Halloween 2012 is around the corner and WHO will you be this year? There are so many possibilities! I have checked several websites to get some original ideas and here is what HalloweenExpress.com says are the top ten costumes in several different age groups for 2012.
The top ten costumes for infants are:
1) Minnie Mouse
2) Monster Boo
3) Snow White
4) Tom Arma Monkey 
Photo courtesy of HalloweenExpress.com
5) Plush Pumpkin
6) Iron Man
7) Tom Arma Skunk
8) Little Monster
9) Spider-Man
10) Owl 
Photo courtesy of HalloweenExpress.com
Spider-Man makes the top ten on several lists along with Iron Man and Captain America. No doubt due to the popularity of the blockbuster movie “The Avengers”. Some of the top ten in the Kids and Teen age group are Monster Bride, Angry Birds, The Hulk, Living Dead and Zombie costumes. AMC’s hit series “The Walking Dead” have made being a zombie or a zombie slayer really cool.
There is another category I can’t leave out and that is of our four-legged friends. Here at Camden Plantation, we are very pet friendly and I can’t wait to see how my neighbors are going to dress up their precious pets. Maybe I’ll see one of these below:
1) Zelda Bee 
Photo courtesy of HalloweenExpress.com
2) Where’s Waldo
3) Lady is a Tramp
4) Zelda Devil
5) Underdog
6) Elvis
7) Superman
8) Lady Dogga 
Photo courtesy of HalloweenExpress.com
9) Animal Planet Tortoise 
Photo courtesy of HalloweenExpress.com
10) Crayola Crayon
Whatever you plan to be this Halloween, having fun and being safe should be a priority! These Halloween safety tips are from the U.S Consumer Product Safety Council:
Design Costumes for Safety – Costumes should be of an appropriate length as not to trip on. The hem of the costume should not go lower than the tops of the shoes to avoid tripping. Use makeup instead of masks, if the holes will inhibit breathing or obstruct the child’s view.
Inspect all Treats – Teach children not to open or eat any treats until you inspect them first. Unwrapped or homemade items should be discarded unless you know the person it came from.
Only go to Neighbors You Know – The nice thing about apartment living is that you get to know your neighbors due to community meetings and activities. Instruct children walking alone to only visit neighbors in the apartment building that you know.
Carry a flashlight along your Walk - Avoid any trips, scrapes or bruises by carrying along a small flashlight.
If you don’t plan to dress up or attend any parties, you could decorate your front door or walkway for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. Make sure to stock up on candy and leave your lights on as long as your candy lasts. Most children are told to avoid apartments with no lights on for their safety.
Adults and teens need to think about safety as well. Since Halloween falls on a Wednesday this year, there may be more Halloween parties throughout the weekend prior to the 31st. Any adults attending a party where alcohol is being served should have a designated driver, or take a taxi to prevent drinking and driving. Parents of teens should make sure that alcohol is not available at teen Halloween parties. Parents need to know where and with whom their teens will be with on Halloween night. Have cell phones turned on and fully charged so you both can stay in communication.
Just by following these common sense practices should add an extra measure of safety for those families who would like to allow their children to trick or treat, and for those teens and adults who may be enjoying Halloween parties.
Have a fun and safe Halloween from all of us here at Camden Plantation!
