A Fun and Spooky Halloween Gathering

The last few years we have made it a tradition to have friends over on Halloween.  

Our neighborhood is a great place for trick or treating and a big group of kids and adults will make their way from house to house, while some of us stay and pass out the candy to all the cute kiddos coming by. 

Usually, we just have a few snacks and drinks, while enjoying our time together. But, this year, I want to kick it up a notch and do something a little more special. 

Spooky Eyeball Punch-Happiness is Homemade

I really love this Spooky Eyeball Punch from Happiness is Homemade.  It is super easy and looks so fun.  Imagine a whole punch bowl full of those creepy eyeballs! 

The Graveyard Cupcakes that are in the same post as above, are too cute, and look pretty easy, as well. 

Dracula Dentures via PopSugar

These Dracula Dentures only take 4 ingredients and don't you know that the kids would love them! They are scarily cute!

No Halloween Party would be complete without a mummy or two.

Mummy Oreos from Queen Latifah

These Oreo Mummies just look tasty and don't look like they would take much time.  That's what I'm all about; quick and easy, but too cute. 

Funny Bones from Spoonful

I love the combination of sweet and salty and these Funny Bones use chocolate and pretzels, along with marshmallows.  Yes, please.

Of course, you can't just have sweets around. You need something else for all those who don't love chocolate and candy (although, personally, I think there is something wrong with those people). 

Mummy Dogs from licouponqueen

Pigs in a Blanket are one of my family's favorites, and these Mummy Dogs go right long with the spooky theme. They are easy to make and sure to be a hit. 

When everyone has had their fill of spooky fun, I want to send the kiddos home with an extra special treat.  These Hand Halloween Party Favors would top off the fun nicely!

Halloween Hand Party Favors

Even one or two of these fun treats would make the night special.  Being with friends and spending time together is what makes it so much fun.  

What treat are you looking forward to making for a spooky Halloween gathering?

Month in the Rear View Window

Can you believe it's already October?

This is my favorite time of year and I am so looking forward to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the the BIG ONE-Christmas!

But, right now, I thought we would look over the highlights from September.

I shared these yummy Brown Sugar and Cream Cheese Breakfast Rolls really early in the month.  

My kiddos loved them.

Then we revisited my super simple Mini Command Center that hangs in our hallway.

And, I showed off a re-use for shelf brackets.

I shared an easy recipe for Zesty Chili Dipping Sauce paired with Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips, too.

Then, I reminisced a little about fall from years past.

I hope you didn't miss my inexpensive porch update for fall and the free printable that I shared.

And, then, just yesterday, I showed off my favorite costume that I have created for The Littlest, along with some other ideas for DIY Halloween costumes for boys.

Also, last week, I got together with a few friends and recorded my blogging story for The Story of Us Podcast. It was so much fun! Head over there and check out my story, as well as the past stories.  My dear friend, Paul, has a passion for sharing the stories of the everyday extraordinary that is in each of us. Subscribe to The Story of Us Podcast on iTunes, and follow @thestorypodcast on Twitter.

I hope you've enjoyed this month's posts as much as I have.  I have some more fun fall projects to share with you soon!

DIY Halloween Costumes for Boys

The time is coming for getting started on any DIY Halloween Costumes that need to be created.

I haven't created many over the years, but began the tradition about two years ago.  The Littlest wanted to be Captain Jack Sparrow and none of the costumes that I saw really made me happy.  I thought I could do better! And, in my opinion, I did!

The hair was the biggest issue, of course, but I had to get it right for the costume to turn out well.  

I visited our Hancock fabric store and found some yarn that I thought would be perfect.  It was a brown variegated nubby yarn. Don't you like my technical description? This was pre-blogging days, so there aren't any pics of the yarn or the wig making process. I'll do my best to describe it.

I took 3-4 strands about 12-15 inches long that formed the center of the wig.  Then, I tied groups of 3-4 strands, about 12-15 inches in length to hang off each side of the center strand. Some of the strands I braided, and included string and even some burlap.

I added a head scarf of some stretchy red fabric from the remnant bin and a coin earring I found in an old jewelry box to complete the wig.

I created a brown vest out of felt, and made shoe covers to look like boots, as well.  

When all of that was paired with an older brothers dress shirt, a kitchen towel for a belt, and a toy pirate sword, he was all ready to go!

Here is what we came up with:

DIY Captain Jack Sparrow Costume

Close up of the wig:

Captain Jack would never smile in a photo!

Cutest pirate ever...

I have to admit that I was super excited about the way that it turned out.  And, so was the little pirate.

This year may be a bit more time intensive.  He wants to be Jack Skellington from A Nightmare Before Christmas. Eek.  I better get busy.

I was browsing Pinterest and found some really creative DIY costume ideas:

It's Uncle Si!

via Pinterest

These Minions are too cute!

via Pinterest

Steve!

via Pinterest

I've created a Pinterest board with DIY Costumes for boys.  I will be adding more to it all month!

Do you create DIY Halloween costumes? I would love for you to send me the link to be added to the Pinterest Board.  Shoot me an email to amyfenn1 @ gmail . com, or leave a link in a comment below.

Remove the spaces of course!

I can't wait to see what you've created!