Whether your family’s version of Halloween fun involves thrills and chills at one of the scariest haunted houses, trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches, or something in between, there’s one thing you can’t go without: a great costume.

Sure, everyone in the family could do their own thing, but why not wow the neighborhood with an epic group costume instead?

We’ve found a bunch of easy, DIY family Halloween costume ideas to make the most of this spooky season. Copy one of these great costumes, put your own twist on a classic, or take inspiration from your favorite book, movie and TV characters —either way, you can’t go wrong.

And, don’t worry if you can’t sew.  There are plenty of no-sew ideas on this list. Plus, plenty of budget-friendly options that can be made out of clothes you already own. Check out the links for each costume idea for easy how-to instructions.

Halloween is a great time to allow kids to express their creativity, get active, and learn responsibility. From a holistic health and wellness perspective, these are great attributes to help develop well-rounded and emotionally healthy little ones.

Source: partnersinpediatrics.com

This easy caramel apples recipe is a must-try! Coat crisp, tart apples with perfectly sweet, glossy from-scratch caramel for a festive fall treat or gift the whole family will love. (Plus, get ideas for how to decorate your caramel apples!)

It’s fall, and that means apple recipes galore in my house, whether I’m whipping up an apple dessert or decorating delicious caramel apples with the boys! With a few simple ingredients, basic tools, and a little time, you can make gourmet caramel apples right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Unlike regular salted caramel sauce, the homemade caramel for this easy recipe is thick, buttery, and clings to the apples perfectly. The caramel for caramel apples needs to be sticky enough to hold on to the apple but soft enough to eat, which is why I add corn syrup to the caramel. It cannot be substituted here and is the simple trick for perfect homemade caramel apples.

Which apples are good for this?

Granny Smith apples are the best apple for caramel apples. They are very tart, which balances out the sweet caramel. Honeycrisp apples also taste really good! No matter the type of apple you use, make sure that it is firm, with no soft spots.

Equipment

Candy thermometer
Apple sticks
Silicone mats or parchment paper
Medium pot
Wooden spoon
Brush

Ingredients

10 Granny Smith Apples
2 cups packed light brown sugar (440g)
1½ cups heavy cream (360mL)
1 cup light corn syrup (240mL)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (70g)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Apple Preparation:

Remove all stems from apples and wash them by rubbing the skin vigorously with a paper or kitchen towel in hot water to remove the wax coating. Dry well. Push an apple stick or wooden skewer into the stem end to create a handle. Refrigerate the apples for faster caramel setting.

For the Caramel:

In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cream, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Place over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the butter has melted.

Once melted, brush down the side of the pot with a wet pastry brush. Cook without stirring while occasionally brushing the sides down until the temperature reaches between 235°F and 240°F on a candy thermometer.

Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla then set aside to cool for 10 to 20 minutes. The caramel is ready for dipping once it’s cooled to about 190°F. You can always dip a test apple to see if it looks right.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone mat, or lightly grease the sheet with butter.

Dip an apple into the caramel, allow the excess to drip off then place on the baking sheet to cool. If desired you can add a drizzle of chocolate or roll in chopped nuts or sprinkles before the caramel sets. Refrigerate the apples until the caramel is set, 15 to 30 minutes.

Recipe/Image: preppykitchen.com

Fall is one of the best times to visit Massachusetts. From family-friendly activities like apple and pumpkin picking to our iconic fall foliage, there is so much to do and see throughout the state this season.

Leaf Peep

Fall in Massachusetts means seeing some of the best foliage in the world. Check out our Fall Foliage guide for some itinerary ideas on how to get the most out of the season, including where and when you can see some pretty autumn leaves. If you’re not afraid of heights, here’s where you can see the best fall vistas from high above the trees.

Head to a Massachusetts Farm

There’s no better time to support a local business and have some family fun. At one of Massachusetts’ many farms and orchards, you can go apple picking, grab some pumpkins, try a cider, get lost in a corn maze, or all of the above!

While you’re there, you have to try an apple cider donut – one of the great fall traditions in Massachusetts. Many local farms and bakeries offer their own unique spins on this iconic tasty treat. You’ll have to try them all to figure out which one is your favorite!

If apple picking is your thing, you can’t go wrong!

Check out a fall fair

Fall in Massachusetts means it’s time for The Big E – the largest agricultural fair on the east coast. Each year millions of attendees come to West Springfield to see live music acts, try some unique food, take their chances at midway games, and to celebrate New England.

But the Big E isn’t the only fall event worth going to. Don’t miss Fall Fest in Egremont on September 23, the Belchertown Fair on September 24, Franklin’s Harvest Festival on September 30, North Easton’s annual Harvest Craft Fair on October 1, Crantoberfest in Middleboro on October 14, or Fall Fest in Newburyport on October 14.

Take a drive

Want to do all of the above? Driving along one of Massachusetts’ many scenic routes is a great way to see the state’s beauty. You may want to check out the iconic Mohawk Trail, which crisscrosses its way through North Central and Western Massachusetts and is chock-full of one-of-a-kind vistas. At the end of the Mohawk Trail you’ll find Mount Greylock, which can be seen on foot or by car.

Or you can head down the Cape and try out the Old King’s Highway, a great way to see Cape Cod’s best sights off-season. North of Boston, you can’t beat the Essex Coastal Byway, which will take you along the shoreline to see the towns of Gloucester, Rockport, and more.

Source: visitma.com

Drive Less

Fewer miles driven means fewer emissions.

1. Follow these tips to reduce the time you spend driving:
2. Walk or bike when you can.
3. Use the bike-share programs if your city or town has them.
4. Take public transit when possible.
5. Carpool with friends instead of driving alone.
6. Use ride-sharing services.
7. Plan ahead to make the most of your trips and “trip chain.” If your grocery store is near other places you need to visit, do it all at once.
8. Work from home periodically if your job allows it.

Drive Wise

The way we drive can reduce emissions from our vehicles.

Follow these tips to effectively reduce emissions, drive more safely, and save money on fuel costs all at the same time:

• Drive efficiently – go easy on the gas pedal and brakes.
• Maintain your car – get regular tune-ups, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, and use the recommended motor oil.

Choose Fuel Efficient Vehicles

When shopping for a new car, look for fuel efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions. These cars can help the environment while potentially saving you money on fuel costs at the pump. Follow these tips:

1. Use EPA's Green Vehicle Guide to learn about vehicles that are more efficient and less polluting, including:

• Electric vehicles;
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles;
• Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; and
• Cleaner burning gasoline vehicles.

2. Use the EPA's Fuel Economy and Environment Label to compare different vehicle models and find the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle that meets your needs. This information is also available on the joint DOE and EPA website fuel economy.gov.

Don’t Idle

Unnecessary idling of cars, trucks, and school buses pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and causes excess engine wear. Modern vehicles do not require “warming up” in the winter, so there is no need to turn on the engine until you are ready to drive.

Reducing idling from diesel school buses prevents children from being exposed to diesel exhaust, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and saves money on fuel. EPA's Clean School Bus Program includes information and resources that can help you reduce school bus idling in your community.

Optimize Home Deliveries

When getting home deliveries or shopping online, consider asking to have all your packages sent in one shipment and with minimal packaging. For scheduled home deliveries, try to be flexible by choosing longer time windows so delivery trucks can optimize their routes and avoid extra trips.

Use Efficient Lawn and Gardening Equipment

Gas-powered engines in lawn and garden equipment emit significant amounts of pollutants. Follow these tips to reduce the impact of your landscaping:

• Use a manual (reel) mower for small lawns.
• When shopping for mowers and garden equipment, look for new technologies such as electric and battery-powered machines that are quieter and pollute less than gas-powered ones.
• Properly maintain lawn and garden equipment - tune mowers and change the oil as needed.

If you are purchasing commercial grade landscaping machinery, a number of products are now available with advanced emissions reduction technologies including catalysts and electronic fuel injection that result in significantly less pollution.

Source: EPA.gov

Law enforcement officers, emergency responders and other roadside workers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe — and that’s why it’s important to move over when you see them along the side of a road.

What You Need To Do

When a vehicle with flashing lights is stopped on or next to a roadway, drivers approaching the vehicle should:

• change into a lane not immediately adjacent to the vehicle, or
• slow down to a reasonable speed if you’re unable to safely make a lane change.

Move Over – It's the Law

All 50 states have "Move Over" laws to protect law enforcement officers and other first responders stopped on roadways, yet one-third of Americans are not aware of these laws. Violation of the Move Over law results in fines and in some cases jail time.

Remember, next time you see flashing lights on the side of the road or roadside workers, Move Over. It’s the Law.

Source: nhtsa.gov

Properly storing a classic car is not as simple as parking it and leaving it untouched. Preserving them requires careful planning and execution. Here are some important tips that are generally recommended by car experts for storing a classic car effectively:

Regular Visual Inspections:

Conduct visual inspections for signs of rust, leaks, and wear. If you do find rust on your vehicle and want to know how to get it off, there are many articles on the topic, like this one from Motor Trend that might help. As far as other things to look for during your regular inspections, it might help to check for loose bolts, damaged seals and any potential issues that might worsen over time.

Fluids Levels

Regularly check oil, coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid levels. If any of these are low, you should fill them up as necessary to help prevent engine damage and overheating.

Tire Care:

Maintain proper tire pressure and inspect for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. Rotate tires regularly to extend their lifespan. If your classic car will be idle for a long time, it may help to use jacks to lift the car up and take pressure off the tires. For more guidelines on storing a classic car, check out our classic car storage tips article.

Battery Health:

Experts say that keeping the battery terminals clean and corrosion-free is an essential step. While you can always replace a battery, sources like Batteries Plus states a corroded battery can still cause damage to other parts of the vehicle if the corrosion spreads. If your classic car will sit idle for extended periods, consider disconnecting the battery to prevent drain.

Brake Maintenance:

Regularly inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake lines. If any of these look like they're in poor condition, consider replacing them. Depending on how often you drive the vehicle, it may be a good idea to check your brake fluid as well and top it off as needed. Classic car brake service is crucial to ensure optimal stopping power and safety.

Electrical System:

Check lights, signals, and gauges for proper functionality. Faulty electrical components can lead to more extensive issues if not addressed promptly.

Fuel System:

Ensure the fuel tank and lines are clean. Consider using fuel stabilizers if the car will be stored for an extended time to prevent fuel degradation.

Drive It Regularly:

You may be tempted to simply start your classic car once or twice a month in an effort to keep it in good condition. But the thing is, classic cars love to be driven. According to Auto Art, for example, driving your classic car on short trips, about 10-15 miles each month, gets fluids going enough to help keep the engine lubricated and prevent parts from seizing.

Wax and Polish:

Protect the paint and maintain its shine by waxing and polishing your classic car regularly. This shields the finish from UV rays and environmental elements.

Interior Preservation:

Clean and condition the interior to prevent cracking, fading and other forms of deterioration. It is generally recommended that you use products specifically designed for classic cars, as the materials can be different than what's used in modern vehicles, which means it can react differently.

Source: foremost.com

Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit in the trunk. Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced regularly. Here's what to have in a car emergency kit:

• A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack
• Jumper cables
• Tool kit and/or a multipurpose utility tool
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible
• Compass
• First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, nonlatex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress
• Nonperishable, high-energy foods, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candy
• Drinking water
• Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help
• Car charger for your cell phone
• Fire extinguisher
• Duct tape
• Rain poncho
• Snow brush
• Shovel
• Windshield washer fluid
• Warm clothing
• Cat litter for traction
• Blankets

It's also a good idea to keep family and emergency phone numbers, including your auto insurance provider and a towing company, in your phone.

Source: nsc.org

Since Boston’s fireworks kick off on Thursday, we consider that the start of the weekend! Here are some exciting activities to enjoy each day, ensuring five days of endless fun in Boston:

1. Labor Day Fireworks – Thursday, August 29

Pop-off into the weekend, literally, with the Boston Harbor Labor Day Weekend Fireworks show! The annual event is the last Boston fireworks display until First Night, so you don’t want to miss them! Enjoy live music from Berklee students followed by a fireworks show over the Harbor!

2. Captain Your Own Charter with Boston Electric Boats – Friday, August 30

Boating, a quintessential Labor Day excursion, can be done right in the city. You don’t even need a boating license to captain your own charter! Boats accommodate up to 12 guests, breaking the cost down to just $42 per person for a private 2-hour boat ride!

3. Boston Jazz Festival– Saturday, August 31

The two-day 14th annual Boston Jazz Festival runs from Friday, August 30 through Saturday, August 31! The FREE festival features jazz artists including Grammy-Winner Jon Samsom and takes place at Maritime Park in Boston’s Seaport District.

4. Mingle and Meet at SoWa Open Market – Sunday, September 1

SoWa Sundays continue even during the holiday weekend. The outdoor market brings together dozens of vendors, food trucks, artisans, and artists to explore.

5. Enjoy Free Admission to the ICA Boston Seaport – Monday, September 2

On Labor Day itself, the Institute of Contemporary Art offers free admission from 10 AM- 5 PM. Five exhibits are on view on Labor Day: Tau Lewis, Wordplay, and Igshaan Adams plus last chances to see Firelei Báez and Hew Locke: The Procession!

Make the most of your Labor Day Weekend in Boston with these activities and more!

Source: bostonuncovered.com

Creating a 360 virtual tour is a simple yet powerful step towards enhancing your business or selling a home.

In this guide, we will explore the benefits of 360 virtual tours, discuss the importance of staging, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to create impressive virtual tours. Whether you are a real estate agency or an entrepreneur looking for a lucrative business opportunity, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to leverage the potential of 360 virtual tours.

To further enhance your understanding and expertise in the world of creating 360 virtual tours, it is highly recommended to delve into a wealth of knowledge available on this subject. By exploring these topics below, you can gain valuable insights and acquire the skills necessary to take your virtual tours to the next level.

Benefits of 360 Virtual Tours

Let's explore the key advantages:

Enhanced Visual Experience:

360 virtual tours provide an immersive and interactive visual experience, allowing potential buyers or clients to explore properties or businesses from the comfort of their homes.

Broadened Reach:

With virtual tours, you can attract long-distance buyers or clients who may find it challenging to visit properties in person. This expands your reach and saves time by narrowing down potential leads to those genuinely interested.

Time and Cost Savings:

Virtual tours eliminate the need for numerous in-person property visits, saving both real estate agents and potential buyers valuable time and resources. It streamlines the process and allows you to focus on more qualified leads.

Staging Homes for Success:

What is the role of staging in creating a compelling virtual tour? Staging plays a crucial role in making properties look visually appealing and inviting to potential buyers.

Source: cloudpano.com

Massachusetts residents love their ice cream. And now the state has unveiled an "ice cream trail" map that directs people to more than 100 shops and stands that use local ingredients for their sweet treats.

Gov. Maura Healey said the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail "highlights the incredible diversity of our dairy farms and ice cream shops."

"This new tourism trail is designed to invite residents and visitors to experience our creative dessert offerings at traditional parlors, innovative shops, and local farm stands," she said in a statement.

Below are all the ice cream spots on the map - and we've bolded the businesses that were also favorites of our viewers in the 2021 WBZ Ice Cream Social tournament.

If you don't see your favorite ice cream shop on the list, keep in mind that this map made by the Dairy Promotion Board, Department of Agricultural Resources and tourism office shows places that use locally produced milk from the state's 95 dairy farms for their ice cream.

View the ice cream shops across MA here!