Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts

Halloween - Why Do We Dress Up in Costumes?

Why DO people dress up for Halloween? We've heard the history of All Hallow's Eve, and like many holidays, we don't pay much attention to the history and meaning behind the dates. We do, however, honor traditions. Halloween is filled with strong traditions and many, particularly children and the young at heart, anticipate it with excitement.

Halloween is spooky. Spooky is thrilling and fun. Halloween means more treats, in the form of candy, than tricks. But the tricks can be wonderfully fun too. Certainly part of the trick of Halloween is dressing up in costumes and being unrecognizable. Have you ever had to guess who a gorilla or scarecrow really is at a party? And guessed wrong the first couple of attempts? Costumes are part and parcel to the fun spookiness. Add a haunted house or party with eerie sounds, lights plunging into darkness and bumping into weird fuzzy things, and the tradition of Halloween is fully recognized.

I love the wonderful variety of costumes these days. People can dress up in countless ways. They can select styles that are funny, scary, sweet, daring and representative of famous people, historical times. Consumers can purchase ready-made outfits or flex their imagination and skills to create their own. One of the best parts about costume selection is that people get to express themselves in really fun ways.

How will you be expressing yourself this year?

Baking Cookie

Continuar leyendo

The Scariest Halloween Home Decorations

October is almost here and that means taking out pumpkins, spider webs, witches brooms and other Halloween decorations to turn your home's entrance into the scariest on the block. After all, Halloween is one of the best times to have some seriously wacky fun with hair-raising decorations people will remember for years and years.

Decorating your house for Halloween is loads of fun, and it's even more fun if you start early and get creative with your plans. So let's talk about some of the scariest and creepiest ways to decorate the inside of your home.

Where To Place Your Halloween Decorating Ideas

If it's in your house, you can probably decorate it. Here's some quick ideas to get started:

Windows and window sills
Fireplace mantels
Doors and doorways
Walls
Steps and staircases
Ceilings
Tables and countertops
Corners of the room

Halloween Decorations - Tips To Make Your Skin Crawl

Windows are one of the most visible places to display your Halloween decorations. There are literally endless ways to make a spooky and eye-catching display, just use your imagination.

Here's a cool idea: Take some heavy construction paper and cut out sinister shapes such as a bat, witch or black cat. Place them in any window or corner of your house. You'll be shocked at the impact this simple touch makes.

More Spine-Chilling Ideas

Find some crisp, colorful dry leaves in your garden or nearby park. Scoop them up in a big bucket and spread them wherever you want that ghostly, abandoned Halloween feel.

No Halloween is complete without creepy spiders! Scatter lots of them throughout the house and yard. The more the merrier! And don't forget the fake spider webs that turn any house into a ghostly haunted house.

Spooky Lighting Effects

The right lighting can send chills up any visitor's spine. Dim your lights really low, put dark colored bulbs in the right places or even go without electric lights and use only candles - that will really freak out even the ghastliest spirit who dares venture into your Halloween chamber of horrors! Just watch where you put those candles so the little ones (and not-so-little-ones) don't get hurt.

The right lighting can truly make or break your Halloween decor. Why not up the ante with a fog machine - now you're really rocking! Also try out different colored lights, like red or orange, to make your decorations even more eerie and supernatural.

There's No Limit To The Ghastly Fun

You really can't go wrong with whatever Halloween home decorations you try this year. Making your own is a great way to have some family fun. Or you can shop for the endless variety of choices available in stores around this time. Whatever you do, just remember to have fun and share the wackiness of Halloween with all your family and friends.

Cooking Network Foods Culinary for Health Food Recipes DVD

Continuar leyendo

Four Unique Treats to Give Out on Halloween

If you'd like some variety, something a little different, for your Halloween treating this year, consider these ideas:

1. McDonald's coupons. What child doesn't like McDonald's...enough said.

2. One older couple in our neighborhood gave out an unusual treat. They decorated their livingroom spookily and took a polaroid snapshot of each child posed in front of the decorations. The picture was the treat. Would you be surprised to learn the kids lined up down the sidewalk? It became so popular we neighbor parents contributed monetarily to their film packs. Note: this couple took great care to ensure children's safety and also to protect their own reputations. Their livingroom was located immediately off a large foyer. They kept their front door wide open. Their triple front window curtains were left open with bright lighting so nothing could be construed as improper. Finally, since a polaroid camera was used, no pictures were retained.

3. Treats from Oriental Trading Company. Instead of sugar decay, how about inexpensive toys instead? Yo-yo's, little dolls, funny eraser heads, the catalog and online store has lots of variety to select.

4. Perhaps in conjunction with an Oriental Trading Company purchase, set up a "duckie pond" similar to a county fair booth. Decide on groups of inexpensive prizes and number them - group 1, group 2, and so on. Get several little plastic duckies. With a permanent marker, write numbers on the bottom of the duckies to correspond with your prize groups. Have several numbers of the most inexpensive group, and only 1 or 2 special prizes of more value. Fill some type of large container with water and set the duckies afloat. If you're handy with dry ice, this would be a perfect touch for a Halloween duckie pond.

It can be just as fun to stay home and treat the little ones arriving at your door. By the way, will you greet them with treats...in a costume yourself?

Culinary Institute Books The Food Revolution Culinary for Health

Continuar leyendo

Joker Halloween Costume

The Joker Halloween costume is possibly the most sought after outfit this trick or treat season. It's easy to understand why! It's a very fun outfit to create yourself, recognizable and scary! It's got all the appeal and potential of the perfect costume. Although this Joker Heath character will be seen everywhere, creating your own costume will give it a personality of it's own making it unique. That's what makes a character like this so much fun at Halloween. But why not take it a step further?

Actually, finding the props from this Dark Knight villain is getting tougher and more expensive as October 31st approaches. A lot of the reason for this buying frenzy is the fact that Halloween falls on a Friday this year. More adults than ever before are buying up the hard to find hexagon shirt, purple coat, vest and pants. Here are a few alternative ideas to consider:

The nurse costume is a good choice. The thought alone is quite freaky and the hospital scene with Two Face left quite an impact on many who saw the movie. The costume does not require nearly as much work. Nurses outfits are readily available at thrift stores or can be bought at a uniform shop. Maybe you even know a nurse who can lend you one! The makeup remains the same, grab a surgical mask or make one. A clip board or folding book would do for the additional prop. Although there was a gun in the scene, it's not really necessary. Possibly some white nylons and shoes but again, not really necessary. The nurse will definitely be popular but you won't see as many Joker nurse's as just joker's. But how about a real off the wall idea? Something really unique?

If you run with this next original idea you will likely be the only one at your party if not your town! You might even be the subject of the next viral video on youtube! Ok, I'll spill the beans. Why not make a Ronald McDonald Joker Heath costume? Finding clothes to resemble the famous golden arches mascot shouldn't be too difficult. It wouldn't have to be exact because you can carry a happy meal or just a take out bag in one hand to drive home the point. Just having those red stripes and golden clothing will do it. Some oversized red shoes would help too! Of course, the facial makeup will be the scary Batman joker makeup. Possibly a joker knife prop in the other hand. These knives are readily available, especially the plastic fake prop ones and they are cheap too!

So there you go. Two more ideas for you. Hopefully this will get your mind thinking of more ideas. Being a little unique is always a good thing for winning a contest or impressing your fellow co-workers at the company party. So get cracking! Halloween is right around the corner.

The Food Revolution Steak Books

Continuar leyendo

Four Unique Treats to Give Out on Halloween

If you'd like some variety, something a little different, for your Halloween treating this year, consider these ideas:

1. McDonald's coupons. What child doesn't like McDonald's...enough said.

2. One older couple in our neighborhood gave out an unusual treat. They decorated their livingroom spookily and took a polaroid snapshot of each child posed in front of the decorations. The picture was the treat. Would you be surprised to learn the kids lined up down the sidewalk? It became so popular we neighbor parents contributed monetarily to their film packs. Note: this couple took great care to ensure children's safety and also to protect their own reputations. Their livingroom was located immediately off a large foyer. They kept their front door wide open. Their triple front window curtains were left open with bright lighting so nothing could be construed as improper. Finally, since a polaroid camera was used, no pictures were retained.

3. Treats from Oriental Trading Company. Instead of sugar decay, how about inexpensive toys instead? Yo-yo's, little dolls, funny eraser heads, the catalog and online store has lots of variety to select.

4. Perhaps in conjunction with an Oriental Trading Company purchase, set up a "duckie pond" similar to a county fair booth. Decide on groups of inexpensive prizes and number them - group 1, group 2, and so on. Get several little plastic duckies. With a permanent marker, write numbers on the bottom of the duckies to correspond with your prize groups. Have several numbers of the most inexpensive group, and only 1 or 2 special prizes of more value. Fill some type of large container with water and set the duckies afloat. If you're handy with dry ice, this would be a perfect touch for a Halloween duckie pond.

It can be just as fun to stay home and treat the little ones arriving at your door. By the way, will you greet them with treats...in a costume yourself?

healthy eating Food Recipes

Continuar leyendo

Joker Halloween Costume

The Joker Halloween costume is possibly the most sought after outfit this trick or treat season. It's easy to understand why! It's a very fun outfit to create yourself, recognizable and scary! It's got all the appeal and potential of the perfect costume. Although this Joker Heath character will be seen everywhere, creating your own costume will give it a personality of it's own making it unique. That's what makes a character like this so much fun at Halloween. But why not take it a step further?

Actually, finding the props from this Dark Knight villain is getting tougher and more expensive as October 31st approaches. A lot of the reason for this buying frenzy is the fact that Halloween falls on a Friday this year. More adults than ever before are buying up the hard to find hexagon shirt, purple coat, vest and pants. Here are a few alternative ideas to consider:

The nurse costume is a good choice. The thought alone is quite freaky and the hospital scene with Two Face left quite an impact on many who saw the movie. The costume does not require nearly as much work. Nurses outfits are readily available at thrift stores or can be bought at a uniform shop. Maybe you even know a nurse who can lend you one! The makeup remains the same, grab a surgical mask or make one. A clip board or folding book would do for the additional prop. Although there was a gun in the scene, it's not really necessary. Possibly some white nylons and shoes but again, not really necessary. The nurse will definitely be popular but you won't see as many Joker nurse's as just joker's. But how about a real off the wall idea? Something really unique?

If you run with this next original idea you will likely be the only one at your party if not your town! You might even be the subject of the next viral video on youtube! Ok, I'll spill the beans. Why not make a Ronald McDonald Joker Heath costume? Finding clothes to resemble the famous golden arches mascot shouldn't be too difficult. It wouldn't have to be exact because you can carry a happy meal or just a take out bag in one hand to drive home the point. Just having those red stripes and golden clothing will do it. Some oversized red shoes would help too! Of course, the facial makeup will be the scary Batman joker makeup. Possibly a joker knife prop in the other hand. These knives are readily available, especially the plastic fake prop ones and they are cheap too!

So there you go. Two more ideas for you. Hopefully this will get your mind thinking of more ideas. Being a little unique is always a good thing for winning a contest or impressing your fellow co-workers at the company party. So get cracking! Halloween is right around the corner.

kitchen sink Baking

Continuar leyendo

Happy Halloween from Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald is back to it to treat trick! Go here for the mp3: scottgairdner.com Thanks for the link, Ashton-download!

charcoal cook book

Continuar leyendo

Alcohol and sugar Connection - Just in Time for Halloween

What would you say if someone told you that alcoholism addiction has its roots in the sugar? Problems with excessive drinking habits often start with children. Since all alcoholic drinks contain sugar, it is a wonder that this association is often overlooked. A 12-ounce beer has about 13 grams of carbohydrate contains. So if you have five beers over the course of an evening that 65 grams of carbohydrates in four to five hours (or less, depending on how quickly youDrink).

If you believe that this way of thinking is as faulty, it is absolutely necessary to the film "Supersize Me". In documentary style, this film shows what happens when a person goes on a binge for 30 days and eat nothing but McDonald's food. You may be wondering about the link between alcohol and McDonald's (aka sugar and chemical overload). Read on. The man in the film is monitored by three different doctors during his trip to the destruction of his body. AlthoughFor example, put forth in the film is an extreme demonstrates again why this diet, or the like is to undertake a poor man. During the 22 days of the experiment to determine behavior of his doctors, blood tests on his liver, to the extent of the damage. The results are incredible. The liver is in the same state as someone who has been a long alcoholic binge: so firmly establishing the sugar-alcohol link. McDonald's highly processed foods are full of chemicals and, above all, wrought ironwith simple carbohydrates, which are the same as sugar. Alcohol in any form also contains ... You guessed it, sugar.

Studies have shown that people who have unhealthy eating habits and the abuse of sugar monitor are similarities, are those known as alcoholics. Many people who have alcoholics in their adult years on a regular basis become unhealthy diet as children and adolescents. The pattern is a predictable one, are often supported by emotionally unstable environments. If a childallowed to consume refined sugar substitute "food" with a regular nutritious food, this is the perfect beginning of a life of poor choices for health.

Children are easily made by their parents and other authorities believe that different foods are regularly eaten by the whole society, actually good for them and contain substantive nutrition. Although sugar is not technically processed in the same category as alcohol or drugs, foods with refined sugar and flour, andSweets and desserts are available for the first stepping stone for the consumption of sugar, the Plateau, such as alcohol abuse among adolescents and adults. On a fundamental level, all drugs, because they each contain an important factor - carbohydrates or simple sugars. When the sugar is introduced into the body, causes a reaction in which a peak in blood glucose change his body into hyperactivity achieved. This process often leads to the incorrect diagnosis of ADD or ADHD. Drugssuch as Ritalin, often prescribed to the chemicals in the brain of the child that considred "are not normal." What is not mentioned is the large amounts of refined sugar consumed by these children, and insufficient physical activity, and emotionally supportive relationships with famliy members. Children consume large amounts of refined sugar in their diets are more likely to go much further and to drug and alcohol addiction later in life - especially if those otherConditions are present.

Here is something very interesting: The food pyramid shows us that we should eat 6 to 11 servings whole-grain products per day. But the vast majority of "whole grain" decisions in our food environments are far from whole grains. On an ongoing basis, we are being lied to, which is included on the labels of many foods we buy in the store. Simply take the time to read the list of ingredients now show that a good portion of these foods are not whole grain,been enriched, not a natural source of vitamins and nutrients and added sugars and other chemicals that are dangerous to consume too. Even if we consume all grain products in the portions that would be difficult at best, we consume too many carbohydrates for our own good in comparison with other important nutrients, minerals and vitamin-containing foods such as would be fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and healthy proteins such as meat free of antibiotics and hormonesRaw and dairy (in moderation, of course). And that's not even any junk food targeted and refined sugars that we consume on a daily basis, yet sugary beverages (soft drinks included).

The body needs proper nutrition to function and support to an optimal level. Most of what people take into the mouth does not support, that is the complex system of human body. If a person works in a stressful job and no time to prepare healthy, nutritiousMeals, a decline in health is inevitable. Many people believe that what they eat is healthy if they do not, because consumers have been repeatedly lied and misled about nutrition. Companies sell their own interest, what tastes good for the consumer, not that nutritious. Even if there is a wealth of information on sugar and alcohol, people tend to be indulgent, there's food and beverages with sugar as widespread and easy to getby.

Wherever you look there are more temptations to buy and eat what we do, and not nearly enough emphasis on organic, whole, healthy foods. If people in a restaurant or bar and order a drink, how often have you with just one hand? How often do you have two, three, four or five? If you go to eat in a restaurant, think about how many points are on your plate of refined carbohydrates compared to a whole, natural foods. When the server comes to your take on platesEnd of a meal, how often you will be dessert as an ending to your visit? Almost every time.

Anxiety and depression are the two basic human emotional disorders due to unhealthy lifestyles, such as lack of activity perpetuated overload of stress, improper rest, and you guessed it - eating poorly. When people deal with stress, their bodies respond by telling them that they need more support - sleep, exercise, healthy foods and whole food supplements, lots of purified water, andappropriate stress reduction. The average American lifestyle does not contain the right combination of these important ingredients. To reduce stress and boredom, many people turn to eat refined sugar foods and beverages, drinking and drug use. Unhealthy snacks and foods are so convenient and easily available, have a tendency to invite people to prepare for those kinds of foods, rather than time for a healthy meal or snack instead. The more we consume these types of foods, the more we cravethem.

When you visit the grocery store, pointing out what foods the most visible and widespread in the corridors are. Looking to ease a box or a can of something to eat and read the ingredients. If you do not "heads or tails of what they are, but why should we be eating or drinking or eating? Nothing or drink product that contains more than three or four ingredients, this should be an automatic red flag to any consumer. If we consume more then large amounts of sugar, lead us into the ground, and deals with stressNo schedules, getting adequate exercise and rest, it is no wonder our bodies fail. Patients prefer to end with the doctor to ask for medication to symptoms that they get experience as a result of the abuse, their bodies shall be required when addressing a real change, healthy lifestyle.

To learn more about sugar addiction and how to be alcohol and drug abuse associated in later life, visit the following websites:

The Society for Neuroscience.
http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_sugarAddiction

Sweet Tooth, alcoholism linked
http://alcoholism.about.com/library/weekly/aa001218a.htm

cooked the vineyard

Continuar leyendo