Posted in Lifestyle

Thirteen PG13 Halloween Movies For Older Kids

Here are 13 PG-13-rated Halloween movies that are suitable for older kids and teens:

  1. The Haunted Mansion (2003): A family visits a creepy mansion and gets entangled in a ghostly mystery in this comedic and spooky film inspired by the Disneyland ride.
  2. The Monster Squad (1987): A group of kids forms a club to battle classic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolfman in this fun ’80s adventure.
  3. Goosebumps (2015): Based on the popular book series by R.L. Stine, this film follows a teenager and his friends as they accidentally release a slew of monsters from Stine’s books.
  4. Monster House (2006): While suitable for older kids, this animated film about a house that comes to life can be quite spooky and thrilling.
  5. The Witches (1990): Based on the Roald Dahl book, this film follows a young boy who discovers a coven of witches led by the Grand High Witch. The witches have a plan to turn all children into mice.
  6. The Little Vampire (2000): This family-friendly film tells the story of a boy who befriends a young vampire and helps him and his family become human again.
  7. The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008): When a family moves into an old house, they discover a hidden world filled with magical creatures. They must protect a book that can control these creatures from falling into the wrong hands.
  8. Beetlejuice (1988): This Tim Burton classic is a quirky and darkly comedic tale about a couple who dies and haunts their own house, enlisting the help of the mischievous Beetlejuice.
  9. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010): A young sorcerer’s apprentice must stop an evil sorceress from unleashing dark forces in this fantasy adventure inspired by the classic tale.
  10. The Corpse Bride (2005): Another Tim Burton stop-motion film, this one tells the story of a groom who accidentally proposes to a deceased bride while rehearsing his vows.
  11. Stardust (2007): In this fantasy adventure, a young man ventures into a magical realm to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved, only to discover that the star is a living woman.
  12. Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015): In this animated sequel, Dracula and his friends try to bring out the vampire side of his half-human, half-vampire grandson in humorous and spooky situations.
  13. Monster Family (2017): This animated film follows the Wishbone family as they go on a vacation to escape their everyday monster problems, only to become monsters themselves and face various spooky adventures.

Please note that while these movies are generally considered suitable for older kids and teens, individual sensitivity to spooky or scary content may vary, so it’s a good idea for parents to preview them or watch alongside their children to ensure appropriateness.

What is your big kids favorite Halloween movie? Let me know in the comments.

13 PG 13 Rated Halloween Movies for Older Kids and Teens
Posted in Lifestyle

Why You Should Consider Buying Garden Art From a Small Shop Etsy

Buying artisan crafts on Etsy offers several advantages that can enhance your outdoor space and support independent artists. Here are some compelling reasons to consider:

  1. Unique and Original Artwork: Etsy is home to a vast community of talented artists and artisans who create one-of-a-kind pieces. When you buy hand-painted garden art, you’re getting something unique and original that you won’t find in mass-produced items.
  2. Support Independent Artists: Etsy is a platform that allows independent artists to showcase their work. By purchasing their hand-painted garden art, you’re directly supporting these artists and helping them sustain their creative careers.
  3. Customization: Many Etsy sellers offer customization options. You can work with an artist to create a piece of garden art that perfectly fits your style, color preferences, and garden theme.
  4. Quality Craftsmanship: Hand-painted garden art on Etsy is often crafted with attention to detail and quality. These items are typically made with care, ensuring that they withstand outdoor conditions and look beautiful for years to come.
  5. Unique Garden Décor: Adding hand-painted garden art to your outdoor space allows you to express your personality and style. These pieces can become focal points in your garden, making it feel more personal and inviting.
  6. Artistic Variety: Etsy offers a wide range of hand-painted garden art, from garden stakes and sculptures to signs, planters, and birdhouses. You can find something that suits your garden’s specific needs and your personal taste.
  7. Environmentally Friendly: Supporting local artists and buying handmade products can be more environmentally friendly than purchasing mass-produced items that may have a larger carbon footprint.
  8. Gift Opportunities: Hand-painted garden art makes for thoughtful and unique gifts. You can surprise a loved one with a personalized garden decoration that adds beauty to their outdoor space.
  9. Connection with Artists: Etsy often allows you to communicate directly with artists and artisans. This personal connection can lead to a better understanding of the artwork, its creation process, and the artist’s story.
  10. Positive Reviews and Ratings: Before making a purchase on Etsy, you can read reviews and see ratings from previous customers. This can provide valuable insights into the quality and satisfaction level associated with the product and seller.

In summary, buying hand-painted garden art on Etsy offers a chance to add unique and personalized beauty to your outdoor space while supporting independent artists and enjoying the benefits of high-quality, handmade craftsmanship. It’s a win-win for both you and the artists who create these beautiful pieces.

Posted in Halloween, Lifestyle

DIY Twisty Ghost Candles

Shaping store-bought tapered candles with warm water is a useful technique if you want to customize their appearance. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Store-bought tapered candles
  • Warm water
  • Heat-resistant container or bowl
  • Heat-resistant gloves (optional)
  • Paint Marker

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Your Work Area:
    • Set up a clean and organized workspace. Lay down newspapers or a plastic tablecloth to catch any wax drips.
  2. Select Your Candles:
    • Choose the store-bought tapered candles that you want to reshape. Be sure they are clean and free of any dust or debris.
  3. Heat the Water:
    • Warm up a container or bowl of water to a temperature that is not too hot to touch but warm enough to soften the wax. You can use hot tap water for this purpose. You may need to warm water on the stove, depending on your water heater settings. Do not use boiling hot water because that will melt the candle too fast and make it hard to work with.
  4. Soak the Candle:
    • Submerge the candle for 10-15 minutes in warm water.
  5. Shape the Candle:
    • Replace the hot water with fresh hot water and start bending your candles slowly. You can create curves, twists, or other unique designs. Be cautious not to apply too much force to avoid cracking or breaking the candle.
  6. Hold the Shape:
    • While maintaining the desired shape, hold the candle upright for a minute or two to allow the wax to cool and harden in the new shape.
  7. Repeat as Needed:
    • If you want to reshape other parts of the candle or make further adjustments, repeat the process by dipping and shaping one section at a time.
  8. Trim the Wick:
    • After you’ve achieved the desired shape, trim the wick at the top of the candle to your preferred length.
  9. Let the Candle Cool:
    • Allow the reshaped candle to cool and harden completely at room temperature.
  10. Light and Enjoy:
    • Once the candle has cooled and solidified in its new shape, it’s ready to be lit and enjoyed! Remember to consider how the shape of your candle will affect how it drips and plan to accommodate the hot wax accordingly.

Shaping store-bought tapered candles with warm water is a creative way to give them a unique and customized appearance, allowing you to match them to your specific decor or event theme. Just remember to exercise caution when working with hot water and warm wax to avoid burns or injuries.