I can’t wait until Halloween! Last year I raised the bar pretty high. I got the bright idea to go from simply passing out candy to turning my garage into a miniature haunted house. Pretty cool, right? That’s the blueprint on the left. Basically I hang up large black vinyl drop cloths to create a short dark maze, add a lot of flashing lights (purple circles) and smoke from a fog machine, play some scary music in the background, and then add in as many props as I can. Oh yeah, and my Dad occasionally jumps out at you from around the corner (skulls).
The haunted house was a big hit last year from small children to adults, so I’ve made several improvements and we’re going full steam ahead again this year. Unfortunately, as much as I’d love to share pictures, all the ones I took of the night turned out terrible because it was either too light outside (and it would just look like a bunch of garbage bags draped in my garage) and not scary, or too dark at night and you couldn’t see anything. We’ll have to see if I can do better on Wednesday!
Blog News:
A big thanks to Michelle over at Making Sense of Cents for publishing my guest post Why Does It Always Rain When I Travel? No, I promise it wasn’t just a rambling where I complain about the weather. I was actually using the situation of turbulent travel conditions as a metaphor for overcoming the challenges in your life as opposed to playing the victim.
This week my main posts will have a Halloween theme to them. Hopefully that’s not too cheesy. I hope you enjoy them!
Link Love – Blogs You Should Check Out:
In case you missed them, here are a few great stories you should check out this weekend:
- Veronica from Pelican on Money writes an incredibly honest post entitled I Am a Monster. No you’re not Veronica.
- Justin from The Family Finances re-evaluates his blogging goals in Getting Back On Track. We’ve all been there – keep up the good work man!
- Elizabeth from Broke Professionals celebrates advancing her career I’m A Bonafied Professional: Finding Financial Independence. Good job Elizabeth!
- There was a terrific guest post from Todd Mayfield on Work Save Live entitled Boys Becoming Men: It Doesn’t Happen On Accident. Outstanding perspective!
Carnivals:
MyMoneyDesign was featured in the following personal finance carnivals this week:
- Yakezie Carnival
- Financial Carnival for Young Adults – 35th Edition
- Money Pros Carnival
- Lifestyle Carnival- 25th Edition
Thanks again to all my new and returning visitors. I really appreciate your support and hope you continue to enjoy my site!
Posts This Week:
1) Confessions and Resume Screening Tips from Someone Who Interviews
2) Using a Flexible Spending Account to Get Another Tax Break in Your Paycheck
Image Credit: MMD
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Thanks for the guest post this week! and the haunted house at your house sounds awesome, what a great idea.
Michelle recently posted..Improving your Alexa Rank and Weekly Roundup
You’re very, very welcome! And thanks for the compliment on the Haunted House. Hopefully the weather perks up just enough for the kids to have some fun.
That’s so cool you do the haunted house in your garage! I’ll be the kids love it. Yeah, I just pass out candy, but my neighborhood gets really into Halloween, which I love!
Budget & the Beach recently posted..My Skype Job Interview
I would love it if my neighborhood got into Halloween! Hope you have fun with it this week!
Wow you really go all out on Halloween?! Awesome! I love the idea of having a miniature haunted house … in your house! Do you play that theme song from movie “Halloween”? Haha, that would be awesome. Once people get through the maze you are greeting them with Michael Myers mask on and a huge “fake” blade. Mwuahahaha!
Thanks for including my post and your support. <3
Veronica @ Pelican on Money recently posted..LinkLuv Friday, Poetic Edition
As a matter of fact … I do have a CD of scary movie theme songs like Poltergeist, Halloween, Psycho, etc. Just put that baby on repeat and you’ve got a great soundtrack for the night!
A Philip Glass CD also works just as well! (possibly the scariest composer I’ve ever heard …)
One day, I will be as awesome of a parent as you are! I carve pumpkins, I dress up and take the kids out, I make spooky treats and drinks, and we’ve even thrown big Halloween parties, but never have we attempted a haunted house. So cool! Your dad is a brave man. I’d be afraid that someone would get scared and punch me in the face if I jumped out at them in a narrow, dark hallway!
Michelle @ See Debt Run recently posted..What Does Payday Mean to You?
Thanks Michelle! Though all those things are also really great too – especially the throwing of Halloween parties! My Dad doesn’t do anything too crazy, so no big risk. What’s funny is after the kids come back, they get in on the action also.
Oh, my gosh….super cool. I loved visiting the DIY haunted houses while I was trick or treating. Well, one time when I was six I cried a bit. But after that year I was good.
femmefrugality recently posted..Burgh Halloween Parties
Well then I’ll try not to scare any six year olds! I’ve been very impressed with DIY haunted houses also, which is what inspired this. Its very selfless – nothing to gain and everything to give. Plus its fun!
I love your haunted garage idea. That’s neat. Thanks for the inclusion this week!
Justin @ The Family Finances recently posted..Friends of the Family: Weekend In Bloomington Edition
Thanks Justin! You’re very welcome.
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