LA is Haunted (in a good way)

The “Creep Show” is about to begin, as we look forward to Saturday and the tricks, the treats and the last-minute hunt to find the perfect blue light saber or the last bag of mini Milky Way bars.

Halloween has always been one of my favorite days and this year (because it falls on a Saturday) we have the entire day to get into costume and wait for the jack-o-lanterns to be lit.

I am fairly sure that before 6pm, one my children will have already found the stash of candy that I have been hiding, that we will have a ripped costume or two, that one of the flashlights will be out of batteries and there may even be fake blood on the carpet (like last year) — but this is all part of this hallowed tradition.

I will make it out of the door when it gets dark with my motley crew of 4 children in their costumes — Goldilocks, Barbie, Clone War Trooper, Candy Corn Witch — and because there is no family-theme this year, my husband and I will be Ace Stanley and Gene Simmons of the band KISS (just because we can).

Although I have committed to the costumes and making hot dogs wrapped in philo dough that look like mummies, I was also trying to think of what we could do as a family post-Halloween with the candy and costumes that the next day no one really seems interested in eating or wearing. To avoid the temptation of eating all of the leftover 3 Muskateer bars, I am stopping myself this year and am going to donate the costumes that are still in good condition and the leftover wrapped treats.

Because this flu season seems a bit more active than usual, you may want to consider lowering the sugar-intake levels a bit in the household, just to keep those immune systems extra strong!

I have found the following organizations that would love the donations. I wish you a safe and happy Halloween!

One Voice 1228 15th Street, Suite C, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Tel: (310) 458-9961 http://www.onevoice-la.org

OPCC 505 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: (310) 581-9825 http://www.opcc.net (treats and costumes)

Meals on Wheels 900 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: (310) 208-2439 http://www.mealsonwheelswla.org/myweb/ (treats)

Westside FoodBank 1710 22nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Tel: (310) 828-2646 http://www.westsidefoodbankca.org/ (treats)