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I always feel like I have to preface my posts about children by saying that I'm not a mom yet, unless you count dogs and cats! However, I've heard from a number of parents that these three gifts are a must when you are purchasing things for your children each year. So, here are the three types of gifts you should include under the tree for your kids this year. SOMETHING THEY WANT
With that being said, sometime children will want something that is outrageously expensive and just kind of out of the question. This might include a new cellphone, laptop, gaming device, etc. Have them identify something they really want in different price ranges so that you and family members can give them at least one thing from their wish list. SOMETHING THEY NEED
I can tell you as someone who regularly received clothing items and necessities that I always loved wearing my new stuff as soon as possible. As an adult, I'm thrilled to receive things like socks, shoes, and clothing items. With that being said, it might not be clothes that your children need. Maybe they need something for school or work like a new bag or even a piece of technology! SOMETHING EDUCATIONAL
If you don't know what that is, it is basically a word game that gives you a funny story. You have to ask your group for different types of words like nouns, verbs, adjectives, and more. You fill in the blanks and get to read a funny, custom story. These are always fun and are educational. Educational things could also include books or other educational games. That's it! Those are the three things that I think you should include under the tree this year for your child. Do you think I'm missing a category? Drop it in the comments below!
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Christmas is approaching, and stocking stuffers are usually the last thing that families purchase for the season. But, sometimes stocking stuffers can be some of the most difficult things to buy. These little gifts are usually very small and inexpensive. So today, I want to tell you the five type of stocking stuffers you should get for your family this year. 1: ESSENTIALS
2: MAKEUP
3: CANDY
4: LITTLE GADGETS
5: SMALL-AMOUNT GIFT CARDS
That’s it! So, what do you hope to find in your stocking? What are some of the things that you like to put into your family members’ stockings?
'Tis the season of giving. During this time of year, you may find yourself receiving a gift that doesn't fit your body or personality, you simply can't use, or you find that someone else could use more than you. Some people likely were taught growing up that re-gifting something is tacky or rude. However, today I want to share with you five reasons why I believe re-gifting is OK. Let's get into it: 1: IT'S NOT BECAUSE YOU'RE UNGRATEFUL
2: SOMEONE ELSE WILL TREASURE IT MORE
3: YOU'RE USUALLY NOT RE-GIFTING A GIFT THAT WAS |
| Most of the time, if someone gave real thought and careful consideration into a gift for you, it won't be something you want to give away. In my experiences, re-gifting typically happens from office parties or when relatives you really have no relationship with always get you something you simply can't use. For example, I remember growing up that my dad's side of the family would almost always buy my brother and I |  |
clothes that didn't fit us. In my brother's case, they would buy him a t-shirt from Walmart (not knocking the place, just trying to indicate that it wasn't super expensive) for a sports team that he hated.
We usually had friends or people at our church who would appreciate those as little gifts.
We usually had friends or people at our church who would appreciate those as little gifts.
4: IT CAN HELP THE ENVIRONMENT
 | The environment is essential to everyday life. As humans on this earth, it is our job to help protect something as vitally important as the environment. Re-gifting can make a small impact on our environment by reducing items that are bought and manufactured. |
Brands rely on a demand to manufacture items and their packaging. If we all re-gifted those items that did suit us, there would be less manufacturing and we could potentially help those working in horrible conditions in sweat shops around the world.
5: IT SAVES MONEY
| Last but not least, re-gifting can help you save some money around the holidays. You won't have to invest in purchasing as many presents. As sort of mentioned previously, this should be done with gifts that you obviously can't use. However, if you have a holiday white elephant party to go to and you happen to have a gift that doesn't work for you, wrap it up and put it in the exchange! |  |
What are your thoughts on re-gifting? Is it tacky or do you think it is OK?
Thanksgiving can be a tough time of the year for a lot of people. Whether you are without your family, struggling financially, or dealing with difficult family members, the holiday might not be as joyous as you intend it to be.
Today's post will go over four things you should remember when celebrating Thanksgiving:
Today's post will go over four things you should remember when celebrating Thanksgiving:
1. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AROUND TOXIC PEOPLE
 | For generations and generations, it has been a familial obligation to come to holiday celebrations. However, the millennial generation and those following it are finally recognizing that damaging your mental health to see toxic family members is no longer an option. |
I remember going over to my dad's mother's home for Thanksgiving and there was always an issue every year. One year, my cousin brought her boyfriend who had been physically abusing her. Another year (this could have been at Christmas), someone was smoking weed outside.
To me, that part of my family was and is toxic, so I don't visit them anymore. You should never feel obligated to see anyone. It hurts my heart that some people even go to Thanksgiving dinners with their abusers because they're expected to. Do yourself a favor and address the concerns or hang back and celebrate on your own.
To me, that part of my family was and is toxic, so I don't visit them anymore. You should never feel obligated to see anyone. It hurts my heart that some people even go to Thanksgiving dinners with their abusers because they're expected to. Do yourself a favor and address the concerns or hang back and celebrate on your own.
2. YOU DON'T HAVE TO ENGAGE IN DEBATE THAT YOU KNOW WILL RESULT IN ARGUMENTS
| The Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables have been a hotbed of debate for years and years. When someone says something to bait you into a debate, the best thing you can do is tell them you aren't engaging and leave it at that. Pop in your headphones, be excused, something. |  |
Your family should respect you just as much as they respect your Uncle Judd. If they don't, then you have every right to make yourself comfortable.
3. IF YOU DON'T HAVE MONEY TO CELEBRATE, YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING
 | Thanksgiving is a traditional holiday. With it comes expectations of a grand meal, which can be expensive. But, don't feel obligated to make a huge, fancy, expensive meal this year if you don't have the money for it. You can always do your Thanksgiving gatherings as a potluck of sorts. |
Each invitee would bring a side or dessert so that you can all share the financial burden of the holiday.
4. BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING MIGHT NOT ACTUALLY BE A GOOD DEAL
| I have a lot I can say about Black Friday, so I might make a different post THIS Friday. However, let me just say that there are some good Black Friday deals and some bad ones. Be mindful that you are nearly trampling and killing someone a mere hours after saying how thankful you are for what you have! |  |
I’ve seen a number of people doing this challenge where they post something they are thankful for each and every day. Well, I’m still working on my discipline. I tend to start things a lot and forget one day and just decide not to continue. It is a bad habit, but I’m trying to get better.
So, I figured today, and Thanksgiving is nearing and it is, after all, a season of thanks, I would post a blog about the thirty things I’m thankful for this year. Be advised that I’m always thankful for these things, but ‘tis the season to share it with the world.
So, I figured today, and Thanksgiving is nearing and it is, after all, a season of thanks, I would post a blog about the thirty things I’m thankful for this year. Be advised that I’m always thankful for these things, but ‘tis the season to share it with the world.
1. JESUS
 | In the past year, I've really been able to cultivate and grow my relationship with God and appreciate Jesus' sacrifice more. I'm thankful for everything God has brought me through, and I'm looking forward to continuing to cultivate my mind and heart through worship and service to others. |
2: MY HUSBAND, JONATHAN
| This dude is one of my best friends. That's how our relationship started, as friendship. For every person listed on this post, it will be hard to sum up in a few lines why they mean so much to me. Jonathan loves me unconditionally and is always there for me to listen when I'm having a rough day or just need to talk. I thank God for him every day! |  |
3. MY MOM, SUSAN
 | My mom is one of my biggest cheerleaders and confidants. She always listens to my problems, offers advice, and tells it how it is. I used to HATE it when she did that, but her words always make more sense as time ticks on. She's also one of my biggest inspirations. She's been through so much physically and emotionally, and she's still standing. I can thank my mom for so many things, and she knows all about them. Love you mom! I'm so thankful for you! |
4. MY BROTHER, TREY
| My brother and I have always had an interesting relationship. We fought like cats and dogs when we were younger but, as the years have flown by, I always enjoy hanging out with him or talking to him. Even when we were growing up, he always stood up for me when someone did something mean. Trey, I really appreciate all that you do. Thank you for taking care of Mom and Nana. I know you have the wanderlust spirit and I know you'll be traveling again someday. |  |
5. MY NANA
 | My Nana is no doubt a handful and we often have issues with her. She has dementia but is able to still function on her own for the most part. While the years have made it harder and harder to be close to her, she has done a lot of me. From picking me up after school, watching Iron Chef with me, and even helping to pay for part of my college education, she's always been someone I've been thankful for. |
6. MY IN-LAWS
| Whenever you marry someone, you also marry their family. Getting used to how another family works can be tough. However, help from my father-in-law has saved us on more than one occasion. We always tend to leave their house with some fresh-grown veggies from my mother-in-law, and I always love hearing Jonathan laughing with his brothers! |  |
7. MY FRIENDS
 | I have a pretty small friend group. Aside from Jonathan, my best friends are Jeremy, Lauren, Tyler, and Paige. I met all of them in college. I love that, despite having busy lives, living far from one another, and forgetting sometimes to message each other back, we all still love and support one another. I miss them all like crazy when they aren't around. I love you guys. If it wasn't for you, I never would have made it through college. |
8. MY JOB
| I usually like to keep work and my blog and content separate, but I don't think its an issue since I am BRAGGING about my job a little! My job has given me so many opportunities. I've met people like Ruby Bridges and Cal Ripken Jr. I've had the opportunity to see concerts from people like Nick Jonas and T-Pain, Hunter Hayes, and B.o.B. I love what I do and the amazing people I get to meet, plan for, and advertise on social media. This job lets me be creative. No job is perfect, but this one has really helped me develop my skills. |  |
9. MY CHURCH
 | This photo is from Trunk or Treat this year. I love that we are finally a part of a church that gives us such meaningful and impactful sermons each time we are there. We LOVE going to church now. On top of it all, this church is super involved in the community and puts on free events throughout the year in an effort to assist the homeless and underserved people in our area. I love that. I love that this church takes community and serving others so seriously and I look forward to growing with this church! |
10. MY BLOG
I've always been passionate about writing and I love that this blog allows me to express myself through words.
11. OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
| If you didn't know, my husband and I have a YouTube channel together. I love posting videos (which are normally posted every Tuesday and Thursday). I've had this channel for what seems like forever, but I'm finally posting consistently. Please go subscribe and let me know if I can support you in any way! |  |
12-14. OUR HOME, CARS, AND FOOD
It is easy to take these blessings for granted. Having a home, working cars, and food is such a blessing, especially when you've been in a position where you haven't had some of those things.
15. MAISEL
 | I adopted Maisel during a difficult time in my life. My Grandy was really sick and it was around Christmas. I knew that Jonathan always wanted a dog, and I thought it was a good time to get one. She is still in her puppy phase. She tears things up on occasion and pulls when she's on her leash. But she is actually a really good girl. She seemed to be leash trained and crate trained when we got her. Even though she can be annoying at times, it's all worth it when she curls up next to us in bed or when she rolls over for some tummy rubs. I love her lots! |
16. RUM TUM
| This is the queen of our house. She has been for years. I love Rum Tum. I always wished that she would be more affectionate, but she is a pretty mild-mannered cat. She will let you hold her and she doesn't bite. She likes to play with her toys and adjusted to the addition of a dog fairly easily. I love her, even though I share my office space with her liter box! |  |
17. REMINDERS OF MY GRANDY
 | I am and always will be thankful for my grandfather, who I always have called Grandy. He was like my father. Unfortunately, we lost him this past April. However, he knew how much we loved him and we knew how much he loved us. I love seeing little reminders of him. It's so crazy, but every time a memory creeps into my brain, I tend to see a Monarch butterfly. Sometimes it is when I'm letting Maisel out to use the bathroom, other times it is literally when I'm barreling down the highway! |
18. THE MILLENNIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
| A few months ago, I and about 12 other millennials in my city were named to the inaugural Millennial Advisory Commission. That's right, ya girl is a commissioner at age 26. I love this commission because it has ignited a passion in me that I didn't even know I had. I'm even considering writing an eBook on Millennial concerns and various topics. We are still in our beginning stages, but I'm so looking forward to making some lasting impressions on our community and in the lives of our fellow Millennials. |  |
19. THE FAYNC BLOGGER NETWORK
 | I've had the amazing opportunity this past year to be connected with the Fayetteville NC Blogger Network. Basically, a group of talented local bloggers and YouTubers who cover area events, fashion, lifestyle, military spousal support, and much more. This photo is from a photoshoot by the guy in the left corner, Tim Ellis. He is a hugely talented photographer who take the MOST BOMB pictures of his beautiful and inspiring wife, LaNatria Ellis! I've loved watching her being recognized by huge brands and I always enjoy her Monday Motivationals where she gives tips for growing artists. I always love the posts and support from TheMrsTee and all of the other bloggers in our Network. |
20. MY READERS AND FOLLOWERS
Seriously, thank you! I sometimes get sad when I feel like my content isn't reaching many people. But then I get a follow here or there. I get likes or comments. It makes me feel great!
21. TIKTOK
| Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I could have so many likes and follows on a social media app. Thanks to TikTok, I've gotten new subscribers on YouTube and I've been able to interact with a ton of great people. If you have a TikTok, you should follow me. Drop your username in the comments and I'll follow you back as soon as I see it! |  |
22. COFFEE
Seriously, the nectar of God. Couldn't function without it!
23. CROCKPOTS
I've been really thankful for these this year. Jonathan's work schedule is kind of everywhere. This makes for easy cooking and clean up almost every day!
24. OUR MILITARY
 | Our military does so much to protect us. Sometimes I wish we didn't put our military at risk when they don't need to be, but I understand that we as a nation tend to look out for others as well, and that's not always a bad thing. I pray for our military and the leaders of our government each and every day. Thank you all! |
25. LITTLE SURPRISES
I love little surprises. They often make my entire day. Yesterday, in fact, Jonathan bought me a slushee from the gas station. It was so random and cute. It made me so happy. He even got the one I liked.
26. EACH AND EVERY DAY
Each and every day is a gift, and I'm learning that more and more as I continue to grow up.
27. MY MIND AND OCCASIONAL SANITY
I'm thankful that I have a working mind that can think logically. I'm thankful that my mind is continuing to develop and learn. I'm also thankful for those moments where I don't feel stressed or anxious. Those occasional moments of sanity make my day sometimes.
28. FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Making a little extra money here and there is always a blessing. I took a break for about a month on my Fiverr page, but I'm back and ready to work once again. Let me know if you need any freelance writing for dirt cheap. But, if you're a blogger, I would love to collab to help one another out. Reach out to me via email at TheOpinionatedOneOfficial@gmail.com!
Part of me feels like October flew by, but the other half of me feels like it lasted forever. Either way, I got to try a ton of things in October that I really loved. Without further ado, here they are:
BLUE CHEVRON ZULILY ONESIE
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My mom is still recovering from her ankle and foot injury, and she had purchased this adorable onesie from Zulily.
However, due to her cast, it was a bit hard for her to wear, but not impossible. She wanted to give it to me, so I actually was able to wear it toward the end of this month. It was SO adorable, and I got a lot of compliments on it. As you can see in the picture, the crotch area is baggy. It's like wearing PJs to work, which I'm always in favor of. I liked the way it looked when it was paired with my jean jacket, although I'm sure a cozy cardigan would still look great with it! The biggest struggle was shoes, but I just paired it with some nude flats! |
A WHOLE BRAND NEW OUTFIT!
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My mom always kills it when she picks out birthday gifts for me. The accessories with this outfit were chosen by her.
The sweater is super comfy and I wear it pretty much whenever I can. ​I'm sad that you can't see the shoes very well, but they are tie up chunky heels that are beige with black dots to make them look like leopard print. Lastly, I got the dress off of Rosegal.com for about $19. It is comfy and fits pretty well! |
PRETTY THINGS AND FAIRY WINGS BRUSH COLLECTION FROM TARTE COSMETICS
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I've been getting into makeup more and more lately, and I realized that I don't really use the brushes for what they're intended to be used for. For my birthday this year, I decided to get a proper brush set and I've been loving the results.
My favorite out of this set is probably the purple one, which is for highlight. I didn't actually have a highlighter brush in my small collection already, so I've been loving the look it gives when I use the right applicator! |
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TARTE SHAPE TAPE MATTE FOUNDATION
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A month or two ago, I trie dout the Shape Tape Hydrating foundation, but this time I wanted to try the matte version.
I must say that I like this one better. I think it would be best to know your skin type before you purchase, because I think that matte foundation works out best for me. Like I said with the last one, I love the applicator, although it does make it kind of difficult to put the foundation everywhere easily. I still love it and it has a great coverage, in my opinion! |
NYX LIQUID CREAM LIPSTICK IN SHADE ALIEN
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When Halloween was coming around, I knew I wanted to find a good (but cheap) black lipstick that I could wear for the holiday season.
I really like the Nyx formula, as it seemingly matted down, at least for me. I will say that, like a lot of darker lipsticks, this doesn't like to stick in the inner part of the lip, so you can have a pink rim showing on the inside. Not great if you're a fan of duck lips, for sure! Still, for $7, it did the job and did it well! |
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I was searching my brain and memories for some other scary thing that happened to me, and this was the first little story that I thought of. It actually ended up having a good ending, but it might not have.
Thanks to some good people, I was able to get to my destination safely and get home without a problem. So, let me tell you the story:
Thanks to some good people, I was able to get to my destination safely and get home without a problem. So, let me tell you the story:
 | Around Christmas every year, my Sunday School teacher had a get-together at her house in the evening. At the event, we would eat food, play games, and exchange gifts. I can't remember exactly when it had started, but I know that it was pitch black on the road whenever I was traveling. This was my first time riding to her house, and I was super afraid of being lost. Directions were still coming on my phone back then, but they weren't as accurate as they are today. |
My navigation system tells me that my turn is coming up, but I can't see anything. By the time I see the extremely faded road sign for her road, I had already passed it. So, I decided it was time to find a road on the right so I could turn back around and get back to the road.
| As I said, I was using my phone's navigator, but it wasn't as good and accurate as they are now. I saw on my phone that there was a road coming up to the right. According to the picture, I was right on it, so I started to veer to the right to make a wide U-turn. However, when I had done that, I went off the road. I quickly whipped my car around in an attempt to make the U-turn anyway. However, when I did, I found myself stuck.  |  Now, keep in mind that it was pitch black. All I could see was what was illuminated by my headlights. I managed to make the U-turn, but ended up just off of the blacktop road and in sticky mud where my tired quickly began to sink. I was driving a van and it was winter. I was all alone, never having any car issues before. I did all I could think to do and called my Sunday School teacher and my mom. |
But, while I was on the phone with my mom, two men approached the car. Naturally, I was worried because I was along and they were older than me. I have always been taught that you shouldn't communicate with strangers, and that's even with your parents with you. I was all alone.
I heard my voice shaking when I told them that I was fine and that someone was going to come help me. They hadn't been sent by anyone, they were just passing by. I was on the phone with my mom and told her that two guys had approached and offered to help me get out of the ditch. My mom asked to talk to them and she agreed that they could help.
I heard my voice shaking when I told them that I was fine and that someone was going to come help me. They hadn't been sent by anyone, they were just passing by. I was on the phone with my mom and told her that two guys had approached and offered to help me get out of the ditch. My mom asked to talk to them and she agreed that they could help.
| They were able to get me out and I was able to get to my Sunday School teacher's house without a problem. I told them about the men when I got there and they told me that some handy men who also do some towing lived around the area. I think my family knew them, too. I hope that they didn't bill them after that, but, from my understanding, they were just helping someone in need. My mom reads my posts, and I'm sure she can clarify if I was wrong. |  |
And that's how a scary night turned into a happy story!
Halloween is a great time of the year, but sometimes our pups get overlooked. Today, I want to share with you four Pinterest pins of healthy and tasty fall dog treats you can make for your furry friend!
1: PUMPKIN DOG TREATS
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Give your dog a taste of fall flavor with a deliciously soft and chewy pumpkin treat. All you'll need for this tasty recipe is some peanut butter, pumpkin puree, flour, and eggs.
You can make them into bone shapes easily with a mold! The treats, according to the original pinner, last about a week without refrigeration. However, if you want to keep them for a longer amount of time, you can always freeze them. The best part about this and some of the other recipes on this post is that they are usually much cheaper to make than it is to buy more expensive alternatives from the store. If you try this, let me know! |
2: BAKED APPLE CHIPS
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This is one tasty treat that you and your dog can enjoy together.
I didn't realize how much my dog Maisel liked apples until I started making apples and peanut butter one of my afternoon snacks. For this recipe, you simply cut up your apples into apple rings, sprinkle some cinnamon, and bake them at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour on each side until they are nice and crisp. This will no doubt add a nice crispy snack into your dog's day, and you might find yourself munching on them throughout the season. Apple chips or dried apples are some of my favorite snacks! |
3: SKULL AND CROSSBONES FROZEN TREATS
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I don't know how the weather is currently feeling where you live, but I live in the Southeastern part of the U.S. It's still pretty hot day in and day out.
One awesome treat from this list of 15 homemade Halloween dog treats are the skull and crossbones frozen treat. This treat features a blend of yogurt, kale, and blueberries for a nice and healthy frozen treat that is completely on brand with this spooky holiday. I know that my pup would love to enjoy a frozen treat after spending some time outside this season. What do you think? Would your dogs like this treat during the Halloween season? |
4: PEANUT BUTTER, OATMEAL, AND BANANA DOG TREATS
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Most of my family loves peanut butter, my dog included! Around the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas seasons, I usually find myself making more and more peanut butter cookies!
I happen to know that my dog is just as much of a foodie as I am, so I know she will enjoy a treat like this! All you need for this treat recipe is peanut butter, oats, and banana, believe it or not! You can keep these tasty snacks in an air-tight container for about a week, but I doubt they'll even last that long! This treat is something I could see myself eating. On a side note, does anyone have a dog who doesn't like peanut butter? If so, let me know in the comments or over on social media! |
10/14/2019
SHOULD YOU BE A TRICK-OR-TREAT STOP THIS YEAR? 3 QUESTIONS THAT WILL GIVE YOU YOUR ANSWER
Read NowAs you’ve probably guessed, Halloween and fall are my favorite times of the year. I love watching horror movies, playing with Halloween makeup, and watching the season change.
One thing I also love to do is pass out candy to trick-or-treaters. One of my favorite YouTubers, Grav3yard Girl, passes out massive amounts of candy each year. I love watching her do her candy and prizes haul and her “assembling the goodie bags” video each and every year.
One thing I also love to do is pass out candy to trick-or-treaters. One of my favorite YouTubers, Grav3yard Girl, passes out massive amounts of candy each year. I love watching her do her candy and prizes haul and her “assembling the goodie bags” video each and every year.
But I’ve noticed that my neighborhood isn’t the best for trick-or-treating, which really stinks because I love to do it.
So, to help you save money and time, I want to give you some things to think about when you start planning your Halloween night.
So, to help you save money and time, I want to give you some things to think about when you start planning your Halloween night.
1: ARE THERE A LOT OF CHILDREN IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
| One thing you need to ask yourself is if there are a lot of children in your area. Our first year in our neighborhood, we got maybe two trick-or-treaters the whole night. I was so disappointed, especially because I had purchased so much candy to hand out. The truth is that most families will take their children to a number of neighborhoods during Halloween. It won’t hurt for you to skip out this year if there aren’t many children in your area. |  |
2: DO YOU ENJOY HANDING OUT CANDY?
 | For me, the answer is yes. But for others, they feel obligated. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where there are a ton of children, or there are at least a ton of trick-or-treaters each year. If you aren’t into it, or feels more like a chore, skip out this year or leave some candy outside. |
This will free you up to relax or do something with your own family. Plus, kids can tell when you’re not really into it. It’s OK to take a year off.
3: DO YOU HAVE OTHER PLANS?
| Don’t skip out on your plans because you feel obligated to hand out candy. Heck, you still have time to MAKE plans. This could be a small get together with friends, or a whole party! Whatever you choose to do, make sure you’re having fun, too! |  |
SO, WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS YEAR?
It is as simple as that! I think a lot of us get weighed down by the societal convention of trick-or-treating and we decide to participate in something that either will cost us a ton of money for a ton of left overs, or will ultimately make our night less enjoyable.
Are you going to be handing out candy this year? Let me know in the comments!
Are you going to be handing out candy this year? Let me know in the comments!
Welcome to Sunday Scarries during Blogtober on TheOpinionatedOne.com!
This week, I wanted to talk about haunted houses, my one memory, and how it affected me forever. I need to tell you up front that I love all things spooky. I myself have been an “actress” during a haunted house. My high school used to do a “haunted school” event where different areas were decorated in a theme. When I did it with my brother, we were on the “psych ward” floor (which is kind of offensive in my mind NOW, but wasn’t anything I thought of back then).
This week, I wanted to talk about haunted houses, my one memory, and how it affected me forever. I need to tell you up front that I love all things spooky. I myself have been an “actress” during a haunted house. My high school used to do a “haunted school” event where different areas were decorated in a theme. When I did it with my brother, we were on the “psych ward” floor (which is kind of offensive in my mind NOW, but wasn’t anything I thought of back then).
 | I love to scare people and to be scared in a less interactive way. I also know that some people will say that “I’m just being stupid” or “this happened when you were a kid and wasn’t serious, so just get over it.” I understand why you would think that way, but sometimes things in our lives can affect our abilities down the line. This did that for me. |
BACKGROUND ON THE MEMORY
| When I was younger (between the age of 7 and 10, I would say) and still had my dad and his parents in my life, we would often go trick-or-treating with my mom and then go to a trick-or-treat event at my dad’s mom’s church. For the rest of this post, I’ll call her my grandmother. |  |
The church event was always really fun. You would go into the church and walk around to the different Sunday school rooms. After knocking on the door, a nice churchgoer would greet you and fill your bag with a handful of candy.
 | After this, we would usually go back to my mom’s house or continue trick-or-treating. There was this one family in our town that always did an all-out haunted house each year. I vividly remember seeing a man dressed in what I think was a Viking costume chopping off a fake head with an axe. |
There was a lot of fake blood. Other things were going on around the house, too. When I was younger, I was less adept at understanding haunted houses and understanding that the people working them are just people in masks and costumes.
We were very clear with my grandmother that we didn’t want to go to any haunted house. However, our cousin wanted to go by, so she convinced my grandmother to go. I remember crying and saying “no, please don’t go there.”
We were very clear with my grandmother that we didn’t want to go to any haunted house. However, our cousin wanted to go by, so she convinced my grandmother to go. I remember crying and saying “no, please don’t go there.”
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED
| As you know by now, my cries didn’t stop my grandmother from driving up to the house. My brother was hesitant, but he leaped out of the car and ran to the door with my cousin to get some candy. This was the type of haunted house where the “haunted” part was out on the expansive front lawn. |  |
There was a person wearing a very white mask that kind of looked like a devil face. It had a creepy smile. Other than that, the person (who I assume to be a man by how tall it was) wore a long black robe and black gloves.
 | The person saw my brother and cousin leave the van. As you know, in most cars, the light comes on in the interior of the car when the door is opened. I am thinking that the man saw me in the back of the car before the door was slammed shut and the lights went back off. |
The man approached the window and peered inside of the van. He kind of used his hands to cover the spaces around his eyes so he could get a clear view. After he confirmed that I was in there, he tapped the window with his hand and made a “come hither” gesture with his figure.
| I all but bolted my hands over my eyes, and I started crying and screaming. My grandmother kept telling me to calm down between muted laughs. It was so traumatizing. After that, I found it really hard to go back to anything similar. |  |
We also stopped going to my grandmother’s church because she had sworn to us we wouldn’t go to any haunted houses, but she continually broke the promise for our cousin.
I also sometimes wonder if that person was a part of the haunted house or not. I was pretty young and I think my grandmother knew the family. Surely they wouldn't have sent someone out into the road to tap on the window and scare a young girl. I could be wrong, but who knows what could have happened.
So that's the story. What do you think?
I also sometimes wonder if that person was a part of the haunted house or not. I was pretty young and I think my grandmother knew the family. Surely they wouldn't have sent someone out into the road to tap on the window and scare a young girl. I could be wrong, but who knows what could have happened.
So that's the story. What do you think?
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