EDITOR’S NOTE

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COSTUME IDEAS FOR EVERYONE

When October 1 hits, people start feverishly searching for costumes that don’t require advanced crafting expertise or sewing skills. Luckily, we dreamed up more than a dozen for you (and your kids! and friends!) that come together with a few basic craft supplies and items that you have lying around in your closet. Pictured here: an easy “Under the Sea” ensemble that can readily expand to include more friends—add an extra jellyfish, an octopus, or a rainbow fish, so the whole family can trick-or-treat together! Visit realsimple.com/ groupcostumes for all of the simple how-tos.

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WHAT WAS YOUR MOST CREATIVE COSTUME?

When it comes to DIY disguises, our followers are the pros.

NOT SHOWN: THE BACK OF THE COSTUME FEATURES RED PAPER PLATES TO MIMIC THE LOBSTER TAIL.

Karen Dolyniuk

Dress all in black and pin mismatched socks all over your body. Voilà! You are the black hole in the dryer where socks disappear.

Karen WIndrow Finchum

Bubble gum ball machine! Clear trash bag filled with colored balloons and a “25 Cents” sign hung around my neck.

CarolFarmer Lowe

I went to work in sweats with rollers in my hair, carrying a TV Guide. I was a couch potato. Comfiest day of work ever.

TRENDING THISMONTH pinterest.com/realsimple

MUMMYBOWL

Make a spooky vessel using googly eyes and gauze. (Toilet paper works, too.)

BAT BOWL

With card stock and wire, you can transform a bowl of candy into a bat cave. High-flying fun for your Halloween party.

DIY THE BOWLS Visit realsimple.com/candybowls for the full tutorials.

Thank you.

Really,whatelsecanyousayafter13yearsin a jobthat has beenbetter—morefun,more surprising,anddefinitelylonger-lasting—than youcouldhaveexpected?

Iwrite thisduringahappy-sadweek, asitis mylastweekas theeditor of Real Simple. I’m happy because there is something uniquely thrillingaboutclosingyoureyesand jumping andnot knowingwhatthe landing is goingto feel like. Whichisexactlywhat I’mabout todo.AndI’m sad because Ileave behindthisworkfamilyand this brandthatI trulylove.

RealSimple hasenriched my lifeinmoreways than Icancount.Ihavelearned so muchfrom thecontent: thebestwayto pit an avocado, keep awhiteshirtfromyellowing,dispose of batteries, hidedarkunder-eyecircles,disciplinemykids.… Literallycountlesstipsandstrategies thatIwill useforthe restofmylife.

I havelearnedfrom Real Simple’scommitted, creative,hilarious,andextremelykindstaff thatto work togetherasa teamtowardashared goalisjust aboutthebestpossiblewaytospendyourdays.

And, finally,I havelearnedsomuchfromallof you, thosewho readthemagazineeverymonth andvisit ourwebsiteeveryday.Without knowing

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@KVANOGTROP

it,you’ve taughtmeabout human nature,about thedemandsof modernlife, about howsometimes a feeling ofcontrol—evenifit’sjustanillusion— isallyouneedto putone foot in frontof theother.

I haveno ideawhatmyfuturebrings,butI’m readyfor my blindfolded leap. Ifyou’recurious aboutmylanding,you canfindme(@kvanogtrop) onTwitter andInstagram.Asfor your future,I know thatyouwill continuetolove RealSimple. AndIwill be rightalongsideyou,onceaneditor andnowa grateful fan.