It's Halloween. And this year, we're handing out Pixie Sticks. It's a small thing, really. It's not that we can't afford chocolate candy, it's that we've chosen in every area of our lives to think hard about whether that purchase is a want or a need, how it fits in with all the other purchases, how much happiness it will actually bring us. Halloween candy just isn't that important.

I made my daughter's costume this year, where "made" equals "assembled." I based it around the purple Mardi Gras mask I got free at a blogging conference last year. She's got two tutus, a belly dancing skirt, beads, a tiara, some gaudy plastic rings, sparkly leggings and shiny shoes. We already had it all. Because spending $30 on a crappily made Halloween costume doesn't make sense, either. Not ever, really, but especially not this year.

We've been fortunate in that we haven't gone without unemployment since the load hit the fan, but we've worried about it, hard. We've talked about The Plan if one of us was to lose our job. We've switched our Internet around, dropped long distance on the home phone we keep for 911, limited eating out to once a week and started extreme couponing. We buy most of the little angel's and my clothes at our kickass local Goodwill or the gently used kid's store. We still have a rusted 1998 Ford Explorer with more miles than I thought possible for that vehicle.

We've pulled the little angel out of after-school care so we can save that extra money a month for emergency babysitting.  My husband is traveling weekly for his new job that he started three weeks ago, and our babysitter is $15 an hour and we have no family in town. I tried to line up a neighbor for parent-teacher conferences so we could both go, but then the neighbor girl got sick. People are always asking me why I can't come to this or that, but the tough reality for me is that I don't have free childcare, so -- as with purchases -- I have to carefully weigh everything I'm going to attend if my husband is traveling. And if it's across town and I have to add an extra hour of driving time, I'm probably not going anymore.

I'm picking up extra odd blogging jobs, and some of them are coming through here. I'm putting that money toward the credit cards. Too many business trips run through personal cards have messed up my grandiose payment plans. It feels like the balances never go down, despite all our best efforts. Beloved and I had a very frank talk about the cost of utilities, groceries. They are far outpacing our salaries. I thought we'd be rich once we stopped paying our mortgage in toddler childcare, but nothing has really changed. And it's because life -- healthcare, utilities, gas, groceries -- got way more expensive while we weren't looking. But we are very lucky: We still have jobs. We can keep it from getting worse as long as that job pipeline stays open.

My teacher friends have had their hours cut when school bonds didn't pass or states cut their funding. I'm on the board at The Writers Place, where I volunteer more hours a week than I should. We lost state funding this year for the arts. Beloved and I qualified for a refinance a few years ago because our house has lost so much value. It's not just us -- it's tough all around, Ponyboy, and probably worst for small business owners. I don't view Surrender, Dorothy as a main income stream, but I do still have a small S corp for my book royalties and freelancing and blog ad network revenue. I am thankful I have a day job. I am thankful I don't have to fret over a dip in traffic or a late invoice. 

A lot of people do.

I've thought and thought about it, and I've complained here about capitalism at times. It seems nearly impossible for private industry to do good when it is measured on quarterly profits by a hungry Wall Street. How can it possibly make bottom-line sense to give money away? And that's why I don't like to see a lot of things privatized, no matter what the argument. The main argument, to me, is will they use their power for good or profit?

So I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Starbucks is donating five million dollars to seed a fund at the Opportunity Finance Network, which in turn will provide capital grants to select Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). The CDFIs will provide loans to underserved community businesses, including: small business loans, community center financing, housing project financing and microfinance. 

Beginning November 1st, you may donate to this fund through the createjobsforusa.org website, or at Starbucks, and 100% of your donation will go directly to the fund. The really cool thing about this is that every $5 donation will result in $35 in financing to support community businesses, because the CDFI lenders will issue $30 in financing, on average, for each $5 donation. 

I know, right? Starbucks. Generally speaking, I try to buy my coffee locally. I know Starbucks put a lot of small businesses out of business -- that's capitalism -- it's like Darwinism. I actually don't know what prompted Starbucks to do this, but when huge corporations do the right thing, it's important to holler MORE. Maybe if other huge companies see people support this effort, they'll put their money back into the economy instead of into their bank accounts, too. This is probably one of the hardest times to get a small business loan of my lifetime. I'll support anything that will help the little guy, especially now. Maybe I'm so impressed I might mix in some Starbucks beans the next time I buy coffee at the grocery store. Way to go, Starbucks. Way to go.

The CEO of BlogHer, Lisa Stone (my friend and, oh, my CEO, who helped create the once-small-business that now has me on full-time payroll and provides me healthcare and puts food on the Arens table) is actually going to ask Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz just those sorts of questions on a 15-minute conference call tomorrow, Tuesday, November 1 at 11 am PT/1 pm CT/2 pm ET. If you want to listen in, here are the details: 

Participant Number: 877-698-0629 

Conference Code: 23564006

I'm planning to listen in. If you want to submit a question, you can use this link.  

Tonight, I'm going to walk my little Mardi Gras girl around the neighborhood and enjoy the small stuff -- candy, lit pumpkins, the last remnants of people's mums, my favorite fall leaves (maples). I know there are folks out there who have gone months or years between jobs after a lay-off. I know I'm one of the lucky ones to have my Pixie Sticks all ready to go. I hope you all have a safe and happy Halloween and that life is good at your house. Thanks for reading and supporting me here, of being tolerant of the occasional sponsored whatever. It's tough all around, Ponyboy, but we're going to get through this. 

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Per my previous post, welcome to this new series, in which I'll share everything from events to bargain alerts to other ideas and tips that spring to mind as useful and/or fun for the week. After considerable mulling, I decided to call the series Weekly Blueprint, because I think the name conveys a creative presentation of ideas and plans that are, ultimately, posed for your consideration (vs. including the term "to do," which suggests that I think you must do whatever it is I'm suggesting!). Enjoy, and please do drop me a line if you have suggestions for a future Weekly Blueprint!
October 31: Figure out how to sneak extra layers under your kids' Halloween costumes (long underwear! leggings!). Also, buy candy or other Halloween favors if you have procrastinated as I have.

November 1: Call someone you love and wish them a Happy November. Snap a photo of your kid(s).

By November 1: If this weekend's weather didn't already inspire you to action: procure winter gear. I ordered Laurel's snow bib, jacket, and boots from Lands' End last week and called in to get a priced adjustment when everything went on sale a couple of days ago. They're currently running a 30-50% off outerwear sale. Sweet!

November 1-6: Spread the Halloween wealth. Send candy to the troops (we've done this the past couple of years) or head to Magic Beans for their candy buy back (bring 1 pound+ of candy in exchange for 20% off one toy that day only...I highly recommend the Perplexus if they have it in stock!).

By November 3: Pick up easily lost items (I ordered gloves and hats yesterday) from Old Navy. They are running a 30% off sale until November 3 for cardholders.

November 4-6: Yowza, Christmas is on the horizon. The Christmas Festival at the Seaport World Trade Center runs Friday to Sunday and admittedly, mostly I want to see the gingerbread house creations!

November 4-6: Pottery Barn fans will swoon: the PBTeen pop up store arrives at the Natick Mall on Friday. Head over between November 4-6 for giveaways, design exploration, games, and a photo station.

By November 6: Buy one of these killer raffle tickets. Two dollars (or some multiple thereof) will do good + enter you to win a tote valued at $350.

By November 6: Remember that we fall back an hour on Sunday. Oh, darkness.

At your leisure: Browse the Mayor's Holiday Special website for discounted theatre tickets. I'm a big fan of experience-based, usable gifts at the holidays.

At your leisure: Score some off-season deals for yourself. I got some amazing deals at Anthropologie's sale section this weekend; not great for Boston right now, but perfect for my trip to Palm Springs next week.

At your leisure: If you haven't already, it's time to rotate your fast-growing children's clothing. If you have excess, swap with friends, or donate items to local charities such as Room to Grow or Cradles to Crayons. And/or list boxes online with thredUP (and score used gems for your kid).

At your leisure: If you're planning on getting flu shots for your family, book them now. (This reminder comes courtesy of the mom who forgot to take Violet to her flu shot appointment last week.)

Image credit: Lands' End

In reviewing the responses from the Boston Mamas survey (thank you, thank you to all who weighed in!), some themes emerged. Readers want more event picks (which I've addressed by adding weekday as well as weekend event roundups) and also general lifestyle ideas and money saving tips -- for kids and grownups. After pondering a few ways to go about addressing all of these different bits of information sharing, I decided to start a new series: a beginning-of-week post including a running list of everything from events to bargain alerts to other ideas, tips, and reminders that spring to mind as useful and/or fun.
When I started jotting down notes for this week -- based on things I took care of this weekend or need/want to do this week -- it reminded me a bit of Martha Stewart's magazine calendar page (minus the extensive gardening). I hope this week's inaugural column (next post) offers helpful tips and inspiration for the week. Please let me know if there are particular topics you'd like me to cover in the future, and of course if you have ideas for future weeks, drop me a line!

Thanks for being awesome. xoxo Christine

Image credit: Stuart Miles via FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Having just recently returned from California, it's hard to believe I'm heading back in a couple of weeks for Camp Mighty. However, I'm super excited to engage in life happiness-centered connection and reflection, and the event organizers have built in an awesome charity component. Each attendee is responsible for raising $200 for charity: water, a non-profit dedicated to bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.
I'm teaming up with my dear friend (and camp roomie) Asha Dornfest of Parent Hacks and we're hoping you can help us reach (or exceed!) our collective $400 goal. Instead of asking for direct donations, we lifted the brilliant idea of a raffle from fellow attendee Amy (thanks Amy!).

So, you totally want to buy a raffle ticket (or 10!). We have an amazing tote full of goodies spanning home, office, tech, baby/kids, personal care, and jewelry. Value is approximately $350. For real! You can see a bigger picture of the overstuffed tote below the Paypal donation button (note not so subtle placement), plus a list of the contents.

Each ticket costs $2 and you may purchase as many as you like (e.g., $10 = 5 entries). We will collect raffle donations up until noon, Sunday, November 6. Anything Asha and I raise above our $400 goal will also go to charity:water so feel free to be generous! And thank you in advance for helping us do something good for those in need.

Tote includes: Sustainable Earth multipurpose cleaner, Filtrete water bottle, Measure Up portion control bowl, Chico bag recycled tote, Hama camera bag, signed copy of Rules of the Red Rubber Ball, OXO staple remover, Robeez booties, HealthTracks record keeper, Baberoo organic baby socks (4pk), Skip Hop bottle tote, National Wildlife Federation stuffed animal, Baby K'Tan hat, Eric Carle growth chart, Ergo Baby organic front pouch, Leslie Graff stationery, Jabra bluetooth headset, Maclaren travel kit, Dr. Loretta Youthful Wri-Lax, Body Shop peppermint foot spray, Posh Peacock stationery, 2 Laylee Baby embellished onesies, Get Stoned jeweled pin.

Two more things:

1. If you'd prefer to make a direct donation, you can do so here. If you go this option, please write "Christine Koh + Asha Dornfest" in the Comment box.

2. Also, some of our fellow campers are fundraising creatively if you want to support them:

The aforementioned Amy's raffle is live until November 2.

Lisa Congdon is selling gorgeous prints.

Erica is baking banana bread

Linz is offering 20 percent off her design services.

Alison is selling greeting cards.

Eden Kennedy's raffle includes some crafty awesomeness.

Leslie is gifting prints to those who donate $25.

How is everyone doing getting ready for Halloween? Are you getting dressed up alongside your kids? Laurel is going to be a witch and Violet her black cat companion (Laurel has several years of coordinating costumes planned). I hope you have a fantastic weekend and enjoy this roundup of 16 Halloween inspired weekend picks:

1. The last SoWa of the season will be zombietastic.

2. Critters will abound at Zoo Howl.
3. Trick or treat for a cause at Pru Boo.

4. I'm tempted to go to the Linden Square Halloween Parade & Party just so I can go get my favorite salad at The Cottage afterwards.

5. Burn off the sugar rush at this dance party in Newton.

6. Celebrate Halloween Family Day at the Spellman Museum in Weston (and get inspired to send snail mail).

7. Search for the great pumpkin at Pumpkin Fest Weekend at The Discovery Museums in Acton.

8. Get lost in a corn maze at Halloween Kid's Day at Connors Farm.

9. Explore spooky critters at the Harvard Museum of Natural History's What's So Scary event.

10. Experience the theatre in a new light via the Strand Theatre Boo Bash in Dorchester.

11-16. Thanks to the Audubon, enjoy lots of Halloween and nature inspired activities in Wellfleet, Westport, Norfolk, Topsfield, Newburyport, and Natick.

Image credit: Absurdly adorable Halloween cake pops via Boogaboo on Etsy

We're waiting for the bus. I'm fixated on my list. I love lists. Especially with Beloved gone on the road with his new job, I need lists, because I need to remember to do the things he usually does, the things I didn't even notice, because after ten years together we've each got our stuff that we do. I empty the dishwasher. He starts it before he goes to bed. I keep forgetting to start it and arrive in the morning to a gooey coffee pot and sigh and write myself a new note. My mother always leaves notes all over the house, four pages for the babysitter, Post-Its everywhere, and I have become my mother.

My girl tries to lower her bony butt onto my lap. It is angling into my face, and I brush it to the side.

"Can you sit beside me? I'm kind of in the middle of something here."

"No. It needs to be on your lap." She indicates her butt, as though there is confusion about what she's trying to do.

She angles again; like a cat's nose her rear is insistent upon finding my lap. I put the notebook aside and she settles in, flipping her long hair over her shoulders so it swats me directly in the face. I am a heated chair. She sighs happily and grabs my arms, wrapping them around her waist.

"There. Now I'm warm."

As I lean in to smell her children's shampoo strawberry hair, I realize I'm trying to memorize the feeling of her little body on my lap. She chats happily about Halloween costumes, and neighbors pass by on their morning walks, and the breeze changes, and I feel it, and I grip her tighter, knowing she has to leave my lap and get on the bus soon, with all that means.

Today's post is sort of inspired by Sarah's writing prompt: 

Do random free writing about whatever is in front of you. Your main character is staring out the window of your living room and ruminating on the scene in front of her and then her thoughts drift to lunch, then a nightmare of last night, and then the travel plans she is hesitating on makins.

I've been an avid label reader for well over a decade so it's been disturbing to learn about the US's lack of regulation when it comes to ingredient disclosure. I shared about this in 2008 regarding cleaning and personal care products and now I'm sharing about lack of disclosure and the food industry. Please read my post at the Stonyfield blog and take action to protect your loved ones via Just Label It's 8 steps (they're simple and doable, I promise!). And if you want to learn more, Stonyfield is hosting a free webinar on GMOs November 1 at 12pm EST.

Image credit: Just Label It

Hello everyone -- I hope you've been having a fantastic week! I went off the grid longer than expected due to an amazing trip to California, the residuals of which left me a little loopy (we came in very early off a red eye flight yesterday morning) and also wanting to take a slower, more mindful pace as we re-entered life here at home. I need to take today to square up on various things; meanwhile, if you're interested you can read up on the trip (and see some lovely photos) here, and also, here are a few picks to enjoy this week.

Wednesday, October 26, 4-5pm. Rock the Monster Dance Party with stories, monster making, a monster dance off, and monster-inspired refreshments at the Fox Branch Library in Arlington.

Thursday, October 27, 8:30pm. For grownups or older kids who dig classical music; head over to the free Mahler-inspired mashup at New England Conservatory.

Friday, October 28, 6:30-8:30pm. Enjoy live entertainment, pottery painting, spooky storytelling, guest speakers, and raffles for a good cause at Room to Read Kids' Adventure Night.

Because life is too short.

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