Tip of the Week: Preserving Your Jack-o'-Lantern

Make your pumpkin last longer by spraying it with a bit of WD-40 after you're done carving! It will keep your jack-o'-lantern from rotting, and also keep critters from gnawing on it.

Everything You Need for an Easy Halloween

Having three rambunctious boys (and an energetic husband), it's no surprise that Halloween is a big deal around our house. If you're caught up in the excitement too--or you just desperately need a cheap costume idea--here are some great sites to help.

Costumes
Now that our oldest has gotten too old to want to dress up, it makes me all the more excited to help our other boys (and Bruce) assemble their costumes. This year, our littlest is dressing as a New York Giant, and our middle, some version of the Pillsbury dough boy. If your kids are still picking something out, check out these great kids' costume ideas from Real Simple, which are still simple enough to assemble before Halloween. If you're like me and haven't figured out what you want to be, check out this free e-book that gives you lots of costumes you can make from clothes purchased at your local Goodwill. As for Bruce, he'll be heading for YouTube for inspiration--I can't even imagine what he'll come up with (and almost don't want to).

Pumpkin Carving
Ever wanted to make one of those cool pumpkins that had a design on it rather than a face? Now you can, with Martha Stewart's pumpkin templates. Her site has more than 40 free designs, with links to print them out and use on your pumpkin. While you're prepping your pumpkin, make sure to save those seeds, which are both nutritious and super-tasty once they've been roasted. Or if you're truly adventurous, try this recipe for pumpkin seed brittle--great for dipping in hummus and other snacks.

Having a Party?
If you're hosting a Halloween party this year, check out our Halloween party tips on our new website, including cheap ways to create atmosphere and fun and easy games.

Must-Visit Site of the Week: Orientaltrading.com

While Oriental Trading may not have the most PC name, it does have fantastic deals on crafts, decorations, and large quantities of toys. If you're having a kids party, this is the must-visit site for goodie bags. For example, $25 for 50 glow bracelets, $8 for 72 sticky lizards, $9 for 48 yo-yos with snowflakes printed on them, and more.

Oriental Trading also has tons of fun decorations, and today, of course, begins their sale on Halloween decorations, so act fast if you want a cheap head on a platter for next year. Check their sale section for more deals on decorations for birthdays, baby showers, and more.

Right now, the site is running a contest to win $500 in Oriental Trading gift cards. You can enter every day, so check back frequently! They are also offering a FREE subscription to Martha Stewart Living (or an extension if you already subscribe) and free shipping if you spend $50. Not a bad deal!

Halloween Party? Here are some tips!

I wrote a post awhile back on some general household tips for Halloween, but as I start to think ahead to this Saturday, I thought those of you who are hosting a party for the ghoulishiest night of the year might need some help, too!

I'd like to tell you that I'm throwing a big bash, but truth be told, with getting costumes ready for the boys, writing Who Knew?'s new series of cookbooks, and two weddings to go to this October, I'm lucky I even remembered to buy pumpkins! Luckily my old college roomate is having a party--which is even better, because her name is Candy!

I called Candy and we talked Halloween parties (and old gossip) for a while... Visit the new Who Knew? website for some tips from her Halloween party and some parties I've had in the past. Let us know if you have more!