AP9 Articles

AP9 24 Protect Plus Offers Tips For Keeping This Year’s Holiday Celebrations Safe

’Tis the season to be jolly — and, more importantly, cautious. As the calendar rushes to its annual holiday close, people need to be extra vigilant in their efforts to protect their loved ones from the risks that come with the season, reports AP9 24ProtectPlus, a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

AP9 24 Protect Plus members can log on to DealPass.com, a secure portal, to access their benefits, which feature savings on a variety of safeguards for their families, homes, assets, pets, computers and more.

The holiday season is a time of anticipation, joy and revelry for young and old alike. To help you keep your feet on the ground in the face of high seasonal expectations, AP9 24 Protect Plus offers these reminders:

-- Go as green as possible. If you prefer real trees to artificial trees, make sure the tree you select is recently cut -- not old, dried out and therefore vulnerable to the threat of fire. The needles on a fresh tree should stay on after a gentle tug or shake, and the base of a fresh trunk will be sticky with resin. To maintain your tree’s “freshness,” keep the tree stand filled with water until you’re ready to take the tree down. And whatever type of tree you choose, be sure to set it up a safe distance from fireplaces and other sources of flame or open heat.

-- Let safety light your way. Be sure your holiday lights are in good working order and have been okayed by a recognized testing laboratory (UL and ETL standards are considered safe choices). Check for broken sockets, frayed wires and other signs of dangerous wear-and-tear. When in doubt, throw it out. Always turn the lights off when you leave the house or go to bed, because the lights can short and start a fire.

-- Deck the halls with caution. Make sure all of your decorations -- for trees, hallways, doorways, even the great outdoors -- are non-combustible or flame-resistant. If you have children, don’t use decorations that have sharp edges or that can be broken -- and/or swallowed -- easily. And remember: Fire risks don’t take holidays, so use lighted candles sparingly if you choose to use them at all.

-- Let your high spirits come naturally. With the holidays come holiday parties, and with holiday parties often come numerous offers to sample holiday drinks (not to mention increased traffic stops by the police to check for drunk drivers). Always use alcohol in moderation, and be sure to select a designated driver before you make the rounds of holiday parties. The life -- and license -- you save may be your own.

The holiday season can bring a smile to the face of even the Ebenezer Scrooges of the world, and rightly so. The notions of peace on earth and goodwill towards all, coupled with the possibility of a nice gift or two, stand as an annual beacon of hope across this nation, uniting us as few events do in this day and age. And with a bit of advanced planning and an eye toward safety, you can ensure that your holiday season is filled with a sense of joy and community, notes AP9 24ProtectPlus.

AP9 Galleria USA Offers Festive Ideas on Dressing Up Your Table for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is quickly approaching. By now the leaves have changed to brilliant shades of yellow, red and orange, and the temperature outside carries a certain crispness about it. To most, Thanksgiving Day is a time when family and friends gather around the table to celebrate life, give thanks and share in a feast of good food and conversation. However, preparing for such a celebration is no small task. AP9 Galleria USA, a membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers a wide variety of decorating ideas and savings that will make their home warm and inviting — just in time for the holidays.

In preparation of the Thanksgiving Day, AP9 GalleriaUSA members can take advantage of up to 20% savings at nationally known home decorating and retail stores across the country. With the temperatures dropping throughout the country, Thanksgiving Day is usually spent inside with people gathered in front of the television cheering on their favorite football team or in the kitchen snacking on appetizers while catching up on the latest gossip — so why not get everyone into the holiday spirit by adding little decorative touches throughout the house to make the holiday more memorable?

AP9 Galleria USA provides you with a few fun and easy table decorating ideas that are sure to get you a few compliments this Thanksgiving.

-- Centerpiece. Centerpieces don’t have to be expensive. Take three miniature pumpkins. Cut off the stems, and carve a hole at the top of each one large enough for you to insert a taper candle. Fill each hole with museum wax, and insert a taper candle into each one — you choose the size and color of the candles. Arrange the finished pumpkins on a plate covered in colorful fall leaves or glass stones. This is an easy project with an elegant outcome.

-- Placemats. For an inexpensive yet colorful way to dress up your holiday table, go outside and gather a variety of colored leaves. Then cut two equal pieces of wax paper — large enough to hold one place setting. On an ironing board or white towel, creatively arrange the leaves on top of one of the pieces of wax paper. Place the second piece of wax paper on top, and iron the two pieces together with the leaf arrangement in the middle. Cut the edges of your placemat by using a pair of decorative scissors for a finishing touch.

-- Table Runner. Purchase a yellow/gold, red or green table runner. Pick up some metallic fabric paints and a leaf stamp; actually, any fall-themed stamp will do — you could even use one that says, “Happy Thanksgiving.” Brush the metallic paint on to your stamp, and stamp away on the table runner. Before you start, you might want to practice a few times on the back of the table runner or on a plain piece of paper.

-- Place Cards. Give a personal touch to your holiday table by creating inexpensive place cards. Cut a plain or colored piece of cardstock into fourths. Fold each piece in half. On the outside, write the guest’s name, and on the inside, write a note telling your guest why you are thankful for them. You can use metallic pens to write the names and use a small stamp for embellishment. It will add a small but meaningful touch to the table.

In addition to receiving up to 20% off at popular home decorating stores across the country, members can also take advantage of up to 20% savings on flowers and gift baskets as well as significant discounts on today’s holiday apparel and excellent gift-giving ideas through AP9 Galleria USA.

AP9 Shopping Essentials Hunts Down the Perfect Stocking Stuffers

For most, the madness of the holiday season has already begun, and for those who have not even started their “Who’s Been Naughty and Nice” list may need to step it up because there are only a few prime shopping weeks left before Saint Nick is sliding down chimneys across the world. AP9 Shopping Essentials, a membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, has a few suggestions on how to get those sleigh bells of gift-giving ideas ringing in your ears.

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. So if you want to start small and build up to the big stuff, stocking stuffers are a perfect way to get you on your merry way. AP9 Shopping Essentials members can choose from a wide selection of holiday gift-giving ideas -- ones that will fit perfectly into any stocking begging to be filled. Members can even receive 20% off the purchase of gift cards for popular retail and specialty stores throughout the country. And, as an added bonus, AP9 ShoppingEssentials members can shop online 24/7 for all their holiday gifts simply by logging on to DealPass.com.

If you are having trouble coming up with what to put in a loved one’s stocking (something other than your toes), AP9 Shopping Essentials is here to the rescue by offering up a few practical present ideas:

-- Shower Gels and Body Lotion. Who wouldn’t enjoy a stocking stuffed with their favorite scents? The most popular fragrances this holiday season are the ones of food. From Philosophy’s ultra rich 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath in Candy Cane to Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Hair & Body Wash by Sephora, you will be sure to find an aroma to suit all the noses on your shopping list.

-- Jewelry. All that glitters is gold. Big, bold gold surrounding jewel-toned gems is hot this season. You can find a myriad of jewelry pieces that contain gold and eye-popping jewels such as large hoop earrings, oversized button earrings, brooches and even a pair of cuff links for the man in your life who wants to add a little pizzazz to his wardrobe.

-- Gift Cards. Do you have a person on your list that seems to already have everything or offers no help in the gift-giving idea department? Who doesn’t? That is why the gift card was created. Stores offer them in several denominations with fun and festive packaging. The recipient can go out and buy what they want while saving you from the added stress of doing it yourself.

-- Music. Music is the gift that keeps on giving. Whether it’s the golden oldies, alternative rock, soft rock or heavy metal -- music is definitely timeless and sentimental. Since the holiday season usually brings new releases and special edition boxed CD collections to store shelves, it is the perfect time to stock up on your stocking stuffers.

In addition to receiving 20% off the purchase of gift cards for popular retail and specialty stores across the United States, members can also take advantage of up to 20% savings on fashion accessories, holiday attire and even scrap-booking supplies to help capture their holiday memories -- all through one-stop shopping with AP9 Shopping Essentials.

AP9 SimpleEscapes Reports Off-Season Cruise Destinations Still Available This Fall

When planning a vacation, most people get stuck in the hotel-and-airfare rut. Feel the breeze of the open sea, see multiple destinations, enjoy tasty cuisine practically 24/7 and live entertainment nightly by taking a cruise. AP9 Simple Escapes, a travel discount membership program by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, suggests cruise itineraries that are usually overlooked for fall booking yet provide relaxing or exciting getaways.

By logging on to DealPass.com, AP9 SimpleEscapes members have access to significant savings when making their travel reservations, as well as up to 20% off on other travel purchases like luggage, dining, amusements parks passes, plus so much more. This means members can spend more time exploring their dream destinations and less time stressing about the cost!

AP9 SimpleEscapes shares these exciting fall cruise destinations that offer smaller crowds and budget-friendly rates.

--Bermuda. Although most people travel to Bermuda during the summer months, the cruise season for this island of pink sands lasts through mid-November. Quaint cottages line winding roads where only residents are allowed to drive. Because most cruise ships call at each port for a few days, visitors can zip around the island on scooters, bikes, ferries and taxis. Attention golf fanatics: pack the clubs and check out some of the world’s most beautiful courses.

--The Caribbean. The Caribbean is a year-round destination for cruise ships and it provides a wonderful escape from cold climates to the north. The least expensive time to visit any of the islands is in late summer and fall because of hurricane season. But don’t let that change the vacation plans – most ships will steer around any storms that form so that cruisers still have a good time. Snorkeling, sun worshipping, duty-free shopping and countless excursions await.

--Europe. Europe offers several cruise itineraries for various areas of the continent. Northern Europe and Baltic cruises are available through October, the Greek and Canary islands are accessible until December, and visitors cruise southern Europe almost all year. Fall is an ideal time to tour Europe because most travelers visit in the summer. Shorter lines to see the sights, smaller crowds, cheaper fares and pleasant temperatures combine to make a memorable adventure.

--New England/Canada. Many leaf peepers choose to drive to their destinations but why not take a cruise instead? New England and Canada cruises are growing in popularity and they’re a great way to leave the “driving” to someone else. Cruisers probably won’t need to pack their swimwear in the autumn months but the endless activities will make up for it. Whale watching, historical sites, biking and whitewater rafting trips are offered as standard excursions on many cruises.

Members can make the most of their precious leisure time with discounts on books, movies, and more through AP9 Simple Escapes.

AP9 Shopping Essentials Suggests Skin Care Revival and Protection for Fall

Cooler temperatures, wind and moisture can wreak havoc on skin. Adjusting skin care regimens for each season, however, is what protects skin from harsh elements and determines overall health for the long term. AP9 Shopping Essentials, a membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, recommends simple preventative steps to take to help skin survive the cooler months.

AP9 ShoppingEssentials members have access to savings of up to 20% at popular retailers when they log on to DealPass.com. They can receive discounts on beauty and personal care items, apparel and fashion accessories, sporting goods, books and movies and so much more to help members look and feel their very best all year long.

AP9 ShoppingEssentials shares these skin care tips that will refresh and protect faces for fall.

--Hydration is key during cooler, drier months like fall and winter. Drinking water will help combat dryness as well as help skin cleanse itself and eliminate toxins.

--Plenty of sleep keeps dark circles away and allows skin to heal itself.

--Sunscreen should still be applied. Sun exposure causes long-term effects and promotes aging no matter the season.

--Fall is a good time to make the switch from lotion-based products to cream-based products. The thicker consistency will provide a protective barrier against harsher weather. A skin care professional will be able to make a specific recommendation for sensitive or acne-prone skin types.

--Chapped lips are inevitable whenever the temperature drops. Use a lip balm to prevent chapping as early in the season as possible. If lips are already dry, use a lip gel to soften and then a balm to maintain them. Avoid lip products with petroleum ingredients, as it tends to dry lips and make them worse.

--Vitamin A treatments have a drying effect on skin, which is acceptable during warmer seasons. They may be too harsh when combined with cooler temperatures so consider using them less frequently.

--Exfoliation is key for removing sun-damaged skin and preparing it for any moisturizing treatment that follows.

--Take those vitamins. Colds and the flu are enemies of skin, too, so boost that immune system with extra Vitamin C.

--Hands take a beating in fall and winter so don’t forget to moisturize them, especially after washing.

These skin care tips were brought to you by AP9 Shopping Essentials.

AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 Privacy Matters Offers Travelers a Few Tips to Avoid Getting Taken for a Ride

Few things can perk up a dreary day more than the offer of a free trip to a tropical destination. Unfortunately, notes AP9 PrivacyMatters, IK9 PrivacyMatters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, too often those “free” trips come attached to strings a mile long -- and that’s if you’re lucky. Sometimes, the offers aren’t even attached to reality.

Media coverage of the increase in fraud crimes has focused mostly on credit fraud and identity theft. While both of those crimes are deserving of attention, reports AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 PrivacyMatters, other fraudulent activities tend to go under-reported. Perpetrators of travel scams, for instance, can use the same technology -- e-mails, fake websites, robo-calling and more -- that credit fraudsters and identity thieves use to cast a wide net in the hopes of attracting unsuspecting prey. And their intentions are the same: To put your money into their pockets for free (or as close to free as possible).

AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 PrivacyMatters offers some practical advice to help travelers avoid those tempting forks in the road that lead to frustration, aggravation or worse:

-- Remember what “free” means. It means “costing nothing.” If a company offers you a “free trip” in exchange for anything, it’s not free. Research any company that offers you a travel deal that sounds too good to be true, and be sure to read the fine print before agreeing to -- or especially signing -- anything.

-- Surf the Internet with a wary eye. Whether it comes in the form of an e-mail, a pop-up window, a banner ad or an unfamiliar website, an unsolicited travel deal from an unknown entity should always raise a red flag in your mind. If it’s too attractive to delete at once, again, do your research and read the fine print.

-- Research the offer, and read the fine print. Is that beginning to sound repetitive? It should; it’s intended to. It can’t be emphasized enough. Deals that sound too good to be true usually are. Your mission, should you choose to accept the invitation, is to confirm beforehand that the deal is indeed true. If your research or your reading turns up even just a hint of ambiguity in the offer or the company making it, walk away. Beyond that, the fine print is where the offer restrictions are usually found. A week’s vacation for the family on the warm, sunny beaches of Florida may seem like a great idea, until you find out that the only weeks available are smack in the middle of the spring school calendar, or that you need to pay double if you want to reserve dates during the holidays.

-- Don’t trust; verify. If you do your research and decide that the company offering a vacation package is on the up-and-up, go the extra mile for your peace of mind. Ask for the names and phone numbers of the airline and hotel involved, then call those numbers to confirm that your reservations have indeed been made, or ask them to confirm that they’re involved in travel packages from the company that contacted you.

-- Give your card issuer credit. The goal of any scammer is to get away with taking as much money from you as possible. Fortunately, federal law says that you’re only liable for the first $50 of any unauthorized charges to your credit card account, and many issuers won’t even charge you for that if you report the problem immediately. Therefore, your safest payment option for online purchases is usually your credit card, assuming you monitor your statements each month.

While some companies can afford to offer something for free as a way to increase brand awareness or store traffic, most “unbelievable” offers are unbelievable for one simple reason: They’re not true. Let caution and common sense be your travel guides as you navigate through scam offers.

Members can log on to their members-only website at PrivacyMatters.com for immediate access to a wide range of benefits that will help them protect and plan their financial future, including 3-in-1 credit reports, computer protections, credit monitoring and much more, concludes AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 24 Protect Plus Reminds Motorists to Winterize Their Cars During Fall Car Care Month

With winter right around the corner, drivers need to take special care to prepare their cars for the unforgiving colder months. AP9 24ProtectPlus, a membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, advises that many typical winter car problems can be avoided with preventative maintenance. Fall Car Care Month is the perfect time to make an appointment with a trusted mechanic or ask a friend or family member who’s comfortable under the hood.

AP9 24 Protect Plus helps members save on products and services that protect their family and their assets. By simply logging on to DealPass.com, members have access to a wide range of discounts and services on things like: auto assistance, children’s safety, home maintenance and improvements, financial security, plus so much more. AP9 24 Protect Plus allows members to stick to their household budgets while keeping their families safe.

AP9 24 Protect Plus recommends this helpful checklist to car owners to follow when preparing their car during Fall Car Care Month.

--Coolant should be flushed and refilled every two years. This is a good time to check the engine and the cooling system in order to identify any existing or potential problems before they become headaches.

--Although it varies among manufacturers and individual use, the motor oil should be replaced every 3,000 miles on average. Special wintertime formulas are available and may be necessary for motorists who live in cold climates.

--Check the battery, exhaust system, heater and defroster to be sure they’re all working properly.

--Try to keep your tank at least a quarter full at all times. This will decrease the chances of any moisture in the gas lines from freezing.

--Snow tires and chains may be necessary for harsher climates. Tire tread and pressure should be checked many times each month year round.

--Wiper blades should be replaced twice a year. Check all lights and signals and be sure that headlights are properly aligned for maximum visibility.

Homes and autos are two of the most expensive purchases most consumers make and maintain. That’s why they can rely on the benefits made available through AP9 24ProtectPlus to safeguard their valuables. Drive safely, concludes AP9 24 Protect Plus.

AP9 Passport to Fun Urges Hikers to Be Safe on Their Favorite Trails

Mountain vistas, colorful valleys and vibrant foliage can make a picturesque backdrop for an autumn hike. In order to prevent injury and a disappointing outing, both beginning and seasoned hikers need to be as prepared as possible before trekking out into the wilderness. AP9 Passport to Fun, a leading entertainment discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, reminds hikers to pack the essentials and plan their day for an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

AP9 PassportToFun members enjoy significant savings of up to 20% at major entertainment retail and super stores, national movie theater chains, and nationally-known restaurants when they log on to DealPass.com. Saving is easy and convenient so that members can spend more time exploring the great outdoors.

Before setting out, AP9 PassportToFun recommends these tips for both novice and veteran hikers.

--Plan the hike ahead of time. Collect necessary maps, pack a compass, check the weather conditions and let someone know the departure and arrival times and the location of the hike.

--Don’t hike alone, particularly on challenging expeditions. All hikers should keep identification and emergency contact information on them at all times.

--Check all gear before leaving home.

--Hiking boots are the most appropriate footwear no matter how easy or difficult the trek. They prevent ankle injuries and keep feet dry. Some hikers prefer to wear two pairs of socks to prevent blisters; be sure to try on boots with the right socks to ensure a proper and comfortable fit.

--Pack plenty of water and snacks to maintain energy and alertness.

--A first-aid kit is a must. Remember to pack any relevant seasonal supplies like sunscreen and bug repellant or instant heat packs.

--Dress in appropriate clothing. Layers are best for cooler hikes. Moisture-wicking fabrics are preferred for both warm and cold weather adventures.

--Check with park rangers upon arrival for information on trail conditions, park closure times and weather forecast. Always stay on the trail.

--Remember to drink water and stretch before hiking. Start out slow and gradually increase pace and distance. The slowest hiker in the group should set the pace and determine the difficulty of the hike.

All hikers should use common sense and practice caution while hitting those trails and taking in the scenery. And members can look forward to other outings and entertainment when they return after a day in the woods by receiving their exclusive savings through AP9 Passport to Fun.

AP9 At Home Rewards Offers Suggestions for Lowering Monthly Home Utility Bills This Winter

Due to the high cost of crude oil, home heating costs this winter are sure to take a healthy bite out of the monthly budget. However, members of AP9 AtHomeRewards, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, can take advantage of dependable methods to ward off the expected increases in their utility bills.

AP9 AtHomeRewards recognizes that the winter months are just around the corner and much of the United States will be experiencing frigid weather — sub-freezing temperatures, significant snowfall and bone-chilling winds that invade the Northeast and much of the Midwest every year. With heating costs expected to be elevated, AP9 At Home Rewards offers encouraging news: Increases in heating system efficiencies can lead to a decrease in heating bills, especially for AP9 At Home Rewards members.

AP9 AtHomeRewards members have access to savings on their home improvement projects by logging on to their members-only website at DealPass.com. There they can save 20% on $25 gift cards for major home centers, department stores and other national retailers. Once their gift cards arrive in the mail, AP9 AtHomeRewards members can use them to pay for insulation, vacuums and other home improvement needs.

AP9 At Home Rewards encourages homeowners to spend an afternoon completing these simple projects, which can shore up your heating system and lower your monthly charges:

-- Cover all exits. Insulating the attic, stairways, basement and garage is one of the most effective ways to keep hot air from escaping.

-- Check for leaks. Many homes have “cold zones,” areas that are significantly cooler than the rest of the home. Find the source of this cold air, then seal and insulate the leaky ducts, windows, door jambs or other openings.

-- Trim the hedges. Shrubs planted near the home can block airflow to heat pumps and air conditioners. Pruning them back will help ensure a clean flow.

-- Dust off the heaters. Vacuuming air vents, radiators and baseboard heaters will remove dust and other debris that can lower heating efficiency.

This article was brought to you by AP9 At Home Rewards.

AP9 Connections Celebrates National Book Month with Exciting New Releases

The fall season is back and with it brings cooler temperatures and longer nights. As the cool air rolls in, what better way for book-lovers to catch up on a little reading than celebrating National Book Month by curling up with a good novel in the cozy comforts of home. AP9 Connections, a leading entertainment discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, reports that many blockbuster titles will be on bookshelves this season and some are now available for pre-order.

AP9 Connections members can save up to 20% on books, music and other media purchases when they log on to DealPass.com. These discounts really add up, which is great news for AP9 Connections members who are celebrating National Book Month and expanding their at-home libraries.

AP9 Connections announces the following titles available this fall at local and national bookstores and media outlets.

--Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier. From the author who penned the popular Cold Mountain, this story captures the journey of Will Cooper, an orphan living as an indentured servant and whose life becomes entangled with the local Cherokee nation.

--The End: Book the Thirteenth (A Series of Unfortunate Events) by Lemony Snicket. The much-awaited title wraps up this popular children’s series with fun extras contained in an attractive package.

--Lisey’s Story by Stephen King. Another probable novel from King begins with a widow’s tasks of sorting through her husband’s death and evolves into a suspenseful, dark journey into the world he lived in.

--The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town by John Grisham. Known for his courtroom dramas, Grisham produces his first nonfiction legal thriller.

--New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. Meyer’s young adult sequel to bestselling Twilight combines romance and suspense in this supernatural tale of two vampires.

In addition to bestselling books and media, members can save money at nationally-known restaurants chains, hotels and popular entertainment retailers so they can entertain friends and family for less every month of the year through AP9 Connections.

AP9 HomeWorks Plus Unearths Ghoulish Home Decorating Ideas for Halloween

Halloween – a holiday that is celebrated around the world by children of all ages – even adults. Halloween fanatics start costume planning months before the big day. But why stop at there? AP9 HomeWorksPlus, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, has conjured up a few haunting home decorating ideas that will help members astound party-monsters and trick-or-treaters alike.

Halloween provides us with a unique opportunity to shed our own skin and slip into someone (or something) else’s. From Dracula to Mickey Mouse, Halloween allows our individuality and creativity to shine through. But to let the genuine spirit of the night bubble through, members of AP9 HomeWorksPlus can log on to DealPass to save on spooktacular home decorations that will put an enchanting spell over the entire neighborhood.

AP9 HomeWorks Plus offers some spine-tingling ideas for transforming your home into a haunted manor.

-- Make your own graveyard with headstones fashioned out of styrofoam boards or cardboard. Paint them gray, and write your own epitaphs — “The Curse of the Mommy,” “8-track Tapes,” “Last Year’s Trick-or-Treaters,” or whatever tickles your funny bone. Create a ghostly fog effect by placing a container of dry ice behind a headstone, and embellish the cemetery with play spiders and manmade webs.

-- Make your jack-o’-lanterns come to life by adding a body. Fill plastic trash bags with newspaper, then dress the bags in old clothes. You can also carve several pumpkins and scatter them around the yard, on top of headstones or rocks and of course, on the front porch.

-- Hang Halloween lights around your front door into your party room, then use colored light bulbs to cast an eerie cloud over your guests. A black light can generate a ghostly beam, especially with a flicker switch, and strategically placed candles are ideal lighting for ghastly props and other party pranks.

-- Grisly looking chow can add a merrily macabre tone. In the right light, a big bowl of spaghetti and meat sauce can be played off as blood and guts, and a jar of peeled green grapes can easily take on the appearance of a collection of eyeballs. And serving red wine or adding (non-toxic) red dye to the punch can satisfy the hunger of any vampire on the block.

-- As a finishing touch, decorate your foyers with spine-chilling props: glow-in-the-dark skeletons; cobwebs lined with spiders; construction-paper bats suspended by fishing line; window decals of witches, goblins, black cats and other ghostly images; corpses that pop out to welcome guests when they open doors; rooms engulfed in dry-ice fog; and toothy-grinned jack-o’-lanterns.

The only restrictions to your Halloween decorations are those you force upon yourself, which might depend on the age range of your ghosts, er, guests. As AP9 HomeWorks Plus members know, you can get bewitching good savings on home decor, home entertainment and much more through the program. Have a howling good time, concludes AP9 HomeWorksPlus.