Trick or Treat! Halloween is a few days away and we know most people are in a panic to create a last-minute costume. No matter your level of creativity, we’ve made a list of a few easy costume ideas for all ages and even a few suggestions for pets. Read below for some creative (and easy) Halloween costume suggestions!

Costume: Gumball Machine

What you’ll need:

Multicolor pom poms

A black/white top

Red skirt/pants (the gumball machine)

Black felt (the 25-cent coin slot)

Glue gun and sticks

Steps: Hot glue the pom poms to the shirt to create the “gumball” portion. Use the felt to cut out and create the 25-cent slot. Glue the “money slot” on the red skirt/pants to create the “machine/stand” portion.

Costume: Harry Potter

What you’ll need:

Red and gold striped scarf

Black, round, glasses

Red face paint

Black robe

Steps: Draw a lightening bolt shaped scar on forehead. Throw on the robes, scarf, and glasses, and poof! You’re a Hogwarts legend.

Costume: Holy Guacamole

What you’ll need:

Green t-shirt

Printed photos of avocados

Angel wings

Halo

Steps: Glue printed photos of avocados to a green shirt. Add angel attire and now you’re the puniest person at the party.

Costume: Bunch of Grapes

What you’ll need:

Black t-shirt

Black pants

A pack of purple balloons

Tape or hot glue

Steps: Tape or glue inflated purple balloons to your neutral under clothes. For an added detail, wear a green beanie to create a grape stem.

The anti-costume: Error 404

Steps: Find a local t-shirt screen printer or draw on a t-shirt “Error 404 Costume Not Found.” This is a snarky and minimal effort costume for even the most last minute of decisions.

Owner/Pet costume: Vendor and Hotdog

What you’ll need:

Red apron

White shirt

Chef hat

Doggie hotdog costume

Owner/Pet costume: Little Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Wolf

What you’ll need:

Red fabric/hood

A basket of goodies

If your pup’s ears aren’t ferocious enough, add large black fluffy ears to mimic a wolf.

We hope our suggestions sparked your imagination and that you can pull together an easy and creative Halloween costume. Have a safe and spooky Halloween!

The post Creative Halloween Costumes for All Ages appeared first on Cottages of Anderson Blog.

Cottages of Anderson is a Buckingham Foundation owned property, which is the philanthropic partner of Buckingham Companies. Buckingham Foundation owns four properties that offer clean, safe, affordable housing, as well as, programs and services for their residents. Buckingham Foundation continues to grow its grant giving capacity to support affordable housing opportunities for families in need, to encourage participation in arts and culture initiatives and to invest in local communities.

As part of the renovation project, amenity space, including the leasing center and clubhouse, and 120 units were renovated by the Buckingham Capital Expenditures team. Renovations include:

* New black appliances in all apartment homes

* Updated lighting throughout the amenity space and apartment homes

* All new HVAC systems (air conditioning and furnaces)

* New water heaters in each apartment home

* Kitchens and bathrooms cosmetic updates

* New Roofs throughout the community

* Concrete repairs throughout the community

* Vinyl siding repaired and updated

* Clubhouse remodeled

* Remodeled leasing center

* New playground

* New technology was added throughout the community areas

* New game room

* New gutters throughout the community

* New landscaping

* Complete mill and repair of asphalt

* New permanent and wayfinding signage created

“Buckingham Foundation’s mission is to not only provide affordable housing but also educational opportunities for our residents, focusing on financial responsibility and career enhancement. The renovations made at Cottages of Anderson will enhance the quality of life for our residents, and positively impact the Anderson community,” says Theresa Rhodes, executive director of Buckingham Foundation.

Buckingham Foundation has provided over $2M in grants to over 250 nonprofits in the Indianapolis and Nashville communities throughout the past 11 years. With a mission to create positive change in the areas of affordable housing, community & economic development and arts & culture, Buckingham Foundation can make this impact thanks to the generous donors and business supporters, such as First Financial Bank, the partner on the renovation project.

“The Summer Open House is the perfect opportunity to showcase the hard work that’s been completed at Cottages of Anderson these past few months,” shares Scott Sladek, COO of Buckingham Companies. “We are grateful for our team members, residents and the Anderson community.” 

The post Summer Open House at Cottages of Anderson Reveals Renovated Clubhouse and Community Areas appeared first on Cottages of Anderson Blog.

1. Fill up water bottles and freeze them the night before. Use these as makeshift ice packs, and when they melt you can drink the water! Cooler space is sacred so don’t waste it.
2. Buy a helium balloon or invest in getting your team’s flag. Fly these high and proud so friends can find your spot with ease.
3. Serving potato salad or coleslaw? Set it out in a decorative bowl. No one will know you bought it from the grocery store that morning.
4. Supplies that will help in a bind: toilet paper, duct tape, permanent marker, hand sanitizer.
5. Make your own Bloody Mary bar or deck out your hotdogs with lots of toppings. Use a 6 pack cardboard container to carry all of your sauces.
6. Walking Tacos are a hit for all ages. Cook beef with taco seasoning the night before, heat it up however you choose the day of, and set out all the toppings people could want. Set up is simple, so it’s a win-win situation.

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