Halloween is almost upon Us ...

[RiverRunner]

Hi Everyone !!

I wanted to start a thread on one of My favorite Holidays - Halloween !!

So first what costumes does everyone have in the works? Also, when you pick a costume does it have any special meaning to you?

Plans to go out or stay at home and party?

Plans to just dress up and stay at home and pass out candy?

Watch any special movies?

Do you visit any significant places on or around Halloween?

Looking forward to the replies, thank you !!!

[cara]

it's my favorite holiday, too! I am putting up decorations this weekend and hope to head to a few adult Halloween parties at the end of the month. no idea of costume yet.

:)

[Scuba]

GAH!! Halloweeny already? :| Someone needs to slow this year down a bit!

[Leigh]

I definitely wanna get into this conversation!

I absolutely love Halloween and I know that I'll be the one staying home and handing out candy (with a friend if she's not working) but the only problem is ~ I have NO idea what I'm gonna be! I don't wanna wear anything inappropriate in front of kids but I wanna wear something fun, or just be really freakin cool!!!!! Either way, I'm not sure what to be ~ however, what I do know is I'm gonna be decorating the entire yard and will definitely take pics :D

So .............. anyone have any costume ideas?????

[Teddybear]

I have to say I dont partake in Halloween or I havent for yrs and I mean like 30+ but since meeting the most beautiful woman in the world and knowing how much she loves the holiday also I have had to come to terms with Y I havent partaken in Halloween in so long. I dont think Im right or wrong or that she is either. I can see where not everyone uses the holiday as evil and knowing that I wont be doing that and neither will she.

I am hoping that I can find the excitement that she has for this time of the year, it may take a year or 2 but Im willing to do what I can to make her happy and to see that smile.

I told her I wanted to go as a lost salt shaker or a black eye P they are easy to do. She told me I couldnt do the mamogram machine

[spritzerJ]

Halloween is a fabulous holiday. Since having The General it has changed from big adult parties to kids venue time. Still wonderful. I do struggle with "the little sugar addict" side of The General. And yes I am serious, she has issues. Breaks out and starts wigging out...

I digress...

This year I am thinking Dorthy. Sensible enough to wear to school. Totally sexifiable for some fun role play later. I have red shoes I love too. So I will be super sparkly.

Daddi could decide to be another Wizard of Oz character but I try not to hint too much. Oh wait... I think I just did.

The General will be a Monster High character.

We will go trick or treating and see a parade. Carving pumpkins will happen too. Which I just love to do. The part of NH we live in is odd in that you don't go out to a pumpkin patch and get a pumpkin. The farm folks remove them from the vine, clean them off and put them in an empty field for you to select. The General thinks this is just rude. I think it is redundant.

[RiverRunner]

spritz??

you would not happen to have a shot of those shoes now would you?? I mean for the purposes of having a full idea in our minds of what the outfit would look like and that it is kid friendly and stoney friendly ;)

squints,
Tucker

[cinnamongrrl]

Teddys right! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Halloween!!! :) I have already started decorating and we went to get pumpkins last week...We are also planning on going to Salem for Halloween day :) I'd like to remind a certain un-named someone that Halloween started out as a celebration of the dead. It proceeds All Saint's Day which is Nov 1st. Halloween was originally all hallow's eve. A hallowed day. It was a day to remember the dead and give them blessings. And I'm sure remember them in your prayers to the saints the following day. It does have pagan roots but the pagans are peaceful earth loving people as anyone who has any knowledge of Wicca knows... In closing I'd like to present exhibit B...which is the fact that our local CATHOLIC church gives out candy for Halloween....nough said....

[spritzerJ]

spritz??

you would not happen to have a shot of those shoes now would you?? I mean for the purposes of having a full idea in our minds of what the outfit would look like and that it is kid friendly and stoney friendly ;)

squints,
Tucker

Okay for the record...

You are too funny Tucker!

The shoes are red patent leather. No heel. And well they aren't super sexy but they are fun. Not that Stoney needs the shoes to have a heel to be considered sexy.

I think the outfit can be easy altered by changing the length of the blue gingham dress and the tightness of the white blouse under it. And white lacy socks? come on... can't miss the innuendo there.

[Teddybear]

Teddys right! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Halloween!!! :) I have already started decorating and we went to get pumpkins last week...We are also planning on going to Salem for Halloween day :) I'd like to remind a certain un-named someone that Halloween started out as a celebration of the dead. It proceeds All Saint's Day which is Nov 1st. Halloween was originally all hallow's eve. A hallowed day. It was a day to remember the dead and give them blessings. And I'm sure remember them in your prayers to the saints the following day. It does have pagan roots but the pagans are peaceful earth loving people as anyone who has any knowledge of Wicca knows... In closing I'd like to present exhibit B...which is the fact that our local CATHOLIC church gives out candy for Halloween....nough said....

hey I did say I was coming to terms with it. I do know the origins of it but I also know that SOME ppl use this time to hmmm shall we say do unspeakable evil however baby I do know most ppl dont view it like that

[spritzerJ]

Okay so tell me does Salem, MA have super spooky stuff going on for Halloween? Cause I think it would be a blast to drive that way for some fun.

[Teddybear]

Okay so tell me does Salem, MA have super spooky stuff going on for Halloween? Cause I think it would be a blast to drive that way for some fun.

i hear they d0

[RiverRunner]

Okay for the record...

You are too funny Tucker!

The shoes are red patent leather. No heel. And well they aren't super sexy but they are fun. Not that Stoney needs the shoes to have a heel to be considered sexy.

I think the outfit can be easy altered by changing the length of the blue gingham dress and the tightness of the white blouse under it. And white lacy socks? come on... can't miss the innuendo there.


grinning so damn big !!! I have a very very good visual now of the shoes spritz. Oh and the innuendo did not get by Me in the least, yes def the white lacey socks.

I am glad I made you laugh. :)

[RiverRunner]

Okay so tell me does Salem, MA have super spooky stuff going on for Halloween? Cause I think it would be a blast to drive that way for some fun.

THIS is what I am talking about. It is not just about the Holiday, but also the History as cinn started telling us about. I normally do not even say Halloween, I have always said All Hallows Eve.

I think a trip to Salem would be totally cool, or some other place with spooky history. Especially going there on the actual Holiday and in outfits (costumes).

[Leigh]

I know sometimes my city does things for Halloween like a walk around a cemetary or stuff like that ~ i may have to look into that :D

[spritzerJ]

A hearty thank you to all who are home on Halloween for passing out candy. We really appreciate it!

Leigh I wonder if you could be a zombie bride.... Marilyn Monroe was my back up choice.

[Leigh]

A hearty thank you to all who are home on Halloween for passing out candy. We really appreciate it!

Leigh I wonder if you could be a zombie bride.... Marilyn Monroe was my back up choice.

Oooooooh good idea spritzer, I should look into that :)

[RiverRunner]

A hearty thank you to all who are home on Halloween for passing out candy. We really appreciate it!

Leigh I wonder if you could be a zombie bride.... Marilyn Monroe was my back up choice.


Oh yessss a zombie bride - perfect choice would be The Corpse Bride ... or Annie (with Jack Skellington as your date) from Nightmare Before Christmas !!!

Good idea spritz !!!!

[cinnamongrrl]

Spritzer, Salem at Halloween is AMAZING! They close down streets so you can walk around like a block party and many people dress up...There are museums and tours galore. Last year I took a cemetary tour that gave sooo much history information. There are also trolley tours and candlelight ghost tours. Nathanial Hawthorne's inspiration for The House of Seven Gables is there and can be toured...and one of my fave things to do there....is the soap/scent shop on central street. They have many scents of glycerin soap that you cant find anywhere else :) In short, there is SO much to do there...you honestly could stay a couple days! Not to mention....there are cute towns all around that are worth meandering for. Ipswich has a lovely winery if you enjoy wine (as I do!) Feel free to IM me if you want any more info! :)

[Leigh]

SO many good ideas ~ or even like a vampire bride :D

[spritzerJ]

Now what will be RiverRunner be? We already know who should ring his door for treats.

[The_Lady_Snow]

Grant & Worm's favorite Holiday is Halloween, I celebrate Samhain into Día De Los Muertos. I love love Day of the Dead rituals, customs, and art! I also love partaking in watching how fun it is for lil crumb munchers. I tend to be an agist With the candy, I give the 9 and under crowd in costume more candy than I do the other ages, it's not so cute then.

[spritzerJ]

Grant & Worm's favorite Holiday is Halloween, I celebrate Samhain into Día De Los Muertos. I love love Day of the Dead rituals, customs, and art! I also love partaking in watching how fun it is for lil crumb munchers. I tend to be an agist With the candy, I give the 9 and under crowd in costume more candy than I do the other ages, it's not so cute then.

Umm... I find older trick or treaters to be a turn off. I don't give them much candy either. And trick or treating parents chap me.

Going to need to unearth the fog machine...

[Leigh]

My parents and I always make separate bags for halloween ~ ones for the younger kids (they get the better things) and things for some of the older kids

[RiverRunner]

Now what will be RiverRunner be? We already know who should ring his door for treats.

Well I am wavering right now, on a few choices. In the past I have done the Pirate thing, A rock singer (complete with electric guitar), A lawn jockey (complete with lantern).

So this year I was thinking maybe a Knight, (more with chain mal than the clanging and banging type) - or Batman. I also like period pieces. So something like a King, Knight, Prince something in that realm would be cool too.

Any ideas spritz?

[spritzerJ]

Well I am wavering right now, on a few choices. In the past I have done the Pirate thing, A rock singer (complete with electric guitar), A lawn jockey (complete with lantern).

So this year I was thinking maybe a Knight, (more with chain mal than the clanging and banging type) - or Batman. I also like period pieces. So something like a King, Knight, Prince something in that realm would be cool too.

Any ideas spritz?

Lots of great choices so far. I can see you as all of those I suppose (hint post a pic in the gallery). Hmm... historical.... musketeer. Even with out the other 2 side kicks it would be dashing.

[Scuba]

Teddys right! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Halloween!!! :) I have already started decorating and we went to get pumpkins last week...We are also planning on going to Salem for Halloween day :) I'd like to remind a certain un-named someone that Halloween started out as a celebration of the dead. It proceeds All Saint's Day which is Nov 1st. Halloween was originally all hallow's eve. A hallowed day. It was a day to remember the dead and give them blessings. And I'm sure remember them in your prayers to the saints the following day. It does have pagan roots but the pagans are peaceful earth loving people as anyone who has any knowledge of Wicca knows... In closing I'd like to present exhibit B...which is the fact that our local CATHOLIC church gives out candy for Halloween....nough said....

I went to Salem not last year but the previous two years and loved loved LOVED it. It's like the Mardi Gras of Halloween. You guys have fun and take lots of pictures!!

[Leigh]

I have a small sense that River would be good as a Knight, that's just my .02 cents worth :)

[cinnamongrrl]

I was there 2 years ago Scuba! Did you see the painted lady that looked like a bronze statue?? That was me! J/K :P

[RiverRunner]

Grant & Worm's favorite Holiday is Halloween, I celebrate Samhain into Día De Los Muertos. I love love Day of the Dead rituals, customs, and art! I also love partaking in watching how fun it is for lil crumb munchers. I tend to be an agist With the candy, I give the 9 and under crowd in costume more candy than I do the other ages, it's not so cute then.


Lady Snow - thank you for responding. I hope I do not sound like a Fool. I know a bit about Samhain. However, I do not know about Dia De Los Muertos. Could you explain both to Me? I am very interested as I said in the History side of all holidays. But, Halloween even moreso. Thank you in advance.

I also agree as to giving the "older" kids candy. I have actually told them "nice costume" and not given them the candy because I know they have free dances, etc in the area that they can attend.

[RiverRunner]

I have a small sense that River would be good as a Knight, that's just my .02 cents worth :)

Well, I would def do it with the chain mal and leather, sword, etc. I am not feeling the full armor thing and all that clanging and banging. I will have to look at some pics and see what I can come up with. I know there is a movie I love (and the name escapes Me right now) based on the fight for Jerusalem and the outfits in that film would be like what I would wear.

[Leigh]

Sounds like things will work out great River :)

[GreeneyedMe]

I work for a major grocery chain...we have lots of signage that we use in the stores. Some of them get sent out through me and the safety team....

I happened upon two signs that I would LOVE to turn into a costume....
the red one says:
DO NOT BLOCK
EXIT ONLY........I would put that on the "rear" of my costume <giggles>

The white one says:
NO UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY
PERMIT REQUIRED.......and that one would go on the "front"....<snickers>

Now, to figure out what to use as the base of it....:rofl:

I crack myself up....:cracked:

I Love Halloween!! I want to go on the ride through Salem!

[The_Lady_Snow]

Here's a link that explains


http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/showpost.php?p=451010&postcount=33





Lady Snow - thank you for responding. I hope I do not sound likeU a Fool. I know a bit about Samhain. However, I do not know about Dia De Los Muertos. Could you explain both to Me? I am very interested as I said in the History side of all holidays. But, Halloween even moreso. Thank you in advance.

I also agree as to giving the "older" kids candy. I have actually told them "nice costume" and not given them the candy because I know they have free dances, etc in the area that they can attend.

[tonaderspeisung]

i want to have a spooky set up like this but i know my neighbors would have to out do it - that thought keeps me at bay for now

GUAV_1jBJB4

[jac]

Still not sure I want to be a Wiz of Oz charactor but if I was it would be the scarecrow. I have a dred wig and was thinkin' of doing something with that or being a "Jack" in the box...

Here in my town they are having a Zombie Walk and there is ALWAYS a tour around town in honor of Stephen King. We also have here in Bangor a house from the Historical Society that gives a tour of a particular house "haunted house." Another thing that is big here in the state of Maine is the Fort knox Haunted Fort. I enjoy pumpkin carving and doing the trick or treat thing too. When I lived down south, Louisiana has Ann Rice's tour but well, that's way down south. It ain't happening.

[Scuba]

I was there 2 years ago Scuba! Did you see the painted lady that looked like a bronze statue?? That was me! J/K :P

http://salemnews.smugmug.com/Other/Photos-by-Deborah-Parker-1/5830243_sDbbH3/88/699010009_LDTUB#!i=699010009&k=LDTUB

[Teddybear]

http://salemnews.smugmug.com/Other/Photos-by-Deborah-Parker-1/5830243_sDbbH3/88/699010009_LDTUB#!i=699010009&k=LDTUB

u were looking good

[gaea]

i haven't dressed up in a while and that's ok with me, i do love to watch the little ones in their little outfits and i do love to hand out candy to them....

Im liking this thread. its fun to read....

If i were to go to a party i would pull off the school girl outfit easily

[Scuba]

u were looking good

Hahahaha ... You'll all know how to pick me out of the crowd when the Zombie Apocalypse happens!

[SleepyButch]

I was thinking about going as one of the seven dwarves this year.. might be a new look for me.

Not sure what I'll be doing on that day.. only time will tell.

I do love all of the scary movies that come out around halloween...



get get get out out out... :chainsaw: :runforhills:

[ruby_woo]

I love Halloween! I love dressing up. We always have a Halloween party at work, and I'm hoping to go some parties around the city this year.

Last year, I went as zombie Snow White, and won scariest costume at work. Previous costumes include crazy cat lady (that one was brilliant, I must say), zombie prom queen, Sally from the Nightmare Before Christmas, a cracked porcelain doll, and Sarah Palin- which may or may not have involved me called the CEO a maverick at our all-company meeting .

This year I'm considering a Honey Boo Boo costume, scary nurse, or pregnant Snooki. I'm not sure though.

Another thing I like about Halloween- cheap candy on November 1. :)

[SleepyButch]

I love Halloween! I love dressing up. We always have a Halloween party at work, and I'm hoping to go some parties around the city this year.

Last year, I went as zombie Snow White, and won scariest costume at work. Previous costumes include crazy cat lady (that one was brilliant, I must say), zombie prom queen, Sally from the Nightmare Before Christmas, a cracked porcelain doll, and Sarah Palin- which may or may not have involved me called the CEO a maverick at our all-company meeting .

This year I'm considering a Honey Boo Boo costume, scary nurse, or pregnant Snooki. I'm not sure though.

Another thing I like about Halloween- cheap candy on November 1. :)


ZOMBIE SNOW WHITE???!!!!!! :chasingzombie:

[Scuba]

I love Halloween! I love dressing up. We always have a Halloween party at work, and I'm hoping to go some parties around the city this year.

Last year, I went as zombie Snow White, and won scariest costume at work. Previous costumes include crazy cat lady (that one was brilliant, I must say), zombie prom queen, Sally from the Nightmare Before Christmas, a cracked porcelain doll, and Sarah Palin- which may or may not have involved me called the CEO a maverick at our all-company meeting .

This year I'm considering a Honey Boo Boo costume, scary nurse, or pregnant Snooki. I'm not sure though.

Another thing I like about Halloween- cheap candy on November 1. :)

I vote for Honey Boo Boo!! :)

[Angeltoes]

I usually just wear a witch hat and call it good. It seems appropriate!

[Gemme]

I have a tigress costume that I intended to wear last year, but never did.

[LaneyDoll]

I love playing dress up! The last few Halloweens, I was a Underworld vampire (not Selena but one of the lux ones), a babydoll marionette, a geisha, an ice princess. I love doing the makeup and trying out new things to see what will work.

Not sure what I am doing for me this year, but this is what I am doing for Ethan. I just bought everything needed to make this, except the hands...

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/281861_432457366800677_1330346760_n.jpg

:sparklyheart:

[always2late]

I love Halloween, it is my absolute favorite holiday! I haven't dressed up in years, but who knows, maybe I will again someday. For now, I have the joy of helping my son decide what he wants to be (the conversation usually starts mid-summer...can you tell I love the holiday? Lol). Then we either go look for a costume, or for the supplies to make one. This year, as I have since he was born, I will be accompanying my son on his trick-or-treat rounds. This will be one of our first Halloweens withouth my dog, Molly, who used to come treating with us, and was always a huge hit with the little kids...so it's going to be a little bittersweet this year. I also hand out candy...when my son and I are out on our rounds I leave a big bowl full of candy on the porch and hope that everyone who comes by observes the honor system (I've never been disappointed thus far).

One of my plans for the near future is to go to Salem for Halloween...those plans are still in the works but it's gonna happen someday!!
:batty:

[jac]

If i were to go to a party i would pull off the school girl outfit easily

Would that be a school girl outfit or would it be a stripper outfit... "pull off" ;) Teasing!

[ruby_woo]

I'm definitely leaning towards Honey Boo Boo! It's just a matter of finding the right dress. Challenge accepted. :)

[Martina]

wizard, I am thinking. I am into comfort this year. Also, I have spent too many Halloweens in SF freezing my ass off. A velvet robe appeals.

[G Snap!]

I have a ceramic pumpkin I have had for about 25 years I may dig out of my junk anc put out. It's about a foot in diameter and lights up. I got it at a department store that used to me in New England called Ames that went out of business.
We WILL go do a haunted house or two. A party this year is iffy, chefhmboyrd and I don't have the room to host one so it depends if any of our friends do. Halloween falls mid-week this year so it's going to leave just one weekend open for parties.

I just can't get into Halloween as much as I used to when I lived in New Hampshire. I grew up in Massachusetts, and trick-or-treat time was chilly weather and colorful (with foliage), shorter days, and hay rides in apple orchards. Maple syrup, the glimpse of a big old oak tree just blazing with color, trying not to drive off the road because it is all so beautiful and I am looking more at the trees than the road.

I get a certain mindset I can only experience when I am waking through the woods in New England. Tennessee woods are not the same, and it doesn't feel the same. When the trees start dropping their leaves and I catch a glimpse of the moon through bare tree branches, I might can go there for a moment. Then I get homesick.
It has been a long hot summer here, I won't be happy until I wake up and there is a frost covering everything.

[cinnamongrrl]

I have a ceramic pumpkin I have had for about 25 years I may dig out of my junk anc put out. It's about a foot in diameter and lights up. I got it at a department store that used to me in New England called Ames that went out of business.
We WILL go do a haunted house or two. A party this year is iffy, chefhmboyrd and I don't have the room to host one so it depends if any of our friends do. Halloween falls mid-week this year so it's going to leave just one weekend open for parties.

I just can't get into Halloween as much as I used to when I lived in New Hampshire. I grew up in Massachusetts, and trick-or-treat time was chilly weather and colorful (with foliage), shorter days, and hay rides in apple orchards. Maple syrup, the glimpse of a big old oak tree just blazing with color, trying not to drive off the road because it is all so beautiful and I am looking more at the trees than the road.

I get a certain mindset I can only experience when I am waking through the woods in New England. Tennessee woods are not the same, and it doesn't feel the same. When the trees start dropping their leaves and I catch a glimpse of the moon through bare tree branches, I might can go there for a moment. Then I get homesick.
It has been a long hot summer here, I won't be happy until I wake up and there is a frost covering everything.

I also am from Massachusetts (AND I remember Ames!) and I spent time down south. I agree that fall (and winter) are just not the same there. New England really has the full spectrum of the seasons....and I love it here for that reason. And what you said about the trees is especially true right now. I was driving to work today craning my neck to see this tree or that.... :)

[cinnamongrrl]

All this talk about Halloween and going to Salem kind of meshes with our LONGGG standing plan to have a mini New England get together. Anyone who would like to get together for Halloween Day in Salem please feel free to talk to me or Teddy. It WILL be during the week since that's where Halloween falls this year... We would love to get together and finally meet some of our friendly community :)

[The_Lady_Snow]

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/174/8/3/nun_in_shades_by_rubyj-d54j9s2.jpg

[ButchEire]

All this talk about Halloween and going to Salem kind of meshes with our LONGGG standing plan to have a mini New England get together. Anyone who would like to get together for Halloween Day in Salem please feel free to talk to me or Teddy. It WILL be during the week since that's where Halloween falls this year... We would love to get together and finally meet some of our friendly community :)


Fantastic suggestion! Anyone in or around the Western NY/Southern Ontario area interested in doing some ghosthunting this month? I know of several places and opportunities like Iron Island, Central Terminal and Goodleberg Cemetery. Some are free and some have a fee. Anyone?

[The_Lady_Snow]

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs15/f/2007/004/f/9/Zombie_Nurse_II_by_Cast_Down_Doll.jpg

[Rockinonahigh]

It's been quite a while since I partyed on halloween,I usely do the candy bit for the goblins but this year as I didnt get to wear my gator killer outfit to the reunion im going out to the local gay bar clebration,I havent gone in so long I prolly wont know a soul...but whats new?My son can deal with the trick or treaters if he wants to.

[Katniss]

http://i.picresize.com/images/2012/09/17/1bFDQ.jpg

I posted this a few weeks back as this pic was taken at ComicCon and mentioned it might be my costume. Since then I have found the helmet, spray painted it pink and am well on my way....hee hee hee....

Katniss~~(The glitter is strong in this one Master Yoda...)

[jac]

This year I am thinking Dorthy. Sensible enough to wear to school. Totally sexifiable for some fun role play later. I have red shoes I love too. So I will be super sparkly.

Daddi could decide to be another Wizard of Oz character but I try not to hint too much. Oh wait... I think I just did.

Okay, it's decided I'm gonna be the Scarecrow to her Dorathy.... *singing* We're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of OZ....

[Heavenleahangel]

Until about 2 years ago, Halloween was something I decorated for and passed out candy, but that was it. Now that Jacob is getting older (Wow, 5 years old!) holidays are something different.
We, of course, are now online looking store to store to see what they have as *my* son can't make up his mind. it had changed from a mummy to a pirate to a spooky ghoul about 10 times! He is even invited to his first school birthday party at a little boy's house that will be a costume party. Somehow, I see this turning into TWO different costumes this year! This is gonna get into some serious $$$! Lol

[cinnamongrrl]

Hey all :) Teddy and I are going to be in Salem on the 30th of October. We are leaving home early in the am and will be there before noon. Anyone who wants to meet up for lunch or early dinner feel free to PM either one of us for our numbers. :) It IS on a Tuesday just FYI....

[easygoingfemme]

Hey all :) Teddy and I are going to be in Salem on the 30th of October. We are leaving home early in the am and will be there before noon. Anyone who wants to meet up for lunch or early dinner feel free to PM either one of us for our numbers. :) It IS on a Tuesday just FYI....

I went to Salem on Halloween a few years ago, what a blast! Have fun!

I love Halloween, love the whole spooky season.
My daughter has been working on her costume since last year :) She is going as Sallie from Nightmare before Christmas. She made a prototype doll over the summer and is about half way through making her dress. We just can't figure out how to get her crazy curly hair straight for the costume.

We usually have a little party with our homeschool group of teens. They dress up and do just enough trick or treating to still feel like kids and then spend a couple of hours trading and just playing. I think this year we're having a campfire too for some outdoor spooky storytelling when it gets late. They all also love ice skating so we talked about seeing if we could find an open rink for them all to go in their costumes and skate for a while.

Since the kids are older now, we send them out on their own and the parents hunker down with wine while they are out there. Helps us be extra excited when they want to show us everything they came home with.

[Amber2010]

I just Love Halloween!!! It is one of my very favorite Holidays.

I have a few costumes that are in my closet. One is a Princess, one is a Witch and one is a Clown. Yes they are all very different and it always depends on my mood that year. I do love going out and seeing what is new and different in the costume world. I love that we get to let our crazy self out even only for that day. I wear mine to work when Halloween falls on a working day. I have worn them taking the kids out trick or treating. I love decorating and of course have a couple of boxes in the attic with some really cool stuff. My favorite is my giant spider.

Yep I am a little nutty but sure do love having fun and Halloween is a great way to do just that!

[chefhmboyrd]

i am working on my Manicorn costume.... i will post pics

[willow]

Halloween! I love Halloween. The Body Parts (http://www.aquarterof.co.uk/body-parts-p-151251.html) are purchased for the trick or treaters. I still need to get a wolf masquerade mask to go with my Little Red Riding Hood costume, then I'm good to go. If I can just decide which mask. So many to choose from!

[willow]

Again with the double post. For goodness sake.

[jac]

Yeh so one year I had this mock dressed-up Jack-o-lantern guy sitting in a rocking chair, holding a basket of candy with a sign that told the kids to reach and grab a handful. There were small toys and candy in the basket. It went over so well that the following year I dressed up and sat in the chair with pumpkins all around.

I had on some old clothes and boots and wore a straw hat that hung low enough to hide my face. A similar sign was posted but that year it was a box of small toys and candy. As the kids and their escorts eased up the dark driveway led by glowing lights and pumpkins they hesitantly reached into the box to grab their treats. Little did they know the box grabbed back!! :scared:

Ahahahaaaaa I had made a hole in the underside of the box and slipped my hand inside. When they would reach in the box I would grab them... :rofl: OMG the screams from both the kids and their escorts sounded throughout the neighborhood!! It was awesome!! But to coax them back for their actual treat was a bit of a challenge... :blink: Holy crap it was so much fun!! Good times!! Good times!! :D

[Bèsame*]

For the past few years, I've taken some white fabric and stripped it into 2inch strips. Then a made a huge spider web across the front of the house. Using fishing line from the garden to the columns at the front door. Rigged up a black light, ( and the black lights get better each year, lol).
I watch the cars go by and slow down at night. I'm now known not only for the cement creek bed skate ramp in the back yard, but also as the spider web house! Lol

[Jaques]

good job im not superticious, i booked a 12 hr flight to Laos on Halloween night ...............

[ScandalAndy]

Autumn is my favorite time of year, and halloween is my favorite holiday! This year my roommate is having a pumpkin carving party (this weekend! yikes!) and asked if i would make toasted pumpkin seeds and cook fall-themed foods. I've been making apple crisp every weekend (we went apple picking, so i have lots of fruit to use) and have already frozen a bunch of homemade applesauce for later in the season.

I also am known for setting up haunted house trips. I set up 1 to 2 trips every weekend through the whole month of October where I get groups of people together and go to a haunted attraction. This past weekend we did Bates Motel, which is a haunted house, haunted hayride, and haunted corn maze. My favorite, though, is the old asylum.

My costume this year is going to be awesome, as soon as I can find the fabric to make the last part! I'm doing a victorian/steampunk crossover female version of the penguin from the 1950s batman. Purple top hat with veil, black lace parasol, corset, blouse, purple gloves, monocle, cigarette holder, black can-can thigh highs and a purple and black striped bustle skirt with little heeled boots. I am ecstatic over it, since I've been planning it for a while now but never got all the parts together before. :)

Two years ago I was a film noir poison ivy, which was ALSO tons of fun!

[miss entycing]

i can't wait for Halloween debauchery, and mayhem this year!
love love love Halloween.
nothin like 100 bikers rollin up in costume, ready to play.
having a huge kickass party at the bar i work at,
and altho i will be behind the bar, it'll be all kinds of twisted, and be mad fun- our party's usually are!

Jax is going as the devil.. i will be Hys fallen angel.
lol, big suprise there.
:eyebat:

[jac]

Autumn is my favorite time of year, and halloween is my favorite holiday! This year my roommate is having a pumpkin carving party (this weekend! yikes!) and asked if i would make toasted pumpkin seeds and cook fall-themed foods. I've been making apple crisp every weekend (we went apple picking, so i have lots of fruit to use) and have already frozen a bunch of homemade applesauce for later in the season.

I also am known for setting up haunted house trips. I set up 1 to 2 trips every weekend through the whole month of October where I get groups of people together and go to a haunted attraction. This past weekend we did Bates Motel, which is a haunted house, haunted hayride, and haunted corn maze. My favorite, though, is the old asylum.

My costume this year is going to be awesome, as soon as I can find the fabric to make the last part! I'm doing a victorian/steampunk crossover female version of the penguin from the 1950s batman. Purple top hat with veil, black lace parasol, corset, blouse, purple gloves, monocle, cigarette holder, black can-can thigh highs and a purple and black striped bustle skirt with little heeled boots. I am ecstatic over it, since I've been planning it for a while now but never got all the parts together before. :)

Two years ago I was a film noir poison ivy, which was ALSO tons of fun!

Damn!! The haunted trips sound wicked fun and the pumpkin carving themed night as well... remember there's always cider to be made "spiked." Your costume sounds awesome... I see you put a lot of thought into it. Have fun!!

[ScandalAndy]

I'm so looking forward to it! For the last haunted house we took a half gallon of cider and put 1/2 a bottle of spiced rum into it. SO DELICIOUS~!

Damn!! The haunted trips sound wicked fun and the pumpkin carving themed night as well... remember there's always cider to be made "spiked." Your costume sounds awesome... I see you put a lot of thought into it. Have fun!!

[ScandalAndy]

A friend posted this great link on their facebook today and I thought it was worth sharing. :)

http://takebackhalloween.org/

It's a website of unconventional women's halloween costume ideas!

[G Snap!]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-422hhafSkE8/UHXgqaJBlqI/AAAAAAAAFTg/VuWnG2lryRk/w497-h373/Halloween%2BKitty.jpg

This is not a derail attempt, I just couldn't find the kitten wars thread.

[Leigh]

**bump**

Halloween is comping up soon; c'mon lets get this thread going again :)

[Bit]

http://takebackhalloween.org/

THAT is a REALLY cool link! Thank you for sharing it!

[cinnamongrrl]

not......long.......now.......

[Bit]

Our neighborhood association is starting a community garden. We have a BIG Halloween Party every year, and this year we want to have a table about the garden, so I'm going as a "gardener." Bought a pair of overalls yesterday, gonna wear a flannel shirt under them and have lots of garden tools and seed packets tucked into all the pockets... Hmmmm, just thought, I'll need some sort of gardening hat! Have to look through my stuff.

[Ciaran]

A friend posted this great link on their facebook today and I thought it was worth sharing. :)

http://takebackhalloween.org/

It's a website of unconventional women's halloween costume ideas!



I don't celebrate halloween in any sense. Whilst it may seem weird or superstitious to many, I have a strong dislike & fear of all things supernatural / ghostly / hauntings and try not to "open these doors", even through innocent fun.


With that said, I'm very glad that ScandalAndy posted the above link. I will gladly fall head over heels in love with anyone who wears the below costume:

http://takebackhalloween.org/brighid/

[Martina]

a femme in a flannel shirt?

*tsking*

;)

[Leigh]

Still trying to figure out a costume for giving out treats :)

[Bit]

Oh no, Martina, a Gardener. :cheesy:

[Duchess]

I grew up Pentecostal, so Halloween for a long time wasn't even a holiday I thought about. It wasn't until my mid 30's I became really curious about this haunted house in Atlanta called Netherworld.

I ended up going with friends and I got to meet the iconic Pinhead, in character, from the Hellraiser movies. I've been in love with visiting various haunted houses ever since.
http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=I.5030876338520593&pid=15.1

[Bit]

....and might I just say, I found the COOLEST garden-themed accessories for the table! Candle holders with oak and maple leaves and even one with a pumpkin and vine, and pails to hold a couple herb plants with an acorn-and-leaf design, and the most wonderful standing jack o'lantern bowl to hold some candy! He's SOO good-natured, with his stem like a little hat and his gloved hands holding his fat belly kinda like Santa Claus! :cheesy: :awww: :cheesy:

[cinnamongrrl]

not......long.......now........................... .................................

[ScandalAndy]

I absolutely LOVED that costume. Although, I was originally planning to go as Merida from "Brave". :)



I don't celebrate halloween in any sense. Whilst it may seem weird or superstitious to many, I have a strong dislike & fear of all things supernatural / ghostly / hauntings and try not to "open these doors", even through innocent fun.


With that said, I'm very glad that ScandalAndy posted the above link. I will gladly fall head over heels in love with anyone who wears the below costume:

http://takebackhalloween.org/brighid/

[NJFemmie]

Halloween is our favorite "holiday".
So much so, we decorate our house in a not-so-kid-friendly fashion.
We appreciate the gore and the scary shock value.

We've been called the Haunted House. We love it!

With that being said, we didn't do too much decorating this year.
Last year we went all out with fog machines, special lighting and our best creepy figures. I estimate we have thousands of dollars worth of Halloween decorations and such ... that's how much we love it.

But, we took it light this year.

Next year is another story.

MUAH-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!

[weatherboi]

All three of us are wearing costumes this year. The man cub wants to stay home and play the piano while candy is being handed out. At some point we all need to go show off our costumes so we will be dining at Hamburger Mary's.

[jac]

Plans are still up in the air for us because I will be there for the weekend mostly but as of right now our Little Family hopes to:

Hit up Salem Mass one day this weekend
Carve Pumpkins and make yummy treats during the other weekend day and....
I am hoping to get us in to see Frankenweenie. Beyond that who knows...
Oh and we will do the trick-o-treat thing just hours before I board the bus back to Bangor
http://imageshack.us/a/img191/1708/mv5bmjixody3mjewnv5bml5.jpg

[Daktari]

As a someone who practices a christian faith halloween is anathema to me. However, this year, for the first time in decades, I will be dressing up - think mad surgeon, bloody gloves and scrubs with bone saw - and attending an all day fellowship 'Dare to Scream' event.

Rather looking forward to freaking out those who don't know my 'alter ego'. :grindevil: Muwahahahahaaaaa!

[jac]

In the spirit of Halloween...

uMuorX2mgrw

[easygoingfemme]

a femme in a flannel shirt?

*tsking*

;)


Ha, well- that's me at least 3 days out of every week in the fall/winter. You can say you're dressed up as me?

[spritzerJ]

In the spirit of Halloween...

uMuorX2mgrw

OMG the kids in that video are so nice. You know what kind of meltdown The General would have if I told her that. :fastdraq: She'd go ballistic.

[Soft*Silver]

I found the greatest velvet witch's dress at my shop today! OMG! I so love it! We are having a special on Halloween for people to come dressed in costume and they get 50% off. So of course I have to dress up to! I need to find a sexy hat and doll it up.

I will try to get photos up after the night is over!

[Bit]

Congrats, Tia! The dress sounds wonderful!

[cinnamongrrl]

I will be wickedly bummed if this impending storm keeps us from going to Salem.....last year it was the freak nor'easter..... It feels like the fates are aligned against us going..... (w)

[easygoingfemme]

I will be wickedly bummed if this impending storm keeps us from going to Salem.....last year it was the freak nor'easter..... It feels like the fates are aligned against us going..... (w)

I know! I am right there with you. We have a party planned with campfires and all kinds of outdoor goodies for this year. Let's you and I stand on the edge of the coast and wave our arms real hard to blow the storm away?

[Leigh]

My friend came up with a brilliant costume for me for halloween; since i couldnt find a costume last minute i picked up some accessories and since im a hockey buff ill be going as ............... A locked out hockey player :D

Ill get pics but its brilliant eh? :p

[lusciouskiwi]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/531068_358343847593460_1849192434_n.jpg

[aishah]

i decided i'm wearing one of those cute long t-shirts from wal-mart with a flying witch on it and leggings tomorrow, then i'm dressing up as a fairy princess on thursday for my acupuncture shift. (with my prom dress from the reunion + a small pair of purple wings.)

[StillettoDoll]

http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z467/h2a1k/hall/005.gif

[willow]

Helping at a kids Halloween party and one of the little loves just puked. I've buried my head in The Planet. If I haven't seen I can't clean it!

Friendly witch costume today so I don't freak out the ickle ones.

She Wolf dressed as Little Red Riding Hood for the adults only party on Saturday. Can't wait!

[cinnamongrrl]

Happy Halloween!

Mayhaps NEXT year no natural disasters will befall Salem.....

:praying:

[lusciouskiwi]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/29379_369035789848769_563017495_n.jpg

[ScandalAndy]

My costume is awesome. Test run went fabulously at the party on Saturday. I hope I'll have more opportunities to wear it but for now I'm looking forward to handing out candy tonight!

[*Anya*]

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/Halloween/HWZombieBrainsGood.gif

[princessbelle]

http://dl7.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1669/1669047la39ikb30c.gif (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)

[Metro]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41KNBVhZgzL.jpg

Happy Halloween everyone -- have fun!

[ScandalAndy]

I managed to shrink down a photo of my costume to fit in my gallery! Feeling like a somewhat tech-savvy lady at the moment!

[willow]

By this time last year I'd already opened the second bag but this year, not a nibble. Mother Nature is not cooperating. Which is her right.

Needless to say, I'm beginning to feel a bit sick. :rolleyes:

[Metro]

Ce-5OWBNGNw

[Guy]

Just finished off the last two pieces of candy leftover from trick or treaters.

We had a lot this year!

[Leigh]

About 65 kids came here this year & we still have some candy left over :)

[SFvince64]

Happy Samhain, all. Blessed be.

[cinnamongrrl]

Till next year..... :vigil:

[diamondrose]

Halloween is my favorite day of the year. I woke up sad today knowing that Halloween is gone for another year :(

C and I had plans to celebrate our anniversary on Halloween. With Hurricane Sandy on the horizon , we talked about it and we decided to cancel our plans. She went to assist in the relief of the hurricane and I am so happy she did.

I got together with a good friend on Halloween. We went to a couple of haunted houses.

[ScandalAndy]

We didn't have any trick or treaters so I brought handfuls of candy to offer my preggo officemate. I think that seems like a reasonable compromise. :)

[cinnamongrrl]

I have to find something to do for Halloween in the Carolinas... Salem is kinda far now!

[SleepyButch]

I never know what to wear for Halloween. Last year I was lucky enough to have the sailor uniform that I wore for the Cabaret night at the reunion so that was easy. This year, I have no clue. Guess I better start thinking about it if I want to go trick or treating. lol

[firegal]

I have a shit load of candy for treat or treaters!

I sent off a Halloween package to a friend!

No costume thought.

[homoe]

If I'm not mistaken Halloween is on a Friday this year, so I know the bars up on Capitol Hill will be mobbed with parties and partygoers :danceparty:


I'll be staying home myself and handing out goodies to any ghosts and goblins that ring our bell~

[Rockinonahigh]

I love Halloween last year I wen't as a gator hunter I even had a toy rubber gator hanging out of my pocket,beads I got from the last crew of centar parade,duck call for luck with lots of camo to finish it off.This year I have no clue...yet..My son stays home to give the spooks and goblins treats,not sure if we are doing it this year with me being type diabetis and him with a him with big chanch of it that much candy is to much to have a round..ya know know bite isn't ever enough.

[Happy_Go_Lucky]

Halloween Costume Fails For Your Befuddlement. :)

Oh Boy

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/388697/thumbs/s-INAPPROPRIATE-HALLOWEEN-COSTUMES-FOR-KIDS-large.jpg

*Cringe

http://d2tq98mqfjyz2l.cloudfront.net/image_cache/1350781620299399.jpg

*SMH

http://www.teamjimmyjoe.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Girl-Toilet.jpg

[kittygrrl]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOnUZaKGuZ8/UHxQ8Ghi0QI/AAAAAAAAASA/CnA0KPLeHPc/s1600/PumpkinJeremySeitz.jpg

[kittygrrl]

https://djuf8khon03er.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/pumpkin-spice-latte.jpg

[candy_coated_bitch]

Halloween Costume Fails For Your Befuddlement. :)

Oh Boy

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/388697/thumbs/s-INAPPROPRIATE-HALLOWEEN-COSTUMES-FOR-KIDS-large.jpg

*Cringe

http://d2tq98mqfjyz2l.cloudfront.net/image_cache/1350781620299399.jpg

*SMH

http://www.teamjimmyjoe.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Girl-Toilet.jpg

I actually *LOVE* the toilet LOL!!!

[grenade]

I'm making a haunted house at work for my peoples. My room is a wicked den of magick. I will dress accordingly. Not sure about halloween night, we haven't finalized the plans yet. This sunday will be pumpkin painting and trunk or treating with my little niece and nephews.

[kittygrrl]

http://www.theholidayspot.com/halloween/images/poems-01.jpg

[Happy_Go_Lucky]

Dang Funny Planeteers....

http://img.pandawhale.com/post-29393-Halloween-WHAT-THE-HELL-gif-Bl-ovjM.gif

[kittygrrl]

http://cf2.primecp.com/images/article_images_v2/60162/Witchs-Cupcakes-OR.jpg




Our spooky-looking Halloween Witch's Cupcakes will be the hit of your ghostly gathering. These scrumptious Halloween cupcakes that are decorated to look like witches are wickedly good!


What You'll Need:
• 1 (18.25-ounce) package chocolate cake mix, batter prepared according to package directions
• 1 (16.5-ounce) container white frosting
• 1/8 teaspoon green food color
• 24 chocolate sugar cones
• 24 chocolate wafers
• 72 candy corn candies



What To Do:

1.Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with paper liners. Pour batter into pans and bake according to package directions; let cool.

2.In a medium bowl, combine frosting and green food color; mix well. Using a serrated knife, cut sugar cones in half crosswise; reserve wide halves for another use.

3.Using frosting as glue, attach pointed bottom half of each cone to a chocolate wafer, forming witch's hats (see photo). Frost cupcakes with remaining frosting and place a witch's hat on top of each cupcake. Make eyes by pushing 2 pieces of candy corn pointed-side up into each cupcake, and lay one candy corn flat to make each nose. Serve, or cover loosely until ready to serve.


Notes
•The leftover sugar cones are great broken up and used for topping ice cream.


Read more at http://www.mrfood.com/Cupcakes/Witchs-Cupcakes#2hgbHaFdjl7Zd5sA.99

[SleepyButch]

http://pinkmudd.com/trash/2014/10/2fd38__halloween-early-horror-movie-dead-funny-ecard-5RV.png

[kittygrrl]

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/images/halloween-wallpapers/ha2.jpg

[Happy_Go_Lucky]

http://funnyand.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Skeleton-Mania.jpg

[kittygrrl]

http://www.redbookmag.com/cm/countryliving/images/8o/pumpkinhouse-5-lgn.jpg

[Happy_Go_Lucky]

http://www.jengofun.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/halloween-funny-cartoon-5.gif

[kittygrrl]

http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/41828-Happy-Halloween-Gif.gif

[MsTinkerbelly]

I bought my halloween candy for the trick or treaters today...good candy, but nothing my family likes so it will last until Friday! LOL

For good measure i didn't tell anyone i bought it, and i hid it in a safe place :sunglass:

[kittygrrl]

http://static.flickr.com/115/283914219_02a57b04e3.jpg

[grenade]

We built the guillotine for our front yard this evening. Everyone helped. I mainly sat by the fire though. My ears are still hurting. We bought spotlights for the yard today. It's getting close!!!!!!

[Gemme]

31 Days of Halloween (http://www.aol.com/article/2014/10/29/photographers-halloween-makeup-challenge-will-blow-your-mind/20986078/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl14%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D554879)

H9PEFhm3RgI

j4eDEYdbwNk

[Femmadian]

http://33.media.tumblr.com/c546819602725348657f1dfdae7f6286/tumblr_ndywjp3qgo1qhlsrfo1_1280.gif

[cinnamongrrl]

I'm very happy to have found some fun doings in nearby Brevard...

http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/portfolio/halloweenfest/

nothing compares to Halloween in Salem...but Brevard is a beautiful town...

[cinnamongrrl]

My kids and I love Halloween. We used to travel to Salem Ma to celebrate it most years...good times.

Now it's time for New traditions. My youngest and I have decided to do a haunted asheville ghost tour and then go to a place in town called Breakout. Basically they lock you in a room and you see if you can figure out how to escape lol

There's also an amusement park that does a scary theme. I'm thinking a haunted hay ride would top it all off nicely. Oh and Apple picking...cuz we're not just about the freaky...

[Demure]

In England we are still trying to get into it as big as the States but can I ask why do you celebrate it in such a big way?

[Stone-Butch]

I do believe people, especially children get a chance to be "whatever or whoever they want to be". Adults do the same at parties just as Mummers do at Xmas time. Dress up and party. Hope this helps Demure.

[Demure]

I do believe people, especially children get a chance to be "whatever or whoever they want to be". Adults do the same at parties just as Mummers do at Xmas time. Dress up and party. Hope this helps Demure.

Thank you :)

[Gemme]

I picked up a sugar skull tonight!

[kittygrrl]

i enjoy Halloween but truly appreciate the pagan major sabbat it represents Samhain (meaning end of the warm season) more especially I love the things which have preceded it..the waning of summer and the colder crisp mornings with a warm cup for grateful cold fingers, cinnamon in oatmeal, days full and overflowing with crispy brown and orange..the cracking in the fireplace and the cauldron full of a veggie soup simmering..i look up to the heavens and silently thank the gods for my good fortune.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ln5lCOTE8bo/UGpbd1n_GUI/AAAAAAAAERU/CZ_jngjTEPE/s1600/samhain.jpg

[kittygrrl]

http://www.bramongarciabraun.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/halloween_by_majora28-d4d952i.png

[C0LLETTE]

Halloween is NOT nearly upon us. It's still 6 weeks off. I get so tired of the commercial pressure of moving from one commercialized "holiday" to another....stores whipping up one massive sales display, removing it the day after ( while kids are still chewing their increasingly expensive "treats) and the next display goes up...here comes the turkey etc.

How bout people took longer breaks between these marketing extravaganzas particularly since most people have long forgotten the meaning of what they are "celebrating" anyway.

[kittygrrl]

noted, Collette but I cherish the next few months before the onset of winter..so it's fun to think about..fall is coming and i'm so excited! Because I know Samhain is nearly here and that's a great day for me..i will be celebrating and planning for the next 6 weeks and it is daunting to be prepared and organized by then.. wishing you a beautiful fall season!

[Demure]

Halloween is NOT nearly upon us. It's still 6 weeks off. I get so tired of the commercial pressure of moving from one commercialized "holiday" to another....stores whipping up one massive sales display, removing it the day after ( while kids are still chewing their increasingly expensive "treats) and the next display goes up...here comes the turkey etc.

How bout people took longer breaks between these marketing extravaganzas particularly since most people have long forgotten the meaning of what they are "celebrating" anyway.


You know I really do empathise re that as it can be annoying etc especially the expense of it but for me I want Halloween over so the Xmas stuff comes ... sorry can't help it love Xmas and all the shops decorated and things for sale *quickly runs*

[Zimmeh]

I'm thinking of buying a costume for my pup! I found a cute little princess costume for her :)

Zimmeh

[C0LLETTE]

Thanks kitty. I have to tell you I'll be spending the next 5-7 weeks getting ready for my own little celebration...going to Australia to attend the birth of a grandbaby....I'll take along some chewy halloween candies to clear ear pressure on that horrendous 25 hour flight. I'd take along a pumpkin and some dried Indian corn but the Aussies go nuts if you try to bring any kinda plant life Down Under