Our Entry in the AlexandAlexa Fruit Carving Contest

Noah and I had the opportunity to participate in the  AlexandAlexa Fruit carving contest. The prize is £250 AlexandAlexa gift card. Here is my entry:

This was so much fun. I am not much of a carver but it was fun to try! Noah decided he wanted us to do a traditional jack-o-lantern face. He did the carving himself with a butter knife.  I think it turned out great for being made by a seven year old.  His name is Eyeballs and Brains.

Pure Costumes Shop Review

Nestled in South El Monte, California, just on the outskirts of Downtown Los Angeles, is the headquarters of the year-round Halloween costumes and accessories retailer, PureCostumes.com. Having been in business for several years now, the online company has gained a reputation in the Halloween industry as having an excellent selection of costumes, wigs, masks and accessories for the entire family at affordable prices. Along with having a wide variety for all ages and every day low prices, PureCostumes.com has become a reliable source for consumers due to its fast shipping and excellent customer service.

Every year, Pure Costumes has made it a priority to offer the newest and most exciting costumes for the Halloween season. By keeping its hand on the pulse of the latest trends and pop culture sensations, the costumes retailer has been able to carry the most popular styles year to year. From guts and gore to sweet and charming, PureCostumes.com’s wide selection definitely covers the gamut. In addition, the website now offers plenty of licensed costumes from the hottest Hollywood movies and television shows. Pure Costumes is also known to do an early preview on each year’s newest lines and allows customers to pre-order their favorites in order to receive them in time for Halloween. This value-added service is just another way that Pure Costumes puts its customers first. By eliminating the stress of Halloween season shopping, customers are able to focus on other holiday planning and preparation.

Although Halloween is the highlight for Pure Costumes, the online retailer has expanded its business beyond the season by servicing year-round costume needs throughout the country. Through the company’s ability to stock popular costumes for toddlers, kids and adults throughout the year, customers are able to find many items that are normally considered seasonal merchandise. With a wide selection including historical costumes for school projects, Native American outfits, costumes for theatrical plays, and much more, it’s no surprise that shoppers all over the nation turn to PureCostumes.com to find outfits for various events. Pure Costumes has also been a reliable resource for year-round costume demands in the local community. Not only does the website offer a will-call option for local online orders; the online retailer’s warehouse is also open to walk-in customers during the off-season to make shopping simple, quick and convenient.

Going forward, Pure Costumes will continue to expand its business by not only leading with its product selection and service, but also by providing the most comprehensive shopping experience. With a history of positive customer reviews and feedback, Pure Costumes is set to be a top online destination for costumes and accessories. To learn more about this company, visit PureCostumes.com.

And the Ugliest One is Frankenstein

I can't believe it's almost Halloween. Time has flown by lately. Halloween is a fun holiday that is more than just candy and dressing up. Sure that is a big part of it but its fun to do Halloween crafts and read Halloween books. I am the biggest scaredy cat so, I don't really like the scary aspect of Halloween but I do enjoy kids Halloween movies and books. I had the chance to review the book Frankenstein by Ludworst Bemontser. Of course that is a pen name, as I don't think a parent would name their child that ever.  Ludworst  Bemonster is the pen name of author Rick Walton and  artist Nathan Hale. Legend has it that he was bored one Halloween and rewrote a popular children's book. I happen to adore this particular children's book and used to watch the cartoon.

I think this book is adorable. It will be a Halloween tradition in my house. Possibly like our tradition of reading The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve. I love how spot on Frankenstein is. Ludworst really captured the essence of not only the original book but Halloween. I love how they include Miss Devel and how she exclaims something is not right! While I was reading the book, I could hear the original character's voice in my head saying it.

You can buy Frankenstein at major bookstores.  I recommend picking up a copy for your little monsters to enjoy.

I hope you have a safe and Happy Halloween! 

I received a copy of Frankenstein for my family to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Halloween with Pottery Barn Kids Review

I am a self proclaimed Pottery Barn junkie. I remember when the one close to me opened. I would spend an hour looking around thinking about all the things I wanted to own from there.  My family has two really cool photo boxes from there with little albums in them. They are really neat.  When I found out I was pregnant with Noah, I was excited because I could shop at Pottery Barn Kids.  My favorite thing I purchased from PBK is Noah’s Octopus Sprinkler. I bought it when he was 1.  It is the most adorable thing. I have pictures of him playing with it at different ages and it doesn’t matter how old he is in the different pictures he has the same look of joy and excitement on his face. It is his favorite summer toy. My philosophy is if it is from Pottery Barn Kids, it’s going to be adorable. I think when I get married again someday I am registering at Pottery Barn. I would love to have my whole home decorated in Pottery Barn stuff.

 I had the opportunity to review some Halloween products from Pottery Barn. They have so many cute things for Halloween.  I was able to review two items.  I reviewed the Halloween Treat Basket & Liner.  It is this huge basket with a Halloween themed liner.  I love Halloween and passing out candy to the trick-or-treaters.  Growing up we had this particular wooden bowl for Halloween candy. I am not sure if it is lost or packed away somewhere, but I haven’t seen it in a while. The trick to the perfect candy is to have a good variety of candy and mix it up so you give the goblins choices.  I remember the wooden bowl had to be refilled all the time and it was kind of hard to mix the bowl up. The Trick or Treat Basket with Liner is big enough to mix and hold a huge quantity of candy.  It’s easy to manage though.  You can even get it personalized with your last name, if you want. 

The other item I reviewed is a Pumpkin treat tote for Noah.  If you are going trick-or-treating it is important to have a good sturdy Halloween Treat Bag to haul your goodies home with.  When I was little we used pillow cases. I think that Noah is too young for a pillow case, so I would buy him a plastic pumpkin. It worked for the night half the time. I took him in his wagon and sometimes the handle would fall off and candy would be in the wagon.  I never took the pumpkin and put it up after the candy was gone so it became Noah’s new toy, it would be without a handle and smooshed in.   So, every year I had to buy him a new one.  I am so excited to have an adorable one from Pottery Barn where I know it is well made and I know that it will last for a long time.  I can’t wait to show it off when we go trick-or-treating.  Pottery Barn Kids also has adorable Halloween costumes. I wish I would have waited to buy Noah’s costume but I found his at the end of August and since he is obsessed with space, he is going to be an astronaut.  I really like that some of the Pottery Barn Kids costumes can fit preteens and they are also really well made. That is something I have noticed about costumes is they can be really flimsy and kind of weird looking. This is the first year Noah is not being an animal for Halloween. 

For more information please visit Pottery Barn Kids

Thank you to Pottery Barn for providing me with samples of the products I mentioned in my post for me to review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie Review

The day before Halloween, I had the opportunity to do something I had done many times before when I was younger. It was always my favorite thing to do around Halloween. I went to Conner Prairie to see The Headless Horseman. I used to go to The Headless Horseman when I was in Girl Scouts. I don’t remember how many times I have gone. I am so excited I got to go again tonight. It has been a long time since I have been to see The Headless Horseman ride. This is the 27th year that the Headless Horseman has been riding through Conner Prairie. They have more than just the Headless Horseman, they also have an Apple Store with fresh goodies, stories, and other events. I have faint memories of going when I was in Girl Scouts. I know we definitely went but I don’t really remember all the particulars.

I do remember coming back with my Girl Scout Troop and us “seeing” a headless man driving a car. I am certain now that he was not headless but you know he could have been The Headless Horseman’s victim that October night. I was so scared that night. Honestly when I was little I always covered my face when the Horseman made his ride. We go out on a hayride and all the sudden out of the darkness The Headless Horseman comes out to ride. It is not a mechanical thing. It is a real horse and a real Hessian that goes and collects the heads of bad boys and girls. OK, maybe not but you get what I am saying.

There were a ton of people at the Headless Horseman. I got there at 6 pm and there were really long lines. I managed to get an early hayride. The first thing I did what take a picture of the “hot air” balloon for Noah. He has seen it in the air so many times I thought he would love a few pictures of it, up close and personal. I am hoping next summer he is big enough to fly in it. So, it wasn’t dark at all when I went. That was kind of a bummer but at the same time I wanted to get home early enough for Noah. It was cool to be back in Prairietown after such a long absence. It looked the same as I remembered.

The hayride was eerie even though it was light out. It was fun to read all the signs, see the animals and just kind of relax. The Headless Horseman came and tried to take my head but was unsuccessful. I think that if you go to the Headless Horseman you should do a hayride after dark. On the other hand I wasn’t scared after the fact and probably would have been. There were children on my hayride and they were scared. It was a little annoying that kids that rode the night before would ruin it for everyone else. So, tell your kids not to ruin it and not tell others what is going to happen. It was fun and exciting. I also wasn't allowed to take any pictures or video even though the flash was off. I wanted to record the hayride but I wasn't able. I thought it would of been cool to show you first hand. That is part of the reason I wasn't bummed that it was still totally light out.

After I picked all the hay off of me, I went to visit the Mystic. I noticed her before I went on my hayride. The line was long when I got on the hayride and even longer when I got out. I spent at least a half hour in line. I love the Mystic. She is a cute little old lady. She was really nice. I was curious as to what my palm said. She said that I have a really long life line so I will live a long life, I have two profession lines, which is rare. I could be doing two things. I am doing one now but I could do the other and be successful too. She said that I will travel somewhere warm soon. She asked me to send her a postcard. You all know how much I love to travel. She told me I am waiting for “Tall, dark and handsome” which I am. It was all in fun and I am glad I took the time to meet with her.

They also had storytelling, The Disney Movie Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Scary-a-oke, a glow tent and other fun activities for kids. Next year I am bringing Noah with me. We will have fun. I also visited the Apple Store. I loved going to the Apple Store when I was younger. I ended up getting a cut apple with hot caramel on it in a bowl. It was very good. As I was leaving, I could hear the church bell and the wind howling in Prairietown. I could also hear people screaming.

Thanks to Conner Prairie Interactive History Park for inviting me to the Headless Horseman. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Halloween with Hershey's Review!

I can’t believe that it’s almost time for Halloween. We got our pumpkins yesterday and we are getting excited about trick or treating. Noah keeps talking about going trick or treating and dressing up. He is definitely like his momma and loves candy. I do limit his candy consumption though. The best part of Halloween to me is the candy. I don’t care for scary movies and that is one of the things I dread when it comes to Halloween time is that there are scary movies on. I am the biggest wimp when it comes to scary stuff. I used to get so excited when I would go Trick or Treating, hello free candy! Any child’s dream come true right?

I had the opportunity to try out some of Hershey’s Halloween candies. They have a few new mixes out there. I think that the success of a good trick or treat bowl is the mix of candy you have and none of those little orange and black wrapped peanut butter things. I was lucky enough to receive the mix of Kit-Kats, York Peppermint Patties, Whoppers and Mr. Goodbars. I think that is a great assortment because I love York Peppermint Patties, I have claimed those for my own.

Noah has been enjoying the Kit Kats. He has actually been sneaking them. He can’t open them too well so he asks me to and gets busted. Kit Kats remind me of my Grandpa Jim because that was his favorite candy. We would bring him one when we would walk to the store. I really like Kit Kats too and I have had one or two. My mom loves Mr. Goodbars which I will share with her. I love Whoppers too. Yes I am a candy junkie. I always have been. I also received some Hershey’s Cookies n Crème bars those look good too. I love that these are all fun sized. It helps when you are a parent and are trying to limit your child’s candy intake or just want a little snack.

Here are all of the new varieties you can get:
• NEW – Twizzlers Assortment 120 Snack Size Pieces (Mini Bars Candy Strawberry, Pull n’ Peel Candy Wildberry and Pull n’ Peel Candy Green Apple)
• NEW – Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Crème Jumbo Bag Snack Size Treats
• NEW – Hershey’s Chocolate Assortment with 100 Snack Size Pieces (Kit Kat Crisp Wafers, York Peppermint Patties, Hershey’s Mr. Goodbar Candy Bars, Reese’s Pieces Candy, Hershey’s Chocolate Lollipops, Milk Duds Candy, Jolly Rancher Doubles Candy and Whoppers Malted Milk Balls)
• NEW – Hershey’s Candy Assortment with 100 Snack Size Packages (Reese’s Pieces Candy, Whoppers Malted Milk Balls, Milk Duds Candy and Jolly Rancher Lollipops)



My favorite Halloween candy is Reese’s pumpkins hands down. You don’t normally get those from trick or treating although I wish we did. I buy some of those every year. I love any of the Reese’s holiday shaped candy. They have so much more peanut butter in them it just makes them so good. Maybe it is because you can only get them at certain times of the year but that is top on my Halloween candy list.

So, as you are preparing your little goblins for Halloween in between your carving pumpkins, buying costumes, and making Halloween treats. Don’t forget to pick up some Hershey’s Candy for your trick or treat bowl at your local store and some extra for you. You know, so you don't run out. It just might make your house the most spookatacular house in the neighborhood.

You can also check out a bunch of cool ideas to enhance your Halloween at the Hershey’s Celebrates Website. There you can find more information on Hershey’s Halloween products, as well as costume ideas, spooky screensavers, desktop wallpapers, delicious recipes, craft activities and party invitations.

Thank you to Hershey’s who sent me some complimentary Halloween Candy to try out and review.

Halloween SAFETY TIPS and REMINDERS!!

It’s almost Halloween. I love Halloween it is such a fun holiday. I am so excited to take my son out Trick or Treating on Saturday. I love candy so I am hoping he will share his goodies with me. I just want to take some time to remind everyone of some important safety tips.

1. Please go with your children when they go Trick or Treating.

2. Go in groups especially if your child is old enough to go alone.

3. Bring a flash light with you for when it gets dark.

4. Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you, stay away from people that are acting strange or look like they want to cause trouble.

5. Bring a whistle with you. It sounds weird but it will get peoples attention in an emergency

6. Wear reflectors on your costumes and on your treat bag

7. Encourage your children to wait till you get home before they dig in to their goodies so you have a chance to look over the goodies in a well lit area. Pack a snack so if they get hungry they will have something.

8. Bring hand sanitizer with all the door bells your children will be touching to help cut down on germs.

9. Only go to those houses with a porch light on.

10. NEVER go in to a strangers home

11. Stay away from homemade treats and loose candy or loose candy in a Ziploc bag.

12. Make sure your children can see clearly and speak clearly through their costumes.

13. Watch out for cars and use sidewalks

14. If you are driving remember that kid’s dart and watch out for kids and don’t assume they see you.

15. Never get in a strangers car even if they seem nice.

16. Parents check out your state's sex offender registry and stay clear of those homes in your area. It is a great idea to know exactly where they live and work anyway.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween!

Monster Clips!!

I made these a while back and I thought I would do a how to for those who would like to make their own. They are really easy to make and are a lot of fun. They are embellished paper clips for all to enjoy. Just in time for Halloween or for your favorite little monster. You could use then for book marks too!
I decided to vlog while making these



Here are the supplies you will need:

Thin colored foam sheets (I got mine at a dollar store)

Scalloped circle punch – I have one from Stampin Up!

Jumbo Paper clips- not the standard size

Double sided tape

Glue dots

Googly eyes- two for each Monster you want to make.

1.punch out some scalloped circles. Punch out two for each monster you want to make.

2. Using double sided tape carefully tape the paper clip to one of the foam pieces half way down. Make sure the part that you insert paper in is down.

3. Using little pieces of double sided tape on the side where the paperclip is to secure the top of the monster.

4. Press the top foam piece on top

5. Using glue dots put on the googly eyes

And Ta-Dahh! you have Monster clips! I hope you enjoy this craft as much as I do!

Wubbzy Goes Boo Review and Giveaway

Wow Wow Everyone! We love Wow Wow Wubbzy at my house. My son loves that little yellow creature. When I told my son we were were going to watch a Wow Wow Wubbzy Dvd, he became very excited. As soon as it started playing, Noah was in a frenzy of running around the house, singing and even rolling on the floor in excitement. He normally doesn’t get that excited about TV. It was really cute he kept saying Wow Wow Wubbzy.


We had the opportunity to view a screener of Wubbzy Goes Boo. It’s our pal Wubbzy in a Halloween dvd. Noah and I love Wubbzy’s adventures and like to see what he gets in to this time.

Noah and I enjoyed watching the dvd. In the first episode, Wubbzy is a magician and is making all kinds of crazy things happen. We really liked the elephant and all the monkeys that were in the barrel. Noah kept looking for them after they disappeared finally. There was a short little episode in between about a kickball tree. Noah liked that one too.

Noah is so smart. There is an episode about Fall where the leaves change colors and the leaves fall off the trees. Noah said “It’s Fall”. We liked the Halloween epsoides too. I won’t give away all the surprises though. The one about the ghost made Noah a little nervous but nothing major. He doesn’t really know much about ghosts so I think it was more surprised than actually scared. Noah learned all kinds of information about Halloween too.

All in all we really like Wubbzy Goes Boo and I hope you will too. In fact as I write this he is chanting Wow Wow Wubbzy, Wow Wow Wubbzy but it is bedtime so it will have to wait until tomorrow.


Thank you to Anchor Bay Entertaiment for sending me the Wubbzy Goes Boo screener.
I have two Wubbzy Goes Boo dvds to giveaway to two lucky winners.
DVD’s are valued at $16.98 each.

Mandatory Entry:

Tell me what your child or children are going to be for Halloween.

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This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY

This giveaway will end Friday October 16th 2009 at 11:59 pm ET I will pick the winner s and Email them. They will have 24 hours to get back to me.

Please note this is a short giveaway because it would be great to have this out by Halloween so you can watch it before or after Trick-or-Treating.