Halloween is on the way, and things are still…weird. Said weirdness will, more than likely, interfere with many of the traditions of the holiday. Still, we can’t let these unprecedented levels of Weirdness put a complete kibosh on Halloween Fun! To that end, we present to you, in no particular order… ​5 FUN HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES (THAT YOU CAN DO WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING)​​

When it comes to family activities, there are few as versatile as Crafting. Pumpkin painting, slime making, paper ghosts and pipecleaner goblins, there’s something for everyone! Younger kids with short attention plans? Lollipop Ghosts! Just take a Lollipop, wrap it in a tissue with colored ribbon, and draw some eyes with marker. For something more off the beaten path, we recommend Halloween Melt & Pour Soap Making. Make your own soaps using moulds of Ghost, Skulls, Bats, and other thematically-appropriate icons. If you’re interested, we offer a DIY Kit on our website.

​Since traditional Trick-or-Treating is likely not an option this October, we’re here to offer an alternative. Something to scratch the itch for the childhood experience of going on an adventure, with sweet and colorful treats as the reward. Borrowing a page from the Easter playbook, host your own in-house Candy Hunt! This can be as simple as hiding treats around the house or your back yard, but if you’re willing to get into the holiday spirit with something more elaborate, here’s some ideas;

For Energetic Kids - A ‘Monster Mash’
Fill balloons with candy, stickers, etc, and have the kids dress up as Monsters to stomp on them! You can use orange balloons and green ribbon for “Pumpkin Busting,” paint spooky faces on the balloons for something more Ghoulish, or even paint them with buildings to let the kids Godzilla Stomp their way through a candy city!

For Brainy Kids - A Scavenger Hunter!
To get that feeling of Adventure that kids get from Halloween, hide candy around the house, and give your kids clues to track it down! The riddles themselves will differ depending on what hiding places you have in your house, and whether you can tie them to memories you and the kids made at those places, but here’s some pretty universal ones to get you started!
​
I’m on your Left and your Right, hopefully I’m not too tight.
Answer: hidden in a shoe

I have a sound that goes beep, and though I do keep time, my main function is to heat.
Answer: in the microwave

I have a big mouth, but I don’t gossip, even though I’m involved with everyone’s Dirty Laundry
Answer: in the washing machine

I have 4 legs but no feet. When you get tired, have a seat
Answer: chair (under, behind, etc)

I’m in the kitchen, and you’ll never eat me, but your 4 legged friend loves to greet me
Answer: pet food (best put candy in plastic bag)

I’m quite dirty, but can be beautiful too, you’ll find me in colors, like reds, pinks, and blues.
Answer: Potted flowers (again, best put candy in plastic bag)

​​I’ll keep you cool on a hot sunny day, but don’t forget to put me down, or I’ll blow away.
Answer: in an Umbrella

You’ll fill me up and then drain me when done, adding bubbles always makes me more fun.
Answer: in the Bathtub

Inside here you will find coats and shoes. Keep it organized so you know whose are whose.
Answer: in the Closet

Who says decorating the house should be limited to the outside? Bring the spirit of the holiday into your home, by filling your home with Holiday Spirits! Miss that feeling of wandering around the neighborhood and admiring all the decorations? Share the pictures of your decorations with your friends, and encourage them to do the same. You can even go so far as to film Virtual Tours of the house ,to show off how Spooktacular the place is! If you’re looking for some unique decorations to get you started, we offer a selection of artisan Painted Wood Signs and Paper/LED Light Halloween Banners at our website.

Miss that feeling of being surrounded by people in costumes? Assemble that group of people yourself! Get your social group together, and party the night away! We recommend checking out this page from the CDC on Halloween actives and best practices. If your costume doesn’t already include a mask, we do offer Halloween-Themed Face Masks, to help you stay in the holiday spirit.

Still, a party isn’t a party unless there’s games to play, so here’s fun party games you can play while social distancing:
​
Mad Libs
This game was created back in 1953, but the creators couldn’t decide on a name for it until 5 years later (given the nature of the game itself, the irony is palpable). Think of it as the original Cards Agains Humanity. There are a few different version of the game, but for social distancing purposes, we recommend the original version. For those new to the game, the rules are as follows:

1. One player has a “Mad Libs” sheet, which contains one or more paragraphs worth of text (generally a brief story) where many of the key words and phrases have been omitted, and have been replaced with a placeholder telling you the type of word that should go there (noun, verb, adverb, etc). This player will NOT show the sheet to the other players, until the end.
2. The player holding the sheet will call out the types of words needed to fill in the blanks, and the other players offer words of that type. (The other players can either take turns calling out words, or they can just call them out whenever they think of something, and then the group decides what they like best). The player holding the sheet fills in the blanks of the paper with the words they chose.
3. Once the Mad Libs sheet is fully filled out, one player will read it out loud, and everyone will bask in the absurdity of what they’ve written.

Radial Beer Pong (Alcohol is Optional. For kids, call it “Ring Ball”)
Here’s where social distancing can act as a game-mechanic. For those not familiar, the rules are exceedingly simple (its WAS designed with drunk people in mind). Just toss ping-pong balls (or similar small objects) into those Red-Plastic Party Cups to score points. Generally, this is played with the player seated at one end of a table, and the plastic cups at the other end. However, in the Radial version, multiple players are situated around a set of cups, and all try to get their balls in. Due to social distancing, as more people join the circle, the circle greatly expands, increasing the distance the balls need to be tossed. If you find it’s too far to get the balls in reliably, you can switch to “Horse Shoe Rules,” where you get points for how close you managed to get it. To tell people’s balls apart you can either have them take turns, or draw on the balls with maker.
Note: To further guard against infection, players should wear gloves when handling the cups and balls. Good news if your costume already has gloves!

Human Inflatable Bumper Bubble Ball
This is essentially just soccer (or “Football” outside the States) with one essential distinction: the addition of Body Bumper Bubbles. These are a human-sized plastic balloon that goes around your body, acting as a giant bumper. This a real thing that exists in the real world.
Caution: The bumpers will help to enforce social distancing, but they’re also unsafe in other ways (for a variety of obvious reasons). We highly recommend adult supervision with kids.

Home Scary Movie Marathons have been a staple of Halloween since the explosive popularity of VHS Players in the 1980s. Horror fans are all too eager to post their own ‘Top 5/10/40/10,000 Halloween Films” list, even in the middle of July! However, for families with younger children (and/or people who are just sick of looking at screens) indulging in these Spooky Spectacles is not a viable option. For a low-tech, more Family Friendly experience, we recommend utilizing the OG mass-market conveyer of fiction: Books! Whether you’re reading to the family while you gather ‘round the fire (that’s playing on your laptop), telling the story to your child while they’re tucked into bed, or just handing it over a young reader to help them develop a love of literature, everyone loves a good Scary Story! Here’s a few of our personal recommendations…

The Bunnicula series, by James & Deborah Howe
Horror Intensity: Mild
This series that was published from the late 1970’s to the early 2000s, follows the adventures of Bunnicula, the Vampire Rabbit that sucks the juice out of carrots. The series is told from the perspective of the family dog, Harold, who interacts with a whole cast of animals and pets. The story’s laid-back tone and dry sense of humor makes it a friendly entry into the horror genre for kids, while also having enough wit and charm to endear it to adults.

The Goosebumps series, by R. L. Stine
Horror Intensity: Medium
An unmistakable fixture of the 90s, this Horror anthology was popular enough to be adapted for the screen, both big and small. When you picture an American kid reading a scary story by flashlight under the bed covers, these are the types of books they’re holding. The stories are mostly disconnected from each other, with only a few of them getting direct sequels. Much like the aforementioned Horror Movie Fans, Goosebumps fans are all too eager to post “Top X” lists of their favorite entries in the series, so there’s plenty of resources to help you pick which ones to read. While generally not being too scary, the series was always intended for “Middle Readers,” and some may be too intense for younger children.

Coraline, by Neil Gaiman
Horror Intensity: Extra Spicy!!!
This is story about a young girl (the titular Coraline) who travels through a doorway to a seemingly perfect version of her life, only to find out it’s an illusion by an Evil Being intent on trapping her. I’m sure many of you are familiar with the stop-motion film adaptation from 2009. I enjoyed that film greatly, however, it does not capture the deeper emotional horrors of the story. What truly fuels the horror of the story isn’t the physical danger presented, but how vulnerable and identifiable the main character is. Neil Gaiman does a masterful job of capturing the insecurities and frustrations that children experience as they transition into their adolescent years, and the way her “Other Mother” preys on those feelings speaks to the anxiety we all feel about being taken advantage of. Especially by someone with a familiar face and an offer “too good to be true.” Recommended for Middle School and up, and only the ones who can handle more intense content.

White T Shirts. They’re boring. There, I said it. Well, the appearance is anyway. The history of the garment is actually quite interesting. While white Ts as we know them were technically invented in the mid 19th century, they’re popularity truly blossomed during the turn of the 20th century. During this time, they were used as “undergarments” for US soldiers fighting in WWI. (Given that their previous undergarments were made of wool, this was a celebrated change). After their explosive popularity as part of the Military Industrial Complex, it wasn’t long before White Ts spread to the USA’s second most powerful institution: Professional Sports. Their popularity and ease of production inspired team owners to brand them with Team Logos and the names of athletes. (Citation: those things are everywhere!) The White T’s current cultural association with disaffected rebels was solidified in the 1950’s, with it’s use as the apparel of Marlon “Hubba Hubba” Brando, in the hit film A Streetcar Named Desire.

*Information presented above comes from an article on sanest.com

History may be important, but the Future is NOW! And NOW is where YOU live! Those White T’s you got in a 6-pack from your last 'impulse buy' might have done it for Marlon “Superman’s Dad” Brando, but you can’t live in shadow of a Hollywood Dreamboat! Those things need some TLC! One method of applying said TLC is via Sponge Painting. How does one Sponge Paint a T Shirt? Watch the video below to find out!

For this Project, you’ll need:

• A White T Shirt Paints
• Paper Plates (or an artist’s palette, if you’ve got one)
• Dehydrated Sponges
• Scissors
• Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty

There’s no limit to the breadth of human self-expression. There are however, a few logistical issues when it comes to taking that self-expression on the go. Murals might make for a good installation piece, but most establishments don’t appreciate your bringing your own walls and ceiling. Interpretive Dance requires nothing more than your own body, but it won’t make you any friends while you’re on line at the Super Market. Accessorizing you car is an effective way to get noticed, but it may invoke the wrong type of attention when those accessories go flying off on the highway. Based on these examples, we can establish our criteria: The means of self-expression must be portable, compatible with normal activities, and not leave one liable for criminal negligence. One such means would be a decorated Tote Bag! Watch the video below for instructions on making your own.

For this project, you’ll need:

• A Canvas Tote Bag
• Fabric Markers
• Patches and Jewels (for embellishment)
• A Shirt Board (Or Cardboard that can fit in the bag)

Since the dawn of man, people across nations, cultures, and other dividing lines have grappled with this common problem: My kids are bored, what do I do to keep them entertained? Various methods have been implemented across the millennia, ranging from Story Telling to Gladiatorial Combat (the latter was particularly popular among everyone, baring the gladiators). However, if you’re looking to not only entertain the youth, but also engaged their creativity, there is but one true answer…Arts and Crafts! However, this path leads to a further dilemma; what TYPE of craft shall they make? Painting a picture of the family pet, composing a song about your love of string cheese, or maybe sewing wallets in a Chinese sweatshop? So many wonderful options! To help get you started on your path to creative self-expression, we at The Eclectic Chic Boutique have create a series of video tutorials called “Fashion Arts.” These videos will teach you and your children how to turn simple clothes into one of a kind fashion statements! In this video, you’ll learn to make your own Painted Baseball Cap!

For this project, you’ll need;

• A White Cap
• Bottles of Squeeze Paints
• Patches & Jewels (for embellishment)
• Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty

Once you’ve gathered your materials, watch the video below to learn how to turn your cap into a work of art!

With the sun coming out, we’re all in need of nice cool drink. Here’s the recipe for an ECB Special; The Spicy Hibiscus Sunrise 🌺 🌅, made using Sweetened Hibiscus Juice by Spicegrove. This is a variation of the typical Madras cocktail, which is a mix of Vodka, OJ, and Cranberry Juice. In this recipe, the Cranberry Juice is substituted for ’Spicegrove Roselle,’ thus maintaining the tart contrast, while adding the drink’s spice blend to the flavor profile. The “Sunrise” in the name refers to the presence of Orange Juice. No grand stories there, just wanted to share a cocktail naming convention.

Ingredients: 📝

• Tito’s Vodka
• Ice
• Orange Juice
• Roselle + Ginger Hibiscus Juice by @spicegroveroselle

Directions: 👨🏻‍🍳

1. Put ice in a glass.
2. Four count or 2 OZ. Tito’s Vodka.
3. 1 to 1 ratio or if you are so skilled, pour OJ 🍊 & Hibiscus 🌺 Drink by Spicegrove in together.
4. Give it a stir to mix together!
5. Garnish if desired with orange slice or cherry 🍒 and in the words of Chef Miles, “There you go baby!”

​Click the button to watch how to mix this drink on a special addition of Munchies with Miles.

The Eclectic Chic Boutique, arts and crafts gift shop located at 547 Bloomfield Ave in Downtown Montclair, has converted their Good Friday and Spring Break Camps to Virtual Craft Experiences. The Eclectic Chic Boutique works with over 30 local artists and makers from the NJ area. In addition to selling handmade crafts, they have a classroom space where artists teach craft classes to adults and children. Because of the recent outbreak situation, The Eclectic Chic Boutique has had to convert all their classes, including camps, to online classes. Artists can teach the classes from the safety of their homes or studios via Zoom.

For the Virtual Camps, each class is 40 min long and includes materials. The materials can be shipped, delivered, or held for curbside pickup. The camp classes are for age groups 6 to 10 and 10 to 14. Each class also includes a Virtual session with a Professional Artist via Zoom. Parents get 10% off for each sibling they sign up.

​Camp sessions can be booked here:

​The Eclectic Chic Boutique, a artisan gift shop located in Downtown Montclair, is offering a variety of DIY Craft Kits and access to Virtual Sessions for the craft classes that are on its current schedule. The Eclectic Chic Boutique works with over 30 local artists and makers, selling their handmade items as well as hosting craft classes and craft parties. In light of current events The Eclectic Chic Boutique has created adapted opportunities for everyone to experience handmade through the Craft Kits and the Virtual Classes.

The craft kits are created by local artists in NJ and include Wreath Making, Jewelry Making, Soap Making, and more! Each kit comes with all the materials you need for the projects. The Eclectic Chic is also including Virtual Learning Sessions for anyone who orders the kits at no additional charge. The customer will be emailed with information on how to schedule their Virtual Session after their purchase is made. These kits are great for both adults and children and are a great way to alleviate stress, boost mood, and provide a creative outlet. The DIY Kits can be ordered online from The Eclectic Chic Boutique website, Etsy Shop, or Amazon store. The kits can be picked up from the Shop on Bloomfield Ave, delivered locally, or shipped. 

For the classes that are currently on the schedule and private classes, The Eclectic Chic Boutique will offer Virtual Options and ship materials to the participants if they register ahead. The attendee will be sent the Virtual session information after the ticket is purchased.  

The Eclectic Chic Boutique is located at 547 Bloomfield Ave in Montclair. They will be open regular hours for as long as possible. Private and scheduled classes and DIY Craft  Kits can be purchased online at www.TheEclecticChicBoutique.com.

The Natural Realm, our line of all natural Body and Hair Tonic Mist Sprays utilizes pH balanced Beauty Water.  Owner of The Natural Realm, Laura Mazzoccoli, tells us what what Beauty Water is and why its great for your Hair and Skin. 

​Our 6.0pH Beauty Water is created using innovative water technology, which produces ionized alkaline and acidic waters through Electrolysis.  6.0pH Beauty Water is produced from an ionizing water machine and is never stored in plastic bottles! 
 
Internally our bodies are the healthiest when they are "neutral" or 7.0pH, but our skin is a bit different!   Our skin has a protective Acid Mantle, which is more "acidic" and should be between a 4.2 and 5.5pH for optimal skin health.   All of the airborne contaminants, pollutants and free radicals that we encounter everyday are "alkaline" and attack the skin's Acid Mantle, making it more difficult for our skin to protect itself.   Even most beauty products are at higher pH levels, such as 8.0, which increases our skin pH.   
 
6.0pH Water is more acidic and helps to restore, strengthen and protect the skin's Acid Mantle.  6.0pH Water is also astringent and oxidative, making it beneficial for the overall health and beauty of your skin and hair.  When used daily, 6.0pH Beauty Water tightens, softens and hydrates your skin, also providing an environment for healing if you have a particular skin condition.  Spray on your skin to hydrate, reduce lines and wrinkles, even brighten your skin tone and produce overall healthier looking skin.

The Natural Realm uses Beauty Water in her line of Facial, Body, and Hair Tonics. Each one is made with   ​specific essential oils and gemstones with their own unique properties.  Simply spritz as needed on your face, body, or in your space to feel the benefits.

Join Montclair Brewery 🍺 as they celebrate their...
🍻🍻🍻 FIRST ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST 🍻🍻🍻
They’ll be releasing their special Oktoberfest Lager 🍂🍺🍁
As well as a Bourbon Barrel aged Brown Ale 🧐🍺
And a few other special craft brews ✨🥃✨
Music all day 🎶 with bands such as...
The Little Engineers and Rasha-Jay 👶👨‍🔧
And Blissed Beats & friends on the turntables 😄👬

Dress in your Best Oktoberfest attire and enter the costume contest 🇩🇪
Craft activities and outdoor games available for play 🖍🎲
Each adult ticket holder will receive a commemorative pin and souvenir cup 🥤

We at The Eclectic Chic Boutique 🌸
Have curated an exciting outdoor market ☀🛍
Complete with fun craft activities 🖌🎨
Beer souvenirs 🍺👕 and a variety of food vendors 🍗🌭🍧

Tickets cost $15 for Adult General Admission, $25 for VIP (details at purchase options on website), and children get in free. (Non-alcoholic drinks will be available for them)

Saturday, September 28, 2019
1:30 PM – 9:45 PM

At Montclair Brewery
101 Walnut Street
Montclair, NJ 07042

​Concerned your child 👼 will start dabbling in the Dark Arts 🧙‍♀ out of boredom? 😒 No, you’re probably not worried about that specifically 😅
HOWEVER, that doesn’t mean you’re not looking for Fun Programs for them! 🤩 The ECB is here to offer a Smorgasbord of Afternoon Crafting classes! 🖌🎨
Come see for yourself what the buzz 🐝 is about at our upcoming event....
🖌👦👧🎨
OPEN HOUSE CRAFTERNOONS
🖌👦👧🎨
Camp Chic Crafternoons 🌸 is our After School Arts program 🏫🖼
Designed to fit your needs and your child's schedule 🗓
See some of the projects kids can create 💍🎨👑🧼
Meet the Teachers 🙋‍♀💁‍♀👸💃🐸
Let your child explore which arts they would like to learn! 🤩 Light refreshments will be served 🥤🍪
Admission is free, Walk-ins are welcome. Register for camp at Open House and get 10% off camp enrollment!

Saturday, August 17, 2019
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
At The Eclectic Chic Boutique
547 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042

Click the link below 👇👇👇 to RSVP
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/open-house-crafternoons-tickets-66062261001