Hey everyone, Kayla here! While the founder of this wonderful company, Ashley isn't a huge fan of Halloween, I on the other hand, love it. Dressing up in a costume that you created, making spooky snacks or cocktails and handing out candy to adorable kids? Sign me up. I adore Halloween so much and I know I'm not alone. That is why this week on the blog, I'm creating a round-up of amazing ideas for All Hallows Eve. You'll find everything from creative costumes to delicious cocktails I discovered from my favourite bloggers and Pinterest. Ideas that are bound to impress at any Halloween event. Time to get into the spirit and bake one of these treats or find time for a fun DIY get up. Have fun!
Treats & Sips
These Spider web hot chocolate donuts made by Lauren Lowstan are super fun and look really delicious. I know I'll be whipping these up for people to enjoy.
Just last year when I was starting my baking business, a customer wanted me to create a fun Halloween dessert for a party she was hosting. I went with a "One-eyed, one-horned flying purple people eater" cupcake. I got great feedback! I also saved one for my pup to sample, let's just say, it went over well. ;)
Lauren Conrad and the hardworking gals behind Laurenconrad.com are perfection. Every season, they launch dozens of festive recipes and DIY party ideas. This month, they outdid themselves. This Passionfruit Mar-goul-ritas recipe made by Allison Norton, is so unique, colourful and boozy, I can't wait to try this cocktail with my pals. Would be ideal for a girls night or a small get together because this batch wouldn't last long!
How cute are these Marshmallow Mummy Pops made by Lindsay of Sprinkles For Breakfast? So precious. What makes these little treats even better is that the recipe is so easy to make. Any up and coming baker could do it with no problem at all. If you're looking for something to bring to a Halloween party, don't leave the house without these pops.
Image via Pinterest
If you're looking for a healthy dish for your Halloween bash, something that will be a bit more substantial to feed your friends, this pumpkin chili recipe from Tone it Up is great. I will be making this delicious dish for my husband and I to enjoy for days. It's easy on the waistline and makes enough to have a few meals throughout the week, you really can't go wrong.
Pumpkin Chili from the Tone It Up Nutrition Plan
Ingredients
1 1/2 tbsp virgin coconut oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
3/4 chopped green bell pepper
3/4 chopped yellow bell pepper
1 1/2 cans, 6 oz chopped green chiles
1 1/2 large minced garlic clove
1 1/2 lbs leftover chopped turkey
1 1/2 cans, 10-11 oz diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cans, 10-11 oz red kidney beans
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
2 1/4 tbsp chili powder
3/4 tbsp cumin
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Couple of shakes of cayenne pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3/4 cup greek yogurt
2 tsp of cinnamon
Directions
First, heat the oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Next, saute the onion, peppers, green chiles, and garlic until tender (roughly 10 minutes). Make room on the pan and add leftover turkey (roughly 5 minutes). Stir in tomatoes, beans, and pumpkin. Season with chili powder, cumin, sea salt, and pepper. Lastly, put on low heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Mix in fresh cilantro and stir in with plain greek yogurt and cinnamon to serve. Voila, you’re pumpkin turkey chili is ready for eight.
Image via realsimple.com
Everyone loves a good cocktail, am I right? Well, this Vampire Punch Recipe will keep your squad going all night long. If you're hosting, make sure you have a large punch bowl and ladle on hand, so people can serve themselves. Also, stock up on ice, citrus and pomegranate seeds, so you'll be able to party the night away instead of running around filling/making drinks.
Costumes
When I came across this DIY Cotton Candy costume by Style Me Pretty, I thought of Eddie James (Ashley's baby) immediately. I mean, this is the cutest costume I've ever laid eyes on. If I had a baby, I'd sprint out to the store to make this one happen.
My close friend is hosting a Halloween bash this year and she's going ALL OUT for her costume. When I went to visit her, we spent five hours shopping for different ideas and she was still unsure. For the ladies out there who are super casual and a bit more easy going when it comes to costumes, this DIY Chill Pill ensemble is for you. You literally cut out the letters and use hem tape to stick them on. Track down a white top and a blush skirt/pants and Voila! You're done. If you go for it, you can thank Studio DIY for this GREAT costume idea. Oh, I also LOVE this Tropical Drink Couples Costume they did (pictured below), so original and hilarious.
If you're anything like me, your pet is legit a part of your family. Of course you have to dress him/her up too! If you're feeling up to it and your dog will allow it, try this martini pup costume. It'll be an opportunity for lots of laughs and pictures. If you want more ideas, Style Me Pretty has 50 costume ideas for everyone from your pet or baby to your group of friends and family. You can scroll through the slideshow here.
The amazing DIY Wig and Lash Combinations created by Sugar & Cloth are also super simple to pull off. All you need is a bright, colourful wig, some fake lashes, stickers and bold make up. Easy peasy, folks.
Magician and Rabbit, such a classic for shelling out candy to all the neighborhood kiddos. This combo created by Say Yes is super popular and perfect for all you last minute costume makers. There's not much to the outfit, a majority of the attire should already be in your closet. If not, take a trip to your local Value Village and you're good to go.
Image via Pinterest
I saved the creepiest looks for last. If you click here, you can find 50 Halloween make-up looks that I stumbled upon when I was researching costume ideas for 2016. If you have the patience to master these looks, it would totally be worth it. Although I love a softer look, it's SO fun to be a bit dark and scary on October 31st.
Hope you enjoyed my Halloween round up and have enough time to pull off some of these glorious ideas. Thanks for reading, see you here next week ;)
Love,
Kayla & the Fashion Truck team xoxo