Photo courtesy of Declan

Halloween is around the corner Time to gauge just how we are to approach the festivities. Every year we have to make decisions about the kids costumes and loot negotiations If you want to get thrifty, head over to thrift stores and you can put together an authentic costume for a fraction of the cost. Also, keep in mind that the closer we get to the special day, the more you will find discounted costumes and Halloween items. For huge steals, shop the day after only at the costume superstores for at least 50 off.

One thing I always look forward to is receiving emails from my savings sistah, Tawra Kellam, from Living on a Dime She never fails to send over great holiday tips and activities Enjoy

Fake Blood- Mix 2/3 cup white corn syrup, 1 tsp. red food coloring, 2-3 drops blue food coloring to darken and 1 squirt dish soap helps blood to run well.

Abrasions -Dab brown, red and black eye shadow on area. Apply blood over area with cotton balls. Use comb to gently scratch area in one direction. Apply cocoa or dirt over wound with cotton balls.

Black Eye - Apply red and blue eye shadow to depressions around eyes.

Bruises - Rub red and blue shadow over bony area to simulate recent bruises. Use blue and yellow eye shadow to create older bruises.

Look Old - Cover face with baby powder. Draw dark lines on your skin for wrinkles. Smooth edges to blend. Cover again with baby powder. Add baby powder to your hair to create gray hair.

Deviled Eyeballs - Make deviled eggs. Add a green olive with pimento in the center for an "eyeball".

Radioactive Juice - Mix equal parts Mountain Dew and blue Kool-Aid

Toxic Juice - Add some green food coloring to lemonade for a spooky
color

Brains - Scramble eggs with some green, yellow and blue food coloring

Bloody Eyeballs - Boil cherry tomatoes 30 seconds. Allow to cool; then peel skin.

Goblin Hand - Freeze green Kool-Aid in a rubber or latex glove, float in punch.

Spider Webs - Use the tape from old cassettes or black yarn to make spider webs. Use cotton balls stretched out for small spider webs.

Glass Jack-o-Lantern - Outline a pumpkin face on a spaghetti or pickle jar with black paint. The paint around the outside of it with orange paint. Place a candle inside for a jack-o-lantern.

Edible Slime - Pour lime gelatin into a glass bowl. After it is partially set, add gummy worms. Chill until lightly set. Then serve slopped all over the plate.

Bloody Popcorn - Add red food color to melted butter and pour over popcorn.

Frozen Worms - Freeze gummy worms in ice cubes and add them to drinks. Cut gummy worms in half if needed.

Do you have any clever Halloween ideas? We want to hear Feel free to leave a comment below