October Festivities -- It's Not Over Yet!

October is almost through and if you think it's time to start planning Thanksgiving dinner, you should think again. There are still plenty of Halloween-inspired activities to explore whether they be spooky or traditional, such as haunted hay rides and terrorizing movies versus pumpkin carving and Autumn-themed baking, as well as getting your hands on those last minute Halloween items. I have comprised a list of both with a promise of keeping the Halloween spirit alive and haunting:

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
Where: Universal Studios
You still have two days to experience a haunted hayride at its best and these tours are much more than that. Part on foot and part ride a Universal Horror Night recreates the scariest pieces of popular horror movies and may be the perfect last minute activity before October is over. General Admission is 54$

http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/hollywood/2009/index.php

Paranormal Activity
Where: Any theater near you!
Looking for something a little less pricey? This sleeper hit proves yet again that low-budget horror has a place among mainstream audiences. It isn't a gore-fest but reviews say it will leave you in the perfect spine-tingling mood for Halloween.

http://www.paranormalactivity-movie.com/

Pumpkin Carving!
Where: Probably at home
If you are looking for an activity that won't scare you but will instead become the perfect transition from October to November then this activity may be the best choice. Pumpkins with happier looks very much have a place on your front step as November begins and baking the seeds with a little oil and salt always makes a yummy snack.

http://www.ehow.com/halloween/templates.html

Pumpkin Pancakes!
Where: Once again, probably at home
Even if the pumpkins on your front step have goblins carved into them, pumpkins as a Fall ingredient can very much be a part of any baking that goes on throughout the season. Take pumpkin pancakes for instance: Add one cup pumpkin puree, some brown sugar and ground cinnamon to any ready made mix and you've got pumpkin pancakes! Or, you can make them from scratch, which may make them even more delicious:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar

Directions

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

*Courtesy of allrecipes.com, check them out for an even wider selection of pumpkin-inspired recipes!

Michael's Craftstore
Where: Various locations, check in your area
I've driven by popular Halloween stores, such as Ursulas Costumes in Santa Monica, and the line was out the door and down the block. Don't panic if you still need a few items to make your costume pop, or even if you need the whole thing. Whatever your case may be, it simply means that it's time to get creative. A craft superstore, such as Michael's has everything you need to make that perfect costume.

For example, my friend Jen is going as a ladybug and after pulling a red top and skirt from her wardrobe we went to Michael's for pipecleaners and fuzzballs to make antennae. She folded the pipecleaner into a small circle at the top end and placed a few drops of glue on it; the black fuzzball (which came in packs of seven) went on top and she was done! Once dry, the pipe cleaners will be folded around a headband as a comfortable and easy accessory. She also cut out circles from black tape to use as ladybug spots for the back of her shirt.

I, on the other hand, used Michaels to get all my supplies for fairy wings. I needed a sheet of formcore board (3$), three packs of feathers (8$), two packs of on-sale ribbon (2$) and a skinny white boa (2$). Once home, I printed out an example picture of fairy wings and drew my own pattern on the large board. I had to saw through it, instead of cut, so it may be helpful if you own an exacto knife, just be careful! I cut one half out first, flipped it over and traced it for the other half. I used the ribbon to laced the two together. Then I glued feathers around the inside edges of my wings and let them dry. After that, I glued them onto the front portion. Take a look! The photo to the left only shows half the wings to help outline its feather details and if you look closely you can see where I laced them up. The last piece to making wings is cutting two holes on each wing and lacing the boa through it. The boa goes over my shoulders and ties behind my back, making these wings easy to wear.

No matter what you do these last two days of October just make them count! Fall won't be here forever and it happens to be my favorite season of the year.