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Minggu, 31 Oktober 2021

Some delicious fall recipes to consider for Thanksgiving - STLSportsPage

Compiled by Staff, with recipes from Suzanne Corbett, Food / Travel Editor

November is fast approaching and that means it’s only three weeks until Thanksgiving– November 25, 2021.

Most traditions in our country say that we have exactly the same food every year.– because that’s what we always do. Sometimes it is because we like the individual dishes and sometimes it’s because we don’t want to upset the ritual and leave out Aunt Martha’s special homemade dressing.

Our food editor, Suzanne Corbett recently did a cooking demonstration featuring recipes for Thanksgiving which she is sharing with us. Corbett has a suggestion– try something new. It’s like make new friends, but keep the old, it’s possible to have the same menu with new additions, or even just make a new take on something you normally serve.  She suggested if you always have green bean casserole, you could try substituting another green vegetable, such as the Broccoli Blue recipe listed in the recipe area.

Also she suggests taking the old tried and true dishes like cranberries and upping your game by trying something new like her Cranberries in Red Wine shown below.

Everybody loves the smell of turkey mixed in with the smell of dressing and breads. It’s the aromas that make the traditions so special. Suzanne Corbett suggests adding Parker House Rolls to your bread basket this year.

Parker House rolls got their start at what is now the Omni Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts– but  in the 1870s it was known as Parker House.  Founded by Harvey D. Parker in 1855, that hotel was known for creating the Parker House rolls and  Boston Cream Pie.

Legend has it that their  German baker pastry chef lost his temper while making bread dough and tossed the unfinished rolls of dough into the oven. When he checked on it, he found the tossed dough looked like a dented pocketbook. It was perfectly light and puffy on the inside while crispy and buttery on the outside. Parker House rolls never fail to impress as the perfect comfort food.

With the temperatures changing and a new Cardinals manager– it’s a good time to move on to the next season, which is Thanksgiving. Of course once we head into Thanksgiving it morphs into Hanukkah and Christmas so to get started on your gift-buying please check out our STORE for all the Fanatics Cardinals and Blues items plus FOCO (Forever Collectibles) for special Cardinals and Blues items. When you buy from our links you are supporting STLSportsPage.com– yet you are getting the same items you get anywhere sports gear is sold– including the team stores.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Hazelnut Brown Butter Sauce and Thyme

1 large butternut squash (about 21⁄2 – 3 pounds)
6 tablespoons butter
1⁄2 cup roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and adjust the rack to the lowest position. Using a vegetable peeler or a knife, peel the butternut squash. Peel and remove the stem and butt end of the squash, then cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and slice each half into 3⁄4-inch thick half-moons.

Place the sliced squash in a bowl, toss with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, a big pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Spread in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet, and place on the lowest rack of the oven. Roast for about 30 minutes, or until the side of the squash touching the baking sheet in the back of the oven starts to turn golden brown. Rotate the pan, and bake for another 8-10 minutes, until squash is tender and lightly browned. For even browning, flip squash over half-way through baking.

While the squash is roasting, add the remaining butter to a skillet or saucepan. Add the chopped hazelnuts, and place over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring or swirling the pan frequently, until the butter has started to turn golden brown. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the balsamic vinegar, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the roasted squash to a bowl or platter and pour the browned butter hazelnut sauce over the top. Serve immediately.  Serves 4-6

Broccoli Blue

2 pounds fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup butter

2 tablespoons flour

4 ounces cream cheese

3/4 cup blue cheese

2 cups sour cream

1/3 up crushed cracker crumbs

Steam broccoli in a steam basket or saucepan for a about 8 minutes until tender yet crisp. Or microwave on high for 2-3 minutes.  Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour and cook until smooth ,about 1 minutes. Add cream cheese, blue cheese add sour cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place broccoli in a buttered casserole dish, pour sauce over top and sprinkle with cracker crumbs. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Serves 6

Cranberries in Red Wine

12-ounce bag fresh cranberries

1 cup red wine

1 1/2 cups sugar

peel of 1 orange, finely chopped

1 cinnamon stick

Combine all the above ingredients together in a saucepan and cook until thickened and berries pop. Takes about 25 –30 minutes. Remove from heat and chill. Makes 6-8 servings.

Pumpkin Bisque with Parker House Rolls

¼ cup butter

1 cup finely chopped onion

½ cup finely chopped carrots

5 cups chicken stock

1 ½ cups mashed pumpkin (canned or fresh)

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

dash of allspice

kosher salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup half ‘n half

sour cream and chopped chives for garnish

Melt butter in a 2 ½ quart saucepan over a medium, heat. Add onion and carrots; carrots; sauté until tender. Add chicken stock and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in pumpkin, thyme leaves, allspice, salt and pepper. Simmer for about ten minutes. Stir in half ‘n half and adjust taste with salt and pepper. Heat through and serve garnished with sour cream and chives. Makes 6-8 servings

 

Parker House Rolls

4 – 5 cups bread flour

2 packages dry yeast

1/2-teaspoon salt

1 cup milk, warmed to 125 degrees

1/2-cup sugar

2 eggs

Melted butter

Combine 2 cups flour, yeast and salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the milk, sugar and eggs. Mix in enough flour to make a stiff dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Cover dough with a cloth. Allow dough to rise until doubled. Punch dough down and pat dough about to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into circles, brush with melted butter; fold over to form a half moon shape. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 11 to 15 minutes.

Makes about 1 ½ – 2 dozen rolls.


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Official Pittsburgh Trick-or-Treat Times for 2021 - Very Local New Orleans

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Official Pittsburgh Trick-or-Treat Times for 2021 - Very Local New Orleans

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Halloween 2021: What time is trick or treating where I live? - AL.com

Whether you’re into spooky fun or a creepy good time, Halloween is your holiday.

Sunday, Oct. 31 is Halloween, at time when ghosts and goblins make their rounds to trick or treating to score some candy. When exactly the fun gets started varies from place to place.

Since Halloween is on a Sunday – with school and work looming large the next day – more people will likely get an early start on festivities this year. Sunset is at 5:56 p.m. in Alabama, so you can expect your doorbell to start ringing just before that time.

Some cities go as far as designating trick or treat times, so check with your are if you think that might be the case.

Most people seem to agree that dusk is a good time to go trick-or-treating. A 2015 survey found 40 people of people said they leave for trick-or-treating at 6 p.m. with 27% done making the rounds by 8 p.m. and 37% done by 9 p.m.

Whatever time to head out, you will likely want to bundle up in Alabama. Highs on Halloween will be in the mid-50s but dip into the mid to high 30s that night. Rain chances will be around 25% with a partly cloudy sky.

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Online Shopping Tips for a Limited-Supply Holiday Season - The Wall Street Journal

When in stock, Sony’s PlayStation 5 with disc drive retails for $500. But the game console’s supply is so limited now, some opportunists are listing it for over $1,000 on eBay.

It’s hard to find a variety of items right now, not just consoles. There are supply-chain issues, Covid-19 issues and people-stocking-up-before-you-do issues affecting graphics cards, Christmas trees, bikes, dolls and countless other products. Retailers are already warning holiday shoppers to start early—and many have. That Thing your kid has been asking...

When in stock, Sony’s PlayStation 5 with disc drive retails for $500. But the game console’s supply is so limited now, some opportunists are listing it for over $1,000 on eBay.

It’s hard to find a variety of items right now, not just consoles. There are supply-chain issues, Covid-19 issues and people-stocking-up-before-you-do issues affecting graphics cards, Christmas trees, bikes, dolls and countless other products. Retailers are already warning holiday shoppers to start early—and many have. That Thing your kid has been asking for all year? It might not make it to the Christmas tree.

Out-of-stock messages on websites have nearly tripled compared with pre-pandemic levels going into the gifting season, according to a report from Adobe. The most affected categories are apparel, sporting goods, baby products and electronics.

Expect shipping delays for iPhones, too. During Apple’s most recent earnings call, finance chief Luca Maestri said, “We expect most of our product categories to be constrained during the December quarter.” Most configurations of the iPhone 13 Pro and Apple Watch Series 7 currently have a ship estimate of late November. And when I checked when Apple could ship a base iPad Mini to me in San Francisco, the company’s website said December. (A more expensive variant, with cellular, was available for pickup 20 miles away.)

Desperate times call for bots: Some good guys and less-good guys are deploying shopping bots that can automatically make online purchases faster than you can say “checkout.” Malicious bot activity, which includes bots that log into and check out from retail sites, has increased 19% from Sept. 4 to Oct. 26, according to networking-services company Akamai. I don’t recommend trying them. Using a bot might violate the store’s terms of service, which could result in the retailer restricting your access to your account. Plus, bots typically require coding know-how.

Instead, you’ll need to harness the power of your human fingers: waiting until your desired item is in stock, then adding it to your cart with lightning speed. I can’t do the legwork for you, but I can offer some tips that could help you score what you’re looking for.

Make two lists

Mentally divide up the things you want based on priorities, said Taylor Schreiner, director of Adobe Digital Insights, which analyzes online consumer shopping transactions. “One list has what you need to get—and get on time—and are willing to pay a little bit more money for,” he said. “Then make another list for things that you’re flexible on price, timing and model for.”

For the first list, make purchases early—well before Black Friday, he says. And don’t count on discounts this season. Adobe reports that computer prices typically drop 9% by this time of year. In 2021, however, prices haven’t dipped. In fact, online prices overall are up, according to the data.

Some retailers are incentivizing early shopping. At Best Buy, if you purchase qualifying items starting on Nov. 1, and the price goes down between then and Nov. 26, the retailer will refund you the difference. Target’s deals start on Halloween, and the company also offers a price-match guarantee through Dec. 24 for deals marked “Holiday Best.” Walmart

doesn’t have a similar guarantee but it’s launching its Black Friday deals on Nov. 3. Members of Walmart+ ($98 a year) will get a four-hour head start—at 3 p.m. ET.

For your second, more flexible wish list, Adobe estimates that these are the best days to shop online for the steepest discounts, based on data from the past four holiday seasons:

• Thanksgiving, Nov. 25, for toys

• Black Friday, Nov. 26, for furniture, bedding, tools and home improvement

• Nov. 27 for electronics and appliances

• Nov. 28 for sporting goods and apparel

• Cyber Monday, Nov. 29, for TVs

• Dec. 1 for laptops and desktop computers

Apple hasn’t confirmed it will have its annual sale this year, but in the past, it began at midnight on Black Friday and ran through Monday. Instead of promotions, Apple typically offers gift cards of up to $150 on purchases of select products. You’ll likely find better deals on Apple devices elsewhere.

An inventory tracker, such as HotStock, shows availability for in-demand items, from electronics to toys.

Photo: Nicole Nguyen/The Wall Street Journal

Follow inventory trackers

Consoles, PC graphics cards and in-demand toys are difficult to find anywhere right now, except on marketplaces where they’re marked up by hundreds of dollars. The HotStock website tracks a large catalog of products across the U.S., U.K. and Canada. You can go to the page of a specific item and see where it’s in stock at retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Target. You don’t have to subscribe to set an alert, but premium HotStock iOS and Android app subscribers ($5.49 a month) get notifications before anyone else.

NowInStock.net tracks a smaller group of electronics, apparel and toys, but it can show availability in more countries, including Germany, France and Japan. Stock Informer is specifically for consoles and graphics cards.

For the graphics-card seekers, your best bet may be YouTubers such as DataLover and fixitfixitfixit, which are streaming dashboards showing live inventory statuses. (You could also buy prebuilt gaming PCs or laptops to harvest their graphics cards, but they too are likely marked up.)

Streaming dashboards on YouTube like one hosted by fixitfixitfixit show real-time stock status of popular graphics cards at a number of retailers.

Photo: Nicole Nguyen/The Wall Street Journal

Create accounts at major retailers

Make sure you’re logged in and ready to check out when stock is available. If you don’t have them already, create logins where your item is sold. Major retailers include Best Buy, Amazon, Target, Walmart, Costco and Sam’s Club. If you’re looking for consoles, sign up at GameStop, Antonline, Microsoft and Sony’s PlayStation website, too.

Sony has a sign-up page where PS5 seekers can register for an invitation to purchase directly from the company. Invitees will be selected “based on previous interests and PlayStation activities,” according to the site’s FAQ.

Password managers, such as 1Password, Dashlane and LastPass, can help you fill in addresses, credit-card numbers and other information quickly.

Consider independent shops, too

If you can’t find in-demand toys at big-box retailers, try local independent shops, says Polly Wong, president of retail marketing firm Belardi Wong. Google’s Shopping search tab now has filter options for “Smaller shops” and “Available nearby,” and the results indicate whether the item is on shelves or in limited stock at a particular store. Before you make a trip, give the store a quick call to see if the product is, in fact, available.

A Google search, with the ‘Available nearby’ and ‘Smaller shops’ filters on, revealed that a Squishable plush taco was in stock at a Menlo Park, Calif., shop.

Photo: Nicole Nguyen/The Wall Street Journal

Pick up, if possible

If it’s an option, choose in-store pickup to avoid shipping delays. If not, check ship estimates to make sure it’ll arrive on time. Just be warned: Those estimates can be pushed back.

FedEx spokeswoman Alexandra Shockey said the company continues to face labor shortages and increased package volume, resulting in estimated-delivery-date changes for some packages. Enrolling in FedEx Delivery Manager will give you the most up-to-date information on packages, she said. UPS has an equivalent called My Choice.

And always remember when on retail websites, “6 to 8 weeks” is often code for “Your guess is as good as ours.”

Buy from a marketplace—with caution

Willing to pay whatever it takes? Many hard-to-find items, from the new Xbox to the Magic Mixies Magical Misting Cauldron, are listed on peer-to-peer marketplaces like eBay and StockX at a markup.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Already started your holiday shopping? Share your tips with us. Join the conversation below.

There’s some risk involved. It’s possible that a listing marketed as a PlayStation 5 arrives on your doorstep as a PlayStation 4. EBay has a money-back guarantee, which a spokeswoman said “protects all buyers in case something goes wrong with a transaction, such as if an item is not received or not as described in the listing.” But the process of actually retrieving your money can be arduous, involving reaching out to the seller and requesting a return. EBay can intervene if the seller hasn’t responded, but only after a period of time that can range from three to 21 business days.

StockX, which only lists products considered “brand new,” has verification teams that authenticate the item before sending the product to the buyer. If the item doesn’t meet StockX’s requirements, the buyer is matched with a new seller. The downside? The verification process typically takes one to two business days, but can take longer. StockX says it aims to fulfill orders within 12 business days.

No dice? Get a digital gift

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, well, at least you tried. A couple thousand Fortnite V-Bucks or a year of Spotify may have to suffice this season. Just blame the elf shortage and reindeer logjam. Santa’s got a supply-chain headache this year!

Write to Nicole Nguyen at nicole.nguyen@wsj.com

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Tips for staying safe while trick-or-treating - WISHTV.com

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — There are multiple factors to consider when making sure trick-or-treating is a safe experience for everyone.

Gary Woodruff, deputy chief of police in Lawrence, joined Daybreak to provide tips for staying safe while trick-or-treating. He explained what he wish more parents knew, what those staying at home can do to make their houses safer and the special Halloween celebration Lawrence is having.

Watch the full interview by clicking on the video.

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Does your neighborhood have good urban design? Employ the 'trick-or-treat test' - NPR

Asma Khalid speaks with Brent Toderian, former chief planner for Vancouver, Canada, about the "trick-or-treat test," which encourages residents to think about good neighborhood design on Halloween.

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2021 Fort Wayne area Trick-or-Treat times - WOWO

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The weather should be perfect for kids to go trick-or-treating this weekend.

It’ll be a bit chilly Saturday and Sunday nights, but at least there isn’t any rain in the forecast for either evening. Official trick-or-treat hours are as follows:

Roanoke, Kendallville: Saturday, 5pm to 7pm

Woodburn: Saturday, 5pm to 7:30pm

Decatur: Sunday, 5pm to 7pm

Bluffton: Sunday, 5pm to 7:30pm

Fort Wayne, Leo-Cedarville, Huntertown: Sunday, 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Huntington: Sunday, 5pm to 8pm

New Haven: Sunday, 6pm to 8pm

Remember that if you’re looking to give out candy, leave your porch light on, and if you’re going to be out and about yourself, drive extra slow in neighborhoods.

The Indiana State Police has posted a full list of Halloween safety tips you can find here.

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Trick or treat times in the Northwoods - WJFW-TV

Halloween 2021

Photo by Kyle Pozorski


Story By Kyle Pozorski
Local News Published 10/30/2021 7:53PM
Northwoods - Halloween is happening Sunday, October 31. Below is a list of the times and locations for trick or treating for communities in the Northwoods on Halloween. 

Antigo: Sunday 4:00-6:30PM

Arbor Vitae: Sunday 4:00-7:00PM

Elcho: Sunday 3:00-6:00PM

Merrill: Sunday 4:00-7:00PM

Minocqua: Sunday 4:00-7:00PM

Park Falls: Sunday 4:00-6:30PM

Phillips: Sunday 4:00-6:00PM

Prentice: Sunday 4:00-6:00PM

Rhinelander: Sunday 4:00-7:00PM (Downtown trick or treat was Saturday, October 30)

Rib Lake: Sunday 3:00-6:00PM

Tomahawk: Sunday 2:00-6:00PM (Downtown trick or treat was Saturday, October 30)

Woodruff: Sunday 4:00-7:00PM

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DIY tips for putting together a fun and festive table for Halloween - KTLA

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Tips to stay safe while trick-or-treating this weekend - WLTX.com

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Sabtu, 30 Oktober 2021

Why doctors say trick-or-treating is a go this year - KXAN.com

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SoCalGas Provides Useful Tips to Help Customers Save Energy and Money on Utility Bills as Cold Weather Approaches - Santa Monica Daily Press

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is offering useful tips to help customers save on natural gas usage and utility bills this winter. During colder weather, customers on average experience a three to seven times increase in their natural gas usage and corresponding increases in utility bills as heating systems work harder to keep the temperature warm. In addition, this winter natural gas prices are higher across the country due to an increased demand for fuel.

SoCalGas offers energy-saving tips and tools such as rebates, bill discounts, and customer assistance programs to help families and businesses conserve energy and save money this winter. SoCalGas’ energy efficiency incentives and programs saved customers $44 million on their utility bills and reduced 211,000 metric tons of green-house gas emissions, enough energy to power 100,000 homes in Southern California for a year.

“This winter, we are seeing a potential for an upward rise in natural gas wholesale market prices nationwide, with natural gas prices much higher this October compared to last year,” said Brian Prusnek, director of customer programs and assistance at SoCalGas.  “SoCalGas continues to use a suite of tools to secure the best possible prices for the natural gas we purchase on behalf of our residential and small business customers. Taking advantage of SoCalGas energy-saving programs and following some simple conservation tips can help customers manage their monthly utility bills.”

Heating can be one of the top energy expenses during the winter, accounting for more than 50 percent of a customer’s total natural gas bills. Additionally, water heaters can account for 25 percent of natural gas use and can be significantly impacted during colder months as they work longer and harder to heat the colder water.

Customers can take these steps to reduce natural gas usage and lower energy costs:

• Set the thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and 55 at night, if health permits. Lowering the thermostat three to five degrees can save up to 10 percent on heating costs. 

• Clean or replace furnace filters according to manufacturer recommendations.

• Test air ducts for leaks. Leaky ducts can cost between 10 to 30 percent in heating costs.

• Install proper caulking and weather-stripping; this can save roughly 10 to 15 percent on heating bills.

• Fix leaky faucets and pipes. Hot water leaks cause increased demand on the water heater which increases natural gas use. One drop of water per second can waste 500 gallons of hot water per year.

As a reminder, SoCalGas does not control the market price of natural gas and no additional profits are earned from higher natural gas prices. SoCalGas uses a suite of tools to secure the best possible prices for the natural gas we purchase on behalf of our residential and small business customers. Commodity costs are determined by the broader market and passed on directly to customers.

Find more ways to save on natural gas bills, including SoCalGas’ energy saving tool – Ways to Save, a free service which helps create a personalized savings plan that offers a household energy analysis, customized energy-efficiency recommendations, bill comparisons and energy usage comparisons at Socalgas.com/waystosave.

The utility also encourages individuals who are experiencing hardship to explore the many bill payment or assistance programs options offered by SoCalGas or call 1-800-427-2200. 

Submitted by SoCalGas

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Leader Holiday Recipe Contest: Send in those recipes for a chance to win cash - Leader Publications

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Red Cross offers Halloween safety tips as pandemic continues - Troy Record

NEW YORK — Trick-or-treating is back this Halloween; however, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic means there are extra factors to consider when planning your activities. The American Red Cross offers these tips and more to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the U.S. and with most communities returning to normal activities this school year, people should expect a higher volume of visitors in search of tricks and treats. Whether you’re handing out goodies or going door-to-door, with just a few simple considerations you can make sure your family and those around you are safe and sound.

Here are the top tips for parents to keep in mind while getting their kids ready for Halloween this year:

1. Make your cloth mask part of your costume. A costume mask is not a safe substitute for a cloth mask. Avoid wearing a costume mask over a cloth mask as it can make breathing difficult.

2. Plan outdoor activities and avoid indoor events where the risk of virus transmission is higher.

3. Bring hand sanitizer with you while trick-or-treating and use it after touching objects or other people. Wash your hands when you get home.

4. Avoid trick-or-treating in large groups, and social distance from others around the neighborhood.

5. Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen. Give kids a flashlight to light their way and consider adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.

6. Plan the trick-or-treat route in advance and make sure adults know where their children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.

7. It’s not only vampires and monsters people must look out for. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.

8. Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. Avoid running. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cross between parked cars.

9. Only visit homes that have a porch light on, and never go inside.

10. Make sure a grown-up checks the goodies before eating. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

For those planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to their homes, follow these safety steps:

• Give out treats outdoors, if possible.

• Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters by setting up an area with individually bagged treats for kids to take. Wash your hands before handling treats.

• Maintain social distancing and wear a cloth mask.

• Light the area well so young visitors can see.

• Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.

Download the free Red Cross First Aid app for instant access to expert advice in case your ghost, goblin or superhero has a mishap. Use the Emergency app for weather alerts and to let others know you are safe if severe weather occurs. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

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Tips from Day One of San Francisco's Outside Lands: Be prepared to cry - SFGate

Day one of San Francisco's Outside Lands felt like an explosion of emotion — a coming out for a city that locked down tight during a long and dreary pandemic and is rising again with cases dropping due to residents' willingness to get vaccinated.

The festival's pumped-up ready-to-party vibe felt appropriately more intense than usual, and there was a feeling of utter joy permeating the event. It was apparent in the smiles of the high schoolers, huddled together in giggling packs, rejoicing in the togetherness they were enjoying after their schools were shut down for months and months. And in the crowd who went wild when Glass Animals stepped onto the stage and who cheered until tears streamed down their cheeks as California-raised Remi Wolf took over the Sutro Stage with her bright pop-star voice and sparkling psychedelic instrumentals. Wolf ended her set with an ebullient "Photo ID" and everyone jumped up in down in unison and sang along.

RELATED: 13 bands and artists you'll wish you'd seen perform at Outside Lands in Golden Gate Park

Festival-goers gather for selfies around a Halloween-themed sculpture of Ranger Dave, at Outside Lands on Friday, October 29, 2021.

Festival-goers gather for selfies around a Halloween-themed sculpture of Ranger Dave, at Outside Lands on Friday, October 29, 2021.

Charles Russo

The festival is usually held in August, but this year it was bumped to October and fell on Halloween weekend, a choice that seemed brilliant on Friday as people were sporting elaborate costumes even two days before the actual holiday. San Franciscans love a good costume party and the creativity it inspires, and the usual festival attire was brought up a notch this year with a parade of costumes — pink flamingos, a walrus, the Scooby-Doo gang, and lots of Where's Waldos who were fun to search for in the crowd (see our photo gallery here).

I was running late Friday and rode in a Lyft to the festival just before noon — a bad idea. It took 15 minutes to get a car and cost $40. My advice: Take Muni, ride your bike and use the free bike parking, or hop on one of the Outside Lands shuttles at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. (Get more information on transportation options from Outside Lands.)

I wandered in after noon and the festival grounds were bustling with people drinking beers in the sun, but it was not crowded. This brings up another tip for those planning out their days on Saturday and Sunday — go early when there are no lines at the food trucks and you can get close to the front of the stage.

When I arrived, the sun was blazing overhead and it felt hot. The velvety grass expanse was soggy from the atmospheric river and the moisture on the ground mixed with the sun's rays creating balmy conditions. The fog rolled in at 3 p.m., temperatures dramatically dropped and the down jackets were pulled out of the clear backpack. More advice: dress in layers and bring a jacket. 

Sharon Van Etten sings at Outside Lands during her afternoon set on the Lands End stage, on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021.

Sharon Van Etten sings at Outside Lands during her afternoon set on the Lands End stage, on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021.

Charles Russo/SFGATE

My final tip: be prepared to get emotional. When I bumped into my friend Leah, she told me she had already cried twice, moved by the performances of artists who were playing for the first time live since the pandemic.

The festival's fervor overcame me at Sharon Van Etten's tumultuously emotional performance that took over the Land's End stage with black-and-white video footage of Van Etten looking amazing in a sequin mini dress and barefoot.

She talked about the darkness of the pandemic and said one bright spot was getting closer to someone who she had admired for a long time. She was referring to singer-songwriter Angel Olsen who then walked onto the stage.

"I'm going to cry about it because you know what, Angel Olsen also happens to be the most amazing person, friend, musician, peer, most down-to-earth artist that I get to bring with you tonight," she said to a cheering crowd.

The two sang "Like I Used To," a song they teamed up on and  released during the pandemic.

I wasn't the only one crying. 

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5 Tips to Keep Your Holiday Spending in Check - Motley Fool

The holidays are a joyous time, but if you aren't careful, you could end up with a season full of financial stress. And the spending hangover that happens over the holidays could follow you into the new year.

The good news is, you can avoid this fate by following five simple tips to help keep your holiday spending under control so your festive cheer doesn't end up leading to financial decisions you regret.

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1. Limit your gift list

Buying gifts for too many people is one of the fastest and easiest ways to go over your budget. And often this type of shopping doesn't bring much joy to either the gift buyer or the recipient if presents are purchased out of obligation or for people who don't need them.

Rather than having an expansive gift list, look for ways to cut down on the number of purchases that you need to make. Suggest a Secret Santa among your friend group so you each buy one present instead of gifts for everyone. Or float the idea of everyone in your extended family meeting up for a really nice meal and skipping the present exchange. The experience will be more memorable and you’ll save money by not buying things that are often soon forgotten.

2. Make a budget

To avoid overspending, it's also a good idea to have an idea of what spending too much actually looks like.

Sit down and do some calculations to see how much you can afford to spend on holiday gifts and activities. Then, make a detailed budget dividing up your available funds between entertaining and the people that remain on your gift list.

By purposefully allocating where your money is going, you can make sure you are making the most of your holiday money and spending it in a manner that will bring you the most joy.

3. Shop early

Starting to shop early enables you to look for buying opportunities so you can get gifts at a discount. You'll also have plenty of time for price comparisons so you can find the best deals.

Paying for some of your gifts now, ahead of the holiday season, can also help you avoid having to reach for the credit cards later if you're running short of cash in December.

4. Track your spending

Aim to keep track of your holiday spending so you can make sure you're staying on budget. Whenever you make a purchase, write it down in a notebook or log it in an app.

If you find you've overspent or underspent in certain areas, make adjustments to your budget so you don't end up with a total topline number that's too high once all of your spending is accounted for.

5. Take advantage of rewards credit cards

Finally, rewards credit cards can help you to reduce your holiday costs. If you buy gifts with a card offering cash back, rewards, or points, you'll get back a portion of everything you spend on the holidays.

You may even be able to consider cashing in some of your credit card points for gift cards or other merchandise that you can give to loved ones or for plane tickets for your holiday travel.

By following these tips, hopefully you can avoid overspending this holiday season. Keeping your holiday spending in check will allow you to enjoy this festive time of year without worrying about the long-term impact it will have on your finances.

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Trick-or-treating in Evansville or Henderson? Here's where and when to go - The Gleaner

Where to go trick-or-treating in and around Boston - Boston.com

Entertainment

Find out where to hit the street for sweets and haunts on Halloween night.

Stephanie Zollshan/The Berkshire Eagle via AP, File

This weekend, many Boston neighborhoods will once again close their streets to car traffic, stock up on candy, and host trick-or-treat events for the first time since 2019.

While not every neighborhood is back to holding its regular Halloween night festivities, here are a few of the goings-on in and around Boston this Sunday evening.

Beacon Hill

This neighborhood is always picturesque in autumn—and residents go all out for Halloween. Streets like Mount Vernon and Pinckney are closed to traffic for trick-or-treating, and residents sit out on their stoops handing out candy to the hundreds of folks who come from all over the city. The old brick houses wear Halloween decorations beautifully as residents pull out all the stops for a sort of unofficial Halloween décor contest.

South End

The rows of brownstones decorated with pumpkin displays in the South End make for a picturesque trick-or-treat location. The neighborhood shuts down Rutland Street to car traffic for a safe, family-friendly evening. This year, the United South End Settlements (USES) hosts a Halloween party on Rutland Street benefitting their food distribution program. On both this Saturday and Sunday, from 6 to 9 p.m., the neighborhood party will include food, games, and a haunted house.

Brookline

Also closed off to cars to accommodate trick-or-treaters is Brookline’s Beal Street near Coolidge Corner. The gorgeous homes and Halloween displays are a treat all their own, but there’s no shortage of candy, either—even the caretakers at the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site hand out sweets.

Charlestown

Charlestown’s Monument Square Halloween Parade returns for its 36th year in 2021. At 5 p.m. on Sunday, residents gather at the Bunker Hill Monument for live performances, a parade, Halloween displays, and more for kids of all ages. Trick-or-treating is also in order down the length of Monument Avenue, which is blocked off to traffic for the night. 

Back Bay

Between Berkley and Fairfield streets, Marlborough Street shuts down car traffic to host trick-or-treaters. Residents deck out their houses for the holiday and neighbors mingle, although, notably, the neighborhood will cancel their annual Clarendon Street Playground party for the second Halloween in a row out of an abundance of caution.

Cambridge

Cambridge has a few streets perfect for trick-or-treating. In North Cambridge, Dudley Street residents have hosted Halloween night haunts for years and years— their street might have sound effects, lights, and even fog. Crescent Street over in the Agassiz neighborhood is also typically shut down to cars and lined with jack-o-lanterns and other décor, and all Cambridge fire stations host open houses from 2 to 4 p.m. on Halloween, where kids receive treats and glow sticks.

Safety Tips

The Boston Police Department provided a list of Halloween safety tips for families to keep in mind. The recommendations are listed below:

  • Parents should establish a curfew and route for children which keeps kids close to home.
  • Remind kids not to enter any stranger’s homes or vehicles.
  • Remind children to avoid homes without an outside light.
  • Attach your phone number and address to your children’s costume.
  • Take a flashlight.
  • Be sure clothing and costumes are bright, reflective, and flame resistant. 
  • Set rules about not eating treats until kids get home.
  • Once home, all candy should be inspected before it is ingested.
  • When in doubt, throw it out! Candy that has been opened should be thrown away. Any homemade treats or fruit should be inspected closely. 
  • Never cross the street from between parked cars.
  • Watch open flames from jack-o-lanterns as they can ignite costumes and long wigs.
  • If giving out candy, make sure your home is safe and accessible to trick-or-treaters. 
  • Keep a porch light on.
  • Move jack-o-lanterns off the porch where kids get bunched up if they are trick-or-treating in groups.
  • Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard. 
  • If driving, drive slowly all evening. You never know what creature may suddenly appear and cross your path. Slower is always better.
  • Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police. 
  • Again, set a curfew. Ideally, trick-or-treating should go no later than 8:30 p.m.
  • Be sure to abide by all health and safety regulations as outlined by the CDC.

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