It’s still 10 days away, but I have Halloween on the brain this week. (That may be in part a reaction to the sheer number of Christmas-related things that are asserting themselves into my consciousness this week — from a rack of holiday wrap and cards in the main aisle at Indigo to a Christmas-themed TV show on Treehouse to an e-mail salutation yesterday that said, “Seasons (nearly) greetings!” Not nearly! Still TWO MONTHS AWAY!)
Ahem, anyway, the other reason I may have Halloween on the brain is that the boys’ school Halloween party is tonight, so we had to have all the costumes ready to go. I’m delighted that we were able to re-use two costumes this year, and that the third costume of a “Pokemon Trainer” consists of a sleeveless vest, a Pokemon t-shirt, a backwards ball cap, and a belt looped through a Pokeball. IMHO he looks like he’s dressed up as himself, but he’s happy so who am I to argue?
After a fit of keenerism last year, I’ve decided to forgo a costume for myself this year. (Last year, I dressed all in black and pinned two dozen random socks all over myself. I was the Laundry Sock Monster!) If anyone asks what I’m dressed up as, I plan to say, “Tired.”
I still haven’t hauled out the porch decorations yet. (See comment above re: tired.) Our level of decorating doesn’t quite meet the standard set by the previous owner, who put so much effort into a haunted house that I’ve heard some kids wouldn’t come near the house for fear of it, but I’ve got a couple of strings of pumpkin lights, and we’re up to more than half a dozen pumpkins so far — and that’s before we make our pilgrimmage to Miller’s Pumpkin Patch to pick our own tomorrow. (If you’re looking to do the same, I highly recommend Millers in Manotick!!)
We are also totally ready for the trick-or-treaters, thanks to my friends at Mom Central Canada, who hooked us up with some treats from Allan Candy. Have you heard of them? I remember getting Allan Candy chocolate Easter Eggs with my name written on them when I was a kid — one of my fave memories of Easter. (Ha, if it’s too early for Christmas, it may be just a wee bit out of season for Easter, no?) What I didn’t know is that Allan Candy Company is a Canadian company — all of their candy is proudly made here in Canada. (This is the kind of stuff I look for in a blog tour — great Canadian companies that I can personally endorse. And it helps when they send free candy. Beloved says thank you!)
Allan Candy Company is now celebrating its 77th year and their iconic Big Foot brand has been around for more than 25 years. They offer peanut-free, individually wrapped candies that are perfect for trick-or-treaters:
- Allan Intense Jubes & Jellies – delivering an intense sour flavor and a soft & chewy bite.
- Allan Chewy Rascalz – these childhood favourites will keep your taste buds happy! Packed in one bag, and of course, peanut free – you’ll find Big Foot, Sour Big Foot, Green Thumbs and Hot Lips!
- Allan Fruit Buddies – offering a variety of fruit flavoured candies that are also peanut free! Indulge in 5 great fruit flavours: Sour Watermelon Slices, Peach Slices, Sour Cherry Slices, Tangy Wild Strawberries and Sour Grape Slices.
Lookit that, there are still 10 days to go until Halloween, and save for one quick trip to Costco to pick up a bunch of those mini-Playdough containers to give away with the Allan Candy treats, I’m all ready to go! I think it will be a fun Halloween this year. All three boys are now old enough to enjoy trick-or-treating, and we know just about everyone on the street, so it will be a fun social occasion, too.
For more Halloween fun, check out Little Bit of Momsense’s Greening Your Halloween blog carnival and contest, or maybe start up a BOO! wave in your neighbourhood!
So what are your favourite Halloween traditions?
(Disclosure: I am participating in the Allan Candy Company blog tour with Mom Central Canada. I received compensation for my participation in this campaign. However, as ALWAYS, the opinions on this blog are entirely my own.)
Miss R. is ready for Halloween and knows that there is lots of candy involved. We’re taking pencils and Halloween decorations to school. Miss R is going to wear her butterfly princess outfit made out of a flower dress I wore eons ago. As for the Allen’s Canada I loved it when my dad was a security guard for them and still love it now.
I agree, it’s way too early for Christmas decorations in the stores! If those are your carved pumpkins in the photo, well done! They are gorgeous. Enjoy your trip to the pumpkin patch tomorrow and have a fun Halloween. I loved your Missing Sock Monster costume idea by the way.
Ummm….Boo! That was me who clicked on submit before filling out my particulars…yet again.
I really like the BOO! idea. If I can get my act together quickly, I’ll try it out on some neighbours.