets

2008-10-11T12:00:00.003-07:00

It’s a night for scary surprises, lots of free candy for kiddies and the chance to dress up in Halloween costumes. And, even though he cannot eat chocolate, Fido may enjoy getting all dolled up for a night of fun. In recent years, designers have begun manufacturing Halloween costumes for pets. In creations ranging from super heros to villains, pet costumes are gaining in popularity both locally and through online merchants.

With the internet being the largest shopping mall in the world, albeit a virtual one, the selection of Halloween costumes is much greater in cyberspace. Designers and specialty stores around the world have the opportunity to showcase their latest ideas and fabrics that are sure to please even the pickiest of pet owners. Anyone who plans to order via the internet can expect to pay a shipping and handling fee, but with Halloween costumes being lightweight, this additional cost won’t likely be a significant one.

When selecting Halloween costumes for pets, it is a good idea to measure your cat or dog beforehand so that you will know what size to purchase. That’s right. Not all Halloween costumes for pets come in a one-size-fits-all cookie cutter shape. In fact, most quality outfits will be specially made for various size animals. A yellow lab and a poodle probably wouldn’t agree on the same size costume, so stay away from designers that gear toward the one-size-fits-all design.

When selecting Halloween costumes, it is a good idea to choose one that will be most comfortable for your furry little friend. Remember, they are also wearing a fur coat, so anything that is breathable will be ideal. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that most pets will be resistant to Halloween costumes at first, simply because it is a new concept. If you plan to show them off on Halloween, make sure that you break them in several days prior to the big night. One way to do this is by showing them the costume, putting it on for a few minutes and then removing it. Afterward, give them a treat and praise them for good behavior. After several of these exercises, not only will your pet be happy to wear the costume, but he/she will also be looking forward to a treat afterward. So, just make sure that you have a special treat for them on Halloween as well - but no chocolate.

Wacky Spiders – A Fun Halloween Craft For Kids

2008-10-11T12:00:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite Halloween crafts for kids. It is quick and simple, can be done with a crowd if necessary, and is an excellent way to practice cutting and fine motor skills with younger children. Older kids can let their imaginations take over and create some really wacky spiders!

You will need:

Black paper
Scissors
Glue or sticky-tape
Googly eyes (optional) or scraps of paper and pens

Instructions:

Cut a rectangle of paper approximately 3 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Fold the short side down about an inch to make a crease, then open up again.

Turn the paper so that the crease is horizontal, then cut the paper in 7 straight lines up to the crease to create eight spider's legs. For younger children, draw in the lines for them to practice cutting on. For older children, show them how to make the first cut in the middle, dividing the area below the crease into 2 halves. Then show them how to divide each half again to make quarters, then the quarters to make eighths. There is no need to be too accurate.

Now wrap the spider around the child's finger and fasten with sticky-tape or glue. Remove the spider again and decorate - either with scraps of paper or with googly eyes. Put back on the finger and bend the legs into shape or curl them around a pencil.

Variations:

Hang the spiders up! Simply cut a length of black yarn (wool) and attach inside the head of the spider with a small piece of sticky-tape.

Make smaller versions of these spiders to decorate the ends of Halloween pencils.

Wrap small spiders around straws to decorate your Halloween table! Make some bigger spiders and scatter them around the table as well.

Cut a small slit on either side of the spider's head and insert a name card to turn these spiders into spooky place markers!

Once the body of the spider has been made but before decorating, wrap a black pipe cleaner around the head of the spider to give a furry effect. The protruding end of the pipe cleaner can be curled into a hook shape, which makes the spider easy to suspend from shelves, the tops of doors, and other spooky places! Stick googly eyes on top of the pipe cleaner.

Specialty Halloween Pies Perfect for a Halloween Costume Party

2008-10-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

It is always a wonderful experience when you walk into a home where someone has just baked a pumpkin pie—all those intoxicating smells of nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin, and crisp piecrust. This piece is dedicated to all you pie-lovers out there, as well as all you non-bakers. I’ve put together some recommendations for where you can get delicious pumpkin pies. These pies are perfect for family get-togethers, Halloween costume parties, or as gifts to your friends and loved ones. In no particular order, here are five places where you can get fabulous pumpkin pie.

1. Try out Achatz Handmade Pie Company. The company makes two superb pumpkin pies, perfect for Halloween costume parties or for anytime of the year! There is the traditional pumpkin pie, with freshly made crust and filling with only the highest quality ingredients. But my personal favorite is their Pumpkin Crumb Pie. It’s almost like Crumb Cake mixed with Pumpkin Pie, and the flavors are amazing together. The Pumpkin Crumb Pie is essentially the traditional pumpkin pie with a layer of Achatz’ secret recipe crumb topping. This is great for a fancier Halloween costume party.

2. Bonerts Slice of Pie Company also has two delicious pumpkin pies. Like Achatz, Bonerts has a classic pumpkin pie and then a specialty pumpkin pie. Next time you’re planning a Halloween costume party, don’t forget to order a few of Bonerts’ Pumpkin Cream Cheese pies. It’s a great take on a classic pie, and the cream cheese gives the pie a rich, velvety texture that is incredible with the pumpkin flavor. Your Halloween costume party guests will be singing its praises!

3. In the spirit of the ghoulish Halloween, why not buy a Black Raspberry Pie from Garden Harvest Supply? The black, gooey filling and the flaky crust provide a nice alternative to pumpkin pie. With the Black Raspberry Pie, you can add creepy-crawly decorations like fake spiders, gummy worms, or plastic eyeballs. The deep, red-black color of the pie is a great addition to any Halloween costume party or Halloween costume get-together.

4. I can’t help mentioning Ms. Hill’s Pies. She’s a nice lady in Iowa who has been making delicious, handmade pies for over 30 years. That’s a lot of pies! For a nice “bloody” pie, why not buy the Cherry Pie? It tastes incredible, and it’s a great texture and color for Halloween costume parties and haunted houses. You could even hand out slices of pie to your trick-or-treaters in their Halloween costumes.

5. And last but not least, there are the delectable gourmet pies at Underhill Farms Gourmet & Specialty Pies. As the company states, “Each pie is made to order from the freshest ingredients, back to perfection, and delivered to your door.” Try the Single Crust Pumpkin Pie. They also sell a Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie, which is perfect if any of your Halloween costume party guests have trouble processing sugar. Plus, with all that Halloween candy, all that extra sugar in a pie is a bit unnecessary!

A Close Look at Halloween Masks

2008-10-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

If you have already started to plan this year's Halloween costume, you might have taken some time to look in a costume store or two or check out the selections online. A major part of the costume industry includes Halloween masks. A popular part of Halloween celebrations, Halloween masks are not the answer to everyone's costume needs. Here is a look at the good and bad of this Halloween accessory.

The good

One of the best aspects of Halloween masks is that they disguise who you are quite thoroughly. Whether you choose a Halloween mask that covers your entire face and head, or just a portion, the final effect of either is that it alters the shape of you face. This can make it even more difficult to recognize you than it would be with merely face paint.

Another positive of Halloween masks is that they are very simple to use. If you paint your face, you will need a good deal of time, patience, and some artistic talent to get the right effect. With a Halloween mask, you simply slip it on and you are ready to go.

Masks can also be an inexpensive costume idea. By wearing a solid colored outfit and slipping on a mask, you can instantly become the character that the mask represents – other accessories are optional. You can even combine Halloween masks with your everyday clothing to become a zombie doctor, a cat who is a chef, or other unique idea.

The bad

Halloween masks can be dangerous if they are worn improperly. Special care should be taken to make sure that the mask does not block your vision or your breathing. This is particularly true with children's costumes, since an improperly fitting mask could cause them to injure themselves while out trick or treating. You will want to try the mask on to make sure that it fits properly before wearing it on Halloween night. Remove masks when driving to ensure that you are able to see properly.

Halloween masks can also be hot, so if your Halloween evening will be spent in a warmer climate or a crowded party room you may become uncomfortable rather quickly. If you feel that you are overheating, remove your mask. Also make sure that you drink plenty of water during your Halloween celebrations.

While Halloween masks can be an inexpensive alternative to a full costume, they can also become quite pricey. The more detailed a mask is, the higher the price tag will often be. So if you are on a budget, you may have to settle for a less detailed Halloween mask, or an alternative like face painting, to achieve a similar effect.

Halloween masks can be an excellent addition to your Halloween costume, but they are not the perfect solution for everyone. Only you can decide if this Halloween accessory is right for you. If you purchase a mask and decide later on that it is not as comfortable or as safe as you would like, you can also use it as a creepy way to decorate your home.

Halloween Decorations: 63 Must Have Craft Items

2008-10-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

Halloween is a fun time of year, especially if you love making craft projects. Homemade Halloween craft projects can range from the very simple Halloween paper crafts, to an elaborate display. If the whole family is going to participate in making Halloween decorations, then you should plan way ahead of time and know exactly what items you’ll need to create all the spooky critters and creatures that will adorn your home.

It’s a good idea to buy either plastic drawer organizers, and/or storage boxes to keep all of the common tools and craft supplies you’ll be using--all in an easy-to-find place. Do your shopping early so that you’ll have plenty of time to find everything you’ll need. It’s also a good idea to keep specific items in separate compartments or boxes and label them clearly.

Here is a list of craft supplies and tools you may want to have on hand:

Tools

** Art brushes
** Craft knife
** Decorative edge craft scissors
** Dressmaker’s wheel
** Foam Paintbrushes
** Hot glue gun and glue sticks
** Kitchen knife
** Hole punch with a heart, star, or other designs
** Paintbrushes
** Palette knife or plastic knife
** Paper scissors
** Pinking shears
** Pencils and ballpoint pens
** Rubber mallot

Supplies

** Acetate film
** Acrylic craft paint
** Cardboard
** Clear acrylic sealer
** Colored construction paper
** Decorative grommets
** Double-sided tape
** Epoxy adhesive
** Flexible jewelry wire
** Foam-core board
** Liquid fabric stiffener
** Magnetic tape
** Masking tape (regular and black)
** Manilla paper
** Poster board (especially black)
** Rubber bands
** Scrap paper and old newspapers
** Sharp-tipped markers
** Snaps
** Spray adhesive
** Spray matte finish
** Tacking glue
** Tracing paper
** Transfer or carbon paper
** White paper glue

Decorations

** Artificial gemstones
** Attachable alphabetical letters
** Battery operated tea lights
** Beads
** Buttons
** Cheesecloth
** Christmas lights
** Craft sticks
** Flat stick-on foamies
** Foam plastic balls and 3D shapes
** Glitter
** Googly eyes
** Liquid beads
** Microbeads
** Mosaic tiles
** Pipe cleaners
** Plastic bugs and other critters
** Polyfill webbing
** Pompoms
** Preformed cardboard shapes
** Ribbon
** Sequins
** Taper, tea, votive candles

Halloween Decorations: 10 Pumpkin Decorating Tips

2008-10-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular images around Halloween time is the colorful orange Jack-o-Lantern face. There are endless possibilities when designing a Jack-o-Lantern. They can be scary, happy, sad, weird, angry, silly, human or animal like. People love looking at carved pumpkins, and they are often the centerpiece of outside Halloween decorations.

While carving a pumpkin is relatively simple, there are a few things to keep in mind while you are hunting for that perfect pumpkin for your display.

1) Look for carvable pumpkins that have a strong stem that is firmly attached. To check for ripeness, pick up the pumpkin and thump it a few times. You should hear a hollow sound, which lets you know this pumpkin will be easy to scoop out. The pumpkin’s surface should be smooth and free of blemishes and discolorations.

2) Be sure to always carry your pumpkin from the bottom. DO NOT carry it by the stem, because the stem may snap, which speeds up rotting.

3) Store your pumpkins in a cool, dry place. Heat and light speeds up rotting.

4) Before carving your pumpkin, wash it in a solution of 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of water. This prevents mold.

5) Draw your pumpkin pattern on a piece of paper first, that way you can make easy revisions without damaging your prize pumpkin. If you can’t come up with your own design idea, you can always use ready made stencils or templates (these can be found online or inside a pumpkin carving kit). Cut the pattern out and secure it on the pumpkin surface with masking tape. Use a carving knife (or poking tool) to create pinpricks, or marks, to score the design for you to use as a guide.

6) To cut the actual design out of the pumpkin, use a small serrated saw for best results. Carve with a back and forth sawing motion. Go slow. NEVER use a straight-edge razor, because this can damage the pumpkin and cause possible injuries.

7) Consider buying a pumpkin carving kit to save time. Pumpkin carving kits contain all the tools you’ll need to create great looking Jack-o-Lantern faces.

8) If the thought of carving a real pumpkin sounds messy or like too much of a hassle, you can opt to buy an acrylic craft pumpkin. These look pretty real and are easy to carve too. Best thing about these acrylic pumpkins is that you can reuse them year after year!

9) Once you’ve carved your traditional pumpkin face, think about mixing things up a little with some other interesting designs like: black cats, witches, ghosts, moon and stars, popular movie characters, or drilling holes in your pumpkin that form an unexpected pattern.

10) While one pumpkin on the porch or front yard is great, imagine how it will look if you use several small to medium sized pumpkins. Displaying several pumpkins together creates more drama for neighbors and trick-or-treaters.

Money-Saving Tricks for Creating Halloween Treats

2008-10-11T11:51:00.001-07:00

Whether you plan to take the kids trick-or-treating or have a large-scale party, there are many creative ways to make this Halloween unforgettable.

Creating your own Halloween essentials is a great way to have a unique celebration while saving money. Perfect Glue, a great resource for family-friendly Halloween projects, offers these simple money- and time-saving tips for a frighteningly fun night.

* Host a pre-Halloween party. Gather with friends and family to create Halloween decorations. The quality time spent together is priceless and creates cherished memories.

* Add flair to costumes. Make your own costumes or costume accessories for you and your family. A pumpkin goodie bag, for example, is a fun item that trick-or-treaters will proudly carry.

To make a pumpkin goodie bag, you'll need orange, black, yellow and white felt, ribbon, scissors, a white pencil and Perfect Glue 1. Begin by tracing a pumpkin onto orange felt and cutting out two layers. Apply the Perfect Glue around the edges and glue the layers together, leaving the top open. Cut pumpkin face features out of the black, white and yellow felt. Glue the pieces onto the front. Finally, cut two long ribbons for the handles and glue to the inside of the bag. Let the bag dry for at least one hour before allowing the treats to flow inside.

* Design ghoulishly delightful home decor. Create an outstanding tablescape using eye-catching candy holders and terror-ific trees with branches filled with spiders and skulls. Make ornaments out of felt in the shape of traditional Halloween symbols - pumpkins, black cats and ghosts, for instance. As an added touch, stuff each ornament with candy or other fun keepsakes.

Green Guacamole Goblins Trick Little Spooks Into Eating Healthy

2008-10-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

Ghoulish-looking and all-natural, Wholly Guacamole adds Nutrition to Halloween Fare -

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that a large portion of the 25 pounds of candy consumed annually by each American happens around Halloween -- making healthy snacks even more important this time of year. But even the pickiest of eaters can be TRICKED to "experiment" with spooky Halloween food and healthy guacamole giggles states top-ranked Wholly Guacamole. http://www.whollyguac.com/.

Opt "out" on candy and dub a party-sized cauldron of all-natural guacamole "MONSTER GOO" or "Witches Brew," and watch the goblins dip in. Need a healthy option to apples? Hand trick-or-treaters Wholly Guacamole 100 Calorie Snack Packs.

"Mom gets the TREAT because 'MONSTER GOO' is really all-natural guacamole made from fresh avocados -- so ounce-for-ounce it's loaded with nutrients and 60 percent more potassium than bananas," exclaims Dr. Marcia Walker, nutritionist, mom and food scientist at Wholly Guacamole.

SCARE up a monster snack of "Bat Wings in Goblin Stew" (Baked Tortilla Chip shapes with a bowl of guac) and create a bewitching "Guacamole Goblin" or "Frankenstein Face Sandwich." The little monsters will gobble up the green stuff and get TRICKED into a nutritious meal.

  Ghoulish Guacamole Goblin ...  and other Messy Monsters.
 Prep Time: 15 minutes
 Suggested Ingredients:
 -- Bagels, breads, your favorite kind
 -- Wholly Guacamole -- (Choose all-natural guacamole found in your
    grocery's Produce or Deli Fresh Section)
 -- Meats/cheese, your favorites

 -- Assorted toppings:
    - baby carrots (grated or whole)
    - cherry tomatoes
    - sliced black olives
    - sliced bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
    - cucumber rounds
    - minced chives
    - poppy or sunflower seeds
    - alfalfa sprouts
    - sliced mushrooms
    - black bean dip
    - low-fat sour cream
    - crunchy Chinese noodles


 Directions
 1. Lay cheese and meat on cut bread or crackers.
 2. Spread guacamole to cover surface. Hint -- Use extra guac to make fur
    swirls!
 3. Set out bowls of toppings and watch the transformation into monster
    faces. Try olive eyes and a carrot nose, crunchy noodle hair, pepper
    lips and sunflower seed teeth.

Haunted House Association Announces the Beginning of 2008 Halloween Season; Halloween Attractions Now a One Billion Dollar Industry

2008-10-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

Halloween attractions open across the country and signify the start of a frightening fall season that will redefine how people face their fears

As night falls earlier across the country and a chill creeps into the air, the Haunted House Association is reminding people that the haunting season has begun and has announced today that Halloween attractions have now evolved into a big business, with big returns.

Gone are the old haunted houses with fake blood and cheap thrills. Halloween attractions this season are as expertly produced as the rides at mega-theme parks, with behind-the-scenes teams comprised of master Hollywood special effects technicians, make-up artists, set designers, and talented actors whose sole job it is to make you scream, yet keep you coming back for more. Set everywhere from cornfields and graveyards to industrial warehouses, these new Halloween attractions are born out of our own personal nightmares and then re-created in real life.

"To best describe the Halloween attraction experience, we ask people to imagine their greatest fear and then consider that there is a group of expertly trained professionals, with millions of dollars in funding, whose main goal it is to make that fear a reality," said Larry Kirchner, chairman of the Haunted House Association. "People have a preconceived notion that haunted houses are a gimmick put on by neighbors to scare kids and few realize that Halloween has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry with haunted houses evolving into intense experiences. Visiting a haunted attraction is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit and have a fun, safe evening that's entertaining for people of all ages."

The haunted house industry has had steady growth over the past five years and the 2008 Halloween season will showcase over 2,200 haunted houses across the country. The combination of the haunted attraction industry and the family-fun Halloween attraction industry has resulted in a market valued at over $1 billion.

A recent study conducted in September 2008 by BIGresearch* showed that 18.1 percent of Americans will celebrate Halloween by visiting a haunted house (up 2 percent from last year), 50 percent will decorate their yards, and 50 percent will carve a pumpkin. In 2008, the study shows that over 50 percent of Americans will celebrate the Halloween season with a visit to some sort of Halloween Attraction: a haunted house, a corn maze, a hay maze or a pumpkin patch event. The highest percentage of visitors will be 18-24 year olds, who make up approximately 42 percent of the audience.

See below for a list of notable Halloween attractions across the country:

-- 7 Floors of Hell, Cleveland, OH -- www.7floorsofhell.com
-- 13th Gate Haunted House, Baton Rouge, LA --
www.midnightproduction.com/the13thgate.htm
-- Nightmare on 13th, Salt Lake City, UT -- www.nightmareon13th.com
-- Nightmare on the Bayou, Houston, TX -- www.nightmareonthebayou.com
-- Cutting Edge, Fort Worth, TX -- www.cuttingedgehauntedhouse.com
-- The Bates Motel, Philadelphia, PA -- www.thebatesmotel.com
-- The Darkness, St. Louis, MO -- www.scarefest.com
-- Dreamreapers Haunted House, Chicago, IL -- www.dreamreapers.com
-- Erebus Four Story Haunted Attraction, Pontiac, MI --
www.hauntedpontiac.com
-- The Haunted Hotel, San Diego, CA -- www.hauntedhotel.com
-- Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses, Ulster Park, NY --
www.headlesshorseman.com
-- Kersey Valley SpookyWoods and Maize Adventure, Greensboro, NC --
www.spookywoods.com
-- NETHERWORLD Haunted House, Atlanta, GA -- www.Fearworld.com

For more information about the Haunted House Association and listings of more haunted attractions nationwide, visit www.hauntedhouseassociation.org.

Batman Tops Political Candidates as Most-Searched Halloween Costume on this Week's Lycos Top Search List

2008-10-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

Actress Anne Hathaway, VP Candidate Joe Biden, "House," Among Big Search Gainers on Lycos

The Lycos 50(TM) for Week Ending Oct. 4, 2008

Lycos, Inc. (http://www.lycos.com/), a leading provider of social publishing, media and search services, today announced the following information from The Lycos 50(TM), the most popular Internet search terms and trends for the week ending Oct. 4, 2008. For more information on this week's list and commentary, go to http://50.lycos.com/ . Readers of The Lycos 50 can also share their thoughts on Internet trends and pop culture on The Lycos 50 Blog located at http://lycos50.tripod.com/blog/ and the Under the Red Carpet Blog at http://redcarpet.tripod.com/blog/ .

  Biggest Movers and Shakers for Week Ending Oct. 4, 2008:

1.  Halloween               555%
2.  Anne Hathaway           480%
3.  Danity Kane             415%
4.  Phish                   400%
5.  Costume Ideas           395%
6.  Joe Biden               333%
7.  OJ Simpson              300%
8.  Janet Jackson           265%
9.  Steve Fossett           210%
10. House                   175%

Search Gainers:

With Halloween fast approaching, search interest in Costume Ideas nearly quadruples. While there will be plenty of Obama, McCain and Sarah Palin costumes making appearances this Halloween, the most-searched costumes this year are influenced more by popular movie heroes and villains than politicians. This also marks the first time Harry Potter costumes did not make the top 10 list. It appears Harry has been replaced by the wildly popular Hannah Montana and High School Musical mania. And funny man Mike Myers' Love Guru may have tanked at the box office, but it's the 9th most popular costume based on web searches.

The Lycos 50(TM) Top 10 Most-Searched Halloween Costumes, Week Ending Oct. 4, 2008:

  1) Batman           6) Transformers
2) Indiana Jones    7) Hannah Montana
3) Joker            8) Sharpay - High School Musical
4) Iron Man         9) Love Guru
5) Hulk            10) Hellboy

Meanwhile, actress Anne Hathaway sees a bump in search interest, rising 480 percent following her recent guest host stint on Saturday Night Live. And the politician moving up the search logs this week is Democratic vice presidential nominee, Sen. Joe Biden, hot off his recent debate with his Republican rival, Gov. Sarah Palin. Search interest in Biden more than tripled following the highest rated vice presidential debate in US history. A record 70 million people watched the Biden/Palin debate, eclipsing the 52.4 million who watched the first presidential debate between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain. But Sarah Palin continues to win the search wars as the only candidate to generate enough search activity to make the Lycos 50 Top Search list, coming in at number four this week, ahead of Facebook (#8) and Dancing with the Stars (#9).

Consumers of All Ages Looking to Celebrate Halloween

2008-10-11T10:21:00.002-07:00

Friendly Gatherings and Outings Popular Choices to Enjoy That Which Goes Bump in the Night

It wasn't that long ago that those in Generations X and Y were decked out in their favorite costumes celebrating Halloween, in fact for many it was just last year. While Halloween is still a creepy good time for kids, it has grown into a major adult holiday as well. Last year, more than 85 percent of 18-24 year olds celebrated the holiday in some way, representing the largest segment of those partaking in the fun. American Greetings Corp. (NYSE:AM) has found that a key to the popularity of Halloween among older celebrants is the opportunity it gives to connect in enjoyably unusual ways.

Consumers get dressed up and go out with groups of friends. They deck out their home to have a spirited night with those closest to them. Or perhaps they just enjoy sitting down with someone and handing out candy to little princesses, pirates and super heroes. No matter how they celebrate, chances are that consumers will be doing so with others this Halloween.

"We have found that Halloween has really become a communal event among adults," said Jessica Lann, Halloween product manager at American Greetings. "Whether decorating their home or office, sending a card or going out with a group of friends, people love the offbeat nature of the holiday, and the opportunities it gives them to connect in a fun way."

This season, the American Greetings card aisle is filled with festive ways to connect, however it might just be mistaken for a haunted house as horrifying sounds can be heard emanating from the newest cards. Traditional icons, foreboding color combinations and fun designs add to the creepy good time you can share.

Want to send a spooky email a friend to remind them that it is Halloween, even if they are at work? AmericanGreetings.com has a wide array of offerings that feature amazing animation, and great interactive elements any recipient will enjoy.

If you will be connecting more directly this Halloween, you will need to find the perfect accessories to make any house party or night out a hit. This year, consumers can accent any gathering with simple touches such as candle votives shaped like pumpkins, a creepy candelabra or even glasses and mugs with seasonally inspired script like, "Pick Your Poison" and "Witch's Brew. Going out and hoping for a low-key costume? First of all, shame on you, but you can still enjoy yourself with a fittingly festive costume hat or t-shirt that will keep you in style, if not over the top.

The newest products for Halloween from American Greetings can be found at participating drug chains, grocery stores and super centers nationwide, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. Visit www.americangreetings.com/retailers for store locations.

Toys 'R' Us Helps Kids Enjoy a 'Spooktacularly' Safe Halloween

2008-10-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

Nationwide In-Store Trick "R" Treat Event Planned to Provide Families with Fearless Fun on All Hallows Eve, Including a Costume Parade and "Geoffrey's Safety Pledge"

Soon, children everywhere will dress up as their favorite characters for a day of haunted happenings, tricks and treats. To help kids stay safe on Halloween, today Toys"R"Us announced that it has updated its dedicated safety microsite at www.Toysrus.com/Safety with Halloween-themed tips from Safe Kids Worldwide, the world's leading childhood injury prevention organization. Toys"R"Us stores across the country will also host special Trick "R" Treat events on October 31 from 1 - 5pm, offering parents and kids a safe place for fun on All Hallows Eve, where kids can participate in "Geoffrey's Costume Parade," collect treats and take "Geoffrey's Safety Pledge."

"We love kids, and we want to help keep them safe at all times, including when they're dressing up as their favorite action heroes, TV stars, ghouls or princesses on Halloween," said Greg Ahearn, Senior Vice President, Marketing and e-Commerce, Toys"R"Us, U.S. "As our littlest customers prepare for their Halloween celebrations, we're helping parents avoid any real scares by offering Halloween safety tips, along with a broad assortment of Halloween safety products, reflective accessories for costumes and more."

Families Rely on Toys"R"Us Safety Microsite, Now Featuring Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween-focused tips will remain on the company's dedicated safety microsite throughout the month of October. Topics parents will find helpful while preparing their children for an evening of ghostly glee include:

-- Where to, and where NOT to trick-or-treat
-- Instructions for street safety
-- How to choose the right costume for a child
-- Helpful safety accessories for trick-or-treating
-- How to ensure the treats kids receive are safe to eat
-- Halloween safety products and accessories

Trick"R"Treat Events at Toys"R"Us Stores Nationwide

On Friday, October 31 from 1 - 5pm, all Toys"R"Us stores across the country will host a 'spooktacularly' safe Halloween celebration for kids and families. Children ages 3 and up who attend the in-store Trick"R"Treat event, can:

-- Dress up in their favorite ghoulish garb and receive a complimentary,
reusable and reflective Trick"R"Treat bag, filled with safety tips and
accessories, while supplies last;
-- Join Geoffrey the Giraffe as he leads a costume parade around the
store every hour on the hour, from 1 - 5pm, picking up treats along
the way, while supplies last;
-- Take home "Geoffrey's Safety Pledge," a checklist with key tips for
parents to review with their children before trick-or-treating,
created by Toys"R"Us and Safe Kids Worldwide.

While Toys"R"Us stores from coast-to-coast celebrate Halloween in style, Toys"R"Us Times Square, The World's Greatest Toy Store(TM), will also host a grand-scale Halloween party from 1 - 5pm. The Toys"R"Us Times Square event will include Geoffrey's Trick "R" Treat Parade, face painting, appearances by characters from Broadway's Young Frankenstein and demos of the new Goosebumps videogame. Additional details about the Toys"R"Us Times Square Halloween event can be found at www.ToysrusTimesSquare.com.

Halloween Costumes, Accessories, Safety Gear and More

When gearing up for Halloween, parents and kids can find everything they're looking for at Toys"R"Us stores and www.Toysrus.com. From the hottest costumes based on favorite characters and classic Halloween themes, to a wide variety of accessories to help keep kids safe, Toys"R"Us has assembled everything necessary to get ready for trick-or-treating in dedicated boutiques, including:

-- Halloween Safety Accessories: Parents will find the largest assortment
of Halloween safety products for safe trick-or-treating, including
glow sticks, reflective goodie bags, glow in the dark pails,
flashlights and more.
-- Popular Costumes for Girls: Girls can get glammed up in costumes from
their favorite movies and TV shows, including Disney(R) Princesses and
Fairies, as well as Disney's Hannah Montana and High School Musical.
Other popular costumes for girls include superheroes like Batgirl and
Supergirl.
-- Popular Costumes for Boys: Blockbuster movies are "big hits" when it
comes to this selection of costumes, including characters based on
Star Wars(R): The Clone Wars(TM), Batman, Ben 10, Power Rangers,
TRANSFORMERS, and The Incredible Hulk.
-- Exclusive Line of Disney Costumes: Toys"R"Us offers specially designed
costumes for kids and toddlers based on Disney(R) characters,
including Prince Caspian, Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Aurora (Sleeping
Beauty), Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, Tigger and Pooh. In
conjunction with this costume offering, Toys"R"Us and Disney,
together, made a contribution of $50,000 to CAAF to help further its
mission to provide assistance to children affected by HIV/AIDS in the
United States and other countries.
-- Pet Costumes: Pet "parents" can also dress up their dogs with an
assortment of costumes, including Jack Sparrow, Tinker Bell, Witch,
Devil, Pumpkin and Frankendog.
-- Accessories for Every Costume: Children will find everything they need
to design even the most frightful disguises, including makeup, eye
patches and ninja accessories. Also, the prettiest princesses can
choose from a variety of tiaras, colored hairspray, butterfly wings,
wigs and more.
-- Reusable Halloween Bags: Kids can choose from reusable, recyclable and
reflective bags in three Halloween designs, including Frankenstein,
skeleton and pumpkin to collect all their treats.
-- Halloween-Themed Gift Cards: Those looking for the perfect treat need
not look further than this assortment of glow-in-the-dark gift cards,
die cut into the shapes of spooky characters, including Frankenstein,
skeleton, pumpkin and more.
-- Candy: Before little devils and pop divas arrive to collect goodies,
everyone can find a large selection of bite-sized treats from
Hershey's(R), Nestle(R), Dove(R) and more.

New 'Bite Size' Halloween Puzzles From Hasbro Provide Themed Alternative to Traditional Treats

2008-10-11T10:21:00.001-07:00

Surprise the little ghosts, pint-sized superheroes and make-believe princesses that cross your path this Halloween with a fun treat that will keep their hands busier than their mouths -- puzzles!

"Puzzles are a timeless family activity," says Belisa Anzalotti, Director of U.S. Marketing for Hasbro games. "Whether you live in Tombstone, Ariz., Pumpkin Center, N.C., or another spooky place in between, Hasbro's Halloween puzzles celebrate this haunted holiday with an activity that kids -- and parents -- will love."

Fill costumed visitors' pumpkin pails with the Halloween Bag of Mini Puzzles from Hasbro. This festive bag includes twelve 50-piece puzzles that feature precious pets dressed up as ghosts, pumpkins and witches. After returning from a night of mischief,

trick-or-treaters can piece together these small puzzles while watching spooky movies. The Halloween Bag of Mini Puzzles is available at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide.

For some additional holiday fun that can also serve as a decoration, build the Puzz 3-D Haunted House, a rickety house made of foam-fit puzzle pieces. Customize the mansion with 20 moveable parts including gravestones, gargoyles and skeleton bones, and display the 3-D puzzle for trick-or-treaters. Find the Puzz 3-D Haunted House puzzle at Toys"R"Us.

If you're hosting a ghoulishly fun party, have some of these fun puzzles on hand to entertain the crowd. As guests depart for the evening, hand them a gift bag filled with puzzles so they can continue the spirit of Halloween for weeks to come.

Pumpkin Pulp Is No Treat for Your Plumbing

2008-10-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Carving jack-o'-lanterns is a fun Halloween tradition, but pumpkin pulp is no treat for your plumbing. The trick to keeping drains unclogged is to avoid putting the pulp down the garbage disposal.

Pumpkin carvers should be cautious when removing the sticky substance. If the pulp ends up in the drain, carvers could end up calling a plumber to unclog their kitchen sink drains or repair their garbage disposals.

"The pulp blocks drains because it doesn't break down like most food," said Mary Kennedy Thompson, president of Mr. Rooter Corporation. "Instead, the orange pumpkin pulp hardens inside the pipe, clogging the drain."

Mr. Rooter(R) recommends keeping the pumpkin pulp, cut pieces and seeds away from the kitchen sink and carving the pumpkin on a newspaper. This way all pumpkin-related material as well as the newspaper can be thrown away once the jack-o'-lantern is done. Doing so will lead to less of a mess and clearer drains.

But for those who enjoy new recipes, the pulp and seeds can be put to good use.

Halloween Can Be a Scary Holiday ... for Pets

2008-10-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ghosts and goblins walk the streets, approaching homes collecting treats. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) cautions people about keeping their pets safe and preventing dog bite injuries this Halloween. http://www.avma.org/.

While some dogs may understand that costumes and excited children are all part of the holiday fun, many dogs are fearful of common Halloween activities. This creates an increased potential for dog bites.

"Dogs believe they are the guardians of their homes, and they can feel threatened if a stranger enters their space," explains Dr. James O. Cook, president of the AVMA. "If your dog is apprehensive in these situations, you need to be sensitive to that and make preparations before Halloween to keep your dog -- and all the little neighborhood ghosts and goblins-safe."

Dr. Cook explains that costumes can be very confusing for dogs and this can cause them to react in ways that they might not otherwise. For example, some dogs will bark in alarm or show signs of aggression even when an owner or friend puts on a mask or costume.

"What's important is that you be responsive to your dog and prepare ahead of time for the holiday," he says. "If your dog gets nervous when the doorbell rings, put the dog in a place where it will feel safe. This could be inside a crate with a favorite toy or treat, or inside a familiar room with the door closed. This will make the dog feel safer and calmer."

"If your dog appears to be excessively stressed, look to your veterinarian for help," Dr. Cook adds.

Dog bite injuries and stress are not the only hazards for dogs and their owners on Halloween; candy is another common Halloween problem. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, and so is xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many chewing gums. Make sure you store Halloween candy where your dog cannot reach it, because most pets will eat it if given the opportunity.

"Children tend to want to share their treats with their pets, and the dog is all too happy to oblige," Dr. Cook explains. "Warn your children beforehand that table scraps are unhealthy for pets, and that candy can be deadly."

For more information, visit http://www.avma.org/.

Halloween Party Planning Tips

2008-10-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

MIDORI(R) MELON LIQUEUR AND PARTY PLANNER TO THE STARS CREATE THE ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN BASH ... FOR ADULTS!

From candy to costumes, Halloween has become the second-biggest commercial holiday in the United States. And now, more than ever, adults are partaking in the fun by dressing up and hosting Halloween parties in their own homes. With this spooktacular holiday only weeks away, the time has come to start planning. And, in an effort to help the host, Midori(R) Melon Liqueur has teamed up with Lorena Bendinskas, party planner to the stars and owner of The Silver Spoon, a Los Angeles event production company, to reveal the ins and outs of creating the ultimate at-home Halloween bash for adults.

"Food and beverages are crucial to throwing a killer party, so be sure to put them at the top of your list," says Lorena. "You can get creative and keep costs down by adding a festive flair to simple finger foods." For example, cut pigs in a blanket in half and add a touch of ketchup to the ends to create a creepy toe nail effect.

For beverages Lorena says to "stick to colorful liqueurs or juices to brighten up the room. Use black licorice as a festive garnish or an unexpected, but delicious drink stirrer." And when the clock strikes twelve, awaken spirits with a touch of Midori, the melon flavored liqueur by Suntory. Its bright color will light up the bar and add a festive green glow to a midnight toast. Here are some Halloween recipe suggestions:

  MIDORI's Witch's Cauldron Punch
 1 750ml bottle of MIDORI Melon Liqueur
 63 oz. Orange Juice
 12 oz.  SKYY(R) Vodka
 32 oz.  Club Soda

Mix all ingredients into a punch bowl or cauldron. Stir and serve with a spoon or ladle. Serves 15- 20

  MIDORI Phantom
 1 oz. MIDORI Melon Liqueur
 1 oz. Pernod
 1/2 oz. Water
 1 egg white

Pour 1 oz. MIDORI into the bottom of a champagne flute. Shake the Pernod and water, and pour on top of the MIDORI layer. Add the foam of one egg white. Use a dash of MIDORI to create green foam.

As for decor, Lorena says, "Remember to keep the theme consistent throughout all elements of the party. Light the bathroom with scented pumpkin candles and drape all mirrors with faux spider webs." Increase the fright factor with a fog machine at the entrance or life size skeleton that just happens to be sitting on the living room couch.

If you're looking for just the essentials, here are a few items which according to Lorena, will add just the right touch:

  -- Pumpkin Place Mats
    $42 set of 4 at Williams Sonoma

 -- Faux Glitter Candelabra
    $59.95 at http://www.zgallerie.com/

 -- Skull Cocktail Shaker and Double Old-Fashioned Glasses
    $19.00 at Pottery Barn

 -- Michael Jackson's Thriller 25th Anniversary Edition CD
    $17.86 at Tower Records

 -- Spiced Pumpkin Scented Candle
    $24.99 for a 22 oz. jar by Yankee CandleFor more party tips and recipes
    log onto http://www.midoriusa.com/