11 Costume & Pumpkin Carving Family Photo Contests to Enter Post Halloween to Win Prizes Thru Nov 20

Halloween

Photo Contests

Congratulations, you've survived the fun and madness of Halloween. Give yourself bonus points for getting through the holiday if you are stressed out parents with kids. Now, it's time to get more mileage from all those great photos you took of that beautifully carved Jack 'o Lantern pumpkin. Not to mention those memorable snapshots of everyone in costumes: adults, children, and dogs, cats and other pets. If you haven't already, why not enter some of the many contests still running? To get you started, here's 11 current contests still accepting digital photo entries with links and prizes. Note varying submission deadlines to be sure you get your entry in on time.

Boxer Puppy Clown Costume
Vintage photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Tera Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest, Prizes: Tera Laptop Bay and other branded merchandise, Ends November 4

NASA Blueshift Halloween Costume Contest,  3 prizes of NASA materials for best space, astronomy, physics, or science-based costume, Ends November 6

Southern Living Pet Costume Contest, Prizes for best dog costume (Harry Parker gift pack valued at $250) and best cat costume (Harry Parker gift pack worth $150), Ends November 4 

One of my daughters in Angel Costume I made
Vintage photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Costume Works 2001 Kids & Adults Costume Contest, Prizes: $100 grand prize for best homemade costume, Ends November 20

FujiFilm and Rite Aid Picture Perfect Halloween Contest, Grand Prize: Trip to HersheyPark; other prizes include the Fuji Finepix Digital Camera and more, Ends November 8

Honest Tea Kids & Adults Costume Green Halloween Contest, Multiple Prizes: Gift cards to Patagonia, Whole Foods, and Toys 'R' Us

Disney Family Fun Halloween Kids, Pets, Family Costume Contest, Prizes: 2 Xzoom Motorola Tablets and other prizes, Ends November 2

The Children's Place Halloween Child & Family Costume Contest, Grand Prize: $500 TCP Giftcard (1 winner); Category Winner: $250 TCP Giftcard (5 winners); and Finalist Winner: $25 TCP Giftcard (100 winners), Ends November 4

Coastal Mommies Kids Halloween Costume Contest, Prizes: 2 winners, each receives $25 giftcard, Ends November 2

Idolator Pop Halloween Costume Contest, Prize: $50 iTunes giftcard, Ends November 2

Chictopia I Die for DYI Costume Contest, Grand Prize: $300 cash & other prizes; 2nd Prize: $50 Visa giftcard + 200 Chic Points, 3rd Prize: $50 Visa giftcard + 100 Chic Points, Ends November 4

Remember to read the directions carefully of each contest you're interested in before submitting your entry. Also, check out these general tips on how to enter and win Halloween contests. Good luck.

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

How did you celebrate Halloween this year? Did you (or will you) enter any photo contests and if so which one(s)? Please leave a comment a share.

Tweet

FTC Disclosure: Mommy Blog Expert is in no way connected with any of the contests listed. Links are provided as a resource for readers and contest entries are the sole responsibility of the individual.  I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

5 Last Minute Parent Tips for a Stress & Drama Free Halloween Trick or Treating Experience With Kids

Halloween Parenting

If you celebrate Halloween and you have kids, the two variables often equal stress for mom and dad. Right? But, you will find comfort in knowing that you are not the only one with a child who is over stimulated from all the excitement about parties, costumes, jack 'o lantern pumpkin carving, decorating, and other holiday stuff like candy. Combine that with Trick-or-Treating and all the effects of those sugary treats on the shiest, normally sweetest toddler, and what do you get? An out of control kid and unhappy, even grouchy parents.

My brother and I in costumes Mom made for us
Vintage 1962 photo by my Dad

The good news is that it shouldn't and doesn't have to be that way. Don't stress out this year. Instead try these super easy ideas for a calmer, more memorable experience for both you and your children.

Set Out Your Child's Costume First Thing

Whatever you (or your son or daughter) are dressing up as -- a store-bought or homemade costume -- as a mom you'll have more fun yourself and enjoy watching your kids take in all the excitement of the holiday if you get organized before today. Well ahead of trick or treating time, set out the bag or container your child will be using to gather treats. Also, gather all the pieces of the kids' costumes (along with your own if you're dressing up). This includes not only the dress up outfits themselves, but everything you'll need so everyone looks put together: accessories, wigs and hair styling supplies, shoes, makeup, props, etc. 

Special Note: Since it snowed over the weekend on the East Coast, if you live in any region where it's cold or the weather is inclement, be sure everyone dresses appropriately and warmly. Also be super careful walking and driving as sidewalks and roads in these areas are likely to be icy.

Take a Pre-Halloween Nap

You're going to need all the energy you can muster tonight, so indulge yourself in some rest this afternoon, if possible. You don't want to rain (or snow) on your kid's celebration because you are tired, irritable and cranky. Also -- especially if your child normally takes a nap -- make sure he or she is well rested before the big night too. Even if your youngster won't or can't sleep, encourage them to take time out for some quiet time just to relax.

Lay Down Some Guidelines

Clearly go over the basic rules you have about trick or treating and other Halloween celebrations with your child. Before they head out the door, plan out where you will go, how long he can stay out, and also what your children's bedtimes will be. If your child understands what you expect well in advance, there's likely to be less of a struggle as the various stressors of the holiday reveal themselves.

Sit Down for a Relaxed Family Dinner Early Tonight

It's also a good idea to prepare and serve a nutritious but light meal a little earlier than usual that's not rushed. You'll be surprised at how much kids will enjoy a favorite hot soup and some warm bread. The end result: You will all feel energized, ready to don your costumes and revel in some Halloween fun.

Take Lots of Pictures

Don't forget to snap lots of digital photos with your camera or cell phone of the kids in their costumes BEFORE they go outside or get dirty. Definitely don't miss any Kodak moments. Take more pictures than you think you need because thanks to the beauty of today's digital photography you can always delete them later. Years from now, you'll be glad you were a little shutter happy tonight.

These ideas really require just a little effort on your part. Once the holiday is over, thanks to your attention to a few simple strategies, you and your child will have nothing but fun recollections of your Halloween celebration. It's a small price to pay for the memories created that will last your child a lifetime.

Would love for you to add your own thoughts to this discussion, so please leave a comment!

A Halloween prize MBE is giving away

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

LOTS of Halloween

Family-Friendly Giveaways!

Currently Being Hosted by Mommy Blog Expert

ENTER Them All HERE

Tweet

FTC Disclosure: This blog did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Halloween Giveaway Family Friendly Fun Sweepstakes Multiple PRIZES for Mom Dad & Kids - ENDS 11/7

GIVEAWAY

Entry Details Below, ENDS 11/7/11

NEW POST Today! Mommy Blog Expert is giving away lots of fun family-friendly gifts for Halloween for kids parents and home decor. Made by the brands you love most, these prizes will make adults smile and may even keep the little ones busy through Thanksgiving that are up for grabs include: Mr. Potato Head Trick or Tater with Ghost Costume from Playskool, Disney Family Fun Create Your Own Creepy Creatures Halloween Clay Craft Kit, Fall & Halloween Theme 100% Cotton Guest or Kitchen Dish Towels, Pumpkin Baby Bib, Collectible McDonalds Halloween Costume Stuffed Ty Beany Bag Toy, and Designer Pumpkin Party Drink Coasters. SUPER EASY ENTRY: Just leave a comment below about what you or your child are dressing up as for Halloween this year.

Halloween

Family Sweepstakes

Ends November 7, 2011

Mommy Blog Expert Halloween Sweeps Prizes

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

HOW TO ENTER

Leave a comment(s) below this post.  Contest ends November 7, 2011 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. 6 winners will be selected at random from all entries to each receive one of the six prizes and will be notified via email.

Required (Mandatory) Entry

Simply leave a comment below this blogpost saying what you or your child is dressing up as for Halloween.  Don't forget to include your email address, Facebook or Twitter contact info in the comment section so the winner can be contacted.

Additional Extra Entries

Get extra entries to win for doing any combination of the easy options listed below.  Just be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert (MBE) to leave an additional comment after each individual extra action you do to confirm so we can record all your extra chances to win.

1. Follow MBE on Twitter

2. Like MBE on Facebook

3. Subscribe to MommyBlogExpert

Super ***Bonus Entries***
You can earn even MORE chances to win each time you TWEET the message below, up to 3 times each day until the contest ends.  Don't forget to return to leave a comment on this post with the direct link right after every Tweet you do so you'll receive an entry for each of your RTs.

Tweet:
Halloween Sweepstakes Toys Crafts Home PRIZES Disney FamilyFun Playskool McDonalds + more http://tinyurl.com/3hgghbf #Giveaway RT 2 #WIN

McDonalds Vintage Halloween Ty Beany Bag Toy Prize

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Tweet

LOTS More 

Family-Friendly Giveaways!

Currently Being Hosted by Mommy Blog Expert

ENTER Them All HERE

FTC Disclosure: Brands provided some prizes while others were purchased by Mommy Blog Expert. However, this blog did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.