Halloween Cardigan Shirt Makes an Easy Costume

If you are searching for an easy, inexpensive way to dress for Halloween, be sure to take a look at these adorable Halloween "cardigan" shirts featured in this review.

I use the term "cardigan" loosely here to describe this open front shirt. This is not a cardigan sweater and it is not knit. It is a lighter weight cotton & polyester blend shirt that is made to look like a cardigan by opening down the front. There are not buttons or zipper. It is designed to be worn open.

For my region, the lighter weight cotton blend material is much more desirable for Halloween. Our nights are cool, but not cold (normally in the high 40's) and the day temperatures in late October are usually in the low 70's.  Therefore, we are not in real sweater weather temperatures yet. 

When searching for a lightweight sweater that I could take on and off throughout the day on Halloween, I came across these lovely designs. I wanted something that I could wear to the door when handing out candy that would reflect the Halloween spirit. Plus, I wanted a festive shirt that I could wear to the grocery store or post office during the day. These lightweight open-front sweater shirts are perfect. They certainly make a very easy costume to throw on over jeans and a blouse.

The hardest part was choosing the image design I wanted. I finally decided on the black cat with the pumpkins because I can wear it through October & November and not just for Halloween.

Long Sleeve Open Front Top For Halloween

I really wanted two different designs. I ended up with the one that I felt I could wear throughout autumn, but I am still drawn to the pumpkins, bats & ghost design.  I just might treat myself to that one before Halloween!

Which is your favorite?

 Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

 

 

More Halloween Fun! 

The Halloween Contributors Love Halloween

Halloween Cardigan Shirt Makes an Easy Costume by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Halloween Outdoor Decorations

I love walking around our neighborhood looking at all of the Halloween outdoor decorations.  They range from beautiful autumn pumpkin and flower displays to the haunted house downright eerie decorations.  Of course, I love them all!

Halloween is such a fun holiday to celebrate.  It thrills me to see my neighbors and friends enjoying the occasion.  It isn't even October yet and already my neighbors have started decorating.  Right now, they seem to be limiting their decorations to the autumn harvest displays, but I know very soon I will start seeing the witches and goblins come out.


Join Us for A Virtual Tour of a Neighborhood Decorated for Halloween

I have noticed that I am not the only Review This Reviews contributor who loves touring the neighborhood and looking at all of the decorations.  Mary Beth shared her own Tour of Outdoor Halloween Decorations with us through her beautiful photography.  I know you will all enjoy talking that virtual tour of Mary Beth's neighborhood.

 
Decorate Your Own Yard for Halloween

We don't just stop at looking at others decorations, we decorate our own front yard!   We set up our inflatable outdoor decorations first.  After our inflatable ghosts and pumpkins are in place, we add Halloween lights to our bushes.
Several of our neighbors decorate with ghosts, witches and cauldrons.  Looking down our street, the combination of different themes really makes for a wonderful collection of "haunted homes".  I truly believe it adds fun for the children as they trick or treat, but it also gives the adults a way to enjoy their walks as well.

 8 Foot Dead Tree with Owl, Ghost and PumpkinsCheck Price Set of 3 Lighted Glowing Black Witches Witch Coven Outdoor Halloween Prop Decoration Halloween DisplayCheck Price Fun Express Halloween Ghost Yard Stake with Light Up Flashing Lights - Outdoor Haunted House DecorationsCheck Price

 

 

Share Your Halloween Decorations With Us Here on Review This!

I've given you a look at some of my favorite Halloween outdoor decorations and I would love to hear about your favorites.  Even better, I would love to see them!

If you have published an article online featuring your Halloween outdoor decorations, I welcome you to join the fun here by adding your articles link in our guestbook below for all of us to sit back and enjoy your review. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviewing Orange and Black for Halloween and How it Affects Feng Shui

A Good Choice for Halloween & Beyond 
A Water Feature (Via Amazon)
Surround it with Pumpkins

Are you worried that adding more orange and black than usual will upset the Feng Shui you've worked hard to create in your home?

If so, don't worry, it's all good.

What matters is a healthy balance of the five basic elements of Feng Shui.

These five elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. 

For the purpose of this article, we'll just cover the colors Black and Orange and how you can easily integrate Halloween Decor into your home without the worry of affecting your home's 'balance' (Chi) - meaning, it's good energy.

Orange (A Fire Element Color) - The Social Color

Orange is the color of social activity and conversation. In fact orange is an excellent paint color choice for the kitchen for that very reason.

Kitchens are typically the gathering place for people to converse, so adding orange to your kitchen simply aids in encouraging communication. You can do this by adding items with Halloween or Fall Colors to the space; center pieces, window stickers, and pumpkins.

Bagua Map Created by Funkthishouse.com

However, orange pumpkins usually end up in our foyer or front step. That's a good thing; as you can see by the Feng Shui Bagua Map attached, the Foyer or front entrance area is usually the center part of our home, where we focus on bringing in good fortune.

Adding earth elements such as pumpkins to the hallway or entrance area will merely enhance the balance needed to encourage a little more good fortune.

Black (A Water Element Color) - The Flow of Chi (Good Energy) in Your Home/Life

Black is a huge part of Halloween Decor and like orange, tends to be focused in the Foyer, Front Yard or Entrance Way.

With Black being a Water Element, it represents the flow of energy up and into your home. However, during the Halloween Season we tend to put out some funky freaky items and that's ok too - these items are temporary and relate to fun, so enjoy the night!

However, if you want to keep some standard Feng Shui rules in place even with your Halloween Decor, add black colored elements that are 'flowing'.

A good choice is a rug for the front step that has a wavy element to it, or is round. You could add a round Halloween Rug with Black and Orange in it.

Other items you can add to your front door area are; A black framed mirror (works for Halloween), black metal pots (fill them with Halloween Decor - like a witches brew, straw, a Halloween head prop, yikes! or just a simple fall plant).

An actual water feature in your front yard or entry way is the ideal water element. Decorate it for Halloween, then remove the Halloween Decor from the water feature, and you'll have a basic Feng Shui piece all year 'round to aid in encouraging abundance and success into your life.

So remember the basics: Your front door and entry way are where the flow of Chi enters your home and Water Elements and dark colors such as black can work well.

Conversation, good energy and social connection is brought out with Orange, so place it in your home where you want this part of your life improved - and that certainly is the Front Door when those little Trick or Treaters show up for their candy.

Trick or Treat!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween Movie Review

Cat in the Hat Halloween Movie for Kids

The Cat in the Hat takes Sally and Nick on an adventure to the Oooky-ma-kooky closet to find their perfect Halloween costumes.  According to the Cat, the Oooky-ma-kooky closet has costumes "to fit one and all!"   The three friends board the Thingamajigger to find the Oooky-ma-kooky closet and costumes that aren't too spooky.

Of course, the adventure includes singing and lots of awesome animated characters.  Fish goes along for the ride and decides he wants to find ways to frighten the Cat.

There are several awesome lessons intertwined in this video that parents are sure to appreciate and the children will love.  They won't even realize they are learning anything.  They will simply think it is fun to watch. 

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween

In addition to the Cat in the Hat, the video includes Fish (Karlos K. Krinklebein), Thing One and Thing Two from the original Cat in the Hat books.  

On their adventure to the Oookey-ma-kooky closet, the group gets lost in a corn maze, encounters a thunder storm, and the spookiest house around.  In the midst of the thunderstorm, Cat tells the children a few very interesting things about thunder.  When the Cat and the kids "take charge" in the house, they fix several of the creepy things making it less scary.  

On the way home, we find out the one thing the Cat in the Hat is afraid of and the children help him overcome his fear.

 The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About HalloweenCheck Price

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That Series

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That is a delightful series starring the fabulous Cat in the Hat originally created by Dr. Seuss.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween is one of the video specials in The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That animated television series.  The entire series is dedicated to teaching pre-school children about science and math in a fun way.  However, younger school age children will also enjoy the shows. Actually, adults will enjoy this video too.   I know I love it!   I found myself smiling, even laughing several times during the show.

There is no reason to wait for the Halloween special to air again on television.  It is available on DVD and also through Amazon video.

DVD	Prime Video	The Series
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About HalloweenCheck Price	The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween!Check Price	The Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About That!Check Price

---

More Halloween Videos for Children 

 It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Pooh's Huffalump Halloween Movie Lumpkin the Pumpkin Video Movie Review

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween Movie Review Written by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Halloween Sweaters and Accessories ~ A Holiday Review

 I am in a Holiday kind of mind because for the last few years many of our holidays have been put on hold due to the world wide COVID precautions and restrictions.  Well, the good news is that those many restrictions have been lifted and we can all celebrate together again.  That for me, is a big deal and I'm not alone!  Everyone is ready to have some fun and just kick back and enjoy the season and the holidays that are contained in there! 

What I love the most about a website that I happen to promote, is that there are so many things available to make your Halloween complete.

It's not just about the costumes (although that's the part I enjoy the most).  It's about all the other little things that make this holiday so much fun.

I happen to love the accessories page of HalloweenCostumes.com,  You have everything there that you haven't found anywhere else!  Accessories can sometimes even be the inspiration for the rest of your costume.  Starting off with a set of horns may become the impetus for one heck of a spooky or devilishly wonderful costume.  Tridents and Wands or Swords and Spears could send your costume look in a totally different direction.  The best part is that if you start now, you can tweak your costume for the next month and come out with something really wonderful and unique to you!  TIME is of the utmost importance and NOW is a great time to get started.

If you are not really into dressing the part of a Halloween ghoul or character, you can get into the Halloween spirit with a great Halloween Sweater.   Here in the north, Halloween can be quite chilly, so a warmer Halloween Sweater is perfect, especially when you are standing at an open doorway or maybe just opening and closing the door constantly.  The last thing you want as a Halloween treat is the first cold of the season.  So keep yourself ready by having a nice (scary or ugly) Halloween Sweater to compliment the night!  Some of their styles are already "Sold Out" , you don't want to miss out, so getting this done early is the best thing you can do!

If you live in the south, you might check out some lighter Halloween shirts at this ReviewThisReviews page! 

My hope for you and for me, is that after such a long absence of fun, we will all go out of our way to make the first big Holiday a fun time for all!   Then we can follow Halloween up with the best for Thanksgiving and Christmas that follow so shortly afterward.

Have a great time checking out all the good things to make your Halloween a "Spooktacliarly Good Time"

You can find everything you need right here at HalloweenCostumes.com!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Top 5 Not So Scary Halloween Movies

You are about to enter a terror-free zone. Tales that frighten and ghosts that scream are not allowed. Only friendly zombies are invited to our low-key, fun, and not so scary Halloween movie night.

Halloween isn't a holiday we celebrate in the usual way at our house. We don't go for the horror, the rattling chains, or the mares that terrorize the night. Instead, we have a celebratory party filled with fun, food, and fantastical tales of the bizarre and macabre. Why? Because that's the way, uh-huh uh-huh, we like it, uh-huh uh-huh!

After Halloween dinner is over, we grab a bowl of candy corn, top it with a few popcorn balls, and set up camp in our movie pit. Yes, our favorite way to spend the Halloween evening is curled up on the couch with a not so scary Halloween movie.

Our Top 5 Favorite Halloween Movies That Fright and Delight

There's a stack of movies that we shuffle through for our Halloween movie night entertainment. Movies range from vintage classics to modern mayhem. Here's a short 3 minute clip from our favorite movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas, with Marilyn Manson, as the backup band, singing This Is Halloween.

Here are our five favorite Halloween movies. If you see a movie you like, click on the cover image to be taken to Amazon's website. Here, you can rent the video through Amazon Instant Video. You can also purchase the movie as either a DVD , Blue-ray, or streaming online video with digital download.

The Nightmare Before Christmas We love Tim Burton's sense of scary humor and think this is one of the best animated feature films created by a computer. The love story between Jack and Sally is so endearing. There's nothing better than a wicked happily ever after. Purchase - Stream instantly and download to 2 locations. Rental - 3-day viewing period.
The Wizard of Oz (75th Anniversary Edition by L. Frank Baum) This is a classic that we've watched every year since we were tiny children. There's something about following the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow. There's an adventure around every corner. And, when I watch this movie, I dream of owning a pair of ruby red slippers. Purchase - DVD, Blue-ray, or stream instantly and download to 2 locations. Rental - 24 hour viewing period.
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Remastered Deluxe Edition) Another classic from our childhood. Every year we wait for the Great Pumpkin and every year we miss him. But Linus is never discouraged and confidently waits for the return of the Great Pumpkin. Purchase - DVD, Blue-ray, or stream instantly and download to 2 locations.
Ghostbusters Tell us you don't love singing along to the Ghostbusters song by Ray Parker, Jr. Come on, tell us and see what happens. And it's the music that makes this spooky movie so much fun. You'll be toe tapping to a ghostly beat from beginning to end. Purchase - DVD, Blue-ray, or stream instantly and download to 2 locations. Rental - 24 day viewing period.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad We love this movie because of The Headless Horseman song which features the voice of Bing Crosby. This song will scare every Ichabod Crane as he makes his lonely ride home on Halloween night. Being chased by the haunting Headless Horseman. Purchase - Stream instantly and download to 2 locations. Rental - 3 day viewing period.

We hope you enjoyed this selection of Halloween movies that will entertain, delight, and not fright your family and friends. What's your favorite not so scary Halloween movie?




Posted by Coletta Teske

About This Contributor

Coletta Teske writes reviews on books, business management, writing, crafting, cooking, and gardening. She is also an avid recycler and shares her tips on recycling. She delights in upcycling an old object, recycling or transforming discarded items into a new treasure.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Make Halloween Ornaments With Easy Craft Kits Reviewed

I love craft kits! Especially holiday craft kits that everyone in my family can make together.

The first week of October, my husband, son, and I gathered around the dining room table to investigate my new Halloween ornament sewing craft kit. We each selected an ornament to make and went to work. The ornaments you see at the top of the image (on the right) are the first 3 ornaments we made. My husband selected the pumpkin, our son grabbed the bat, and I chose the candy. It was a lot of fun watching the guys sew their ornaments together. These will be ornaments I treasure forever, as well as the memory of making them together.

The ornaments are very easy to sew together because they have pre-poked holes in the pre-cut fabric pieces.

Most often, a craft kit will include everything you need to complete a project. The Halloween DIY Ornament Craft Kit I have featured is awesome and really does include everything except scissors.  I did substitute my preferred Aleenes Craft Glue instead of using the glue in the kit, but that is simply a preference on my part because I have used it for decades.

Halloween Ornaments Sewing Craft Kit

 Halloween Ornament Craft KitCheck PriceThe kit includes:

• Pre-cut felt pieces with punched stitch holes for sewing together
• Pre-cut detail or finishing pieces like eyes, teeth, stripes, etc
  
• Floss / thread 
• Ribbon for Hangers
• Plastic Needles
  
• Stuffing
• Glue
  

While the instructions are in picture form, I would have preferred they included written directions along with the images for greater clarity.  As a lifelong crafter, I knew what to do without instructions, but I am not sure that would be true for a beginner.  While making the ornaments would be easy enough for a child, they would probably still need some assistance from an adult to know exactly what to do.

 

To Make the Felt Halloween Ornament

Each ornament is separately packaged with all it's pre-cut pieces. Stuffing, plastic needles, thread and ribbon are packaged separately which makes it easy to find everything you need to complete an ornament.

1. Open the individual ornament package and lay out the pieces
2. Open the package with the thread & plastic needles
3. Thread the plastic needle with the thread color that matches the two foundation ornament pieces 
4. Stitch the two foundation pieces approximately 3/4 of the way together, leaving an opening to stuff the ornament (do not cut your thread yet)
   
5. Stuff your ornament with the included filling (do not overstuff. Felt tears easily)
6. Stitch the remaining opening together and tie off the thread
7. Cut a piece of the included ribbon and make a hanger for the ornament
8. Glue the details (like eyes, teeth, etc.) on the ornament

 

Why Choose This Craft Kit for the Whole Family

 Halloween Ornament Craft KitCheck Price

Everyone should know the basics of sewing. These kits will allow parents to teach their children to make the basic straight stitch, plus allow the child to get comfortable threading and using a needle safely because the included needles are large, plastic needles.

Not only are these kits great for children, but also for seniors with decreased dexterity.  Again, the plastic needles won't poke or cut fingers. 

No special crafting ability required.  While I did find my experience helpful for stuffing amounts & glue preferences, it wasn't necessary. My son and my husband made their ornaments without needing my help, including threading their own needles, stuffing the ornaments, and gluing on the finishing details.

This kit really does allow family members of varying ages to make the perfect Halloween felt ornaments. 

We will use our ornaments on our Halloween tree, but they would also make a lovely banner for the door, mantle, or wall.  They could be hung on cabinet knobs for fast Halloween decor.

The kit is recommended for ages 5 and up.

 

 Read More Crafts & DIY Reviews On
ReviewThisCrafts.com!

Make Halloween Ornaments With Easy Craft Kits  written by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Halloween Pocket Size Candy Tins Filled with Jelly Beans

Halloween Candy Tins Available on Zazzle

Each year I look for a special treat to give to the trick-or-treaters that I personally know.  I'm sure you know what I mean.  Out of dozens of children who trick-or-treat in our neighborhood, I only personally know my friend's children or grandchildren who come to my door.  I like to have a really special gift to give to them, not just the candy I give to everyone trick-or-treating. 

It is also true that I like to have a special treat to give my own grown children for Halloween.  These Candy Tins filled with Jelly Beans are the perfect special treat for each of them.  Plus, the candy tins are refillable and not very expensive.  Therefore, they could actually keep and use their "special Halloween treat" year round.

By the way, there is a volume discount when you order 10 or more of these candy tins on Zazzle.  Plus, if you subscribe to "Zazzle Black" (standard subscription - currently $9.95/year), you will get free shipping on your orders on Zazzle.  I have personally saved over $300 by subscribing to Zazzle Black. 

Also, anytime you buy on Zazzle, be sure you check their current coupons for savings!

 

Halloween Candy Tins with Jelly Beans or Mints

There are a few reasons why I enjoy giving these pocket candy tins as special Halloween treats.  

First, Jelly Beans are a very popular candy.  It seems like everyone loves them.  

Second, as I mentioned earlier, they are refillable, which means the gift will last well beyond Halloween.

The candy tins come with a variety of images on the front.  You simply choose the picture you think is appropriate for the recipients.  Obviously, the grim reaper on the right would be for adults, but I have also featured some of my own favorites for children below.

Plus, the candy tins are small enough to slip into jeans pockets or the interior pocket of a purse, which makes them very convenient to carry.  The tins are approximately 2½" wide.

You choose the flavor of Jelly Belly jelly beans in the tin.  Select assorted or one specific flavor from the options available.  The tin holds 20 jelly beans.   

Mints are also available as a choice instead of jelly beans.  Or, you can choose to have the tin shipped to you empty and fill it with whatever you wish.

Oh, and lest I forget, they make great Halloween party favors!

 Candy Tin CANDY TIN Candy Tin

 

 

Read More Product Reviews On
ReviewThisProducts.com

 

Halloween Pocket Size Candy Tins Filled with Jelly Beans  written by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Getting Ready for an Upcycled, Recycled, and Earth-Friendly Halloween

Halloween is in full swing on the Web and writers are busy telling tales of their favorite Halloween costumes, crafts, decorations, movies, and books.

I have been having so much fun getting ready for Halloween, too! Boxes of scrap fabrics, bags of odds and ends, and baskets of ribbons are scattered all over my crafting room floor in anticipation of haunting crafts to come.

As you can see, it's not a spooky kind of Halloween for me. Oh no, it will be A Low Key, Fun and Not So Scary Halloween Party here at the Recycler crypt. Setting the tone for this year's festivities, these Big Bows for Steampunk Halloween Decorations will be seen hanging from vintage family portraits and sitting next to our spooky sculptures.

There are more upcycled and recycled Halloween crafts sitting on my crafting table. I can hardly wait to show off my Steampunked fashions.

I've sent Halloween Party Invitations to a cast of characters and I'll need treats for kids young and old.

My sweet-toothed little goblins are sure to gobble up these Organic and Fair Trade Halloween Candy selected by GraceOnline. She's put together a list of gummy candies, jelly beans, lollipops, and bite-sized chocolates that are earth-friendly and contain organic ingredients.

The sophisticated ghouls are a bit of a puzzle. Maybe I'll take a lesson from Poetvix and learn How to Make an Apothecary Bottle of Unicorn Tears and fill it with homemade bath salts for the hairy monsters, herb-infused vinegar for the sourpusses, and vanilla sugar for the fairy princesses.

And, if anyone wants to slip a little treat into my trick-or-treat bag, my favorite candy bar is Endangered Species Panther, Extreme Dark Chocolate (88%).

That's all for today folks! Thank you for spending time with us today and we hope you've found some inspiration to recycle your way to a Happy Halloween.

Best wishes,

Coletta




Posted by Coletta Teske

About This Contributor

Coletta Teske writes reviews on books, business management, writing, crafting, cooking, and gardening. She is also an avid recycler and shares her tips on recycling. She delights in upcycling an old object, recycling or transforming discarded items into a new treasure.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Halloween Skeletons Make Great Decor

 How do you like to decorate for Halloween?  I think skeletons are a great choice.

Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil - image from Pixabay.com

There are a number of different ways to incorporate skeletons in your Halloween decor from basically a few bones in a graveyard style theme to using actual poseable skeletons.

You can even use animal skeletons like a dog or a cat for a little bit of intrigue.   I actually have a friend who's a yoga teacher so when I saw skeletons doing yoga I thought that would be fun for her Halloween display.

Photo by Lou16, purchase online here

The best image I saw to incorporate a skeleton inside was in a private Halloween group, unfortunately, I can't share that image with you, but it was basically a skeleton in a wedding dress sat in a chair.

I love the idea of getting a posable skeleton and putting an old wedding dress on it and sitting it in a rocking chair in the corner of the room.   It was a very good looking display (although they didn't use a rocking chair) and let's face it many of us keep our wedding dresses without ever using them again so a perfect way to give them a little airing as well.

Of course if you wanted an outside skeleton bride you could always pop her
on a garden bench with or without a groom - photo from Pixabay

How would you incorporate a skeleton into your Halloween decor?

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

The Best Animal Costumes for Halloween

Costumes for an Animal Theme Halloween Party

It's almost the witching hour now, as we are only 16 days away from All Hollow's Eve as it was known before being re-christened as "Halloween." I love Halloween because I love to dress up in costumes and see all the costumes and decorate the house and have a party! It really has evolved to be the gateway to the Holiday Season as it seems to add a sparkle to the air in the Fall.

One year I had a Halloween party where we stipulated animal costumes so that was the year I started the scary spider theme as my Halloween decor of choice. Creepy right? Funny because I really don't like them in real life at all and border on arachnophobia! But what's Halloween without some creepy scary spiders and goblins and ghosts? So I like to decorate the lawn with scary spider decorations, and the windows too.


A lot of animal costumes showed up that year and I think it was one of my most fun parties so my daughter and I have decided to do another Halloween animal costume party this year. So far the best ones we've heard our guests are donning are a mix of expected and unexpected.

The obvious animal costume where I live is a Horse, and sure enough someone is coming in a horse costume! There are actually quite a few horse costumes available too. Another one I'm not surprised by is a cat costume and we have heard two guests have chosen to be a cat for Halloween. (Many of our guests are under the age of 5)

But I'm pulling out my Peacock Costume and I hear there are lots of Ninja Turtles coming along with Batman and Spiderman who are sort of animal costumes so they count too. 



We're also going to have some doggie guests and one of them is going to be wearing a Spider costume so that should keep all the arachnophobics on guard. Especially if they are not dog lovers. 2 phobias in one!  


Yes I would say animal costumes are awesome for Halloween!


Happy Halloween to everyone!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Discount Halloween Costumes

Cowgirl Poster, carpidiem, Zazzle.com

Simple, Inexpensive Halloween Costumes

What is the best Halloween costume? Well I hate waste so to me the best costume is one that can be worn again for other things, or at least some of the parts can be worn again. And I really don't like the ones at the big box stores because they fall apart so quickly and really look cheap too. (But they aren't really cheap if you look at the prices for what you are getting.)

So my kids and myself always make costumes from stuff we already have and just buy masks and cute Halloween bags.

No Sew Cowgirl Costume

This year I moved to Texas so the clothing I see when I walk around town is quite different than the clothing I was seeing in California where I lived for many years. This state is very proud of its Western/Cowboy heritage and people still revel in all things cowboy and horse related, including their clothing.

So it was an easy choice for me to make a no sew cowgirl costume  this year for Halloween, as I can buy all the parts locally and more important, I can wear all the clothes after Halloween is long gone, especially the boots. I love boots! Long skirts, boots, vests, scarves, all can be worn again in different styles of clothing, so your costume will not be a money waster. And bonus, if you don't sew, you can make it without sewing.

No Sew Ballerina Costume

Now if cowboys and cowgirls are not your thing, you can still make a Halloween costume that you will be able to wear again and not waste all that money. Some great choices include, a ballerina costume for a dancer, or even a "Cats" dancer. I did that one when the play was popular, and got to wear the tights and the bathing suit afterward for years. Even if you or your child are not a ballerina, the tights and leotards are reusable for other outfits.

No Sew Cheerleader Costume

A  cheerleader costume is also one that can be worn again. A gymnast can use that cute outfit, and so can a skater. And your child can pretend to be a cheerleader any time, and get exercise in a fun way.  

Use Pajamas for a No Sew Halloween Costume

Of course if your little one is under the age of 10, you can also use pajamas as the base of your costume and then you will definitely get wear from them. That's my best hint in the money saving department. I discovered this when my son wanted to be Luke Skywalker for Halloween. I made him a costume from a pajama pattern and he wore that thing for 5 years straight, I kid you not. I had to wash it while he was at school so he could put it on the minute he got home. As he grew I let out the hems of the pants, so it lasted for those 5 years. Now that was a budget costume!

So if you want to save money on Halloween costumes, make a costume that will be reusable. Just say no to wasteful big box flimsy ones! Use your imagination instead. Happy Halloween!

Ballerina and Cheerleader Photos are courtesy of Amazon.com

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Halloween Costumes: Important Tips for Everyone's Safety

Kids everywhere are already discussing what they will dress up as for their favorite holiday,  Halloween!  

Let's review some important safety tips so our children/ grandchildren can continue to enjoy this holiday.

Even though the end of September is quickly coming, adults and kids alike are getting into the Halloween spirit.  Everywhere you look there are dozens and dozens of costumes just trying to get your child's attention.  At the end of October every neighborhood will have dozens of Superheroes, Doctors and Nurses, Witches and Werewolves prowling about.  

These are my grandchildren, Miss BoPeep and her Sheep!

               

The excitement of  all the Treats has most youngsters just chomping at the bit to get out on Halloween night.

  

Let's just take a minute to review some important safety tips to keep our children/grandchildren safe during their escapades.

1.  Never ever let your children go out alone and unsupervised.

-team up with some neighborhood parents  and share the role as supervisors.  There are always some big kids that will take advantage or prey on younger children that are alone.  Instead of having fun, they are robbed of their candy and may even suffer some physical injury.

2.  Make sure their costumes allow them to walk without tripping, climb stairs without "face planting" on the next step and just see where they are going.  

3.  If they have chosen to be a witch, zombie, ax murderer or some other very dark creature, make sure that somewhere on their costume there is reflective tape or better yet, a  bright flashlight that will illuminate them in the dark.

4.  Rather than masks, try using makeup to augment their costume.  If you slather them with cream before makeup application, it will be much easier to come off later.  Makeup does not hinder their ability to see what's around them.  Masks tend to slip, dip and drop and the children are more interested in keeping that mask in place, than looking at where they are going.

5.  Keep the children off the roads.  One accident is one too many.  Check your route, and see that you do one side of the road and then cross to the other side.  Cars and kids running amok are not a good combination.

6.  Don't allow any treats to be consumed until they have been checked over.  With food allergies and treats being tampered with, eating on the run is never a good idea.

7.  Have fun and take some pictures along the way!  They will make some great memories in the future.

If you are looking for a great flashlight for your children to use on Halloween night, I would suggest this one:

I like this flashlight because it can be used at Halloween, but it can be used at other times of the year too.
It is an Amazon Choice and has three light settings.  It's a regular flashlight with a powerful beam, it's a reading light with a softer and wider light surface and (here's the reason I really like it) it has a powerful red flashing emergency light too!  That would add just another facet to any Halloween costume out there.

We have three of these in our apartment and they really work well when there is a black out!  So after Halloween, keep these flashlights in and around your home, so that if the power ever goes out, you are prepared.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON: