New Years Celebrations

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,
it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness,
it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity,
it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness,
it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair"
Charles Dickens

A fond farewell to 2008.
Wishing you all Peace and Prosperity in 2009.

Party Pumpkin now available in my Etsy shop

Where in the World is Santa?

Track Santa as he makes his way around the world this 

Christmas Eve. Ho Ho Ho!

Merry Christmas, Hapy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays from the Extreme Halloween Family!

From our family to yours, we hope that the holidays bring you happiness, peace and joy!

christmas nightmare

In Octobers past, I would journey through the swirling leaves to my local movie shops in search of a copy of The Nightmare Before Christmas. The perfect choice for Halloween movie viewing. Or so I believed. I searched the aisles and walls of DVD's in Blockbuster, in Video Difference, in HMV, in Music World, even in Wal-Mart, only to be greeted with the same resounding: "No". "No, we don't stock that movie until a little closer to Christmas. It's actually a Christmas movie. Sorry." Christmas movie? But it's The Nightmare Before Christmas, I reasoned. Unsuccessfully. Bewildered, I would return home empty-handed to console myself with the Treehouse of Horror and the Great Pumpkin.

Until this year . . .

Yes, this year a new DVD version of said movie was released. And released, no less, in October, putting a merciful end to my futile quests and, once and for all, answering that age-old question: is it a Halloween movie or is it a Christmas Movie? Happily the answer is: Yes! Yes, the classic tale of Jack and his identity crisis is a Halloween movie. Of course it is. But, if, like some of us, your Halloween movie-viewing was dominated by classic Universal monster movies and you simply weren't able to fit it in before October 31st, no problem. It doesn't have to remain on the DVD shelf until next autumn. No. Because this tale of goodwill is also a Christmas movie. Equally enjoyable with a glass of eggnog as with miniature chocolate bars. Halloween or Christmas. Halloween and Christmas. You simply can't watch it too many times. And you'll want to save some eggnog for (arguably) the best scene in the movie in which one of Jack's well-intentioned but miguided Christmas presents, a giant snake, devours a silver aluminum Christmas tree. Classic.

Photo Source

Seven days of Christmas.

Seven days of Christmas. Seven days of an inbox full
of messages. What a treat to come home to find your
kind words. It felt like Christmas every day and I thank
you for that. I now know how the Grinch felt when
his small heart grew 3 sizes in one day.

The winner of the ornament GIVEAWAY is:
Laura of Decor to Adore

Santa's March for Record - 14,000

Fernando Veludo, AFP / Getty Images

More than 14,000 people dressed as Santa Claus marched in the annual Santa Claus parade in Porto, Portugal, Dec. 14. The group aimed to break a Guinness World Record with the feat, and to raise money for charity. The crowd was singing and dancing from the afternoon until well after dark. Although the weather was against them (cold and drizziling) 14,200 showed up to march out of 17,400, everyone involved donating 1 euro to needy children. According to the Guinness World Records web site (http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com), the previous world record for the largest gathering of Santas was set last year in Derry City, Northern Ireland, where a total of 12,965 people took part dressed up as Santa or Santa's helpers.

Having your own santa march or pub crawl? Check us out www.santasuits.com buy 10 santa suits get the 11th free!!!

Festive NY Giants Fan Kicked Out of Game

Sondra Fortunato, the New York Giants' most iconic fan, was kicked out of the Giants' December 7th game versus Philadelphia. She was asked to leave because she brought signs and a bag to the game. 

However, her skimpy wardrobe may also have played a role in her ejection from the game.  She showed up in a santa costume, complete with fishnet stockings, a bathing suit bottom and high heeled boots! 

Whether Sondra was asked to leave the game because of her costume choice or what she brought to the game, out-do her this Christmas with your own Sexy Santa Costume from Annie's Costumes.

it's beginning to look a lot like . . . halloween?

I love Christmas. I love Christmas just as much as I love Halloween - although for very different reasons. Now there are those who adhere to strict rules about holiday decorating: the segregationists. When Halloween is over, it's over. The orange and black decorations immediately come down to be replaced soon after by the red and green of Christmas. Pumpkins and witches and their ilk will not be seen, nor heard, nor spoken of until the leaves begin to fall again months into the future.

I, however, do not adhere to this belief. No, nothing makes me happier than when my two favourite holidays collide and co-exist in the same space and time, as is happening right now on the branches of my Christmas tree. These three - the witch, the owl and the dapper little pumpkinhead - returned home with me from my last October excursions to Salem. It was difficult to select just three of them from the crowd, but sufficient funds were necessary for the journey back home. I think these three look very much at home on the branches, not at all self-conscious about being outnumbered by reindeer and snowmen. And, in keeping with this season of goodwill, the snowmen, reindeer and assorted santas have been generous and welcoming, providing the new arrivals with a warm home amongst the ribbon and glowing lights. Yes, even the venerable Christmas Chicken, who sits atop the tree, seems to be smiling down kindly. Proof that two wonderful holidays can indeed come together in the spirit of celebration. True, pumpkinhead appears to be missing a few teeth, but I'm sure it's nothing to worry about . . .

'Tis the season.

Hope

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet,
enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to
keep you human, enough hope to keep your soul awake.

Chubby Cherub Theater of Hope now on eBay.
Click here for link.
There's still time to enter my Christmas Ornament GIVEAWAY.
See post below for details.

It's a Giveaway!

It's hard to believe that we are just a few weeks away from
the beginning of a new year and with it hopes of new direction,
a chance to establish new traditions and the promise of
endless possibilities. I wish you a joyful present and a
well remembered past. Best wishes for happy holidays
and a magnificent new year.
• • • • • •
Now, on to the GIVEAWAY!
Simply leave me a comment and your contact information for
a chance to win this Winter Ornament. I will be drawing
the winning name on December 19th. Best of luck to all who enter!

Holiday Ornaments

The uber talented Dani from Ambitions Design has graciously

asked me to be the featured guest artist on her SpookyTime Jingles
site for the December 13th post. Stop by and check out the many
talented artist and finish up your Christmas shopping while
supporting our local economy and the Handmade Industry.
These Holiday Ornaments are now available on SpookyTime Jingles,
click on the Halloween Page and the Christmas page to see them
all or email me a line at: valeriotedesign@comcast.net.
Be sure to indicate which ornament(s) you'd like to purchase.

Peek a boo...I see a...
BLOG GIVEAWAY!
Check back tomorrow to enter the drawing.

Final Holiday Sale

Grinning from ear to ear with Holiday excitement!
I'm finishing up the last of the Holiday pieces for 2008:
One for eBay, eight for a web sale and one for a giveaway!
Check back on Saturday for exciting details!

Dr. Acula Dies at 92

Forrest J. Ackerman, writer-editor who coined the term "Sci-Fi," died Saturday at age 92.

He began his career by editing the first movie monster magazine: Famous Monsters of Filmland, referring to himself as "Dr. Acula." Ackerman also created and wrote the stories of Vampirella and Jeanie of Questar. 

Above all, Ackerman loved collecting horror memorabilia. He collected some 300,000 items in his lifetime, including books, movie stills, posters, props and masks from Sci-Fi, horror and fantasy films.

In 1954, Ackerman coined the term "Sci-Fi" after hearing "hi-fi" mentioned on the radio. 

A documentary of Ackerman's life, made by Forrest's friend, John Sasser, is underway.

New iPhone Application for Comic Book Enthusiasts

ComiXology is now avaliable for download on the iPhone and iPod Touch for $3.99.

ComiXology is a website featuring information about the comic book market, including new releases, social networking, weekly columns and user ratings. 

The ComiXology app extends this information to iPhone and iPod Touch users via a different interface. The app allows you to browse all comics, review descriptions and covers of recent publications, read articles and subscribe to a weekly podcast on your phone or iPod.

Hugh Jackman Wears His Movie Costumes for Sex!

WOW! What a headline! I came across this article this week and not sure if it falls under TMI or HOT!

Evidently, Hugh Jackman's wife likes for him to bring a little piece of his work home with him!

Excerpt from the article:

The 'Australia' actor - who has two adopted children with wife Deborra-Lee Furness - often keeps his outfits from films including 'X-Men', when he played sexy mutant Wolverine

, to impress in the bedroom .

Hugh - who has been named the Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine - said: "It's easy with my wife. She loves the idea of me coming home in costume because it makes her feel like she's having an affair in a good way.

"When we met, I was cast as a prisoner with tattoos and she'd say, 'Don't take your tattoos off tonight!' and I'd be like, 'All right!' But what works best with her is the stockbroker look."

Looks like Hugh Jackman will have a new Wolverine costume to take home and play with soon. X-Men Origins: Wolverine premiers May 1, 2009 and will be the start of a costume filled summer at the movies, with Star Trek, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince to follow, just to name a few!

Holiday Sale at SantaSuits.com

Save big this holiday season with our 15% OFF sale going on now at SantaSuits.com!

Use coupon code SANTASALE to save 15% off of your order of $50 or more.

Hurry, this sale will end soon!

Delivery in time for Christmas is guaranteed and a Christmas costume or outfit for kids or adults will definitely brighten up everyone's holiday!

SantaSuits.com features Santa Suits for every size and every budget. Currently in stock over 50 different styles and sizes of Santa Costumes in sizes for children all the way up to 3XL adult sizes.

Extreme Makeover

An ugly duckling tale of sorts. What began as a
recycling makeover project of a old, chipped egg cup
turned out to be a lovely holiday decoration.
Available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

Vintage Mica Snow

I just love Vintage Mica Snow! I just can't seem to get
enough of the sparkling stuff. To see more of these glittery
delights hop on over to my Etsy shop.

And so it begins...

I hope you have had a chance to check out the night sky

to see the rare alignment of Venus, Jupiter and
the crescent Moon. It is spectacular! Depending on where
you live in the world this planetary alignment can be seen
as a smiley face. Having the Heavens smiling down on us
in these turbulent times is a comforting thought.
I don't know if these heavenly bodies have had any play in
my productive and creative week but I couldn' t be happier.
These trinket boxes can be found in my Etsy shop. Enjoy!

Is Santa Wearing His Suit?

What would Christmas be with without Santa in his Suit? We have stocked up on Santa Claus' clothing and everything you will need for the ideal Santa costume. From coats, pants hats, gloves and more there is an entire website filled with everything to help Santa get dressed this Holiday season.

We also helps those who are attending themed holiday events with selecting the perfect outfits. Everything from naughty to nice costumes, including Mrs. Claus, elves and reindeer.

BUY 10 SANTA SUITS GET THE 11TH FREE!

Have a group Santa event? If you are having an event and need multiple Santa Suits for a great price, we have the deal for you!
Running of the Santas?
Santa Pub Crawl?

We are running a special on our 6 PC Ply- Flannel Santa Suit - Standard Size. It sells for $32.95 and for a limited time, buy 10 Santa Suits and get the 11th Santa Suit Free!

The 6 PC Ply-Flannel Santa Suit includes: Red pullover jacket w/ white fur trim, red pants w/ pockets, boot covers w/ white fur trim on top, black belt w/ 2x4" buckle, red hat w/ white fur trim and gloves.

That is 11 complete Santa Suit costumes for just $329.50!

See http://www.SantaSuits.com/santas.htm for details!

And if this particular Santa Suit does not fit your needs, we have over 50 Santa Suits to choose from! Also see our Santa Suit Description Guide for help in selecting the right Santa Suit for your needs and budget!

Gifts for Children who like to Dress Up

Thinking of the perfect gift for a child with all the imagination in the world? Do you know a kid who is always "playing pretend" and dressing up in characters' clothes?

Annie's Costumes has the perfect gift for children who like to dress up. Tons of our popular Halloween costumes are already at discounted prices and we have an entire page dedicated to little one's dress up gear.

Browse our selection of baby, toddler, child and teen costumes including animals, Disney characters, popular movie characters, superheroes and more.

Twilight: Breaking all Kinds of Vampire Rules

Twilight is the first motion picture installment of Stephanie Meyer's vampire series.

The strange thing is, these vampires don't have fangs. In fact, not a single fang is shown in the entire movie.

Even stranger is the fact that the vampires in the movie have a giant cross in their house.

With all that, it doesn't even seem wrong that these vampires can go outside during the day - Stephanie Meyer has effectively redefined what it means to be a vampire.

Check out the Trailer:

Christmas time is here...

December 1st has arrived and the count
down to Christmas has begun!
I am surrounded by sparkles and glitter,
grins and giggles, ribbons and fluff and
all the magical things this season brings.
Lots of fun, new ornaments will be
available for purchase by the week's end
in my Etsy shop. Happy Holiday shopping!

Thanksgiving Weekend Sale Going on Now!

Save 20% off any order from SantaSuits.com. Use coupon code TDAY on orders $50.00 or more. Have a great holiday and happy shopping! Hurry, sale ends December 1st.

Costumes are not just for Halloween. SantaSuits.com features a great selection of Christmas costumes.

Santa Suits for any wallet and any size, up to 3XL

Mrs. Claus, Santa's Helper costumes

Elf costumes and more

Reindeer and Snowman mascot costumes

Christmas Costumes for Kids

Christmas Costumes for Babies and Baby's First Christmas Outfits

Biblical Costumes for passion plays and Manger Scenes

Happy Thanksgiving from Extreme Halloween

The Extreme Halloween family is thankful to our customers for their support, we thank our staff for all their help and we are most thankful for having a family that can work together!

From the Extreme Halloween Family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween Costumes in Movies Quiz

See if you can remember who wore Halloween costumes in which movies in this Halloween costume movie quiz from AMC.

The quiz asks about the Halloween costumes worn in Donnie Darko, E.T., The Addams Family and other popular movies. Good luck!

1 to 1 ATC Swap - Heather Bloom

I received these fantastic ATCs in a 1 to 1 swap with Heather Bloom. Such wonderful detail and I love the house shape. Aren't they just the cutest thing! Thanks so much Heather for a wonderful swap!

Dress Up Thanksgiving in a Different Way

"Its More fun in Costume" and that goes for Thanksgiving too. Add a little holiday magic to your Thanksgiving feast and dress up in costume! AnniesCostumes.com is featuring great dress up ideas for Thanksgiving:

Pilgrim Costumes

Native American Indian Costumes

Colonial and Early American Costumes

And, of course, the star of the show, the Turkey Costume!

Costumes are available in all different sizes for the whole family! Whether you want the period costumes to re-create the first Thanksgiving or just to be a little festive, Annies Costumes has what you need!

Fast shipping and quick service guaranteed so that you can get your costumes in time for Thanksgiving Day!

1 to 1 ATC Swap - Laura Carson

Aren't these ATCs amazing? I received these in a 1 to 1 swap with Laura Carson. I am always in awe of her work...such detail! Thanks so much Laura for swapping with me!

Tis the Season to be Jolly...

These merry makers can be found in my Etsy Shop!

Legendary Excess

The über talented Laurie Hardin has graciously
bestowed upon me the Marie Antoinette Blog Award.
• • • • •
Antoinette, best remembered for her legendary
excesses, would probably relate very well to today's
economic climate. Although I don't think the threat of
reinstating the guillotine would get things rolling on wall street...
it might be something to consider.
• • • • •
Now here are some blogs I consider to be heads above the rest:
3rd Eye Muse
Cottage in the Country
MJ Ornaments
Two Pixie Dolls
Marie Patterson

Star Trek New Movie Trailer

May 2009, the final frontier will be explored anew!


I expect nothing but greatness from JJ Abrams re-mastering of a masterpiece!

AnniesCostumes.com still has some older version Star Trek costumes, uniforms and masks available both for kids and adults.

We hope to be bringing you new Star Trek Uniform Costumes in time for the May 2009 release of the new JJ Abrams Star Trek Movie!

Sleigh Ride

Mini Bottle Brush Tree stocking stuffers
now available in my Etsy Shop.

I won a door prize from the very talented
Marie Patterson from Spooky Time Jingles!
Thank you Marie! Your little Skellie feels right at home.
Check out the STJ site and enter your name
for a chance to win.

Winter Trinkets

Just added some new stocking stuffers in my

Etsy Shop: Mini Bottle Brush Trees, Glitter Crowns!
Check back later this week to see my new Christmas
ornaments that will be available for purchase.
They're pretty darn cute!

ATC - Bertie, Millie & Hilda

November means Halloween at Sears

I arrived home from work a few days ago - November 12th to be exact - to find this catalogue staring up at me from the front porch. My first thought was: Sears sells Halloween props? Who knew? Not me. After my initial suprise, I was filled with admiration. The Sears people are marketing geniuses! Who would think to send out Halloween ads while there are still jack-o-lanterns withering on doorsteps? However, upon closer examination, I decided that perhaps genius wasn't the right word. It seems that if I wanted any of these props, I would have to have placed my order days ago. I held in my hands an expired 2008 catalogue.

Clearly, one of two things had happened here. Either someone at Sears confused Halloween with Christmas (their Christmas catalogue arrived in August!) or the rarely-seen phantom who delivers catalogues, flyers, newsletters and random pieces of junk mail to my doorstep had misplaced these in the weeks leading up to Halloween (busy planning his own haunt perhaps?) and then thought, better late than never. True. It's never too early to plan for 2009. As anyone at Sears can tell you.

Vintage Halloween ATCs by Alice Hyde

I got a fun surprise today from my friend Alice Hyde. She made these ATCs for me on Halloween. It's almost the middle of November and I'm still getting Halloween happy mail! Aren't I lucky! Thanks so much Alice, I love them! ((HUGS))

Glitter Wonderland

Have yourself a Scary Little Christmas!
Just couldn't help myself. I'm still in denial
that Halloween has come and gone. So humor me
a little while longer as I cross over to the
glitter wonderland.
Now on eBay!

Let it snow man!

The record for the world's largest snowman
was set in February 1999 in Bethel Maine.
It measured 113 feet, 7 inches tall.
Mini Snowman now on eBay!

Little Witches ATC Swap - Yahoo! Group

From top left:
Heather Bloom, Muriel Fulgione, Rosalie Ackerman;
Laura Carson, Teri Chinen, Phyllis Terrell

Thanks ladies for a darling swap!

I was Featured on Inspirational Blog on Halloween

I was thrilled to have this blog featured on 10/31/08 on the Inspirational Blog.....and on Halloween too....what a treat!

Deck the Halls

Snow Girl Ornament
Now on eBay!

Sad Little Jack

It's been a week since Jack came to life. Isn't a rotting Halloween Jack-o-lantern just the saddest site? Halloween is truly over for the year. He's the last thing to go at our house.

Although I will post occassionally from now until April, my Halloween Blog is going into temporary hibernation for awhile.

Never fear! Halloween is in my heart all year long and I will start posting to this blog regularly again in April of 2009.

Until then, please visit my main blog: http://nostalgiccollage.blogspot.com/ where I post collage' and mixed media art all year long.

Thanks for a wonderful Halloween season. I've enjoyed creating art for you. ~Kris

The most wonderful time...

Seems like overnight that the dark and ghoulish have been
replaced with all things light and twinkly. Not to fear,
this year I'm creating some fun new orange and black winter
pieces. I'm having a lot of fun with this new direction and can
tell already that it's going to be difficult to part with these new
creations. I'll be posting more sneak peeks throughout the
week and plan on having some new pieces posted in
Etsy by the weekend.

Fall Pictures from Parker, CO

More fall pictures....this time from our home.