Countdown to Halloween

Halloween is huge in our family.  And by huge I mean an all-out-movie-style-production.   Growing up, Halloween to me was dressing up in a cute fairy, animal or movie character costume and walking around my neighborhood with my parents for candy.  Pretty simple, right? When I grew up and outgrew the door-to-door, begging-for-candy ritual, I joined in on the high school Halloween parties decked out in Mean Girl-esque sexy costumes, and truth be told, still enjoyed the candy.  

Then I met Mr. Charming.  His family, on the other hand, are the ones who sit on their porches, scaring the small children of the neighborhood. Decked out in scary costumes, with elaborate porch entryways designed to terrify with the latest decor from the Halloween stores.  Those houses that you felt just weren't worth visiting for a mini-snickers or dum-dum lollipop. 

A couple of our actors.

Yeah. that's Mr. Charming & me.

Fast forward to a couple of years into our relationship, and Mr. Charming and his brother in law decided to take it to the next level. And when I say next level, I mean amped WAY up.  As building went underway to create our first annual Phantom Manor Haunt, the marketer in me decided to take the reigns on spreading the word and found us what would be our first of many charities. 

Building commenced, and in our first year we raised money for the Foundation For Blind Children, in the years that followed we raised money for our local church and Habitat For Humanity where Mr. Charming went on to help build a house.  The boys LOVE doing it, not only because we get to give back, but they get to scare tons of people and build awesome props.  Mr. Charming previously went to school for architecture and his brother in law's are super handy and great with building and tools, and the family members and actors that participate get so into it, so it makes it a lot of fun.

And I help paint. That's my strong suit. Painting & hosting by yours truly. haha. 

Mr. Charming as Michael Meyers with the local ghostbusters

This years flyer

For those in Arizona interested in checking it out, giving back and visiting us, all of the the information can be found at the official Phantom Manor Charity Haunt website or the flyer above. 

For more information on this years chosen charity, Angels, Knights and Stars can be found here.  They are an amazing charity dedicated to raising money and awareness for over a dozen serious tragedies that inflict our youth today. 

Here's to another year of giving back through thrills, chills, treats and sweets! 

And remember, Halloween doesn't have to be about sugar-laden treats. There are many alternatives to Halloween Candy that kids will still love. 

Click here for my list!

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