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We weren't allowed to go Trick or Treating as children, my parents just wouldn't allow it but Halloween has become a big celebration in our house. We have had a party every year since my eldest was 3 and the adults dress up as much as the children and trick or treating is a big part of the event for the children.

I always go round and "warn" the neighbours beforehand (and usually take extra sweets round too) and mostly they are all good sports. I do understand that for some people, especially those living on their own, that Halloween can be genuinely scary but we have no tricks ..... just little people hoping for treats!

And they definitely got treats .....

Our Halloween activities included games, food, laughing (and some wrestling ... don't ask) but no neighbours were intimidated, everyone was in good spirits (not the ghostly kind) and whether you love or loathe Halloween, it really is just a bit of fun.

So finally before the children went home, we had a pumpkin competition ..... which one do you think won?

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As of today folks there are exactly 8 weeks till Christmas.

I know I am mentioning the C word again but 8 weeks folks! 8 weeks!

So what can you do in 8 weeks to create a few extra pennies to spend over the festivities?

1. Don't get coffee or sandwiches from anywhere other than your own cupboards and fridge. It is amazing that so many people spend over £10 a week on lunch and coffee. If you saved this money over the next 8 weeks, that is £80 you will have saved in time for Christmas!
2. Reduce the Christmas list. Agree with certain friends that you won't exchange gifts this year, or set a price limit for family presents, particularly those for adults. Alternatively, have a "children only" rule, or set up a Secret Santa, which is kind of exciting as well as helping you to save money.
3. Create a Christmas cupboard, then pounce on the biggest discounts. Don't waste time and money, Decide on who you need to buy for and what you want, make a list, get a Christmas cupboard ready to put stuff in, then search for the cheapest price. 
4. Make the most of your vouchers! Whether it be Tesco Clubcard, Boots Advantage or Nectar Card Points, work out the best deal, don't just use them at the till, it maybe better to convert them into vouchers to get the best value.
5. Sell your Stuff! I know that this sounds obvious but it is amazing how many people have clothes that they have grown out of or gifts that have been put in a cupboard and forgotten about. I recently blogged about doing a car boot sale to get rid of our old dvd's and "things" cluttering up the house but I wouldn't necessarily recommend that now the weather has changed but there are still sites like Ebay that allows you to sell from the comfort and warmth of your own home.
6. Meal plan. We are all guilty of buying food on impulse. Don't. Set out your shopping into meals.
7. And if you can't do that, walk down the reduced / whoops aisle. It is amazing what you can pick up to cook the same day. If you have the time to pop into the supermarket every day, you could easily save another £10 a week or more, which is another £80 towards Christmas.
8. Be social media savvy! Get on Twitter and follow money saving experts such @myfamilyclub @familybudgeting @pennygolightly and @moneymagpie for sales hints and money-saving tips.

Do you have any other money saving tips?

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It seems to have been raining for a while now but the sunshine came out today and with the crisp autumnal air and the sun in the sky, it reminded me of all the things I love about Autumn.

Sometimes we just need reminding .....

1. There are amazing colours everywhere, from the leaves on the trees to the shades in the shops. Autumn is all about colour.
2. I love the cool, crisp fesh air. Especially in the morning, you walk outside and you get that little nose tingle from the air.
3. The temperatures have definately dropped and there is a calm feeling all around. Things are much more relaxed in Autumn.
4. Autumn is the start of the festivities and Halloween is great fun for children (and big kids too).
5. Creating delicious homemade soups.
6. Going out for a early morning long stroll together, it’s nice to have the Autumn wind as an excuse to walk a little bit closer — or to buy him a gorgeous wax jacket from Joules and steal it when you need another layer.
7. And if you can't beat them, join them. Autumn brings a whole wardrobe of possibilities, from new scarves, boots, hats and jumpers. A change in the season is a great excuse to buy new clothes in my book!
8. Shorter days and longer nights herald the start of great TV nights in. Snuggling up on the sofa at its best.
9. The food ..... pumpkins, spices and the scent of mulled wine.
10. For my children, Autumn means half term and the fact that it is just that little bit closer to Christmas ....

How about you? 

What do you love about Autumn?

Disclaimer : This post was brought to you in association with Joules but all thoughts are our own.

Image courtesy of dan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net