Dog-O-Lanterns and a Halloween Giveaway!

Ever since I've been out of school and trying to be an adult in the "real world" I haven't done much in the ways of celebrating Halloween. You would most likely find me at home trying to pretend like I wasn't there instead of explaining to the poor kids that I didn't have any candy, or just avoiding being around altogether by tying myself up with work or other non-Halloween-celebrating friends. It's not that I didn't enjoy dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, or eating copious amounts of candy [because I do]...I just had this silly idea in my head that those things were for children, and not respectable 20-somethings living in the big city. But that all changed when I had fur-children.

Bruce Wayne's 1st Halloween: 2009

I was no longer bound by the self-imposed restrictions of being an adult because now I had fun-loving kids by my side (albeit, dog kids) and what sort of respectable mother wouldn't celebrate Halloween with her kids? (My logic may be flawed, but anyway...everyone loves dogs in costumes, right?) And what are Halloween costumes if not themed Halloween costumes??

We're off to see the wizard...

Call me a crazy dog lady (I know I'm in good company), but I also decided that last Halloween wouldn't be complete without Bruce Wayne and Alfred Dog-O-Lanterns. I was right. It only took about 4 hours from start to finish, but at the end of the day M and I were the proud owners of two pumpkins carved in the likeness of our babies. I have never been happier.

Which is why this year, I am doing a giveaway so that one lucky reader can have their very own custom Dog-O-Lantern design! The rules are simple...

1. Go "Like" our Facebook page if you haven't already.
2. Share this contest on your FB wall.
3. Leave a comment below that you shared the contest.

It's that easy! I will randomly select a winner on Thursday, October 25th at 12pm CT, then contact the winner for a photo of their dog. Once I receive the photo I will create a custom carving pattern and then you can get to work carving your very own Dog-O-Lantern. Just tape the pattern to your pumpkin, trace it with a pounce wheel, then carve away. (Pounce wheel and saws are available in most pumpkin carving kits). Light with a candle, and enjoy the warm glow of your pooch's face in pumpkin form. Happy Halloween!