Make this Halloween your best yet with these smart tricks and tips for carving a fantastic pumpkin.

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35 Pumpkin Decorating Ideas »

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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

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By Cris Carl, Networx

"The first thing your home needs if you have a hyperactive child is to be as free of clutter and chaos as possible," said Dr. Sharon Saline PsyD. Saline has a practice in Northampton, MA and has been a school consultant regarding children with hyperactivity disorders. "To help these children you need to create a calm, consistent, clean space," she said.

What are the specific challenges of a hyperactive child?

A child with a hyperactivity disorder generally takes a longer time to develop organizational skills as well as the ability to focus and put activities and objects in a sequential order. Saline said that these skills are developed in our frontal lobes, are referred to as "executive function," and are not fully developed in an average human until approximately age 25.

"They have a challenge with organizing both their internal and external space," said Saline. The following are ways you can help your hyperactive child stay calmer at home.

Read More »from Hyperactive Child in the House? the House Itself Could Relieve Symptoms

Photo by Erica Glasener for Networx
By Erica Glasener, Networx

As summer fades and the days begin to cool off, fall offers the ideal time to enjoy the outdoors. Take full advantage of this season by creating a cozy outdoor space where you can relax and take time to experience the aromas, sounds and colors of autumn.

The first thing to think about is siting. If you have an existing patio, porch or deck, you are off to a good start. If you don't, why not add a small paved area (DIY it or call a local concrete contractor), using materials that relate to the materials your house is constructed of? We live in a granite house and added a low granite wall in our front garden which helps define the space and offers casual seating too.

Having at least a portion of your outdoor room under cover means you can get maximum use out of the space, even on cool, rainy days. An umbrella is a less expensive alternative for providing instant shelter. Unlike summer, when the need for covered areas to provide shade is critical, sunny

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Today I spent a while reflecting on my life in general... I woke up, brought my darling daughter to school, came back home and to find out that our gas would be out until the later afternoon... So, I relaxed, vented and thought what I should do when the gas came back on... I have dishes to complete, laundry to complete, and a daughter to make happy when she arrives home after school... Hmmmm.... yup making daughter happy is the best thing to do!! So as I picked her up, we ventured out and made awesome pumpkins!!!

I'm one of those moms that keeps every single piece of memorabilia from their baby's 'firsts.' Their first lock of hair, first foot print, first hand print - I've kept them all (someday my kids will be happy I saved all this stuff, I swear!). The easiest way to do it is with a baby book, which generally have custom pages for each milestone or memory to help you stay organized. Luckily are a ton of different options available so you can be sure you'll find one to represent your baby's personality. Here are 8 unique, gender-neutral baby books to get you started. - By Nadia Carriere

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Read More »from 8 Unique, Gender-neutral Memory Books for Baby's First Year

I'm something of a bedding hoarder. Seriously. I don't know when it started precisely, but if I had to peg it down I'd guess it was in my late teens. I have cabinets full of bedding softer than soft sheets, fluffy down comforters, mounds of cloud-like pillows, and more quilts, duvets and blankets than you can imagine. I love how just swapping out bedding can instantly change the mood and feel of your bedroom decor. Go modern and bold, go soft and peaceful, go romantic and flowery. Does your bedroom need a little facelift? Here are 8 bedding sets that will instantly spice up your room! - By Cyd Converse

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Read More »from Sleeping Beauty: 8 Bed Sets Fit for the Modern-Day Princess

Planning a Halloween bash? I love Halloween because there are so many ways you can go with party themes and decor -- do you want a creepy haunted house, a romantic candlelit soiree, or a kid-friendly costume party... or some combination of the three!? And it all starts with the invitations. Here are 8 incredible DIY invitations to announce your Halloween party. - By Melanie Blodgett

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Read More »from Monster Bash: 8 Unforgettable Invitations for Your Halloween Party

By WomansDay.com Staff

It seems like October builds up to that last day of the month when all of the ghosts, goblins and pumpkins are set out to spookify your home. If you're tired of doing the same-old paper cutouts and basic jack-o'-lanterns, find some inspiration for incorporating tombstones, witches and more into your yard or house decor. Below are some spectacular houses that go all out for the holiday as well as the grossest decorations we could find-making for a boo-tiful Halloween.


Graveyard Path

Jeffrey Scott was vacationing in Oakland, Florida, in 2008 and just had to snap a photo of this two-story house decorated from top to bottom and everywhere in between. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Scott via Flickr.com.


Pumpkin Patch

Talk about pumpkin spirit! Not only are there over 30 pumpkins in the yard of this Henderson, Nevada, home, pumpkin lights also border the roof. Photo courtesy of Allen Sandquist via Flickr.com.
Related: Try these 8 sexy ways to burn calories.


Read More »from Over-the-Top Halloween Decorations