Pinkberry Halloween Costume

I've been dealing with Halloween drama after my tween decided to participate in a group costume. One bit of advice, if your daughter wants to participate in a group costume with fellow middle schoolers - say No!
This Pinkberry costume was last year's Halloween costume contest winner and reminds me of a better time. Happy Halloween to all the moms and dads who create handmade costumes, organize goody bags and stand in long lines at the party store to make Halloween memorable for their kids.

Pinkberry supplies
Stencil made using iron-on freezer paper
My trusty Janome sewing machine
Hat is a coiled white snake and bodice made of stiff cotton cloth
Add cherries from floral supply/Michael's to brushed cotton hat
Ta-dah. Finished yogurt top with cherries.

10 Scary Movies for Parents

Here is a list of movies to scare parents. Movies with evil children as defiant teens, vengeful ghosts and homicidal maniacs. Happy Halloween to all the moms and dads who make Halloween memorable for their kids.
1. Rosemary's Baby (1968) by Roman Polanski
Mia Farrow has her worst pregnancy fears realized and gives birth to a baby only a mother a could love.
2. The Omen (1976) by Richard Donner
5 year old Damien is the Antichrist on a tricycle. Jerry Goldsmith's haunting "Ave Satani" theme song is unforgettable.
3. The Brood (1979) by David Cronenberg
Divorce, psychoanalysis and a mother's anger run amok. This gory and grotesque film is an early masterpiece by directing genius David Cronenberg.
4. Orphan (2009) by Jaume Collet-Serra
Married couple adopt a 9 year old Russian orphan who resembles Wednesday Adams. She is very mature for her age and quickly becomes daddy's little girl.
5. The Good Son (1993) by Joseph Ruben
Home Alone's Macaulay Culkin as a pint sized psychotic killer.
6. Children of the Corn (1984) by Fritz Kiersch
This Stephen King classic has inspired one TV and 6 film sequels. Beware of He Who Walks Behind the Rows.
7. Kill, Baby. . . Kill! (1966) by Mario Bava
Ghost story by Italian master of horror Mario Bava, in all its English dubbed glory.
8. Thirteen (2003) by Catherine Hardwicke
Because there's nothing scarier than a rebellious teenage girl falling down the slippery slope.
9. Kids (1995) by Larry Clark
Disturbing and graphic portrait of sex, drug and alcohol abuse among a group of NYC kids. Film stars young Chloe Sevigny and Rosario Dawson.
10. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) by Mel Stuart
Film adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder. This classic film predicts today's child-centric society gone mad. Spoiled brats gets their comeuppance with the help of the Oompa-Loompas.

Bicycle Tees

I'm still feelin' the bicycle love after Sunday's CicLAvia. Here are a few bicycle goodies to keep your CicLAvia smile going.
Official CicLAvia t-shirt
Toddland men's t-shirt from Urban Outfitters
10 Speed Sock from Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters also has an online Bike Shop selling custom Republic Bicycles, super chic Dutch bikes.

Los Angeles Ciclavia Street Fest

Today Los Angeles held its first Ciclavia. Young & old came out to play in car free city streets. Bicycles were everywhere! In car obsessed LA, it was beautiful to see families and little kids riding their bicycles and scooters in the street. Ciclavia was a big success and a great day for Los Angeles.

Sesame Street Bike Tote

Found this adorable canvas tote at American Apparel. The sight of Big Bird, Prairie Dawn, Ernie and Elmo riding a tandem bicycle makes me smile.