Halloween🎃 in the Land of the Free: Where Candy🍬is Currency and Zombies👻Are Neighbors

Posted on October 31, 2023October 10, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Halloween | Need Insurance? Start a Quote Today!

Halloween, when ghosts and goblins come out to play, is a Boo-tiful celebration in America. From the safety of trick-or-treaters to the costume calamities of Moms and Dads, this holiday brings out the best in neighborhoods across the country. So, grab your candy corn and get ready for a frightfully fantastic journey through hilarity in the USA!

Trick or Treat Yo’ Self:

Ah, trick or treat, the phrase that brings joy to children’s hearts and fears to dentists everywhere. As little ones dress up in their creepiest costumes, Moms and Dads prepare for the candy coma that awaits them. But fear not, for Shield Insurance Agency has got your back! With over 40 insurance companies under their belt, they’ll make sure your dental bills don’t turn into a Halloween horror story. Contact them at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK. An agent will contact you soon, saving you from the Candy Corn Chaos!

Neighborhoods: Where the Magic of Halloween Happens:

In neighborhoods across the country, Halloween brings out the best in communities. Families come together to create Boo-tiful displays, transforming their homes into haunted havens. From jack-o’-lantern jamborees to spookylicious decorations, the creativity is spine-tingling. But beware of the skeletons in the closet (and on your timeline)! Your neighbors might outdo themselves this year, turning your street into a Spooky Hilarity hotspot.

Halloween Trunk or Treat: A Family Affair:

For those looking for a twist on the traditional trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treat events have become all the rage. Families gather in parking lots, transforming their vehicles into ghoulishly good candy stations. It’s a wickedly fun way to celebrate the holiday, with parents and children dressing up and enjoying the festivities. So, grab your witch hat and join the Zombie dance party on wheels!

Costume Craziness:

Ah, the Costume Craziness that ensues during Halloween. Moms and Dads spend hours trying to create the perfect ensemble for their little ones, only to have them change their minds at the last minute. From fang-tastic vampires to creepy crawlers, the options are endless. But let’s not forget the Mummy mayhem that occurs when parents attempt to wrap their children in toilet paper. It’s a sight to behold, and the laughter is contagious!

Haunted Happenings:

As the sun sets and the moon rises, haunted happenings take center stage. Ghostly giggles fill the air as children venture into haunted houses, their screams echoing through the night. It’s a ghoulishly great USA, where scares and laughter go hand in hand. So, embrace the scare-tastic spirit and let the Halloween hilarity unfold!

Halloween in the USA is a time of laughter, frights, and unforgettable memories. From the pumpkin pandemonium to the witchy wonders, this holiday brings out the best in communities across the country. So, whether you’re trick or treating, attending a truck or treat event, or simply enjoying the spine-tingling USA from the comfort of your home, embrace Halloween’s wickedly fun spirit. And remember, Shield Insurance Agency has your back, ensuring that your Halloween adventures remain worry-free. Contact them at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK. An agent will be in touch soon, ready to protect you from any Halloween mishaps. Happy Halloween, everyone!

Not Sure What to Wear on Halloween?

Posted on October 29, 2022October 21, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Not Sure What to Wear on Halloween? Google Just Ranked the Most Popular Costumes of 2022

Expect to see a few familiar scary faces (and some pop culture favorites!) on Halloween, October 31.

MarthaStewart.com | By Nashia Baker | October 18, 2022

If you’re like Martha, dressing up for Halloween is probably one of your favorite parts of the spooky holiday. And on October 31, you certainly won’t be alone: Your neighborhood’s streets will be filled with trick-or-treaters (and their parents!) in costumes fit for the occasion.

When you do step out in character this year, you might notice a few recurring themes. According to Google Trends’ 2022 FrightGeist report, which highlighted the most-searched Halloween costumes across the United States, a few familiar monsters will prowl the streets, candy baskets in hand—but there will likely be some creative pop-culture references and beloved superheroes, too. As for the look you’ll see in droves on Halloween night? Google users searched most for a witch costume.

The runner-up spot was claimed by a famed movie and TV character: Spider-Man was the second most-searched costume. Rounding out the top three is an ancient, extinct creature that, on any other night, exists in fossil form only: Halloween enthusiasts plan to don plenty of dinosaur costumes in 2022.

Creatures of the past and champions of the present aren’t the only costume themes that have captured trick-or-treaters’ interests this year: Google users are also planning on dressing up as characters from Netflix’s Stranger Things, which clocked in at number four (not Eleven!). And if you were considering being something more fearsome, think again. The fifth most-searched pick, a fairy, proves that ethereal and whimsical options are trending, too.

Want to see how your Halloween costume ranks on Google Trends’ list this year? Discover the 20 most-searched costumes, below—and visit FrightGeist for the full list.

Click here for the full list…

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How Long Do Carved Pumpkins Last?

Posted on October 28, 2022October 19, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Martha Stewart.com | By Lauren Wellbank | Updated August 01, 2022 | Carved Pumpkins

Plus, How to Make Carved Pumpkins Last Longer

You don’t want a moldy, bug-infested Jack-o’-Lantern to be your scariest Halloween decoration.

Carved, painted, or simply stacked on your front steps or porch, carved pumpkins are the quintessential Halloween decoration. But, like all vegetables, gourds eventually decay, and that begs the question: How long do carved pumpkins really last? And is there anything you can do to prolong the life of your creative gourd?

If you don’t take the right steps in caring for your pumpkin, they can become a haven for mold, bugs, and other frightful pests. Fortunately, our experts share a few tricks for keeping your prized Jack-o’-Lantern looking fresh throughout the spooky season.

How Long Carved Pumpkins Last

As soon as you carve a pumpkin, the clock starts counting down to its inevitable decline, says Ashley Renne Nsonwu, host of the show Ashley Renne on Smart Healthy Green Living. “You have anywhere from three to five days max before they start to soften and get moldy,” she says. That’s because once the insides of the pumpkin are exposed to the elements, the rotting process begins.

Source an Unblemished, Local Pumpkin

Make sure you start with the best-looking pumpkin you can find. “Look for ones with the least amount of bruises and blemishes,” says Renne Nsonwu. “You’ll have better luck if you get them locally. Less transport means less bumping and bruising—and as a bonus, it’s more eco-friendly because the pumpkin has a lower carbon footprint!”

Carve Immediately

If you want your pumpkin to last more than five days, Renne Nsonwu says you’ll need to make sure you’re getting the timing right. “You’ll want to get your pumpkin within a week of when you plan to carve it,” she says.

Consider the Weather and Your Location

n addition to picking the right pumpkin, factors like weather and geography will impact how long it lasts, according to Kevin Busch, VP of operations of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly brand. “The colder the climate, the longer your pumpkin will last,” he says. That means those who live in areas that are already experiencing chillier temperatures will see their pumpkins remain in good shape longer than those who live further south.

How to Make Carved Pumpkins Last Longer

To extend the life of your pumpkin just a little bit more, Renne Nsonwu says you should clean it out well and disinfect it with a solution.

Castile Soap

“Some swear by bleach, but I’m not a fan,” she says. “Bleaching your pumpkins means you can’t compost them later!” Instead, she says to make a Castile soap spritz, which will delay the decay process.

Combine 1 tablespoon of Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap ($10.79, target.com) with 6 drops of peppermint oil in an 8-ounce spray bottle.
Fill the bottle with water.
Thoroughly spraying your pumpkin inside and out.

Vinegar and Petroleum Jelly

Another method that Busch swears by includes spraying your carved pumpkin down with a white vinegar solution. After you have spritzed on the vinegar, he suggests applying petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to the exposed areas and the interior of your pumpkin. “This will create a barrier that won’t allow the pumpkin to dry out, and also protects [it] from external humidity, rain, or other elements that can jumpstart the rotting process,” he says.

Skip Carving

Click here for the rest of the story…

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The Best Paints to Use for Decorating Pumpkins

Posted on October 27, 2022October 19, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Marthastewart.com | By Blythe Copeland | Updated August 17, 2022 | Decorating Pumpkins

From spray paints to acrylics, experts weigh in on the top tints for every Halloween Decorating Pumpkins project.

Decorating pumpkins may be a traditional Halloween activity, but trading your X-Acto knife for a paintbrush has its benefits: Painting pumpkins is easier and safer for young kids, presents more design freedom for adults, and leaves you with an autumnal decoration that lasts until you trade your fall décor for holiday lights.

“When we carve pumpkins, if we get a week out of it, that’s pretty good—but a painted pumpkin can last months,” says Marc Evan, founder and co-owner of Maniac Pumpkin Carvers. “A carving is going to rot in as soon as three days, sometimes even quicker. The nice thing about a painted pumpkin is it could theoretically last the entire season and look great through Halloween.”

But choosing the best type of paint to use when decorating your pumpkin matters. Some are too translucent, while others are too oily, making them take longer to dry. Here, experts convey the best paints for decorating pumpkins so you can have a festive final product.

How to Pick a Pumpkin to Paint

The first step in designing a painted pumpkin is looking carefully at its shape. “Painting a rounded surface is a little more difficult than a flat surface like canvas,” says Becki Thomas, art manager at Painting with a Twist. “Try and choose a pumpkin with the smoothest surface possible, and plan your design, keeping the pumpkin’s natural ridges in mind.”

Next, clean your pumpkin so that the paint will stick to the surface. “It’s a good idea to wash the pumpkin and dry it really well,” says Evan. “That way, you’re not putting paint on a fine layer of dirt—you’re putting paint right on the skin of the pumpkin.”

Use Acrylic Paint for General Decorating Pumpkins

“I love to paint pumpkins with chalky acrylic paint,” says Roma Stiff, senior creative project designer for Michaels. “The coverage is good, and the matte finish gives an updated home décor look and feel. The paint comes in a variety of home décor colors and is just enough to do a project!”

Choose Acrylic Over Oil Paint for Decorating Pumpkins

Thomas agrees and recommends acrylic paint instead of oil-based when painting pumpkins. “It’s quick-drying, easy to use, and clean-up is a breeze,” she says. “Because acrylic is water-based, if you mess up, you can wipe it off with a rag and start over! Oil-based paint takes a long time to dry and can be fumy. [With oil,] you’ll also need paint thinner to clean the paintbrushes.”

Work in Layers

Most acrylic craft paints will require more than one coat to prevent the bright orange of the pumpkin rind from showing through, but acrylic’s fast-drying properties—and low cost—let you layer several applications for solid coverage in the shortest amount of time. “It’ll work for big shapes and tiny stencils,” says Thomas. “Have a few different brush sizes ready to go, and you’ll be able to paint anything with acrylic.”