Hey there, glow-getters! 🎃✨ Can you believe it’s already October? I mean, where did the year go? But hey, no complaints here because it’s officially the start of the most magical time of the year—the holidays! So, grab your pumpkin latte, light that cinnamon-spice candle, and let’s dive into all the festive fun we’ve got lined up for you.

Why You Should Stick Around

First things first, let me spill the tea on why you absolutely, positively, 100% want to stick around for the next 12 weeks. We’re launching a Holiday Survival Series that will be your lifeline through the chaos, family drama, endless to-do lists, and so much more. Trust me; you won’t want to miss this.

A Sneak Peek into the Holiday Survival Series

  • “The Ultimate Gift-Giving Guide Made Easy”: Forget the stress of holiday shopping! We’re bringing you a guide that’ll make you the Santa Claus of your family—minus the reindeer and the big belly!
  • “Navigating the Holiday Maze: Setting Boundaries During Family Gatherings”: Ah, family time. Love it or dread it, we’ve got you covered. Learn how to set boundaries so you can actually enjoy your turkey and pie this year.
  • “Holiday Parties Fashion Ideas: Dressing for Every Occasion”: From the office party to Christmas Eve with the fam, we’re breaking down the must-have looks that’ll have you shining brighter than any Christmas tree.

…and so much more! We’re talking fashion tips, beauty tricks, holiday decor, table settings, mindfulness hacks, setting boundaries, recipe ideas, and even how to feast without the guilt. It’s going to be epic!

So stay tuned! We’re diving deep into the holiday season, and trust me, you won’t want to miss a single post.🎄🎁🥳

But First, Halloween!

Okay now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before diving into the holiday madness, let’s talk about the spooktacular event just around the corner—Halloween! 🎃

On Trend Costume Ideas

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably procrastinated until the last minute if you need a costume this year. No worries, I’ve got you covered with some of the hottest costume ideas for 2023.  Note: Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

For Women:

For Couples:

  • Barbie and Ken: Coordinate with your partner to become the iconic doll duo. For Ken, think suit or preppy outfit. You could also be the iconic skating set. Or even better yet, let’s put Ken in the box for this one! 😉
  • Ariel and Prince Eric: While you dazzle as Ariel, have your partner wear a white shirt, red sash, and black pants.
  • Gomez & Morticia Addams: Channel your inner dark and mysterious vibes with a sleek black gown for Morticia and a pinstripe suit for Gomez—don’t forget the red rose!
  • Mario and Princess Peach: One of you can be the princess, and the other can don a red cap, red shirt, and blue overalls to become Mario.
  • Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: This pop sensation and football star duo are the talk of the town! Channel their star-studded romance for a couple’s costume that’s sure to turn heads. Choose one of Taylor’s iconic Eras Tour outfits. Your partner just needs a mustache, a Kansas City Chiefs jersey, and a helmet.

Decor on a Dime

Now, let’s switch gears and talk about Halloween decor. My mother-in-law is the Halloween queen. She goes all out! My favorite tradition of hers? She busts out these fabulous Halloween-themed wine glasses every trick-or-treat night. They’re our go-to for adult treats while we’re handing out the kiddie ones. It’s little touches like these that really amp up the Halloween vibe! 🎃🍷

If you want to get into the Halloween spirit without breaking the bank, here are some ideas:

  • Pumpkin Carving: The classic! Get a few pumpkins and have a carving night with the family. Our funny family tradition is giving our pumpkins ears. Yep, ears. Add these flickering tea light candles inside and it really looks like you’ve got candles burning.  
  • Potterybarn Gourd and Jack O’ Lantern Dupes:  The DIY versions are all over social media. Buy a cheap plastic jack-o-lantern or gourd, and make it look like the $60 real-deal ceramic one using some paint, flour, or baking soda.
  • DIY Ghosts: Use old white sheets, cloth napkins, or pillowcases to make hanging ghosts. Just stuff them with newspaper and tie them at the neck.
  • Spooky Candles: Get cheap white candles and drip red wax on them for a “bloody” effect. Or melt a little dab of wax and attach mini spiders on them. Or do both!
  • Cobweb Corners: Stretch out some cotton to create cobwebs, and don’t forget the spiders!

I’d love to see your last-minute Halloween genius, too! Drop your costume or decor ideas in the comments below. Let’s get this spooky party started!

Themed Snacks

Now that we’ve got your costume and decor sorted, let’s talk about the life of the party—snacks! Here are some spooktacular snack ideas!

  1. Mummy Hot Dogs: Wrap hot dogs in strips of crescent roll dough and bake. Add mustard or ketchup eyes.
  2. Pumpkin Cheese Ball: Mix cream cheese, cheddar, and some spices into a ball and cover with crushed Doritos. Add a bell pepper stem on top.
  3. Apple Monster Mouths: Slice apples and use peanut butter to stick marshmallow “teeth” between two slices.
  4. Spider Crackers: Ritz crackers, pretzel sticks as legs, and a dollop of cream cheese make cute little spiders.
  5. Witch’s Broom Cheese Snacks: Mini string cheese blocks with pretzel stick or bread stick handles and chive bristles.
  6. Candy Corn Fruit Cups: Layer pineapple, mandarin oranges, and whipped cream to mimic candy corn.
  7. Bloody Band-Aid Graham Crackers: Spread a bit of cream cheese on a graham cracker and add a dollop of strawberry jam for effect.
  8. Veggie Skeleton: Lay out cut veggies in the shape of a skeleton on a large platter.
  9. Eyeball Pasta: Stuffed mozzarella balls with olives in the center, placed on top of marinara sauce.
  10. Zombie Brain Jello: Use a brain-shaped mold for your favorite green jello recipe.
  11. Finger Pasta: Serve up a bowl of fright with pasta topped with hotdogs cut to resemble severed fingers, drizzled with ketchup for that extra eerie effect.
  12. Pumpkin Oranges: Treat your guests to a healthy dose of Halloween with clementines adorned with a slice of celery on top, secured with a toothpick to mimic cute little pumpkins.
  13. Ghost Bananas: Unpeel some spooky fun with bananas, cutting the bottom to a jagged edge shape and decorating with chocolate sauce for ghostly eyes and a mouth.
  14. Creepy Celery Stalks: Crunch into some creepy celery sticks filled with peanut butter and adorned with candy eyes for a stare-down with every bite.

If you try any of these snack, decor, or costume ideas, make sure to tag us or use the hashtag #HearthAndHighlightHalloween. I can’t wait to see your creativity come to life! 📸

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it! A quick guide to slaying Halloween 2023 without slaying your budget. Next week, we’re diving into the ultimate gift-giving guide, just in time for Amazon Prime’s deal days. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it! 

I can’t wait to go on this holiday journey with you. Let’s make the end of 2023 something to remember, shall we?

Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you won’t miss a single post in our Holiday Survival Series. And hey, sharing is caring, so feel free to spread the holiday cheer!

Sending you all the love and pumpkin spice vibes. 🎃👻🍂💖

P.S. Got any burning holiday questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Drop a comment below. Your wish is my command!