Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
Dressing Doggy Up For Halloween
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| Dressing Doggy Up For Halloween |
After all, it's not like Fido is going to go around asking for candy, right? To some, it may seem like a childish obsession to need to dress the family pet up like you would a person, to others just another way that the big companies of corporate America have decided to try and squeeze a few extra bucks out of patrons this Halloween season.
For others, however, there is a certain charm to family pets being dressed up in celebration of the holiday.
Icebreakers and attention getters
As any kid can tell you, dogs are a great way to get to know people. Especially ones dressed in costumes. With the exception of the few people who might be afraid of dogs, many love to come up and say hello and offer a pat to a dog that they see on the street.
Of course, every kid out trick or treating has one goal – get as much candy as you can. Having a dog in a costume is a great way to do that. The houses that you visit will love the cuteness factor of the whole get up. Plus, it is sure to inspire some conversation, and the friendlier you are to people the more likely you are to receive candy in return. Get a dog costume that matches your own for extra cute points.
Protection and safety
A loyal family pet is going to look out for its family. So even though it is a good idea for mom and dad to come along while trick or treating, a dog is an extra bit of protection for your child should he or she get lost. Even a small dog will bark at something that is amiss, and larger dogs have the whole intimidation factor. Many children are also more careful about crossing streets when they are with a family pet.
Choosing a costume
There are a wide variety of costumes for dogs. Consider one that coordinates with your child's costume. As with costumes for any member of your family, you will want to be sure that it fits properly. Avoid any with long hems that could cause your dog to trip while walking. You will also want to make sure that wearing the costume will not interfere with attaching a leash. A few dry runs of walking around the neighborhood with costume on may be required to get your dog accustomed to wearing it.
If your child is going to be the one walking the dog, make sure that they are able to control it. You do not want your beloved family pet running off into the night. Also consider your dog's personality – very aggressive or very fearful dogs are not going to enjoy going out with all of the ruckus going on. And of course, be the responsible pet owner and always clean up after your pet.
Choosing a doggy Halloween costume can add even more fun to the holiday by allowing your family pet to join in.
Dressing Doggy Up For Halloween
Halloween Is The Time For Scary Costumes
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| Halloween Is The Time For Scary Costumes |
Halloween is usually associated with all things horrifying and scary. Some dress to confront their own fears. Others want to scare people. No matter the reasons, it is mostly done in a spirit of good fun.
If you do decide to dress in scary costumes you have a choice as to how elaborate you want to be. Do you want to simply don a mask and go from door to door or do you want to make your look as realistic as possible, complete with theater makeup and authentic clothes?
Here are some tips that will help you find or put together perfect scary costumes.
Decide on a Theme
Before you get started, you need to do some preplanning and make some decisions. Do you want to model your costume after a familiar character or do you want to create something on your own? You also have a lot of choices. Scary costumes come in all different forms such as ghosts, monsters, and villains from popular horror movies.
Find Your Costume
If you do decide to go with a familiar character you can either purchase the costume, borrow it, rent it, or put it together yourself using theater makeup and a little creativity. Check local costume shops, department stores, and ask around. If you are on a budget you may consider making the scary costumes yourself with items found around the house.
Make Your Costume
You have two main choices when it comes to making your own scary costumes. First, you can model the costume after a popular character. Second, you can create your own character based on your own imagination. If you do decide to model the character after something, make sure you get it is accurately as possible.
The Character
You'll also want to give some thought to creating the character. Think about the mannerisms, what they'll eat, they way they talk. Pretend you are that character for an evening. But only you can decide how far you want it to go. For example, if you are at a party, it might get tiring pretending to be the character the whole time.
It isn't Halloween unless you see people dressed in scary costumes. Sure, some parents won't let their children go out dressed as the reaper or any popular horror movie villain. But, there are plenty who do. Scary costumes are a fun way to get into the spirit of Halloween.
Halloween is usually associated with all things horrifying and scary. Some dress to confront their own fears. Others want to scare people. No matter the reasons, it is mostly done in a spirit of good fun.
If you do decide to dress in scary costumes you have a choice as to how elaborate you want to be. Do you want to simply don a mask and go from door to door or do you want to make your look as realistic as possible, complete with theater makeup and authentic clothes?
Here are some tips that will help you find or put together perfect scary costumes.
Decide on a Theme
Before you get started, you need to do some preplanning and make some decisions. Do you want to model your costume after a familiar character or do you want to create something on your own? You also have a lot of choices. Scary costumes come in all different forms such as ghosts, monsters, and villains from popular horror movies.
Find Your Costume
If you do decide to go with a familiar character you can either purchase the costume, borrow it, rent it, or put it together yourself using theater makeup and a little creativity. Check local costume shops, department stores, and ask around. If you are on a budget you may consider making the scary costumes yourself with items found around the house.
Make Your Costume
You have two main choices when it comes to making your own scary costumes. First, you can model the costume after a popular character. Second, you can create your own character based on your own imagination. If you do decide to model the character after something, make sure you get it is accurately as possible.
The Character
You'll also want to give some thought to creating the character. Think about the mannerisms, what they'll eat, they way they talk. Pretend you are that character for an evening. But only you can decide how far you want it to go. For example, if you are at a party, it might get tiring pretending to be the character the whole time.
It isn't Halloween unless you see people dressed in scary costumes. Sure, some parents won't let their children go out dressed as the reaper or any popular horror movie villain. But, there are plenty who do. Scary costumes are a fun way to get into the spirit of Halloween.
Halloween is usually associated with all things horrifying and scary. Some dress to confront their own fears. Others want to scare people. No matter the reasons, it is mostly done in a spirit of good fun.
If you do decide to dress in scary costumes you have a choice as to how elaborate you want to be. Do you want to simply don a mask and go from door to door or do you want to make your look as realistic as possible, complete with theater makeup and authentic clothes?
Here are some tips that will help you find or put together perfect scary costumes.
Decide on a Theme
Before you get started, you need to do some preplanning and make some decisions. Do you want to model your costume after a familiar character or do you want to create something on your own? You also have a lot of choices. Scary costumes come in all different forms such as ghosts, monsters, and villains from popular horror movies.
Find Your Costume
If you do decide to go with a familiar character you can either purchase the costume, borrow it, rent it, or put it together yourself using theater makeup and a little creativity. Check local costume shops, department stores, and ask around. If you are on a budget you may consider making the scary costumes yourself with items found around the house.
Make Your Costume
You have two main choices when it comes to making your own scary costumes. First, you can model the costume after a popular character. Second, you can create your own character based on your own imagination. If you do decide to model the character after something, make sure you get it is accurately as possible.
The Character
You'll also want to give some thought to creating the character. Think about the mannerisms, what they'll eat, they way they talk. Pretend you are that character for an evening. But only you can decide how far you want it to go. For example, if you are at a party, it might get tiring pretending to be the character the whole time.
Halloween Is The Time For Scary Costumes
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Halloween Pregnancy Ideas
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| Halloween Pregnancy Ideas |
Halloween Pregnancy Ideas - The minute you begin your pregnancy everything is changing, your body, your clothes sizes, even your looks. But that doesn't mean you have to skip out on your favorite holidays, like Halloween. Being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t dress up.
Whether you are buying your costume or making them yourself, you can have fun. There are many costumes you can buy for couples or just for yourself. The Pregnancy couple may want to go as a baker and an oven, or an egg and bacon bit. Both outfits are really cute and creative, you can even make them at home if you chose too.
If you want to get really creative you can make your own costumes, here are a few costumes that you can make just using your belly and normal clothes are:
The eyeball- This is something my husband created, all you need is a little facial paint and black clothes. This is something even a person that can't draw can have a little bit of fun with. Wear all black clothes on Halloween and paint your belly white, make the center of the eye whatever color you desire and don't forget the red veins. Make it scary or cute, whatever fits your desire. Have a bit of fun and show off that tummy by keeping the shirt up or wear a shirt that shows your tummy. My husband got a kick out of this one and was so excited that he got to do the artwork.
If you want to dress up completely but not stand out, try going as a human pumpkin. Wear a tiny green cap or make one out of felt and all orange, if you can cut a slit in your shirt for your belly to stick out. Now, paint it orange and decorate your pumpkin.
A pea is another simple costume you can make and stay warm. Go find some green jeans or sweats and a green sweatshirt. Keep the shirt up or cut a hole in it to make your little pod stick out and paint it all green.
If you aren't feeling up to having a full body costume, you could always just paint the belly and proudly show it off. After all, how often will you be pregnant? Think of anything that is round: basketball, volleyball, soccer ball, a bowling ball, etc
Don't forget witches were mothers too, so if you've always dressed as a witch for Halloween you don't have to stop the tradition. This year go as a pregnant witch or maybe a witch holding a pumpkin. Use that belly!
A Bun in the oven- Get a medium or small box, cut it out so that you can wear it over your shoulders. Make room for your head to slide through. Decorate it with paints like an oven. Cut open the front of the box so that it will open and close. On the outside of the box write, “Bun in the Oven.” Paint your belly a light beige for all to see the little baby bun.
Halloween Pregnancy Ideas
Choosing a Sexy Halloween Disguise
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| Choosing a Sexy Halloween Disguise |
Halloween costume can be a sure way to liven up your Halloween celebration. In addition, thanks to some ingenious online Halloween costume retailers, sexy
Halloween costume are not limited to just women's styles. Here are some concepts of way that you can let your naughty side out this Halloween.
Naughty Pirates
Long known as the “bad boys” of the sea, pirate Halloween costumes can be sexy for both men and women. Both sexes can utilize high black boots, eye patches, sashes, and hats for accessories. For women, a short skirt and crop shirt can help finalize the look, and for men, tight black pants and unbuttoned shirts to show off their chests will work. Remember your own personal touches of gold jewelry and other accessories.
Fallen Angels
This sexy Halloween costume is largely geared for women. The idea here is that more is actually less. Combine the traditional halo and wings with a full-length, form fitting gown and sexy shoes.
Sexy Superhero
What is a sexier than a superhero coming to your rescue? Many superhero costumes will automatically be better fitted to show off your superhero physique. For men, this includes fitted pants and top, and for women, a fitted top and short skirt. Pair it off with a cape and you are ready to save the world (or at least your party)!
Not-So-Innocent Schoolgirl
The schoolgirl outfit is a traditional sexy Halloween costume for women. The idea is to give off the naughty girl vibe while still appearing “innocent". Most of these costumes include a tight shirt that features your cleavage, plaid mini skirt, and knee high white socks. Add some pigtails to your hair and grab a book and your disguise is perfect.
Mysterious Egyptian
Bring the heat of the Nile to your Halloween party! These sexy couples Halloween costumes are perfect for both men and women. For women, transmit your inner Cleopatra with a revealing frock, high-heeled sandals, and rich makeup. For men, you can transmit your inner King Tut with lavish robes, fitted pants, and sandals. Some gold jewelry or a crown will aid to complete the style.
Love Slave
Being a slave for Halloween is definitely one of the naughtier costumes. Either sex can dress in somewhat exposed clothing and fake “chains.”
Inventive Sexy Halloween Costumes
Almost any Halloween costume can be redesigned to a sexy Halloween costume with a little work. Swap out full length dresses for mini-skirts, opt for low-cut necklines, or select fitted dresses or pants.
However, you should keep in mind that not all sexy Halloween costumes are proper for every occasion. If you are hosting a family party, for instance, you may choose for a costume that is appropriate for all ages and put aside your sexy Halloween costume for an adults only party. Several costumes can be converted either way by choosing a longer skirt or looser pants for daytime wear or picking out different accessories to complete your look.
With a little ingenuity and swagger, you can make your sexy Halloween costume work flawlessly for your strut! Choosing a Sexy Halloween Disguise
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Are Your Kids’ Halloween Costume Safe?
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| Are Your Kids’ Halloween Costume Safe? |
Are your kids' Halloween costumes too dangerous to wear? Find out if those Halloween costumes are safe to wear, tips for buying safe kids’ Halloween costumes, and how your children can wear cool costumes without sacrificing safety.
Are Your Kids' Costumes Really Safe to Wear?
Are your kids' Halloween costumes really safe to wear? The answer is yes and no. In 2001, the Disney Store recalled 54,000 Princess Ariel costumes after one girl received burn injuries. Keep in mind that kids’ Halloween costumes are required by law to use flame-retardant materials.
Another problem is ventilation in full-masked Halloween costumes. Most costumes don't provide enough ventilation for kids to breathe, resulting in carbon dioxide poisoning. If your child wants to wear a mask, nose holes aren't enough. Carbon dioxide builds up over time, causing your anxious child to faint from the lack of oxygen. You want your child to wear a well-ventilated mask to prevent any nasty side-effects.
Another lesser problem with kids’ Halloween costumes is visibility. This isn't just about how well your kids can see; it's also about how well people see them. A mask limits visibility. If little Joey can't see where he's going, he'll trip and skin his knee. If costumes aren't visible after dark, people -- more importantly, vehicles -- won't see the kids’ Halloween costumes, blindly running over happy trick-or-treaters. Halloween costumes aren't all bad news, however. Carefully selecting your kids' costumes and preparing it for night wear eliminates these catastrophes.
How to Select Safe Kids Costumes for Halloween
Before buying your kids' Halloween costumes, you'll want to make sure it's safe. Here are some guidelines:
o All kids’ Halloween costumes are required by law to use flame-retardant materials. You can't depend on companies adhering to this law, however. Pick clothing that fits well and doesn't hang. If your child wants to wear a cape, make sure the cape isn't long. If your child wants to wear a dress, make sure it doesn't drag on the ground. People love to decorate during Halloween, and some decorations include fire. If a loose costume accidentally brushes against this, it won't be a happy Halloween!
o Masks should be well-ventilated. Masks should have multiple ventilation areas with big holes, such as hockey masks. Most masks have little ventilation, so skip these kids’ Halloween costumes if you can. If your child insists on looking like their favorite masked character, use makeup instead.
o Make sure that the mask's eye holes are big enough. Holes should be twice the size of your child’s eyes. Make sure the mask lies flat on their face.
o If you can, stay away from dark clothing. It decreases visibility.
o Don't pick anything that covers their face, such as a messy wig.
Once your kids' Halloween costumes are selected, you'll need to prepare it for night wear.
How to Make Your Kids' Halloween Attire Safe
There are two ways to prepare your kids for a safe Halloween outing:
o Use reflective tape. This can be bought in most stores. Place two strips on your kids' shoes and two strips on their Halloween costume. These strips shine in the dark and alert drivers.
o Have your kids carry a flashlight. If your kids don't like it, find a flashlight with a strap. They can hang it from their wrists and keep it out of sight.
Of course some kids won't like your safe ideas. Some kids want to wear full-face masks when trick-or-treating. Some won't like wearing reflective tape. So how do you make your kids happy without sacrificing safety?
Getting Your Kids to Celebrate Halloween Safely
Getting your kids to like your safe ideas is difficult. Here are some suggestions:
o If your child insists on wearing a full-face mask, have your child wear it around the house for a while. Chances are your child won't want to wear it any longer this Halloween.
o Does your child refuse to wear reflective tape on their Halloween costume? Put it on their bag instead.
o If your kids insist on long clothing, have them wear it around the house. They'll get tired of it and opt for another kids’ Halloween costume.
If your children still refuse to wear safe kids’ Halloween costumes, talk to them about why it's important to stay safe on Halloween. Illustrations or stories are very effective with younger children.
Again, it's always important that your kids are safe this Halloween season, so start with their kids’ Halloween costumes. Make sure their costumes fit snugly, are marked with reflective tape, and don't interfere with their visibility. It's important to make the kids’ Halloween costumes safe so they have a happy, safe Halloween -- a great Halloween you and your kids will remember for years to come.
Are Your Kids’ Halloween Costume Safe?
Halloween Traditions Around The World
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| Halloween Traditions Around The World |
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.
Halloween Traditions Around The World
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Fun Halloween Party Games
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| Fun Halloween Party Games |
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.
Halloween Party Games
Creating the Perfect Halloween Party
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| Creating the Perfect Halloween Party |
It has been said that in the past Halloween was reserved mainly for children. There would be costume parties at school, and then an evening of trick-or-treating and other fun. However, more and more adults are starting to take part in the spirit of the holiday as well. After all, who doesn't enjoy getting dressed up in a fabulous costume and eating candy? Plus, this also makes Halloween a family holiday, since both parents and kids alike can dress up, decorate the house or yard, and participate in the holiday fun.
The history of Halloween parties
Halloween started out as a Celtic holiday known as “Samhain” which celebrated the end of summer. The Celts believed that on the night of Samhain, the souls of the dead would come back to visit the living. Along with them, dark spirits like goblins and witches would also come out. Fires would be lit to keep these dark spirits away, and the Celts would dress in masks and costumes as part of the festivities. Food and lanterns were often left out as gifts for the dead. Over time, these customs turned into the holiday festivities that we know today.
Kids parties
Themes for kids Halloween parties can generally be kept pretty simple. Most kids get excited over dressing up and eating sweets, and there is plenty of room for creativity. Consider having games like bobbing for apples, decorating treat bags, and costume contests for all of the little ones. Of course, food is usually a required part of the fun, and you can get very creative that way. Caramel apples and popcorn balls are fun fall treats, and you can often use a little imagination and food coloring to turn everyday treats into something festive.
Adult parties
While adult parties can still involve costumes and food, you may have to up the ante a little bit when it comes to expectations. Costume contests can still be a great way to encourage guests to get creative and come dressed up. For more mature themes, you can create a Day of the Dead celebration, and celebrate the holiday Mexican-style with authentic foods and treats. Or, you can do a costume ball and play music all night long and serve fine desserts.
Planning ahead
You do not want to leave your Halloween party plans for the month of October. If you start planning ahead of time, you can not only come up with a spectacular theme, but you can find everything you need. Watch for sales and stock up on party supplies like paper plates and cups. Look for fun new recipes to try so that you can wow your friends. And of course, don't forget to look for a costume – by shopping early you will be able to find the best selection and the best prices.
Creating the Perfect Halloween Party
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Halloween Decorations: 10 Pumpkin Decorating Tips
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| Halloween Decorations: 10 Pumpkin Decorating Tips |
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.
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