Ready for Trick or Treat?

Disclaimer: this is a sponsored post but all stories and opinion are 100% my own.

Trick or treat...

One of the exciting thing about October is Halloween.

Well.. I know all the controversy about it back home but for me, it's just one day filled with costumes and walk around the neighborhood with my kids :).

So.. Are you ready?

Many of us here in Astoria, NYC, are!

I have seen some elaborated yards, ranging from super creepy-cemetery look  to super cute wicked-witched toppled down from her broom. Not to mention spiderwebs and stack of jack-o-lantern here and there. Very festive!

Love to see them all.

This year will be the third Halloween for us here in NYC. I remember the first one back in 2014, when I was in the middle of chemotherapy. Weak because of the drugs I had to take during the chemo, we only managed to walk for one block. After that, I sat on our porch with a large pail full of chocolate waiting for the kids to grab them. In 2015, I managed to have a long walk with my kids around my neighborhood. This year, we might join or at least watch the annual Halloween parade in East Village, NYC. Super excited indeed.

As for the home, we don't really do much but we have a touch of Halloween in our mini front yard. Not much but it's there :).

So now... let's see what's on the costume department :).

2014, I chose to be pinky girl, while Obi was snow white and Bo went out as a ninja.

In 2015, I had fun being a wicked witch with green face and purple hat, while Obi was beautifully donning Rainbow Dash from My Little Pony, and Bo was again a ninja.

This year, I have decided to be Fallen Angel, while Obi has chosen to be little cat and Bo will be the pirate :). I haven't really decided on the make-up but I got some ideas already. So, we'll see.

here are our choices for this year...

And Halloween is not complete without candy! 
Chocolate, candy, pretzels and mini Halloween-related items...

Those are our favorite :).

a lot to choose :)

Last year we had quite a moderate amount of chocolate, candy and  other Halloween items, like fake fangs, masks, and petit Halloween decoration. 

Speaking about candy, I usually make sure that we have enough, but not too much for the kids. Once in a year it will be okay, I suppose.

And now, here are a few tips for a safe trick or treat this Halloween.

Stay safe and alert

On the street, around your neighborhood, wherever you and your kids are, we have to stay alert.

Kids tend to be so excited and they don't really pay attention to the surroundings. So it's better to accompany your young children or ensure that someone old enough will take care of them.

We have to be careful when crossing the street and be extra cautious and watch where the kids going. Watch out for the traffic, too.

As it's usually going to be dark, carrying a flashlight might be handy for you and the kids.

Watch what you grab and eat

Those chocolate and sweet stuff might be super tempting for the kids, but we have to be careful with food allergies.

Many of those Halloween food products have peanuts and/or gluten. It will be best to ensure the kids know exactly what their allergies are.

What I have done so far is that we bring all the candy and chocolate home then they can eat it at home instead of while we are walking around.

Another thing that we have to mindful of is the expiry dates. Sometimes, some candy and food are from last year and pass their expiry dates. Always good to check things out first. 

Mind the weather

It's the end of October. In many places, temperature drops already. Just like here in New York City.
So, to be on the safe side, better make sure that the costumes will be warm enough, especially for the kids. We don't want them to catch cold or even nastier flu just because of that. 

Have fun

Of course, the most important thing about this annual event is that you do have fun with your kids, family and friends. With all the necessary preparation, we should all have a lovely and enjoyable night.

Staying safe during Halloween should be manageable.

So, are you ready for trick-or-treating?
Get your candy, costumes and enjoy!

Have a blast!