Let's Start the Candy Raid!!!

 It's finally October, and Halloween's just around the corner and we all know that this spooky celebration is the perfect time to stock up on the goodies! You're probably aiming to get the maximum amount of treats before people start slamming their doors on you, but where to begin?

• You should start by making plans early on. Decide which houses you think will give you the most candy or the largest chocolate bars. Try mapping it out, and make a well-coordinated drawing on which houses to show up at and which ones to avoid. If you're really up to it, convince your parents to let you go to a rich neighborhood, one where you know they'll only hand out king-sized Hersheys. I'd recommend Leimert Park. 

• Try forming a candy gang! Group up a bunch of your friends who are as sugar hungry as you are, and go trick-or-treating altogether! This way, you'll be able to cover more ground faster, and barter treats for more desired ones! Just make sure you don't have more than five people, else your big group of friends may startle or overwhelm candy handlers. 

•  Manners are important. No one's going to give you any candy if you're rude. Always come up to the people handling the candy with a huge smile, and don't forget to say "trick or treat!" Also, don't try to persuade them to give you M&Ms because you hate Skittles - you may just end up with an empty bag! Be grateful for what you have, and if the candy you got is that bad, trade it with your friends - another good reason why you should stick with a group. 

• Bring a big bag for your candy! If you're confident that this is the year of the candy corn, leave the cheap pumpkin basket at home! Instead, bring with you a big plastic bag. A Trader Joe's bag is a good example. If you're serious about your candy, then you'll be needing a big container!

• This is for the real desperate candy lovers that are willing to sacrifice anything for a box of Nerds. Double your stash by doubling back at each house for more candy - by wearing two separate costumes! You'd better be willing to spend more time on you're costumes though, and I'd recommend you have at least one costume that covers some of your face. Practice time-management skills as well, since it takes time to change costumes, as well as cover every home twice. If you're trying to save money on costumes, just use an old costume, or DIY it!

      Candy's important for growing teens, and it's time you got the candy you deserve. Just remember to have a terrific Halloween before Christmas hits! And remember, you're never too old for candy!