Historically Hip Halloween: 7 Adorable DIY Kids Costumes

"What are you going to be for Halloween?" Children (and adults) hear this question every October, but it never ceases to provoke anxiety and anticipation! Although a trivial feat, finding just the right costume seems to be important at every age. What makes a great costume? If you take a stroll down any Party City isle, you'll see current pop stars, classic cartoons and fairy tale idols, and a mask of every horror movie villain created.

Not only can these store-bought costumes run you a pretty penny, they're the same recycled ideas from last year, lacking your own individual stamp. If you're feeling crafty, thrifty, and time-crunched, and you want to have the most uniquely-dressed trick-or-treaters on the block, bust out your sewing kit (or safety pins and fabric tape) and try these simple and affordable do-it-yourself costumes that your little ones are sure to love!

Dwight, from The Office

No alterations required! All you need to do is dig through your husband's tie drawer, pick the one he never wears, and pair with black dress pants, black shoes, and solid colored dress shirt. The look is solidified by Dwight's signature glasses and slicked down hair.

Hot Air Balloon

This creative costume is super easy and inexpensive to make. You probably have a wicker basket laying around the house, along with brown paper lunch bags and white rope or string. Fill two bags with candy and tie them to the ends of two ropes. Use a third to create a knot from which your balloon will be attached with ribbon. Cut leg holes in the bottom of your basket, and fill your balloon with helium to keep it from falling down!

IPod

Keep up with the times with this easy, no-fuss costume. It's a project you can work on with the kids. Use a rectangular cardboard box, cut slits for arms, head, and legs. Paint it white, and stencil on the apple logo and touch circle with silver Sharpie marker. Use red duct tape to outline and cover the rest of the box. 

California Sushi Roll

Baltimore is a foodie town, and sushi is a cult favorite among many people young and old in neighborhoods like Federal Hill. Celebrate your love of Asian cuisine with this simple costume you can make from felt cut outs, a black onesie and leggings, and black headband. The chopsticks and ginger/wasabi headband pull together this precious outfit!

Frida Kahlo, Artist

For the toddler who appreciates folk art. This clever costume can be recreated with synthetic roses, a colorful shawl, Mexican-style embroidered dress and a brown eyebrow pencil to create the allusion of the painter's famous unibrow. 

Alice in Wonderland

Put a unique spin on a classic heroine costume. Purchase grey and white horizontal stripped tights and matching hair bow and Alice's signature turquoise blue dress. Remember the boxes Build-A-Bear comes in? That shape is perfect for decorating the white rabbit's house! 

Raven

Poe would be so proud. Show your town spirit and reinvent this iconic mascot. Martha Stewart shows you how, step-by-step, here.

With a little inspiration, we hope to see you and your family all decked-out in Halloween attire in the Federal Hill Business District on Halloween Day (from 4pm to 7pm) for the annual Federal Hill Businesses Association's Trick-or-Treat event. Each business (between the 800 and 1300 blocks of Light and Charles Streets) with orange and black balloons in front of their doors will have free candy for the kids!

Briana Lopes, Intern

2nd Annual SoBo Halloween Bash: An All Ages Affair!

The Second Annual SoBo Halloween Bash will take over Riverside Park on Sunday, October 27, from 1pm to 6pm. What emerged from collaborative ideas of FedHillKids volunteers expanding their bash venue, and community advocate Cathy Strodel’s vision of an inclusive event in the park with “…young and old people, families and single people,” has now evolved into a Halloween tradition for children and adults of all ages. 

Planning Committee leader  Misty Keens writes in the October-November issue of SoBo Voice, “This year the planning committee has aspired to make it bigger and better than ever! We have a grand plan in the works…food from local vendors and food trucks, lawn games and tournaments for the adults, live music, costume contests for the young and old, 50/50 raffle and grown-up beverages!” Beer and wine will be sold from 4pm to 6pm, and during that time Misty says the event will be “a bit more adult focused.” 

The Halloween Bash has been and will continue to be FREE due to the generous donations of sponsors in our community, such as Protean Records, Harris Teeter, and Porter’s Pub, to name a few! If you’d like to volunteer your time, contact Misty Keens at mistyk_11@yahoo.com

Briana Lopes, Intern

SoBo Cafe to host Reception benefiting Aspire SHARPkids Mentoring Program

SoBo Cafe is one of many small businesses in Federal Hill who is continuously giving back to its community.  They have teamed up with "SHARPkids," an after school program benefiting students of neighboring Sharp-Leadenhall, to promote their initiative and raise funds for this amazing cause. A dessert and wine reception will be held on Monday, September 30 from 7 to 9:30pm, and tickets are only $25.

On September 19, Federal Hill's Award-winning restaurant participated in Moveable Feast's 20th Annual "Dinning Out For Life," a city-wide fundraising event which takes proceeds from volunteering restaurants--between 20 and 100 percent!--and provides nutritious meals for Marylanders battling life-threatening illnesses such as HIV/AIDS. SoBo Cafe donated 20% of their Dinner guests' checks to help feed their hungry neighbors.

Just weeks before that, the contemporary comfort food restaurant hosted a "Back to School" Happy Hour benefiting The House of Ruth, Inc., which works to end violence against women and their children through outreach, education, and support.


Briana Lopes, Intern

Street Beat Band Schedule

Street Beat Festival 2013 is almost here! So you can better plan your day, and get to see the bands you love, we've put together a detailed list of performances. Where else is Baltimore can you experience over a dozen live music acts absolutely FREE!

Hamburg St. Stage

Nelly's Echo 5:30 - 7
Pasadena 4 - 5
Grilled Lincolns 2:30 - 3:30
Bond and Gently 1 - 2
I'm Just Saying 11:45 - 12:45

Cross St. Stage

Old Man Brown 5:30 - 7
Uncle Jack 4 - 5
Jenny Leigh Band 2:30 - 3:30
Olyver James Band 1:30 - 2:15
Getamunstit 12:30 - 1:15
Karmic Debt 11:30 - 12:15

West St. Stage

All Mighty Senators 5:30 - 7
ELM 4 - 5
Freedom Enterprises 2:30 - 3:30
Cara Kelly & the Tell Tale 1 - 2

Speakers of The House 11:45 - 12:45

Also, don't forget to stop by and support your local vendors!

The Rowhouse Grille

Hot Corner Lee's   

SoBo Cafe

C&R

Mothers

Ryleigh's

Fat Larry's

Nobles

Fenwick's

                 



2013 Street Beat Festival Announced

Federal Hill Main Street's biggest annual block party, Street Beat Festival, quickly approaches! The free outdoor extravaganza will take place Sunday, September 8, from 11am to 7pm.

Not only will there be dozens of food and art vendors to indulge every palate and aesthetic, we're providing the stage for live music from local artists  you know and love!

This family-friendly event has something for everyone, including the popular children's corner--Kid's Kross Street!

For more information about the festival or any FHMS events, give us a call at 410-727-4500, visit our website http://www.historicfederalhill.org/www, or stop by our office at 42 E. Cross Street.

Funk Salon: Welcome to Federal Hill!

Federal Hill Welcomes its newest business to the neighborhood--Funk! More than a salon, this beauty haven oozes unique style all its own.

 As you're draped in sultry R&B upon walking through the door, the friendly staff offer you a miniature bottle of water (embossed in their graffitti logo), and you're treated to the pleasure of plush leather sofas and high-fashion mags while you wait to be pampered.

Sophisticated, yet edgy, spa-like but with a barbershop ease-of-conversation vibe, Funk definitely caters to the modern woman who doesn't want to compromise the rare experience of having her hair professionally styled.

Funk (900 Light Street) opened its new doors June 1st, marking their five year anniversary since inception at their previous Charles Village location. Co-owner and principle stylist LaNyce Oldham says she's excited to be in Federal Hill, and the change has been well-received by both area residents and her loyal clientele.

"We love the neighborhood, it's so welcoming," says LaNyce. "We really want to be a part of the community."

As of now, the salon has two stylists who can cater to your hair needs; including color and perm/relaxer treatments and maintenance, hair extensions, and general styling. "It's urban themed. We like to play with color, and we do a lot of extensions," says LaNyce, whose glowing, healthy highlights she says she did herself. "We're looking for stylists who want to be in a fun environment, are really good with color (or are willing to learn), and applying treatments," she continues.

LaNyce says they also plan to expand their brick and mortar with the addition of a "blow-dry bar," which she anticipates will be complete by beginning of Fall 2013.


Briana Lopes, Intern

Interview with New FHMS Executive Director: Andrea Sommer

Federal Hill Main Street has a new executive director with a familiar face! Andrea Sommer -- long-time career volunteer and small business owner -- talks about her passion for community outreach and development, how her background in event planning makes her the right woman for the job, and what she has planned for the future of the organization. 

You’ve volunteered with FHMS in the past. Talk a little about those experiences and how they’ve lead you here.

I began with Federal Hill Main Street soon after it started. Leslie Simmons, who founded Little One’s Lane, first recruited me to help out with the children’s area of the festivals. I worked on that for a few years, then spent some time on the Promotions Committee. I purchased a business in the neighborhood in 2008 and continued to stay involved as a business owner, participating in various events, contributing to the newsletter, and encouraging other families in the neighborhood to be involved. When I closed my business in 2011 and started SoBoKids, many of the family volunteer projects we did were in conjunction with FHMS.


How will your education and professional background help you succeed as executive director?


After graduating from the College of William and Mary, I moved to New Orleans and worked for their Convention and Visitors Bureau, which brought conventions and major happenings, such as the Super Bowl, to the city. I began my career as an event planner after relocating to Charlotte, NC, where I worked for a hotel chain on both social and corporate events. When we moved to Baltimore, while I was expecting my first child, my focus shifted to "career volunteer." I worked with Federal Hill Main Street, my alumni association and Federal Hill Preparatory school on a variety of fundraising projects and activities. Life took a big turn when I purchased Ladybugs & Fireflies, a children's gift and toy store on South Charles Street. I loved being involved in the neighborhood as a business owner as well as parent. Both of my children attended Federal Hill Prep at the time, so my life was pretty much contained in South Baltimore. When the business closed, I started SoBoKids, which planned service projects families could do together around the neighborhood. I also contributed a family column to Main Street's newsletter, and volunteered for various community activities.

My event planning experience will help me with Main Streets biggest fundraisers: Fest of All, Festive Flavors, and the House Tour. More importantly, as a former small business owner, I am very aware of the challenges local brick and mortar stores face on a daily basis. I also am very invested in this neighborhood, and want to see it succeed not just as Main Street Director, but as a resident and a parent of kids who love living here.


What are you passionate about?


I’m very passionate about families being a part of Baltimore City, and I am proud to be raising my children here. I truly believe that neighborhoods are what make this city unique, and are what are keeps families here. We have such an amazing city as our backyard, and are part of such a wonderful community. My kids cannot walk down the street without saying hello to a person they know. They love walking into stores and restaurants where someone recognizes them. They truly have a sense of being part of community, not just one that is created by a sport they play or an activity they participate in, but a larger one that is made up of many different people who all contribute, in their own way, to making this place a wonderful neighborhood.


Why is this organization important? And how will you ensure that FHMS continues to play a vital role within the community?

Federal Hill Main Street is important because it encourages the growth of our business district while maintaining its history. The character and charm of Federal Hill was here long before we were, and FHMS is working to ensure that they will remain. The organization also considers the business district to be part of a larger community, and works with that community to achieve its goals. These are the things that drew me to the organization.

I am lucky enough to come into an organization that has been very successful over the past few years, and I hope to continue that success. The festivals and events have become an anticipated part of many people's calendars. They are great community-building events, as well as an opportunity to showcase our neighborhood to potential business owners and patrons. We will also continue to address the needs of the current business community, as well as encourage its growth. On a day-to-day basis, we will address the opportunities and challenges that face small businesses today. As a parent, I believe that creating strong neighborhoods, centered around a dynamic business district, is vital to keeping families in our city. We must encourage what makes Baltimore great -- its patchwork of unique, vibrant neighborhoods.


Briana Lopes, Intern

Midnite Confections Goes Mobile with New Cupcake Truck!

Our local, award-winning cupcakery, Midnite Confections, has recently expanded their brick and mortar store by putting their delectable desserts on the road.

"Food trucks are so popular right now," says co-owner and life-long baker Sandra McNeil.

 "We thought that by having a truck, that would give us some visibility into other neighborhoods and areas that we aren't familiar with. That might give us an idea as to whether we want to expand with another storefront or just put a couple of trucks on the road. Or, it may just give us some opportunity as far as what other business is out there for us," says Sandra.

The bakery, founded in October 2010 by mother-son duo Sandra and Aaron McNeil, specializes in hand crafting indulgent, moist, gourmet cupcakes from fresh and unique ingredients such as organic fruit, real vanilla bean, and rich liquors. Confections will offer their seven "Signature" flavors ($3 each, available year-round)--Black Velvet, Playboy, Midnite, Full Moon, Eclipse, Sublime-inal, and Birthday Cake--from their new truck, which you'll find parked in various Baltimore and DC neighborhoods starting July 13th.

The bakery also plans to make their truck available for private affairs such as weddings, parties, and corporate events, where clients can arrange to have it parked outside of the venue to cater to guests. Look for Midnite Confections' cupcake truck to appear at one of Baltimore's upcoming traveling food truck festivals, The Gathering.


Briana Lopes, Intern