"It's Halloween, Mommy!" Who needs an alarm clock with a four-year-old in the house? My little Ariel will be trick-or-treating twice today, first at nursery school and then in our neighborhood this evening. I'll be chaperoning this morning's outing, and my husband will do the honors tonight so that I can be home to greet all of the little ghouls who stop by.

If your kids will be banging on doors this evening, it's important to review these safety tips. It's also a good idea to have a candy consumption policy in place before they get home with all of that sugary stuff. Personally, I'm in favor of the one-treat-a-day rule.

Well, I still haven't carved our pumpkin, still haven't strung up spiders and ghosts and still need to get ready for this morning's treat-gathering expedition, so it's time for me to fly. Have a very happy--and safe--Halloween!

P.S. My mother-in-law and I are headed to a Vermont spa this weekend, and I highly recommend that all mothers plan a post-Halloween girls' getaway. A quick escape will restore your sanity and keep you away from the temptation of all of that candy!