Andra Weber Creative
Design & Creative Development
awc_logo_2023_create_change.jpg

Create & Change

Posts in October
Make It A Happy Halloween With These 3 Easy Halloween Costume Ideas.

Hello, Creative Friends!

Halloween is next week, and if you are a bit like me, waiting until the last minute to create a costume can create stress! However, to make things easy and happy…

Here Are 3 Creative And Last Minute Costume Ideas For Halloween.

  1. Small Fry- Grab a box, paint, paper, ribbon, and hot glue, and make this $10 costume in no time. ( I used folded paper for the french fries vs foam for this costume and it worked great!)

  2. Local Hero- Sometimes local is best. Whip up a costume only your neighbors would love. (I am making a Karl The Fog costume this year.)

  3. Trending Upward - Party like your social feed depends on it with this simple cardboard costume.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you will dress up as for Halloween.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

 

Latest Creative Posts

Make The Weekend Exciting With These 3 Yummy Halloween Ideas.

Hello, Creative Friends!

The weekend is here. If you are a bit like me, you are currently scrounging around for recipes for an upcoming Halloween shindig, a local haunted bake sale, or a mouthwatering treat to celebrate the cooler days of Autumn.

Here Are 3 Creative Ideas To Make This Weekend Magic and Delicious.

  1. Fritter Away Fall - Here is the recipe for the best fall treat ever using autumn’s most beloved fruit the apple from “Recipe By Rose.” (Authors Note: I used regular milk for the recipe)

  2. Vampire Away - Whip up this savory supper with 5 heads of this magical ingredient.

  3. Bloody Bliss - It’s “pitcher clear” how magical Halloween will be with a batch of gingery juice.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you are making October delicious.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

 

Latest Creative Posts

Don't Let October Slip By Without Doing These 3 Creative Happy Things.

Hello, Creative Friends!

We are almost halfway through October! With Halloween just a few weeks away, there are many great ways to make this month magical and memorable.

Here Are 3 Creative Ideas To Not Let October Slip By.

  1. Go Boo- Spread sneaky magic with friends and neighbors with this October tradition while gifting away these Brown Butter Monsters to make the ‘Booing” extra special.

  2. Skull Supper- Take a bite out of October with this ghoulish recipe.

  3. Midnight Blooms- Make your October home magical with these floral fantasies.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you are making October magical and happy.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

 

Latest Creative Posts

It's Spooky October. Decorate For Halloween With These 3 Fun Creative Ideas.

Hello, Creative Friends!

It’s October, which means, it’s time to start decorating for everyone’s favorite magical holiday, Halloween! If you need some fresh and easy ideas on how to make a home a bit more spooky…

Here Are 3 Creative Ideas To Start Decorating For Halloween.

  1. The Bats - A simple and inexpensive DIY decoration that will make an entryway bootiful.

  2. Splatter Goes The…- Channel Jackson Pollack’s ghost and make your porch perfectly possessed.

  3. Magic Mantles- Download this art, print, and frame to make any mantle magical.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you are decorating for Halloween.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

 

Latest Creative Posts

Make Halloween Delicious And Joyful With These 3 Creative Ideas.

Happy Halloween! Hot Chocolate For You!

Hi, Creative Friends-

First, today is National Chocolate Day! Happy best day ever to all the chocoholics out there. Second, Halloween is Monday and you are trying to come up with ways to celebrate both the love for chocolate and Halloween, this week’s post is for you.

Make Halloween Delicious And Joyful With These 3 Creative Ideas…

  1. Cheers To Chocolate Chaud: What is a better way to bring the love of chocolate, Halloween, and fall together than whisking up a warm and sweet cup of comforting hot chocolate? Molly J. Wilk Pastry has a perfect, yet simple recipe for Chocolat Chaud which makes a great way to sip away two delightful holidays.

  2. Hey, Halloween Hot Dog!: This one is more trick than a treat but this recipe for Halloween Finger Hot Dogs is a delicious, joyful, and gross way to celebrate Halloween. Pair this devious dinner with a Chocolate Charcuterie Board which is easy with these instructions from Taste Of Home.

  3. Devil’s Food Delight: If you are a cake lover and creating the perfect chocolate cake recipe is always a challenge, Alton Brown’s Devil’s Food Cake is the best! It’s moist, delicious, and brimming with chocolate. Make a few white chocolate ghosts and feel the Halloween chocolate joy that abounds from the sweet creative fun!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what kind of treats or tricks you will make to celebrate chocolate and Halloween!

Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Make The Weekend Exciting With These 3 Creative Halloween Ideas.

Hi, Creative Friends-

Halloween is quickly approaching. Are you ready to make Halloween the most Spooktacular and exciting day ever? Well, that kind of enthusiasm might be overkill but let’s…

Make This Weekend Exciting With These Creative Halloween Ideas…

  1. Black Cat Bake-Off: Baking up something sweet for a holiday is always exciting. Whipping up a batch of “Black Cat Cookies” from Land O’ Lakes is a simple and fun way to get excited about the spookiest and sweetest holiday, Halloween! And can anyone think of a better use for candy corn? Nope.

  2. “BOO!” For You!: Have you ever “BOOED!” a friend or neighbor? Giving and getting a “BOO” is a great way to keep the ghostly spirit of Halloween alive. Just purchase and print out the “You’ve Been BOOED!” bundle, add your own packaging, as well as treats or tricks and then quietly drop the bundle at a friend’s door! Being “BOOED!” is a great way to spread the excitement of Halloween!

  3. Costume Conundrum: If stressing out about a Halloween costume is making things bleak, try one of these "95 Easy Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas” from Good House Keeping. The idea of having a costume ready before Halloween sounds pretty exciting and will make the weekend Spooktacular!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you will make this weekend exciting with some Halloween fun.

Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Keep The Magic Of Halloween Alive With These 3 Super Easy Ideas.

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s the middle of October which means we are getting a bit closer to the magic of Halloween. Maybe the spooky decorations are still in the garage or the fabulous witch costume still needs to be stitched together or maybe there just hasn’t been a second to think about feeling the excitement that Halloween offers. That’s why…

This week, let’s talk about 3 ways to keep the spirit of Halloween alive with 3 super easy creative ideas…

  1. “Give A BOO!”: Go check out my Halloween Art Shop featuring dark and inky Halloween Digital Downloads that are a magic way to decorate and create your way to the easiest Halloween ever AND the new addition to the shop and don’t forget to “Boo!” someone with the ”You’ve Been Booed!” Digital Download Bundle.

  2. Secret Monsters: The cooler fall weather might be making us want to fire up the oven and bake something delicious with the kids. If so, here is a secret recipe developed just for you: Secret Brown Butter Monsters. Pair the cookies with the “You’ve Been BOOED!” bundle and together they are a great way to pass on the Halloween spirit!

  3. Falling Star Garland: I mentioned this project last week, but here it is again. The simple but magical DIY Halloween Star Garland project only takes about 20 min. It’s such a festive and fun way to get magical this October! The secret is in using black cardstock when printing the stars. Pair the dark stars with the clear fishing line for a super cool “falling star” effect that makes any entryway or fireplace truly mystical!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you are doing to keep the Halloween spirit going this October.

Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Don't Let Halloween Slip By Without Doing These 3 Creative Happy Things.

Hi, Creative Friends-

Can you believe Halloween is just a few weeks away? Are you feeling any spooky Halloween vibes yet? No? Well, good news, I’ve got ideas on how to get creative, decorate for Halloween and get the fun spooky vibes started.

This week, let’s not let Halloween slip by without doing these 3 creative happy ideas…

  1. Boo-tiful Food: “What Do Ghosts Eat For Dinner?” Spook-etti! Sometimes a silly little joke and creating something delicious can put us immediately into a holiday mood. To make Halloween sweet, try whipping up one of Country Living’s “47 Best Halloween Sweets That Are Almost Too Cute To Eat” recipes. There are so many creative and cool ideas in this article including Marshmellow Ghost Brownies and Candy Bar Pie (Crazy For Crust).“

  2. Give A BOO!: Have you ever “BOOED!” a friend or neighbor? Giving and getting a “BOO” is a great way to keep the ghostly spirit of Halloween alive. Just purchase and print out the “You’ve Been BOOED!” bundle, add your own packaging, as well as treats or tricks and then quietly drop the bundle at a friend’s door! Being “BOOED!” is a great way to keep creativity contagious and spread the excitement of Halloween!

  3. Bone Chilling Tales: A great way to get into the Halloween spirit is to be like Steven King and write a good old spooky ghost story! Here is an interesting article on how to craft a haunted tale at Good Story Matters “How To Write A Ghost Story.” Challenge a friend to a write-off and see who can scare their socks first!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you are doing to make Halloween Special!

Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

You Can't Pass Up 3 Magic Ways To Create & Decorate For A Happy October!

Hi, Creative Friends-

Tomorrow is the first day of October. If you are a bit like me, the month of October is the PERFECT time to create and decorate. Maybe it’s the shift of sunlight or the fact October ends on the spookiest night of the year, Halloween! Not matter the reason, October is a great time to dive deep into creating and decorating that’s why…

This week, here are 3 magic ways to create & decorate for a happy October…

  1. Say Hello To Halloween!: Are you looking for a chic way to say “Boo"!” to Halloween? Shop for poster art and beyond in my Halloween Art Shop. You will find ten different Halloween Digital Downloads in my online shop including a “You’ve Been BOOED kit.” You just purchase, download, print, and create the most magical Halloween ever!

  2. A Simply Batty DIY: This Batmobile DIY project is super easy and will bring on fun on Halloween! Just a few supplies and this downloadable and FREE bat template. This project only takes about an hour from start to finish. Hang the batmobile on a coat rack or on a covered porch and watch everyone go batty with excitement now and on Halloween!

  3. Halloween Round-Up: Sometimes finding magic in decorating can be as simple as sourcing the right ideas. HGTV has made a great article on “Our 100 Favorite DIY Halloween Decorating Ideas.” Spin through this ultimate photo gallery and find some epic ways to decorate for a happy October! Some of these ideas are so cool including using these sticky decorative bats on a door or garage! So much magic.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you are doing to create & decorate for October.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Don't Let Halloween Slip By Without Doing These 3 Creative Happy Things.

Hi, Creative Friends-

Halloween is just a little more than a week away. Are you feeling any spooky Halloween vibes yet? No? Well, good news, I’ve got ideas on how to get creative and get the Halloween fun started!

This week, let’s not let Halloween slip by without doing these 3 creative happy ideas…

  1. Boo-tiful Food: “What Do Ghosts Eat For Dinner?” Spook-etti! Sometimes a silly little joke and creating something delicious can put us immediately into a holiday mood. To make Halloween sweet, try whipping up one of Country Living’s “47 Best Halloween Sweets That Are Almost Too Cute To Eat” recipes. There are so many creative and cool ideas in this article including Marshmellow Ghost Brownies and Candy Bar Pie (Crazy For Crust).“ Or try taking one of Molly Wilk’s virtual Halloween dessert classes taught from Versailles France. Learn how to make marshmallow ghosts and Frankenstein mousse and more!

  2. Give A BOO!”: Have you ever “BOOED!” a friend or neighbor? Giving and getting a “BOO” is a great way to keep the ghostly spirit of Halloween alive. Just purchase and print out the “You’ve Been BOOED!” bundle, add your own packaging, as well as treats or tricks and then quietly drop the bundle at a friend’s door! Being “BOOED!” is a great way to keep creativity contagious and spread the excitement of Halloween! I’m offering email subscribers 20% off all digital downloads with the code “HALLOWEENHUSTLE2021.” Place the code at checkout and get this offer now because it vanishes soon!

  3. Bone Chilling Tales: A great way to celebrate October 31st and get into the Halloween spirit? Write a good old spooky ghost story! Here is an interesting article on how to craft a haunted tale at Good Story Matters “How To Write A Ghost Story.” Challenge a friend to a write-off and see who can scare their socks first!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you are doing to not let Halloween slip by!

Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Keep The Magic Of Halloween Alive With These 3 Super Easy Ideas.

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s the middle of October which means we are getting a bit closer to the magic of Halloween. Maybe the spooky decorations are still in the garage or the fabulous witch costume still needs to be stitched together or maybe there just hasn’t been a second to think about feeling the excitement that Halloween offers. That’s why…

This week, let’s talk about 3 ways to keep the spirit of Halloween alive with 3 super easy creative ideas…

  1. “Give A BOO!”: I am SO excited to share with you my NEW online Halloween Art Shop featuring dark and inky Halloween Digital Downloads that are a magic way to decorate and create your way to the easiest Halloween ever AND the new addition to the shop the ”You’ve Been Booed!” Digital Download Bundle. Have you ever “BOOED!” a friend or neighbor? Giving and getting a “BOO” is a great way to keep the sneaky spirit of Halloween alive. Just purchase and print out the “You’ve Been BOOED!” bundle, add your own packaging, as well as treats or tricks and then quietly drop the bundle at a friend’s door! Being “BOOED!” is a great way to keep creativity contagious and spread the excitement of Halloween! I’m offering email subscribers 20% off all digital downloads with the code “HALLOWEENHUSTLE2021.” Place the code at checkout and get this offer now because it vanishes soon!

  2. Secret Monsters: If you remember a while back, I entered the Zeal Creamery milkshake contest and won butter for a year! Wooohooo! Well, the Zeal Butter arrived this week, and you need to get your hands on this velvety creamy goodness because it’s absolutely delicious! To celebrate the win, here is a secret recipe developed just for you: Secret Brown Butter Monsters. Pair the cookies with the “You’ve Been BOOED!” bundle and together they are a great way to pass on the Halloween spirit!

  3. Falling Star Garland: I mentioned this project last week, but here it is again. The simple but magical DIY Halloween Star Garland project only takes about 20 min. It’s such a festive and fun way to get magical this October! The secret is in using black cardstock when printing the stars. Pair the dark stars with the clear fishing line for a super cool “falling star” effect that makes any entryway or fireplace truly mystical!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you are doing to keep the Halloween spirit going this October.

Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Make Magic Happen This October With These 3 Creative Ideas.

Hi, Creative Friends-

If you are a bit like me, you are starting to flirt with LOTS of creative ideas for Halloween. This is the time of year when things get magical with the darker-than-life decorations, cutie pie costumes, and fabulous festive foods.

So, Let’s talk about 3 ways to make creative magic happen this October…

  1. Print The Magic: I am SO excited to share with you my NEW online Halloween Art Shop featuring dark and inky Halloween Digital Downloads that are a magic way to decorate and create your way to the coolest Halloween ever! Purchase, download, and print one or all nine designs. Each design comes in multiple sizes so you can customize the art to fit your home. Since you are a Create & Change newsletter subscriber, use the code “HALLOWEENHUSTLE2021” and get 20% off your whole order. Get this offer now because it vanishes soon!

  2. It’s In The Reading: Truth be told, Mystics deeply scare me but I find the art on Tarot cards absolutely magical. Check out these two articles on the art and design of Tarot cards and find an interesting story about the history of the illustration of these magical cards! “The Best Tarot Decks Of 2022” by a “Little Spark Of Joy” and “A Quick History Of Tarot Cards” at the “Society6 Blog.”

  3. Create A Falling Star: Here is a simple but magical DIY Halloween Star Garland project that only takes about 20 min. It’s such a festive and fun way to get magical this October! The secret is in using black cardstock when printing the stars. Pair the dark stars with the clear fishing line for a super cool “falling star” effect that makes any entryway or fireplace truly mystical!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you are doing to create & decorate for October.

Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

You Can't Pass Up 3 Magic Ways To Create & Decorate For A Happy October!

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s October! If you are a bit like me, the month of October is the PERFECT time to create and decorate. Maybe it’s the dark shift of sunlight or the fact October ends on the coolest and most fun night of the year, Halloween! Whatever is making us want to get creative, I find October is a great time to dive deep into the magic of decorating.

That’s why I am SO excited to share with you my NEW online Halloween Art Shop featuring dark and inky Halloween Digital Downloads that are a magic way to celebrate the whole month of October but I am getting ahead of myself!

This week, here are 3 magic ways to create & decorate for a happy October…

  1. A Simply Batty DIY: This BatMobile DIY project is super easy and will bring much fun now and on Halloween! Just a few supplies and this downloadable and FREE bat template, will make the coolest and most magical Halloween entryway! This project only takes about an hour from start to finish. Hang the batmobile on a coat rack or on a covered porch and watch everyone go batty with excitement now and on Halloween!

  2. Halloween Round-Up: Sometimes finding magic in decorating can be as simple as sourcing the right ideas. HGTV has made a great article on “Our 100 Favorite DIY Halloween Decorating Ideas.” Spin through this ultimate photo gallery and find some epic ways to decorate for a happy October! Some of these ideas are so cool including using these sticky decorative bats on a door or garage! So magical!

  3. Say Hello To Halloween!: Are you looking for a chic and cool way to say “Boo"!” to Halloween? Shop my NEW Halloween Art Shop. You will find nine different Halloween Digital Downloads in my NEW online shop! You just purchase, download, print, and frame as many pieces of art as your little dark heart desires. Each design comes in multiple sizes so you can customize the art to fit your home. Since you are a Create & Change newsletter subscriber, use the code “HALLOWEENHUSTLE2021” and get 20% off your whole order! Happy decorating & Happy October Creative Friends!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you are doing to create & decorate for October.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Here Is A Tiny Treat That Will Make Your Halloween Sweet!

// Hi, Friends-

Happy Halloween!

Just a quick message to give you a sweet treat.

If you need new to freshen up your home office or get a jump on some early holiday gifts, this weekend only, you can get FREE worldwide shipping on orders over 35 USD now through Nov. 1 at InPrnt.

Yes, FREE worldwide shipping on orders over 35 USD now through Nov. 1 at InPrnt!

That means you can buy some lovely art prints and art cards for everyone on your holiday list and yourself!

Enjoy shopping, Happy Halloween and stay happy and healthy friends!//



Why October Is The Best Month Of The Year.
inktober.JPG

// Hi, Friends,

It’s been a VERY long while since we last chatted. The world has changed a lot since May.

If you are a little bit like me, you have been doing a lot of thinking and maybe some “Doom Scrolling.”

“Doom!”

“Doom!”

Doom seems to be all around us. Here’s the good news. There are a lot of amazing things happening in the world too. Like this month, October.

Who doesn’t love the fall season with its spicy pumpkin treats, crisp days, chunky sweaters, Halloween shenanigans, and Inktober.

Wait.

Inktober?

Yes, Inktober. It’s a fun drawing challenge, where each day in October, we create a new ink or pencil drawing based on a prompt. It’s a great way to get the creative juices flowing and take our mind off any lurking doom. Mr. Jay Parker, an amazing creative professional, is the genius who created Inktober. He provides a list of daily prompts to sketch up interesting visuals for Inktober.

Join in on 31- days of this creative deep dive or follow along as I sweat out a new illustration each day on Instagram.

Gallery Block
This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Either way, let’s keep create and get through this chaos together.

Drop me a line on Instagram and let me know if you think October is the best month of the year or show me what you are creating.

Sending you lots of love and light today friends! //














Day 306 - How To Be Safer This Halloween With A Plastic Pumpkin.
saftey_pumpkin_sq.jpg

Happy Halloween all you ghouls and goblins! It's officially the big day and it's time to celebrate. However, let's start the day with a public service announcement. Did you know that pedestrians are twice as likely to be killed on Halloween night than any other night of the year? Check out other scary stats here on Safe Kids Worldwide "Quick Tips For A Safe Halloween." In the meantime here is Halloween hack that could provide a little safety in the dark of night but remember this is just a start in keeping Halloween safe! You need a set of battery operated fairy lights, a flashlight and a few household items. Check out this video on how to create a plastic halloween light up pumpkin.

Additionally, below are a few tips to make Halloween safe. 

  1. It's dark out there. The first time I took out my daughter to trick-or-treat, I didn't anticipate how dark it could be at 6:30pm. It was so dark I couldn't see the ground and it was also raining. We were slipping and tripping on the sidewalk and steps. Bring a flashlight and make sure everyone is visible with reflective tape.
  2. Open flames are a real risk. Everyone is wearing costumes that can potentially light on fire. I witnessed a near miss of a small child, a pumpkin without a top and a lit candle. The child was wearing a long flowing costume and as he walked by the lit pumpkin, his costume it draped over the lit flame. Thankfully nothing caught on fire. However, the potential danger left a big impression in my memory. It's important to think about fire on Halloween from both the home owners perspective and the people trick-or-treating. Consider using LED lights vs candles and make sure costumes away stay away from flames
  3. Don't answer the door unless you check the peep hole. It was last Halloween and it was just past the time kids would be trick-or-treating. I was home alone and the front door was open. A few teenage boys came up the steps with scary masks and I almost shut the door but I didn't. All they wanted was candy but something about the encounter gave me the creeps. Be safe. Keep the door closed and look out a peep hole to confirm visitors are coming with good intentions.
  4. Drivers forget to slow down and pedestrians can't see. Kids are excited and costumes sometimes prohibit visibility. Drivers still drive like it's day time. Both groups need to be aware and slow down, look around and know that everyone is just trying to have a wonderful Halloween.

In short, let's all work together to keep everyone's Halloween happy and accident free. Have a super fun All Hallows Eve and be safe everyone. See you tomorrow candy monsters! 

OctoberAndra WeberHalloween, yet
Day 305 - The Fastest Last Minute Costume Ever!

Hello. Hello. It's the day before Halloween and how many of us are scrambling to put together a last minute costume? Me too! After all the days of making Halloween stuff, I have just realized I need a costume. The brilliant thing about creativity is it comes in handy. When we need to make something out of nothing and are pressed for time creativity is our ally.

A last minute costume is always stressful and can never be made fast enough. After rummaging through drawers, knick knacks and costumes, I found some old stuff from my days of living in Chicago. Since the Cubs are killing it in the World Series, I started thinking about my time in Chicago. My memories took me back to the summer of 1989 and sitting in the seats at Wrigley Field. The tween me, didn't care much about baseball but I sure did like to people watch. It was about the 5th inning when I spotted a few portly men in front of me. Observing them, I realized there was something very special about these men. They were donned head to foot in Cubs gear. One wore a silky blue Cubs jacket and the other an authentic looking Cubs jersey.

Leaning in closer, I could hear their thick Chicago vowel shift. They talked in short spurts about the game and the game only. The chugged beers. Their crowded plates held grease filled pizza slices and brats. One of them devoured the pizza. Using the crust like spoon, he sopped up the remaining pooled grease with the crust. I watched them for the entire game transfixed. Little did I know a few years later "Bill Swerski's Super fans" would become one of the most funny and beloved sketch comedy routines ever done on Saturday Night Live. Who doesn't know the phrase "Da Bears?"

Let's get back to talking about last minute costumes. Today, create the greatest Super Fan costume from the stuff you have on hand. Pick your favorite team and blow out your super fan spirit. Bring on the pom poms, body paint and jerseys and go wild.  Make the fastest and best last minute costume ever.

The Best Last Minute Costume. By The Way, The Hat Lights Up.

The Best Last Minute Costume. By The Way, The Hat Lights Up.

Well, I am off to prepare for Halloween and root on the Cubbies. Until tomorrow Super Fans! By the way, Da Cubbies are going to win Da World Series. Go Cubbies!!!

Day 304 - Cook Up Something To Keep the Vampires Away.

This post contains affiliate links.

Oh hey little vampires. It's the Saturday before Halloween, and hopefully everyone is busy doing last minute party touches and finalizing costumes. As with any holiday, there are always traditions. Every year at halloween, I make one thing that has been a tradition for the last 12 years. It's Shoo Vampire soup. With 5 whole heads of garlic, it is bound to ward off any and all vampires. However, it's one of the finest soups every created and it has become a tradition in our home. 

Today's project is to create a tradition of your own for Halloween. Carve a pumpkin, make a special recipe or listen to a spooky sound track. Whatever you do today make it human and alive. It's the only way to to keep the vampires away well at this tasty soup "Shoo Vampire Soup" adapted from "Halloween: The Best Of Martha Stewart Living."{affiliate link}

Shoo Vampire Soup
serves 8 to 10

5 small heads of garlic (yes, heads of garlic
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large leeks, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced, well washed
1 bunch fresh thyme
8 springs fresh flat leaf parsley
2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-ince dice
4 fourteen-and-a-half-ounce cans low sodium chicken stock or 7 cups homemade chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Snipped chives, for garnish

Step 1: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Wrap 3 heads of garlic in aluminum foil; roast for 45 minutes. Let cool, halve crosswise, and squeeze garlic from cloves. Reserve garlic puree, discarding papery skins. Peel remaining 2 heads of garlic.
 

Step 2: In a 6-quart stockpot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add leeks and garlic cloves; stirring frequently cook until translucent but not browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Tie thyme and parsley into a bundle with with kitchen twine and then tie to the pot handle. Add herb bundle to pot along with potatoes, stock, and garlic puree. Raise heat to medium; simmer until potatoes are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Discard herb bundle. Using an emersion blender, {affiliate link} blend soup until smooth. Stir in cream; season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
 

Step 3: Serve soup in bowls; garnish with Parmesan and chives.

Well, have fun today and see you tomorrow Draculas!

Day 303 - Turn Something Good to Gross This Halloween.

Oh hey. The countdown begins. It's just 3 more days until Halloween. We have created so much over the last few weeks, what's left? During the days leading up to Halloween, I tend to avoid the gross stuff like blood, skin and bones. It give me the creeps. My personal preference is to stick to the candy, costumes and fun decorations. Anything else is just too scary for me. 

However, today is an exception. Today's project is take something good and make it gross. When I say good, I mean something you find delicious. Create gross today. Here is a great example. Some people love a good old fashioned hot dog. With a little swipe of a pairing knife, the hotdog goes from hotdog to hands down the grossest meal ever. To be perfectly frank, these hot dogs are downright disgusting.

If you need more inspiration, just Google "gross halloween" or don't because it's gross.

Well, I'm off to whip up some soup to shoo away the vampires. Don't get too grossed out and see you tomorrow creepy crawlies!

Day 302 - I Want Candy And So Do You.

Hey Sweet Stuff. What Halloween wouldn't be complete with out bowls of sugary goodness? Yes, we are talking candy today. Today's project is pretty simple and downright fun. First let's hear from you. What's your favorite Halloween Candy? Tootsie Rolls? Bottle Caps? Pixie Sticks? Snickers? Candy Corn? Smarties? Dum Dums? Watchamacallits? Airheads? Blow Pops? Whoppers? Peppermint Patties? Reese's? Twizzlers? Starburst?

If you are having trouble coming up with your favorite, take this mindless and ridiculous quiz "100 Best Halloween Candies. How Many Have You Had?". For the record, I scored 289th out of 43,193 people. I am finally in the 98% percentile in something! I'm going to celebrate and have some Fun Dip.

The second part of today's project is to create a bowl of perfect Halloween candy fit every trick-o-treater. Go out today pick up up a couple of bags of your favorite treat. Then display the candy in the finest cauldron available. Be ready to dump big heaps into every kids pumpkin bucket. Well, and maybe eat a few pieces or ten today for yourself. It might even take you you back to the days of being a little ghost or goblin and remind you of excitement felt at Halloween.

I'm off to conjure up some last minute costume ideas. See you tomorrow Sweet Tooth!