Happy Halloween 2013

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Happy Halloween from my ballerina and dinosaur (yes… my daughter changed her costume last minute). [Read more…]

Candy Corn Rice Crispy Treats

candy corn rice crispy treats halloween

Every year for Halloween I host a party for my playgroup. Something fun, easy, and entertaining for the kids. We enjoy painting pumpkins, creating snack bags, and having a great time while all in costume.

But one of our favorite parts about this get together is the fact that we all come together and bring delicious goodies for everyone to sample. This year I decided to try out some festive rice crispy treats after my husband made a batch and left about 1/2 the pan in the fridge.

So I got out my candy melts and started playing around to create these adorable sweet treats otherwise known as candy corn rice crispy treats. I’m sure the kids will love them! [Read more…]

Wear Awesome Light Up Shoes and other Halloween Safety Tips

halloween safety tips stride rite 2

Since my kids were old enough to speak I lost the power to choose what they dressed up as for Halloween. But the one thing I do have say about is the safety of the costumes they choose.

I have a few guidelines for their costumes and since they’re still fairly young I haven’t had too much of a problem getting them to go along with what I say. These Halloween safety tips have helped me with easing my mind about the fact that my kids are out after dark.

And I think that they also help the kids realize how important it is to be aware of where they are and how visible they are to others out as well.

halloween safety tips stride rite running in shoes

Halloween Safety Tips

1. Wear bright clothing

When choosing a Halloween costume try and make sure that there are some bright components to the outfit. Whether you add reflective tape to the costume after it’s on or you purchase a brightly colored outfit, having something visible to others in the dark can help make sure people know that your kid is there.

2. Find some light up shoes

Halloween is always a fun night out with the kids, but it’s important to stay safe as well! Stride Rite has shoes that incorporate today’s latest light up technology so they are visible at night as your child runs from house to house. Or you can string on some glow sticks onto your kids shoes! 

3.  Use a flashlight

When walking the neighborhood let your kids use flashlights to lead the way. Not only will this help their visibility and help with trips and falls but it’s also super fun!

4. Ditch the masks

A child’s visibility is greatly reduced when they are wearing a mask. So if you have a small child, consider costumes without masks to help make their evening as enjoyable as possible.

5. Have a plan

Make sure to talk to your children before you head off to trick-or-treat. Let them know the plan for the evening, where you’ll be going, and what the rules are. By making sure the kids know what’s going on everyone will have a great time!

halloween safety tips stride rite butterfly

Since my daughter chose to be a butterfly this week (and designed her own costume!) we were very excite to receive these adorable Disney Wish Lights Ariel shoes. They match her costume perfectly!

Plus I know that these shoes will last a lot longer than just a few weeks even with all of the running around and jumping she does. Stride Rite shoes are our go-to shoe brand and have been since the kids first started walking.

Along with the Wish Lights shoes my daughter will be wearing, my son will be wearing his favorite green Saucony shoes with his lizard costume. Comfortable, flexible, and durable! Everything we need in a children’s shoe brand.

halloween safety tips stride rite butterfly costume

How do you keep your children safe on Halloween?

DIY Butterfly Costume

DIY Butterfly Costume Tutorial

When we asked my daughter what she wanted to be for Halloween a few months back she quickly answered that she wanted to be a butterfly.

When we asked again a few weeks later, you know… just to be sure, she still confirmed that she wanted to be a butterfly. So I got to searching different designs, patterns, fabrics, etc. and scouring Pinterest.

Then she took it upon herself to figure out her own costume. And it cost us $5 out of pocket. That $5? Was for the wings. Everything else she dragged out of her closet.

And she LOVES how it turned out. Don’t you? Now to get started on my son’s dinosaur costume… That’ll probably take more time.  [Read more…]

10 Halloween Craft Ideas for Kids

halloween craft ideas for kids

Looking for great ways to bring the upcoming Halloween season to life with your kids? Why not try your hands at these easy, creative crafts that they can do right along side you!

There’s something for everyone in these 10 Halloween craft ideas for kids.

10 Halloween Craft Ideas for Kids [Read more…]

Simple Low-Fat Pumpkin Spice Cake with Apple Cider Glaze

Low-Fat Pumpkin Spice Cake with Apple Cider Glaze

Ah… Fall is in the air! Today I walked outside and felt the cool breeze on my face and immediately knew that it was finally time. Finally time for pumpkin! Now sure I’ve already had my #PSL from Starbucks and have been sipping on pumpkin spice coffee from my Keurig, but it’s finally cool enough to actually enjoy the slightest hint that Fall is here.

This simple and easy to make low-fat pumpkin spice cake is moist, delicious, and a crowd pleaser. Topped with a yummy apple cider glaze it’s sweetness hits my craving for dessert without making me feel as if I’ve gone overboard. Paired with a nice cup of coffee it could easily be a breakfast treat or great for a brunch. Or you can save it as the perfect Fall dessert to serve to guests.

Just like any boxed cake recipe, I’m sure that this would taste delicious with other cake flavors as well. I’m thinking Devils Food for the next one! Maybe with mini chocolate chips sprinkled in the mix? [Read more…]

DIY Candy Corn Candles Perfect for a Halloween Centerpiece

DIY Candy Corn Candles

One of my favorite times of the year is coming up! Halloween time! I am so excited for Fall to be right around the corner and Halloween to be here. So much so that I busted out my craft supplies and made these awesome DIY Candy Corn Candles in anticipation of my fall tablescape.

Since these candles are oh-so-simple to make and pair perfectly with this cute orange candle holder I just scored at Target for $4 I figured why not get this up and posted now in case anyone else is as crazy as me about Halloween and Fall decor.

And how great do these look with my Halloween centerpiece? [Read more…]

5 Alternatives to Carving Pumpkins {Fun Kids Crafts}

Having small children can sometimes make pumpkin carving a bit difficult. So this year we went with something a little different and let the kids make a few varieties of pumpkins. Grab some glue, your potato head pieces, and even the paint and see what your kids do to create their Fall masterpieces!

If you’re in the same boat and are looking for great alternatives to carving pumpkins this year, here are our suggestions.  [Read more…]

Skeleton Maternity Costume

This skeleton maternity costume takes little time to make and is a comfortable alternative for pregnant mamas around Halloween.

Skeleton Maternity Costume

It’s my second pregnancy and my second time creating a fun maternity costume for Halloween. This year I went with a simple DIY shirt to wear out trick or treating with my little one and at the Halloween party we hosted. It was such a fun way to celebrate the holiday while celebrating my pregnancy as well. And everyone I ran into loved the idea! 

I may be weird but I am LOVING this pregnancy. My son has been keeping me on my toes but I’ve been able to take time for myself when needed and enjoy the milestones. With this possibly being the last pregnancy for us, I want to soak it all in! And that includes celebrating holidays and taking lots of photos. Hopefully, you won’t get too sick of the photos. 

Want to make this DIY Skeleton Maternity T-Shirt too? Read on to find out how! This post contains affiliate links. 

Skeleton Maternity Costume with Tigger

DIY Skeleton Maternity T-Shirt

What you’ll need: 

What you do: 

  1. Place image of skeleton baby and rib cage in a word doc making each take up a full page. The baby should be placed horizontally whereas the ribs can be placed vertically. 
  2. Print images out on iron-on t-shirt transfer paper. 
  3. Cut out images close to the edge of the design with scissors. 
  4. Using iron, iron on images to the shirt. Let cool and wear! 

Skeleton Costume Ethan 2010

 What did you dress up for on Halloween? 

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Charlie Brown Halloween Costume for Baby

We had a wonderful day today. It all started with pumpkin carving and ended with a wonderful Halloween party at my neighbor’s mother’s house. Little E had a wonderful time with all the kids and I took many pictures!

Everyone loved his costume and we got many compliments for it. Most were shocked to find we made it ourselves but it was so simple I couldn’t see NOT making it!

Since this was Ethan’s first Halloween we didn’t want a costume that would make him too hot or uncomfortable so we stuck with an easy Charlie Brown costume. A t-shirt with a squiggle and shorts, how simple is that!

Charlie Brown Halloween Costume for Baby

How to make a Charlie Brown Halloween Costume for Baby

What you’ll need: 

What you do: 

Ok guys… this can’t get more simple. Cut your black fabric in a zig-zag pattern. Apply No-Sew to the back of the fabric and adhere to shirt. Let dry completely.

Try the shirt on, add the black pants and brown shoes and your Charlie Brown is ready for his big debut! Remember to add Snoopy for an added touch so no one will ask what your little man is for Halloween.

Extra bonus points if baby is still bald… like mine!

charlie brown halloween costume for baby 1

My husband made an iron-on transfer for his shirt that had a picture of Charlie Brown and it said “Wah, Wah, Wah” all over it and underneath Charlie it said “Charlie Brown’s Dad” so everyone would know what the “Wah, Wah, Wah” meant. So cleaver he is!

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And one more showing Charlie Brown with his Pirate mommy… my neighbor is the lady in front of me with the most adorable panda bear 🙂 He’s 5 months old and we always talk about how E and him are going to be the best of buds when they’re older.

E and his buddy. And shortly after this was taken…

charlie brown halloween costume for baby 4

He didn’t know what he did wrong 🙂

charlie brown halloween costume for baby 5

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween!



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