We’re into the final stretch before Halloween so if you haven’t decorated yet, what are you waiting for!? Stock in the stores are pretty limited so we’ve put together a list of easy DIY Halloween decorations that are fun, festive and sure to win over your neighbourhood. Transform your indoors or outdoors with some household items you already own.

Magic Potion Bottles

Transform your house into a witch’s cottage deep in the woods….

• Use old mason jars, candle jars or glass bottles
• fill them with kool-aid or use food colouring to dye the water different colours
• Pick up some gummy worms, fake fingers, those sticky hands you can find in $1 machines at the mall, eyeballs, even drop in shredded pieces of toilet paper for the extra fleshy appearance

[caption id="attachment_340403" align="alignnone" width="464"] olgamiltsova/Getty Images[/caption]

Snake Wreath

All you need is a cheap wreath from the Dollar Store or a local craft store, purchase some rubber snakes from the Dollar Store and weave them all around the wreath. Use craft or hat glue to keep them in place but you’re sure to scare the trick-or-treaters on Halloween with this spooktacular decoration. [caption id="attachment_340406" align="alignnone" width="443"] Mike Garten/Pinterest[/caption]

Spooky Bat Leaves

Run outside with the kids and collect some big maple leafs for this one. Let them dry out then paint the leaves black. Using a matte black paint works well on these. Then add google eyes if you want a sillier bat, or using white paper and a black sharpie, cut our and draw the eyes and fangs, glue them on and you’re set for these decorations that will look great in your window or outside.  

Cobweb Wreath or Mirror

Spray paint or use the matte black paint from the leaves to darken up an embroidery hoop or to paint an old mirror, then add cobwebs found from your local Dollar Store. Add some plastic spider and you’re all set!

Halloween Mantel Decor

There are a few things you can do to spook up your fireplace mantel. Get some black craft paper and cut out bats, and other shapes, use stencils and paint to add ghosts, black cats, bats, string them across your mantel with spray painted (black) string.  Another easy idea to pick up some craft canvas from a local craft store, cut them into shapes, add a jack-o-lantern or ghost stencil, acrylic paint and decorate each one that you string across your mantel for a festive decoration that’s easy to make.

Emoji Ghost Balloons

How about this one we found on the blog ‘Aww Sam’. You can visit HERE to get the full tutorial and other amazing ideas! [caption id="attachment_340409" align="alignnone" width="505"] Photo: Aww Sam Blog[/caption]

As a child, you don’t realize the gamble you take when you knock on someone’s door on Halloween to trick-or-treat. Once that door opens, anything can happen and it’s totally out of your control. Sometimes you’d get a mini kit kat or mini coffee crisp … sometimes you’d get a box of raisins or some concoction that was home made (gross!) … if you were really lucky, you’d live on a street that gave away full sized candy bars, and you’d know it too because every kid would run up and down the street shouting for all to hear, they’d probably even have a change of costume so they could go back for round 2! We decided to rank our favourite Halloween candy on a haunted lucky scale (5 is the best, 1 being the worst), let us know on social media if you agree.

COFFEE CRISP MINI

HAUNTED SCALE: Yeah another 5 out of 5 to start off our list, but since we were talking about this sweet Canadian treat above, we thought “why wait” to include it. You can’t beat Coffee Crisp!  

MARS MINI’S

HAUNTED SCALE: You know you hit Halloween pay dirt when one of these gets dropped into your plastic pumpkin! They come from the other widely available Halloween chocolate box that includes TWIX, M&M’s and Snickers, but since no one likes Snickers, not many people buy the box (plus it usually costs a couple bucks more) … this is the reason you trick-or-treat early on Halloween. Because by 8pm, that house handing them out is left with a bowl of Snickers and that’s not good for anybody.  

TWIX MINI’S

HAUNTED SCALE: Ok we LOVE Twix, but we feel kinda gipped at Halloween when we get these because we’re used to getting two at a time. One Twix doesn’t hit the same as getting two. They tried to get all cute by labelling them as “LEFT” and “RIGHT” Twix, but all that did was remind us we weren’t getting two! Don’t get us wrong, we’re never going to turn away a TWIX, whether is a single or a double the way it was meant to be … there is always room in our tummy for this one.  

AERO MINI’S

HAUNTED SCALE: Old reliable AERO, nothing fancy, it doesn’t showboat or brag to be something it isn’t, and when you need a chocolate fix in a hurry AERO is always there for you. It’s not the perfect chocolate bar, but it’s pretty close.  

CHIPS

HAUNTED SCALE: Don’t get us wrong, we like chips … they’re crunchy, salty and a perfect late night Netflix-binging snack, but not what you seek out when trick-or-treating usually. You think chocolate on Halloween. Chips are usually sandwiched at the bottom of your trick-or-treat pale, getting crushed at the bottom so when you do go to eat them it’s all crumbs. The bags also take up more room when trick-or-treating so that’s less chocolate you can carry.  

FUN SIZE M&M’S

HAUNTED SCALE: M&M’s are one of the world’s best candy snacks, but this one loses points because of how few you actually get in a pack, 4 peanut M&M’s and a few more plain … these fun sized packs are best when you have a few and you combine them into one “Super Terrific Happy FUN pack”. We prefer peanut M&M’s more, but lumped the two packs together as not to discriminate against those who prefer milk chocolate M&M’s.  

REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER CUP

HAUNTED SCALE: OK, same reasoning here as we had above with TWIX … Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups gets 3 ghosts because that’s how many peanut butter cups you should get in one pack! The singles are a nice treat, but you’re always left wanting more … whoever thought of chocolate and peanut butter together was a genius and should be enshrined somewhere forever and ever.  

MR.BIG

HAUNTED SCALE: This is an ultra-rare on Halloween … it comes in the harder to find box with Caramilk, Crispy Crunch and Wunderbar (which the jury is still out on … do we like Wunderbars?) … anyway, let’s shine the light back on Mr. Big because this beauty translates really well to the single mini size, just too bad more people aren’t handing them out on the 31st … probably because like us, if they’re in the house, they will be eaten. Sorry kids … (not sorry).  

Crispy Crunch Mini

HAUNTED SCALE: If you were a kid in the 80s or 90s, you believe “the only thing better than a Crispy Crunch, is someone else’s”. Those people never had a Crispy Crunch mini and it shows. Crispy Crunch is a classic.  

CARAMILK

HAUNTED SCALE: While you’re out there trying to figure out how they get the caramel inside a Caramilk bar, we’re out there trying to figure out they get the caramel inside a MINI Caramilk bar. The mini’s come in two’s so we often eat a more than one at a time, it still stands as one of the BEST chocolate bars on earth and we’ll take it every time.  

TOOTSIE ROLL MINI

HAUNTED SCALE: No one know who was handing them out or when they got put in your bag, but at the end of the night, you always find one or two of these in your haul. They weren’t the most popular as a kid and we’re surprised they’re still being handed out. Does anyone actually eat these any more?  

SWEDISH BERRIES/SOUR-PATCH KIDS/FUZZY PEACHES/TROPICAL FISH

HAUNTED SCALE: Of all the non-chocolate options, these are the best! They’re delicious and usually taste like a drink you’d have on a nice beach somewhere on vacation. You can sneak a few of these out of your kids haul after they go to bed and you probably wouldn’t get caught.  

RAISINS

HAUNTED SCALE: 0/5 Ugh, don’t event go there … we were having a nice time with this list until this …

[bc_video video_id="6314385849112" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Did you know that an estimated 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year? Breast cancer is more common than we all realize. It affects people both mentally and physically — even if they are in remission. Lifestyle expert Kim Appelt joins us on the show to give us some helpful products for breast cancer patients and survivors. Appelt herself has been open about her personal struggles with breast cancer and wants to show some of the products that made her journey a bit easier.  

Paxman Cooling Cap

• Research shows that applying ice to the scalp can reduce the effects of chemotherapy and some of its symptoms such as hair loss. Paxman has innovated this research and strives to help cancer patients from around the globe.
• To learn more about Paxman and their research click HERE.

 

Knix Ultra Soft Front Closure Bra

 

New Attitude Nipple Prosthesis

• After a mastectomy (a surgery where your breast(s), as well as the nipples, are removed to help prevent the treatment of breast cancer). This surgery, while helpful, can cause a lot of mental health and identity issues. When patients look in the mirror they may no longer feel as feminine anymore. New Attitude has created a product to help make women feel more like themselves again.
• This prosthetic nipple can be applied with an adhesive such as glue and can stay on the body for up to one week. This prosthetic can securely stay on when swimming or showering.
• This product is designed as an alternative to breast augmentation. This product also works with patients who have undergone breast augmentation surgery as a prosthetic nipple.
• The New Attitude nipple is also a great alternative to a tattooed nipple, as it is less invasive and not permanent.
• The brand also offers custom nipple prosthetics — all you have to do is contact them!

 

KIP Pajamas

Price: $218.00 - 260.00

• These beautiful soft and stretchy pajamas are made out of cotton, and are so comfortable without all the piling and sagging. They come in three colours and will keep you comfortable pre and post surgery.

 

Drain Bag

Price: $39.99

• The J.P. Belt is an accessory designed for complete comfort post surgery. It holds up to four J.P. surgical drain bulbs after breast augmentation, reconstruction and mastectomy.
• It can be worn for 24 hours a day until drains are removed.
• It is very easy to use and they have many accommodating belt sizes. Simply place belt around waist, insert drain bulbs into pockets, and adjust length as required.
• There is also the shower line that will allow you to use while showering to make it easier.

 

Post-Surgery Seatbelt Pillow

Price: $33.07

• This post-surgery seatbelt cover can help provide support when coming home after surgery.
• It is made of a silky soft fabric and is lightweight but still provides the support you need.
• This seat belt cover is also perfect for any chest surgery.

Don't have a costume yet? Still? Halloween may just be days away, but why worry? We put together six costumes that you can easily create with the clothes you have at home! And if that's not the case — don't stress! We also found some easy purchases for creating an iconic look. The best part? Most of them are basics that you can add to your closet afterwards! We'll say it again: You're welcome.

Costume #1: Kim Possible

  "Call me! Beep me! If you wanna reach me." Who doesn't love Kim Possible? It's a classic and very easy to put together with some items you might just have in your own closet! So, here's the sitch....   Black Cropped Long Sleeves Shirt Price: $22.68

• To create the outfit to start you need a plain black long sleeve shirt.

  Cargo Pants Price: $21.99

• Adding the classic green cargo pants that indicates it's her.

  Black Boots Price: $9.89

• The boots is a must when defeating Dr. Drakken and Shego.

  Leather Gloves Price: $19.97

• Can't forget about the faux leather gloves, that's so important for Kim's look.

   

Costume #2: Donna from That '70s show

"Life is too short to hangout with people who annoy you." - Red This is such an easy and comfy costume to create. Plus, it can simply be a casual outfit when it's just you and your friends hanging out in your parents basement.   Denim Overalls Price: $35 

• Let's bring out those overalls that you only wear painting and put it to good use this Halloween.

  Striped Shirt Price: $48

• A funky colourful striped t-shirt to wear under the overalls.

  Choker Price: $15.99

• Adding a light choker or one of these simple necklaces will complete the whole look.

  Chuck Taylors | Converse Price: $75

• Of course the Converse Chuck Taylors are a staple in many looks, but adding it to Donna's outfit brings together the comfy and casual.

   

Costume #3: A Peaky Blinder

It's 1919 in Birmingham. Wake up it's time for a Shelby family meeting!   Flat cap Price: $19

• The signature flat cap that is always worn by a Peaky Blinder.

  Black blazer Price: $15.99

• Adding the black blazer on top of the outfit
• If wanting to take it a step up, a fleece trench coat is a go-to! (Especially with this Canadian weather)

  Waistcoat vest Price: $22.99

• Create a suit look with this waistcoat-vest that is worn under the blazer.

  Black Cropped Tank Top Price: $15.00

• A plain ribbed black tank top to add underneath the blazer — or a black plain t-shirt will do.

  Black Boots Price: $9.99

• These black boots that are necessary for most of these costumes, and it can also be worn as a Peaky Blinder!
• Rather than dress shoes that most Peaky Blinders wear, try some bulky boots.

  Black Skirt OR Black Pants   Price: $18.99 & 47.99

• For bottoms, a simple black skirt or pants will create the Peaky Blinder iconic look. Trust!

   

Costume #4: Coraline

"When you're scared but you still do it anyway, that's brave." Coraline is a timeless classic movie — which means you can never go wrong with this costume. It can be easily put together once you have all the items.   Yellow Raincoat Price: $25.00

• A yellow raincoat is a must! If you don't have one, you can easily get it. Bonus — when it's raining, you can ditch the umbrella and wear this adorable jacket instead!

  Blue Wig Price: $33.99

• If you don't want to dye your hair, simply get a blue bob wig to really sell that you're her.

  Blue Spray Dye Price: $14.99

• If you want to be more authentic but not go out of your way to use dye (or a wig), then get some blue temporary spray dye and drench your hair to achieve Coraline's bright blue hair colour.

  Yellow Rain Boots Price: $29.99

• You can't have the yellow raincoat without the yellow rain boots! These cute yellow boots can even be worn after Halloween — so why not make an excuse to purchase it?

  Jeans Price: $29.99

• Regular denim jeans for the simple outfit she wears under her raincoat. You can easily grab this out of your closet, but if you need new ones these H&M jeans are simply perfect.

  Dragonfly hair clip Price: $13.99

• The dragonfly clip is a must when dressing as Coraline. (True fans will understand!)

  Round Black Glasses Price: $18.99

• To create those button eyes, take these black round glasses and do a quick D.I.Y. for the accessories by adding big round buttons on top.

  Buttons Price: $9.99

• Create the glasses with these buttons — an easy and simple task to tie the whole look together.

   

Costume #5: Jennifer Check from Jennifer's Body

“Hell is a teenage girl.” - Anita "Needy" Lesnicky The iconic Jennifer Check, everyone. If you haven't seen 'Jennifer's Body', I suggest you go watch it and then be her for Halloween, of course. There are many iconic outfits she has during the whole movie but we thought, being in the spirit of Halloween, let us create more of a gory look. It has more of a DIY aspect to it — if you don't mind ruining some clothes!   Black Shirt Price: $15.00

• Start with a plain black tank top (that you don't mind getting fake blood on).

  Denim Skirt Price: $27.99

• A plain denim skirt for your bottoms.

  Red Tights Price: $12.99

• Red tights to wear under the skirt.

  Black Boots Price: $61.99

• Of course, the platform boots that she wears!

  White Jacket Price: $34.30

• Last but not least, a beautiful plain white coat! (It won't be white much longer... but everyone loves red, anyway.)

  Fake Blood Price: $12.99

• Then dump fake blood all over your costume and around your mouth — just like you just threw up a bunch of blood. (Which Jennifer in fact did.)

   

Costume #6: Lindsay from Total Drama Island

"I WANNA BE FAMOUS" - TDI (theme song) Welcome to Total Drama Island! Live from camp Wawanakwa, somewhere in Muskoka, Ontario! An easy and simple costume to put together to beat your competitors.   Blue Bandana Price: $23.30

• You'll need a blue bandana to keep the sweat out of your face during these intense competitions.

  Orange Tank Top Price: $24.99

• Add a plain orange tank top.

  Brown Tank Top Price: $25.99

• Layer on top with a brown tank top.

  Orange Skirt Price: $22.40

• Adding a orange skirt — plain or textured — whatever you can find!

  Cowboy Boots Price: $55.00

• We can't forget about the brown cowboy boots. This is very important for the Total Drama Island experience!

 

The Dream Team

The Cityline Dream Team is a group of experts who each bring something different to the table. And joined together, they create something bigger. This season, our Dream Team consists of neuro life coach and inclusion expert Karlyn Percil, financial educator Martha Adams, and fashion expert Tania Tonello. They're a powerful three — and you'll see just what we mean! This is the beginning of a series focused on helping women from all different walks of life that have one thing in common: a hunger and readiness for change. That's where our experts come in. Think of them as guides — people who are there to provide a safe, non-judgemental space to grow in, make mistakes, and embrace their complete vulnerability. In simpler words, it's a makeover. But these effects last long after all the makeup washes off. We aim to help these women achieve their goals, believe in their dreams, and overall improve their quality of life. Settle in. We're about to take you on a heart-warming journey. With that being said, we are so excited to introduce our very first Dream Team candidate — Nadine Williams.  

Nadine Williams

Nadine Williams is a poet, artist, and mother. She is an incredibly strong woman who suffers from depression, causing her to make decisions that keep her from prospering. However she has reflected within herself and decided that it was time for a change, and she needs to accept that she needs help in order to get out of this reality. Nadine reached out to Tracy to have the Dream Team create a plan to help her start a fresh new chapter. [bc_video video_id="6313258030112" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] The beginning of this journey started with Nadine welcoming Tracy into her home. Nadine was able to discuss the reasons why she wanted to move forward and reach out for help. They were able to tackle areas that Nadine wanted to see improved in her life.

Steps to a new beginning

Step 1: "Good tool to use in order to tap into her future self"

Neuro-life coach and inclusion expert Karlyn Percil expresses how she thinks Nadine's journey is progressing so far. "She had so many breakthroughs and was really able to talk through situations with ease," Percil says. Nadine has also learned to embrace gratitude. It is important to first become self-aware in order to become appreciative of oneself.  Being grateful for oneself and our personal accomplishments is just as important as seeing the good in others. It allows us as individuals to take a step back and really appreciate what we have done in our lives and the strengths that we have within ourselves.  Every day we should take a moment to reflect and think about the things we have done today. First, notice one's strengths and appreciate the skills we obtain within ourselves. Big or small, they are your strengths. Next, reflect on what went well in your day. Think about the little accomplishments you made throughout the day. Did you help a neighbour, make someone lunch, or get ready for the day? These small acts can all make you feel good about yourself. If you feel confident in who you are and the way you look, others will notice that confidence too.  Then we must practise daily self-gratitude. List out loud the things you are grateful for, and hear those words leave your mouth. Sit with them and reflect. Doing these steps daily increases your appreciation for even the little things. (You may find yourself lighting up your own world!) [bc_video video_id="6313260020112" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"]  

Step 2: "I've made good money. But I've also put out good money"

Financial educator Martha Adams came into Nadine's life in order to help her with money management. Adams mentioned that what we see on the outside starts from the inside. When internalizing negativity, negative outcomes will show up in your life. It is all about the affirmations you tell yourself. If you think you are going to fail, you probably will. Your mindset is a powerful thing and can change the outlook you have on life.  You must identify what you want. Think about specific goals or things you want to achieve in your life. Positive self-talk starts within ourselves and is projected into our reality. Rather than focusing on the negatives and giving attention to your past, don't let the past define you and take up space within yourself. Begin to change the result of your reality with positive self-talk, and focus on what you want to see rather than staying stuck in the past. Adams believes that saying positive affirmations about what you have and what you want will help you reflect it into your reality. [bc_video video_id="6313300601112" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"]  

Step 3: "Keep. Sell. Donate."

Fashion expert Tania Tonello joins Nadine in her bedroom to help declutter her personal space. This will also help make space mentally. One's physical space can reflect one's inner self. Keeping a clean and organized space helps keep an organized mind. Cleaning out her bedroom and closet was an emotional and physical change. It is not as easy as it seems to throw away things from your past. However in order to start fresh, Nadine took each item of clothing and decided that if she did not wear it often, if it has no value to her anymore, then she would donate or sell it. In our own lives, we sometimes have to think about the external clutter and remove it. We will be more successful in a clean and organized space. Then we can clear our minds and focus more on our lives than the stuff we have in it.  Having all those clothes removed, was like a weight off Nadine's shoulders. She could finally breathe. [bc_video video_id="6313325143112" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"]   Everyone can relate to Nadine's story one way or another. Everyone goes through ups and downs throughout their lives, and it is important to have the tools to overcome these obstacles. Whether they are financial, physical, or emotional, we must take a second to appreciate the things that are good in our lives and put the bad into perspective. Nadine's story is inspiring and the commitment and dedication she had to change her life is admirable. By working with our Dream Team, she now has a new outlook on life that will help her to only become more successful in the future.