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     Tomorrow is the first day of Autumn! So, for Friday Faves today, we thought we would share 5 favorite Autumn recipes that we know you will love! 

• The picture above is a recipe I shared a few years ago for acorn squash.  It makes a vegetable taste like pumpkin pie.  
• One of Lindsey's favorites is her pumpkin chili! She makes it near Halloween every year. That sounds like a delicious tradition! 
• We can always count on Lindsey for pumpkin recipes.  You will love these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. They are moist and cinnamony! 

     Of course, soup is also a favorite meal for Fall.  But, we posted about those on a previous post.  If you missed it, check it out here! 

​Happy Fall! 

     You may have been expecting Alicia's International Food post today. This month she has been featuring Belgium.  Well, you will be getting that post in a round about way.  You see, her family is at Disneyland currently and she asked me if I would talk about whatever Belgian thing she shares with me from Disneyland! You are not going to believe what she shared! French Fries! 

     That's right! French Fries though Belgian, are called French fries because in WWI the soldiers who ate them didn’t know what they were called and named them after the language of the people who ate them.  So the French in French Fries is actually about the spoken language and not the country France. And, of course French Fries are available in Disneyland! 

     Alicia and her husband Adrian are able to go to Disneyland fairly often.  But, they often are going with friends and extended family.  On this trip they decided to enjoy some time with their family on their own.  It is funny how your Disney experience will change depending on who you are taking and the ages of those people.  You may think that going with little ones wouldn't be as much fun for you, as an adult.  After all, the thrill rides aren't very doable with little ones who are sometimes afraid of the Carousel.  But, over the years, I have been to Disneyland with all ages of children and had a blast every time.  You have to understand in advance what your experience is going to be like and plan to enjoy the park through your toddler's eyes. 
     Alicia has kept us updated on their trip and I am happy to say that they seem to be letting the fun evolve at the kid's pace.  

    The pace with toddlers will be slower and you may not go on as many attractions, but then again, you may get to enjoy some of the smaller, hidden places that you might not have noticed before.  It is a great time to take in the shows that are geared to the little ones, rest when they need rest and eat snacks when they need snacks. (Maybe French Fries?)  Watch the joy in their eyes (or sometimes help them get over the fear) as they see the characters! They usually are fascinated from a distance if getting close is more than they can handle. One of my favorite things to do with little ones is to let them dance when the bands play around the park.  I've seen this so often and it is always so cute. Here are 3 things to do to help you prepare for a trip with toddlers:

1. Buy snacks and little Disney Themed trinkets outside the park before you go.  It will save you a ton of money.  If you think your kids will wear Mouse Ears, use our tutorial to make them.  Otherwise, wait until they are older.
2. Plan ahead what attractions you think your kids will love and use the Disney App to keep track of when they have the shortest lines, or when the shows start, etc. 
3. Bring your stroller and plenty of diapers and plenty to drink.  Keeping everyone hydrated really helps with happiness in the happiest place on earth.  These Disney themed water bottles with a snack canister attached would be perfect. 

     If you would like more Disney tips, check out Maddy and My investigative report Here! (Tongue in cheek.)

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     One place I feel like I failed  as a mother is at enjoying Halloween.  It was never really that important to me, so my kids usually had last minute, thrown together costumes to go out trick or treating in.  Once in awhile I would make or buy something that would be passed down from year to year and repurposed, but not often. I wanted Halloween to be fun for them, I just wasn't that into it to give it a lot of fore thought and time. Consequently, the holiday for me was just exhausting and probably disappointing to my kids.  Surprisingly, most of my children have embraced Halloween as adults and really come up with some fun ideas and costumes.  Perhaps if I had been more like they are now, I would have planned ahead and Halloween wouldn't have been so exhausting for me.  
     My DIL told me last month what she was planning as a costume for my young grandson.  They usually do a family theme and last year they all went as Moana characters.  LIttle Spencer was Maui! My son was that giant turtle that loves shiny things and DIL was Moana.  They were adorable.  And, this year, even though Lindsey doesn't love Halloween that much, she is getting into it for the sake of her daughter and has their costumes planned.  
      How about you? It is mid-September and time to get into thinking about your kids costumes, and your own if you do that, not to mention parties and decorations.  Don't be a bad Halloween mom like I was! I'm here to help you! 

Costumes:

•     Last year, Alicia had already recognized the need for planning ahead, and shared these last minute costume ideas.  But, they don't have to be last minute! They are so cool and if you spend more time on them, they could be even cooler! 
• Disney characters are popular costumes for those who don't like scary. Our Mouse Ear tutorial will help you out and save you money!
• On Friday Faves last year we shared some of our past costume ideas that might get you started with some costume ideas of your own! 

Decorations:

• Last year, Maddy, who loves Halloween, shared 3 Fall Wreaths.  This one was my personal favorite and the most Halloweenish I think.  
• Last week I shared how to use old pill bottles to make a string of spooky lights! 
• Alicia gave us some tips for throwing a Halloween party on this post.  There are some awesome decorations suggested!  

     Of course, many of our supplies come from Dollar Tree! 

Food:

• You may just want some simple cookies for a kids party, or even let the kids do the decorating!  Here is a simple way to do it. 
• For your own friends, Lindsey shared some great Halloween themed appetizers. They look gooey and creepy, but taste great! 
• The previously mentioned post by Alicia also has some fun Halloween food ideas. 

Activities:

     If you have ever wanted to throw a Murder Mystery party, Halloween is the perfect time to do it!  The Dating Divas have one all ready for you! ​It includes everything you need to host a party of your own - invitations (customized to each character), biographies, task cards, decor, awards...it's the whole package! Here is a more detailed list, courtesy of the Divas:
Hosting Ideas & Suggestions to make party planning a breeze.
Invitations personalized for each character with costume ideas.
Character Biographies to set the stage and story.
Name Tags to identify each unique character.
Table Cards & Food Tents to use if playing over dinner.
Task Cards for the characters to complete in each round.
Evidence Pieces to add intrigue and suspense!
Voting Ballots and Awards to vote for your favorite characters & suspects.
and much MORE!

• Here is a list of favorite card games that would be fun for any party!
• This post has 10 Great Party Games that our family loves to play! 

     OK! Now get started! If you plan ahead you can help your kids and  yourself ​have a terrific Halloween this year!