Happy New Year!

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

We want to wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Clean Before You Decorate

Are decorating your apartment for the Holidays?  Make sure to do a thorough cleaning of your apartment before you start hanging the tinsel.  Keep reading and learn more at Apartment Therapy.
 
Dust: Dusting surfaces with a damp cloth will make everything feel fresh and help you (literally) breath easier as the post-Thanksgiving rush begins. And who wants to hang stockings on a mantle covered with old, dead skin cells?

Floors: A good vacuum or mopping of the floors will ensure that corners behind the tree are clean and clear with no surprise dust bunnies lurking behind gifts on Christmas morning. Plus, if you're entertaining over Thanksgiving, chances are you've had lots of feet treading in and out of your house; even more reason to re-clean between holidays.

Ceilings: Swiping ceilings with a feather duster or brush head of your vacuum will clear away any cobwebs that may have gone unnoticed before the holidays. But with twinkle lights and tree toppers drawing the eye upward and lighting the ceiling, now's the time to clean overhead.

Kitchen: Your kitchen may have been working double duty preparing for Thanksgiving, so now's the time to freshen it up by cleaning the oven, counters, cabinets, floors, stovetop, and sink. Starting with a clean, blank slate will make holiday cooking and baking much more enjoyable than working on top of a mess that's already there.

Closets: Cleaning closets and purging unneeded items is the perfect thing to do now. You'll make room for any house guests you may have in the coming weeks to put their things, or simply for party guests to hang their coats in a coat closet for an evening. Plus, you'll be freeing up space in your closet for any wardrobe-related gifts you might receive over the holidays.

Windows: While spring cleaning is often the time folks hit their windows, late fall is an extremely apt time to do so, as well. Shorter days and longer nights mean less sunshine making its way inside, so clean windows will let in as much sunlight as possible during this darker time of the year. Plus, twinkle lights in a clean window are multiplied and beautified by the sparkle and shine; grimy windows can put a damper on all of those decorations really fast.

Decorate Your Apartment with Your Old Textbooks

Are you looking for a new Christmas tree in your apartment?  What about a book tree?  These can be great decorations with meaning behind them.  Keep reading and try to make your own book tree.  Apartment Therapy has great holiday ideas for every room in your home.

 

The talented ladies at my local public library created a few charming book trees out of a seldom-used set of reference books, a string of lights, and an old, unreadable book. Perhaps you have similar supplies around the house?

Your collection of Babysitters' Club book would make a perky, pastel tree, while the complete works of James Patterson would create a huge and darkly dramatic tree, full of ominous titles such as 1st To Die and Cross Fire. Bonus points for Merry Christmas, Alex Cross! A set of leatherbound books with gold writing would make for a particularly rich and glamorous tree.

Simply arrange a layer of books in a rough circle, and build from there, staggering the books across the gaps in each previous layer, and moving inward as you work. It may take a few attempts (or a particularly analytical mind) to figure out how big to make each layer, but it's a mess-free low-stress sort of problem to figure out. Once the books are stacked to your liking, drape sparkly lights around the whole thing.

If you'd like to take the theme even further, use an unwanted book to create a book tree topper- a tutorial can be found at Creative "Try"als. You could also use any paper that matches your color scheme to craft a folded paper tree to put on top - Julep and Madame Bonbon have tutorials.

If you do create a book tree, please show off a photo!

Red Raider in the Mascot Challenge

 Raider Red, Texas Tech University’s costumed public relations mascot and reigning National Mascot of the Year, has made it to the final four in the playoff rounds of the Capital One 2013 Mascot Challenge.

Week two of the playoffs finds Red seeded No. 3 and competing against second-seed Sparty of Michigan State University. Raider Red bested Smokey from the University of Tennessee in the quarter finals. The playoffs are a single-elimination vote with only two rounds remaining.

Red’s three regular-season losses came in week one against East Carolina’s PeeDee the Pirate, week three versus South Florida’s Rocky the Bull and week 10 against Wisconsin’s Bucky Badger.

This week’s 25-point challenge is “What is your mascot’s playoff superstition?” For 100 points, voters can upload a video or photograph supporting Red with a playoff beard. Each upload also must use the #CapitalOneRaiderRed hashtag.

Fans also can follow Raider Red on Facebook.com/TTURaiderRed and Twitter @TTURaiderRed.

The mascot with the most votes at the end of the championship round will be the Capital One National Mascot of the Year and will be announced during the 2014 Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, 2014. The winner will be awarded a $20,000 scholarship to help fund its school’s mascot program. Each of the 2013 participants also will receive $5,000 for their university mascot program.
- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/12/raider-red-makes-semifinals-in-mascot-challenge/#sthash.wyiHuaA2.dpuf
The Red Raider mascot is a contestant in the National Mascot of the Year Challenge sponsored by Capital One.  He is the reigning national champ.   Make sure to vote for our favorite Raider to regain his title.  You can find out more at Texas Tech.

Raider Red, Texas Tech University’s costumed public relations mascot and reigning National Mascot of the Year, has made it to the final four in the playoff rounds of the Capital One 2013 Mascot Challenge.
Week two of the playoffs finds Red seeded No. 3 and competing against second-seed Sparty of Michigan State University. Raider Red bested Smokey from the University of Tennessee in the quarter finals. The playoffs are a single-elimination vote with only two rounds remaining.
Red’s three regular-season losses came in week one against East Carolina’s PeeDee the Pirate, week three versus South Florida’s Rocky the Bull and week 10 against Wisconsin’s Bucky Badger.
This week’s 25-point challenge is “What is your mascot’s playoff superstition?” For 100 points, voters can upload a video or photograph supporting Red with a playoff beard. Each upload also must use the #CapitalOneRaiderRed hashtag.
Fans also can follow Raider Red on Facebook.com/TTURaiderRed and Twitter @TTURaiderRed.
The mascot with the most votes at the end of the championship round will be the Capital One National Mascot of the Year and will be announced during the 2014 Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, 2014. The winner will be awarded a $20,000 scholarship to help fund its school’s mascot program. Each of the 2013 participants also will receive $5,000 for their university mascot program.
- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/12/raider-red-makes-semifinals-in-mascot-challenge/#sthash.wyiHuaA2.dpuf

The outdoor ceremony begins with the carillon concert at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday Dec. 3. in the Science Quad and Memorial Circle.

On Dec. 3 Texas Tech University will host the 55th annual Carol of Lights celebration “55 Years of Magical Memories.” The outdoor ceremony, in the Science Quad and Memorial Circle, will begin with the carillon concert at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by the ceremony at 7 p.m.
Due to Thanksgiving being later in the month of November and final exams starting the week after Thanksgiving, Carol of Lights has been moved from Friday to Tuesday in order to support students’ academic success.
The Residence Halls Association (RHA) sponsors Carol of Lights, which began in 1956. The ceremony now draws nearly 20,000 students, faculty, staff, and local residents as the Texas Tech choirs, Masked Rider and Raider Red help celebrate the ceremony. More than 25,000 red, white and orange lights illuminate the Texas Tech campus at the end of the annual ceremony and stay lit through the holiday season.
As Texas Tech and the RHA continue their commitment to sustainability, nearly all of this year’s lights will be transitioned to LED bulbs, which is projected to reduce energy consumption by 87 percent.
Immediately following the Carol of Lights ceremony, the Texas Tech School of Music will hold its annual Carols Concert in Hemmle Recital Hall beginning at 8 p.m.
This year, Carol of Lights will be broadcasted live for audiences far and wide. Through a Google+ Hangout on Air, anyone can view a live stream of the event, processional and concert from a number of different angles starting at 6:30 p.m. In addition, a Twitter timeline to experience others’ reactions will run along side the broadcast. To view, click here.
- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/12/carol-of-lights-55-years-of-magical-memories/#sthash.QOJyS1Fr.dpuf

The outdoor ceremony begins with the carillon concert at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday Dec. 3. in the Science Quad and Memorial Circle.

On Dec. 3 Texas Tech University will host the 55th annual Carol of Lights celebration “55 Years of Magical Memories.” The outdoor ceremony, in the Science Quad and Memorial Circle, will begin with the carillon concert at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by the ceremony at 7 p.m.
Due to Thanksgiving being later in the month of November and final exams starting the week after Thanksgiving, Carol of Lights has been moved from Friday to Tuesday in order to support students’ academic success.
The Residence Halls Association (RHA) sponsors Carol of Lights, which began in 1956. The ceremony now draws nearly 20,000 students, faculty, staff, and local residents as the Texas Tech choirs, Masked Rider and Raider Red help celebrate the ceremony. More than 25,000 red, white and orange lights illuminate the Texas Tech campus at the end of the annual ceremony and stay lit through the holiday season.
As Texas Tech and the RHA continue their commitment to sustainability, nearly all of this year’s lights will be transitioned to LED bulbs, which is projected to reduce energy consumption by 87 percent.
Immediately following the Carol of Lights ceremony, the Texas Tech School of Music will hold its annual Carols Concert in Hemmle Recital Hall beginning at 8 p.m.
This year, Carol of Lights will be broadcasted live for audiences far and wide. Through a Google+ Hangout on Air, anyone can view a live stream of the event, processional and concert from a number of different angles starting at 6:30 p.m. In addition, a Twitter timeline to experience others’ reactions will run along side the broadcast. To view, click here.
- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/12/carol-of-lights-55-years-of-magical-memories/#sthash.QOJyS1Fr.dpuf

Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you thankful for this year?

Thanksgiving Dinner In Your Apartment

Are you not a great cook?  Did you know that you could make an entire Thanksgiving meal in a microwave?  It is possible.  Check out the story and the instructions below.  You can learn more at the WashingtonPost.

MY MICROWAVED THANKSGIVING MENU
* Pecan Pesto Roasted Turkey Breasts (recipe)
* Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries (recipe)
* Watergate Salad (recipe)
* Stuffing
* Cranberry Sauce
* Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
* Cranberry Spritzers
* Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
* No-Bake Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust (recipe)
DAYS BEFORE
The key to effortless, sophisticated entertaining is planning ahead, making lots of lists and googling things like "how to microwave a turkey."
Right away, I found the USDA's fact sheet for "Turkey: Alternative Routes to the Table" which reassured me that "turkeys can be successfully cooked in a microwave oven."
The basics: Do not stuff your soon-to-be-zapped bird. Don't go bigger than 12 or 14 pounds. Use a plastic oven cooking bag to even out heat distribution. Cook it for 9 to 10 minutes per pound on medium power. Rotate your bird often. Use a food thermometer to make sure the thickest part of your turkey reaches at least 165-degrees.
All of my research confirmed that I needed a meat thermometer. I highly recommend that you get one, too. I found mine for about $10 at Target -- I know it's a splurge, but it's the best way to make sure that your poultry is cooked thoroughly before feeding it to people you would rather not poison. That 10-buck investment gave me the confidence to look my guests in the eye and say, "You will not get sick eating this turkey. Why? Because I am the proud owner of a meat thermometer."

NIGHT BEFORE
Since my no-bake pie needed to chill for at least five hours, I decided to make it the night before. The whole reason I picked this recipe was because of the ginger-snap-crumb crust -- but I realized it was cheaper to purchase a pre-made graham cracker pie crust in a disposable pie pan than to buy a disposable pie pan. So, I decided to just dust the pre-made crust with ginger snap cookie crumbs. It's the same thing, right?
To get ginger snap crumbs, I put a handful of cookies in a thick plastic lock-top bag -- and then another and another -- and then I beat it with a hammer until nothing remained but crumbs. (You can also stomp them with a pair of heeled boots.)
Mix together the filling: Two boxes of instant vanilla pudding, half a cup of milk, one can of pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Pour that over the crust, cover the pie and refrigerate for at least five hours.
(Now, in the end, I wasn't a huge fan of this pie. Some alternatives: Buy a pre-made pie in the deli or a frozen one. Serve a scoop of Ben and Jerry's Pumpkin Cheesecake ice cream with ginger snap cookies. Or buy a tub of Philadelphia ready-to-eat pumpkin cheesecake filling and plastic spoons.)

SATURDAY MORNING
I had planned to get up early and spend the morning cooking Martha Stewart's cranberry sauce and Marilyn Monroe's stuffing, which was recently featured in the New York Times and calls for more than 20 ingredients including three types of nuts. Instead, I slept in, read the paper, drank coffee, went to the gym, rearranged the furniture in my apartment....

LATE SATURDAY MORNING
At some point I realized that just because I was microwaving everything, I still had to spend some time prepping and cooking. So, I made my first of several (and I mean several) trips to the grocery store around the corner. I dug through their display of fresh turkeys (if you get one that's frozen, make sure you give yourself enough time to defrost it) and pulled out the tiniest one I could find -- a cute little 12-pounder.
As soon as I got home, I realized there was no way that cute little turkey would fit in my modest-sized microwave. I ran back to the grocery store with my recipe and exchanged the 12-pound bird for a six-pound breast-only one that would easily fit in my microwave.
I don't think you are supposed to microwave it, said a helpful but skeptical Harris Teeter employee. No, no, I told him, the USDA says it's totally safe. And I own a meat thermometer.

SO NOW IT'S MID-AFTERNOON
Since I am cooking this turkey in a microwave, I felt the need to make it fancier than if I popped it in the oven. So, I decided to create a pecan-and-herb pesto to slide under the skin. (You don't have to be that fancy, you can just put it in the microwave. Your friends will still be impressed.)
Chances are you don't have a food processor in your dorm, so put one cup of pecans in a plastic bag and use the hammer technique described above to smash them into crumbs. Finely chop one small onion, 12 fresh sage leaves and half a cup of parsley leaves. Zest one lemon. Then mix everything together with three tablespoons of olive oil.
Remove the turkey from the packaging, rinse it off and pat it dry with clean paper towels. Place the turkey in a plastic oven bag (don't close it just yet) on top of a microwave-safe plate. Trim off any excessive fat and then pull back the turkey skin and stuff handfuls of the pesto underneath. It does not have to be pretty. Mine definitely was not.
Heat up four tablespoons of butter with two bay leaves in the microwave. Spread half the butter over the bird. Sprinkle salt and pepper over everything. Tie the bag closed and cut six small slits in the bag (so that it won't explode -- I forgot this step until about five minutes into cooking time).
Since I had a 6-pounder, I cooked it for about 60 minutes at 50-percent or medium heat. Halfway through, I took it out of the microwave and spread the rest of the melted butter over it. If your microwave doesn't have a rotating plate, you will want to rotate your turkey every 15 minutes.
As you go along, keep in mind that raw poultry can cause major health problems. Use hot water and soap to clean up your workspace. Don't reuse cutting boards that have touched raw meat. If you get meat juices on a towel, throw it in the laundry. (More safety tips)
And another safety tip: You might be tempted to leave your dorm room as your turkey cooks, but that's really a bad idea. Make sure to stay in the room, just in case something goes wrong. PLEASE, DO NOT BURN DOWN YOUR DORM. Thank you.

LATE, LATE AFTERNOON
Sixty minutes were quickly up. I removed the turkey from the microwave and stuck my meat thermometer into a couple different spots, making sure everything was over 165-degrees. Since my guests still hadn't arrived, I put it back into the microwave and reheated the space on low every now and then to keep it warm.

AS MY GUESTS FILTERED IN
I offered everyone cranberry spritzers -- cranberry juice and club soda, with a lime slice and skewer of cranberries. One guest accepted a spritzer, but the rest went for other beverages offered. I also set out bowls of baby carrots and hummus, cranberries, green olives and left-over ginger snap cookies.
One friend set the table with paper plates, napkins and plastic forks (I know it's not earth-friendly, but it makes clean-up so much easier). Another snapped artsy photos. Another created a playlist on Grooveshark. If you are feeling uber-festive you can decorate the table with colorful fall leaves or splurge for flowers (I put mine in an old coffee can).
At about this time I realized that I had a list of sides to make and sort of freaked out.

AS MY GUEST GOT HUNGRY
First I prepped the sweet potatoes with apples and cranberries, a recipe that I found on my friend Kevin's wedding Web site (Warning: It's a super, super cutesy site) and decided to double. Peeled and chopped three huge sweet potatoes. Chopped two Granny Smith apples. Threw that into two Ziploc steamer bags with a handful of dried cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter and salt. Once the turkey came out of the microwave, I cooked the bags for about nine minutes each.
I also mixed together a fluffy, bright-green "salad" composed of a can of crushed pineapple, two boxes of pistachio instant pudding, a container of thawed Cool Whip and two containers of vanilla yogurt. (You can also stir in mini-marshmallows, maraschino cherries or chopped nuts.) This is in no way an actual salad -- it is a bowl of sugar. Maybe it's just because I get homesick for the Midwest around this time of year, but I think it's delicious. (Not many other people at the table shared this enthusiasm, which is why I have been stuck eating this stuff for breakfast the last two days.)
And then came the shameless cheating: I mixed some boiling water with a box of Stove Top -- bam, stuffing was ready. Mixed some boiling water with instant potatoes -- bam, mashed potatoes were done. Pulled out a can opener -- bam, bowl of cranberry sauce. Opened a bag -- bam, rolls. Heated up a jar of 99-cent gravy -- bam, done.
Next challenge: Anyone know how to carve a turkey? I had never done this and years of watching holiday-themed sitcoms has taught me that it requires some sort of special skills. You just cut it, a friend offered. Thanks.

AND DINNER
After it all, seven of us crowded around a table packed with food. Everyone kept commenting that this didn't look like a dorm Thanksgiving, and that the food was not only edible, but surprisingly delicious.
Since all of us are well over 21 and have not lived in campus housing for several years, we split a can of watermelon Four Loko and raised a toast. Even if things hadn't worked out, even if we had to order in pizza, the important thing about Thanksgiving is being surrounded by people who rally behind you (and your crazy work-related experiments) with a sense of humor.

Thank You Veterans!

Texas Tech University would like to thank all past and present veterans for protecting our country.  This University is proud of our students and alumni in the armed forces.  Here are some stories about current students and alumni serving our country.

Texas Tech is committed to honoring those brave Americans, several Red Raiders among them.

Darryn Andrews

Darryn and his twin brother enjoyed their college experience together at Texas Tech. Both were members of the FIJI fraternity and played intramural sports. After graduating with a degree in international business, Darryn still had the military on his mind.

He died a hero, during his second tour in Afghanistan. Read More >>

-John W. Davis

Jack Bennett

Jack Bennett first came to Texas Tech University in the fall of 1942. He hoped to play a little football and earn an agriculture degree before he was drafted. Two years later, he was among the troops that invaded Normandy on D-Day.

Bennett recently was honored for his service by the French government as a Knight of the French Legion of Honor and also received the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from Chancellor Kent Hance and the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents. Read More>>

-John W. Davis

Ron Milam

A Texas Tech historian has been named by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to join the advisory committee for The Education Center at The Wall, a learning facility planned for construction on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans and Lincoln Memorials.

Ron Milam, associate professor of history, Vietnam veteran and author will serve on the 10-member committee. Read More>>

-John W. Davis

Chris Trobridge

Interest in aerospace runs deep in Chris Trobridge’s family. His grandfather was a World War II flight engineer on the B-24 Liberator bomber of the Pacific Theater. Trobridge’s father also worked in the aviation industry.

So when the Texas Tech University doctoral candidate had the opportunity to join Midland’s American Airpower Heritage Museum, affiliated with the Commemorative Air Force, Trobridge knew it was something he wanted to do. Read More>>

-Megan Ketterer

- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/11/texas-tech-celebrates-veterans-day/#sthash.Z3F24MyV.dpuf

Texas Tech is committed to honoring those brave Americans, several Red Raiders among them.

Darryn Andrews

Darryn and his twin brother enjoyed their college experience together at Texas Tech. Both were members of the FIJI fraternity and played intramural sports. After graduating with a degree in international business, Darryn still had the military on his mind.
He died a hero, during his second tour in Afghanistan. Read More >>

-John W. Davis

Jack Bennett

Jack Bennett first came to Texas Tech University in the fall of 1942. He hoped to play a little football and earn an agriculture degree before he was drafted. Two years later, he was among the troops that invaded Normandy on D-Day.
Bennett recently was honored for his service by the French government as a Knight of the French Legion of Honor and also received the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from Chancellor Kent Hance and the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents. Read More>>

-John W. Davis

Ron Milam

A Texas Tech historian has been named by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to join the advisory committee for The Education Center at The Wall, a learning facility planned for construction on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans and Lincoln Memorials.
Ron Milam, associate professor of history, Vietnam veteran and author will serve on the 10-member committee. Read More>>

-John W. Davis

Chris Trobridge

Interest in aerospace runs deep in Chris Trobridge’s family. His grandfather was a World War II flight engineer on the B-24 Liberator bomber of the Pacific Theater. Trobridge’s father also worked in the aviation industry.
So when the Texas Tech University doctoral candidate had the opportunity to join Midland’s American Airpower Heritage Museum, affiliated with the Commemorative Air Force, Trobridge knew it was something he wanted to do. Read More>>

-Megan Ketterer

- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/11/texas-tech-celebrates-veterans-day/#sthash.Z3F24MyV.dpuf

Texas Tech is committed to honoring those brave Americans, several Red Raiders among them.

Darryn Andrews

Darryn and his twin brother enjoyed their college experience together at Texas Tech. Both were members of the FIJI fraternity and played intramural sports. After graduating with a degree in international business, Darryn still had the military on his mind.
He died a hero, during his second tour in Afghanistan. Read More >>

-John W. Davis

Jack Bennett

Jack Bennett first came to Texas Tech University in the fall of 1942. He hoped to play a little football and earn an agriculture degree before he was drafted. Two years later, he was among the troops that invaded Normandy on D-Day.
Bennett recently was honored for his service by the French government as a Knight of the French Legion of Honor and also received the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from Chancellor Kent Hance and the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents. Read More>>

-John W. Davis

Ron Milam

A Texas Tech historian has been named by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to join the advisory committee for The Education Center at The Wall, a learning facility planned for construction on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans and Lincoln Memorials.
Ron Milam, associate professor of history, Vietnam veteran and author will serve on the 10-member committee. Read More>>

-John W. Davis

Chris Trobridge

Interest in aerospace runs deep in Chris Trobridge’s family. His grandfather was a World War II flight engineer on the B-24 Liberator bomber of the Pacific Theater. Trobridge’s father also worked in the aviation industry.
So when the Texas Tech University doctoral candidate had the opportunity to join Midland’s American Airpower Heritage Museum, affiliated with the Commemorative Air Force, Trobridge knew it was something he wanted to do. Read More>>

-Megan Ketterer

- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/11/texas-tech-celebrates-veterans-day/#sthash.Z3F24MyV.dpuf

Texas Tech is committed to honoring those brave Americans, several Red Raiders among them.

Darryn Andrews

Darryn and his twin brother enjoyed their college experience together at Texas Tech. Both were members of the FIJI fraternity and played intramural sports. After graduating with a degree in international business, Darryn still had the military on his mind.
He died a hero, during his second tour in Afghanistan. Read More >>

-John W. Davis

Jack Bennett

Jack Bennett first came to Texas Tech University in the fall of 1942. He hoped to play a little football and earn an agriculture degree before he was drafted. Two years later, he was among the troops that invaded Normandy on D-Day.
Bennett recently was honored for his service by the French government as a Knight of the French Legion of Honor and also received the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from Chancellor Kent Hance and the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents. Read More>>

-John W. Davis

Ron Milam

A Texas Tech historian has been named by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to join the advisory committee for The Education Center at The Wall, a learning facility planned for construction on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans and Lincoln Memorials.
Ron Milam, associate professor of history, Vietnam veteran and author will serve on the 10-member committee. Read More>>

-John W. Davis

Chris Trobridge

Interest in aerospace runs deep in Chris Trobridge’s family. His grandfather was a World War II flight engineer on the B-24 Liberator bomber of the Pacific Theater. Trobridge’s father also worked in the aviation industry.
So when the Texas Tech University doctoral candidate had the opportunity to join Midland’s American Airpower Heritage Museum, affiliated with the Commemorative Air Force, Trobridge knew it was something he wanted to do. Read More>>

-Megan Ketterer

- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/11/texas-tech-celebrates-veterans-day/#sthash.Z3F24MyV.dpuf

Texas Tech is committed to honoring those brave Americans, several Red Raiders among them.

Darryn Andrews

Darryn and his twin brother enjoyed their college experience together at Texas Tech. Both were members of the FIJI fraternity and played intramural sports. After graduating with a degree in international business, Darryn still had the military on his mind.
He died a hero, during his second tour in Afghanistan. Read More >>

-John W. Davis

Jack Bennett

Jack Bennett first came to Texas Tech University in the fall of 1942. He hoped to play a little football and earn an agriculture degree before he was drafted. Two years later, he was among the troops that invaded Normandy on D-Day.
Bennett recently was honored for his service by the French government as a Knight of the French Legion of Honor and also received the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from Chancellor Kent Hance and the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents. Read More>>

-John W. Davis

Ron Milam

A Texas Tech historian has been named by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to join the advisory committee for The Education Center at The Wall, a learning facility planned for construction on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans and Lincoln Memorials.
Ron Milam, associate professor of history, Vietnam veteran and author will serve on the 10-member committee. Read More>>

-John W. Davis

Chris Trobridge

Interest in aerospace runs deep in Chris Trobridge’s family. His grandfather was a World War II flight engineer on the B-24 Liberator bomber of the Pacific Theater. Trobridge’s father also worked in the aviation industry.
So when the Texas Tech University doctoral candidate had the opportunity to join Midland’s American Airpower Heritage Museum, affiliated with the Commemorative Air Force, Trobridge knew it was something he wanted to do. Read More>>

-Megan Ketterer

- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/11/texas-tech-celebrates-veterans-day/#sthash.Z3F24MyV.dpuf

Clean Up Your Apartment After Halloween

Cleaning your apartment can be a hassle.  However, saving all the work to one day a  month is stressful.  There are ways that you can clean your apartment a little every day.  This leaves you with a clean apartment, and you can be stress free throughout the month.  Keep reading and check out apartment therapy for more details.
 

1) Dealing With What Comes Through The Door Set up a small area by the front door to act as a "landing strip" for incoming items into your home. If you're a long time reader this is nothing new to you. If this is the first time you've heard this phrase outside of reference to personal grooming habits, then make sure to check out Maxwell's latest Home Cure video on the topic.

2) Do Your Dishes After Every Meal This will help you stay on top of your kitchen instead of having it turn into a monster! No one really wants to do them (after all, you probably cooked dinner to boot). But waiting for another meal or until you have enough to fill the dishwasher just makes things feel overwhelming and easier to put off. The same goes for take out trash as well. If you need to take the trash out, place it by the front door to go out in the morning or dispose of it that night so it's over and done with.

3) Laundry If you have a washer and dryer at home, do a little bit each day. Spread things out so you don't feel bogged down by 200 towels and stinky socks. If you take things to a laundromat, sort clothes as you go so things are easier to load up into machines when you get there. Fold them before you come home so you aren't dumping baskets out on your sofa or bed and they can go straight into drawers and closets.

4) Whistle While You Work: Those who are happiest when cleaning are few and far between. Singing, humming, whistling or turning up the stereo are all great options to keep the beat in your feet and have fun while working. Here's a few past posts on killer cleaning soundtracks.

5) Set a Timer: Most items on the list below should take no more than 20 minutes total. It's easy to rationalize 20 minutes, but it's also easy to get distracted by phone calls, emails, children and other projects that call your name as you tackle each chore. Set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes (which ever works best for you) and that way when it sounds you know exactly how much time you have left. If you find yourself off task it's easy to get back on track.

1. Surface clean living room and kitchen (pick up stray items, dust, sweep, vacuum)

2. Clean bathrooms (toilets, showers, floors, walls, mirrors)

3. Surface clean bedrooms (put away toys, clothes, dust)

4. Surface clean "extra" rooms (basement, office, play room)

5. Surface clean living room and kitchen

6. Clean bathrooms

7. Clean all interior windows (white vinegar and newspaper works great and is cheap!)

8. Sweep and vacuum all floors in the house (don't forget stairs)

9. Surface clean bedrooms

10. Deep clean living room (mirrors, baseboards, dust artwork)

11. Clean bathrooms

12. Clean out closets (hang up clothes, mittens, jackets, hats)

13. Surface clean "extra" rooms

14. Deep clean bedrooms (organize drawers, check under bed, tidy closet, dust artwork, fans, lights, mop)

15. Surface clean living room and kitchen

16. Deep clean bathrooms (clean inside drawers, inside of trash cans, tops of mirrors, tile, mop)

17. Clean all door knobs, phones, entertainment equipment (remote controls), switch plates, banisters and other things that are repeatedly touched.

18. Clean out the refrigerator, take stock of food, organize pantry

19. Clean entryway, sweep porch (if you have one), clean out car (because they're often our home away from home)

20. Surface clean living room and kitchen

21. Surface clean bathrooms

22. Surface clean bedrooms

23. Sweep and vacuum all floors in the house

24. Clean linen closet, straighten towels, sheets or regular closet if not applicable

25. Surface clean living room and kitchen

26. Deep clean kitchen (scrub appliances, wash trash cans, base boards, wipe down and straighten cabinets)

27. Surface clean bathrooms

28. Surfaces clean bedrooms

29. Clean one item you've been meaning to get to and haven't (deep clean your stove, wipe down all light fixtures, tackle a particularly unruly area)

30. Sweep and vacuum all floors in the house

Happy Halloween!

What are you doing this Halloween?  We hope you have a safe and happy night!  Happy Halloween ULofts!

Texas Tech Halloween Events

Halloween is a fun time for all ages.  Check out all these great Halloween events that Texas Tech is having for the campus and the community.  You can learn more at TTU.

From Greek Treat to a costumed ball, there are events for everyone.

o   Heritage Halloween
Hosted by the National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC).
4 – 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25
3121 Fourth St.
The event is free to the public and children can trick-or-treat at the historical structures at the NRHC. Treats will be period-specific for each house.
Contact: Emily Wilkinson, (806) 742-0498 or emily.wilkinson@ttu.edu.

o   Halloween Fright Night
Hosted by the Texas Tech Volleyball Program, when the Red Raiders take on Baylor.
3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, doors open at 2 p.m.
United Spirit Arena
All fans, eighth grade and below who wear a costume will receive complimentary admission. A costume contest will take place during the match with winners being selected for best overall, spookiest and most creative costumes. Parking around the arena is free.
Contact: Dinah Goodson, (806) 834-1402 or dinah.goodson@ttu.edu.

o   Halloween Carnival
Hosted by Phi Alpha Delta.
3:30 – 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Texas Tech School of Law
Area families and children are invited for an afternoon of safe fun that includes trick-or-treating, face painting, games and more.
The event is free, however children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Andrew Aus, andrew.aus@ttu.edu.

o   Pirates & Cowboys Halloween Costume Ball
Hosted by the Texas Tech Vernacular Music Center, along with the Tech Set Dancers, the Caprock Celtic Association and the Roots Music Institute.
7 – 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Yoga Bean studio (3135 34^th St.)
There will be music, hourly prizes for the best costumes, dancing and more. The Cowboys & Pirates Halloween Carnival Ball is intended to provide a safe, creative, drug-, tobacco- and hassle-free environment to enjoy the Halloween holiday.
Admission is $6 or $5 with a canned food donation.
Contact: Christopher J. Smith, (806) 742-2270 or christopher.smith@ttu.edu.

o   Safetreat
Hosted by Residence Life at the Texas Tech residence halls.
6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
Candy and activities will be provided in each of the residence hall complexes and “Boo Buses” are available to transport faculty, staff, community members and their families from hall to hall.
Contact: Bri Cooper, (806) 834-4107 or bri.cooper@ttu.edu.

o   Tech-or-Treat
Sponsored by Texas Tech’s Center for Campus Life, Tech Activities, Greek Life and Student Union and Activities.
5:30 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
Student Union Building
Student organizations and on-campus departments will host booths of games and activities for a safe trick or treat option for Lubbock children. Costumes are encouraged.
The costume parade begins at 5:45 p.m. and the Tech-or-Treat Halloween Carnival begins at 6 p.m.
There will be appearances by the 2013 Homecoming king and queen, as well as the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Contact: Kimberly Simon, (806) 742-4708 or kimberly.simon@ttu.edu.

- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/10/texas-tech-hosts-family-friendly-halloween-events-2/#sthash.lTszHR36.dpuf

From Greek Treat to a costumed ball, there are events for everyone.

• Heritage HalloweenHosted by the National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC).
  4 – 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25
  3121 Fourth St.
  The event is free to the public and children can trick-or-treat at the historical structures at the NRHC. Treats will be period-specific for each house.
  Contact: Emily Wilkinson, (806) 742-0498 or emily.wilkinson@ttu.edu.
• Halloween Fright NightHosted by the Texas Tech Volleyball Program, when the Red Raiders take on Baylor.
  3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, doors open at 2 p.m.
  United Spirit Arena
  All fans, eighth grade and below who wear a costume will receive complimentary admission. A costume contest will take place during the match with winners being selected for best overall, spookiest and most creative costumes. Parking around the arena is free.
  Contact: Dinah Goodson, (806) 834-1402 or dinah.goodson@ttu.edu.
• Halloween Carnival
  Hosted by Phi Alpha Delta.
  3:30 – 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
  Texas Tech School of Law
  Area families and children are invited for an afternoon of safe fun that includes trick-or-treating, face painting, games and more.
  The event is free, however children must be accompanied by an adult.
  Contact: Andrew Aus, andrew.aus@ttu.edu.
• Pirates & Cowboys Halloween Costume Ball
  Hosted by the Texas Tech Vernacular Music Center, along with the Tech Set Dancers, the Caprock Celtic Association and the Roots Music Institute.
  7 – 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
  Yoga Bean studio (3135 34^th St.)
  There will be music, hourly prizes for the best costumes, dancing and more. The Cowboys & Pirates Halloween Carnival Ball is intended to provide a safe, creative, drug-, tobacco- and hassle-free environment to enjoy the Halloween holiday.
  Admission is $6 or $5 with a canned food donation.
  Contact: Christopher J. Smith, (806) 742-2270 or christopher.smith@ttu.edu.
• Safetreat
  Hosted by Residence Life at the Texas Tech residence halls.
  6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
  Candy and activities will be provided in each of the residence hall complexes and “Boo Buses” are available to transport faculty, staff, community members and their families from hall to hall.
  Contact: Bri Cooper, (806) 834-4107 or bri.cooper@ttu.edu.
• Tech-or-Treat
  Sponsored by Texas Tech’s Center for Campus Life, Tech Activities, Greek Life and Student Union and Activities. 5:30 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
  Student Union Building
  Student organizations and on-campus departments will host booths of games and activities for a safe trick or treat option for Lubbock children. Costumes are encouraged.
  The costume parade begins at 5:45 p.m. and the Tech-or-Treat Halloween Carnival begins at 6 p.m.
  There will be appearances by the 2013 Homecoming king and queen, as well as the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
  Contact: Kimberly Simon, (806) 742-4708 or kimberly.simon@ttu.edu.

- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/10/texas-tech-hosts-family-friendly-halloween-events-2/#sthash.lTszHR36.dpuf

• Heritage HalloweenHosted by the National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC).
  4 – 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25
  3121 Fourth St.
  The event is free to the public and children can trick-or-treat at the historical structures at the NRHC. Treats will be period-specific for each house.
  Contact: Emily Wilkinson, (806) 742-0498 or emily.wilkinson@ttu.edu.

• Halloween Fright NightHosted by the Texas Tech Volleyball Program, when the Red Raiders take on Baylor.
  3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, doors open at 2 p.m.
  United Spirit Arena
  All fans, eighth grade and below who wear a costume will receive complimentary admission. A costume contest will take place during the match with winners being selected for best overall, spookiest and most creative costumes. Parking around the arena is free.
  Contact: Dinah Goodson, (806) 834-1402 or dinah.goodson@ttu.edu.

• Halloween Carnival
  Hosted by Phi Alpha Delta.
  3:30 – 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
  Texas Tech School of Law
  Area families and children are invited for an afternoon of safe fun that includes trick-or-treating, face painting, games and more.
  The event is free, however children must be accompanied by an adult.
  Contact: Andrew Aus, andrew.aus@ttu.edu.

• Pirates & Cowboys Halloween Costume Ball
  Hosted by the Texas Tech Vernacular Music Center, along with the Tech Set Dancers, the Caprock Celtic Association and the Roots Music Institute.
  7 – 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
  Yoga Bean studio (3135 34^th St.)
  There will be music, hourly prizes for the best costumes, dancing and more. The Cowboys & Pirates Halloween Carnival Ball is intended to provide a safe, creative, drug-, tobacco- and hassle-free environment to enjoy the Halloween holiday.
  Admission is $6 or $5 with a canned food donation.
  Contact: Christopher J. Smith, (806) 742-2270 or christopher.smith@ttu.edu.

• Safetreat
  Hosted by Residence Life at the Texas Tech residence halls.
  6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
  Candy and activities will be provided in each of the residence hall complexes and “Boo Buses” are available to transport faculty, staff, community members and their families from hall to hall.
  Contact: Bri Cooper, (806) 834-4107 or bri.cooper@ttu.edu.

• Tech-or-Treat
  Sponsored by Texas Tech’s Center for Campus Life, Tech Activities, Greek Life and Student Union and Activities. 5:30 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
  Student Union Building
  Student organizations and on-campus departments will host booths of games and activities for a safe trick or treat option for Lubbock children. Costumes are encouraged.
  The costume parade begins at 5:45 p.m. and the Tech-or-Treat Halloween Carnival begins at 6 p.m.
  There will be appearances by the 2013 Homecoming king and queen, as well as the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
  Contact: Kimberly Simon, (806) 742-4708 or kimberly.simon@ttu.edu.

- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/10/texas-tech-hosts-family-friendly-halloween-events-2/#sthash.KKDmcL0b.dpuf

• Heritage HalloweenHosted by the National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC).
  4 – 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25
  3121 Fourth St.
  The event is free to the public and children can trick-or-treat at the historical structures at the NRHC. Treats will be period-specific for each house.
  Contact: Emily Wilkinson, (806) 742-0498 or emily.wilkinson@ttu.edu.

• Halloween Fright NightHosted by the Texas Tech Volleyball Program, when the Red Raiders take on Baylor.
  3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, doors open at 2 p.m.
  United Spirit Arena
  All fans, eighth grade and below who wear a costume will receive complimentary admission. A costume contest will take place during the match with winners being selected for best overall, spookiest and most creative costumes. Parking around the arena is free.
  Contact: Dinah Goodson, (806) 834-1402 or dinah.goodson@ttu.edu.

• Halloween Carnival
  Hosted by Phi Alpha Delta.
  3:30 – 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
  Texas Tech School of Law
  Area families and children are invited for an afternoon of safe fun that includes trick-or-treating, face painting, games and more.
  The event is free, however children must be accompanied by an adult.
  Contact: Andrew Aus, andrew.aus@ttu.edu.

• Pirates & Cowboys Halloween Costume Ball
  Hosted by the Texas Tech Vernacular Music Center, along with the Tech Set Dancers, the Caprock Celtic Association and the Roots Music Institute.
  7 – 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
  Yoga Bean studio (3135 34^th St.)
  There will be music, hourly prizes for the best costumes, dancing and more. The Cowboys & Pirates Halloween Carnival Ball is intended to provide a safe, creative, drug-, tobacco- and hassle-free environment to enjoy the Halloween holiday.
  Admission is $6 or $5 with a canned food donation.
  Contact: Christopher J. Smith, (806) 742-2270 or christopher.smith@ttu.edu.

• Safetreat
  Hosted by Residence Life at the Texas Tech residence halls.
  6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
  Candy and activities will be provided in each of the residence hall complexes and “Boo Buses” are available to transport faculty, staff, community members and their families from hall to hall.
  Contact: Bri Cooper, (806) 834-4107 or bri.cooper@ttu.edu.

• Tech-or-Treat
  Sponsored by Texas Tech’s Center for Campus Life, Tech Activities, Greek Life and Student Union and Activities. 5:30 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
  Student Union Building
  Student organizations and on-campus departments will host booths of games and activities for a safe trick or treat option for Lubbock children. Costumes are encouraged.
  The costume parade begins at 5:45 p.m. and the Tech-or-Treat Halloween Carnival begins at 6 p.m.
  There will be appearances by the 2013 Homecoming king and queen, as well as the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
  Contact: Kimberly Simon, (806) 742-4708 or kimberly.simon@ttu.edu.

- See more at: http://today.ttu.edu/2013/10/texas-tech-hosts-family-friendly-halloween-events-2/#sthash.KKDmcL0b.dpuf

DIY Halloween

Check out these great Halloween decorations that you can make yourself.  Here are ten great decorations that are affordable and fun!  There are outdoor and indoor options that will sure to make your guests enjoy the party.  You can learn more at Money Crashers.

1. Backyard Cemetery

This classic Halloween decoration idea turns your yard into a creepy cemetery. Use reclaimed materials to create a free graveyard. To create your haunted cemetery, cut different shapes out of cardboard and paint them to look like aging tombstones. Once they dry, you can arrange them on the lawn to look like a miniature graveyard.
You can also use the tombstones to denote a haunted pathway for trick-or-treaters. As they approach your front door, they have to pass by the tombstones, making for a thrilling Halloween nighttime walk.
Directions

1. Flatten several shipping boxes.
2. Use a Sharpie to draw tombstone shapes. I made a few rectangular, cross, and oval tombstones to give my graveyard some variety.
3. Cut the shapes out of with a pair of scissors.
4. Paint the shapes a dark grey and allow the paint to dry.
5. Once dry, add on sayings like “R.I.P” to the front of each tombstone. Glue a wood or plastic yard stake to the back of the tombstone and plant it into the ground.

By using real wood, you can partially waterproof the tombstones, so they last for more than one Halloween season. The project works best if you use thin pieces of composite wood, which you can buy at any home improvement store. The thin pieces are easier to cut and stand up better in the grass.
Pro Tip: You can blend white paint onto the edges of the tombstone, or glue on some artificial moss, found at craft stores, to make them look more aged and authentic.

2. Haunted Trees

Make your yard come alive with this spooky craft. If you have trees in your yard, you can use oven-baked clay to give the trees spooky faces. Simply create a pair of eyes, a nose, and a mouth for each tree, and attach them to the trunks.
Place a portable radio or speakers near the tree and play your favorite eerie soundtrack to draw even more attention to your haunted trees.
Directions

1. Purchase oven-baked modeling clay, like Fimo or a similar brand. You can buy modeling clay for about $12 a pound online. Buy colored clay, such as green, brown, or black, to give the face more character and to make each face more noticeable.
2. Create basic shapes for the eyes, nose, and mouth. Use a butter knife to carve out more details like eyelids or teeth, and bake them in the oven.
3. Use removable putty or double-sided hanging tape to arrange the face on the tree.

Pro Tip: You can purchase a clay glaze at most craft stores that prolongs the life of thes faces. The glaze adds a protective coating, which keeps them safer in the rain.

3. Reusable Jack o’ Lanterns

Jack o’ lanterns are staple Halloween decorations, but some of us would rather not deal with cutting and carving pumpkins every year. Hobby and craft stores sell artificial pumpkins you can carve and light. Best of all, you can store them for next season.
Directions

1. Purchase an artificial pumpkin from a hobby store. They come in several different shapes, colors, and styles, so pick one you think will look best at your front door.
2. Use an Exacto knife to carve a small hole in the bottom of the pumpkin, and to create a design on the front.
3. After you finish the design, use a small piece of sandpaper to gently sand down any rough edges.
4. Place a small flashlight or electric candle in the bottom to make your design glow, and pop your Jack o’ Lantern on the front porch.
5. If you use small reusable jack o’ lanterns, you can place them in the windows of your home, to cast an eerie light on your front yard.

Pro Tip: If you’re not artistically inclined, you can use a stencil to create a Jack o’ Lantern design. A few websites offer free stencils you can print.
Places to get free Jack o’ Lantern Stencils:

• Celebrating Halloween has a selection of traditional Halloween designs you can print.
• Stoney Kins has an eclectic mixture of stencils, offering everything from Cookie Monster to Humphrey Bogart, and they’re free to print and use.
• Pumpkin Glow has a large selection of “un-Halloween” stencils, which includes everything from commercial icons to famous people.
• Better Homes and Gardens has a large selection of free stencils, ranging from the classics to different breeds of dogs.

4. Coffin Cooler

With a little imagination, and some wood and nails, you can create your own life-sized coffin, which you can use in a dozen different ways. I turned mine into a cooler to hold drinks for an outdoor party. My neighbor used his to create a gravedigger scene in his front yard on Halloween. You can also use your coffin for a spooky planter or as a table during a party.
For Halloween, use the coffin to strike fear into the hearts of your neighbors, by hiding someone inside, who pops out from time to time to spook the older trick-or-treaters. Talk to friends and family members to find free 4×4 boards for this project; someone you know likely has a stack of these boards collecting dust in the garage.
Directions

1. You need seven 4×4 boards, varying in length depending on the size of coffin you want. Two boards make up the sides, one board makes the bottom, and you’ll cut the other four to fit the shape of the coffin.
2. Cut the bottom board into a coffin shape. You can use Google images to get an idea for the design.
3. Cut two boards to fit the length of the coffin. The boards should extend from the first angle on the top to the bottom.
4. Cut two smaller boards so they fit at an angle on each side of the top.
5. Cut the last two boards to fit the top and the bottom.
6. Nail each piece to the bottom board, starting with the sides.
7. Paint the finished product black, brown, or grey to make it look more authentic.

Pro Tip: If you plan to use the coffin as a drink cooler, line the inside with black trash bags. The trash bags help make the coffin more waterproof when the ice starts to melt.

5. Giant Spiders

Spiders fit right into a spooky Halloween theme. You can transform a few black trash bags into a giant spider that fits on your front porch, or up in a tree. You can also make multiple giant spiders and cluster them across the front and sides of your home.
Directions

1. You need nine black trash bags and stuffing such as newspaper, left over packing materials, or even leaves.
2. Fill one trash bag with stuffing and tie it closed to create the spider’s body.
3. Hold the second trash bag on its side and fill the length with stuffing.
4. Wrap the empty bag around the stuffing several times, so that it looks like a spider’s arm, and secure it with a tie. Repeat this for the other seven legs.
5. Use a glue gun to secure the legs to the body.

Pro Tip: You can cut off the bottom of Styrofoam cups and glue them onto the body to make eyes.

Giant Spider – WatsCraft

6. Ghost-Lit Walkway

If you have a collection of milk jugs in your recycling bin, you can create a ghost-lit walkway that your trick-or-treaters will love. Look online to get inspirations for designing your ghosts’ faces. The Scream mask makes an instantly recognizable, scary ghost face that you can easily replicate on your milk jugs.
Directions

1. For this project, you need several milk jugs, some black construction paper, and enough artificial candles to fill the jugs.
2. Wash and dry each milk jug.
3. Once dry, use a knife to cut a small hole in the bottom of each jug.
4. Make ghost faces for each jug by cutting out a pair of eyes, a nose, and a mouth from the black construction paper.
5. Turn the jug so that the handle faces the back. Glue the faces onto the front of the jug and place an artificial candle inside.
6. Line the jugs along your walkway and turn the candles on. The jugs light up, illuminating the faces.

Pro Tip: You can also use white Christmas lights to light up the ghosts. Line the ghosts along the pathway, and insert a handful of the string lights inside each jug.

Spirit Jugs – eighteen25

Indoor Halloween Decorations

Indoor decorations are great way to make a Halloween party feel more authentic. In one afternoon, you can turn the inside of your house into an eerie mansion.

7. Floating Hands

You can turn clear plastic gloves into severed hands, and then place them around your house, sneak them into a chip bowl, or even make a garland out of hands. Whenever possible, use a fake hand to shake hands with arriving guests, and then release the hand and feign dismay.
Directions

1. Fill a plastic glove with tissue paper, popcorn, or small shredded paper waste. You can also open up the gloves and fill them with freshly mixed JELL-O, for jiggly, realistic-feeling hand.
2. Tie the open end of the glove with a clear elastic band to secure its contents.
3. If you want to hang your hands, slide a paperclip through one loop of the elastic band.

Pro Tip: You can fill the plastic glove with shredded red scrapbook paper to create a “bloody hand,” or tan or brown scrapbook paper to create a more realistic-looking hand. You can also fill these hands with candy corn to create Halloween-themed treat bags.

Candy Corn Popcorn Hands – Kimbo’s Crafts

8. Halloween Garland

A simple Halloween banner is an artsy and cheap way to add some festive decorations to the inside of your house. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can make your garland eerie or more fall-oriented and cheery.
These instructions focus on making a garland with a message, but you have unlimited options when creating your Halloween garland. String paper pumpkins, ghosts, and vampires to make an eerie garland for your party. Use oversized paper cutouts of candy corn, candies, and popcorn for a garland over the snack table.
Directions

1. Decide on a saying for your garland. For example, you can do a simple “Happy Halloween” or “Trick or Treat.”
2. Select a color palette for the paper. If you want an eerie look, black, red, and green work well. If you want a festive look, brown, orange, red, and purple work nicely.
3. Cut the paper into small squares or triangles, until you have one piece for each letter of your saying.
4. Use paint markers or a sharpie to draw each letter on to the paper.
5. Punch a small hole in the top with a hole punch. Slide a paper clip through each hole.
6. Attach the letters to a long piece of twine.
7. Hang your garland over a doorway or a mantle.

Pro Tip: You can add decorations between each letter block to give the garland more detail. For example, I wrapped artificial spider webs between the letter blocks on my garland.

9. Specimen Jars

With a few leftover glass jars, you can convert a table into a scientist’s lab. By tossing just about anything you can imagine into a glass jar with some food coloring, you can quickly create a cheap Halloween decor piece. Look online for craft ideas for fingers, eyeballs, and other body parts to fill your specimen jars. Make the jars and the rest of your decor seem even creepier by using mood lighting. Turn off overhead lights or switch them out with colored light bulbs, to increase the creepiness factor in your home.
Directions

1. Collect a few glass jars in different sizes, such as mason jars, spaghetti jars, or old baby food containers.
2. Find an object to place in each jar. For example, I popped the head off an old doll and stuck it inside a mason jar.
3. Wash and dry the jar. Place the object inside.
4. Fill the jar with water and drop in two drops of food coloring. The food coloring will make the object look like a specimen at a lab.

Pro Tip: Around the Halloween season, hobby stores sell small, plastic party favors. These party favors, including miniature skeletons, eyeballs, and severed limbs, all work well in specimen jars.

Specimen Jars – Paper Dolls for Boys

10. Flying Bats

With a few pieces of felt and some tape, you can have a gang of bats flying around your living room in no time. You can easily make bats and put them up just about anywhere.