Monday, August 13, 2007

30 Quick and Easy Kids Costumes

What happened to the " good ol' days" when a Halloween costume was your Dad's old shirt and cap, and a burnt cork beard? Kids costumes don't have to complicated to be cute! Each of these quick and easy costumes starts with a few simple materials like hooded sweatshirts, sweat pants, posterboard, craft foam, felt, face paint, and a little imagination.

PirateBlack sweats, white shirt, red sash and bandanna, cardboard sword covered in foil, parrot beanie baby, stubbly face made with burnt cork or tobacco sprinkled on vaseline covered cheeks

Kid Hit By LightningGray sweats with large yellow felt zigzag pinned to the front, blackened zigzag tears in here and there on suit, hair gelled to stand straight up, burnt cork "burns" on cheeks

Wrapped PresentCover a large box with colorful wrapping paper. Make a hole in the bottom and invert over child's head. Add lots of matching ribbons in child's hair.

Pair of DicePaint two large boxes white and add black dots on each side to represent a pair of dice. Cut hole in bottom and invert over children's heads. You need a friend for this one!

Box of PopcornCover a large box with white butcher paper. Add wide red stripes with markers or colored paper. Make a hole for child's head. Hot glue some popcorn to the top of the box. Wear red or white tights or sweat pants.

Placard CostumesAnother quick and easy idea for kid costumes is a "placard costume" in which the child wears a hooded sweatshirt and pulls front and back cardboard panels (the placard) on over it. Shape the placard (poster board works fine) as needed for the costume desired, and design it with markers or felt pieces. This type of costume can be adapted to many different themes, such as:

Ladybug

M & M (two kids of different heights can be "plain" and "peanut"!)

Soccerball, Basketball, Baseball

Apple or Pumpkin

Deck of Cards

Favorite Book

SunflowerYellow sweat suit. Staple craft foam flower petals end to end onto a wide ribbon and tie around child's face to make the flower. Paint the face reddish brown with black spots. Make a couple of bright green leaves from craft foam and pin side by side onto front of sweat suit.

Bunch of GrapesStart with a purple sweat suit. Blow up several purple balloons to the same size and attach to the sweat suit with small safety pins. Complete the look with a green knit cap

with a couple of large green felt leaves attached.

Bag of TrashMake two leg holes is a large sized trash bag. Have child step into the bag, then add balls of crumpled newspaper to hold a round shape. Make two armholes in each side and secure around the neck .

Little Old LadyAn old house dress with torn stockings and slippers. Curlers in the hair or white wig. Glasses, blacked out tooth, old fashioned pocketbook.

TouristHawaiian shirt or other loud clothes, camera, hat with pins all over it, maps sticking out of pockets, sunglasses.

CrayonSweat suit in the chosen color of your crayon. Design the crayon wrapper from poster board, felt pieces or craft foam and baste or pin onto the sweat suit. Add a like-colored plant pot for a hat, or use a large round of poster board, cut from edge to center and make into a pointy hat. Secure under child's chin with a wide strip of elastic stapled to the hat.

About Author

Patricia B. Jensen is a mother of three and kids party enthusiast. She is the webmaster and owner of Kids-Party-Paradise.com - a comprehensive resource for kids party ideas and complete party plans for many popular themes, including invitations, cakes, decorations, games, costumes, favors, and food. If you have a web site related to kids, kids parties, or another related theme, you may reproduce this article on your site, provided it appears in its entirety, including this resource box and live clickable link to: Kids-Party-Paradise.com where great kids parties are "a piece of cake"!

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Slime Recipe Favorites

IT’S SLIME TIME!!! Experiment with these slime recipe favorites and how to make silly putty for a great kids party activity.

Great for a science party, dinosaur party (make it red for molten lava or green for swamp slime), or Halloween party.

Promotes interest in science and learning or just feeling something slimy like oobleck between your fingers!

EASY SLIME RECIPE #1

2 Cups Water

1/2 Cup Cornstarch

Food Coloring

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add cornstarch, then food coloring while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. This makes a messy slime that goes from liquid to solid, and is great fun to play with.

EASY SLIME RECIPE #2

1/4 cup White Glue

1 1/4 cup Water, divided

1 tbsp. Borax - found in the laundry detergent aisle of your grocery store

Food Coloring

Borax is available in the laundry section of your local grocery store. Add 1 tbsp. Borax to one cup of warm water. Stir until completely dissolved.

Make a 50% water 50% white glue solution. Take 1/4 cup of each and mix thoroughly.

In a ziploc bag, add equal parts of the borax solution to equal parts of the glue solution. (Half cup of each will make a cup of slime.)

Add a couple drops of food coloring. Seal bag and knead the mixture.

If slime is too sticky, add a little more borax. If slime is too slippery, add a little more white glue solution.

Variations:

Less rubbery & more transparent slime: Try a 4% solution of polyvinyl alcohol instead of the glue mixture

Different Consistencies: Add shaving cream or baby powder to the mixture.

Glow in the Dark Slime: Add several drops of glow-in-the-dark paint during mixing.

SILLY PUTTY

1 tbsp. White Glue

½ tsp. Epsom Salts

½ tsp. Water

In small cup, put ½ tsp. Epsom salt and ½ tsp water. Stir till salt is all or mostly dissolved. Add one tbsp. Glue to another small cup. Add Epsom salt water to the glue and stir. When putty has formed, experiment with it on waxed paper. Store in Ziploc bag.

GENERAL SLIME HANDLING INFORMATION

Store in a ziploc bag in the refrigerator for maximum life.

A few drops of Lysol can be added to the Slime to minimize formation of mold and extend the lifetime of the Slime.

Wash hands before using slime to minimize mold growth as well.

Keep off carpets and furniture as it can stain.

Borax is toxic in large doses, so keep out of reach of children under 3.

Copyright 2005 Kids Party Paradise All Rights Reserved

About Author

Patricia B. Jensen is a mother of three and kids party enthusiast. She is the webmaster and owner of Kids-Party-Paradise.com - a complete resource for kids party ideas including invitations, cakes, decorations, games, costumes, favors, and food. For all the latest party news, read her Kids Party Blog.

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Its Halloween! Spooks, Specters and Spyware!

It was late, I had put off going to the Software Convention till the last minute. I just had to watch my favorite show on TV,
"S-Files". Its that episode where the Computer Salespeople all turn into Pod People and ,,,,well never mind. Its really scary!
So I'm driving down the lonely one lane road from my house to the Convention. Its dark and the shadows are creepy, I'll never watch S-Files again, I swear!

I pull into the parking lot, the convention is being held in the old YMCA. Geez, its dark, only 1 parking lot light and its flickering on and off. As I walk up to the entrance, I remember the old story about how, back in the Dot.Com days, when they tanked, the building was used as a makeshift morgue, to hold all the bodies of the CEO’s who committed suicide.
I get this really creepy feeling on the back of my neck as I go in,,,,oh, its just a Linux software salesman at the first booth. Is it my imagination or are his eyes glowing?

I head to the registration desk to get a program. I see the place is kind of empty, guess cause its so late. Well, I'm here to see who is offering the latest demos and what kind of freebies I can score.
The front booths are usually the big sellers and they never give away freebies or demos. So I head to the back, hmmm, the lights back here are terrible! Here's a booth, Anti-Spyware 4 U.

The salesman shuffles up to me and says "Please take a demo of our new product". I look at it, it says this is the latest greatest software to combat Spyware. I take the CD out of the plain paper cover and look at the Logo. Its just a plain shiny cd? Wow I can see myself in it I remark. "We spared no expense" a voice says behind me, making me jump. I didn't even know he was behind me. Wait, I should have seen him behind me in the reflection off the CD.

I I've got to be imagining things I say to myself. I ask the salesman for a brochure about their other products and as he hands it to me, our fingers brush each others. Jeez! His fingers are as cold as ice! Well, he is a salesman after all.

I thank him and head off to the other booths, seeing that I've gotten here too late after all, everybody is leaving. I decide to swing by the refreshments table to see if I can at least get a drink and some cookies. It sure is dark in here I think again as I come up to the table. As I scan the table, a little old lady comes up and asks me if Id like any milk and cookies. Yes Mam I reply. She hands me a little plate with cookies and paper cup of something white. I assume its milk, but its so dark in here! And there seems to be a fog or steam on the surface of the milk. Well beggars cant be choosers I think to myself as I thank her. She gives me a freaky cackling laugh as I turn away, stunned I turn back around and to my Horror, there is no-one there! Where in blazes did she go ?

I'm out of here my mind screams to me as I head for the door at a ever faster walk. In a minute I'm in my car with the doors locked and the engine warming up. Whew, That was the strangest Convention I've ever seen.
All the way home I've got a death grip on the wheel, just waiting for something to jump out of the shadows. Like a IBM salesman, now that would be scary!

If only I had known the other horrors that awaited me!

I breathe a sigh of relief as I close and lock the living room door behind me. Still shaking my head I head over to my computer to try out this latest and greatest Anti-Spyware Software. As it boots, I get a message to disable my own Anti-Spyware program. I thing this odd, but I remember reading somewhere online that some programs can conflict with others so I comply. After a few seconds I get a message that the new Program is installed and it needs to connect to get possible updates.

So I get online and let it do its thing. A reboot is needed it says, OK so I reboot. The computer comes up and I get online to check out the latest results of the Mullet contest. what's this ? This isn't my Homepage, it’s a site where you can ,,,Holy Hand Grenades! Its Porn! I close the Browser and man alive, I'm beset by about a dozen pop ups offering me things that, well, no decent person would want. I'm figuring now that I've been had by this Anti-Spyware CD. I do a Restore and get back to my Online Mullet competition site. Then I remember that I need to transfer some money in my savings to my checking account. So I head to the Bank site and take care of it. I must be tired, the computer seems slow to me. I check my mail and the wait to login is frustrating. I decide to call it a night. I'll take care of it tomorrow.

After a tossing and turning night and dreams of my computer melting, the new day dawns. With a cup of coffee I head to the computer to see who won the Mullet Contest. The boot takes forever and the login freezes the first time so I have to power off and back on again. I'm really mad by now. I've been had by some sleazy software company! I finally get online but the Mullet competition site wont load. I cant tell if it’s the computer or maybe the online connection. As it dawns on me that I'm going to have to take it in for service, I hope I've got some extra in my savings to cover it. I head to the Bank site but it wont load either. Then I notice the Hard Disk light blinking away. I'm not doing anything at the time so it shouldn't be accessing anything. Cursing, I turn the computer off and pick up the phone to call the bank. I get a live person after waiting only 5 minutes so I figure the day may be improving. I give her my account info and she comes back saying "I show that account being closed last night after all money was withdrawn"! . There must be a mistake I say, she checks it again and says its true. The money in the account was transferred to a Bank she has never heard of in ,,,,Transylvania of all places. As I hang up in shock, I could have sworn I heard her laughing just like the old lady at the convention did last night.

I figure I better head to the Police Station to get some help. In a Panic I head for town. As I make the last turn into town, I glance towards the location of the YMCA, where all this started, only to see its not there! Its burned to the ground! Stunned, I stop in the street and get out. Nothing but ashes. The Man in the car behind me gets out and asks me if I'm ok. I mumble I'm lucky to be alive, I could have died in there last night. Puzzled the man says, but the YMCA burned down 2 nights ago!
As I get back into the car, I glance at the spot on the seat where I put the CD and the Pamphlet. Gone. Just a little pile of dust.

At the Police station, a sergeant takes down my story and informs me I've been the victim of online Identity theft. As I'm leaving, A couple of kids run by, in costumes, yelling "Happy Halloween"

Are you scared ? You should be!

About Author

About the Author: Doug Woodall has a web site at http://www.spywarebiz.com
There he provides free information and recommended products to combat Spyware.
His Website is recognized by Learning Fountain and ISafe
Doug's Articles have earned him Trusted Author Status at ImpactArticles.com
He is a member of the IWA (International Webmasters Association)
Article edited for proper content by Wendy McCallum
Permission to copy ok as long as about author info remains with article.

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Face Paint Recipes

These easy face paint recipes show how to make homemade face paint using common household ingredients. Mix and store in baby food jars or discarded film canisters. Be ready for your next kids party or dress-up event.

HOMEMADE FACE PAINT RECIPES

Facepaint Recipe #1

1 tsp. Cornstarch

½ tsp. Cold cream

½ tsp. Water

Food coloring (variety of colors)

Mix together cornstarch and cold cream until well blended. Add water and stir. Add food coloring one drop at a time until you get the desired color.

Facepaint Recipe #2

3 tblsps. Cornstarch

1 tblsp. Flour

3/4 cup Karo light corn syrup

1/4 cup water

½ tsp. Liquid food coloring

Mix cornstarch and flour together in a bowl. Gradually stir in Karo syrup and water until smooth. Divide mixture into individual containers as needed and tint each one with the food coloring of your choice. Leave one batch untinted.

Clown Make-up

Blend on a paper plate:

2 tblsp. shortening

5 tsps. cornstarch

1 tsp. flour

Dab of Vaseline

Add food coloring for various colors.

Fake Blood for Halloween Party Make-up

Karo brand corn syrup

Red and blue food coloring

Milk

Add some red food coloring to the corn syrup, then just a drop or two of blue to get a more realistic dark color. Milk will make the blood appear more opaque and more realistic.

Note: This mixture is sticky and can stain clothes.

More Fun Make-up Tips:

To lightly blacken faces, carefully burn a cork and when cool, rub on the face.

For a ghoulish look, add a dusting of flour to already made up faces.

For a stubbly bearded look, sprinkle tobacco over a thin layer of vaseline.

Copyright 2005 Kids Party Paradise All Rights Reserved

About Author

Creative Costume Ideas for Kids

(ARA) - Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love the outdoor decorations and I enjoy seeing the creative and clever costumes our neighbors dream up for their children -- everything from superheroes and pop divas to cartoon and fairy tale characters, animals and even insects. One thing I’ve noticed is you don’t have to be a magician or an artist to make an imaginative costume, even at the last minute. Here are some ideas that are sure to put a smile on your child’s face!

These are some supplies you will need to get started:

* Scissors; needle and thread; ruler or tape measure; pins; newspapers for pattern-making; cardboard for construction; colored markers; fabric paint; stickers; construction paper for ears and noses; glitter for space creatures, princesses, fairies; pipe cleaners for whiskers; yarn for hair, and feather boas.

* Felt -- it’s colorful, inexpensive, and doesn’t unravel. Netting, tulle and fake fur also come in handy and little girls’ just love to play dress-up with these.

* Assorted items from around the house such as plastic funnels, buckets, paper towel rolls, gallon milk containers, paper plates, aluminum foil and bubble wrap.

* Glues to avoid sewing including white craft or fabric glue, hot-melt glues used with a gun, fusible webbing when the adhesive is activated with the heat of an iron, a roll of basting tape, a temporary two-sided tape and spray adhesives.

Having assembled your supplies, now you’re ready for some creative costume fun:

* Start by dressing your child in a leotard and tights, a sweat suit, or a T-shirt, turtleneck and jeans. These become the base to build on and are ideal for creating insect and animal costumes like a bumblebee, lion or alligator. Black is a perfect color for pirates, devils, witches, magicians, vampires, mummies, and skeletons. Use reflective white tape for skeleton bones and wrap white gauze or felt strips around the entire body. A spider is easy to make using all black. You’ll need several pairs of black gloves and long black socks. Stuff the socks and gloves with fiberfill and attach one glove to each sock; attach each spider leg to the base costume. Add a black baseball cap with black pipe-cleaner antenna glued to it.

* A plain white sheet is the perfect base for ghosts, angels, saltshakers, toga-clad Romans and pandas.

* A box with large arm and head holes cut out is versatile. Square shapes work well for dice, a gift package, a hedgehog, porcupine, TV or Jack-in-the-box; rectangular boxes are perfect for longer-shaped costumes like a pencil/crayon, a tree, a domino, a thermometer, a carton of milk accompanied by a box of cereal or cookies, to make two costumes, a favorite candy bar, or a rocket.

* Old-fashioned cardboard is good for many costumes. Cut out a front and back and attach both sides over the shoulders with strong cording or Venetian blind tape and decorate. You can design a playing card like the king and queen of hearts, a chocolate chip cookie using a beige-felt circular cutout with chocolate-brown chips, a magazine or newspaper called “The Halloween Daily Planet” with amusing headlines on the front and back.

Masks and other accents add the finishing touches:

* Make sure they have smooth edges and generous eye and nose holes for safety.

* Face paints and theater-style make-up will come off easily if you coat your child’s face first with a thin under-layer of cold cream. Test for sensitivity and color fastness on a small patch of skin. Lightly powder the finished face to set it. Colored or glittery washout hair sprays are always fun.

* Add-ons can be hats, scarves, veils, wigs and hairpieces; jewelry like large gold-toned curtain rings can be used as earrings; fake eyeglasses, and false eyelashes.

* Props to buy: Stick-on noses, theatrical warts, scars, fangs, eyeballs, quirky ears, long nails, fake beards and mustaches. Voice-altering masks are devilish too! For safety, buy glow-in-the-dark face and costume accents or a reflective strip to run down the back of a costume or on the arms.

The best thing about Halloween costumes is that after the merriment, your make-believe fantasy figure is transformed back into a little angel!

For more costume ideas, log on to www.lillianvernonproducts.com or call (800) 901-8758.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Courtesy of ARA Content
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Glow Mouthpieces

Glow mouthpieces are something that many kids will want to get readily. Glow mouthpieces are glow in dark mouthpieces that dazzlingly visible in dark. Kids put on these mouth pieces to catch the attention of people.

Glow mouthpieces awesomely different. They look wonderful in vibrant night parties. These are one of the hot selling items on the market today.

If you are in mood to go wild and crazy in a night party; if you just want to have fun and excitement in party, you can try these glow mouthpieces.

Glow mouthpieces are popular items of kids’ parties, Halloween fun, Christmas, New Years, Birthdays, Holidays, sports events etc. You can wear glow mouthpieces as you are walking in the dark night trick or treating. These will make you visible in dark from a greater distance. You can just wear them as part of your costume. Glow mouthpieces can be part of your look, if you wan to look like a scary vampire or anything wild.

Glow mouthpieces are available in several colors. The great thing about glow mouthpieces is that they are completely safe and they are pretty inexpensive. You can buy these mouthpieces in bulks.

You can buy glow mouthpieces online. There are numerous online shops selling glow mouthpieces in bulks online. You can do a little research on internet to find cheap glow mouthpieces. Your research will help you find the best source of glow mouthpieces online. You can also find wholesale glow mouthpieces online. If you are searching some fine glow mouthpieces, check out our extensive range of glow products.

About Author

The GlowHouse Ltd. owns the website glow-sticks.org, online store and a perfect guide on glow sticks, glow products, flashing products, flashing novelties, glow jewelry etc. For more information on glow mouthpieces, visit his site.

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Whether Your Halloween Fun is Homemade or Store-bought, Make This Year the Scariest Ever

(ARA) - Halloween is a great time of year to let your imagination run wild. For some, the challenge of putting together a great costume, decorating for a party, or serving child-friendly or grown-up treats is what makes Halloween fun. So whether you head to the store to put together your Halloween festivity, or do it yourself -- from costume, to decorations to food -- here are a few helpful ideas to make this year’s fun a real scream.

For costumes this Halloween, anything related to movie themes is hot. According to Tom Mautino, assistant manager of Costume World in Pittsburgh, Pa., the adults are favoring costumes inspired by the movie “Chicago.” "A lot of our adult customers are renting, and buying, gangster costumes for guys and flapper attire for women," said Mautino. He added that other big movies inspiring costumes are Daredevil and Pirates of the Caribbean.

And for the youngsters? "Kids are more into the Hulk and of course SpiderMan is still a big hit," he said. "Storybook characters are always huge. The 60s are back too. And don't forget about Elvis!" He added that another always "in" costume is anything with animal print such as leopard.

But if you don’t like the mass-market approach to Halloween costumes, try making your own. Here are a few simple ideas for the grown-ups from Kathleen Brockman, graphic design instructor with The Art Institute of Charlotte.

* Dress in brown head to toe, use eyeliner or shadow to totally blacken one eye, cut a large "P" out of construction paper and pin it to your chest: You're a black-eyed-pea.

* Alternatively, dress in green, pin a small "P" to your chest, use a British accent, and you're an English Pea.

* Wear an evening gown, lots of jewelry, a crown (Burger King crowns are great), use black eyeliner or eye shadow to draw stitches all the way around your neck: You're Marie Antoinette.

* Put a white bag over your body and stuff it with paper, color a big yellow circle on your chest, wear horns and carry a pitchfork: You're a deviled egg.

* Dress in white, wear a Burger King crown, put heart stickers all over your clothes and go to the party as the Queen (or King) of Hearts.

To set a perfectly spooky mood around your home -- for trick or treaters or a Halloween get-together -- Jack Beduhn, academic director of Interior Design at The Art Institute of California, San Diego, recommends using the common technique of “up-lighting” around your house to welcome the little ghosts and goblins.

"A simple lighting scheme should only take a few hours to position. Inexpensive, low-voltage spot lighting is available at most hardware stores," said Beduhn. "Adding some simple lighting can add eye-catching glows and eerie shadows around decorations you already have out."

Now that you’ve got the scary house and costume, it’s time for a treat. According to Chef Toni L. D’Onofrio, of The Art Institute of New York City, this clever Halloween menu uses colors and treats of the season in a more adult way. For example, for starters, Chef D’Onofrio has created a pumpkin and caramel soup, lightly sweet and rich. The midcourse salad, says the chef “plays off the traditional colors of candy corn, orange, white and yellow.” And finally, cocoa braised veal shanks show off the complexity and richness of chocolate without being sweet.

Pumpkin and Caramel Soup

Yield 4 servings

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup diced onion

1 clove of garlic chopped

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 cup of sugar

1/4 cup of water

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 cup of heavy cream

1 cup of pumpkin puree

1-1/4 cups of water

Salt and pepper

Start by sautéing with medium heat the onion, garlic and ginger in oil until the onions and garlic are soft. Add in the sugar, water and lemon juice and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and starts to brown (caramelize); add in the heavy cream, pumpkin, and water. Simmer about 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped toasted walnuts.

Candy Corn Colored Salad with Smoked Salmon, Endive and Corn Vinaigrette

Yield 4 servings

To make the vinaigrette:

1/2 cup of corn (off the cob or frozen defrosted)

2 tablespoons water

1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar)

1/2 to 3/4 of a cup of vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme

Salt and pepper

Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil to lightly sauté the corn, some browning is desirable. Allow the corn mixture to cool. Using a hand blender or food processor, place the corn, water and vinegar together. Puree and slowly add in the oil, tasting along the way to see if it is too acidic (flavor will vary with the corn used). Add oil until balanced. Finish with chopped thyme, salt and pepper.

To assemble the salad

1 pound of cleaned arugula
1/2 pound of sliced smoked salmon

Corn Vinaigrette

Place the smoked salmon on the bottom of the plate, leaving the center of the plate empty. Combine the arugula, endive and vinaigrette in a bowl and place in the center of each plate. Garnish with chives if desired.

Cocoa Dusted Braised Veal Shanks

Yield 4 portions

To make the dusting powder:

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

2 tablespoon flour

Combine all the ingredients together.

To prepare the dish:

4 veal shanks tied

vegetable oil

1 onion, medium dice

5 cloves of garlic cut into slivers

3/4 pounds of cut carrots or baby carrots

2 12 ounce cans of beef broth

Salt and pepper

Take each veal shank and dust it on both sides with the cocoa dusting powder. Save the excess mixture. Sear each shank in vegetable oil in a sauté pan; do not use heat higher than medium or the cocoa will burn. Remove the shanks when seared and place in a roasting pan. Add in more oil if needed and cook the onions, carrots and garlic for about 5 minutes. Add in the remaining dusting mixture and cook for 1 minute. Add the beef broth into the pan and stir to combine ingredients. Pour the mixture over the shanks and cover tightly with a lid or foil. Cook at 350 degrees for about 1 1/2 hours or until tender. Remove shanks and serve with sauce and vegetables.

D’Onofrio serves this dish with spaetzle but almost any starch will do.

Recipes courtesy of Chef Toni D’Onofrio, The Art Institute of New York City

The Art Institutes system of 29 education institutions is located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals. The Art Institutes system of schools has provided career-oriented education programs for 40 years with more than 140,000 graduates. For more information visit The Art Institutes Web site at www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Courtesy of ARA Content
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Looking To Buy Costumes Online? The Advantages Are Ghoulishly Attractive

There are several advantages when you’re looking to buy costumes online, and over many ghoulish years, several top online costume stores have taken all the necessary steps to make your costume purchase attractive with simple and convenient purchase options!

Even though millions of Halloween enthusiasts enjoy shopping online, there are still individuals that may not be too sure if the advantages are enough for them to take a bite into the online costume market!

My advice to you is that you will never know unless you sink your fangs into the online shopping experience, and see for yourself what the true difference will be. (Sorry! I was just itching to throw in that pun).

So What Are the True Advantages That Costume Sites Offer?

The most obvious advantage I have seen over the years with exclusive online costume stores is their vast online selection available to you! They offer bright graphic pictures to view, and when you click on the picture, you get more detailed information. I like reading the descriptions, and they really help in my decision-making.

I don’t know if you still experience the mall days when you arrive to get some quick Halloween costume ideas, and as you entered the cubicle boxed size store, it had such a skimpy variety, they felt cheaply made, and to make things worse, I had to find my costume idea on the floor that was sitting in a massive pile of clothes that looked like a human tornado hit it three times over!

When you search for your costumes online, they’re easily set-up in a variety of costume categories, and while I’m drinking my favorite beverage, and listening to my music at home, I casually scroll through the costume category of choice, and take all the time I need to find the one I like.

Before I decide to buy, I click on the desired costume and quickly put it in my shopping cart, that by the way “Never” gets bumped by any other shopping carts. (I thought I would mention that one for the people that quickly get very annoyed with blind shopping cart drivers that always crash into you by accident, or was it an accident, hmmm...)

Other Advantages To Finding Your Costumes Online…

Other advantages you will find when purchasing your costume online is not only the competitive pricing, but I found that the quality of the costume for the same price or less than the retail stores were far superior. I was looking at a pirate costume last year, and the retail price was $35.00 plus the tax. I went online and checked some of the online stores for the same costume, and when I found the exact same one, I purchased it for a cheaper price, and that was including the shipping cost, which I will touch base about with you later in the article.

When the pirate costume arrived in my mailbox, I have to tell you that I love receiving packages in the mail, I don’t know why, but to me it’s exciting. I had to open the package right away, and when I pulled the costume out to try it on, I really noticed a difference in the material quality, and the outfit felt like it was put together much better than the costumes in the retail store. All along, I thought that they would be the same, go figure!

Some of you may feel that online shopping for a costume may be more expensive than buying it in your local store, because you have to pay for shipping. Keep this in mind though, when a retail store purchases stock from a supplier, they also pay for shipping to get their supplies, and of course it’s bulk shipping, but there is still a cost that is passed on to the end product.

Like I mentioned earlier, even though I paid for the shipping costs, the price came out cheaper than what I would have paid for the costume in the local mall store, and the only difference was that I had to wait a couple of days to receive it. Now if you’re truly concerned about the shipping costs, you can contact the online costume store, and ask them if they will be offering a discount or any future free shipping promotions, and I have seen many of those promos in the past.

In conclusion, shopping for your costume, plus Halloween accessories online is more affordable than you think; you have access to an extensive line of costumes, and they always seem to come out with new arrivals each year that’s different from last year!

Why wouldn’t you make all your purchases with a store that is known for specializing in Halloween and seasonal costumes year round, as opposed to a store that stocks them once a year. If you have any concerns, you always can contact these stores directly and they will be more than willing to help. You will find that when you place your first order they use the most sophisticated technology for credit card encryption protection, excellent order tracking, and all your personal information is always protected from any fraudulent activity.

About Author

William is the owner and the author of “1st In Halloween Costumes” available at www.1st-in-halloween-costumes.com. A great source to find and purchase Halloween Costumes Online! William provides information and tips on how to find your favorite costumes and accessories for Halloween parties and more. His site provides you quick and easy access to some of the top online Halloween costume suppliers offering an incredible selection of costumes for adults, kids, and even your favorite pets. If you need that perfect costume idea, or you're just looking for masks, makeup, and costume wigs to compliment your existing outfit, William's site will be your one-stop resource for costume and accessory needs.

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Pirate Costume

"Pirates are one category, which is really been genderless and ageless," Pirate costumes also lend themselves for the activities such as scavenger hunts that even fits in with the trend of more Halloween parties and society events instead of or in addition to door-to- door trick-or-treating. A classic and male pirate costume may be only what you need to capture your valuable black pearl this Halloween.

Pirate costumes have now made a huge comeback and this is another option that a couple could use. There are sexy and traditional pirate costumes offered for sale along with fabulous ton of props. You could purchase eye patches, fake teeth, and hooks to full this costume. No pirate costume is complete with only the basic outfit. Piracy is a dirty, rough business, and you require all the tools of the trade to regulate the seven seas with an iron hand. Of course you're not a pirate until you have a trendy pirate hat.

Perhaps you may be interested in a Pirate Head wrap that isn't even a hat at all.We further offer a whole swing of special pirate weapons. Take your pick from a collection, which ranges from Pirate Guns to Pirate Cutlasses. Choose your own damage, and be ready for the British Royal Navy to follow you scalawags to the ends of the Earth.

Being a Pirate would surely allow you to cut loose and enjoy your Halloween night! Pirates, usually, were free-spirited scallywags. Make sure that you get into the actual personality and let that rebel side come out for the night! Steal a few kisses, grasp a bottle of rum and set sail for the night! This costume goes amazing with the one above to make a huge couples costume set. You'll feel like sailing on the seven seas and having the Pirate's life when you and your important other are dressed to kill in these costumes. Let your Pirate character come out to play! Maybe you'll filch the most excellent costume prize this year!

A pirate costume does not require being costly or difficult to make. Pirates did not have any consistent style of dress. They wore a disparity of loose-fitting clothing, normally whatever they could find. Black, brown, dark green, and burnt orange are well-liked colors for pirate pants. Usages of white, ivory, purple, red or blue for shirt colors are well admired. Pick up pants and shirts, which are at least one to two sizes too large.

Accessorize with black or brown shoes or boots (at times pirates go barefoot), a bandana tied smartly on the head; clip on gold hoop earrings, and amazing a toy sword stuck into your belt would just rock. If you desire to wear an eye-patch, make one from a square of black felt with black elastic safe to the corners. A small stuffed parrot could be pinned onto the shoulder.

About Author

Usha Rani is a Copywriter of www.halloweenfantasy.com. She written many articles in various topics.For more information visit: www.halloweenfantasy.com. contact her at usharani.articles@gmail.com

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Sexy Costumes

Sexy costumes can carry an original dimension to your relationship that you have never thought of before. Adult Halloween sexy costumes are a good treat every night of the year, not just at Halloween or to Halloween parties. Costumes are not just for kids any longer, they are surely not just for October - dressing up, and performance with your husband, wife or lover is a great way to connect in your relationship and have an exclusive experience in its place of the usual bedroom routine.

The sexy costumes feature that would almost certainly be rated number one for sexy Halloween costumes is showing a bit of skin. Plunging necklines, naked midriffs, and small skirts that show lots of leg are the model for most flirtatious costumes. Form-fitting costumes also rated high in terms of appeal. Closely fitting suits, skirts, and tops can be very sexy Costumes even if they do not make known a lot of skin. This is one of the great news for women, who want to appear attractive without wearing something too revealing. Even though you do not have the ideal body, fitted costumes tends to be more flattering than baggy, loose-fitting ensembles.

People like to sense sexy, exotic and erotic. Some women wish trashy lingerie or slutty lingerie. Other women like lingerie that is more stylish and advanced, like French lingerie. No issue what underwear, undergarments, or base garments a woman wears, she can experience pretty, cute, or naughty depending on the way of costume, bra, corset or other unmentionables. A woman does not have to dress like a prostitute or streetwalker to sense sexy. There are new styles of sexy dresses and outfits existing for buying online now than there has ever been before on the internet. There is also a huge collection of intimates in plus sizes for BBW (big beautiful women). Sexy lingerie can help out you feel pretty when you feel fat and lazy and this boost in self-esteem can do superb things for your love life, opening lines of message that have been untapped between you and your partner. Some people feel uncomfortable to play role-playing games, they sense like dressing up in costumes and acting out a fantasy is a craze or incredible to be unseen and feeling guilty about. You possibly do not want to show it to the neighborhood or post detailed pictures on your blog, but done in a loving way among partners it is a big sexy way to improve your romantic life with your partner. With the great selection of leather lingerie offered, you can get as wayward as you want or stay tame and cute in your costume and outfit up fantasy play.

You can spark your relation and your mind by appealing in forplay with your spouse while one or both of you dress in sexy costumes. Edify him a lesson as a sexy tutor - bring a special brand of nookie cookies as a sexy Girl Scout - do a sexy dance as a belly performer - tend to one another as a sexy nurse or a sexy doctor. Your outfit is just the start of the game. You can put on your dress early in the day and play the part of the Girl Scout or nurse or teacher all day long, heightening the thrill until the sunset when you go to bed. The probable stories and fantasies limited only by your imagination and your partner's mind. Sexy costumes and lingerie for an enthralled evening of romance and makes deem and a full line of lingerie costumes for the fun and idealistic at heart.

About Author

Usha is a Copywriter of www.halloweenfantasy.com. She written many articles in various topics.For more information visit: www.halloweenfantasy.com. contact her at usharani.articles@gmail.com

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A Guide for Buying Costumes Online

Buying Online vs. Buying from Brick and Mortar Store

You already know the advantages of buying online. For Halloween Costumes, in particular, the main advantage of online shopping is the Choice. Some of the online retailers such as www.costumes4less.com carry over 10,000+ styles, colors, sizes on their web site. Such a wide range of choice in selection is impossible to find in any brick-and-mortar stores.

What to look for in an Online Retail Store

With thousands of web sites on the Internet today and new ones springing up every day, how do you decide where to buy from? As most online shoppers are aware, the security of your online transaction and credit card information is a very important factor. How long a web site has been business is usually a good indicator of how dependable the online merchant is. Since most web sites today offer safe & secure online shopping, one must consider other factors such as quality of merchandise, reputation of online merchant, their price guarantee for choosing the online merchant. Companies specializing in costumes such as costumes4less.com will generally offer a much larger selection of costumes.

When to Buy Halloween Costumes

Every year, a large number of shoppers are disappointed because they are not able to find the costume of their choice. You don't need the frustrations of "out of stock" notices and the stress of site hopping, looking for a costume. Another advantage of buying early is that if the costume doesn't fit or if you got the wrong costume, you will have time to exchange it or fix it in time.

What size to Buy

Unlike street clothes, costumes are made in limited sizes. Elastic materials are usually used to provide flexibility of sizing. If you are not sure about the size, buy the next larger size.
Quality vs. Price for Halloween Costumes

Higher price doesn't necessarily mean a better quality costume. Online retailers such as http://www.costumes4less.com/ have built-in cost efficiencies in their operation which they are able to pass to their customers and still make a handsome profit! Their automated systems enable them to do a high transaction volume and offer quality costumes at unbelievable prices.

All costumes are not created equal. Even if you plan to wear your costume only for one occasion, quality is important, specially if it doesn't cost any more! www.Costumes4less.com has a unique price guarantee. Check it out.

Costume Accessories

Don't forget to get accessories to go with your costume. Some of the accessories may be included as part of the costume. Other accessories may be available for purchase from the same online store. Sometimes, you may need to use your creativity to match your shoes, hats, Wigs, scarves or any other accessories, which you may already have it your closet!

About Author

A professional writer with experience at vast levels & associated with Costumes4less.Com as a Writer writing on various topics. For more details on his exclusive write-up on various types of costumes & our online store, visit http://www.Costumes4less.com

Costumes4less.com is a one stop shop for all your clothing needs & accessories

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Have Fun With Baby Halloween Clothes

There are lots of great things about being a new parent. For example, the joy of bringing a new life into the world, the thrill of shaping a young mind, the pride with each new stage of your baby's life. Few things are more exciting, however, than the license to be a kid again. What better way to celebrate your newfound childhood with your baby than by dressing up with them for Halloween?

There are a few basic rules of babies and Halloween. First, it is probably best to attach yourself to a group of friends with children who are a little bit older, otherwise it is obvious that you are just out getting candy and playing dress up. This is not vital, however, since many candy givers will be too distracted by how darned cute your baby is to care if you're the one who's going to eat the candy. The second is to be careful of the material of your baby's costume. A lot of store bought costumes are made of synthetic materials that are highly flammable, and not very breathable for baby's sensitive skin. The third is to make sure that the costume is weather appropriate. You don't want the baby to be too hot or too cold because of a hat or a lack of mittens.

As far as materials go, a great way to avoid irritation to the baby's skin, or undue worry over the safety of the baby's costume is to use a base that is already clothing that the baby is used to. For example, adding a headband with ears and some painted on whiskers to a grey fuzzy pajama set makes for an adorable little mouse. In colder weather, the same idea works with outerwear. Does your baby have a black coverall snowsuit? Well then you have an adorable little baby seal.

For warmer weather, avoiding face paints that are likely to melt or animal themed costumes that require a lot of coverage is a good idea. For something like a cat or zoo animal, the same basic idea applies, but a onesie or thin cotton romper with sleeves and legs works. Make sure you bring a blanket, because once the sun goes down the temperature is unpredictable.

Another great thing about dressing up with your baby is that you can literally dress up with your baby. You can have a living, breathing accessory for your own grown up costume. Some fun ideas include: *A baby bumblebee and a mother or father flower *A baby tinkerbell and a daddy Peter Pan *Mom, Dad, and baby dressed identically as three sizes of Russian dolls *A baby moth and a mommy or daddy flame The imagination can wander pretty far with the several different possible themes. Perhaps your baby would make a cute purse. It might be a little bit of a stretch, but how about a baby lime and a mommy coconut? Think about it. The possibilities are endless.

About Author

Kirsten Hawkins is a baby and parenting expert specializing new mothers and single parent issues. Visit for more information on how to raising healthy, happy children.

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Coins Safe Alternative to Halloween Candy

(ARA) - Many grown-ups are turning to candy-less treats for the ghouls, ghosts and goblins knocking on their door.

With growing concerns about the tampering of candy, not to mention the nutritional detriments of traditional Halloween treats, more and more grown-ups are giving coins to little ghouls and goblins.

Generally considered to have been first made in the regions of Lydia and Ionia -- now known as western Turkey -- more than 2,600 years ago, coins have been around longer than Halloween itself.

For anyone who thinks coins aren’t particularly spooky, consider this: It is a custom in some cultures to place coins on the eyelids of the dead to keep their eyes closed. Some believe that, if the eyes of the dead remain open, we would see our own death captured in their eyes.

Ancient Greeks believed coins are to be placed on the eyes of the dead as payment to Charon, the boatman on the river Styx, for ferrying the dead to the other side. For this service, he was paid a fee that was placed in the mouth of the deceased.

In the Middle Ages and well into the modern age, coins were placed into the coffin to pay for expenses in the afterlife. In popular myth, it was hoped that coins would prevent the deceased from returning. By placing coins in the grave, the heir probably also wanted to free himself of any debts to the deceased and to ensure the goodwill of the dead person.

Coins were laid around the necks of the deceased with chains or ribbons, and sometimes they were placed under the person's head or in their hand. Coins also occurred as parts of rings, and archaeologists have found metal money that was left with the deceased in bags.

Coins are said to also have mystical value. Tarot cards, which are used to help predict the future, to interpret life's obstacles and gain insight into one's soul, feature a number of suits, or characters, including the “King of Coins” -- an especially powerful omen of success. This card is portrayed as a somber man, said to be wise and generous, holding a wand of power.

U.S. coinage also features many of the nation’s most famous ghosts -- specifically the Lincoln penny and the Jefferson nickel. The ghost of Abraham Lincoln is said to haunt the Lincoln bedroom in the White House -- the very room in which he is said to have foreseen his own death. Many also claim to have encountered the ghost of Thomas Jefferson in various locations in Virginia. More importantly, because everyone depicted on them is long dead, coins make perfect targets for haunting.

This year, make your Halloween spook-tacular. Give trick-or-treaters coins instead of candy! For more spooky information about coins, contact Doug Hecox of the United States Mint at (202) 354-7577 or visit www.usmint.gov/kids.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Courtesy of ARA Content

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Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas For Children

You can find a large variety of Halloween costumes available at stores in your neighborhood. However, when you consider the cost and lack of originality, homemade costumes are a more fun and oftentimes more cost-effective option. Plus, if you involve your children in creating the homemade costumes, the results will be worth more than any store-bought costume in any store.

Here are some inexpensive, homemade Halloween costume ideas that will cost little money and show lots of imagination.

Scarecrow: An over-sized flannel shirt, some straw, and faded jeans with patches will make a great scarecrow. Stuff the jeans and shirt with plastic grocery bags and leave a little straw hanging out of the shirt and jeans. A little makeup will complete your scarecrow costume.

Ghost: Ghosts are an old stand-by that never goes out of style. Use an old white sheet with holes cut for the eyes and sew a simple treat bag out of a scrap of material or a worn out pillow case. You can dress your ghost up a bit by making lips out of red lipstick and a few false eyelashes. Or you could color a beard and moustache with markers. You may want to create a colorful ghost by using a sheet covered with polka dots or one that is brightly colored.

Clown: You can create a great clown with sweat clothes that are a bit to large decorated with fabric paint or markers. Sew on some pom poms, use an inexpensive wig with a large, colorful hat, and you could even stuff the clothing with tissue (although the tissue will be a problem if the need for a restroom break arises).

Hippy: You can become a hippy from the 1960s with a tie-dye shirt and faded jeans with holes in the knees. Combine this with a headband, a ponytail wig, and a jacket or vest covered in fringe and you will have the most authentic looking hippy costume of all time.

Nerd: Halloween is the time to dress like something completely out of character. You can dress your child as a typical nerd, complete with white shirt, pocket protectors, pants that are too short, horn-rimmed glasses, while socks and black dress shoes. Don't forget to tape one corner of the glasses for a true nerd appearance. Make sure you use plenty of hair gel to slick back the hair and a few overly large fake teeth will be a great addition.

Soda Can: Find an inexpensive plastic barrel and cut a hole in the bottom. Paint the entire barrel the colors and design of your favorite brand of soda in a can. With holes for arms and your head, a simple barrel can transform your child into a soda can.

Your child can be the hit of your block or at the neighborhood Halloween party if you use a little imagination and create special homemade costumes out of inexpensive, household items.

Like the commercials say "The memory of your child in a costume you made together"... priceless.

About Author

For money-saving tips, don't miss Frugal Mom Tips (link to ) And, if you’re a mom who likes to have fun with your children, visit ShowKidsTheFun (link to ).

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Renaissance costumes, a rebirth of attitudes and interests.

Have you ever thought of wearing a renaissance costume? The year 1453 marks the invasion of Constantinople by the Turks. Unwittingly, this triggered off a sea change in the attitudes and interests of the European people which hitherto were dictated by insipid Gothic customs. Humanism and aesthetics came to the fore and the biggest beneficiary was Italy, where most of the scholars of the Greco-Roman schools in Turkey fled across the Mediterranean. This sea change is amply evident in the renaissance costumes worn during that era. By 1490, Gothic dress in northern Europe had given way to the simpler styles of Renaissance Italy.

The era was marked by a spirit of a new beginning. Fashion did a U-turn from the pointed Gothic look to the square style of the Renaissance costume. Puffing, slashing and accentuation of curves was the perfect visual metaphor for the 16th Century, because it suggests a society that is literally bursting at the seams with new ideas and problems. Decidedly, one can literally identify the era from the Renaissance costumes. Gleefully, they provide excellent reference material for the theatre, films and in day-to-day life, theme parties, Renaissance Faire, Halloween, not to forget - your friend's SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism, which is a group dedicated to researching and recreating the Middle Ages in the present.) wedding.

Relive the glorious era.

In today’s times, midsummer Ren Faires and Halloween provide an excellent platform to help you take on the guise of a Renaissance figure in a stylish Renaissance costume or Renaissance Halloween costume - Be it Lord or Merchant, Peasant Farmer or Court Jester, and for the ladies – Queen Elizabeth, Marie Antoinette, or Ladies-in-Waiting. Renaissance costumes come in all sizes including extra large and 4x plus size, so nobody is left out of the fun. And for the smitten, you can be your beloved’s Knight in Shining Armor – quite literally!

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Mike Yeager Publisher

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Frightfully Fun Ideas for Halloween Decorating

Halloween is now the second most decorated holiday after Christmas (according to dollars spent on decorating items). With decorations ranging from the bizarre and frightening to cute and whimsical, you can find many ways to express your inner goblin this year. Here are some easy decorating ideas:

1) Put miniature pumpkins and gourds in a large bowl or vase as a centerpiece or accent.

2) Casually scatter (that's decorating jargon for very carefully arrange but don't make it look like you did) small pie pumpkins, miniature pumpkins and gourds, and fall leaves on a mantle or table for a festive look.

3) Use a pumpkin as a vase for a fall flower arrangement. Use a smaller bowl or vase inside or just put them in the pumpkin depending how long you want the flowers to last. Be sure to scale your arrangement to the size of the pumpkin. In other words, for a big pumpkin, use lots of flowers with long stems and big blooms.

4) Drape spider webbing around a mirror and stick small spiders or bats in it. (And if you have the secret to actually make the webbing stay and separate right, let me know.)

5) Get an inexpensive fog machine and liquid to really set a scary scene. But beware ... the fog will trip off your fire alarms if you use it inside.

About Author

Along with her husband, Julie Lohmeier is the veteran of numerous home remodeling and building projects. From working hands on and doing much of the work herself to hiring contractors and construction managers, she has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. She shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other various rants at @copyright 2005, Julie Lohmeier,

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How To Carve A Pumpkin For Halloween

Article from http://www.halloween-blog.com">www.halloween-blog.com

If you just want to take a steak knife and hack out your every day pumpkin face, then this article is not for you. We’re going to take a look at gourmet pumpkin carving for true Halloween connoisseurs. OK, maybe gourmet is a bit of overkill, but why settle for just another carved pumpkin when you can have a prize-winning jack-o-lantern instead?

Success starts with selecting your design

Before even thinking about buying or picking your Halloween pumpkin from the local pumpkin patch, you need to plan the design. You can take the easy way out and buy ready-made pumpkin stencils, or you can design your own.

There are some great on-line sources for free Halloween stencils that you can download and use, or you can hand sketch it. Here are two great places to grab some nice designs. If you’re looking for a really unusual stencil, here’s one that will drive you bats!

I’ll cover how to transfer the pumpkin stencil to your favorite pumpkin after we take a look at actually selecting the pumpkin.

How to pick the perfect pumpkin

The pumpkin’s shape and size will determine what type of patterns and designs you can use. If you are using pumpkin carving stencils then it is essential to purchase a pumpkin that matches the stencil’s size requirements.

If you don’t plan on using a stencil then make sure that your pumpkin is tall and wide enough for the free-hand design that you have in mind.

Look for a pumpkin that’s not too ripe. It should be the right color orange and not have any soft spots or bruises. Look for a sturdy stem and never, ever lift the pumpkin by the stem. Sturdy or not, it’s a short trip from “nice pumpkin” to splat.

Hold the pumpkin and smell it around the stem and top. If it smells very strong and “pumpkiny” then there is a chance that it’s too ripe, pass it up and look for another. Thump the pumpkin and listen for a solid “thunk”. A hollow sound is bad news.

Carry your pumpkin carefully and transport it home safely. A bruised pumpkin rots quickly and might not make it through the Halloween season.

How to prepare the pumpkin for its coming facelift

1. Cut a circle around the top of the pumpkin without damaging the stem.

2. Remove the top and put aside.

3. Remove and discard the pulp and seeds unless you want to make Vampire Fingernails snacks for your Halloween party.

4. With a putty knife or similar scraper, gently scrape down the inside of the pumpkin to remove any moist flesh clinging to the sides. Be careful not to damage the wall of the pumpkin.

Now it’s time to transfer the stencil

1. Wipe the outside of the pumpkin so that it is free of dust and other foreign material. If you need to wipe it down with a wet rag, allow it to become thoroughly dry before proceeding to the next step.

2. Tape the stencil to the side of the pumpkin that you have chosen to be the face. Tape the top left corner first, then the top right, bottom left and then bottom right. Smooth the stencil out as you are taping it. If you have to crease the stencil to make it lie flat then be sure to pick areas that are not part of the design.

3. Using an ice pick or a pin-point punch awl, gently poke holes through the stencil and into the pumpkin. Follow the lines of the stencil carefully. It’s a lot like paying connect-the-dots games. Space the dots out however you see fit but remember that very complex designs are easier to work with if the holes are close together.

4. Check carefully to make sure that you have transferred the entire pattern and then remove the stencil. Keep the stencil handy to refer to in case you get confused while cutting.

Time to put your patient under the knife

Although many a pumpkin has fallen under the standard kitchen knife, it’s both the wrong tool and a very dangerous tool for pumpkin carving. For best results get yourself an X-Acto knife with a #5 knife blade and a #15 keyhole saw. See your home store for both items.

Using the saw for long cuts and the X-Acto for the close-in and intricate cuts, just follow the pattern carefully and, before you know it, you’ll have the pride of the pumpkin patch right there on your table!

About Author

is the perfect Halloween resource site with spooky updates daily, free "How To" articles such as how to create your own haunted house, how to create your own homemade costume and more.

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Ooooh Scary!!

With Halloween just around the corner, why not consider doing some ghoulish crafts with your children? One of my favorite crafts to do with the kids is Halloween candle making. Your kids will love it, and it is appropriate for any age group. You will need the following supplies to get started:

1. A pillar candle.

2. Some “cut and carve” wax.

3. Some wax adhesive.

4. Halloween cookie cutters.

5. A shallow pan.

Heat your “cut and carve” wax, and pour it into the shallow pan. Be sure that you fill the pan approximately 1/4 inch., and try to ensure your pan is on a level surface. Allow the wax to cool, but not until it has completely hardened.

After the wax has cooled somewhat, use your cookie cutters to produce your scary shapes. We like to use quite a variety of shapes and sizes. Try to arrange your shapes to maximize the use of the wax.

You can use other tools to produce different shapes. For instance, you can use drinking straws to produce eyes for your creepy monsters. Or you can use a small paring knife to make free form shapes. As always, be extra careful using sharp objects around the children.

Remove the cookie cutters, and allow the wax to harden completely. This will ensure that your cut-outs maintain their shape when you are working with them.

When the wax has cooled, start removing your shapes. Do this in the same manner as you would if you were making cookies. Feel free to use a spatula or another household utensil to assist. Do not worry if the excess wax breaks up….you can always reheat it!

If you are using a round candle, you will need to shape the wax cut-out to fit the contour of the candle. We like to use a hair dryer to soften the wax enough to be pliable, but not enough to melt it. Place it directly on the side of the candle to shape it, but be careful not to break it.

Using your wax adhesive, cover the back of the cut-out. You can also use clear candle wax, but try to work fast because the wax will harden quickly. You can use a paint brush to apply the melted wax.

Now you are going to apply the cut-out to the candle. Try to place it in the correct spot on the candle. The cut-out will be difficult to move once the wax has started setting, and the candle may get damaged. That’s it! You’re finished! Trick or Treat!

About Author

Cassie Morgan is a mother of three, and loves doing crafts with her little ones. When she is not playing with her children, she writes freelance articles for websites such as http://www.candlesandcandlemaking.com – a website dedicated to all things wax, featuring information on candle making techniques, soapmaking techniques, supplies for candle making and more.

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Fun Halloween Party Themes and Ideas

Halloween is the day of the year that has the most parties thrown in its honor. Everyone loves to dress up and attend Halloween parties with their friends. Most people end up getting several invitations to different Halloween parties that are often on the same night. If you are planning to throw your own Halloween party, how can you get all your friends to head to your shindig and not someone else’s? You need to come up with some unique and fun ideas that will get everyone on your list so excited about your party they won’t even consider going anywhere else.

Not Just Any Old Theme

Many people don’t bother thinking of a theme for their Halloween party since it seems to be somewhat of a theme already. But rather than just putting up some Happy Halloween banners and fake cobwebs, why not come up with a great theme party idea? You can do anything from a haunted house or graveyard to a monster mash or horror movie bash. Once you’ve chosen your theme apply it to everything from your invitations to your party food. Guests will love some guidance on what to dress up as, especially if you do something a little different.

Your Halloween party invitations are one of the most important aspects of your party. Invitations are the best way to get your guests excited about your party. Many people don’t even send invitations anymore so even sending out simple ones will help your party stick in people’s minds. Be sure to apply your party theme to your invitations. If you can’t find any invitations at your local party store that go with your theme you can always use invitation templates that you can download for free from the Internet.

You can totally customize invitation templates and add colorful pictures as well. Guests will love to receive these fun invitations in the mail. You should send your invitations out approximately three to four weeks before your party to give everyone time to make plans to attend. If you’re running short of time sending electronic invitations is a great idea too. You can add animation and sound to e-invitations and even check guest’s responses online. Be sure to contact anyone who doesn’t respond via telephone since not everyone checks their email often.

Spooky Decorations

Everyone will expect to see your house decorated to the nines on Halloween so be sure not to disappoint. Your decorations should match your theme, so give them plenty of thought. For instance, a haunted house theme should be complete with low lighting, smoke, a spooky soundtrack, and even live ghouls to jump out and scare the guests as they arrive. A horror movie bash might include retro horror B-movie posters stuck on the walls which you can find on the Internet and print off at home.

Decorations can be found just about anywhere in the months leading up to Halloween. Even grocery stores carry a wide selection. Start shopping early so you can get the best selection possible and take advantage of any sales. If you can’t find just what you’re looking for you can always rent decorations from a local party supply shop or even purchase decorations from the Internet. The Internet has an almost endless selection and you can find just about any party supplies or decorations you’ll need.

Music is an important aspect of any party as well. While some spooky tunes are fun at first, you’ll want to switch over to some more upbeat music once the party gets going. People love to dance so have plenty of high energy songs ready to go. If you are inviting a variety of different people have several different types of music so no ones gets bored.

Tasty Halloween Treats

Food is an important part of any party. While you don’t need to provide a full meal, some creative and tasty snacks and treats will help keep your guests fueled for the night’s festivities. Turning simple party food into ghoulish culinary delights will surprise and please your guests. Try making some bewitching cupcakes, and put out snacks such as gummy worms and other Halloween candy treats.

Costumes are a given, since this is Halloween after all. If you are having a Halloween theme of some sort, let your guests know on your invitations that they should dress to fit the theme. For instance, if you’re throwing a horror movie bash, you can simply say, “come as your favorite horror movie star”. Don’t expect all your guests to comply with your request. Some people have been thinking up their Halloween costume since last year!

Don’t forget about the party favors! Depending on how many people you’re inviting and how much you’re willing to spend, the possibilities are endless when it comes to party favors. A simple idea is candy bags full of traditional treats such as candy corn. Something more substantial might be a pumpkin carving kit that comes with cutouts and tools. Your guests will love having a little something to take home with them.

Endless Costume Possibilities

If you really aren’t into the scary aspect of Halloween, you can always break with tradition and hold a different type of Halloween party. Have a famous couples party or a crazy hat party instead. Guests can still dress up but might be more creative then a white sheet with holes cut out of it. Dressing up for Halloween is something that both adults and kids can enjoy so great creative and have fun with it!

Having games at your party isn’t a necessity, but can be a great deal of fun for your guests. Games act as an excellent icebreaker if everyone doesn’t know each other. Any games where you can break people off into teams will help to get everyone talking. Pumpkin carving contests are a good idea, as is bobbing for apples. Be sure to give a prize to the best costume as well.

Your Halloween party is sure to be a success if you take the time to plan. Leave yourself plenty of time and don’t forget it’s all the little details that help to make a fabulous party. Enlist the help of family and friends if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and remember, planning is half the fun!

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John Lenaghan writes about party planning and other tips for the Party Ideas 4u website, where he provides valuable tips and advice about Halloween party ideas, birthday party ideas and other party planning topics.

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Traditional games of Halloween parties

There are several variety of games associated traditionally with Halloween parties. The most common and well liked is dooking or bobbing for apples; in this game apples float in the tub or a large basin of water, the people who are participating need to their teeth to remove an apple from the basin. Another variant involves kneeling on to a chair, holding a fork between the teeth and trying to drop the fork on to an apple. Another very common game carries hanging up treacle or syrup-coated scones by strings; these should be eaten without using any hands while they remain attached to the string, an activity that inevitably rule to a very sticky face.

Some of the games played traditionally at Halloween are types of divination. In Puicini (otherwise pronounced as “poocheeny”), it is a game played in Ireland, a blindfolded person is seated in from of a table on that different saucers are placed. The saucers are then shuffled and the seated person chooses one by touch. The outcomes of the saucer decide the person’s life for the following year. It is believed that a saucer containing earth means someone known to the player would be dying during the next year, if in case a saucer contains water it predicts emigration, a ring means marriage, a set of Rosary beads states that person would take Holy Orders (becoming a nun or a priest), if one gets coin that means new wealth, a bean states poverty and it goes on.

During 19-century Ireland, young girl placed slugs in saucers scattered with flour, the wriggling of the slugs and the varieties consequently left behind on the saucers were believed to portray the faces of that girls future spouses. An Irish and Scottish type of divining one’s future spouse is to engrave an apple in one long strip, and then toss the peel over one’s shoulder. The peel is to be believed to land in the figure of the first letter of the future spouse’s name. This tradition has also lived among Irish and Scottish immigrants in the rural United States.

Telling the ghost stories and viewing of horror films are few other common fixtures of Halloween parties. Television specials with a Halloween theme, normally aimed at children, those are commonly aired on or before the holiday while new horror films are often released theatrically before the vacation to take advantage of the atmosphere. Visiting a haunted house or a dark attraction are other traditions of Halloween parties. One of the biggest Halloween attractions in U.S.A is Knott’s Scary Farm in California, which features re-themed fun park rides and a dozen different walkthrough mazes, with hundreds of costumed roving performers.

About Author

Usha is a Copywriter of www.halloweenfantasy.com. She written many articles in various topics.For more information visit:www.halloweenfantasy.com. contact her at usharani.articles@gmail.com

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Halloween opens creativity

Halloween is a time for both adults and kids alike to delve into their creative sides and dream up inventive Halloween costumes. It is also a time when people want to be something that they cannot be in their everyday lives. Some people choose to use their minds and try something clever, while others stick to the traditional choices of ghost or witch. They also want their costumes to be unique and very different from everyone else's that they may see on that particular day

Some people are talented enough to create their own Halloween costumes while others stick to store-bought. Have fun with your costume this year and go over the top! Make your costume the best at the party!

If you're dressing up for a Halloween party, you're naturally going to want to look at some sexy Halloween costumes before choosing the right costume for you. That's kind of the whole point of dressing up for Halloween. You have the perfect excuse to go over the top and surprise everyone with your sexy alter ego.

You will easily find sexy versions of traditional Halloween costumes. If you're thinking of being a witch or a devil, you can easily make them sexy Halloween costumes. Some of these costumes feature very short tops or bustiers and mini skirts combined with more traditional costume elements. They also often feature sexy materials like vinyl and lace. Add heels or, even better, patent leather or vinyl tall boots with high heels, and you've made the costume.

Don't forget to add fishnets, which come in white, black, and red. Just know that white are a little harder to see. Consider wearing regular nylons underneath the fishnets for more contrast and to give your legs a more toned look. Black fishnets work with basically everything. They're like the nude of fishnets. Otherwise, another kind of stockings is necessary. Thigh highs are a lot of fun, and extremely sexy.

Accessories and props will make sexy Halloween costumes. If you're a devil, make sure you have horns. If you're a cat, mouse, or bunny, get your ears and tail. The ears actually make a great headband and they also are great for hiding a wig line. Halloween is a fun time to try long wigs (or short if you have long hair).

Using Halloween decorations such as candles, jack o lanters, table cloth and settings, Halloween props and Dracula teeth along with a costume makes it possible to tell a whole story. What character is truly complete without his or her props? No matter who or what your costume is seeking to portray, there is most likely a way to play the part more fully with the help of Halloween

decorations.

One way to come up with a prop idea is to establish a character and think of something that he or she might want with him or her more often than not. Think of a cowboy. He may want a gun, a campfire nearby or a horse (this last prop might have to actually be played by a friend). An angel could do well to carry a harp in her hands, or a fairy would likely need a wand.

On a more creative note, a way to make a costume that seems serious more amusing is by incorporating the right Halloween props. This will be easier for some people than others, for there are just those who tend to get really inspired about some small detail and it takes them far.

Perhaps, in the case of using props to hint at something, act as an insight or to make a sarcastic statement, decide to dress as a friend, a celebrity or a politician. This person might be well known for an association with something in particular. Carrying around an item that suggests that well-known personality trait (an alarm clock for the guy who is never on time, a mirror for someone

vain, etc.) can end up being a big hit as you hear people exclaiming, "Oh, I get it," followed by laughter.

Halloween began thousands of years ago Celtic people inhabiting the area that is now England, Ireland and Scotland celebrated their new year on November 1st. The Celtic religious order known as the Druids held a great festival each year on the evening before the their new year. This festival was celebrated in honor of the god, Samhain, the Druid god of death and was known as All Hallowtide. The Druids believed in the supernatural and tried to placate the Lord of Death with offerings. This is the action that "Trick-or-Treat" emulates today. The community also sacrificed animals and offered fruits and vegetables so the spirits would keep their distance. The cold and darkness of winter and the presence of spirits are reasons why Halloween is connected with images of death and evil.

Halloween is spooky, but taking Halloween pictures shouldn't be. From a jack-o'-lantern's scary stare to frighteningly fun costumes, this holiday offers unique picture-taking opportunities. The tips below will ease your mind about the unusual challenges that Halloween presents for a photographer. And we'll also show you a few tricks to capture bewitching jack-o'-lantern pictures.

Halloween is a time for both adults and kids alike to delve into their creative sides and dream up inventive Halloween costumes. It is also a time when people want to be something that they cannot be in their everyday lives. Some people choose to use their minds and try something clever, while others stick to the traditional choices of ghost or witch. They also want their costumes to be unique and very different from everyone else's that they may see on that particular day

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Naughty Costumes - Are You Ready To Be Badly Behaved This Halloween?

Are you normally a person with devilish intentions, or do you have an angelic personality, and want to be perceived as bad at least once this year? If you’re one or the other, this 2006 Halloween season you can easily find your Naughty Costumes quickly online, and be ready to let your wild side take over at your favorite party!

Halloween and parties go hand-in-hand, and to be naughty, you want to find the costume that will fit your personality the best! I will help you by talking about some of the latest costume arrivals for the 2006 Halloween season, plus some of the old classics that have been making adults look exotic, erotic, and sexy for many years.

From Gothic Characters To The Fantasy School Girl! Who Might You Be?

The costume character list is endless, and I always encourage people to spend a little time at some of the Halloween costume sites, and when you spot the exact costume online that you’re attracted to right away, purchase it so it will arrive to you on time for your party.

However, some of you may not know exactly what you want to be, and even though you want to feel extremely naughty this season, possibly being a Naughty Nurse or sexy maid is not for you! Don’t worry, because there are so many more options for you to choose from, and I will help you match the right theme costume, and they will definitely have no shortage of naughty items that will make you look sexy hot.

Let’s have some fun talking about the New Additions of Halloween outfits available, and also the cool classics that will fit your naughty personality the best!

Shoot'em Up Cowgirl Adult Costume: This costume is great for ladies that really know how to handle themselves in many sharp shooting scenarios. With your holster fully stocked with shot glasses, you’ll not only show the cowboys you’re ready for a hoopin’ and hollerin’ time, but your character will also show the boys that you can easily handle any pistol that comes your way. You’re a take control gal, and the only one that will be shootin’ when the time is right will be you.

Kandy Korn Witch Costume: If you’re sweet looking on the outside but have that mischievous personality, this costume will be right for you! With the striped stockings you can add your favorite sexy shoes and kick-up your heels during the witching hour. Lure them all in with your sweet smile, and then cast your naughty spell.

Border Babe Costume: With this costume, your personality’s very protective of your borders, but when you catch those illegal aliens red handed, you don’t hesitate to apply all the torture methods to make them talk! You’re tough and sexy looking on the outside, but you’ve got that softer side for the bad boys that surrender to all of your fantasy demands.

Other great costumes that will put you on the naughty list are the Plum Vampiress for the ladies of the night, and the Sexy Captain Black Heart for the disobedient men out there. If you’re a huge fan of the Playboy scene, you can also find a fantastic series of exclusive Bunny Costumes and the men or women can get your hands on the infamous Hugh Hef costume as well.

I can go on and on with all the exciting New additions of naughty costume ideas available online, but I encourage you to see for yourself what’s out there! Halloween is quickly approaching, and if you want to find your desired outfit before it sells out, visit many of the online costume stores that will have exactly what you’re looking for. To make it easier in your search, you can visit my web site, and let me help you be the naughty person you always wanted to be this Halloween season!

About Author

William is an online publisher, and the owner and the author of “1st In Halloween Costumes” available at www.1st-in-halloween-costumes.com. William created his Halloween Costume site to provide fun, and entertaining informative topics on a variety of costumes available to you online, and he also provides you a convenient place to view and compare a variety of costume sites to quickly find all your costume needs. You'll easily find a variety of Adult and Sexy Costumes available, to all your Costume accessories, Masks, and Wigs, you can find it all here on this Halloween costume website.

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Economical ideas for Halloween Costumes

Halloween costumes are fast approaching, so most of the kids have been talking at huge length about the costume they desire this year for Halloween party. Following are the Halloween costumes ideas for frugal moms and dads. We hope you would like these ideas and these would as well be useful for you.

Ghost: Ghost costumes are normally inexpensive costume. You can just cut holes in an old sheet. Draw some of the chains, spider web etc on it with a permanent marker. This would give more thrills to your kids

Angel: Use a sheet like for the ghost, squirt it flippantly with some apparent spray paint and throw sparkle on it before the paint has a possibility to dry. Make a halo and the wings out of clothes pegs covered with aluminum foil.

Clown: Use incompatible oversized and too tiny clothes from every body closet to run away from the cost of a wig, make a hat from edifice paper or use an old one, beautify it ludicrously with flowers, pins, etc.

Tourist: You can use loud clothes; camera, cap, and maps sticking out of every pocket, just use your imagination.

Soldier or hunter: Living in the south, every body we know has disguise clothing, just piece as one whatever mixture you desire, apply some good paint to the face. You can borrow a canteen, scope and backpack from a friend.

Rock Star: Torn clothes, barb their hair using hair spray. Make jewelry with safety pins, clip on earrings, the dog's collar paint their face with makeup... Only thing we bought was some spray on hair coloring.

Hippie: Any old clothes, sandals and dyed your own shirt by using some old fabric paint, which would not clutch out of the bottle good, cut the achieve and mixed it with water and dipped the shirt in then drew cipher on it with a enduring marker. Top off the outfit with a hankie or bandana, sunglasses and a pack of cigarettes (deck of cards) rolled up on to your sleeve.

These are just a few of the ideas, which could be used during our "Halloween Party". Hope you enjoy them.

About Author

Usha is a Copywriter of Costume shop.She written many articles in various topics such as Costume Store,child halloween costumes. For more information visit: www.halloweenfantasy.com. Contact her at usharani.articles@gmail.com

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Halloween Costumes For Couples? Find Your Favorite Couples Costume Online

Who’s looking for Halloween costumes for couples? If you are, let us help you with your online costume journey, because it’s time to change things up this year and find that cool adult couples costume so you’ll be the life of the party for Halloween this year!

There are so many different ideas that you can choose from, and we know it can get a little overwhelming, but searching via the Internet is not only convenient, it's extremely fun, and in the end you will find that the perfect costume for the both of you, and can add your own finishing touches to your theme selection in a few clicks of your mouse!

Halloween costumes have become so much more creative over the years, and many of the top online Halloween costume websites have their 2006 costume inventory ready to go, so have fun browsing through their vast selections! You will easily find everything from Bacon & Eggs (a cute one…have your guy dress as the bacon (because it's all about the meat for the guy's) as the women can don the egg suit!), Frankenstein and his bride (this is a favorite classic! Go all out and play the part to the fullest!), Greek God and Goddess (check out the newer costumes to spice this duo-outfit up!), tacky tourists (you can even do this one on your own with that hideous floral print shirt you thought you’d never wear again!), and also the tried and true Ketchup and Mustard! These costumes have been popular through the years and always make appearances at the best Halloween parties!

Not A Costume Traditionalist When It Comes To Dressing Up For Halloween?

If you're not the traditional classic costume type, No worries, there’s a lot more to choose from than that! You’ll find many new ideas, such as “Dog the Bounty Hunter” and his wife, Beth! There are also the costumes for Mr. & Mrs. Incredible, where you can live your fantasy of being a superhero! How about checking out the funny ideas of a “lock and key” costume, (where the men can be the key, and the women are the locks), or the hilarious “Nut and Bolt” costume (you can figure this one out!).

Your a couple that loves to take adventures together, so how about checking out the new Pirate costumes for this 2006 season? You will find many new Buccaneer couple costumes taken after the famous “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies including the new movie released this year, as well as the romantic renaissance and medieval couple costumes like Cleopatra and Mark Antony.

Are You A Couple That Truly Enjoys The Traditional Classics? If You Are, Then How About Sinking Your Teeth Into These?

Another classic duo that many couples enjoy dressing up as year after year are the classic Vampire/Vampiress costumes! You can quickly find a variety of old and new styles of vampire costumes, and depending on what mood you're in, you can obtain either the mysterious and sexy vampire costumes, or go out in Celebrity style with some of the more extravagant costumes. All of these costume ideas are available to you in the costume stores online. The new possibilities are endless, and the hard part will only be choosing what the two of you would like to dress up as this year!

Let both your imaginations run wild this year and pick a couples costume that will knock everyone’s socks off! Don’t forget to go the extra mile and spice up your unique outfits with the a variety of available costume accessories, and remember, this Halloween is going to be your time to have fun together, so dive in and take on a new identity you have never done before for this one crazy night!

About Author

William is the owner and the author of “1st In Halloween Costumes” available at www.1st-in-halloween-costumes.com A great source for Halloween Costumes for couples! William provides information and tips on how to find your favorite costumes and accessories for Halloween parties and more. His site provides you quick and easy access to some of the top online Halloween costume suppliers offering an incredible selection of costumes for adults, kids, and even your favorite cat and dog. If you need that perfect costume idea, or you're just looking for a mask, makeup, or only a costume wig to compliment your existing outfit, William's site will be your one-stop resource for costume and accessory needs.

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Halloween Costume Ideas

Monday, August 13, 2007

30 Quick and Easy Kids Costumes

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Slime Recipe Favorites

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Its Halloween! Spooks, Specters and Spyware!

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Face Paint Recipes

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Creative Costume Ideas for Kids

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Glow Mouthpieces

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Whether Your Halloween Fun is Homemade or Store-bought, Make This Year the Scariest Ever

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Looking To Buy Costumes Online? The Advantages Are Ghoulishly Attractive

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Pirate Costume

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Sexy Costumes

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A Guide for Buying Costumes Online

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Have Fun With Baby Halloween Clothes

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Coins Safe Alternative to Halloween Candy

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Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas For Children

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Renaissance costumes, a rebirth of attitudes and interests.

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Frightfully Fun Ideas for Halloween Decorating

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How To Carve A Pumpkin For Halloween

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Ooooh Scary!!

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Fun Halloween Party Themes and Ideas

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Traditional games of Halloween parties

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Halloween opens creativity

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Naughty Costumes - Are You Ready To Be Badly Behaved This Halloween?

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Economical ideas for Halloween Costumes

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Halloween Costumes For Couples? Find Your Favorite Couples Costume Online

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