Are you planning for your next Halloween party and don’t know what costume to choose? Maybe you are seeking something unusual, a quirky costume that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Check out these suggestions and put together your own unique Halloween style.
Vampire writer Catherine Green dressed as a pirate for Halloween
How to Create the best Halloween Costume
Halloween Hairstyle. Your hairstyle is important to complete the look you want to achieve. Maybe you need to style it up. Or maybe you want the messy hair look to match your monstrous Halloween costume idea. Whether you need a neutral hair tie to disguise your up do, or something Gothic and spooky, your hairstyle and hair accessories are important.
Simple Party Outfit. Do you want an outfit that isn’t a traditional Halloween costume but offers a nod to the season? Why not team a witchy slogan vest top with a black skirt or trousers, and you can be comfortable and fit for the season. Grab your wand and your witch’s hat and you are good to go.
Sexy Statement Dress. If you want to stand out from the crowd, go for a sleek, modern Gothic style with a black latex dress. It hugs your body, accentuates your sexy curves, and will capture the attention of those you wish to bewitch.
Superhero Style. Are superheroes your thing? A black catsuit offers an easy costume, and you can add a cat ear headband or create your own badass style and maybe dress up as your favourite warrior from the gaming world.
Halloween Face Paint. No Halloween fancy-dress costume is complete without a little face paint, and you can get some great kits online. Try a Halloween face paint set and practice on your children or siblings before the party so you can achieve the perfect look for your costume.
Your EXCLUSIVE Influencer Offers
Exclusive 5% off everything at the Spark Co – use code: SPOOKYPRIDE5 – Click here.
Exclusive Special Offer Discount Codes at SpookyMrsGreen
Did you enjoy this article? Support your favourite paranormal author by shopping through my affiliate link. Click here.
Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen! Updated 2026.
Women everywhere are exploring their spirituality and having exciting, unfettered, euphoric experiences. Soulphoria is a mystical state of bliss that requires you to open the channels of your mind, body, and soul.
I received a copy of Soulphoria for review, and here are my thoughts on the book:
Soulphoria: A Provocative and Practical Approach to Spirituality book by Alessandro Sagredo
My Review
I was excited to read this book having looked at the blurb and reviews from other readers. It did not disappoint! I will say that I expected there to be more content about the Divine Feminine as a sexual being based on the book description, but it went on to break down elements of womanhood and included reference to our child and teenage selves as well. There are lots of meditation exercises throughout the book, and while I didn’t do them as I went along, I have practised a lot of them in different formats during my years of selfcare and inner healing.
Soulphoria is a good book to begin your journey towards self-healing and becoming confident as a woman. It was a nice reminder for me to revisit practices that I hadn’t done for a while, and it stuck with me because I started to ask different questions about my current challenges and have already received insight through my dreams that I put down to influence from reading the book. I recommend this one!
About the Book
Women everywhere are exploring their spirituality and having exciting, unfettered, euphoric experiences. Soulphoria is a mystical state of bliss that requires you to open the channels of your mind, body, and soul. Each forms a bridge for the energy of your spirit to fly forth like a phoenix and burn brightly in the present moment. It’s a heat that sears through you yet doesn’t burn, and instead fuels your love of life.
Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you buy books using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen and small, independent publishers!
My elder daughter begins her High School journey in September, and this marks a huge milestone for our family. She will take a bus to school, she will meet lots of different people, and she will experience a whole new school life.
She also needs a list of school supplies that we have spent the summer holidays collecting, from uniform to stationery, tech products to practical accessories. Here’s my High School shopping list:
#MummyMonday Choosing Our High School
High School shopping list:
School Shoes – There is one place we shop where school shoes are guaranteed to last for a full academic year* (if the kids’ feet don’t grow again). My daughter now fits adult shoes, but there is a good selection available, including half sizes, at Clarks. See their Back-to-School range where you can get FREE DELIVERY on good quality shoes and trainers.
Hair Bobbles – These were specified in the uniform list sent to us by our high school. My daughter needs to keep her hair tied back while she is working, but she is fussy about what she uses. TELETIES are the solution! These fun, colourful and fashionable hair ties and accessories look fantastic as a bracelet then slide seamlessly from their wrists to their hair and give a no-slip, strong-grip hold to keep their hair out of their faces for PE, Tech class and Science experiments.
Scientific Calculator – We were advised to purchase the CASIO FX-83GTX Black Scientific Calculator for our daughter, as this is the calculator they will be taught to use at GCSE level in high school. It is not expensive and fortunately we had a willing grandparent to take her shopping for supplies. You can get one for a good price here.
Notebooks and Pens – Kids always need new stationery, and you can get some great deals with up to 50% OFF stationery at Oxfam online shop right now. Their range is also sustainably sourced and made from recycled products where possible, so you can do your bit for both charity and the environment while stocking up your child’s school bag with on trend supplies. Shop now.
2-in-1 Laptop – OK, this wasn’t on the school shopping list, but we promised my daughter she would have her own laptop for high school, since a lot of learning is now done online. She will need it for homework, coursework, to check her school emails and other projects. We know it is a good investment. My favourite is the HP Pavilion (my work laptop), and our daughter wanted one just like mine. Shop now.
And now for the School Uniform
Phew! That is just a portion of our High School shopping list. We had to buy new uniform, including a blazer with shoulder pads that my daughter is not happy with. Fortunately, our high school had received donated uniform from parents and were able to give it away to those who needed it. Since my income has dropped due to medical reasons recently, I was relieved to have the option of collecting free items of uniform. We also received hand-me-downs from friends. You can also find decent second-hand equipment in charity shops and on local community websites if you know where to look. eBay proved very useful.
Is your child starting High School this September? How do you/they feel about it?
#MummyMonday Parenting Teens and Tweens.
Did you enjoy this article? Support your favourite paranormal author by shopping through my affiliate link. Click here.
Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen! Updated 2026.
Special Offer Discount Codes with trusted affiliate partners at SpookyMrsGreen.com.
Did you enjoy this article? Support your favourite paranormal author by shopping through my affiliate link. Click here.
Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen! Updated 2026.
Are you thinking about buying your child a car but aren’t sure which type of vehicle will best suit their needs? There are many different types of cars on the market today, each with unique pros and cons. Your teen may be ready to drive themselves to school, work, and back home every day – or they may need a reliable second car for weekend getaways and evening drives.
Regardless of what your teen will primarily use the car for, there are a few things you’ll want to consider when choosing the right one.
What Makes a Good First Car for a College-aged Person?
The two most important factors to remember when choosing a first car for your child are affordability and safety. While your teen may want a fancy sports car or a high-performance vehicle, these typically cost significantly more than a standard car, making it difficult for them to afford the vehicle. Plus, sports cars and high-performance vehicles are inherently less safe, which makes them a poor choice for a first car. The best choice for your teen’s first car will depend on their individual needs – what they plan to do with the vehicle and how many people will be riding in it. For example, a car that is best for a single driver may not be the best option for a parent who must regularly transport multiple children in the car.
Decide Between Buying & Leasing
If your child is driving the car regularly, you may want to consider purchasing the vehicle. Owning a car has certain advantages, such as low monthly payments and the ability to customize the vehicle to your teen’s specific needs and tastes. However, it also requires a large upfront payment and a significant amount of money for fuel and maintenance. When considering whether to buy or lease a car, you’ll also want to consider the vehicle’s resale value. If your child decides to sell the car when they are done with it, the lower the original price, the easier it will be to find a new owner for the vehicle. As you research cars, you’ll want to check out dealerships such as Edmunds and talk to the salespeople to get a sense of the variety on the market and also see if buying or leasing will be more worth it for you.
Hybrid Electric Cars
Hybrid electric cars are one potential option for the first car for your teen. These vehicles are typically priced lower than traditional gas-powered cars and have lower maintenance costs. However, hybrid vehicles charge slowly, often taking 8 hours or more to fully charge, which may not be well-suited for daily driving needs. Hybrids are also not exempt from inspections and other state requirements, which may not be a good fit for your child’s needs if they frequently drive on long trips in rural areas.
Traditional Gas-Powered Cars
If your teen frequently drives long distances, a traditional gas-powered car may be their best choice. These vehicles have a higher top speed and more extended driving range than hybrid vehicles, making them a better fit for long trips. Other gas-powered cars have a lower upfront cost, which makes them more accessible for your teen to afford. However, gas-powered cars have higher maintenance costs, making them less desirable for your teen’s first car. Additionally, some of these cars are not exempt from regular state inspections, which may cause problems if your child frequently drives in areas with more stringent regulations.
Digital and Smart Vehicle Options
Some vehicles have additional features and options to connect with your teen’s smartphone. This allows you to monitor their driving habits, including their driving time, average speed, and more. Some vehicles also offer additional smart features that will enable your teen to remotely start the car and turn on the air conditioning, among other things. However, these features come at a higher price than a standard car. Nevertheless, suppose your teen is driving a vehicle with these additional features. In that case, you may be able to help them avoid tickets by monitoring their driving habits and nagging them about risky behaviors.
Wrapping Up
When choosing a first car for your teen, you’ll want to take their long-term needs and driving habits into account and their short-term financial situation. Many different vehicles are on the market today, with a wide range of prices, sizes, and features. For example, a hybrid electric car may be the best choice for your teen if they have short driving distances, but if they have long commutes, a gas-powered vehicle will be more cost-effective. Whatever car you choose, ensure that your teen gets regular state inspections, including the yearly safety inspection and the emissions test (in states requiring them).
Vampire of Blackpool by paranormal author Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Note: This is a collaborative article. Updated 2026.
I recently received some products for review from Printster and now that my daughter’s birthday has passed, I can share them with you.
She requested a dog-themed birthday party in the garden, so I was excited to receive cardboard face masks using a photo of our dog. See my review below.
#ProductReview: Printster Cards, Wrapping Paper and Party Supplies
Cardboard Face Masks: These were fantastic and so much fun! The cardboard quality is good, the ink was solid and the image nice and clear. My friends and I had lots of fun being Marley, and so did the 9-year-old children at the party. Shop now.
Personalised Wrapping Paper: I was really impressed with the quality of the wrapping paper. I chose a roll, and it was delivered in a secure cardboard tube, pristine and perfect. The paper was decent and thick, with fantastic print quality of our dog’s face. My daughter absolutely loved it on her birthday present and I saved some of it as a keepsake. Shop now.
Personalised Birthday Card: “Have a Pawsome Birthday” – My elder daughter gave this card to her little sister in keeping with the dog-themed birthday and it was well-received. Again, I was impressed with the print quality and the card quality. Shop now.
Personalised Birthday Card: “Beautiful Daughter” birthday card. It was easy to send a photo for this card and the quality was excellent. I highly recommend this online shop. Shop now.
Having not heard of Printster before I was unsure what to expect with the card quality and paper products. I was pleasantly surprised as these are by far the best quality birthday cards and wrapping paper I have seen for a long time. There is a good choice of cards as well as personalised options, and you can find something suitable for all occasions. The photo face masks were a fantastic party prop that made people laugh and added to the fun.
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Note: I received the products in return for an honest review. Updated 2026.
Whenever time off school rolls around, it can be hard to keep the kids from getting bored. Bank holidays, term breaks, and of course, the summer holiday, can be both a delight and a dread for parents all over the world. And seeing as you’ve got 6 weeks ahead of you until September rolls around, the days can start to blur together, as can the kids’ complaints!
Keeping The Kids Entertained During The Summer Holiday
So what can you do here? Come up with some new things to do! There’s plenty of inspiration to be found around you, including heading online and finding posts like these. And the best thing about the events below is that they can all be scheduled regularly!
You don’t have to come up with a new idea every day as there’s plenty of new fun to be found in them. So without further ado, here are some activities to do with the kids during the summer holidays when that chronic boredom starts setting in.
Attend Local Events
If this is the first time you’ve had a ‘staycation’ in a few years now, there are usually plenty of things to do for families going on in your local community. So, why not check these out before you make any concrete plans? Find out what’s going on in your town centre, or if there are any free museum or gallery days going on, and take the kids along for a couple hours of fun.
And seeing as it’s not just you and the kids there, they’re likely to make some new friends too. It’s always nice to see your kids share and have fun with others their own age, especially outside of the school playground. You can also attend free swimming days and concerts in the park and connect with other parents who are looking for ways to entertain their kids. Simply put, it certainly won’t be boring for you either!
Go on a Picnic
Picnics are always fun, simply because you get to sit in the grass and eat all kinds of delicious foods! You can also take skipping ropes, balls, and rackets along with you for any number of impromptu games once you’re finished snacking away. And you can invite some other mum or dad friends along with their kids, so you’ll have someone to talk to once the kids all run off together.
But what should you pack for a good picnic? Plenty of finger foods so you don’t have much prep to do on the blanket, and then a bigger food piece to make the spread look even more yummy. Most people just tend to put a pie in the middle, but you can put a cake or a big share loaf there too – if you can cut and go, you’re onto a winner. And don’t forget to pack plenty of knives and forks, plates, and some wet wipes for sticky hands!
Buy Some Instruments and Put a Band Together
Learning an instrument is a great skill to have, and it’s easiest to learn when you’re a child. So if the kids don’t have any musical skills already, why not buy them some instruments to start playing? Sure, your house might get very loud over the next few weeks, but at least it’s with the sound of notes being played, rather than complaints.
You can give the kids a goal here: get good enough to follow along with a song they love and then showcase it in the living room. Essentially, you’re putting a band together, and the kids will love having such a creative project to follow along with. And if you’re worried about their musical literacy and how you might not be able to help them, don’t fret!
Your kids can easily learn through apps downloaded straight to the tablet screen they never seem able to get off of. You can start making screen time a little more productive for everyone, and then they can start performing some songs to you when they feel confident enough!
Build a Treehouse (or outside den)
Treehouses are every child’s dream. Somewhere to go when you want a bit of time alone, that’s private from the outside world, but still looks like something out of a storybook. Even adults want to escape up a ladder to a treehouse sometimes! So, if you’ve got a big tree in the garden and you’re not too shabby at DIY, why not look up some treehouse designs?
Get the right wood, plenty of sturdy nails, and if the trees aren’t strong enough, you can even build supports to lay the house on. As long as the kids can get off the ground and shut the door behind them, they’re going to spend all their time in there. But if you can’t quite manage a treehouse, you can still build a den with them – all you need are some sturdy twigs and leaves and a way to tie them altogether.
Have Your Own Storytime Sessions
Finally (and this is an easy one!), why not let the kids use their wide imaginations and come up with stories of their own? Make it a weekly activity to write a story, then have a Sunday Storytime where you all sit round and listen attentively. The kids can even put together outfits and masks to play the different characters, and be sure to clap when they’re done – it takes a lot of courage to get up on stage!
The summer holiday lasts a long time, and with kids in the house the whole time things can start to get stale and boring. Let’s make sure this summer is different, especially if you’ve not been able to get out as much as you usually would. There’s a lot you can do indoors and in your own back garden, and occasionally you can head out for a bit of fun with all your friends and family. You and the kids have got a lot to look forward to this year!
Love Hurts A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Note: This is a collaborative article. Updated 2026.
When you know you have met the one and you have a strong relationship you may want to make the next step. It’s a big deal to propose to a loved one, so you should be certain that you want to do it before you do. It will also be something you want to keep in mind, so make it special and a homage to your time together.
Whether it’s a tie to where you went on your first date, an inside joke, or something you both like. There are a few things you should do before making the proposal.
Taking The Next Step In Your Relationship? Read This First
An engagement ring is one of the most important items to purchase, but it can be challenging to pick one because it’s impossible to know your partner’s size. This can be done in a number of different ways. If you know your height and weight, a jeweller may be able to approximate what size ring you require if you borrow a ring from her collection and explain that you are having it cleaned. Alternatively, you may just ask. While some people choose traditional engagement rings, others favour more unconventional rings. Once you have this knowledge and your spending limit, you can go out and find the ideal partner for your love. Keep an eye out for verragio engagement rings as they are a top choice.
Whether you both desire to get married is a really important thing to think about. A normal marriage, house, and family are not what everyone wants. Having a conversation before you wish to propose should be high on your priority list because some people wouldn’t want to be married and will happily display their love for their loved ones in other methods. Knowing that you and the other person are on the same page and share similar outlooks on life is essential.
Although peculiar, it is vital. after you’ve asked them to marry you and they’ve likely said yes. One of the first things you’ll do is take pictures to document the occasion. Your partner will appreciate it if they have a lovely manicure and maybe gel nails or acrylics when they take their first pictures with the ring on.
Document the proposal
It’s a great idea to document the proposal so they have a lasting memory of it. You can either hire a photographer to come in and take some lovely and high-quality shots for you to use when sharing your news, or you can position your camera on a tripod and take several images while keeping it hidden so people can’t see it. It’s always interesting to see how shocked individuals are and how nervous they may be, which might make the moment pass quickly.
It doesn’t matter how you do it as long as you are with the person you want to spend the rest of your days with. The little things add up, so make sure to prepare and practise your speech beforehand. Tell them how vital they are, how they improve and simplify your life, and how you’ll do the same for them.
Heart of the Vampire A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Note: This is a collaborative article. Updated 2026.
My daughters were excited to receive a Geomag Glow magnetic construction set for review recently. Read our product review for Geomag Glow Magnetic Construction Sets.
#ProductReview Geomag Construction Toy
Review: Geomag Glow Magnetic Construction Set
E (age 11) – I like these sets because you can do a lot with them. The magnets are super strong, and the pieces glow in the dark which is fun. Plus, they come with a special case to store the pieces, so you don’t lose them. They are great for creating cool structures and shapes.
G (age 9) – These sets are lots of fun to play with, and we have some at school so I’m glad I have one at home to play with whenever I want to. The glow-in-the-dark pieces are fun, and I like the shiny, strong magnets.
What Mum thought of the play set
I think these play sets are fantastic! They kept my girls entertained for a good couple of hours when we first opened them, and they even distracted the children from their devices and TV time, which is always a good thing. I like that the play sets are made from 100% recycled plastic, and that they are easy to store tidily. No more fiddly bits getting lost around the house! The play sets are affordable and come in different sizes and age ranges so you can easily find the best one for your child, or the child you are buying a gift for. They are great for developing coordination, imagination play and learning to follow instructions (they each come with a guidebook to get the children started). I highly recommend them.
Geomag Glow 42 Pieces Magnetic Construction Set – Shop now.
#ProductReview Geomag Construction Toy
Did you enjoy this article? Support your favourite paranormal author by shopping through my affiliate link. Click here.
Note: I received the product in return for an honest review. This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen! Updated 2026.
The Body Shop is one of my favourite places to go for skincare, makeup, and beauty products.
I received a selection of bestsellers for review, and you can see my honest thoughts in this article.
#ProductReview Bestsellers at The Body Shop
#ProductReview: Bestsellers at The Body Shop
1, ALMOND MILK BODY BUTTER – I have fallen in love with the Almond Milk range! I recently bought the shower crème and have found it works well on my itchy, super-sensitive skin. Now I have the body butter to compliment it. This is a nice, creamy formula, not greasy and it soaks into my skin quickly but leaves it feeling luxurious and cared for. My skin is white (I’m a redhead), with freckles, and I burn very easily in the sun so almond milk is helping to soothe my delicate skin.
2, GINGER ANTI DANDRUFF SHAMPOO – I have used this shampoo before and found that it doesn’t work for my hair. I have fine, flyaway hair that needs nourishment, and the Ginger shampoo is probably better suited to people with thicker hair and flaky scalps. I will say that I like the scent, it is subtle and zingy, and makes a change from other regular shampoo scents.
3, HIMALAYAN CHARCOAL PURIFYING FACE MASK – This mask smells lovely and it left my skin tingling with a zingy fresh feeling after use. While I’m not keen on the clay masks when they dry on my face, I do appreciate the aftereffects when my skin is silky soft and feels clean and refreshed. This mask is easy to use, easy to wash off, and worth a try.
4, HEMP HAND PROTECTOR – What can I say? I LOVE this hand cream! It smells gorgeous, is not greasy, and leaves my hands feeling nourished and refreshed. I keep it in the kitchen because I seem to spend a lot of time rinsing, cleaning surfaces, and washing my hands in-between jobs. There is also an ASMR sensation when I squeeze the tube to get the cream out, very satisfying.
Special Offer Discount Codes with trusted affiliate partners at SpookyMrsGreen.com.
Did you enjoy this article? Support your favourite paranormal author by shopping through my affiliate link. Click here.
Note: I received the products in return for an honest review. This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen! Updated 2026.
