Halloween is back full force this year around Dallas, and what better time to show off our favorite city? These Halloween costumes for Dallas kids will show your DFW pride, we guarantee it. Scroll through to pick your fave!

Erykah Badu

The queen of NEO soul is known for her spectacular hats and wraps, so think of the fun this costume would be! 

 

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Dallas Cowboy

You can join the Dallas Cowboys nation at any age and we love this option for a costume that is, BONUS, comfortable and reusable. Snag the look with helmet here

 

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Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader

You can't root for the home team without your own cheerleading squad. This oh-so-cute costume is perfect for those little cheerleaders in your house. 

You can find this costume here and the poms to go along with it here

 

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7-Eleven Slurpee

Let's honor the Dallas roots of everyone's favorite convenience store, 7-Eleven, with this totally awesome Slurpee costume. I'm sure it would get you a free Slurpee if you went trick-or-treating at your neighborhood 7-Eleven. 

 

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Cowboy/Cowgirl

How cute is this as an option for a family costume? Head on over to the Fort Worth stockyards in this costume that you can rustle up from gear you likely already have around the house. The red bandana brings it all together. 

 

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Big Tex

Take your cowboy costume to a whole other level and deck your little one out as the most iconic cowboy of all, Big Tex. 

 

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Fletcher's Corny Dog

Pay homage to your kid's favorite food, the Fletcher's Corny Dog, with this costume that you could easily assemble with some felt and hot glue. Perfect for all you DIY types. 

 

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Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Deck your sweetie out in flowers from head to toe and they can go as everyone's favorite, the Dallas Arboretum. Good to know: the Arboretum is an awesome spot to visit this time of year! 

American Airlines Pilot

Amazon

Snag this pilot's hat and reuse that navy suit that only comes out for family photos and you are on your way to making an awesome American Airline's pilot costume. 

 

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Taco

Show your love for all things Tex-Mex by making this delicious costume. As locals in the big D know, El Fenix claims to be the inventor of the taco and we are here for all things Tex-Mex. 

 

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The Reunion Tower

If you've got a handy parent around the house, this costume will totally knock the neighbors socks off. Deck out your little one in a light up ball costume and they can go as the famous Reunion Tower. Bonus, you won't have any trouble spotting them if they run off down the street in the dark. 

 

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Robocop

This one takes some mad DIY skills but we know you have it in you. Robocop was filmed in Dallas and it would make a super-fun Halloween costume for kids or adults. 

—Kate Loweth

Featured image: iStock

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With Halloween festivities in major limbo this year, parents will take all the suggestions they can get for ensuring a fun holiday. If trunk-or-treating is in the cards, you’ll want to get your hands on an easy Party City kit.

With themed kits featuring some of your kids favorite characters, you’ll have everything you need to decorate your vehicle and have a safe Halloween. Be sure to check back as Party City brings even more fun sets!

PAW Patrol

Make it simple and sweet with this PAW Patrol kit ($!5). The multi-piece set comes with Chase, Liberty, Marshall, Rubble, Sky, an Ultimate City Tower, two sets of buildings, PAW Patrol The Movie Logo and  24 pieces of double-sided foam tape.

Creepy Carnival

For older kiddos (or littles who just love Halloween), this creepy carnival set ($40) will give the neighbors quite a fright. It comes with 15 red balloons, three treat buckets and a creepy carnival room roll.

Frozen 2

The Frozen 2-themed kit ($39.99) comes complete with a “Believe” balloon banner, leaf garland, streamers, serving bowls and photo booth props including Anna, Elsa and Olaf.

Trolls World Tour

The Trolls kit ($41.99) is perfect for fans of Poppy and ranch. It is filled with rainbow colored balloons,, a giant flower Poppy balloon and streamers featuring colorful tassels.

Pumpkin Fun

The Pumpkin Fun kit ($61.99) comes with enough Halloween-themed balloons to deck out your trunk. It also includes cutouts, a serving bowl and other spooky decorations.

 

—Karly Wood

All photos courtesy of Party City

 

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Three cheers for spring break! While family vacations are still looking a little different right now, we’re lucky to live in paradise with a ton to explore right outside our front door. From snow-covered adventures to fun-in-the-sun, there’s plenty of ways to safely spring break around SoCal. Check out these top trips that are ideal for a socially-distanced getaway. Hip hip hooray!

Underwater Adventure at Welk Resorts San Diego

Welk Resorts

A (virtual!) underwater adventure awaits in the foothills of Escondido at Welk Resorts San Diego. Through their new INSPIRED For You activities program, guests can book a 30-minute virtual adventure in the pool and experience the City of Atlantis, the Great Barrier Reef or an exhilarating skydiving experience without leaving the resort. Book a villa with room for the whole family to stretch out while enjoying amenities like fireplaces, kitchens, private patios and large soaking tubs. 

Online: welkresorts.com

Coastal Glamping at El Capitan Canyon

Kerry Cushman

Just north of Santa Barbara is hidden glamping gem, El Capitan Canyon. Here, yurts, safari tents and cabins to accommodate all family sizes are peacefully situated in nature for the ultimate retreat. On-site, there's plenty of contactless things to do (or not!). A short hike to the resort's Llama Farm and you'll mingle with llamas, baby sheep and goats while taking in stunning ocean views. Or, take the trail down to El Capitan State Beach for sandy toes and wave jumping. When you've worked up an appetite, the resort's Canyon Market has fantastic food options, from kid-approved pizza to tri-tip kits with all the fixings (s'mores included!). Order online and have dinner delivered straight to your own private cabin paradise.

Online: elcapitancanyon.com

Desert Adventures in Palm Springs

Kerry Cushman

With ample al fresco restaurant patios, hiking trails and Airbnbs with private pools, the greater Palm Springs area is a terrific option for a pandemic-era spring vacation. For contactless things-to-do, check out Escape Room Palm Springs, where families work together in their own private room to uncover riddles and solve a themed mystery, like the popular Bank Heist and Titanic games. The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert also has new contactless guidelines for guest safety, including online timed reservations. While you're there, make sure to experience the new Australian Adventures exhibit where you'll get up-close to friendly wallabies.

Online: visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

Central Coast Getaway at Hotel Cerro

Hotel Cerro

The charming city of San Luis Obispo is the perfect home-base to explore California's beautiful Central Coast. The surrounding landscape offers ample opportunities for contactless things to do, like hiking one of the many mountain trails, exploring nearby beaches or toasting the area's famous (family-friendly) wine region. Stay at the beautiful new Hotel Cerro, in the heart of downtown SLO, where small-town vibes mix with relaxed, modern luxury. After a day exploring the beautiful outdoors, relax by the hotel's heated rooftop pool with picturesque vistas of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy artisan pour-over coffee in guest rooms and private balconies overlooking the idyllic tree-lined streets of downtown.

Online: hotelcerro.com

Starry Nights at Terranea Resort

Terranea Resort

Enjoy picturesque ocean views during the day and cozy nights around the fireplace with a spring vacation to Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. Select villas have private outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces and outdoor fire pits, which means you won't need to leave the stunning property to relax in paradise. S'mores kits, stargazing kits and family activity kits will keep the whole family happily entertained. Check out their Terranea Promise for enhanced standards of care and cleanliness.

Online: terranea.com

The Mountains Are Calling in Big Bear

Kerry Cushman

Escape to the mountains of Big Bear for a spring vacation that hits the refresh button with some big-time winter fun. Get into nature, while avoiding crowds at popular attractions, by renting snow-shoes and hitting one of the many (free!) mountain trails. Try Towne Trail on the South Shore for picturesque views of Big Bear Lake and an easy 2.5 mile loop. When it's time to settle in for PJ's and hot cocoa, choose one of the many AirBnb options or book a rustic cabin with kitchen and room for everyone at Grey Squirrel. Or, opt for a tiny cabin surrounded by nature at Getaway in nearby Running Springs with contactless check-in, deep cleaning between guests and private firepits.

Online: bigbear.com

Luxury Dude Ranch at The Alisal

The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort

Take a drive through the quirky Danish-style village of Solvang before you settle into a luxury family dude ranch experience at The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort. Here, your family will stay in a private cottage with wood-burning fireplace and western-chic flair. Ample opportunities for family fun, while maintaining social distancing, can be found on-site. Enjoy activities such as kayaking, fishing, barnyard animal visits and over 50 miles of beautiful horseback riding trails.

Good to know: The resort has implemented UV-C disinfection technology to ensure the highest level of safety and cleanliness in guest room spaces.

Online: alisal.com

––Kerry Cushman

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woman and man in mini van

photo: The Althaus Life Blog

In a world where the answer is always at your fingertips, and everyone has an opinion of you, it’s hard to figure out who you are sometimes. It’s even harder to find that inner voice that reminds you that you are strong, funny, and worthy with the outside noise of jealousy and disgust is always looming.

We are a very “Keeping up with Joneses” generation. When planning out my life, I had that mentality. I wanted my life to be better than I ever could have imagined and I have a very specific, and very vain list of how I was going to make it so. From marrying a 6’5 athlete who loved his mother to wanting to live in a neighborhood in the swankiest area of where we live, I had very low, materialistic expectations of how I wanted to live my life. Those were my ideas of success.

Then I dated 6’5 losers, the area I had dreamed of living in turned out to be nothing but full of holier than thou hypocrite judgers that would make life miserable. Even if we could afford to live in that area I’d take a hard pass, fast. The life I have isn’t what I pictured or what I thought I wanted but it turned out to be everything I wanted. I’ve fought hard for the simple life that in my earlier years I thought I wouldn’t have wanted. I married the quiet guy who makes me laugh on the daily, supports any crazy idea I may have and loves me and our kids fiercely.

We live in a tiny ranch house. We’ve looked to upgrade it in big ways but at the end of the day, our tiny ranch house is perfect for us. We live in a village that’s mostly families who have the same, full of contentment dream. One thing I’ve learned over the years and that’s become more blatantly obvious is it’s not the things that matter but the people and how the area you live in makes you feel. Where we live it’s less “Keeping up with Joneses,” and more keeping up with our kids and their needs and dreams.

It’s less, “We have to get Cam here and Roy there” and more filling our lives with activities we all love and more taking it easy to figure out what our kids like and focus on that. I love the simple life we’ve built. It’s still challenging thanks to the autism side of it and the three-nager we currently have but it’s a crazy fun balance that I wouldn’t change.

I hope my younger self is proud of the way our life took a turn. It’s not a life she would have ever pictured but it’s a good one. So marry the nerdy guy. The one that lets you unapologetically yourself. The one that seems to have his life together way more than you. The one that shows up at midnight at your darkest moment. The one who sleeps on the couch with you when you’re too sick to get to bed. The one that still makes you laugh, post-kids, and you wet your pants a little. The one who speaks three-nager and is the best hostage negotiator.

The life that you imagined doesn’t have to be the life you have. The life I have is a million times better than what I ever dreamed. I’m grateful that I said yes to the short, quiet guy who loves his own mama but loves the family he’s made more. We have everything we need. We work hard together as a team which is what I needed. There are days we don’t like each other. But we still show up. I think that’s the secret. You show up on your worst day so your partner can be their best. We are always making what feels like life and death decisions. We believe in Murphy’s law a lot. We cry until we laugh. Laugh until we cry. It can be the dumbest thing that we’re laughing about.

If you’re single. I hope you find that person. It’s not about materialistic things. It’s about the person who shows up for you when the world turns its back on you. They are the ones who lay on the floor with you when you aren’t sure how you’re going to take your next breath. They love you and your kids fiercely. They admit when things are hard or when they’re struggling. They support you in your dreams and goals no matter how crazy they may sound. I hope you marry the person that makes you feel all the things—the person that allows you to be unapologetically you.

Jeremy is that for me. I didn’t believe in soulmates and love at first sight. I believed you truly could make it work with anyone if you put the effort in. Then one random Tuesday, a quiet, sweet guy walked into a coffee shop and my heart was like, “Well he’s different in a way that I need in my life!” and here we are almost 8 years later. I’m blessed beyond measure because a guy with his life together took a chance on me the biggest hot mess. I’ll forever be grateful.

This post originally appeared on The Althaus Life Blog.

 

Lindsey is a mom, wife, and blogger at The Althaus Life. She lives in Ohio with her husband and 2 children. Lindsey is grateful all things and to be able to chronicle her beautifully broken laugh til you cry cry until you laugh life.

The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park aren’t the only places you’ll find wild animals in San Diego. We know plenty of secret zoos where you can see pigs, goats, peacocks, sea lions, flamingos and more. The best part is––all of these places are free of charge and free to roam! Read on to learn where beautiful animals are hiding in plain sight all over the city.

Editor’s note: Some of these locations may be open with a limited schedule, so always check before you go.

Peacocks at the Leo Carrillo Ranch House

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Peacocks roam freely around this historic homestead where actor Leo Carrillo used to live. If you find a peacock feather on the ground you can take one home for free, but if you find more they ask you to give them to the visitors center so they can sell them in their gift shop to help fund ranch restorations.

Leo Carrillo Ranch
6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad
858-638-0672
Online: carrillo-ranch.org/visit

Rescued Harbor Seals at The Bahia

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Billy and Gracie are the resident harbor seals at the Bahia Hotel. They were rescued and now live the high life at the resort. Their swimming pool is right next to the cute Airstream trailer that offers grab n go drinks and snacks.

Bahia Resort Hotel
998 West Mission Bay Dr., Mission Bay
858-488-0551
Online: bahiahotel.com

Flamingos at the Coronado Marriott Resort & Spa

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Drive over to this island oasis and look for the pink flamingos at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. You’ll find them between the hotel and tennis courts with views looking out towards the Coronado Bridge. Plan for extra time to walk along the beautiful bay for a scenic walk and views of the San Diego skyline.

Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
2000 2nd St., Coronado
619-435-3000
Online: marriott.com/hotels

Bunnies, Goats, a Cow & More at City Farmers Nursery

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Discover this farm in the middle of the city at City Farmers Nursery. You’ll find all kinds of animals like goats, bunnies, donkeys and even a cow! Next door is Nate’s Garden Grill where you can grab a bite to eat after exploring the farm.

City Farmers Nursery
3110 Euclid Ave., City Heights
619-284-6358
Online: cityfarmersnursery.com

Blue Herons & Birds at Paradise Point Resort

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Fly over to this hidden gem at Paradise Point Resort & Spa on Mission Bay. Walk the grounds to feel like you’re in a jungle with birds flying all around you. There are 2 lagoons filled with ducks, turtles, geese, koi fish and even great blue herons. The gift shop sells duck food and the proceeds benefit a local charity. If you’re brave enough, climb to the top of the lookout tower to come face to beak with the birds in the treetops!

Paradise Point Resort & Spa
1404 Vacation Rd., Mission Bay
858-240-4913
Online: paradisepoint.com

Chickens & Cats at Mission Hills Nursery

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Walk into the past where Kate Sessions used to sell plants out of her house in 1910, now turned into Mission Hills Nursery. In the back is where you’ll find the chickens in the coop, unless they’re clucking around the gardens. A couple of friendly cats can be found lazing around in the sunny spots too.

What’s Nearby: One block west is Kettle & Stone coffee shop and one block south is Pioneer Park with a playground and bathrooms.

Mission Hills Nursery
1525 Fort Stockton Dr., Mission Hills
619-295-2808
Online: missionhillsnursery.com

Miniature Horse, Goats, Tortoise & More at Sunshine Gardens

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Giddy-up to Sunshine Gardens where you’ll find this adorable miniature horse sharing paddocks with his goat friends. Time your visit right and you’ll even get to feed them! They’re located across the parking lot away from the rest of the grounds, but you must wander over to the gardens and you’ll find plenty more. In the back are pigs, more goats and chickens; in the succulent garden is a bird aviary enclosure; and to the left you can’t miss the hydroponics with tanks full of koi fish big and small.

What’s Nearby: San Diego Botanic Gardens are just down the street and Cottonwood Creek Park with bathrooms and an epic playground is 1 mile west, also near Cali Cream Ice Cream and Leucadia Pizza.

Sunshine Gardens
155 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas
760-436-3244
Online: facebook.com/sunshinegardensencinitas

Goats & Chickens at the Rancho Penasquitos Adobe Ranch House

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Bring your own carrots to feed Holly and Base, Nubian goats who live at this historic ranch house. They also like celery, romaine and iceberg lettuce. Take in some history from 1823 at this second oldest residence in San Diego County. Miles of trails start here to explore the Los Penasquitos Canyon (and waterfall!) by bike, hike or even horseback. You’ll see a playground as you enter the long driveway, but it’s quite a distance from there to the goats at the ranch house, so plan to drive between them for little legs.

Parking: Even though park entry gates are locked at 5 p.m., there are plenty of other lower parking lots that you can walk up from.

Rancho Penasquitos Adobe Ranch House
12122 Canyonside Park Dr., Rancho Penasquitos
858-484-7504
Online: sdparks.org/RanchoLosPenasquitos

Aquarium at the Plaza Bonita Mall

Bonnie Taylor @famdiego

Be part of their world as you make friends with the fish inside this pop-up bubble aquarium. You’ll find this large aquarium inside the kids play area at the Plaza Bonita Mall. This is one of the few indoor malls in San Diego, so check to make sure the mall is open before you go, and ask if the kids play area is open.

Westfield Plaza Bonita Mall
3030 Plaza Bonita Rd., National City
619-267-2850
Online: westfield.com/plazabonita

–Bonnie Taylor

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Doritos fans received an early Christmas gift this year. After years of clamoring on social media, popular petitions and celebrity endorsements, one of the most sought-after snacks in Frito-Lay history is making a triumphant return. Doritos announced Doritos 3D Crunch, an updated version of the original Doritos 3D’s introduced in the late 1990s. 

The iconic three-dimensional shape is back with even more bold and spicy flavor. 

Doritos 3D Crunch

In celebration of Doritos 3D Crunch, the brand is taking the original and turning it up a notch. With the same three-dimensional shape, new Doritos 3D Crunch will be available in two bold flavors: Spicy Ranch and Chili Cheese Nacho. These flavor offerings are Frito-Lay’s latest expansion in the hot-and-spicy food category, one of the fastest-growing segments in the food industry.

Doritos 3D Crunch

“Doritos 3D Crunch is one of our most anticipated product launches ever. What’s exciting is that we didn’t just bring back the original — we’ve evolved it to reflect the snacking trends of a new generation,” said Rachel Ferdinando, SVP and CMO, Frito-Lay North America. “We’re thrilled to introduce a new version at a time when we all could use a small moment of joy.”

Doritos 3D became an instant fan favorite due to the memorable “Laundromat” Super Bowl commercial featuring Actress Ali Landry. As the “Doritos Girl” Landry helped bring Doritos 3D’s to homes across the country. Now she is back to help announce the new Doritos 3D Crunch. 

To help fans reimagine snacking on Doritos 3D Crunch the brand is once again partnering with Landry to launch a nationwide challenge. Paying homage to the original “Laundromat” commercial, Landry will ask fans to catch Doritos 3D in their mouth in the boldest ways possible. Fans are encouraged to check out the #Doritos3DChallenge on TikTok starting Dec. 28.

Doritos 3D Spicy Ranch and Doritos 3D Chili Cheese Nacho are in stores starting Mon., Dec. 28 in 6 oz. bags for a suggested retail price of $4.29 and 2 oz. bags for $1.89.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Frito-Lay

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Vrbo is turning 25! The online vacation rental business is celebrating the occasion by giving away 25 stays its all-time favorite vacation homes in a fun challenge.

Contest winners will be able to choose a stay worth $5,000 from some of Vrbo’s highest-rated vacation homes, cabins, condos and even a castles! Keep reading to see how to win.

To enter, participants will need to share a family vacation photo on Instagram or Facebook using #VrboTurns25. Once selected by Vrbo, winners will get to choose a vacation from this Trip Board.

Some fun picks include a 727 Airplane in the Costa Rican Jungle, Red Sands Ranch, a river resort that doubles as your own private amusement park and a private island with lakefront views.

The contest begins on Oct 5, 12:00 a.m. CT and ends on Oct. 18 at 11:59 p.m. CT. For more full contest rules, visit https://vrbo.com/VrboTurns25.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Vrbo

 

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Move over queso, this new dip is dill-icious! Taste of the South Fried Pickles & Ranch Dip just landed exclusively at select Sam’s Clubs. Now you just have to stock up on things to dip into it.

Taste of the South Fried Pickles & Ranch Dip

Taste of the South Fried Pickles and Ranch Dip is made from real whipped cream cheese and sour cream mixed with crunchy dill pickles and ranch seasoning. This tangy dip goes with just about anything pickles do. Add a dollop to your burger, pair with your favorite chips or serve alongside vegetable crudites. 

Taste of the South Fried Pickles & Ranch Dip

You can find the 24 ounce tubs of Fried Pickle & Ranch Dip at Sam’s Club for $4.98. It is available at locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Sam’s Club

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