almost t-shirt weather

If I could, I would spend every day in jeans and t-shirts. So when a former colleague pointed me toward Threadless, I was intrigued. And with temperatures reaching an incredible 8 degrees today and summer just around the corner (okay maybe several corners) it seems the perfect time for an addition to my wardrobe.

It wasn't easy, but I eventually managed to narrow the selection down to a few favourites:

Poe-etic Irony indeed. But just a little too disturbing.

Vampires Beware. Some sound recommendations here. But I don't need a constant reminder of my vampire phobia.

Billy Says It's Haunted. And perhaps it is. But the glow-in-the-dark ghosts are way too gimmicky.

Monster Mash Collaboration of Horror. Perfect. The ideal balance of classic and . . . not so classic monsters.

And because I can't resist the lure of golden age comics: The League of Cliche Evil Super Villains.

And since I can't possibly be expected to choose between monsters and super villains, I'll just have to order both.

Okay, Hear Me Out...

Pingpong balls. With little Jack faces drawn on them. And then:


How To: Ping Pong Ball Lights - More DIY How To Projects

Wow that would be cute Halloween lighting.

Golly Gee

Gosh! Some of you are getting quite impatient.
I hope you don't mind waiting just one more day?
Merriment begins on 3.1.09

Specimen Jar Candles

I'm dipping my toe back into the blog -- slowly. I still ache from this week, and it's not even over yet.

Using fruits and vegetables, Ms. Martha made some lovely "specimen jar candles." I think the cauliflower reads the best as a shriveled brain. The grapes just look like - well - grapes.

Of course, you could probably do something similar with teeth and eyes. Or check our her jars (that aren't candles)! Those are pretty sweet - and you could theoretically make little plaster-cast feet (like the one on that table) to use in a big, big candle jar. Certain dried plants might work better as well.

Mmm. I miss the spooky, but my heart isn't fully into this yet.

Speaking of, what would make a good replacement for a heart in a candle jar...

Purim Costumes for Children and Adults

Purim is March 9, 2009

Purim is a Jewish holiday celebrated by dressing up in costume. For more on Purim, see the Purim wikipedia page.

See All Purim Costumes & Accessories at AnniesCostumes.com

Springtime in Etsy

Newly added items in Etsy!

my Lenten journey

I never give up anything for Lent. When I was a child, my parents always fasted on some favourite treat during those long weeks between Ash Wednesday and Easter, and I felt compelled to at least try to give up something . . . usually candy. What was I thinking? It was doomed to failure. Usually by the second day.

Since then, I have considered the act of fasting during Lent akin to making New Year's resolutions. I've long since acknowledged that I have no willpower, so why set myself up for failure? But this year, I've decided to attempt a variation on the theme. Not completely giving up something that I love dearly. But rather, imposing restrictions. Severe restrictions.

When I lost my job last December, I tried to emphasize the positive side. I would have more time. More time to develop a new hobby or learn a new skill. More time to devote to Halloween props and ideas. More time to make my own pizza dough. More time to organize my photographs and scrapbooks. More time to spend outdoors. More time to start writing that novel. More time to finish the numerous other projects scattered around the house (in various stages of completion). More time to spend on the Internet . . . staying in touch with friends and family, exploring new interests, searching for inspiration.

And therein lies the problem.

I've devoted countless hours these past couple of months to online activities. Facebook, blogs, podcasts, forums, websites, Twitter. My offline activities, however, have languished and withered like a jack-o-lantern in November.

So like the witch in the photograph, I'm picking up my pumpkin and walking away. Not completely, of course. Like my childhood attempt at candy withdrawal, I wouldn't last a day. Instead, I'm going to attempt to limit myself to one hour of recreational Internet use each day from now until Easter. One hour. I'll have to repeat that to myself a few times. And I anticipate one of two things happening.

Worst case scenario: I won't make it past the second day.

Best case scenario: I'll enjoy an incredibly productive and creative few weeks. And when Easter weekend arrives, I'll indulge in chocolate bunnies and a marathon of online activity.

Or, at the very least, I'll have had some great homemade pizza.

Hippity Skippity...

Just four more days until the big announcement!

pancake day

Happy Shrove Tuesday! Mmmmmm . . . pancakes.

the quick

Today I played witness to the laying off of friends. It was not pretty.

I'm feeling the guilt of continued employment, but who knows how long that will last (the employment, not the guilt - I expect the mislaid guilt to continue for awhile)?

I don't know that I'll be up to blogging for a few days, friends. Post lots of pretty, spooky things for me?

Have a Mardi Gras Party at Universal Studios Orlando

Every year Universal Studios Orlando throws an awesome Mardi Gras party complete with parades, beads, costumed performers and concerts. Universal Studio's Mardi Gras party goes on now through April 18th with live concerts every weekend! This is a great way to celebrate Mardi Gras in Florida while it is winter everywhere else, the weather here is beautiful. And the $99 deal for both parks is a great bargain!



Note that Universal Studios does not let you enter the parks in full costume, but you can always bring beads, and hats and such! Visit MardiGrasCostumes.com to get ready for the big day!

Be a Part of Mardi Gras New Orleans with Web Cams!

Don't feel left out if you aren't in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. You can see all the action from several live Mardi Gras New Orleans web cams set up by NOLA.com!

Now is your chance to be a part of the party and get in on the New Orleans Mardi Gras action!

Congrats to Oscar Winners for Costume Design & Makeup

Congratulations to Michael O'Connor for winning the Oscar for Costume Design!

I am pleased to see that the beautiful period costumes from The Duchess won the Oscar Award for Best Costumes in a Film for 2008. The costume designer is Michael O'Connor and his designs on Keira Knightley were absolutely stunning in her role and she wore the costumes so well.













You can find your own beautiful period costume masterpiece at AnniesCostumes.com

The Academy Award for Makeup went to Greg Cannom for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'. The transformation they achieved in this movie is really amazing!



You can find makeup to achieve epic transformations yourself at StageandTheaterMakeup.com

See the Costumes from The Duchess and other Oscar Nominated Films

Costumes from "The Duchess" to appear at Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition

Costumes from the movie "The Duchess" starring Keira Knightley as Princess Diana's ancestor Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire are set to appear as part of the "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition.

The movie has already been nominated for five Oscar nominees for best costume design.

The costumes set to appear at the exhibition will be joined by costumes, accessories and props from more than 20 other films for the Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition, which will open to the public on Wednesday January 28th '09 and remain on view through March 29th '09.

What: The 17th annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition featuring clothing, accessories and props from recent films, including several current Oscar nominees.

When: 10 am. to 4 pm. Wednesdays through Sundays from Wednesday through March 29.

Where: FIDM Museum & Galleries at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, 919 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.

Admission: Free. Guided tours for 10 or more people are available by prior arrangement at the cost of $10 per person.

Information: 213-624-1200, ext. 2224.

You can also get your own period costume masterpiece from Annies Costumes!

Motion for Mardi Gras to be an official holiday!

Motion for Mardi Gras is a new effort to make Mardi Gras an official holiday. Please visit www.motionformardigras.com to sign the petition!

Fat Tuesday is Fast Approaching!

Get ready for a Mardi Gras Party! Fat Tuesday is this Tuesday, February 24, 2009. It's not too late to order Mardi Gras costumes, hats or party supplies to have them in time for Fat Tuesday. Just place your order with next business day shipping by 2pm EST on Monday, Feb 23, 2009 and it will be delivered by end of business on Tuesday.

Let the Good Times Roll or as they say in the French Quarter: "Laissez les bons temps rouler."

You can have your own Mardi Gras celebration no matter where you are. Add some Mardi Gras masks and beads. Check out Mardi Gras recipes and traditions. And don't forget the King Cake for dessert!

You can also celebrate Mardi Gras all week long and any time of the year!

Celebrate Mardi Gras with gift basket gifts:

Costume Design Oscar Nominees for 2009

Good luck to all the costume designers who have been nominated for an Oscar award this year! And the list is:

'Australia'
Catherine Martin



'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'
Jacqueline West



'Milk'
Danny Glicker



'Revolutionary Road'
Albert Wolsky



'The Duchess'
Michael O'Connor



Who do you think will take home the Oscar for costume design? My guess is Michael O-Connor for The Duchess, the beautiful period pieces are exquisitely elegant!

If you are looking for your own period costume masterpiece, you can find your own at AnniesCostumes.com

The Nominees for the Oscar for Makeup are:

Greg Cannom for 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'


John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O'Sullivan for 'The Dark Knight'


Mike Elizalde and Thom Floutz for Hellboy II: The Golden Army


Get your own theatrical makeup disguise at: StageandTheaterMakeup.com

Introducing MagicianJackMaxwell.com

Introducing Magician Jack Maxwell's new website: http://www.MagicianJackMaxwell.com

Jack Maxwell is a magician without limits. The stunning effects of his magic will dance in your mind, while his charm takes audiences on a journey of wonder and amazement. Jack’s unbelievable sleight of hand and rapid-fire wit creates an entertainment experience like no other. Featured in Magic DVD’s, lectures, and workshops as well, as an author and inventor of magic, Jack Maxwell has mentored and trained many magicians from around the globe on new techniques and ways to improve their craft.

Jack’s love affair with magic started over 20 years ago with the support of his parents. In 2003, he opened “The Wizard’s Apprentice” magic store in Hollywood, Florida, making him the youngest magician to ever own and operate a magic store. With the growing demand of Jack’s performances, Jack is moving his magic store to an online sales retailer in order to free up the time needed to perform more shows.

Pumpkin Post

BHG had a great idea for suspending a jack-o-lantern pumpkin by wire from a Shepherd's crook. I think it looks lovely.

I would need to do some testing for kinds of wire, how best to suspend the pumpkin, etc -- but this seems like the perfect way to use pumpkin lanterns as ambient lighting around an outdoor party.

How fortuitous - my wedding is outside, as is the reception.

it's all about image

I've had an epiphany.

Last week, following the purchase of my first Wychcraft beer, and subsequent discovery and admiration of the brewery's line of themed beers and ciders and their accompanying imagery, I realized something.

It isn't about the beer at all.

I'm not even terribly fond of beer.

And while I do believe I would enjoy a true pumpkin ale with it's lingering aroma of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon, most of the "pumpkin" or "Halloween" beer I have had the opportunity to try has been mediocre, or at best . . . acceptable.

But the bottles themselves. Or, more specifically, the labels. This is where the wonderful flavours of the season truly reside.

In fact, someone could drink the beer and simply give me the empty bottles to add to my collection. I think I'd be okay with that.

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