Kitty Wise dreamed of becoming a seasoned songstress for years. Armed with a karaoke machine disguised as a “smoking cessation device,” she would sing her heart out, memorizing song after song. The somewhat accidental training has paid off. The Wyomissing resident’s smooth vocal stylings can be heard at Anthony’s Trattoria, among other Berks venues. Take a listen for yourself (and read more about Kitty in Berks County Living’s October, 2011 issue)…

By Kate Hartman

With Halloween just around the corner, a slew of ghoulish party invitations are bound to come your way. How do you make your own Halloween party stand out? Here are a few easy tips that will make your party one of the most memorable:

Plan ahead

The key to any successful party is preparation. The look of a party reflects how much time its host invested. If you throw the components together at the last minute, everything will look mismatched and hurried. Start thinking about your party in advance and give yourself enough time to find the right decorations. You want all of the details (decor, food, and costumes) to tie together. Don’t feel the need to plan every detail six months in advance, but a little prep time goes a long way. Your shindig will be scarier and the guests will be impressed.

Location, location, location

Be sure to select a location carefully. It is more difficult to pull off a scary gathering in a sterile party hall or a brightly lit living room. Pick a spot that has some character. The older and more decrepit the better! If you know someone who has an old barn or an antique home, set it up. You want your site to be creepy on its own; it can help you save money on decorations and to establish a theme.

Pick a theme

Themed parties are always fun! Give your guests a theme for their costumes. When you level the playing field, it gives attendees a chance to show their creative sides. The costumes will be exciting and can become spectacles in their own right. A theme can help give your event continuity. It brings the décor and costumes together to make your party more polished. Don’t be afraid to pick an over-the-top theme. People are coming to be scared! Go all out!

Avoid the cheesy

The key to a ghoulish get-together is authenticity. When decorating for your party, avoid the mechanical ghosts, plastic chains, and green spider webs that are sold at your local party store. While these items may be fun, they definitely cheapen the look of your soiree. Haunt your party in a grown-up way. Think of things that are actually scary and use those as inspiration for the decor. The more real everything looks, the better they will work in the space. You want your guests to be shocked, amazed, and awed by what you create. Stick with the scary. Avoid cheesy at all costs.

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes? Here’s a look at this month’s The Look photo shoot!

Meet the Lords & Ladies Team!

We were thrilled to have Jackie Marcincavage, Amanda Gibson, Peter Dolinsky and and Trina Angelovich of Lords & Ladies of Fleetwood provide their hair and makeup talents on our October The Look photo shoot at Kutztown University’s PA German Cultural Heritage Center Aug. 4, 2011.

On Oct. 8, Frecon Farms in Boyertown will host a unique event offering up fun for visitors of every age. See the pick-your-own fruits and pumpkins,taste fresh cider and, listen to the sound of bluegrass fill the air…all at the 5th year of Pick Fest. Get a glimpse of all Pick Fest has to offer here!