FamilyLife - October 2018 by Lawrence Ambrocio

Face paintings for kids

Spooky recipes

Ideas for pumpkin

FamilyLife Halloween Faves

October 2018

October Contents

ADVICE

ORGANIZE

FOOD

ON THE COVER

13 Baby Quirks

29 10 beautiful ways to decorate pumpkins and squash

65 Boo-licious

Photography by Roberto Caruso & Angus Ferguson

19 Bounce Back After Baby 25 Inside the NICU: Valuable Tips for NICU Parents

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

43 Fall Favorites

10 Editor's Letter

51 Child's Face

76 Last Look

Family Life ‐ October 2018

FamilyLife EDITOR IN-CHIEF Pamela Hayford EXECUTIVE EDITOR Suzanne Moutis CREATIVE DIRECTOR Karen Paddon EDITORIAL OPERATIONS & ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER Olga Goncalves Costa TEST KITCHEN FOOD DIRECTOR Soo Kim SENIOR FOOD ASSOCIATE Stina Diös CONTRIBUTING FOOD SPECIALISTS Donna Borooah, Cara Tegler ART DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Lena Diaz ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Sarah Big Canoe CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR Leanne Gilbert PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Genevieve Pizzale EDITORIAL SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR Megan Howard FEATURES EDITOR Mary Levitski COPY EDITORS Debbie Madsen Villamere, Stephanie Zolis EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Marianne Davidson, Sarah Dziedzic HOME & GARDEN HOME & STYLE DIRECTOR Ann Marie Favot DESIGN EDITOR Morgan Lindsay ADVERTISING SALES, TORONTO SENIOR DIRECTOR, MEDIA SOLUTIONS, TRANSACTIONAL Jérôme Leys KEY ACCOUNT DIRECTORS, NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES David Garby, Andrea McBride, Akta Sharma ADVERTISING COORDINATION TEAM LEADER Maddie Belanger ADVERTISING COORDINATION MANAGER Janice Clarke NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES Cathy Ellis, Gary Forshaw, Joanne Landry, Delainie Salvatore, Vanessa Watson DIGITAL NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES Paul Cummins, Gwen O’Toole, Tony Vigario, Joanna Woodman SALES ASSOCIATE Patricia Mixemong MARKETING & CREATIVE SOLUTIONS BRAND MANAGER Mieka Jansen SENIOR STRATEGIST Stephanie Mediati STRATEGIST Jeremie Marcoux PROJECT MANAGERS Janine Short, Kathryn Walsh ART DIRECTOR Suzanne Lacorte

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Editor's Letter

Crisp of air Back in high school, we students had a teacher we were sure never really read our essays. To test our theory, I turned in a paper in which midway through I wrote, “Are you really reading this, [teacher’s name]?” When the paper was returned to me, next to my grade was a note assuring me that the paper had been read. When I write about my job, I typically write about what I love about working with the magazines. But this month as I began to write, “One thing I love about my job…”, I was reminded of that incident in high school. I smiled as I recognized I’m not just writing good things because I think my boss is reading them. So…one thing I really do love about my job is the people I’ve met and get to work with on a daily basis. A special group I enjoy is our local freelance writers. We have such strong people from all walks of life and all over the metro who work hard to bring you exciting and relevant info each month. Fall is in full swing, and that means there is so much to do! Here’s hoping the weather cooperates…I have memories of visiting a pumpkin patch in the snow, and of course has had years when it’s over 90 in the fall. No matter what the weather, It is perfect for fall outing for your family. Happy fall, y’all!

Pamela Hayford Editor In-Chief

October 2018 - Family Life

Advice

Baby Quirks Strange (but normal!) things babies do By CHRISTA MELNYK HINES

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Advice Every new parent at some point wonders: Is my baby supposed to do that? Is this normal? Morgan Shandler, Overland Park, recalls several moments of new mama anxiety during the first few weeks home with her daughter, who is now a busy 1-year-old. “One thing that particularly freaked me out was when Violet would bob her head when attempting to nurse. It almost looked like she was having a seizure or like she was a broken down robot,” Shandler says. “But my pediatrician assured me it was a completely normal part of ‘rooting’ for the breast.” Startle reflex. Parents also worry about seizures when their infant suddenly throws out his arms and legs as if he’s falling. Jennifer Mellick, MD, FAAP, Pediatric Partners KC, and president of the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, says that the startle or Moro Reflex is a normal neurological infantile reflex that disappears as the nervous system matures. “If you believe in evolution, there’s probably some reason why mammals and homo sapiens have this instinctual need to grasp, and if they’re falling, reach out to find something and grab on. Babies do that same kind of thing. If they feel like they are falling, they are going to throw their arms and legs out wide to find their caregiver and grab,” Dr. Mellick says. If you’re ever concerned about strange movements your baby makes, try to video record it, suggests Jennifer McBride, MD, internal medicine and pediatric specialist, Truman Medical Centers and Children’s Mercy. “Nine times out of 10, Baby won’t do the motion when in the office with us. If parents record it, I can see what the baby looks like when they are doing that movement and either reassure them or decide if we need to do something else,” Dr. McBride says.

October 2018 - Family Life

Funny breathing. Babies have breathing patterns that alarm many newbie parents. Physicians call it “periodic breathing of the newborn”—and it’s completely normal. “They will almost pant for a period of time and then they will pause for several seconds—several seconds in baby breathing seems like a really, really long time. Then, they take a deep breath, let out a deep sigh and they pant again,” Dr. Mellick says. Babies also often make lots of “gurgly, snorty sounds,” says Michael Greenfield, MD, internal medicine and pediatric specialist, Shawnee Mission Health. “This is pretty normal because babies have to breathe through their noses when they’re eating and a lot of babies have congestion so it will make their breathing sound much worse than it really is,” Dr. Greenfield says. Bless you! Just as babies make funny sounds when they breathe, they often sneeze, which leads parents to wonder whether their child suffers from allergies or is getting sick. “That’s just how the baby clears out his nose because babies can’t blow their noses like we can,” Dr. McBride says. Hiccups. Just like the rest of us, babies experience hiccups, which are sudden contractions of the diaphragm. Often a baby can get hiccups after a feeding. “Babies will hiccup for hours on end, which doesn’t bother them at all,” Dr. Greenfield says.

Advice Scaly scalp. Cradle cap, which is a greasy, yellowish, scaly rash on the head, may not look cute, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. Try brushing your baby’s hair or head once a day with a soft baby brush, which will help loosen the natural oils on the scalp to avoid buildup. Moisturizers like baby oil, mineral oil or coconut oil also can help. “If it seems to be getting worse or looking really red, that would be a time to see the pediatrician. It could be a sign that Baby is going to have eczema, which typically runs in families,” Dr. McBride says. Strange colored poop. Depending on whether babies are breast-fed or formulafed, the color of their poop can range from green and yellow to brown. Breast-fed babies will have more color variations because breastmilk is composed of mom’s diet. “I get worried if the poop is a gray color or lacking in the brown or green tones or if there is ever blood or red in the diaper,” Dr. McBride says. Difficulty pooping. Babies may appear to struggle when they go, but as long as their poop is soft and doesn’t look like pellets or rocks (a sign of constipation), parents needn’t worry. Babies can have dirty diapers anywhere from once a day to every few days. “Formula-fed babies don’t necessarily poop every day, and sometimes that concerns parents, but the body doesn’t process formula as fast as it does breastmilk,” Dr. McBride explains. If your little one is passing watery diarrhea, contact your doctor, as this can be a sign of an infection. Jeepers, creepers… It may look weird, but babies sometimes sleep with their eyes half open or appear as if their eyes are rolling around in their heads. “I don’t know that anyone knows why eyes roll around the head. It’s probably something to do with their sleep patterns. They don’t have well-organized R.E.M. sleep at that age,” Dr. Mellick says. Occasionally, your baby’s eyes may appear to cross, which is normal up to 18 months of age. If your baby’s eyes seem persistently crossed or turned in or out, however, talk with your physician.

October 2018 - Family Life

More zzz’s…pretty please? The most popular questions pediatricians field from tired parents have to do with sleep and when everyone in the family can get more of it. “Sleep is the holy grail of parenthood,” Dr. Mellick says. Babies generally don’t sleep for long periods of time because they need to eat every few hours. Their tiny tummies can hold only so much milk. “As they get older, they still need to eat frequently because they need a large volume to get the calories they need to grow,” Dr. Mellick says. By about 6 months, your baby should be sleeping for a seven- to eight-hour stretch. Wait, they changed. What is normal today probably won’t last because babies grow and change rapidly, but always consult your family physician with any concerns. “We’d rather you call with a question that isn’t really something to be alarmed about than miss something that is,” Dr. Mellick says.

Advice

Bounce Back After Baby By KERRIE MCLOUGHLIN

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Advice Bouncing back after having a baby means so much more than simply losing baby weight. You also have to do things like figure out how to relate to your friends without kids, how to deal with the advice of family members, how to get your brain back and more. I’ve been there five times and want you to know that not only can you get back to yourself, you can become a better version of you! Below are seven areas I found it important to give some focus.

FRIENDS. What a minefield! Maybe you have friends who are single, who aren’t able to have kids of their own or, worse, who don’t really like kids at all. Some of these friendships may experience strain after you’ve had your own baby. My best advice here is to feel them out. If they roll their eyes every time you talk about your new tiny love, you might need a break. Or maybe you need to pick a night to get out of the house and meet up with one these friends and at least attempt to talk about a few other things besides your baby! As for energy-sappers and naysayers (those moms who attack your parenting choices): consider putting them in the friend deep freeze. Replace them with the cool moms you’ll meet when you look up mom meet-up places online. You’ll find plenty of places to hang out with other moms while you catch up and grab a cup of coffee.

FAMILY. When my parents realized I was really serious about this attachment parenting thing, they wondered why I would ever do such a thing. After all, didn’t they raise me better than that?! But once they saw how the kids were thriving, they were on board. I hope you’re blessed with at least a few family members who offer encouraging (rather than condescending) advice. As for the rest you may encounter at family gatherings, practice smiling and saying, “Thank you for that advice. I’ll think about it.”

October 2018 - Family Life

MARRIAGE. Who is that guy you pass in the hallway in the middle of the night? You may crave a weekly date night, or neither of you may want to leave your new bundle at all just yet. Either way, you are perfectly normal. Everything I read tells my man and me we have to have date nights on a regular basis, but we don’t want to. We enjoy the challenge of sneaking moments to talk early in the morning while little ones sleep or hanging out on the deck while they’re watching a movie in the house. If you need that time completely away together as a couple, don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about it. If you prefer staying in, be sure to steal those sweet moments regularly.

BODY. It’s not always easy to pop in an exercise DVD and work out, especially on only a couple hours of sleep. I want to hug the person who coined the saying, “Nine months up, nine months down.” Why rush off the pounds when your body needs time to heal, and you need time to focus on your baby? While your baby is young and mostly stationary, consider it your excuse to be Rubenesque for a little while (i.e., enjoy those curves!). Because you probably don’t have access to a trainer, a chef and a team of nannies, once your baby is mobile, you get mobile, too. Push that little punkin on swings and in his stroller, chase him around, walk after him, play lots of hide and seek and peek-a-boo. During bath time, do some squats or lunges or pick up those arm weights. The days of long workouts may be over temporarily, so grab your exercise wherever and whenever you can get it!

Advice

MIND. I admit I have mommy brain for a good year after I’ve given birth. To keep your brain from turning to total mush, stay connected to current events, join online forums like Mothering.com, read if you love it, watch the news if it doesn’t freak you out. And if you just need to get it all out of your head, blogging has become a great way to connect with other moms while also using your brain during those late nights when you can’t sleep or during your baby’s nap time. Jill Smokler, author of the blog ScaryMommy.com, says, “I did find my blog to be a savior as far as keeping me connected to people.”

SPIRIT. To knock out both spirit and mind requirements, I like to take a laptop to a coffee shop, grab a drink and write. You may find renewal by spending time with girlfriends alone or exercising alone or just driving around in your car listening to music at full blast like you did pre-kids. If you aren’t big on going out with the girls, use that time off to do something else you love. It can be productive, crafty (scrapbooking), money making (parttime job) or something else (like shopping, a.k.a. “retail therapy,” or going to church alone sometimes).

FINANCIAL. Having a baby doesn’t have to break the bank, even if you decide to become a stay-at-home mom. Registering for simple things like diapers, wipes or formula is perfectly appropriate and will help you save money down the line. And don’t forget about online coupons because every little bit helps. When people ask what you need or what they can bring, don’t worry about telling them you need basic baby care items. Most people would rather bring something you truly need than just another rattle or onesie.

October 2018 - Family Life

Advice

Inside the NICU: Valuable Tips for NICU Parents Valuable Tips for NICU Parents By SARAH LYONS

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Advice Parents dream of that unforgettable moment when they hold their newborn baby in their arms for the first time. When Vicki Moore gave birth to a full term, 8-pound, 12ounce baby boy, she had no idea he would end up spending a week in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). “When you pack your hospital bag, you take for granted that you will give birth and be released the following day,” Moore says. “We did not expect to be in the NICU seven days.”

Work as a team “Remember you are part of your child’s medical team and that you all have the same goal,” says Jenifer Wilson of Kansas City, MO. The NICU staff’s main goal is the health and well-being of your child, but the parent plays a big part in Baby’s care, as well. “Ask as many questions as you can, then ask more,” says Jennifer Robinson of Olathe. “Ask about your baby’s condition and care, but also ask about resources available for financial and emotional support.”

Each year 10-15 percent of babies born in the United States are admitted to the NICU because of premature birth, heart defects, infection or breathing irregularities, according to Parenting.com. Soon after the birth of Moore’s son, doctors discovered he had a congenital heart defect and had been having neonatal seizures. He would need to be admitted to the NICU until he was stable.

NICU doctors save lives “I wasn’t prepared for some of the things we saw and neither was my husband. We could see the doctors working on babies to save their lives. Incredibly heartbreaking,” says Jenna Mrnak of Bowman, ND. NICU doctors are truly saving the lives of babies on a daily basis. Currently, the survival rate for NICU babies in the United States is 98 percent. Three decades ago, that number was closer to 25 percent. While babies’ struggles are heartbreaking to witness, the statistics are encouraging, and there's comfort in the knowledge that miracles happen in the NICU.

While parents do a lot to prepare for the birth of a child, learning about the NICU is typically not on the to-do list. In the United States alone, roughly half a million babies are admitted to the NICU each year. So to be best prepared, parents-to-be should educate themselves, and the true experts to learn from are parents who have been through the experience. The information they share gives you a glimpse into what you can really expect during a NICU stay. Here are some of the most valuable tips. Don’t give up hope The rule of thumb is that babies born prematurely will typically go home around their due date; however, this is not always the case. NICU babies have to learn to breathe, eat, suck, swallow and maintain their own body temperature before they are released. “Be patient with your baby’s progress. The ultimate goal is to bring home a healthy baby. Just take it one day at a time.” says Carrie Hamerle of Olathe. “They will come home when they are ready.” Katie Bain, whose daughter was born at 23 weeks gestation, says, “Never give up hope. When given statistics of survival rate or chances of your baby’s having one of many major health concerns or developmental delays, it can be hard to stay positive.” She recommends seeking out online support groups and blogs that are filled with positive outcomes. “You need to give yourself a lot of positive self-talk,” says Amanda Peters of Gardner. “If you can’t do that, surround yourself with people who can do that for you. For me, that meant reminding myself of others who have successfully made it through the NICU experience.”

October 2018 - Family Life

Four years ago, when I found out I was expecting triplets, I was told it was highly likely they would spend time in the NICU due to premature birth. I was so grateful to other parents for sharing their knowledge and encouragement with me as our family faced that challenging time. Our NICU experiences were one of the most difficult seasons my family has walked through. Even so, I find myself looking back fondly because I am more aware of how miraculous life is. It is a stressful place to be, but the NICU staff is there to do everything possible to get your baby well and home with your family.

Organize 10 beautiful ways to decorate pumpkins and squash From decorative place cards to striking accents and centrepieces, give your harvest table an uplift with these pretty DIYs.

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Perfect posey Make a cute vase by placing a drinking glass filled with flowers inside a hollowed-out pumpkin.

October 2018 - Family Life

Decorative place cards Give tiny pumpkins and gourds the royal treatment by painting them with liquid gilding. Cut a leaf shape out of card stock, punch a hole and attach with twine to create pretty name cards. Tip: You can find liquid gold leaf in most major craft stores.

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Vegetable vases A butternut squash makes a perfect centrepiece when hollowed out and filled with flowers (place a glass of water inside). Use painted twigs to add height to the arrangement. For best results, hollow out your squash and let it dry completely before painting.

October 2018 - Family Life

Instant centrepiece Set a modern harvest table with a simple kraft paper runner. Add decorative objects like gilded pumpkins or bright autumn leaves from your backyard to help set the mood. Keep dinnerware and linens simple for a contemporary look, or make things more formal with glamorous gold chargers and patterned plates.

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Lots of dots Get creative with your carving! Go for graphic patterns that are easy to do. Draw your design with a pen first, making sure to leave at least half-aninch of space between cut-outs, then use a drill to make your design.

October 2018 - Family Life

Colour blocking Use a hardware-store paint chip as your palette, and for contrast, pick colours a few shades apart. Experiment with texture, too: A matte finish has a contemporary feel, while glossy is more showy. Get this look: Paints, Cloud White, Blushing Bride, Rosy Blush, Benjamin Moore. Candlesticks, Ikea. Cake plate, Cynthia Findlay.

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Double-dipped Spray-paint small gourds and pumpkins white. Once dry, dip the bottoms in gold paint. Make sure your container is wide enough to fit the base of the pumpkin, and dip deeper on one side for an asymmetrical look. (We placed ours on empty egg cartons to let them dry, then flipped them upside down to let the bottoms fully cure.)

October 2018 - Family Life

Striking accents Look for pumpkin-carving tools at major retailers and hardware stores, or use a linoleum cutter to write initials or messages in calligraphy-style lettering. Display them as decorative objects on a mantel, or create a unique vignette. Inspiration can come from anywhere!

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Precious metal Use a tall candlestick as a pedestal and apply gold leaf and spray adhesive. You will need: One pumpkin, spray adhesive, gold leaf, a clean paintbrush. 1. Wash and dry pumpkin and spray with adhesive. 2. Lay foil over top, one piece at a time, smoothing down into creases with the paintbrush as you go. 3. Work your way around the pumpkin, and don't worry about crinkles — they add to the effect. Get this look: Gold leaf, spray adhesive, Michaels. Background paint, Normandy, Benjamin Moore.

October 2018 - Family Life

Mad about plaid Paint the pumpkin with the lightest colour first, then create your vertical stripes by following its natural indents. For your horizontal lines, slowly spin on a Lazy Susan. (And Don't use masking tape as a guide; it will remove your base coat.) Get this look: Paint, Cloud White, Blushing Bride, Rosy Blush, Pine Cone Brown, Benjamin Moore.

Family Life ‐ October 2018

The party in power, like Jonah's gourd, grew up quickly, and will quickly fall. - Davy Crockett

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Fall Favorites There are plenty of ways to celebrate apple season, but this might just be one of our favourites; there's nothing more perfect on a brisk fall day than a batch of classic apple crisp with a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream (just like Grandma used to make!). Photo, Erik Putz. Food styling, Ashley Denton. Prop styling, Emily Howes.

Apple Cobbler

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Peanut Butter Apple Crisp

October 2018 - Family Life

Apple Cobbler

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Apple Cobbler PREP TIME:15 MINS TOTAL TIME:55 MINS 3 Cortland apples , peeled, cut into 1/2-in. thick slices (about 4 cups) 3 Granny Smith apples , peeled, cut into 1/2-in. thick slices (about 4 cups) 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt 1/8 tsp nutmeg , (optional) Biscuit Topping 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tbsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup 2% milk 1/3 cup unsalted butter , melted For filling: Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. Transfer to an 8 × 8-in. baking dish. For biscuit topping: 1. Position rack in centre of oven, then preheat to 350F. 2. Whisk flour with sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Pour in milk and butter, then stir until just combined. 3. Dollop large spoonfuls of batter over apple filling in prepared baking dish. Flatten biscuits slightly, without fully covering all of the filling. 4. Bake until topping is golden and apples are tender, about 40 min. If biscuit is browning too quickly, cover with foil after 30 min. Let cool slightly. Serve warm with ice cream, vanilla pudding or whipped cream, if desired.

October 2018 - Family Life

Peanut Butter Apple Crisp PREP TIME:15 MINS TOTAL TIME:1 HOUR 3 Cortland apples , peeled, cut into 1/2-in. thick slices (about 4 cups) 3 Granny Smith apples , peeled, cut into 1/2-in. thick slices (about 4 cups) 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt 1/8 tsp nutmeg , (optional) Crisp Topping 1 cup large-flaked rolled oats 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 cup commercial crunchy peanut butter 1/4 cup cold, unsalted butter , cubed

1. For Filling: Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. Transfer to an 8 × 8-in. baking dish. 2. For Crisp Topping: Position rack in centre of oven, then preheat to 350F. 3. Stir oats with brown sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Using your hands, work in peanut butter and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle crisp topping evenly over apple filling in prepared baking dish. 4. Bake until top is golden and juice is bubbly around edges, about 40 min. Let cool slightly. Serve warm with ice cream, vanilla pudding or whipped cream, if desired.

Apple Crumble PREP TIME:15 MINS TOTAL TIME:1 HOUR 15 MINS 3 Cortland apples , peeled, cut into 1/2-in. thick slices (about 4 cups) 3 Granny Smith apples , peeled, cut into 1/2-in. thick slices (about 4 cups) 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt 1/8 tsp nutmeg , (optional) Crumble Topping 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans , (optional) 1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter , grated 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 tsp salt

For filling: 1. Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. Transfer to an 8 × 8-in. baking dish. For Crumble Topping: 1. Position rack in centre of oven, then preheat to 350F. 2. Stir flour with brown sugar, pecans, butter, vanilla and salt in a medium bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the mixture until it’s crumbly and has a sandy texture. Sprinkle topping evenly over apple filling in prepared baking dish. 3. Bake until top is golden and juice is bubbly around edges, about 40 min. Let cool slightly. Serve warm with ice cream, vanilla pudding or whipped cream, if desired.

Child's Face

Does you kid want to be a werewolf for Halloween? Or maybe he likes pretending to be a cat? Turn him into his favourite creatures with these fun and easy face-painting ideas. Photo, Erik Putz

Zombie Doll She’s ALIVE! This spooky look is surprisingly easy to do.

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Werewolf Your little wolf will howl with glee when he sees himself in the mirror. Hope it’s a full moon tonight.

October 2018 - Family Life

Unicorn Your kid will be the most magical trick-or-treater in the neighbourhood with this colourful look. Time to chase some rainbows.

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Lion Your little one is going to be one sweet lion— sorry, I mean ferocious lion! To complete his look, create a mane using yarn.

October 2018 - Family Life

Mermaid This dreamy mermaid makeup will definitely turn some heads. You can also add rhinestone stickers for a more regal look. After all, she is the queen of the sea. Family Life ‐ October 2018

Dog This year, Halloween is going to the dogs. This look is so easy, you’ll be done well before little Rover catches his tail.

October 2018 - Family Life

Bunny Hop! Hop! Here comes a fluffy pink bunny looking for treats. Let’s just hope she gets a bag full of candy and not just carrots.

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Butterfly This butterfly looks quite intricate, but it’s actually easy to do. You just need to buy a split cake paint palette from a craft store or online.

October 2018 - Family Life

Zombie Perfect the “undead” look with a combination of off-white, white and black paint.

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Cat A pair of ears and a couple quick strokes of a paintbrush and you’ve got yourself an adorable cat. Meow!

October 2018 - Family Life

Witch How can you turn your little cutie into an old witch? It’s actually quite easy. Just don’t forget her hat and broom.

Family Life ‐ October 2018

Food

Spooky Munch When you think of what kids need for healthy development— nutritious food, education, a loving home—play might not make the list. But it should. Photo, Erik Putz

Family Life ‐ October 2018

BOO-LICIOUS!

Haunted Cupcakes

Halloween can be so much more than store-bought candy. Here are some boo-tiful recipes that will get your family in the spirit. Photo, Erik Putz

Family Life ‐ October 2018

CandyCorn Apples

October 2018 - Family Life

Marshmallowand-Pretzel Skeleton Cupcakes

Family Life ‐ October 2018

CandyCorn Apples

October 2018 - Family Life

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Food

Marshmallowand-Pretzel Skeleton Cupcakes PREP TIME:1 HOUR TOTAL TIME:1 HOUR 94 yogurt-covered pretzels 24 small or medium marshmallows 24 white pipe cleaners , cut into 5-in. pieces 48 white pipe cleaners , cut into 1-in. pieces 24 large marshmallows black food-colouring pen 24 frosted chocolate cupcakes 1/4 cup chocolate-cookie crumbs

1. Thread a wooden dowel through the smallest opening of 4 pretzels to make the skeleton’s rib cage. Push a small or medium marshmallow onto the bottom of the dowel and slide halfway up to keep pretzels in place. 2. At the other end of the dowel, twist the centre of a 5-in. pipe cleaner to secure pretzels and make the skeleton’s arms. Twist a 1-in. piece of pipe cleaner at the end of each arm for hands. 3. Using kitchen scissors, make two angled cuts from the bottom to middle of a large marshmallow to make the skull’s chin. Snip two small pieces off the top to round off the skull. Use the black foodcolouring pen to draw a face. Insert the dowel into the bottom of the skull until it rests right above the arms. 4. Sprinkle cookie crumbs on frosted cupcakes. Insert the dowel into the top so the skeleton looks like it’s coming out of the cupcake.

October 2018 - Family Life

Candy-Corn Apples PREP TIME:1 HOUR TOTAL TIME:1 HOUR 45 MINS 12 small apples , stems removed 12 wooden dowels 2 1/2 cups white candy melts 1 1/2 cups orange candy melts 1/2 cup yellow coarse sugar 3/4 cup yellow candy melts

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Insert dowels into tops of the apples where stems used to be. 2. In a heat-safe 4-cup glass measuring cup, or a medium glass bowl, melt white candy melts in the microwave, stirring halfway through, 1 to 2 min. Holding an apple by its stick, dip into melted candy and turn to coat apple completely. Remove, turning to let excess drip off. Place on prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining apples. Let apples stand until candy is firm, about 15 min. 3. Melt orange candy melts in another glass measuring cup or bowl. Dip an apple two-thirds of the way into melted candy. Remove and let excess drip off. Return to prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining apples. Let stand until candy is firm, about 15 min. 4. Pour yellow sugar into a shallow bowl. Melt yellow candy melts in another glass measuring cup or bowl. Dip an apple one-third of the way into melted candy. Remove and let excess drip off. Dip apple into yellow sugar to coat. Return to prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining apples. Let stand until candy is firm, about 15 min.

Food

Cookie bat cupcake

Puffed-Rice Pumpkins

1 Oreo cookie, 2 Mini Oreo cookies, a knife, 1 white chocolate chip, 2 brown M&M Minis candies, icing

PREP TIME:25 MINS TOTAL TIME:35 MINS

1. Separate all the cookies into biscuit and cream halves. Cut the large biscuit in half for the wings. Cut the small biscuit in half for the ears. Cut chocolate chip in half for the fangs. 2. Press the candies onto the small cream halves as eyes. Press the ears onto the cream side of the large biscuit. 3. Flip the large biscuit over and attach the eyes and fangs with icing. Place bat on a frosted cupcake; prop up the bat’s body from behind with remaining mini cookies. Add wings beside the body.

October 2018 - Family Life

3 tbsp butter 5 cups mini marshmallows 1/4 tsp orange gel food colouring 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice , optional 6 cups puffed rice cereal green licorice , cut into 1-in. long strips

1. Spray 2 12-cup mini Bundt pans with oil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Heat a large non-stick pot over medium-low. Add butter, marshmallows, food colouring and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until marshmallows are melted, 3 to 5 min. Remove from heat and stir in cereal until it’s completely coated. 3. When mixture is warm (not hot), spray your hands lightly with oil, then working quickly, press 1⁄4 cup of mixture into Bundt wells. Let stand for 2 to 3 min. Remove from pan and gently press the flat sides of 2 halves together to form a pumpkin. Add licorice stems.

Food

Lollipop Ghosts Dressing up candy has never been so fun. All you need to do is drape your lollipops in tissues, tie them with a ribbon and draw on a face with black marker.

October 2018 - Family Life

Last Look

3 ways with chalkboard-paper runner 1.Instead of traditional place cards, write your guests’ names directly onto your chalkboard-paper runner. 2.Decorate your holiday table with festive doodles and quotes 3.Have guests sample anywhere from three to five wines, and provide light snacks between the tastings.

October 2018 - Family Life