When it comes to finding a Halloween costume for your little princess, you’ve been known to go the extra yard.

This year, stop by Amberella Gallery and treat her to a sweet confection by local designer Karen Clarke.

Scoop up a ready-made tutu (she’s got a few in the gallery’s signature rosy hues) or go the custom route: Tell her the color and style and she’ll stitch one in no time.

Simple tanks and layers of tulle (lined with soft tricot to stave off itchiness) are embellished with beads, ribbons, and flowers. And since Clarke lives just steps away, popping in for a quick fitting is a cinch.

It’s sure to measure up.

Available at Amberella Gallery, The Piazza at Schmidts, 1050 North Hancock Street, suite 62 (610-238-5669 or amberellagallery.wordpress.com). To see styles, go to fionasfairys.com.

FROLIC
PAWS Mutt Strut
What: March with your pooch (or rent one for the day) to raise funds for four-legged friends, then let ’em loose with bobbing for bones, an obstacle course, and vendors.
Why: Fur real.
When: Sat. Registration, 10 a.m.; parade, 11 a.m.
Where: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, 1900 Pattison Ave. (215-238-9901). To register or rent a dog, go to firstgiving.com.

CREATE
Fairmount Art Center
What: Classes for all ages that focus on music, movement, and art.
Why: Easel does it.
When: Enroll now for fall session beginning Nov. 3.
Where: 2501 Olive St. (215-765-2787). Register online at fairmountartcenter.com.

SPOOK
Rittenhouse Row Halloween Celebration
What: Trick-or-treating at area boutiques, a costume contest, and a family-friendly party with cupcake decorating, dancing, and more.
Why: Witch way?
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Costume contest, noon-2 p.m.; party, 2-4 p.m.
Where: Costume contest, The Shops at Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut St., at the rotunda; party, G Lounge, 111 S. 17th St. R.S.V.P. for party (required) to events@rittenhouserow.org.

Photo: Dawn Walsh

You couldn’t fathom scrimping on a crib and just had to have the best bedding.

By the time you got to the walls, you were all out of rations.

If your nursery is in need of affordable art, check out The Doodle Store’s selection of creative canvases. Local graphic designers (and parents) David and Kelly Robinson’s online shop offers bold prints at prices that won’t break the bank (or what’s left of it).

Styles range from flowers to farm animals; there are bugs, boats, teacups, and toy cars to match any decor. Plus, each six-inch-by-six-inch canvas is only $20, so you can afford a complete series.

And that’s something very near and dear to your art.

The Doodle Store (404-343-1372 or thedoodlestore.com). DailyCandy Kids subscribers get 25 percent off with code dailycandy at checkout; valid through February 1.

BARK
Howl-o-Ween Fall Festival
What: Radio Disney, doggie and kiddie costume contests, trick-or-treating, and more.
Why: It’s a pup party.
When: Sat., 1-6 p.m.
Where: Central Park, Atlantic Station, 245 18th St., Midtown (404-876-2616).

HOWL
Scream on the Green
What: An outdoor, costumed, and candy-filled screening of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Why: Some things are spookier under the stars.
When: Sat., movie starts at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave., Downtown (404-222-7275).

SCRATCH
The 101 Dalmatians Musical
What: A pile of real pups brings the show to life.
Why: The perfect dog day afternoon.
When: Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Thurs., 1 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Northwest Atlanta (770-916-2800).

Photo: Courtesy of The Doodle Store

Discussing the birds and the bees with your kids is a nightmare. But it’s even worse when your own urges vanish. It’s a tough (and hardly talked-about) topic. We turned to sexologist and sexuality educator Logan Levkoff for some answers.

How do you deal when you get the six-week “go ahead” after giving birth but you’re not ready to give the green light?
“Go ahead” simply means that physically you can have sex. But your partner won’t (and can’t) hear it that way. Granted, it’s not his fault. He has no idea what it feels like to have a multipound entity emerge out of his penis. So it’s our job to school them.

Class is in session. Opening remarks?
Most of us want nothing to do with sex until long after six weeks. We’re exhausted, we may still be spotting, and we’re most likely terrified of the potential pain. Let him know where your anxiety comes from and come up with solutions together. Don’t have uncomfortable, partner-pacifying sex.

Let’s talk tatas. I feel like my partner and my baby are in a battle for my boobs.
Whether he likes it or not, if you choose to breastfeed, he loses. Breastfeeding can confuse some men — they begin to think that they aren’t “needed” by us or the kids. But they should think of this as an opportunity to experiment. While one erogenous zone may be off limits, there’s plenty of uncharted territory to explore. (Just remind him that going right for the groin isn’t a turn-on.)

After delivering a baby, sex “feels” different, right?
Having a baby is physically traumatic. If you’re anxious and you tense up, sex is going to suck. You won’t be well lubricated, you won’t be emotionally into it, and your partner will probably sense your hesitation.

Stellar. What can we do to improve between-the-sheets action?
Doctors recommend Kegel exercises. Using lubricant during sex is essential. And a little erotica to get you in the mood doesn’t hurt either.

But sometimes all you want to do after the kids go to bed is put on pajamas and watch Top Chef.
I understand the need to tune out the rest of the world, but that can last only for so long. Sometimes doing it first on your own makes it easier to tackle with someone else.

Wait, you don’t mean … ?
Yes. It gives you an opportunity to remember what pleasure feels like without the pressure of having another person there. After a while, you’ll realize that pleasure is possible again and that you want to experience it with your partner.

Then let nature take its course.

Dreading the sex talk with your kids? Order a copy of Third Base Ain’t What It Used to Be: What Your Kids Are Learning About Sex Today online at amazon.com or by e-mailing logan@loganlevkoff.com.

20% off Tiny Prints and Free Address Labels
Halloween costume, check. Thanksgiving plans, check. Holiday cards, uh-oh. No big deal with Tiny Prints. Get 20% off orders over $99 — and a free set of address labels. Enter DCKIDS09 at checkout; valid thru Oct. 29.

Little Bean Shop Launches
The new web outpost of Christine Visneau’s (Baby Bean Vintage and Small Magazine) Dallas shop is an impeccably edited collection of Clover New York and Mini Rotation, plus Visneau’s online design exclusives.

Yo Gabba Gabba! Music Is Awesome!
The first soundtrack from the hit kids’ show features fresh tracks from The Shins, Of Montreal, The Roots, and Biz Markie. If your family isn’t addicted to the show yet, give these songs a whirl. You will be.

Photos: Christopher Watson / Flickr; Courtesy of Tiny Prints; Courtesy of Little Bean; Courtesy of Filter US Recordings

Ever since you had kids, love notes (and your sex life) have gone to the dogs.

So we caught up with Lord Whimsy, horticultural committee member of Bartram’s Garden and bon vivant, for some advice.

Font of Knowledge
Handwritten notes are fabulous in this e-mail-centric world, but don’t fret if you’ve got a serious case of chicken scratch; typed text can convey a range of emotions, too. Go with Georgia for a sweet, light tone; a lacy script lends a romantic touch.

This Bud’s for You
Sprinkling a few petals into the envelope makes for a total sensory experience. Take it to another level by brushing up on Victorian flower symbolism. Red roses boldly say trousers off, while forget-me-nots chastely express eternal love.

Location, Location, Location
Hiding a missive under the pillow is one way to woo, but creativity gets extra points. If you’ve got a java junkie on your hands, have the local barista slip the letter to your sweetie during his morning coffee run. Or tie it with a bit of ribbon to Fido’s collar.

That’ll ensure some heavy petting.

For more dandified tips, go to lordwhimsy.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Plankton Art Co.

HUSH
Whispers Along the Wissahickon
What: Enjoy an evening with dinner, a night hike, and a hayride. Then get toasty alongside the campfire.
Why: Fall back.
When: Fri., 5:30-9 p.m.
Where: Wissahickon Environmental Center, 300 Northwestern Ave. (215-247-0417). Tickets online at fow.org.

PERUSE
Autumn Craft Fair
What: Watch traditional craftspeople in action; then stock up on their wares while kids paint pumpkins, fill up on cider and cookies, and hear Betsy tell a story.
Why: Spin a yarn.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St. (215-686-1252).

SEE
Space Chimps
What: View a silly movie about monkeys on a mission and make a cape for Halloween with help from The Handwork Studio.
Why: Go ape.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.
Where: Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr (610-527-9898).

The fearmongers love Halloween. The 1988 headline: Beware of razor blades in candy bars! In 2009: Excess candy consumption leads to a life of crime!

But what scares you every year is putting together an ensemble that will knock ’em dead.

We asked Where the Wild Things Are costume designer Casey Storm for tips on building a homemade costume box you can use year-round. So you’ll never have to be frightened again.

Get in Character
Don’t limit creativity. If they can imagine a character, it can be part of their repertoire. Begin with the basics — a monster, pirate, princess, scary animal, superhero — to build your costume confidence.

Make It a Family Affair
Boots from your closet work for pirates and superheroes (ditto old tights). Grandma’s fuzzy sweaters make an animal’s furry coat. Grandpa’s outdated specs with popped-out lenses say secret agent, Einstein, or Harry Potter. A vest from a three-piece suit is perfect for a cowboy, cowgirl, or genie. And load up on everyone’s hats. Because hats are cool.

Be Thrifty
Make it a date and hit garage sales with your wee ones for vintage fabrics and jewelry. Things that sparkle turn ordinary items (tees, pants, dresses) into something special.

Stay Close to Home
Old towels and bath sheets can be transformed into capes and cut into strips for armbands and headbands.

And remember, stuffed animals make the best sidekicks.

Where the Wild Things Are opens tomorrow. To find a theater near you, go to fandango.com.

25% off Lil’ Swanky
Get big savings on clothing for lil’ swankies — Lola & James, Kingsley, Little Ella, Okkies, Splendid Littles, and more. Enter code Dckids25; valid thru Oct. 29.

We’ve Got a Case of the Whyzz.com
Kid-friendly explanations to pressing questions, from “Why is grass green?” to “How come I can’t play with my food?” Plus, activities and experiments to reinforce the answers with more than “because I said so.”

Totsy.com Launches
You’re invited to the latest private sale site for kids and moms, where you’ll get 40-70 percent off lines like Kettler, My Vintage Baby, and Twirls & Twigs. Just click the I Have an Invitation Code button, enter DailyCandy in the code field, and fill out your info.

Photos: Matt Nettheim / Courtesy of Where the Wild Things Are; Courtesy of Lil’ Swanky; Courtesy of Whyzz.com; Courtesy of Totsy.com

A rose by any other name may smell as sweet.

But when it comes to charm, DevonRose is no garden-variety collection.

The line’s simple frocks and playful separates are perfect for piling on. Layer the denim dress, with delightful Japanese animal-print trim, with a scarf and leggings. Keep stems warm in denim leggings with lace ruffles that look sweet for any occasion.

Green sportster pants are tough to beat as a staple for the boys.

And when things heat up, the light fabrics transition nicely into spring.

Making each piece a perennial wardrobe addition.

Available at Little Bean, 5308 Junius Street (214-370-9111 or littlebeanshop.com); online at etsy.com.

FIND
The Perfect Pumpkin
What: Spend a day at the farm — catch a hay ride, feed the animals, and pick a pumpky from the patch.
Why: Squash a Saturday.
When: Thru Nov. 7. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Big Orange Pumpkin Farm, 5518 County Rd. 126, Celina (972-382-4995).

SCORE
A Free Meal
What: Kids eat free at Chipotle Mexican Grill with your purchase of a burrito, bowl, taco, or salad.
Why: Taste-test the new kids’ menu.
When: Sun. Hours vary by location.
Where: To find locations, go to chipotle.com.

SHOP
NPPDS Garage Sale
What: Gently used home decor, clothing, and piles of baby gear for a steal.
Why: Twice as nice.
When: Fri., 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: NorthPark Presbyterian Day School, 9555 N. Central Expwy. (214-363-5457).

With flu season at the door, it’s no wonder you’ve got a major case of the heebie-jeebies.

Likewise for Julian Rodriguez, the 8-year-old germaphobe who takes center stage in the graphic novel written and illustrated by local author Alexander Stadler.

The precocious protagonist fancies himself a space officer on a mission, but when he faces an onslaught of relatives, his patience is thoroughly tested. Kids will no doubt identify with his dislike of peas, stew, and unwarranted squeezes from Nana.

Stadler’s nice enough to add a personalized message when you pick up a copy at Joseph Fox Bookshop.

Now that’s something we hope is contagious.

Available at Joseph Fox Bookshop, 1724 Sansom Street (215-563-4184 or foxbookshop.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Scholastic

OGLE
Peoplehood Parade and Pageant
What: Watch the procession filled with puppets and papier-mâché sculptures wind through the streets, then catch their epic performance celebrating diversity.
Why: Follow the leader.
When: Sat. Parade, 1 p.m.; pageant, 2 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at Paul Robeson House, 4949 Walnut St. (215-222-6979); pageant, Clark Park, b/t Chester Ave. & 45th St., at the bowl. Map online at spiralq.org.

BEND
Little Boddhi Kids Yoga
What: Twisty tots (ages 2-4) get flexible with age-appropriate activities like storytelling and journaling.
Why: A stretch of the imagination.
When: Sign up now for session starting Oct. 17.
Where: Balance Health Center, 112 S. 20th St. (215-751-0344). Registration required.

SWING
Spooky Mini Golf
What: Music, fog, and lighting give the course a festive feel.
Why: Ghoul in one.
When: Thru Nov. 1. Sat. & Sun., dusk.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St. (215-629-4026).

They say the oral stage ends before preschool. Try telling that to your paci-addicted 3-year-old.

Why not offer up a Better Bottle instead? The latest from Petaluma-based CamelBak, this mini rendition of the popular adult version has no choking parts and can be used for water, juice, or milk. Durable, dishwasher safe, and entirely BPA and phalate free, the clever design vanquishes all seven of the deadly sippy cup sins (toxic, leak prone, ugly, smelly, fragile, boring, and difficult to clean).

The secret sauce here is in the cap, which is fitted with a button-activated pop-up silicone bite valve. To drink, Kiddo flips open the valve and chomps down lightly while sipping or sucking.

Chew on that.

Available at REI, 840 Brannan Street (415-934-1938 or rei.com). To see styles, go to camelbak.com.

Photo: Courtesy of CamelBak

LISTEN
Lit Crawl at Paxton Gate: Edward Gorey Story Hour
What: A free Litquake storytelling event featuring Edward Gorey shorts and readers Em Gift and Michele Menard.
Why: Book it.
When: Sat., 6-7 p.m.
Where: Paxton Gate’s Curiosities for Kids, 766 Valencia St., b/t 18th & 19th Sts. (415-252-9990).

CELEBRATE
Fiesta on the Hill
What: An annual street fair boasting live music, a dunk tank, and friendly community vibe to benefit the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center.
Why: You’re taking it to the streets.
When: Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Cortland Ave., b/t Bennington & Gates Sts.

COOK
Book signing for The Trader Joe’s Companion: a Portable Cookbook
What: Wona Miniati, a local mom behind Cooking with All Things Trader Joe’s, dishes on her new take-to-the-store compendium of busy-mom gourmet recipes.
Why: They’re no flash in the pan.
When: Sat., 4 p.m.
Where: Borders Stonestown, 3251 20th Ave., Stonestown Galleria (415-759-2626).

A Saturday-night sitter. Grass-fed beef.

There are certain things you’re willing to pony up for no matter the cost.

A dress for your tiny dancer hasn’t cracked the top ten.

Cancel your Brazilian; Whitten Grey has launched online. The girls’ line uses organic fabrics to create timeless pieces with schoolgirl charm. This season’s collection includes a gray wool jumper, crisp white blouse with Peter Pan collar, and retro bamboo shift dresses.

And though spending $100 (or more) on a frock may be hard to justify, Project Little Grey Dress makes good use of every dime. With every purchase, Whitten Grey gives a dress to a girl in need. And you get to choose the color of the dress, the country of donation, and craft a brief note for the recipient.

Making it worth its weight in gold.

Available online at whittengrey.com.

Photo: Gretchen Easton Photography / Courtesy of Whitten Grey

25% off Hijkids Apparel
Get a crafty discount on tops, bottoms, and dresses from the likes of Saurette and Pink Chicken — includes all sale apparel items. Enter code SWEET25 at checkout; valid thru Oct. 15.

Read for the Record
Join Jumpstart and raise awareness for early childhood education. Sponsor a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar for a child in need and pledge to read with your littles tonight. You’ll help achieve Jumpstart’s goal of reaching one million kids.

MasonGray Furniture from Ducduc Creators
The team behind the modern nursery line launches a traditional collection with silhouettes rooted in the past. From cribs and changing tables to queen beds and armoires — it’s all manufactured in Connecticut, finished by hand, and designed to last.

Photos: Gretchen Easton / Courtesy of Whitten Grey; Courtesy of Hijkids; Courtesy of Jumpstart; Courtesy of MasonGray

Organic fabrics create timeless pieces with schoolgirl charm. And with every purchase Whitten Grey’s Project Little Grey Dress gives a dress to a girl in need.

Get the full story on Whitten Grey.

Finding activities to keep them busy all year can be like searching for lost booty.

Well, X marks the spot with the Hike the Highlands Scavenger Hunt. It’s an interactive way to enjoy the great outdoors.

Download the questions or pick up a set of cards at locations around the city. Not to worry if your cub gets pooped easily; most of the answers can be found toward the beginning of the trails.

Trek to at least three parks (just out of town is the Schuylkill River Trail, or take a trip to the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site for apple picking) then submit your answers online. You’ll be eligible to win outdoorsy prizes in monthly drawings.

Plus, at each spot there’s changing leaves and oodles of fresh air.

Which is something everyone will treasure.

Hike the Highlands (610-868-6906 or outdoors.org). Through October 31.

Photo: Tom Gettings

SCORE
Video Games Live
What: Hear music from favorites like Zelda and Tetris accompanied by a light show, or just drop by for the free festival with costume contests and guest appearances.
Why: En-joystick.
When: Sun. Festival, 1:30 & 6 p.m.; show, 3 & 7:30 p.m.
Where: Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St. Tickets at 215-893-1999 or tickets.kimmelcenter.org.

CONSTRUCT
Mini Model Build
What: Lil’ blockheads (ages 6-14) learn to put together a tiny pumpkin and take it home for free.
Why: Assembly line.
When: Tues., 5-7 p.m. Get there early, supplies go fast.
Where: The Lego Store, King of Prussia Mall, 160 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia (610-337-3203).

SAVE
One Fish Two Fish Old Fish New Fish
What: Scoop up bargains on clothing, gear, and toys at this brand new consignment shop.
Why: Tag sale.
When: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 741 S. Fourth St. (215-687-7356).