FALL and HALLOWEEN.... Day 31

🎃👻🕷⚰️🧛‍♀️🧛‍♂️🧟‍♂️🧟‍♀️🎃👻🕷⚰️🧛‍♀️🧛‍♂️🎃

On Day 31 of Halloween my love gave to me:

     A handmade greeting card; a Halloween headpiece; a small Halloween tote bag and a handmade coupon for Red Devil Cocktails 

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The handmade greeting card said:

    HAPPY HALLOWEEN (front of card)

            Inside verse:

              ‘Enjoy the day from morning to       

                       night

                  Have a boo-tiful and 

                       spooky-filled day’

The clip art included a black cat and pumpkin on the front. Inside witches, ghosts, skeletons, monsters, coffins, vampires, ravens, bats, spiders, zombies, candy corn, haunted houses and scarecrows.  

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   It was a cute card. What I really liked was the coupon for the cocktails later that day and the headpiece to wear when I venture out for the cocktails.  

As today is Halloween I want to share my candy corn story with you. 

Growing up for the first five years of my life I lived with my mother’s parents.  On Sundays aunts and uncles would usually come for visit.  One Sunday my Uncle Harold (my mother’s brother-in-law) came with my aunt. He gave me a bag of candy corn. I’ve never seen it before (I was three years old). My grandma took the bag and told me I could have some during the following week.  As I think about it now I wonder if she hoped I’d forget about it.  A few days later I remembered the candy; reason was my grandfather was feeding the chickens he raised and the feed reminded me of the candy.  I begged my grandma for some.  She put a little into a bowl for me.  I was so amazed as a child about candy being shaped like food eaten by the chickens. That gave me a fun idea.  I took the bowl of candy and three it on the floor.  I then got down on my hands and knees to eat the candy. (I was a chicken).  My Aunt Jule who lived with my grandparents came in the room where I was.  Both saw me scampering around the floor eating candy off it.  My grandma yelled at me asking what are you doing eating off the floor. I replied I’m playing chicken with my candy corn.  My aunt chuckled and I guess my grandma did too; then she said you can’t eat off the floor.  Then she tells me Fluffy the house cat was licking the candy that I was eating.  She grabbed me and told me time for a nap.  

I was told this story by my Aunt Jule when I was a teenager.  Every year since then I get a bag of candy corn, count out twenty pieces and one by one eat them. As I do I fondly think about my Grandmother and my Aunt Jule.  This I did a few days ago.  Yes it is always the traditional candy corn; orange, yellow and white.  This year as I sat eating my allotted pieces, the person who gave me my first bag came to mind; my Uncle Harold.  I guess I’ll have to increase my pieces next year to thirty; ten for each of the three from my first candy corn Halloween.  

Well today’s HALLOWEEN! Enjoy and have fun. I’m all decked out and ready for a Red Devil Cocktail or two. 

  

FALL and HALLOWEEN....Day 30

On Day 30 of Halloween my love gave to me:

  Thirty paranormal/witch/ghost books

   👻⚰️👻🧛‍♀️🧛‍♂️🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️👻⚰️👻🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️🧛‍♀️🧟‍♀️

So on my Kindle account my husband went and downloaded into my Kindle thirty e-books either about witches, ghosts or paranormal genre.  This will be great for my reading pleasure next Halloween.  A few were box sets which had at least three books and one set had thirteen making it easy to get the total of thirty.  

I am quite amazed about the popularity of the paranormal genre.  I subscribe to and receive daily emails from book sites.  Quite a few offerings center around this theme.  I enjoy a good paranormal every now and then. Mostly I read mysteries or suspense with a good fiction thrown in the mix.  During the Christmas holidays I read books centered around the holiday season.  The past few years I’ve re-read a few of the ones I have. No doubt this will be the case with my books I received today. Will read and re-read every year.  Being an avid reader, it’s hard to remember the plots of the novels; making it easier for me to re-read holiday themed books once a year. 

Of all the things I’ve gotten I must now say that the books are my favorite. Of course there’s one day left in October.  Who knows what that surprise will be.  

Today is National Candy Corn Day.  What better way to enjoy my candy corn snack mix then having a small bowl while I read a new ghostly book. I've decided to pick a light hearted one due to the bad mood I'm having these past few days.  A good book can bring my bad mood 😒 to a happy one.  A good choice of surprise.  I don't think I ever have enough books.  I'm glad I have a Kindle device that can hold all my books.  

With the Kindle I can take it everywhere and my whole personal library is with me.  

Time to get my day started. The sooner I finish up what I NEED TO DO, the SOONER I CAN READ. 

Until tomorrow....it's National Candy Corn Day today, so enjoy a few pieces of this sweet confection.  

FALL and HALLOWEEN....Day 29

On Day 29 of Halloween my love gave to me:

  Twenty-nine slices of pumpkin 

         bread 🍞🎃

I was surprised to find a loaf of pumpkin swirl bread with my name on it; two loaves in fact. Thank goodness I have freezer room for one.  I only have bread in the morning as toast.  Two pieces of toast with peanut butter.  To some that's disgusting but everyone has their own taste in food.  

The past week I've seen so many dishes and drinks to make for Halloween from appetizers to desserts; from drinks with and without alcohol.  Like every other holiday, there are ideas for different dishes to create.  

It seems the bread I received is a brainchild of the baking company for the fall.  Right now we all are enjoying pumpkin spice coffee etc...but come after Thanksgiving it will be peppermint or egg nog flavored.  With tomorrow being Halloween I guess my fixation with pumpkin flavor will be winding down as Thanksgiving will follow.  Seems depending on time of year what flavor I enjoy.  Generally I enjoy just a vanilla flavor coffee but then from September to Thanksgiving it's pumpkin; after Thanksgiving to New Years it's egg nog or peppermint.  

Like certain foods I enjoy during particular holidays, coffee flavors have their time of year too. 

It's nice to have a variety; spices up (no pun intended) my life. It's a good thing to change up every now and then.  I wonder if that's why certain foods and flavors are only popular during specific times of the year.  I never really gave it much thought until I saw the loaves of bread this morning.  

Putting away one loaf in the freezer is being done so after the fall ends, I can take out the pumpkin bread; toast it and think about the things I enjoy about fall. It will bring back I'm sure pleasant memories.  

As I enjoy my pumpkin swirl toast and my coffee this morning, I wonder what tomorrow will bring as far as surprise.  

Until tomorrow....enjoy your day. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN.... Day 28

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

On Day 28 of Halloween my love gave to me:

  Twenty-eight Halloween decorated pastries.  A dozen cupcakes; sixteen donuts. 

 

I am sharing. No way can I eat a dozen cupcakes and sixteen donuts.  I took the five with chocolate icing with orange drizzle with sprinkles that were cream filled and four cupcakes.  They went into refrigerator so they’ll last a few days.  The remaining I plan to take to leave at the club.  Everyone enjoys something free and sweet.  

Not sure what he was thinking when he decided on this surprise.  Sure I like cream filled donuts and only yellow or white cake cupcakes; but twenty-eight treats just too much.  Even in the refrigerator I’m sure they’d not last too long.  No problem take them to one of the vets clubs and leave them.  They’ll be gone in no time.  

As the days of Halloween wind down I’ve enjoyed my month long celebration.  From the crazy items I receive; I really liked the thinking of you/have a nice day cards to the fun items, it’s been a treat.  The little surprise gifts won’t happen again till February and the fourteen days of Valentines Day.  During December we together do the kindness acts. Stayed tuned for those again this year.  

If you still have not gotten a costume you have a few days remaining. 

As if today I am all candy corned out AND National Candy Corn Day has not yet arrived. 

Until tomorrow....what to have with my coffee a fancy cream filled donut or a cupcake with a pumpkin candy on top?

FALL and HALLOWEEN.... Day 27

On Day 27 of Halloween my love gave to me:

  Twenty-seven apples🍎🍏

       Three caramel; three candy; three Gala; three Granny Smith; three Makintosh; three Yellow/Golden Delicious; three mini apple pies and a six pack of apple flavored beer (3 of one band and 3 of another)

I enjoy apples.  I enjoy apple anything from fritters to pie; cider to apple flavored beer (only one or two thank you).  Odd I never was an apple pie eater during the fall and Thanksgiving; always pumpkin.  Now I enjoy a piece of apple instead.  Maybe as one gets older their tastes change. Who can say.  

So I was happy to find a gift bag containing the apple surprise.  Only problem is being older I cut my apples into slices; that includes the caramel and candy ones.  Candy apples are okay but not a real favorite.  Like caramel sometimes they have been in the store too long and not so tasty. I guess it’s the thought that counted.  Of course I plan to share the apples with hubby well not the candy or caramel as he does not like them. As for the six bottles of apple flavored brew, maybe one.  I know the mini pies will be a nice dessert.  I have taken them from the packaging, put on a paper plate and into the microwave for about thirty seconds; just to get it warmed. 

Very tasty with a cup of coffee. 

I sure miss buying apples from road side stands.  Living in Pennsylvania we’d stop at the stand if a local orchard for a small container of apples during the fall; plus a jug or two of cider.   

Of course I enjoy apples all year not just the fall.  Give me a Golden Delicious or Granny Smith it does not matter.  Applesauce is a favorite item in my house.  Both my husband and I enjoy having applesauce with a pork meal.  We enjoy chunky the best.  On occasion I enjoy a baked apple but don’t do them often.  I do wish with this apple surprise there’d be one or two apple filled donuts but no such luck. I should be happy with what I received. 

Well until tomorrow.....time for a Granny Smith 🍏. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN....Day 26

On Day 26 of Halloween my love gave to me:

   Twenty-six peanut butter and chocolate pumpkins

    🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃     🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

         🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃     🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

                🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃   🎃

I’ll be a sharing with others.  There are many who’ll enjoy a peanut butter and chocolate treat.  I enjoy mine from the freezer.  Living in Florida, I put chocolate in the refrigerator.  Certain candy bars, like the peanut butter and chocolate, I put into a freezer bag and in freezer.  I enjoy them as I said cold and froze. 

I remember a few years ago over purchasing candy for Halloween because we were suppose to go to few parties.  Some reason we did not attend a few events leaving me with candy leftover.  As the candy was in one of the crispers we hardly use it was not found until Valentines Day where we decided it might bite good. So out it went.  I wonder how long is chocolate good if in the refrigerator?  We did learn our lesson on over buying candy. 

After a holiday that sells specialized chocolate (hearts for Valentines Day; chocolate Santa’s or trees at Christmas; eggs and bunnies for Easter; as well as Halloween) how long does the candy last?

Generally after Halloween the Christmas candy is already on the shelves; after Christmas the candy for Valentines Day is out for purchase; and after Valentines Day chocolate eggs and bunnies can be found.  

Yes it appears candy is a big holiday industry.  I just get through buying candy for Halloween when next it’s time to buy Christmas favorites.  The last chocolate Santa is eaten and it’s time to buy chocolate hearts.  Before I know it I see jelly beans and cream filled chocolate eggs.  Well I get a reprieve after Easter as no candy purchase again till September when the first bag of candy corn appears. 

I think I should call the months of September through April candy months.  

That’s when I seem to purchase the most.  

Think about this; do you find yourself purchasing more candy between Halloween and Easter?  Do you ever have Halloween candy overlap with Christmas candy?

Until tomorrow....chocolate and peanut butter pumpkin is ready to be taken out of the freezer.  One down and twenty-five  to go. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN.....Day 25

On Day 25 of Halloween my love gave to me:

    Twenty-five tombstones filled with candy bones. 

   ⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️     ⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️

      ⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️     ⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️

            ⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️

My husband found the cutest little tombstones filled with candy bones at the store. He said they came three in a package so after buying nine to get twenty-five the two left over he’s passing out as a treat for someone. Who? No idea.  The little boxes are really cute.  As for the taste of the candy; I hope they are tasty.  They are just small hard type sugary candies. It’s the thought that does count. I’ll probably recycle these tombstones next Halloween.  Not sure just what I’ll do with them but I have a whole year to decide; okay eleven months.  

Through social media I have noticed this year more and more Halloween events.  These range from amusement parks hosting a spooky theme; community trunk-or-treats; organizations and churches having something for children to many haunted house type adventures.  It seems Halloween has become a major events holiday. As I think back to my childhood we would dress in costume for school parades and then trick-or-treat after school.  If Halloween came on a Sunday we’d go out after the big family meal.  If it was a Saturday we’d go about 10:00 a.m. come home at lunch then go back out until 5:00 p.m.  I loved when Halloween fell on the weekend.  Back then we had no community events or activities as today.  There seem so be so much to do and not enough time for doing it.  Living in Florida I know the big amusement parks have something going on during October to celebrate Halloween.  No doubt other such places across the country do also.  I am thinking that perhaps Halloween is becoming a family event.  With all the events happening, both parents and children can enjoy a fun and safe time together.  

With only a few days remaining till the 31st this weekend will be the big push to enjoy those haunted houses, hayrides, corn mazes and other happenings in your area. 

Until tomorrow....time to open one of the coffins for some bones. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN....Day 24

    SEVEN DAYS to HALLOWEEN 

🧛‍♂️🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️🧛‍♂️👻🕷🦇🖤🎃🕷👻🎃🧛‍♂️🧛‍♀️🧟‍♀️

On Day 24 of Halloween my love gave to me:

   Twenty-four Assorted FALL and HALLOWEEN Yard Items

I received an orange flamingo and a black one to put out in the yard.  Six plastic pumpkins to set around the bushes and a variety of other outdoor items.  Well a few can be kept there for the next holiday.  

I guess hubby hit thrift stores for many but no big deal; it’s the thought that counts. Outdoor items are nice but not really good for the person who mows your lawn.  That’s one reason why I try to put them near my bushes and close to the house. 

I am leery at times about putting outside decorations around.  There are vandals who just like to destroy others stuff. They’ll take it then smash it on the street or just steal it.  

It does depend on your neighborhood.  My street is not a main route but we do have quite a bit of traffic.  Seems the most traffic is when I’m trying to back out of my driveway; then it’s car after car after car. 

Like at Christmas I notice many decorate for Halloween.  I enjoy driving around to see who decorated and how it looks. One residence in my area puts white lights around the trunk of a tree then hangs ghosts from the branches.  It looks really nice in the evening when all lit up.  A few have blowup items on their lawn; and then a few have skeletons or a scarecrow sitting on the porch.  It’s funny how people decorate for holidays.  The most popular I feel are Christmas and Halloween.  I don’t see much outdoor items for Valentines Day, St. Patrick’s Day or Easter.  You can keep snowman and snowflakes up and out for January.  I’ve done that in the past. Kept snowman decorations in the window until February then put up the hearts and Cupid’s.  With a good imagination you can think of outdoor items for each month.  

As it’s fall I’ll just keep with the two fall holidays until after Thanksgiving; then Christmas begins.  

So until tomorrow....get creative for your outdoors for each month. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN.... Day 23

  On Day 23 of Halloween my love gave to me:

 Twenty-three stickers with a witch on each

I like stickers.  They are fun to put in envelopes when mailing out stuff especially your bills.  I had ones with the American flag I used years back; at Christmas I have stickers with Santa, tree, Angel and anything holiday related. The stickers work as a second seal to keep the envelope close.  

I’ll probably use these decorating the goodie bags I’m giving away.  

Living in Florida I miss the season of fall.  We don’t actually seem to get fall; what I miss is the crisp cool sweater and sweatshirt weather.  I especially miss the change of the leaves; the brilliance of different shades of red, yellow, orange and burgundy.   I lived in area where I could take a ride through the mountains and just drink in the wonderful scene.  One thing that was fun; stopping at a road side stand for apples and apple cider.   

Friday night high school football games were a weekly event for us.  Sitting in the bleachers cheering on the home team; having a hot chocolate to keep warm.  I do miss those days or I should say nights. After the games usually stopping for something to eat.  I’ve tried to do Friday night football here in Florida BUT (yes a big but) seems every Friday night we plan to attend a game it’s raining.  The afternoon to evening showers and watching a game are not in my realm of having a good time.  The no winter weather (snow, ice, below zero temps) of living here in Florida has its’ advantages as well as disadvantages.  One disadvantage is that a carved pumpkin does not stay for more than a few days.  The main reason why I go with a plastic or styrofoam one.  

One week to Halloween.  Are you ready?

Still pondering my costume.   

Until tomorrow....enjoy the day.  

FALL and HALLOWEEN.... Day 22

On Day 22 of Halloween my love gave to me:

  One zombie 🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️singing 🎤 “Thriller” 22 times. 

I love the song “Thriller”.  One of my favorite Michael Jackson songs.  Today I received $22.00 enough to play the song in various jukeboxes over the course of the next week.    I plan to play it today at two places where I’ll be going; maybe more than once each place.  The singing zombie well I am guessing hubby plans to sign along so he’ll be the zombie.  I enjoy whimsical little surprises.  This was a good one.  

I was curious on songs for Halloween.  This is one that came up on a list along with the song from the movie “Ghostbusters” (I ain’t afraid of no ghost); and the song “Monster Mash”.  I decided to watch the videos of them today on my phone.  

Funny about the song “Thriller” my husband plays it all year long not just during Halloween.   

I do recall last year when we played the song on the jukebox we heard people complaining. Why? It was no reason some people did not care for song or artist.  Well too bad for them as I said to those people “don’t like the jukebox music play what you want to hear.  This is what we want.” No comments were given back to us.  

Like movies for Halloween, I have my favorite songs; “Thriller” being one of them. 

Yes you can say I enjoy this holiday.  Everything intrigues me from the colors of black and orange to black with deep crimson or purple.  The snacks aren’t too bad.  There are a variety of recipes on the web to make.  Drinks with funky Halloween names are many (both with and without alcohol.  There are many movies and music to enjoy.  Let’s not forget about the decorations and items to wear. 

Until tomorrow....I’ll be driving people nuts at the veteran’s clubs playing the juke box.  

FALL and HALLOWEEN.....Day 21

On Day 21 of Halloween my love gave to me:

   Twenty-one  ghosts 👻👻👻👻👻

         👻👻👻👻👻  👻👻👻👻👻

          👻👻👻👻👻  👻

The ghosts were handmade.  These are simple to make and tasty after the holiday.  Use a strong paper napkin; lollipop (Tootsie Roll pops worked best); ribbon and marker.  Wrap the napkin around the lollipop for the head to be top of the pop; tie the napkin to the pop; use marker for eyes and mouth.  It’s a cute little gift especially when out into a vase or all tied together to make a bouquet of ghosts.  It is a different idea for Halloween centerpiece.  What makes it even better is it is edible (well the Tootsie Roll Pop).  I only think hubby made these so he could indulge in a lollipop; these are his favorite.  This is also a cute idea for trick-or-treat give aways.   It is different and shows that someone gave thought to the treat. Besides the Tootsie Pops you can use the lollipops with bubblegum inside.  These would be great for older children; candy and gum rolled into one. I recall getting bubble gum in my treat bag as well as small sticks of gum (Wrigley’s since I few up in the Chicago area) as well as packs of Chicklets.  What memories pop in my head as I type up this ‘ramble’ today.  I asked my hubby about if he received gum in his treat bags.  He said yes and worse was Teaberry.  Well mine was getting Dentyne in my bag. 

I guess today kids would nix getting a roll of Smarties.  Times have sure changed.  

Until tomorrow.....time for apple cider.  

🕷🕷🕷🕷Disclaimer any ideas I give are just suggestions for making Halloween fun. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN.....Day 20

On Day 20 of Halloween my love gave to me:

   Twenty pumpkin shaped sugar cookies

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃  🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃 

  🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃   🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

I like shaped sugar cookies for holidays. Halloween is no exception except the size of some of these cookies are enough for two.  I think it was seeing me have one the other day that gave him the idea for buying the cookies.  I won’t be able to eat them all, so it’s sharing with others time. I guess I can put them into a freezer bag and refrigerate them; have one a day or in the case of the six supersize one’s a half cookie a day.  Funny I did not see him pack the cookies as he put them in a cooler bag.  You see my husband said the cookies were also an anniversary gift.  How nice.  We are not spending our anniversary at home. Oh no we are at a seminar I need to be at for a veteran’s organization of which we are both members; I have a state position which makes me HAVING to be there. Well only seven months till I am through with the position.  Seven long months and at least four more mandatory events to attend.  Don’t get me wrong I love the volunteer work but when it feels like a full time forty hour a week job well you need to step back and evaluate it. Enough said. This is a fall/Halloween blog not a blog about how volunteer work can give you as much stress as a paying job. 

As for shaped sugar cookies; there is just something about them.  I’ve always been a sugar cookie fan as compared to a chocolate chip, peanut butter or oatmeal cookie.  Even at Christmas I’d always grab the cutout sugar cookie before any other.  

During July I found star shaped sugar cookies with red and blue sprinkled and ended up with a container.  After having a few I ended giving them away.  Fancy shape cookies make a nice touch at the dessert table.  They look festive enough without having to do much in the decorating department. 

I’ve seen some interesting festive fall/Halloween desserts during my shopping travels.  I love how a certain donut place has festive sprinkles on their donuts as well as fall colored icings (orange, dark chocolate and white with chocolate drizzle).  

I’ve seen candy corn used for toppings on cupcakes and other yummy delights. Orange icing is predominant on cakes and cookies this time of year.  Even the Oreo cookie has an orange filling at the moment.  

Unlike on St. Patrick’s Day where I’ve seen green bagels; I’m surprised I have not encountered orange ones for Halloween.  Perhaps next year someone will see this blog and decide to do so. 

My husband came up with a thought that how come places serve green beer for St. Patrick’s Day but not orange beer for Halloween?  Just a pondering.  

Of course many establishments do have odd concoctions for Halloween such as  Voodoo Cocktail, Vampire Kiss and Black Cat; so I am under the conclusion why bother with orange beer.  

For non-drinkers there are also a few good drink specials that are available. 

Until tomorrow....off to my seminar obligation.  Wonder if they’ll have candy corn?  I’d settle for a pumpkin spice latte or even apple cider donut. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN....Day 19

On Day 19 of Halloween my love gave to me:

    Nineteen Spiders 🕷🕷🕷🕷🕷

       🕷🕷🕷🕷🕷  🕷🕷🕷🕷🕷 

           🕷🕷🕷🕷

          

I am doing this quickly today. I’m preparing to get ready to leave for a weekend veterans obligation. 

Okay so he did not give me live spiders but plastic spider rings. I’ll probably use them as decoration on a item I’m making.  Actually I’m putting together mini bags of candy next week.  Putting few mini bars in each then a Halloween sticker and going to tape the spider ring on the bag. I’ll probably give away these during the next week.  Adults enjoy a little something nice every now  and then.  (I plan to wear one or two of the rings on Halloween.)

  Making up little treat bags is fun.  The little sandwich/snack bags can hold at least three mini size candy bars. I also have pumpkin shaped sugar cookies.  The sandwich size bags hold two.  Those are for the ones who rather not have chocolate.  Who says Halloween is just for the young?  If it was just for the young why do they make and sell adult size costumes?

As you may prepare for the trick-or-treaters who’ll come a-calling why not think of alternative treats. As I wrote about few days ago I had given packets of cookies and/or snacks bags of chips, cheese curls, corn chips and pretzels.   Think about perhaps small bottles of water or juice box.  These are just a suggestion of course.  My husband I use to give soda to our visitors.  

Whatever you decide to give candy, beverage, snack or something else is up to you.  For me the best part of the Halloweeners is seeing what they will be wearing and of course the “thank you” after they get their treat. 

Until tomorrow....a caramel apple is calling my name.  

FALL and HALLOWEEN.... Day 18

On Day 18 of Halloween my love gave to me:

   Eighteen vampires 🧛‍♀️🧛‍♂️ in a ⚰️ coffin on a have a nice day card and eighteen mini bags of M&M’s.  

I like handmade cards.  They cheer me up.  The Halloween ones are cute and make me smile.  Although the mini bags of M&M’s made me smile even more.  I had no idea he got that much candy. Goes to show you what I don’t notice in the refrigerator at times. Also I now know why he did not let me pick up the bag of Halloween candy the other day when we were at Walmart. His reasoning was that it was too much candy and probably go to waste. It was a big bag of 144 pieces of mini candy and bite size bars. Well sure a few will enjoy my sharing M&M’s as I won’t be consuming all eighteen bags (no matter how smaller they are).  Of course the price of the 144 pieces was nothing to sneeze at.  

Thinking about such a large bag now makes me wonder.  Why such a large bag? Do people expect that many trick-or-treaters at their house?  I know I won’t be having any visitors due to the street where I reside. Then I thought perhaps the large quantity would be perfect for a community party or a trunk-or-treat event. Walmart had such a large display of candy like all the other stores. 

I remember my days of going door to door for treats.  I recall getting apples and sometimes a homemade treat from people. One place I did go into was the corner bar.  The bartender gave out bags of chips or pretzels; patrons gave money. Usually a quarter or dime (which bought lots of penny candy down the road).  Generally after a good trek I’d end up with two or three dollars which back in the late fifties and early sixties was not too bad.  

When I still worked at a large company in Pennsylvania co-workers would bring in their children. I would always have something for them.  One year it was packs of cookies such as Oreos and Nutterbutters; as well as packages of peanut butter crackers.  Another year I had snack bags of chips, pretzels and cheese curls.  I’d end up giving out to at least twenty to thirty kids.  What I thought interesting was that all the parents had to do was bring their child to their place of employment as over sixty percent of the employees would have something to give out. I remember a co-worker who brought her two children in and they carried out a sack of goodies. In fact she said she did not need to take them out door to door that evening. 

Candy is a fine treat but I was happy with getting change as a kid.  Lots of times I’d end up throwing away a third of the candy as it was something I did not like. 

If you are expecting visitors on Halloween hope you don’t go broke buying treats. Wow on the cost of that 144 bags of candy I saw the other day.  Of course you do get what you pay for as the saying goes. 

Until tomorrow....I hear a bag of M&M’s calling my name; well two actually. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN.... Day 17

On Day 17 of Halloween my love gave to me:

    17 silver witch hat charms

They are a cute little item.  The charms can be put on a chain to wear as necklace or used as charm bracelet.  What I plan to do with them anyone’s guess.  Probably just sit them in a small clear plastic bowl as decoration then after the holiday pack them away. Although I do know someone who makes jewelry so perhaps they will see their way to her. 

I’ve given out ideas for costumes and how I make a snack for the holiday. Now I’m going to give you some party ideas. 

An interesting idea for table decorating for a Halloween is small mason jars of candy corn; or any small size jar.  I’ve seen this years ago.  It was a nice touch and if a guest wanted one of the jars they could take them.  Party decorations for Halloween can be as creative as one wants.  Ideas are out there on web sites or come up with your own. Another idea I had seen was the plastic goblets that looked like a chalice. What was done with them was to put bite size candy bars in them.  Also give one to guests to use for their beverage and then they take it home as a party favor.  I actually used mine to put my snack mix in instead of using a paper bowl.  I can carry my snack with me around the party; then rinse out the goblet for my drink. Covering the tables with a black table cover and use black napkins for a ghoulish look.  Your decorating theme is up to you and type of party theme you are having.  Halloween is a time of fun so enjoy this time of year. 

Until tomorrow....time for a pumpkin shaped sugar cookie. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN....Day 16

On Day 16 of Halloween my love gave to me:

      SIXTEEN ITEMS to HOLD TREATS

The local stores have those plastic cauldrons, pumpkins, buckets, little baskets and bags for treats. I received a variety.  What I plan to do is put snacks in them and put them out at the different veteran’s clubs I frequent.  I will probably give one to the bartender as well as a personal gift.  People no matter what age like to have a free snack. The containers don’t need contain candy.  They can be filled with little bags of chips, pretzels or even cheese or peanut crackers, nuts or boxes of raisins.  Not everyone is a candyholic (my term for lover of candy).  

Yesterday I mentioned I’d come up with yet another idea for costume.  A pair of jeans, flannel shirt and cowboy hat.  Don’t forget to put a bandanna around your neck.  If any females own a caftan, you can use it for a costume.  You can be a fortune teller.  Put on the caftan, tie a scarf around your head and out on dangling earrings; get a pack of cards or make a crystal ball.  There are many ideas on the web to make a crystal ball to go with the costume.  

You don’t need to send a fortune on a costume.  Imagination and what you find in your closet or at a thrift store will help.  

Yesterday I mentioned about having candy corn snack mix.  I know there are recipes on the web for this but I came up with my own. A few years ago I had purchased a few bags of a snack mix (a national brand) that was on sale. I was attending a Halloween party a few days later.  I purchased a large plastic Halloween bowl at a dollar store.  I put the snack mix, some mini pretzels, two different type gold fish crackers and candy corn in the bowl; you can add peanuts if you desire and perhaps M&M’s.  You then mixed it up.  It went over well and left over was put into storage bags.  Of course there was no left over.  This is a sweet and salty snack.  

You can create your own Halloween mix.  I just happen to like this one.  

Until tomorrow....time for a peanut butter sandwich on pumpkin bread. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN....Day 15

On Day 15 of Halloween my love gave to me:

   15 Flying Broomsticks

Okay I received one new broom today and a card that had a variety (15 total of witches brooms and/or witches on broomsticks) on the card. The message inside read....“Enjoy your new ride”.  

My husband has a sense of humor for sure. 

Halloween is coming up fast.  I am still in a quandary on what to dress as.  I’d rather search my closet for something to create a costume then spending money on something I’d only wear once.  If you’re like me and want to dress for Halloween you can search your closet or even thrift stores for something. The next few days I’ll give you some ideas on costumes you can create fast and inexpensive.  

A witch is simple.  A black dress, black leggings or tights can work.  All you’d need is a hat or head piece.  If you don’t own a black dress a black skirt and top will work as well.  Accessories help also in creating a costume.  A broom to carry; a black cat (stuff animal) and a plastic cauldron is a good idea. Makeup I feel is up to the individual. I don’t like using it so I never do. 

A hippie is another easy costume.  All you need is a tie dye shirt; jeans or even long skirt; sandals, moccasins or white tennis shoes; head band and some long leads (to create love beads) and if you can find them granny glasses.  Make a picket sign and head out on Halloween. Put a peace sign on your cheek if you want.  

I find I can create both these looks if I do desire.  Sure I can come up with few more ideas from my closet. 

These are a few quick and easy ideas to dress for Halloween.  

Tomorrow I’ll have a few more ideas on costumes that won’t break the bank. 

Until tomorrow....time for candy corn snack mix.  (Something I came up with few years ago BUT now saw recipes similar.)

 

FALL and HALLOWEEN.... Day 14

On Day 14 of Halloween my love gave to me:

    14 HALLOWEEN Tee Shirts 

Tee shirts are a nice item to receive.  Of course holiday ones can only be worn once a year (unless they are patriotic).  Patriotic shirts can be worn a few times in the year. I wear them anytime but most only wear their patriotic Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. 

Not all my tees are designated with Halloween designs;  few are orange and black.  These I can wear all year.  Over the years I’ve accumulated tees for the holidays but this past year began to rid of them. Although they don’t go out of style seemed like after sitting in storage they just needed to go. 

Clothing companies are smart.  Not only do they come up with the holiday themed shirts but socks and scarves also.  I have a collection of scarves from patriotic to Christmas themed.  Yes I do wear them when applicable.  

The other day while in a storage box I found Halloween themed vests.  I took them out and will press with iron and wear during the next few weeks.  Why I ever got them is anyone’s clue as I have no idea.  Actually I think I got them after the holiday at a cheap price.  The idea of having the Halloween shirts and vests come in handy. Going to a Halloween event where you really don’t want to wear a costume; the shirts and vests come in handy.  You look festive for the occasion. 

Seems like today I’ll be wearing a different shirt everyday until Halloween where I will dress in costume first thing in the morning.  

What will I be?  Can’t let you know yet. 

If you’re thinking about Halloween tees it’s not too late to pick up few.  Best to buy them for next year is after the holiday. 

Until tomorrow....time for some candy corn. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN... Day 13

On Day 13 of Halloween my love gave to me:

   Thirteen stuff animal cats

A few years back I saw these cats at the store. You squeeze the side and it meows. Sounds like a cat screeching in the night.  

Only two were in my surprise of thirteen cats; rest were small stuff animals.  I plan to donate the ones that don’t make noise to a box for toy drive once the holiday is over. 

The meowing ones sure make a noise; you can squeeze the side to also stop the noise. 

I think my husband is sorry I have these now as I keep squeezing to make them meow. Sure by Halloween he’ll be happy it’s over.  

Halloween, like Christmas and Valentines Day, brings out the most interesting in decorations and items.  Those that make music and noise seem to be the popular or at least my opinion.  Halloween has items from jewelry to containers to hold treats. Speaking of treats, candy galore.  I have already been through two bags of candy corn. I like the bite size or miniature size candy bars.  Eating one or two don’t seem to make you feel guilty as consuming a regular size candy bar. Many stores have sales on them so one can stick up for those little visitors who knock on your door or ring your doorbell.  I have not seen trick-or-treaters in my neighbor since moving to Florida.  Our area seems to hold events for them or one community has a truck-or-treat where it’s safe to attend.  The only drawback with trunk-or-treat it’s hard to predict how many will show up for the event; you need enough treats for everyone.  I have made donations for candy to local organization who planned to have members present at the event.  One person told me after thirty minutes their trunk was empty.  Seems more and more parents are playing smart by taking their children to community based Halloween events. 

I agree with them. It’s safe and family oriented.  I do miss though seeing kids come to the door but on my street is safe for them not to do so.  It’s not just being cautious about the treats, it’s also traffic and those who are careless behind the wheel. 

Until tomorrow....if looking for safe Halloween activities for children check your local newspapers for where the fun is happening.  Also don’t feel guilty about two mini candy bars; more than two you can.  

FALL and HALLOWEEN ....Day 12

☕️🎃☕️🎃☕️🎃☕️🎃☕️🎃☕️🎃☕️🎃☕️

Day 12 of Halloween my love gave to me:

   12 cups of pumpkin spiced coffee

It’s pumpkin flavored season.  It seems everything can be pumpkin flavored from coffee to beer.  Although I have seen any pumpkin beer being sold BUT sure it’s out there. Personally I like a nice hot pumpkin flavored coffee.  No cream and no sugar, thank you.  I’ve always drank my cup of Joe black.  Why? I am not sure. Of course I need to have something to eat that’s flavored pumpkin.  Lately is been toast made from pumpkin swirl bread. A great way to start the day. 

Speaking about pumpkins have you gotten one yet? How do you plan to showcase it? Will it be carved? Will it be a work of art?

I have seen elaborate carvings over the years. I’ve seen then done like Cinderella’s carriage; made into a haunted house and even painted to look like a member of Kiss. 

Recently scrolling through social media I’ve seen pumpkins painted in various colors to look like the candy M&M’s.   That was quite clever. Go to any craft site on the internet and you can find interesting ideas fir pumpkins.  I’ve seen some wrapped in fabric that looked pretty.  One idea I saw and thought about seemed exciting and also a challenge.  Instead of carving your pumpkin but a few medium size. Paint them the various colors for different causes. 

A pink pumpkin can represent cancer. Orange painted pumpkin can made aware of Agent Orange as October is Agent Orange month.  Make a statement about autism with a pumpkin painted purple.  Remember Everyone Deplored with a red pumpkin.  If you have a specific cause for which you are passionate, decorate your pumpkin for that cause.  As I am a veteran and support veterans causes; one idea I have is to put military ball caps on pumpkins and tape military branch flags to each.  It would be different and could be used for Veteran’s Day before I change the pumpkins for Thanksgiving.  

I’ve seen so many uses to decorating with pumpkins as I’m sure you have also.  Two of my favorites that make me laugh are mooning pumpkins and ones looking like the upchucked.   These people who came up with these pumpkin ideas have a sense of humor. I’d never think about doing that. Of course the upchucking pumpkins would not be good for long term use due to stench after awhile.  

Now that you have pumpkin ideas time to decorate or not. It’s all up to you. 

Until tomorrow....I’m enjoying my pumpkin spice coffee and cookie. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN.....Day 11

On Day 11 of Halloween my love gave to me:

  11 BATS a SWOOPING 

    We had motion activated bats that would swoop around the chandelier or wherever hung.  They were a fun but noisy item.  

Today like the werewolves I got another homemade thinking of your card today with bats on it.  That’s fine with me. I don’t think I’d actually want live ones.  

Halloween decorations are interesting to say the least. I recently saw someplace (could be in the web) a table top Christmas tree with orange and black garland.  A few few black cats (cut from card stock), hole punched and tied with black yarn were hung on the tree.  This would make great decoration for Halloween; for Thanksgiving all you’d need is to take off the cats and add turkeys or pilgrims.  One thing I found for decorating for Halloween and Thanksgiving is the color scheme is orange, brown and black.  Also pumpkins are okay to use for both holidays.  All you need to do is change a bit of what goes with the pumpkin.  I had put away the ghosts, cats and skeletons.  I then took out my pilgrim items, Indians and turkeys to place around with pumpkins.  

Living in Florida I’ve seen some interesting Halloween decorations outside. On house I see took a few old white sheets.  They stuffed something in it to make a head and tied it off; then added two eyes and mouth with magic marker. These became ghosts and were hung from a palm tree. 

They look really cute especially with white lights strung around the tree trunk. 

My own front yard has orange and black flamingos.  Once Thanksgiving is over they return to storage for another year.  

Decorating is left to your own imagination. 

Until tomorrow.....enjoy your day. 

FALL and HALLOWEEN...Day 10

On Day 10 of Halloween my love gave to me:

   TEN HOWLING WEREWOLVES 

Of course ten werewolves are just a figment of the imagination.   Actually it was ten clip art werewolves on a handmade card.  One can find the cutest clips when looking for them.  

Unfortunately the full moon does not occur until the 24th of October so there are now howling werewolves today or I should say tonight.  

I tried to remember the first time I saw a werewolf costume.  I think it was probably seventh or eighth grades.  Most boys prior to that were dressed as cowboys, bums or clowns.   Perhaps it being that the werewolf was too frightening for the younger crowd. 

Recently doing research about Halloween, I found that in 1913 the first Werewolf movie came out. Although a silent movie, I am sure it was terrifying for the viewers back then.  I can only imagine the music played while the scenes on the screen unfolded. 

It would be interesting to view this oldie today.  

The costume for a werewolf seems easy or at least my opinion. I think the cost would be the mask.  The other things like a ripped flannel shirt and jeans can be purchased at a thrift store.  Buy these items cheap then cut as needed. Easy costume!

Back in the fifties a movie was out called “I Was a Teenage Werewolf”.   In the eighties a movie called “Teen Wolf” was popular.  As never actually seeing the fifties movie I have no idea if the eighties was a remake or take off.  Whichever, it is something to watch during this Halloween holiday season. 

Until tomorrow......I really like my handmade card with different werewolves.  

FALL and HALLOWEEN...Day 9

On Day 9 of Halloween my love gave to me:

         NINE MONSTER MOVIES 

   

       

I enjoy watching those old forties and fifties monster movies.  There is just something about them that I enjoy.  I think it’s just the way they were made that seemed to scare us. They were not produced like ones today with all the technology but they were scary enough to give nightmares to me back then. 

My favorites stars of those movies included Vincent Price, Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney.  There was always something sinister about the voice of Vincent Price that gave me chills.  

What I enjoy is sitting in the dark with a bowl of popcorn and glass of cold apple cider (sometimes a cold hard cider) and just watch one of those movies.  I think back to my younger days and nights of frights and chills.  It’s fun to sit back and chill watching the old movies.  Now that I’m older I don’t get nightmares; so I can enjoy the scenes that unfold on the screen.  

This is another tradition that I have during October and the Halloween season.  

Getting a group together to watch and enjoy old monster/scary movies would be a fun night for all.  

I have a few favorite movies I enjoy to watch over and over.  

Until tomorrow....think about doing an old forties or fifties or even sixties monster movie night.