With nearly 158 million consumers participating in Halloween activities this year¹, Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG), a leading global retail real estate company, is helping communities make the most of the exciting, eerie seasonal occasion. The Shops at Montebellowill host its annual Simon Kidgits Club^® Halloween Spooktacular event onSaturday, October 26 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Center Court, providing children the chance to enjoy the fall holiday with a special spooky experience that’s close to home.

In celebration of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s Blu-ray/DVD releases of children’s movies The Croods (Oct. 1), Monsters vs. Aliens: Cloning Around (Oct. 15), Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness: The Scorpion Sting (Oct. 15) and Dragons Riders of Berk Part 1 and Part 2 (July 23), kids can partake in even more activities inspired by the films:

• Creepy, cool crafts: Make a mask from The Croods, try out Monsters vs. Aliens: Cloning Around temporary tattoos or design a flying dragon to mirror the character Hiccup from Dragons Riders of Berk, all in the spirit getting creative for Halloween.
• Engaging games & photo opportunities: Get in on the Kung Fu Panda chopstick game and snap a photo with a life-sized The Croods standee to capture the terrific, terrifying experience.
• Trick-or-treat take-homes: Walk away with The Croods treat bag, Kidgits member-exclusive Halloween goodie, chance to win one of these popular DVD titles, coupons for parents and other surprises for families.

In addition, parents and costumed kids can enjoy traditional seasonal offerings during the family-friendly special celebration, including Halloween-inspired crafts, giveaways, face painting and entertainment by Radio Disney.  

“We know people come to Simon Malls to shop for décor, costumes and candy, plus we recognize our property serves as a community gathering place for social experiences and more,” said Greg Millsap, mall manager at The Shops at Montebello. “That’s why Simon Kidgits Club is delivering parents a platform to let their little ones truly experience a holiday they look forward to – Halloween.”

Families are also encouraged to return to The Shops at Montebello on Halloween night, Thursday, October 31, for mall-wide trick-or-treating from participating retailers, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. Since 2003, the Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.

Kidgits Club members receive a variety of perks and goodies, including a Kidgits Club T-shirt, membership card, birthday gift, chance to spin the prize wheel each visit to the mall, discounts and scheduled activities. For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club, visithttp://www.simon.com/kidgits/ or visit The Shops at Montebello on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram atwww.facebook.com/shopsatmontebello, www.twitter.com/shopsmontebello or www.instagram.com/shopsmontebello.

About The Shops at Montebello

The Shops at Montebello is a modern indoor super regional shopping center featuring four department stores and more than 160 shops, eateries, and restaurants—remaining the leader for shopping in the San Gabriel Valley. The Shops at Montebello is home to Macy’s, jcpenney, Forever 21, Coach, G by Guess and more, with dining options such as BJ’s Brewery, Hikari Sushi, Marie Callender’s and Olive Garden. The Shops at Montebello serves communities in San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles including Montebello, Monterey Park, and Rosemead. With its modernized look and feel, The Shops at Montebello strives to provide the best shopping experience with its retailer and dining selections for the entire family. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit    http://www.simon.com/mall/the-shops-at-montebello or call 323-722-8454.

Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG) is an S&P 100 company and a global leader in the retail real estate industry.  The Company currently owns or has an interest in more than 325 retail real estate properties in North America and Asia comprising approximately 241 million square feet. We are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S.  For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com.

About Simon Brand Ventures

Simon Brand Ventures (SBV), Simon’s business-to-consumer arm, has pioneered the transformation of shopping centers into a medium where consumer brands can build relationships with Simon shoppers. SBV has engaged in a number of consumer business initiatives designed to support our shoppers, our tenants, and our strategic marketing relationships including the American Express®/Simon Giftcard; events at signature Simon properties such as Simon Fashion Now™; the launch of Simon platform programs such as Simon Kidgits Club®, Simon GamePlay, and Simon Project Style®; a national media delivery channel including static, digital, and experiential marketing and advertising vehicles; and multiple national and local marketing alliances with American Express, Coca-Cola, Ticketmaster, and U.S. Bank among others.

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is the industry leading worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox produced, acquired and third party partner film and television programing. Each year TCFHE expands its award-winning global product portfolio with the introduction of new entertainment content through established and emerging formats including DVD, Blu-ray™ and Digital HD™. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is a subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

Families can join Simon Kidgits Club for a special Halloween event, presented by Twentieth Century Fox, that focuses on fun fall festivities for kids!

With nearly 158 million consumers participating in Halloween activities this year¹, Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG), a leading global retail real estate company, is helping communities make the most of the exciting, eerie seasonal occasion. Del Amo Fashion Centerwill host its annual Simon Kidgits Club^® Halloween Spooktacular event on Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to noon in JoAnn’s Court, providing children the chance to enjoy the fall holiday with a special spooky experience that’s close to home.

In celebration of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s Blu-ray/DVD releases of children’s moviesThe Croods (Oct. 1), Monsters vs. Aliens: Cloning Around (Oct. 15), Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness: The Scorpion Sting (Oct. 15) and Dragons Riders of Berk Part 1 and Part 2 (July 23), kids can partake in even more activities inspired by the films:

• Creepy, cool crafts: Make a mask from The Croods, try out Monsters vs. Aliens: Cloning Around temporary tattoos or design a flying dragon to mirror the character Hiccup from Dragons Riders of Berk, all in the spirit getting creative for Halloween.
• Engaging games & photo opportunities: Get in on theKung Fu Panda chopstick game and snap a photo with a life-sized TheCroods standee to capture the terrific, terrifying experience.
• Trick-or-treat take-homes: Walk away withThe Croods treat bag, Kidgits member-exclusive Halloween goodie, chance to win one of these popular DVD titles, coupons for parents and other surprises for families.

In addition, parents and costumed kids can enjoy traditional seasonal offerings during the family-friendly special celebration, including face painting by Magic Brush and Halloween-inspired crafts. Children will have the chance to make pumpkin face crafts, photo frame magnets, masks, ghost door hangers and can also participate in Halloween coloring. Simon Kidgits Club members will receive The Croods Halloween Trick-or-Treat Goody Bags filled with giveaways and a mini pumpkin, while supplies last.

“We know people come to Simon Malls to shop for décor, costumes and candy, plus we recognize our property serves as a community gathering place for social experiences and more,” said Lindsay Hermance, director of marketing and business development at Del Amo Fashion Center. “That’s why Simon Kidgits Club is delivering parents a platform to let their little ones truly experience a holiday they look forward to – Halloween.”

While you’re celebrating, pick out a special gourd at the Bob and Joanne Cottone and Sons Pumpkin Patch, open now through October 30 at 21573 Madrona Avenue, located at Del Amo Fashion Center next to Black Angus Restaurant. The pumpkin patch also features bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides and, of course, pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. They also carry straw bales, corn stalks, Indian corn, gourds, handmade crafts and all your different colored squash for harvest decorating. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Visit http://www.cottoneandsonspch.com/pumpkins.html for more information.

The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. Since 2003, the Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.

Kidgits Club members receive a variety of perks and goodies, including a Kidgits Club T-shirt, membership card, birthday gift, chance to spin the prize wheel each visit to the mall, discounts and scheduled activities. For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club, visit http://www.simon.com/kidgits/ or Del Amo Fashion Center on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DelAmoFashionCenter, Twitter at https://twitter.com/delamofashion or Instagram at http://instagram.com/delamofashion.

^{1National Retail Federation 2013 Halloween Consumer Spending Survey}

About Del Amo Fashion Center

Del Amo Fashion Center is the South Bay’s retail destination for shopping, entertainment and dining. Itboasts more than 200 stores, including Macy’s, H&M, Anthropologie, Barnes & Noble, Coach, and more. Visit the outdoor promenade and enjoy dinner at Stacked or PF Changs before a movie at our 18 screen AMC Theater. The indoor mall offers fashion for women, men and children plus jewelry, footwear and electronics. Del Amo Fashion Center serves the nearby communities of Palos Verdes, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach and Gardena. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit http://www.simon.com/mall/del-amo-fashion-center or call 310-542-8525.

Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG) is an S&P 100 company and a global leader in the retail real estate industry.  The Company currently owns or has an interest in more than 325 retail real estate properties in North America and Asia comprising approximately 241 million square feet. We are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S.  For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com.

About Simon Brand Ventures

Simon Brand Ventures (SBV), Simon’s business-to-consumer arm, has pioneered the transformation of shopping centers into a medium where consumer brands can build relationships with Simon shoppers. SBV has engaged in a number of consumer business initiatives designed to support our shoppers, our tenants, and our strategic marketing relationships including the American Express®/Simon Giftcard; events at signature Simon properties such as Simon Fashion Now™; the launch of Simon platform programs such as Simon Kidgits Club®, Simon GamePlay, and Simon Project Style®; a national media delivery channel including static, digital, and experiential marketing and advertising vehicles; and multiple national and local marketing alliances with American Express, Coca-Cola, Ticketmaster, and U.S. Bank among others.

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is the industry leading worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox produced, acquired and third party partner film and television programing. Each year TCFHE expands its award-winning global product portfolio with the introduction of new entertainment content through established and emerging formats including DVD, Blu-ray™ and Digital HD™. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is a subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

Discover creepy creatures and enjoy magic shows, costume contests, and face painting at the Aquarium, where there’s more fun than fright

WHAT:           Swim into the dark depths of the Aquarium, where there’s more fun than fright! Discover the eerie creatures lurking in the depths of the Pacific at the Scarium of the Pacific on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26-27, 2013, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Kids of all ages can hunt for creepy-looking animals while enjoying special Halloween activities and learning about the ocean.

The event will feature various Halloween programs, including the annual children’s costume contest, the creepy coloring contest, magic shows, underwater pumpkin carving, spooky storytelling, kooky crafts, other-wordly animals in the Great Hall, and much more. As children leave, they will be able to enjoy Green Halloween® treats.

WHEN:           Saturday & Sunday, October 26-27, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

COST:            FREE FOR CHILDREN IN COSTUME (must be under age 12 and bring in coupon available online at http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/scarium_of_the_pacific/ ).

Included with admission—$25.95 adult (12+), $22.95 senior (62+), $14.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age 3 and Aquarium members.

INFO:              (562) 590-3100 or http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/scarium_of_the_pacific/

WHERE:         Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

SPONSORS: L.A. Parent & Green Halloween.

Photo Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site offers an exciting afternoon of free and good old-fashioned fun for children at Creation Station: Brilliant Brown, scheduled for Saturday, November 2, 2013.  This drop-in, historically-themed craft workshop will be held between 1-4pm and is perfect for children ages 6-10 years old.  No reservations required, and Creation Station workshops are held rain or shine.

“Brilliant Brown” continues our celebration of the fall season.  Children can choose from a selection of art supplies to make pinecone creatures, leaf animals and potato print cards.  In addition to participating in “Brilliant Brown” hands-on activities, children and their families can choose to take a free house tour between1-5pm, or a garden tour at 2:30pm.  

Creation Station workshops are held the first Saturday of each month.  Upcoming dates and themes include “Gorgeous Green” on December 7 and “Winter White” on January 4.

Built in 1844, the adobe home and grounds of Rancho Los Cerritos echo with the rich history of Spanish, Mexican, and American California and with the families who helped transform Southern California from its ranching beginnings to the modern, urban society it is today. The two-story Monterey-style adobe is primarily furnished to reflect occupants and lifestyles from the 1860s-1880s. The site, a National, State and Long Beach Historic Landmark, also includes historic gardens and a research library and archives. It is owned by the City of Long Beach and operated through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, with support from the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation and Friends of Rancho Los Cerritos. For more information please call (562) 570-1755, or visit the website at www.rancholoscerritos.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rancholosc.

It’s that time of year again! Halloween is almost here! Love this time of the year with costumes and all the Halloween events…and of course candy! You may know by now that SweetWorks is a fave of mine! But, did you know they have the coolest Halloween candy? They do! They have so many different choices to select from! I love the Foiled Solid Milk Jack-O-Lantern Discs-they are so yummy and 100% All Natural too! My son loves the Foiled Solid Milk Crisp Halloween Balls. He says they taste great! He also likes the Sixlets in the orange and black Halloween colors. They are also Gluten Free. And, for those who love gumballs..they have great choices this Halloween! The Spooky Eyes Gumballs and the Pumpkin Faces are just too cool! The Spooky Eyes are just the right amount of scary! We received samples of nearly all the Halloween products and they are a big hit in our house! Check out the website for more information!

Now, for our Halloween Giveaway! Read on…BOO!

Three winners will win a  Halloween package with samples of the candy mentioned in this post! Leave us a comment below telling us your favorite thing about Halloween! Don’t forget that you need to be a subscriber to enter! Next, “like” the SweetWorks Facebook Page! That’s it! Well, it would be “sweet” if you told them we sent you!  Deadline to enter is October 25th, 2013 at midnight. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

Self Disclosure: I received delicious SweetWorks candy and gumball products to facilitate this review/giveaway.