• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
My Big Fat Cuban Family

My Big Fat Cuban Family

Cuban recipes, family, heritage, and culture.

  • Meet Marta
    • Media Mentions
  • Lifestyle
    • Cuban-American Life
    • My Big, Fat, Cuban Family
  • Entertainment
    • Disney
    • Marvel
    • Television
    • Concerts
    • Books
    • Theatre
  • Celebrate
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Cuban Christmas
    • Mother’s Day
    • Movie Nights
    • Summer Nights
  • Recipes
    • Cuban Recipes With Pictures
    • Family Favorites
    • My Cook Book
  • Shop
    • Cuban Foods Poster
    • Cuban T-Shirts
    • Costa Rican Foods Poster
    • Honduran Foods Poster
    • Puerto Rican Foods Poster
    • Salvadoran Foods Poster
    • Scottish Foods Poster
    • Customize Your Own
    • Cuban Goodies In Your Mailbox
  • Contact
    • Advertise
  • Archives

There’s No Place Like Home

November 8, 2017 By Marta Darby 11 Comments

I’d like to be able to report that I had a Master Plan from the beginning, but that would be a lie. 

I’m talking about Halloween 2017 At The Darby’s.

I’m about to let you in on my creative process and how my family works with me to make me crazy help me make it happen.

In this case, I had seen a friend’s Facebook post last year. (Last year!) There was a house in her neighborhood that was showing a movie – it was The Nightmare Before Christmas – on the garage door on Halloween night. I made a note to myself in the little black Moleskine notebook that serves as my external brain and where I keep my inspiration. I completely forgot about it –  for a year, anyway. 

My daughter, Amy is awesome at getting things done. Of course, she works from home and has a toddler, so it behooves her to pre-plan, but that’s not important right now.

FINDING A THEME

So, she found an adorable lion costume for Sebastian – you may call him, “Bash” – for Halloween.

Exhibit A:

You’re welcome.

Then she said, “Hey! If I go as Dorothy, you can be Glinda…” and that’s how the whole thing escalated. 

You know, we have a big movie screen where we show our Darby Outdoor Movies all summer long?  Hmm… *insert a lightbulb over my head right here*

I always love Halloween for multiple reasons, but one of them is that it’s the friendliest holiday of all. What other time of the year does everyone in the neighborhood knock on each other’s doors and willingly hand over treats? It’s the most genius way to be hospitable.

So it was decided: we would set up the movie projector and screen out in the front yard, and show The Wizard of Oz. We would all dress up as the characters. All because we had an adorable little lion.

Full disclosure: I never ever dress up. I’m always the one behind the camera. 

I am usually a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants-and-call-it-good type of party planner, but Amy kept us all on task. 

THE EMERALD CITY

Besides the screen, we put up green Christmas lights. Because Emerald City. 

And pumpkins. We bought some of those ceramic paintable pumpkins from Michael’s and painted them green and added green glitter. Because we were now marrying Oz and Halloween.

We didn’t carve pumpkins this year. We were making a different kind of magic. Paint and glitter goes a long way to making magic.

Also, I have a tutorial for making your own DIY Ruby Slippers, in case you’re interested. 

What exactly did we do with these beautiful Ruby Slippers, you’re wondering? Well, we stuffed some striped leg warmers into them and made it look like our house fell on a the Wicked Witch of the East. I know. Shut up.

You’ve probably just noticed that our bricks look yellow. Yes, we (and when I say, “we” I mean Jon) chalked our bricks with yellow chalk because Yellow Brick Road. I warned you that this thing escalated quickly. 

And just before it got completely dark, we started the movie.

And we parked ourselves outside to wait for the trick-or-treaters. 

I have to give kudos and credit to our good friend and photographer, Dan Shalaby who very kindly hung out with us and captured all the magic.

We were the hit of the neighborhood. (I think that goes without saying.) 

All the parents of the trick-or-treaters wanted to hang out and talk. And many of them took photos of us in all our Wizard of Ozian glory. 

Sebastian drew the most “OMG’s” of the night. And it was cool enough that the lion suit kept him warm. Which brings me all the way back to how this whole thing started with that sweet little lion costume.

He was a little confused and amazed at what we were all wearing. And he managed to squeek out a passable “tee-co-tee.” 

Can I just tell you that one of my favorite things about my family is their willingness to step it up when I get an idea? (Well, technically, it was Amy’s idea, but that’s not important right now, either.)

They didn’t even bat an eye as characters were assigned to them. Please appreciate Jon as the witch and soon-to-be son-in-law, Marc as the Tin Man. 

So, the movie played for those 2 hours and we sat outside and greeted neighbors and gave away candy and took lots of pictures. 

Jon and I had a lot of fun recreating the iconic “Wicked” poster. (LOL!)

Was it worth it? Absolutely. Even though our sweet lion got a little tired of the festivities, but I maintain he was just getting into character.

As our kids have grown up, we have done Halloween parties and carved pumpkins and all those things. But this year we took Halloween up to the next level. 

So what is different? 

Just call me “Wella.” 

You might also like:

October 31st. Yes, that’s Andy Garcia in our family home movie. =D Hogwarts Halloween Japi Jalo Uin (Happy Halloween)

Filed Under: Celebrate, Halloween Tagged With: How to make Ruby Slippers from Wizard of Oz, Wizard of Oz, Wizard of Oz costumes

Previous Post: « Thor: Ragnarok Review
Next Post: Elena Ruz Turkey, Guava & Cream Cheese Sliders Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Loretta Garcia says

    November 8, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    And this is why I love ya 🙂 you make everything Magical. 🙂 🙂

    Reply
    • Marta Darby says

      November 13, 2017 at 2:51 pm

      Gracias, Loretta!
      Un fuerte abrazo, amiga! xo

      Reply
  2. Grace says

    November 8, 2017 at 6:25 pm

    Fantastic!

    Reply
    • Marta Darby says

      November 13, 2017 at 2:51 pm

      Thank you! I have a whole year to rest up until next Halloween. LOL! xo

      Reply
  3. Laurie says

    November 9, 2017 at 9:39 pm

    This is so awesome! And I love all the pics. Dan is the best!!

    Reply
    • Marta Darby says

      November 13, 2017 at 2:50 pm

      He’s totally my fave, Laurie! xo

      Reply
  4. Maria says

    November 11, 2017 at 7:43 pm

    That was awesome! Love all the pics. And the lion is the cutest!

    Reply
    • Marta Darby says

      November 13, 2017 at 2:50 pm

      Gracias, Maria! (I think so, too.) xo

      Reply
  5. DULCE says

    November 14, 2017 at 10:51 am

    MAGICAL!!! LOVE IT.

    Reply
  6. Mercy Lorenzo says

    October 11, 2018 at 7:06 pm

    Omg this was just awesome! Love the story thanks for sharing it.

    Reply
  7. Maria says

    October 12, 2018 at 1:27 am

    This post made me smile!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

EXPERIENCE CASA DE LA LOMA

Casa de la Loma on Airbnb

My Cuban T-Shirt Designs

“Cuban T-Shirts

Subscribe to MBFCF Newsletter!

Never miss a post! Sign up with your email address to receive recipes, news and updates right in your inbox!

Cuban Foods Poster

“Cuba

Cuban Coffee Poster

“Cuba

Cuban Desserts Poster

“Cuba poster - Cuban desserts subway art print

Most Recent Posts

  • Santayana loves Celia
    August 29, 2024
  • Post Solar Eclipse – Café La Llave Giveaway
    April 16, 2024
  • REAL Snow: A Darby Family Adventure
    March 19, 2024
  • Dulce De Leche Cheesecake with Maria Cookie Crust
    January 29, 2024
  • Hispanic Heritage Coffee Basket Giveaway
    October 24, 2023

Cuban Recipes Cookbook

Cuban recipes with pictures cookbook from My Big Fat Cuban Family

Follow Me on Instagram

mybigfatcubanfamily

I love all things Cuban. I love to share stories, my family, food & recipes. I'm Marta. 💋🎉 @martadarby
Marta Darby Designs:
https://etsy.me/3ZWbWIS

Oh, the Cubanity!! 🇨🇺❤️#mybigfatcubanf Oh, the Cubanity!! 🇨🇺❤️#mybigfatcubanfamily
O’ Hi! 👋🏼 ☘️🇨🇺Always represent O’ Hi! 👋🏼 ☘️🇨🇺Always representing. 😉#mybigfatcubanfamily
#stpatricksday
Believe it. ☕️🥰❤️Happy Sunday, my fri Believe it. ☕️🥰❤️Happy Sunday, my friends. 🎉#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
#thedrinkofmypeople🇨🇺☕️
I’m super crazy in love with my Christmas tree.🥰
And @gloriaestefan singing about it makes it that much more beautiful. Am I right? 🤩I’m over here waiting (rather impatiently) for Noche Buena to arrive. ⏱️
Who’s with me? 👀☺️🎄🙌🏼❤️#arbolitodenavidad
#feliznavidad
#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
I have a gift for you today on the blog. 🎁 Thes I have a gift for you today on the blog. 🎁 These Classic Cuban Crema de Vie printable labels designed by the lovely and talented @lucyruthdarby // I also share the recipe for our amazing Cuban egg nog. // 🇨🇺❤️ Merry Christmas, my friends.🎄 #itsacubanthing
bit.ly/2QJV2Ka
Best way to get from here to Noche Buena. Bring on Best way to get from here to Noche Buena. Bring on the @cafelallave
💚🗝️☕️🎄💃🏻🎶Feliz Navidad!!🎶🪅#cafelallave
#thedrinkofmypeople🇨🇺☕️
Felicidades, @anaqooks !!! I can’t wait to dig i Felicidades, @anaqooks !!!
I can’t wait to dig in! So proud of you, my friend. 😘❤️🥰
Bacon Guava Cream Cheese Bites. You should totally Bacon Guava Cream Cheese Bites. You should totally make these for Thanksgiving. Also, practice taking bows and saying, “it was nothing.” 🇨🇺🎉🏆 Here’s the link -  bit.ly/GuavaBites #thefoodofmypeople #guavabites
A big a Thank You shoutout to @santayanajwlrs in M A big a Thank You shoutout to @santayanajwlrs in Miami for this gorgeous Celia Cruz quarter which they made into a FINE piece of jewelry. 🤩🇨🇺💃🏻🎶
I’ll be wearing it with great pride.
“Abre que voy! Cuida’o con Los callos!” 🎶
AZUCAR!!!#santayanajewelers
#celiacruzquarter
#mybigfatcubanfamily
Our favorite sound…🙌🏼☕️💚🗝️“Mas cafecito, por favor.” ☕️❤️#cafelallave☕️
#thedrinkofmypeople🇨🇺☕️
#mybigfatcubanfamily
I want to recommend this beautiful story to you. 📕
1) Because the author @titaramirezwriter writes with such an appreciation for Cubanity. 🇨🇺🙌🏼
2) Also, is this the BEST quintessentially Cuban book title ever?? yes. Yes it is. 🇨🇺❤️🌴Felicidades, Tita on such a delicious read. ❤️🏆#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
#dimelocantando
#tellittomesinging
I’m excited and proud to share that my shop, Mar I’m excited and proud to share that my shop, Marta Darby Designs on Etsy is back open for business! 🎉
I have food posters from many countries available in multiple colors. ⭐️
Choose from digital uploads, printed posters, or framed posters. (Link in bio)
Que pachanga! 💃🏻
Come take a look and shop around. You’re bound some to find something you love.❤️https://etsy.me/3ZWbWIS#cubanfoodposter
#martadarbydesigns
Croquetas > Pumpkin Spice
This is the truth. Don’t @ me. 🇨🇺
.
.
.
.
.#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
#mybigfatcubanfamily
#croquetas
#pumpkinspice
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m pretty easy to catch.
🤭#pastelitodeguayaba
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
AHORA SI!! 🚨 My friends at @santayanajwlrs le p AHORA SI!! 🚨
My friends at @santayanajwlrs le pusieron la tapa al pomo!
Have you seen the new Celia Cruz quarters?? 🇨🇺💰
Well, Santayana has designed this gorgeous piece of jewelry. Seriously. 🤩
I’ll tell you all about it over on my blog. 🗣️ Porque I have all the chisme on this gorgeous piece. ❤️I know. Im a little crazy about it because we Cuban Queens have to stick together. 😉Link in profile! ☝🏼 ¡AZÚCAR! 💃🏻https://www.mybigfatcubanfamily.com/2024/08/santayana-loves-celia/
My good friends at @albisacandles are celebrating My good friends at @albisacandles are celebrating that 5 Years ago they introduced the amazing Cuban Bread Candle into the world.🌎
Those of us who have difficulty finding Cuban Bread are so grateful for this very Cuban scent. 🇨🇺🥖
Congratulations, my friends! 🎉Try it. I promise you’ll never be the same. 🇨🇺🥖❤️Oh, the Cubanity! 🤯#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
#belikemarta. 🖖🏼😎
#cubanbread
#cubanbreadcandle
#albisacandles
This was my breakfast. ☕️
And my lunch. ☕️
And my afternoon snack. ☕️
Because CUBAN. 🇨🇺☕️Who’s with me? 🙋🏼‍♀️
Gracias, @cafelallave#cafelallave
#ohthecubanity
#cafecubano
It goes without saying. Because CUBAN! 🇨🇺🍮#cubanfood
#cubanflan🍮
#thefoodofmypeople🇨🇺
This is so real. 🇨🇺🥖🙈Thanks to my fr This is so real. 🇨🇺🥖🙈Thanks to my friend, @theyumyumfoodie ❤️🙏🏼#thefoodofourpeople
#ohthecubanity
We have known this our whole lives! “Oye, Chiqu We have known this our whole lives!
“Oye, Chiqui! Traéme el VIBAPORU!! 🎯💃🏻❤️🎉#mybigfatcubanfamily
#futbol
Follow on Instagram

Follow Marta On Social

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

FEATURED POSTS

  • My Big Fat Cuban Cooking Playlist
    November 21, 2016
  • Bacon Guava Cream Cheese Bites RecipeBacon Guava Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
    October 3, 2016
  • Chicken Soup Recipe - Cuban-styleChicken Soup Recipe: Cuban-style
    July 27, 2016
  • Picadillo Pies Recipe
    July 27, 2016
  • El Flan de La Reina Recipe
    July 27, 2016

Blog Archives

Recommended Services

Orange County Private Investigator
Enterprise SEO

Footer

Meet Marta

Marta Verdes Darby is a Cuban-American food blogger in South Orange County.

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Sign Up For My Newsletter

November 2017
MTWTFSS
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930 
« Oct   Dec »

Copyright © 2025 my big fat cuban family

 

Loading Comments...