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"Being a parent means knowing how to unwrap Halloween candy without making any noise."
—unknown
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HAPPY ALMOST HALLOWEEN!
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I’m the lady in the neighborhood who goes all out and gives away the big treats. I get large, movie theater boxes of assorted candy from Target. I set them up on a tray just like a theater, and that is why (I am told) my house is the very first stop for the neighborhood kids. They love looking over the choices and deciding which they want most. With my own kids gone, embracing the ones in the neighborhood is an amazing way to create a lovely, festive tradition.
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HALLOWEEN IS ABSOLUTELY THE TIME TO BRING OUT THE BIG CANDY
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And even though I love real food, I am a firm believer that Halloween is the moment for real candy. Why try to turn it into a holiday about health? I’m simply not giving out fruit bars. It may be unpopular to say, and you may not agree with me, but you’re not going to get me to change my mind.
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NOTHING QUITE LIKE A LION AND A WIZARD
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My philosophy is that kids should eat as much Halloween candy as they want. My personal tactic was to purchase it back from my kids the day after Halloween when their stomachs weren’t feeling well. It was worth it to me to offer my kids $25 to buy that candy from them, and for them, having some mad money was more attractive than the candy.
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LUCY DRESSED AS MY MOTHER, PATRICK IN A HOMEMADE DINOSAUR COSTUME
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Recently my friend Stephanie @cookbycolor did a piñata for her son’s birthday. She wanted to fill it up with healthful items, but her husband Nick said, “Absolutely not! We’re using real candy!” When Stephanie asked me, I agreed with Nick. It had to be real candy.
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MY MOTHER LOVED HALLOWEEN
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When my kids were little, we had several Halloween traditions. We always had a full dinner before the trick-or-treating. Our favorite was Sloppy Joe’s on brioche buns with pickles and mustard. We also spent time with my mom. She loved Halloween too and brought out skeletons and dressed up in a costume.
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LUCY WAS DOWNRIGHT OBSESSED WITH SKELETONS (THIS ONE EVEN SINGS)
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A highlight for me when my kids were little was heading to her house not just so my kids could trick-or-treat, but to be with her to pass out candy. She was the kind of neighbor who made every celebration more fun.
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I LOVE USING MY MOM'S HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
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I grew up believing my traditions would never change and that I would always celebrate Halloween at my mom’s house. But if I’ve learned anything in the past 21 years since she’s been gone, it is to cherish the old but embrace the new traditions when they come.
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MY KIDS WERE NEVER SHORT ON CREATIVITY
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Some years back, a large pumpkin mysteriously appeared on my porch. I was very touched when I found out my neighbor Rosalia had brought it after their annual family trip to the pumpkin farm. It’s become a tradition I relish. Even though our kids are grown, a very robust pumpkin still arrives on my porch, making me feel nostalgic and reminding me to embrace life. I love having and cultivating traditions. They make holidays more special and offer an opportunity to invent new ways to celebrate with the people we love.
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ICE ROLLER FOR A KNEE INJURY: CREATIVITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
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It’s important as part of my Year of Health to share both the wins and the losses. A couple weeks ago, I injured my leg—it involves plantar fasciitis and a tight IT band. I’ve been quite uncomfortable and maintaining my regular routine hasn’t been possible. Currently my life is all about being patient, which, by the way, is not my superpower. I have days when I feel alright and days that feel like I’m back at square one.
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THESE PRODUCTS ARE GAME CHANGERS FOR ME
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I’ve been icing, using my Hypervolt Go massager, using my laser, resting, seeing my practitioner, and stretching, but the whole situation definitely makes me a little crazy, because inactivity simply goes against my nature—I'd much rather be counting my steps and using my Peloton. I’m certainly not looking for a pity party, just sharing what’s real for me on this adventure. This experience has helped me create my motto for the rest of my life: Live more!
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RUBY IS BACK!
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Ruby’s back! We love Ruby, but she’s not available year round. She hibernates all summer long, but she’s back to kick off the fall. Ruby adds a fantastic pop of color, and there’s nothing I love more when enjoying my apple and almond butter. If you’re looking for holiday gifts, now is absolutely the time! In the world we’re living in, everything takes a little bit longer including our pottery. Take some time this weekend to place your holiday order in the shop!
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THIS IS THE PERFECT HALLOWS EVE DRINK
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Our brand new Blackberry Widow cocktail! Made with Blackberry Spindrift, this new cocktail is perfect for Halloween with lovely fall flavors. We have a cocktail and mocktail version, so there’s something for everyone. I can’t wait for you to try it!
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IN PERSON CHICAGO MEET UP COMING SOON!
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Join me November 4 at The Spice House! I am doing my first in person event in over two years, and I could not be more excited. We are going to have a meet up at The Spice House in Chicago where we can all mingle and shop, and of course there will be a fun surprise or two in store as well! Click here to sign up for the free event now. I am so excited to see you all on November 4! Let’s go!
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