Countdown to Halloween Day #30- Halloween Freebies

Candy isn't the only thing that will be free tomorrow.   There are a lot of restaurants and stores giving away free stuff.


Krispy Kreme Doughnuts-  get a free doughnut when you wear your costume in store.  Offer only  Oct. 31st.

IHOP- Free Scary Pancake for kids on Halloween 7am-12pm

Panada Express- Free Kids Meal when kids wear costume in store.

Outback- Kids eat free with adult entree.

Don't forget that Sonic Drive-In has .50 corn dogs all day long on Halloween.

Chipotle has $3 Boouritos, bowls, salads, or tacos with costume, 4 pm to close.


If you have a Lego store nearby, stop in to get a free Monster Fighter key chain.

Countdown to Halloween day #27: Monster Mash

This is kind of a lazy countdown post.  It is cheesy and fabulous, and completely a Halloween must

Countdown to Halloween Day #26: Updating my Monster High Collection

Friday, I finally found  the last two Power Ghouls at Target.  I picked up Frankie as Voltageous and Toralei as Catastrphe.

My Target has been extremely slow to put these two dolls on the shelf.  I believe it is mainly because they overstocked on Spectra and Clawdeen.  Those two have been shelf warmers for months since their initial release.

This is one of my favorite sub-lines in the whole Monster High franchise.  These dolls are beautifully designed and well thought out.  It reminds me of the Wave 1 dolls that were first released.  They are a breath of fresh air to stale fashion dolls.  Sadly though, I think Monster High is getting a little stale.  I used to stalk the stores hardcore for them, but now I am just kind of ....meh.   I am tired of all the same rehashed characters. It is sad  because they have turned interesting characters into shelf warmers.   I would love to see some interesting new basic dolls.

I have updated my Monster High Collection post with my newest dolls.  It has been awhile since it has been updated.

Countdown to Halloween Day #25: Made Halloween cake pops

The other day, I posted about some Halloween items I picked up at the dollar store.   One of the items was a cake pop press.   The kids had been wanting to test it out.  It worked out perfectly  because I had bought 2 boxes store made cupcakes for their school Fall Festival.   Well, only one box survived.  As I was bringing in groceries, I dropped the second box.

The instructions say to crumble fresh cake and mix with 1/2 gtub of frosting.   I just recycled the cake and  the garish purple and green frosting that topped them.  Once I got it all mixed together, you have to chill your cake and frosting mixture.  After that was done, we made large balls of cake,( about the size of a doughnut hole) and press it into the cake press.


After a couple of test cake balls, I was surprised at how well my dollar store find worked.   It was really easy so I turned the process over to the kids.  They enjoyed the whole process.  Once the shapes are made it suggests chilling or freezing the cake.  We froze ours for about 30 minutes and that seemed to be enough.

I gave the kids some decorating icing tubes and let them decorate as they wanted.  They were thrilled and a few didn't even get decorated.

Countdown to Halloween #19 : Goodwill shopping for costume pieces and other finds!

We went shopping at the Goodwill for costume parts.  This year, my son has decided that he wants to be Two Face from Batman.  We originally were going to try to find clothing similar in design that we could cut apart and sew back together to get the two toned look.

The clothing selection was light at all of the stores in our area.  So we are trying something different.
The few pieces that we did find, we have decided that we would give fabric spray paint a try.    We found a white jacket that we should be able to tape off and spray one side black.   We will see how it works out.  I will post pictures of it later in the week, hopefully.


While we were there, we found some great finds!    I found 2 Ever After High Dolls.  Say what?!  I am guessing that these were sent by Target.   As you can see in the picture,  one of the boxes is jacked up.  The other box has a little damage, but it isn't terrible.

I am trying not to collect these dolls.  I really have enough with the Monster High dolls.  We already got Raven and Apple for our daughter.   Thankfully, she isn't as into these as she is the monsters. So, I may end up trading these.   They were $8 each and I said sold! considering one doll is $20.

The book selection was also particularly good this weekend.  But, I will save my book finds for another day.

Countdown to Halloween Day #18: Thanks to Pinterest, I want to make everything

Just a quick post for today.  I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest.   I have found so many ideas for Halloween and absolutely no time to make anything.

I want this wreath for my door.

                                                                                 
  I want to make and eat these...

                                                                                            
















 I want to make these earrings....

Countdown to Halloween #Day 16 Time for a little Thriller

It is time for some Thriller... Random dancing is encouraged...  Enjoy!

Countdown to Halloween Day #14: Vintage Star Wars Halloween Costumes

For today's countdown, I thought I would share some of my vintage Star Wars costumes.   Growing up, I never had a store bought costume.  My aunt was great at sewing and she always made our costumes.   Looking at these, store bought costumes have come a long way.  But they aren't the same. These have a wonderful retro quality that has to be appreciated.

All 3 of these were Ebay purchases and have been in my collection for about 10-15 years.  I got all them very reasonably priced.  All were around $20 each.  I was checking prices on Ebay the other day and I think I got a good deal.  

All of the costumes were made by Ben Cooper, who was a Star Wars licensee from 77-83.  The costumes are pretty cheesy.  The outfits look like they were made out of vinyl table clothes paired with plastic masks that surprisingly survived all this time.  A couple of my costumes still have their original price tags ($4.99 ).  

C-3PO is the oldest in my collection.   The first Ben Cooper costumes released were Luke, Vader and C-3PO.   These costumes were a mix of vinyl and a light weight fabric.  You can see how the legs on my costumes are discolored a dark brown color.   On the bottom of the box, it also calls 3PO "Golden Robot".  I guess that was to help moms in the 70's get the right costume.  

My first Leia costume is "newer".  Often the original version of this Leia costume is found to be a tan color.  The vinyl version holds its original color   When I purchased it, it came in an Empire box.   From what  I have read about the history of the costumes, the original Leia dress was made all the way through "Return of the Jedi".    Which could explain why it came in an Empire box.  

The third costume I have is another example of a Leia costume.  It is the Hoth outfit but it came in a "Return of the Jedi" box.  But, I guess like the original Leia outfit other outfits lasted longer through the run.  It is a vinyl one piece costume with the mask.  This costume has also held up well, with no discoloration.   

There are several costumes that I would like to add to my collection.  Of course, anything R2-D2 makes the list.  But, I would also like to find an Admiral Ackbar, Wicket, and an early Vader costume.

Countdown to Halloween Day #13: The Walking Dead season premiere and Walking Dead Sketch Card

Today is an exciting day at our house!  My husband is thrilled that The Walking Dead is finally back on.  I personally am not the huge fan that he is, but I do try to watch a few episodes with him.

I had picked up some packs of "The Walking Dead  " comic cards the other day for my him.  We pulled an awesome sketch card.

So to all of you Walking Dead fans have a great evening and enjoy the new season.

Countdown to Halloween Day #12: October 12th, International Scream Day

Today, is International Scream Day.   Now the idea is that all citizens of the world are invited to go outdoors and scream their frustrations away. 

But, in honor of Halloween, why not have a moment of blood curdling loudness for 30 seconds. Make that little skin thing that hangs in the back of your throat  vibrate, and your eyes should be bulging while you let out your fear and frustrations and give the world your finest scream horror movie scream.  

Countdown to Halloween Day #11: "Useless Pumpkin Trivia for $200 .."

Since pumpkins are the poster child for this time of year.  I thought I would lay out some pumpkin flavored trivia.  Have fun and hopefully, you will be able to use one of these trivial nuggets this month.   The answers will be posted at the bottom of the page.  And  I would like to give a shout out to my local Fuddruckers Restaurant for this month's table top trivia pages for the inspiration.


Pumpkin Trivia for $200...

1.  The largest pumpkin pie ever made was over five feet in diameter and weighed over how many pounds?

2.  Who brought the tradition of pumpkin carving to America?

3.  How was pumpkin used for pies in early colonial times?

4.  What food family does pumpkin belong too?

5.  Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and what else?

6.  What is the only continent you can't grow pumpkins on?

7.  Are pumpkin flowers edible?

8.  The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed how much?

9.  What percentage of a pumpkin is water?

10.  Pumpkin was used to cure what type of injury?








Answers: 1. 350 pounds, 2. Irish, 3. as an ingredient for pie crust, 4. squash, 5. medicine, 6. Antarctica, 7. yes, 8. 1,140 , 9. 90%, 10.  snake bites

Countdown to Halloween Day #7 : Going to the Fair UPDATE

I posted earlier in the week about taking my entry to the local county fair.   You can read more about it here.    I am happy to report that my protest American Gothic pins brought home a first place.  And, two of my students got honorable mentions, so I am really proud of them.

I am still after a best in show....maybe next year....

Countdown to Halloween Day #9 : Tips for living in a Haunted House.

I personally don't live in a haunted house, but I know someone who did.    My husband thinks I am crazy for believing it, but he has never visited the house in question.   My aunt and uncle and their 4 children lived in a haunted house.

They purchased the house and a large amount of land in the  60's.   Over a few years time they did renovations and added a major addition to the existing house.  They also  built an in ground  pool, guest house, and barn.  After all of this was complete, that is when strange things began to occur.  Over the years, my aunt always joked about living in her haunted house, but would never really talk about anything that she saw or experienced.     Her daughter is the same way, to this day she will not talk about anything she saw or experienced in that house.

My cousins are all older then I am, so when Anne got married I was rather young.  I would say around 5 or 6 years old.   I remember hearing family members whispering about her wedding gifts getting mysteriously moved around her room or they would find gifts in strange places.  And I vaguely remember them talking about seeing something in a closet.  But everything was always kept very hush, hush.   I also remember family members talking about a strange motorcycle that would drive toward the house and then disappear.

I never experienced seeing anything like that, but  I was always afraid to go to the back part of the house by myself.  The floor plan of the home was open, if you entered through the front door, you could go left into the kitchen, right to the bedrooms, or straight ahead to a large living room.   I never liked going back to the bedroom/bathroom area of the house.   Once you got back there,  you always felt that you were being watched and that something heavy was pressing on you.  There was a presence you could  and it wasn't warm and fuzzy.   That part of the house was also always colder then the other parts of the house.

who ya gonna call?

    I was checking out HGTV's website and came across tips for living in a haunted house.   Their suggestions are:  don't panic, do your research, and call the Ghostbusters. I suppose that is sound advice.   

My aunt and her family lived and thrived in a haunted house for over 30 years.    They sold the house in the 90's because  they didn't need such a large home anymore and decided to downsize.   What is funny, is that they sold the home to another family that we know.  The house again went through some remodeling and occasionally, they will mention having a strange feeling in the house. 

I would love to have the house investigated by a paranormal investigator.  I truly believe something is there.

Countdown to Halloween Day #6: Harry Potter Inspired treats for Halloween

 I said this with my Monster book tutorial and I will say it again, Harry Potter is huge at our house.  I love it because the treats that the wizarding world enjoy are truly magical!   So here are a few treats that we are making to share with family and friends this month.

I found this tutorial on Pinterest that teaches you how to make Sorting Hat caramels.  It is a video tutorial so it's nice to watch and work at the same time.  I was very pleased with my first attempt at making them.

The picture here is one of mine.  I think they are adorableas cupcake decoration or even just by themselves.   Here is a list of ingredients needed to make Sorting Hat Caramels.

-1 bag of Brach's Milk Maid Caramels.   Each hat uses 2 caramels.

-tooth pick or small skewer

-rolling pin

-wax paper





My other favorite treat to make is Chocolate  Frogs.

Equipment:
Microwave
Wooden spatula
1-2 Plastic Frog Molds   ( I purchased a frog candy mold from Amazon.com.  The mold I purchased makes 8 frogs at a time.)
Microwave safe mixing bowl

Ingredients:
One 12 oz. package of semi-sweet chocolate chips or a 12 oz. package of white chocolate chips
rice krispie cereal

We melted the chocolate in the microwave.  Check and stirring every 15-30 seconds until smooth and melted.




I used cooking spray to coat the molds.   Then we spooned melted chocolate into the molds.    I gently tapped the molding tray on the counter to remove any air  bubbles.

After the molds were filled.  We placed them in the refrigerator to cool.  Once they were completely cooled, we popped them out of the mold.


We made another batch using the white chocolate chips and some fruity pebbles cereal for some extra color.  We played around with the texture on these.  We tried crushing the cereal and sprinkled it in the molds.  Then we did more, where we crushed the cereal and add it to the melted chocolate. 



The final result was a plate of chocolate frogs that any wizard would be happy to snack on.

Hope you enjoy these fun Halloween treats.  

Countdown to Halloween Day #5: How big of a Monster Cereal fan are you?

The Monster cereals have invaded our pantry.  My children are loving it! And, I have to admit that I am loving it too.  Growing up, I never got to eat Lucky Charms, Cookie Crisp, or any of the Monster cereals.  I tried various different ways to smuggle some in my mom's grocery cart, but it never worked.  I always had to go over to a friend's house if I wanted some.

 So, grab you a bowl of  Count Chocula, watch some Saturday morning cartoons, and lets see who the real Monster cereal fans are.  Lets play a round of cereal box trivia!

MONSTER CEREAL TRIVIA

What did Fraken Berry and Count Chocula originally call their flavored marshmallows?

What was Fruit Brute's original catch phrase?

Which sport was not played by the monsters in their commercials- basketball, baseball, football, or bowling?

True or False : Bella Lugosi once appeared on the front of the Count Chocula box.

What year was Franken Berry and Count Chocula first introduced?

Which Monster cereal box appeared in two 90's movies?

True or False:  Frute Brute and Fruity Yummy Mummy were never actually available at the same time.

What was the original color of Boo Berry's hat?

What distinctive feature is on Franken Berry's fingernails?

True or False:  The Monsters released a disco album in the 70's?

Which actor's voice served as the inspiration for Boo Berry?

What was the original color of Frute Brute's nose?

The original Franken Berry character featured a metered gauge on what side of his head?

True or False:  Bigfoot once appeared on monster packages.

answers:  sweeties,  the howling good taste of fruit, football,  true, 1971,  Frute Brute, true, yellow, strawberries,  True,  Peter Lorre,  orange, left side

Halloween Countdown #3: Making a Harry Potter Monster Book

My family and I are HUGE Harry Potter fans!    My favorite of the Harry Potter series is Prisoner of Azkaban.   In that movie, there is the great scene where Harry struggles with his monster book.

I absolutely love that book and wanted to try to recreate one for our home.  After some thought, I finally figured out how I would make it.    This project is fairly inexpensive to make.   I would say the grand total for the project is somewhere around $6 to $7.   But some of the materials I already had on hand.

This is a list of materials you will need: 

1 large book     I used one of my old college text books that I still had.  But, you could find something suitable at the Goodwill or other thrift store.

1  package of  teddy bear eyes,      These can be found at your local craft store, with doll making supplies.

faux fur,    you will need enough to cover your book.

modeling clay

hot glue

gold and black spray paint

fake teeth   I purchased a pair at the $ store for this project.

gold scrapbook letter stickers


Step 1.    Once you have selected a book,  lightly spray paint the page edges gold.   Allow time for those to dry.

Step 2.    Using the modeling clay, sculpt mounds for the eyes.

Step 3.   Cover the book with faux fur and use hot glue to hold in place.   You will want some extra on the book opening side to create tentacles.

Step 4.   Make small holes to insert the eyes into place.



Step 5.   Create tentacles by by folding and gluing pieces together, cut off excess.






Step 6.  Lightly spray paint the faux fur black and allow for dry time.   Apply the stickers to the fur.

Step 7.   Glue  teeth into place on the top and bottom.  You can add paint to these to make them look weathered.   Allow time to dry

To complete the book, I purchased an old belt with a decorative metal buckle at a thrift store.  I cut the belt to fit and buckle around the book.

 It is not movie accurate, but you get the idea and looks great especially if you dress up as any of the Harry Potter characters.