Costumes ... they're fun, aren't they? I love the chance to sex things up a little bit when Halloween rolls around. Of course, some people like to opt for the more controversial getups, like Casey Anthony or an Occupy Wall Street protester. But those little gems are nothing compared to the World War II evacuee costume I stumbled upon the other day.

Complete with navy dress, flats, satchel, and beret, this one at first glance seemed like the absolute most wretched thing ever. Is this poking fun at the Holocaust?! I wondered. As a Jewish woman, I was mortified, to say the least. Then I did my research and realized this costume is totally fine.

Go with me on this one ...

It's likely that right this very second, your house is overloaded with gobs and piles and bags full of Halloween candy. Am I right? And more is yet to come. Of course, there are plenty of good ways to get rid of the stash: Pawn it off on co-workers; give it away; or eat it yourself (recommended). But one of the more creative ideas for whittling down the annual Halloween candy pile is to cook with it.

Snickers Cupcakes are a great place to start. The cake is a heavenly doctored-up version of devil's food with a mini Snickers bar surprise inside, and the topping is vanilla frosting with caramel drizzle and more Snickers! This recipe is a great way to make Halloween last even longer.

If you are anything like me, in a few short hours, you are going to have more leftover Halloween candy than you know what to do with.

Personally, I've vowed not to gain 10 pounds in junk before Thanksgiving this year. How? By re-purposing the candy before I have a chance to gobble it all up from the kids, of course. Since there is nothing I find as irresistible as a big bowl of candy, I'm planning on at least a few of the following ...

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love costumes, pumpkins, scary stuff, horror movies, and did I mention costumes? And of course, candy. If I had my way, my decorations would likely get out of hand. As a Pagan, though, in addition to doing the commonly known Halloween stuff, we also pay homage to passed loves ones, in the celebration of Samhain (pronounced 'sow' like the female pig, 'win' or 'wen' ... 'sow-wen').

I really enjoy not only the fun and, yes, commercial stuff about October 31, but also our more solemn, serious family rituals and, of course, recognition of the changes in the planet.

Halloween and the fall in general just wouldn't be the same without certain seasonal food staples. Apple cider, spiced coffees and beers, all different types of squash and sweet potatoes galore. But pumpkin will always hold a special place in all of our hearts, because not only is it perfect as the flavor of your morning latte or after dinner pie, but what's Halloween without a fresh Jack O'Lantern or two?! Of course, carving up a pumpkin makes for a boatload of pumpkin seeds, which you don't want to throw out when they themselves can make for an awesome snack. 

A friend of mine who is an inspired chef -- seriously, nothing she's ever baked up has ever disappointed! -- grew up on a farm in New England, and therefore, knows roasted pumpkin seeds! She came up with her simple, delicious, straightforward recipe, after carving up quite a few pumpkins with her nieces and nephew.

Oh Halloween ... the time of year when even the undead prance around in skimpy outfits and manage to look devastatingly sexy. Some women really know how to let loose and have a deviously good time. But there are always the really uptight ones, too.

I've enjoyed the sexy tiger costumes, even the really hot race car drivers with the fire-suit unzipped almost down to belly button. There is the adorable Elvis in a skin-tight white jumpsuit, the 'zexy' zombie with blood and guts and a really short skirt, and of course what is the holiday without a fresh little French maid or two?

It's also the time of year when people's claws come out and bash the women who choose to wear these sexy costumes. And I just don't get it.

Pumpkin seeds are one of the most underused, unappreciated parts of the pumpkin -- and that's such a shame because they're one of the best! Earlier we gave you some fun ideas for all those extra pumpkin seeds left over from Halloween pumpkin carving. One of my favorites is making crunchy Pumpkin Seed Brittle, which is similar to peanut brittle, but ... well, you get the idea.

Whip up a quick batch and break apart for your Halloween party, or package in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon to gift to friends or coworkers. It's a welcome break from the usual store-brought candy brands we see everywhere this time of year.

I love the idea of making adorably decorated cupcakes with my kids, particularly around Halloween. And I've known a few moms (my own, included) who were such stellar frosting artists that every treat they made was like a mini masterpiece.

I'm not one of those moms, sadly. Usually the "cute" cupcakes I attempt to bake with my kids end up looking like creepy props from the set of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

That's why I love these Mummy Cupcakes. They're so easy to do, even a pastry klutz like me can make them look the way they're supposed to. Trust me, they'll be a graveyard smash.