As I kid, I practically lived for Hallowe’en (that and Christmas). After trick-or-treating, I’d go home, dump all my goodies on the table (or floor), and admire the contents of my great haul. Chocolate bars and chips made me giddy, while gumballs and peanuts (yeah, I actually got those) were instantly given to my brother. (I know…I was just soooo generous. Hehe!)

The more memorable things I’ve received include Archie comic books, soda cans, business cards (!!), and toothbrushes (!!!). Come on…it’s Hallowe’en, so you have to do it the right way by celebrating with festive things like witches’ cauldrons and scary candles.

You know who does it right? Illuminations. From now until October 23, get 50% off Hallowe’en candles and decor when you use the free Illuminations coupons!

You’ll feel like doing the monster mash after you see the spooky items they have in store for you:

• Misting Caldron - Bubble, bubble, toil & trouble? Increase the fun by the double!
• Feathered Raven - Boring decor, Edgar Allen Poe? Nevermore!
• Gothic Chandelier - Set the mood with themed lighting
• Classic Signature Scents Pumpkin Pie Scented Candles - Mmm! Smells good enough to eat, but please don’t nibble the wax
• Color-Changing Hallowe’en Candles - Embedded LEDs bring these candles to life

Also, don’t miss out on the candy-corn floating candles and haunted village mansions that really set the scene. Shop at Illuminations today so your party’s a real scream!

October 20th - It was on this day in history in 1891 that the first international 6-day bike race began.  I’ve never been in a bike race before, but it looks pretty intense. Every cyclist is wearing a helmet, bike gloves for grip, and cool shades for good visibility. Plus, they even have the coolest water bottles and bike attachments to keep the bottles in so they can stay hydrated. If you’re an avid cyclist, then make your way over to the ultimate bike store: Dicks Sporting Goods. Shop with Dicks Sporting Goods coupons to save 15% on helmets, apparel & bike accessories!  

1965 - Beatles Receive Golden Record for Yesterday - This is just one of many awards they won throughout the years. Besides awards, they won the affection of loyal fans that could faint on cue when the Beatles came on stage. Today, there are still millions of us that love music and memorabilia of the Beatles. If you’ve got a Beatles shrine in your home, then add some cool items to it by heading over to Wolfgangs Vault. Save 10% on posters, prints, vintage tickets and more by redeeming exclusive Wolfgangs Vault coupons.

Famous Birthday

Snoop Dogg, 35 - I’ve never seen him NOT wearing some flashy, beaming jewelry around his neck. In every video, at every concert or in every interview, he’s wearing some serious bling. If you’re looking for the signature piece dollar-sign necklace you see Snoop Dogg and other performers wear, you’ll find it for a steal at Overstock.com. Plus, save $5 extra when you spend $100 or more with free Overstock.com coupons.

Monster Mash Day - Countdown to Halloween has started and look what everyone gets to celebrate today…Monster Mash Day! And you guessed it, this holiday centers around the popular Halloween tune, “Monster Mash.” The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on October 20, 1962. I have to say, for a seasonal song, it sure has had a huge history. It’s been featured on virtually any and every Halloween themed television show or movie. Radio stations across the world play this song on Halloween. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular hit after all these years. The song also has many low-budget sound effect features that we hear on the track. For example, the creeky opening of the coffin at the beginning of the track was achieved by a rusty nail being pulled off a board, while the sound of a bubbling cauldron was made by blowing bubbles through a straw. So are you planning a spooktacular Halloween shindig and plan to play this hit? Be sure to check out Sirius Satellite Radio for your entertainment that evening! Save 15% on commercial free Halloween music when you use Sirius Satellite Radio coupons.

Brandied Fruit Day - I love fruit dipped in all sorts of things; however…brandy? Not having tried brandied fruit before, I can’t really judge. Yet something tells me the tartness of the fruit would come out full force when dipped and soaked in a liquor like brandy. Every summer and fall, my parents usually prepare a bunch of jars, put peaches and cherries and liquor and seal it up. After a few weeks or months, they usually serve their jarred fruit with ice cream, waffles, coffee and other goodies. I know it sounds mouthwatering, right? Well, if you’re not used to delicacy desserts like this, one bite into a brandied fruit and you might suck your cheeks in and squirm. You’ll get over it after a while! Nonetheless, brandied fruit is a great suggestion to serve at your fancy shmancy dinner parties. Since the underlying theme of today’s holidays is parties, perhaps you could put a Halloween twist on brandied fruit and serve it to the ghouls and gals at your Halloween party. Find a brandied fruit recipe and everything you need at Cooking.com. Plus, save 10% on storing jars, serving bowls and more when you use Cooking.com coupons.