Thought we could all enjoy a sunset over a local pumpkin patch on the eve of Halloween.

To ensure that trick-or-treaters, you, and your house stay safe, remember the following tips.

• Clear your yard and sidewalk of any obstacles or decorations that may be hard to see in the dark, lest someone go bump in the night.
• Keep your house well lighted, both inside and out; you wouldn’t want to miss any particularly good costumes, would you?
• Ask your Neighborhood Watch or local citizen’s group to haunt (patrol) your community.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your police or sheriff’s department.

To make sure even the scariest costumes are safe, keep the following in mind when buying or designing one.

• Try makeup instead of masks; it’s more comfortable and doesn’t obstruct vision the way masks can.
• Check to ensure that costumes are flame-retardant so that young ones are safe around jack-o’-lanterns, candles, and other flames.
• Keep costumes short to ensure that the only trip taken is the one around the neighborhood.
• Look for brightly colored costumes, attach reflector strips to costumes and bags, and remind trick-or-treaters to carry glow sticks and flashlights.
• If a costume involves any sort of fake weapon, make sure that it is made of a flexible material such as cardboard or foam. Or, avoid the whole problem of weapons by challenging your child to design a costume that is scary without one.

Keep in mind the next few tips to make sure your trick-or-treater’s night in the neighborhood will be safe and fun.

• Older kids should trick-or-treat in groups; kids walking around alone are never as safe as those in groups, and especially not at night. Younger kids should be accompanied by a parent or trusted neighbor.
• Review the route for trick-or-treating beforehand and set a time set when kids should be home. Also, have a plan if your child gets separated from his or her friends or from you.
• Remind your children not to enter strange houses or cars.

After a successful and safe night around the neighborhood, remember that the treats still need scrutiny before anyone eats them.

• Remind your children not to eat treats until they’ve come home. To help ensure this, feed them a meal or a substantial snack before they go out.
• Check all treats at home in a well-lighted place. Be especially wary of anything that is not wrapped by the factory or that is no longer sealed.
• Remind kids not to eat everything at once, lest they be green even without the makeup.

Hey all!!  That haunted time is upon us and I am sure you are wondering what to do and where to go for Halloween this year!  There are haunted houses and hayrides all around New Jersey, here are a few in our area. 

Windsor Farms Haunted Hey Ride
1202 Windsor Road, West Windsor
609-443-9379
Friday and Saturday evenings in October starting at 7pm.  Excellent Haunted Hayrides with great special effects. Apple cider, funnel cakes, etc. Rides leave every 10 minutes from dusk (7pm). 

Hamilton Hauntings - Terror on Route 33
Route 33, Hamilton
609-689-1454
Over 25 new scenes and scares. The first part of your journey will be in the darkness ride to terror. The fear level is raised and the lights dimmer as the DARKNESS will take you to a new dimension in horror. The dark dreaded path in the woods will be the next part of your journey.  Next you will be headed to the land of Castle Fear and the legend of Prince Xavier III.  You wont beleive your eyes as the Price tranforms to a blood sucking monster. . When the prince is looking for blood only fresh mortal souls are what he seeks. 

Looking for more frightfully good times?  Check out the complete list! 

Located in a strip mall of Route 31 in Pennington, Za Restaurant has quickly become a local favorite.  The narrow, cheery space seats 32, but the garden patio seating is favorable for a mild fall like the one we are having.  Chef Mark Valenza has created a diverse and exciting menu that keeps diners on their toes, and Za has been credited with many excellent reviews.  I hope to head over there very soon to taste it for myself - if you get there first, please let us know what you think!

Well, I have to admit that I have been a busy little bee over the past week or so and haven’t had a chance to get out and experience our beloved little area myself, so I am going to borrow for an expert.

New York Times New Jersey Section reviewer Karla Cook recently paid a visit to the Italian restaurant with an Ecuadorian twist. The location in downtown Trenton is ideal for the lunch crowd, although the owners are looking to increase their dinner clientele.  Check out the complete NYT review, or go for yourself and let us know what you thought!!

Here’s a photo of your typical 3 bedroom 3 full bath Town home under 270K in Twin Rivers East Windsor. Located off Route 33 near Exit 8a Turnpike close to shopping centers and Princeton Jct. Trainstation. Many of these town homes have finished basements so you can expect close to 2000 square feet. Built in the early 70’s many still show nice curb appeal. Almost every street has at least a home for sale! This means tremendous price competition amongst brokers and tons of low ball offers. Don’t get caught up in the staging of a home look at every detail! You will have to find the right seller to get the right deal. Some are just waiting it out and some need to move quickly. They know the demand is low coming fall and winter so it’s really time to wheel and deal. The interest rates are inching up. If your looking to get a bargain and want to get into a home before the winter now is the time. 609-964-4494 RyanHilario@gmail.com

Blogging from 35th East St.
I went to the city this morning to catch up with some old friends of mine.  I left from Exchange Place(Jersey Path) where my brother lives to WTC.  Takes literally 2 minutes and its just one stop away.  After getting off the Path train I met with a friend that works in one of the buildings next door so I thought I’d take my new camera and take a snap shot of the WTC from the top.  Just imagine the chilly wind in your face sipping on some Caramel Machiato it was breath-taking. I was pretty much all over the city for the day and I just got back from a sushi restaurant.  After some sushi and good saki you have to call it a night on a monday in nyc. Can’t wait to go back to Jersey…

Larry Shulan is in the business of renting out exotics and unique vehicles whether its a present, special occasion, or even a cruise.  His rates are reasonable and his cars are super fast! The rentals are located in Allentown New Jersey but there are services for pick up and drop off. If you want something more toned down Larry has the 4-doors, convertibles, and SUV’s.  If your in the need for speed he’s got a selection that will make a car enthusiast drop to his knees.  My personal favorite is the Gallardo.  The power will throw you back in the seat with just little nudge to the gas and a click to the paddle shifter. After you’ll want to trade down for the Mercedes smart car.  Check out his website here

3 South Main Street
Allentown New Jersey 08501
609-259-6737-Larry Shulan

Boy, I wish I had a lot of cash to burn!!  I just got back from the “Style on the Square” fashion show in Princeton.  It was so much fun!  I hope some of you were able to make it out there.

The fashion show was held at the Nassau Inn this afternoon and was the culmination of Princeton’s Fashion Week.  Participating stores included Aerosoles, Au Courant Opticians, Banana Republic, Bluemercury, Bucks County Dry Goods, Chico’s, Cotton Company, Dandelion, Design Within Reach, Ici Fashion for Children, Lace Silhouettes Lingerie, Nine West, The Papery of Princeton, Pawtisserie, Salon Vis A Vis, Stacy Gemma, and Talbots Kids.  The stores provided clothing for the models (women, children, dogs and one brave gentleman - all volunteers), who shined as they strutted their stuff on the runway.  Refreshments were provided, and a few raffles were held. 

With the fashions broken into career, weekend and evening sections, each participating store showcased their hottest styles for the fall.  The big crowd pleasers were the two young boys who hammed it up for the crowd with winks and muscles, the young girl models, and one lady who braved one of her runway passes like the best of them with shoes too big for her feet.  The common fashion themes included grey sweater dresses, opaque tights, chunky high heels, and green and brown anything.  I personally am obsessed with an adorable green jacket from Banana Republic.  I might have to splurge and buy it!

Were you at the “Style on the Square” Fashion Show?  Let me know what you thought!! Here are a few pictures I snapped at the show… Enjoy!

With limited selection of active adult communities in the Mercer County area Pulte Homes offers a price point starting in the low 300K that’s very attractive with the perfect square footage. If you don’t like multi-story condos or going over the 400K mark this is the right property for you. Near convenient shopping centers and 5 minute drive to Hamilton Train station. Keep in mind builders are giving away incentives such as free upgrades and other options to new home owners in today’s market.  Don’t let interest rates pass you by. For showings call 609.964.4494 ask for Ryan.

		Crosswick From: $304,490 1400 Square Feet 2 Bedrooms 2 Full Bathrooms 0 Half Bathrooms
		Abbott From: $305,490 1300 Square Feet 2 Bedrooms 2 Full Bathrooms 0 Half Bathrooms