Bunchland

What we’re reading today:

1. What happens when you don’t force kids to share? They work things out on their own.

2. Chris Nuttall-Smith in the Globe and Mail says he’s more afraid of hydrogenated palm kernel oil than the possibility of someone slipping a razor blade into his kid’s candy. He’s making his own candy this year.

3. How do you prepare kids with sensory issues for all the lights and sounds of Halloween?

4. The evolution of child-proofing.

5. Meet the world’s strongest baby:

Photo by Thien Gretchen via Flickr

An essential for the mad scientist’s lab, or Snape’s potions class

Is that cauliflower in that first jar, or preserved puppy brain? Tapioca pearls, or Nargle eggs?

With a few ambiguous-looking canned fruits, some sweet liquid, mason jars and faux-antique labels, make your guests some truly creepy treats. We think opening up the lychee jar anytime you need to garnish someone’s drink would be a good start. Hmm, what would you make the lychee jar label say?

Photo via Evilmadscientist.com

Catherine Romano blogs about crafty projects for kids and parents

This Halloween, we are planning a party. In addition to the usual spooky-themed loot bags and creepy looking desserts, I wanted to come up with a fun activity for parents and kids. Since we love to play dress-up (and I love to take pictures), I came up with a costume booth idea. The plan is to set up a designated area in my living room with costume pieces, a camera, and a photo printer.  Since the party isn’t happening until the weekend, I asked my little boy and husband to play the part of party goers for this post. Surprisingly, my little boy easily took on the role of a devil.

Take a look at what we did.

1. Set up the costume booth area.
2. Try on a few costumes.
3. Start snapping photos.
4. Print out the best photo, and voila, a special way to remember Halloween.  Read more...

He looks like a Viking, and has a power of a god. Behold: mighty Thor

Before the 2011 film painted Thor as an epic-bearded, heartbreakin’ hero, Thor was a product of Marvel comics in the silver age of the genre. Born in 1978, this character is the Thor of Norse mythology – the overall term for myths and legends about supernatural beings of Nordic countries. He has an alter ego, Donald Blake, through whom he treats the ill in private practice. As Thor, he’s friends with Zeus, eats golden apples to sustain his extended lifespan, and most importantly, wears a sweet costume. This summer’s blockbuster movie gave Thor a less primary coloured ensemble. Pick whichever Thor you prefer: Original comic book-style, or Chris Hemsworth.

Defining features: Long blond hair, red cape, hammer, Vikingness

You’ll need:  Read more...

• Beard (face paint)
• Winged helmet
• Red cape

What we’re reading today:

1. Teach your baby to use the phone! A 2-year-old in Houston called her grandmother when her mom collapsed, indirectly saving her life.

2. A new mom writes to Cary Tennis saying that she was always content with her lot before having a baby, but now that she and her husband had a kid, she can’t help but feel envy towards all the moms with better strollers and less money-related stress.

3. Broccoli news! New research shows that cruciferous veggies like the mighty broccoli have immune system boosting powers.

4. Are educational apps for 3-year-olds really educational?

5. Here’s Tim Curry doing what he does best:

Photo by La Grande Farmers’ Market via Flickr

What we’re reading today:

1. Who loves apples? Is there anyone who doesn’t? A history of apples is pretty cool.

2. Teenage boys (and girls) can be so gross!

3. There are some that think Halloween should be moved, from its fixed date of Oct. 31 to the last Saturday in October. Thoughts?

4. Did you hear about Turkey’s 2-week-old miracle baby? The baby girl was pulled out of the rubble from Sunday’s deadly earthquake.

5. How can you not love a swing dancing Spider-Man?

Photo by kightp via Flickr

We love this ritual so much, we’re declaring it a tradition

Last year, we created a ghosting kit to equip you with everything you need to create a reaction in your neighborhood the week leading up to Halloween.

If you’ve never heard of this totally underrated tradition, here’s the scoop: It’s sort of like nicky-nicky nine doors, but with added treats. All you need are two boo sheets and ghost pictures and two bags o’ treats. After dark, creep up to the doorstep, ring the bell, then run like you’re in junior high and just egged your teacher’s car.  Read more...