Can you believe Halloween is only a week away? Time to pull out the treats, hang the colored lights, and join the hundreds of other people running around to find a costume at the last minute; myself included. I still have to figure out my outfit for the most fun day of the year.

Masters of Disguise

Speaking of costumes, that’s the first thought that comes to mind when thinking about Halloween–obviously. Every child, teen, and adult gets the opportunity one day out of the year to dress up as anything they possibly want to be. Like I said before, I may do something a little more feminine, but who knows. Maybe I’ll be zombie Barbie this year. Point is if you can think of it, you can make it happen. Do a google search for DIY options if you’re tight on a budget or splurge on a well-made costume for you to use year after year.

Frightening Decorations

Are you the life of the party? It could be fun to throw a frightfully fun party that your friends won’t forget this year! Floating candles, edible injections, and lots of scary games are sure to keep your guests entertained. My personal favorite is the “feel box.” It gets your nerves working faster than adrenaline.

Cackling Pumpkins

What better excuse to make pastries than carving out a pumpkin for festive decorations. It’s a win-win and it’s always fun to look up templates online and carve out a new design every year.

One year, I did an entire Nightmare Before Christmas theme. This year I may stick with Disney and instigate the advertisement for 999 happy haunts–knowing there is always room for one more. If carving isn’t for you, there are options to draw or paint. These are great ways to get involved with kids too.

Magical Scents

Get adventurous with your candle purchases this week and try something new! Fall is one of the best seasons to bring out the spicy and edible-smelling candles. Incense is always an option too if you’d rather have something a little safer in your home that comes without the flickering flame.

Marathon of Horrors

Horror, thriller, and action-packed films for the weekend, oh my. If you aren’t the going-out type then maybe a movie fest is the best alternative for you. Gather your favorite people and hold a movie marathon. Have fun with it and do a themed night like the Harry Potter series or Tim Burton films.

Gruesome Entrees

Who doesn’t love a good 3-course feast? Dinner parties allow people to socialize while still staying in the spirit of Halloween. Gather friends to spend the night devouring a themed feast and finish the evening with dessert and cocktails. You can even make it a potluck dinner so the work is shared by everyone attending.

Devilish Pastries

Not everyone has time to cook gourmet meals for a dinner party. If you’re short on time but can throw something in the oven, I suggest opening the cooking and cake books. Baking allows you to throw fun treats together and get creative with the family. Even the kids can get involved with decorating bat and witch-shaped cookies. It’s edible fun for everyone to enjoy!

Thrilling Parks

Attendees be warned: This option can be costly but once you go the first time, it becomes an addiction because theme parks usually throw a pretty great party. Universal’s “Halloween Horror Nights”, Disney’s “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party”, and “Fright Fest” at Six Flags are all unique places that epitomize the spirit of Halloween. The cool designs, epic shows, and fun-packed nights will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Enchanting Events

It’s the creepy tidings of Halloween that bring the community together. Whether you want to run a 5k with the dead or dance with creatures of the night it’s worth checking out your area for special Halloween gatherings. Do a search online to see if there are special deals, workout events, trick-or-treating extravaganzas, or concerts taking place in a location near you.

I found a few places in San Luis Obispo, California listed below.

October 25: Halloween Concert 8pm-10pm at Colony Tavern

October 26: Zombie 5k Run

October 31: Gold Coast Wheelers Club Halloween Rock Show

October 31: SLO Downtown Trick-or-Treat Costume Contest

October 31: Scary-Oke with Coast 104.5 at SLO’s Farmer’s Market

October 31: Halloween Barre class at Spark Yoga

Haunted Adventures

Care to take a joyfully haunted walk through the misty woods? I’ve been there and a hockey mask-wearing psycho-path chainsawing my leg off isn’t where I want to find myself again. For people other than myself, it’s a tradition to visit haunted locations and get the fright of your life in one night. These scary excursions through haunted houses, run-down mansions, spooked woods, and creaky ships are the perfect activity for adrenaline seekers looking to laugh or cry.

Did I miss any other fun ways to celebrate this epic holiday? What is your favorite Halloween memory or costume? I’d love to read it below in the comments. Don’t forget to follow to stay up to date on the blog!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Bonus: here is my little effort Senior year costume that I pulled from my sister’s closet paired with my caffeine addiction. #tb2013