How to Spice up Valentine's Day for Your Wife

If you have been married for quite some time then you already know that it can be a challenge to give your wife a surprise on Valentine's Day. You have already been through the dozens of roses and boxes of chocolates as well as the stuffed animals and taking her out to dinner. So just how do you surprise her with something fresh and exciting? Well the answer to that question is simple; you just need to be a bit creative and resourceful.

Why not give your wife a gift that will last throughout the year. There are many gifts to choose from that she can enjoy throughout the year. There are such gifts as the wine of the month gift where she will get a different bottle of fine wine each month for an entire year.

You an really go all out and get her a coupon book or make one yourself. These make the best gifts as you can either get them preprinted from such places like Hallmark or you can sit down and make the entire coupon book yourself. This is a gift that she will enjoy over and over again and again. She will love the gift as it lets her know that you will take the time to do something just for her when she want or needs it.

The pre printed ones come with a variety of coupons. Each coupon will say something like "good for a 30 minute back rub" or "good for one bubble bath, complete with back scrub". Be sure that you read through the entire coupon book if you buy it already printed so you know what you will be getting yourself into.

If you choose to make the coupon book yourself then you can tailor it to what she likes and for things that she needs. You can make coupons good for a free night of babysitting so she can have a girls night out or you can add something in there for a full night out, kid free, where you have a sitter for the entire night so you can go away for the night.

You can even include the kids in on the coupons. You can have them make coupons for 1 day of no cooking or 1 day with no chores. Let the kids be creative. This is something she will love to cash in on as women love to take a break from the family once in awhile.
No matter what you choose to do, try to make the gist something that will last her throughout the year. This will make her Valentine's Day better then the others. It will add a bit of spice into each day for her and you as well.

Tom Kranz writes articles on Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day gift ideas, and Valentine's Gift ideas.

Why the Joker Mask For Halloween Will Be the Top Costume Choice

Are you set on going with a Joker Mask for Halloween? If so, you'll find that it is definitely a great costume to consider. With the popularity of The Dark Knight, many people are considering this type of a costume this Halloween.

While the movie was definitely popular and it really brought to life the characters within it, you'll find that the Joker just about stole the limelight from Batman in the movie despite being the bad guy. Here are a few tips that will help you to choose the perfect Joker Mask this year.

Tip 1 - Pick a Mask That Flatters Your Personality - When you are trying to pick out the right Joker Mask for Halloween, you'll want to pick out a mask that flatters your personality. If you happen to be more of a ladies man in an evil sort of way, then consider going with the mask from the Caesar Romero character, who was elegant and known as quite the ladies man.

Of course he later went on to be on the wanted list of Gotham City, but he still had charmed the ladies at one time. On the other hand, if you have a dark side and you're a bit twisted, then the latest Joker portrayed by Heath Ledger could be the perfect choice. It definitely portrays the aspect of horror and the twisted side of evil.

Tip 2 - Find a Mask with Hair - Another thing to remember when choosing your Joker mask is to try to find one that has hair with it. It can be difficult to replicate the joker hair on your own, and you probably won't want to have to purchase a wig too. So, look for the masks that come with the hair attached to them so you get the entire look for one price.

Tip 3 - See if It Comes with a Costume - While the mask could stand alone as your get up added clothing will definitely help you complete the look. While it is relatively easy to come up with some great costume choices from eccentric pieces of clothing from your closet, if you can get the mask with the accompanying accessories you'll go a long way to becoming the center of attention at your Halloween party.

Tip 4 - Compare Prices - Before you decide to buy the Joker Mask for Halloween or the rest of the costume, you may want to compare prices first. There are many sites online that offer costumes and masks but be sure to shop around. While it won't cost you and arm and a leg one of the major cost factors could be shipping and this is where you will want to pay attention to the prices being offered.

Lowest prices ever on Joker Mask for Halloween. Grab yours now while they last at Joker Masks for Halloween. Better hurry because supplies are limited.

Viking Warrior Princess Plus Costume

Costume includes vest, skirt, and arm gauntlets. Available in Plus sizes, XL, 2X, and 3X. boots and sword not included.

Alice In Wonderland Queen Of Heart Halloween Costume

*3Pc. Queen Costume Incl Crown,Collared Petticoat Dress W/Marabou Trim,Stockings X-LARGE BLACK
Customer Review: Hot!
The dress is very short (but you can tell this from the pic! - I'm just going to wear some little black shorts underneath) and the maribou trim does not go all the way around the skirt, but it doesn't look bad. Very cute costume and I love the way it fits the bust!

Power Rangers Jungle Fury Red Ranger Muscle Child Costume

Includes: Jumpsuit with muscle torso and mask. Nun chucks and socks not included. This is an officially licensed Power Rangers costume.

Womens Queen Miss Bee-Have Costume (small or medium)

Everybody's buzzin'! Queen Miss Bee-Have costume features a yellow and black striped dress with black lace accents and wings. Includes: black and yellow striped dress, petticoat, gloves, black lace cuffs, crown, wings, stockings and choker. Sizing Information: Adult small - Chest: 33"-34 1/2 Waist: 25"-26 1/2", Hips: 35 1/2"-37" Adult medium - Chest: 35"-36 1/2", Waist: 27"-28 1/2", Hips: 37 1/2" - 39"

Little Red Riding Hood Dress Fairy Tale Sexy Adult Halloween Costume Naughty Cute Fairytale Outfit

Sexy 2 Piece Lil' Red Riding Hood Costume

This Item Includes: Hood; Peasant top Dress!

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Headless Man Adult Halloween Costume (Standard (One-Size))

Includes: Harness and robe. Butcher knife not included.

Easter: A Most Important Religious Occasion

For Christians, the most important religious occasion in a year would without any doubt is Easter Bunny Origin which is the day when Jesus Christ rose from the dead - two days following his crucifixion which in turn took place between AD 26 and AD 36. Though it is a religious occasion, a number or cultural and non-religious elements have also been added to this holiday making it an occasion that is celebrated by Christians as well as people that are not Christians.

Eastertide, Lasts For Forty Plus Days

Easter also happens to a be a season that is referred to by the church as Eastertide or even the Easter Season which by tradition lasts for about forty days starting with Easter day and continuing up till Ascension Day; of late, however this has been extended to fifty days - right up till Pentecost. Easter Week is the first week during the celebrations to mark the Resurrection of Christ and is also known as Octave of Easter.

It is a day that also signifies the time when Lent (season for penance and prayer) comes to an end. However, Easter is not a fixed event since it is not celebrated on the same day according to the civil calendar and it can in fact begin any time during the months of late March and up to the end of April on any given year.

All churches now agree that Easter falls on the first Sunday following the 14th day of the moon or Paschal Full Moon that in turn falls on or just following the equinox (ecclesiastical vernal.) Passover or the time when Jesus ate His Last Supper is also closely associated with this occasion - both in terms of symbolism as well as in terms of the calendar.

However, this is an occasion that is observed differently by the Western world as compared to the Eastern world with Roman Catholics, Lutherans and Anglicans observing this day at night on Holy Saturday. Furthermore, the celebration of this holy day goes beyond pure religious ceremony as can be seen in the form of a number of different Easter games as well as customs of which egg rolling and egg tapping as well as pace egging and egg decorating is good examples.

Children in particular love Easter because of the lovely Easter Bunny Origin gifts that they receive and also because the get many different surprise gifts. The egg in particular is an important part of the Easter celebrations - having its roots in pagan symbols of rebirth and fertility. In modern times, this is an occasion that has become a commercial event that sees widespread sales of greeting cards along with confectionary and it is also an occasion when non-Christians too join in the celebrations.

Get more information about Easter Bunny Origin. Spend time learning about Plastic Easter Eggs and get some information on Google Easter Eggs also.

Kid's Cars Lightening McQueen Halloween Costume (Size: 6)

Customer Review: floppy
My son likes this costume as he is a HUGE Cars fan. However, it is not stiff enough and doesn't keep its shape. Even my 5 year old is upset that it looks caved in. We may sew in a plastic bar in the back to keep it straight. What a pain for paying that much.

Thanksgiving is a time of the year for great family get-togethers. Sometimes kids feel left out in this festival because they think it belongs to the adults. Allowing your kid to throw his own Thanksgiving party is a great way to allow them to cook for their friends and enjoy the holidays. It is best to pick a time near to but not on Thanksgiving Day because most families have plans for Thanksgiving. The weekend before is usually a good idea because there is a festive mood in the air.

There are several important aspects to throwing a great Thanksgiving party. Food is an important concern. Remember that kids do not like the same food as adults, so sit down with your kid to discuss what he or she and friends would like. You can also have a Thanksgiving party whereby each kid can bring along an item to share with his friends. This can be a fun way to get kids involves in Thanksgiving with less work on your part.

Another important aspect would be the decorations. Since Thanksgiving is in the fall, encourage your kid to go out with you to collect colored leaves and use them as decorations at your party. Let your kids decide what decorations to put up with a Thanksgiving theme. Getting them involved give them a sense of belonging and responsibility. Baskets of fall produce can add to the ambiance of autumn.

The third important aspect is to make sure there are plenty of activities for the children. Art projects are always popular. You can make pilgrim hats or other fall themed things with paper. Set up some examples so that children will have something to work towards. Other fun activities include Thanksgiving themed games.

Education can also be an important part of a Thanksgiving party because Thanksgiving itself is seeped in history. Thanksgiving Day is an annual one-day holiday to give thanks at the end of the harvest season. In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. You can do a pageant or play or simply focused on how Thanksgiving Day came into being. However, be careful not to offend anyone with any religious implications that other parents might not enjoy you talking to their children about. In life, there are many things to be thankful for and religion need not come into play. Being thankful is a good trait and you can have a fun discussion around the table where each child is allowed a chance to talk about what they are thankful for. The important point of a Thanksgiving party for kids is to show them that Thanksgiving is not only for adults alone. Kid can have fun too.

Kate Slinger is a professional event planner and an avid writer. Take the common sense approach to organizing parties,
celebrations and holiday events with unique ideas on a budget.

Party on the cheap offers tons of party ideas for any party
occasions including holiday parties, birthday parties, anniversary parties, kids parties or adult parties. Discover how you can throw a party for less than $50 at
http://www.partyonthecheap.com

Harry Potter Dementor Child Halloween Costume

Kids costumes from the magic world of Harry Potter! This Dementor costume will make you the star of the party as you show up straight from the depths of Hogwarts!

Now that the leaves are changing colors and the temperature is dropping, the time has come to start thinking about Halloween costumes. While there are plenty of options to consider, one possibility for men are Power Rangers Halloween costumes.

Background on the Power Rangers

If you don't remember the Power Rangers, they were one of the most popular franchises in the 1990's and continue to be a popular show for young people. Basically, the show takes a unique approach by dubbing over a Japanese show known as the Super Sentai Series. Parts of the original show which aired between 1993 and 1996 were filmed using American actors. The rest of the show was from the Japanese show but the dubbed dialogue was not based on the original script but instead was a new take on the material.

After the original run, the show continued in several new series and motion pictures. In 2007, a convention based on the Power Rangers was held. Many of the original cast members were present at the event. The show is currently prepared to be made available for free online via Disney's new streaming media service.

Other Creative Costume Ideas

Whether you decide to put on those Power Rangers Halloween costumes or not, there are plenty of great ideas for guys who want to dress up for the holiday. First, you need to decide if you want to be scary or funny. If you're choosing the latter, one of the best costume ideas is to dress like a member of the opposite gender.

Wearing the clothes of a woman for your Halloween costume may not be for everyone but it's one of the easiest costumes to put together. For example, if you have a female friend or significant other you can use her make-up and hair products. If you can't fit into her clothes, head to your local thrift store to pick up the most hideous or revealing outfit you can find for next to nothing.

If you want something simple, grab a cheap microphone, put some gel in your hair, and go out dressed as the next American Idol contestant. When people open the door or come up to you, break into song. Consider singing a song from last season. You could also consider going with other people who are dressed up as the judges and/or other contestants.

Now if you're hoping to be a bit scarier and less funny, you might want to look through the available supplies at your local party or costume store first. Even if you don't purchase a pre-made costume, it might help to find out what types of props are available. While horror movie bad guys are some of the most common scary figures on the streets at Halloween, you could always choose some of the old reliable costumes: mummies, ghosts, vampires, or werewolves.

Another idea is to go as a zombie. Wear dirty and torn clothing and apply make-up that gives you the look of being dead.

I do not know which kind of costumes you are going to wear. But if you want to buy Power Rangers Halloween costumes, I have an idea for you. You may find lots of choices on Power Rangers Halloween Costumes 2008.

Sunflower Girl Toddler Halloween Costume size 3T-4T

Have the most Beautiful Dress this year in this new line, The Botanicals Kids Costume. Choose the Sunflower Girl Toddler Halloween Costume and really Bloom this season!

Most people spend a lot of time decorating their home for the holidays, but when it comes to the kitchen many are at a loss as to how to spruce it up for Christmas. Here are some easy and inexpensive ways that you can get your kitchen into the holiday spirit.

One thing that adds a lot to the kitchen at any time of year is to decorate above the cabinets. If you have a space between the tops of your cabinets and the ceiling, then you have a great place decorate! For the holidays, you can put up some garland or greenery. Maybe add some red bows or ornaments and little white lights for the season. If you already have decorations up there, you can work around those or go all out by replacing what you currently have up there with Santa's, trees and other holiday decorations.

You might already give your kitchen table a festive look by putting a holiday centerpiece in the middle, but why stop there? If your table is big enough, you can put a small tree on it! Maybe one of those quaint Victorian bottle brush trees would look neat? Just something about 2 or 3 feet tall and not so wide that it takes up the whole table.

Of course, you'll want to complete the look by leaving your table set with a Christmas theme dishes, placemats, glasses and silverware. Just leave it setup all during the holidays and it will add a great festive look to your table. If you are on a budget, shop at your local consignment store, thrift store, or flea market for holiday themed tableware.

Another way to dress up your table is to give it a great holiday tablecloth. If you are really ambitious, you can even make or buy matching slipcovers for the chairs. Even non-upholstered chairs can be made to look cozier with fabric slip covers that slip over the backs. Some cover the seat and whole chair while others are made to only cover and decorate the back.

Another place you can add some holiday dcor is around the windows. You can drape garland or greenery over your valances or tops of your curtains and put Christmas candles in the window. You can even buy fake snow for the panes. One little touch that looks great is to take a nice piece of ribbon and hang an ornament in each of the windows.

Our final Christmas decorating tip really rounds out the look and pulls the room together is holiday accents! Buy pot holders, kitchen towels and throw rugs with a holiday theme and splash them around the room to complete the look. If you are really ambitious, you can get cookie jars, canisters and other counter top items in the Christmas theme. Again, try yards sales, consignment stores and even antique stores for inexpensive items to use in your decorating.

Lee Dobbins is the owner of A Kitchen Decorating Idea where you can get more ideas on how to decorate your kitchen on a budget.

Red Pimp Costume

This groovy pimp costume comes with a matching red crushed velvet jacket and pants. The jacket is detailed with zebra print on the jacket collar, cuffs, and pockets, while the pants are accented with zebra print in the flare of the bell bottoms. A great crushed velvet pimp hat completes this look, and is also accented with zebra print and a feather. Super Fly! Perfect costume for Halloween. Comes in three adult sizes.

Traditionally, Halloween night has been an occasion for kids, and often for their parents as well, to dress up in fancy costumes and go trick or treating about the houses in the neighborhood. And nowadays, it appears that the family pet is not to be deprived of its share of the fun, and is also brought along to add to the familial spirit of the festival. From taking the dog or the cat along, it is but a simple step if you want to make the pet a full-fledged participant in the revelries: why not dress the pet up in a pet Halloween costume? The idea may appear to be a bit weird or even funny but consider: firstly, Halloween is the night that you are licensed to be weird; and secondly there are scores of festivals and competitions organized all over the USA at which people dress up their pets for fun and games. So then there's no reason why your pet can't put on a Halloween costume and join in the fun.

Pet Halloween costumes are in fact getting increasingly popular and are readily available at all the major pet stores and even departmental stores like Wal-mart and Target have separate sections for pet Halloween costumes. Since this is still a niche market, the costumes are somewhat expensive, but depending on the sum you wish to spend you can choose anything from simple dresses to those which are not a whit any less elaborate than the most complicated human Halloween custom. So you can dress up your cat, dog or pet iguana as a princess, a fairy, a devil, or for that matter even a cow. The choice is simply amazing. But when purchasing that costume, be sure to size it correctly. Since the pets are not generally used to wearing dresses, much less elaborate ones, a costume which is a bit too large can cause the pet to trip up, or it may even manage to wriggle out of it.

In consideration of this last problem, it may not only be simpler but also more effective to make your own pet Halloween costume. You are likely to find all the items you require already in your house. A simple pet Halloween costume need be nothing more than a hat! So for that perfect Halloween dress for your pet, get yourself an old hat and attach a Velcro strip, two pieces of string or even a belt, whatever is handy, to act as a fastener. But before the actual show time, it might be a good idea to get the pet accustomed to wear the hat. Provided it has had some practice, the pet shouldn't try to get it off, and all would be well. You could also try and add some accessories to the plain hat, such as a pair of sunglasses or a bandanna. The super-pet is sure to impress the neighbors and get a little extra candy on the night.

You could also try some more elaborate Halloween costumes for your pet. So for instance, you could coordinate the costume for the pet with the ones that your children are wearing: if your child is in a puppy costume, how about having your dog dress up as a mommy, nurse or a nanny. Or if the dog is rather small, you could dress it up as a baby in swaddling clothes and make your child play the role of the nurse with a pram. The range of things you could do to make your pet a part of your Halloween festivities are boundless: by your effort, imagination and creativity you are sure to come up with a great Halloween costume for your pet.

If you would like your dog to look at his best this Halloween, or any other special occasion, do consider the Batman Dark Knight Pet Costume, it's a really fun costume that can only add to your dogs character and his enjoyment of the Halloween parties this season. Here's a site with the best prices for the Batman Dark Knight Pet Costume.

Highlander Adult Costume

Includes white shirt and with traditional plaid skirt and Highlander belt. Matching plaid scarf and boot covers included. Beret not included. Pouch/purse may differ from shown. Exact plaid pattern may vary.

Did you know that there are many group Halloween costume ideas? Many times, friends, relatives, and individuals that work together elect to dress in attire that is similar in theme on Halloween. In all actuality, that is the most important aspect to creating costumes that are appropriate for an entire group...having a similar theme.

If your theme matches, then your group will be successful in their Halloween attire. Having group costumes can be a lot of fun. The most challenging aspect of the whole endeavor in Halloween costume ideas is choosing costumes that are similar in nature. It is often difficult to think of an idea that everyone will enjoy. However, once you have all agreed on an idea, this is a really fun activity that everyone will thoroughly enjoy! Here, you will be introduced to a few popular ideas to get you started on this year's festivities!

If you grew up in the eighties, there are a number of group Halloween costume ideas that you may enjoy. First, you have the ever-popular Care Bears. There are many different bears to choose from. Surely each individual in your group can find one that truly matches their personality! Then, you have the popular "hair metal bands" that defined this era that you all can dress like. Let's see, there was KISS, Aerosmith, Motley Crew, Skid Row, Poison, and even Guns N Roses and Metallica!

This can be a lot of fun! If you enjoyed the nineties, you may enjoy dressing like the Power Rangers, popular Disney movies from the decade, and more! If you are a Millennium type group, you may like dressing up like characters from Spongebob Squarepants, and even Hannah Montana!

There are other popular group Halloween costume ideas as well. You may elect to have a Harry Potter theme. This is actually REALLY popular. Then, there is the theme of the World Wide Wrestling Entertainment's wrestlers like those from Smackdown, Raw, and ECW. John Cena, Randy Orton, Triple H, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, and even Batista are great choices for WWE Halloween costume ideas.

It is really easy to think about group ideas when it comes to costumes for Halloween. All it takes is a little bit of creativity and finding out what everyone else in the group likes, and you are sure to discover a group theme that everyone will agree on. If you are searching out group Halloween costume ideas, take these into consideration. Not only will your group be a big hit, but you are sure to have a lot of fun with them!

Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to http://www.Spookynite.com supplying you with all the information and resources you need to know about Halloween night.

Dr. Seuss Horton Hears a Who Horton Child Costume

Includes: Headpiece and jumpsuit. Socks not included. This is an officially licensed Horton Hears a Who costume.
Customer Review: floppy hat
costume is very cute and light weight, however the hat is a little flimsy it doesn't stay stanidng up the way it looks in this picture. as soon as you put it on it flops back. my son didn't even notice which is good but i am still trying to figure out how i am going to keep it up on halloween:-0

Samhain, the traditional Celtic holiday, literally means summers end. The Celts divided the year into two seasons, representing light and dark. The first day of each season held a celebration, with Beltane on May 1st and Samhain on November 1st.

Samhain was an important festival, as it welcomed new beginnings and a new year for the Celts. It also symbolized a union or communality between people. Bonfires were lit by people within a village. While the bonfire blazed, villagers extinguished all other fires. Each family would then light its hearth from the common flame of the bonfire, bonding the families of a village together.

Samhain Eve was a time of reflection for the Celts, and a time for honoring the dead. This particular time of year signified the final harvest, a time of gathering and preparing for winter. Often winter was a time of famine and some would not survive through the long months ahead. Samhain was a way of honoring those who had died, a celebration of the spirit remembered.

It was a common belief that the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead was thinnest on the eve of Samhain. In Modern times, many have twisted this thought to evil intent, though its origin is much more honorable. The dead could return on this one night to the places where they had lived, and food and entertainment were provided in their honor. This symbolized a village existing in harmony with its past, present and future.

This also led to the tradition of lighting a single candle in a window, to light the way for ancestors to find their way home. Food offerings were also left on doorsteps for the spirits (which led to our modern trick or treating).

It was the Romans who added their Feast of the Dead to the celebration of Samhain. The Christians destabilized the holiday by introducing All Saints Day on November 1st, and re-naming October 31st to All Hallows Eve, which later became Halloween. For Christians, All Saints Day celebrates the spirits in Heaven and Purgatory. It became customary to bang pots and pans together on the eve of All Saints Day, to let the souls in Hell know they werent forgotten.

Samhain is also a major celebration of Wiccans, one of their eight holy Sabbats. For Wiccans, it is also a time of celebrating the past and the future to come. Many Pagans celebrate the New Year at this time.

Though the holiday has changed over the years, its intent remains clear it is a celebration of respect for the dead and a celebration of the new beginning that is to come. It is a holiday that commemorates the togetherness of a community.

Tonia Jordan is an author on http://www.Writing.com which is a site for Writers.

She is also a stringer for the Standard Speaker, a Pennsylvania newspaper, and is editor of Word of Mouth Magazine.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Disney Sally Plus Adult

Colorful patchwork costume includes dress, glovelettes and wig. This is an officially licensed ©Disney costume. Make-up and socks not included.

There are a few things to remember when trying to put together hilarious Halloween costumes. If you follow these recommendations, you should be getting the laughs you want.

First, remember that not everyone draws the same line between funny and offensive. This isn't a matter of excessive political correctness, it's simply a matter of respecting differences of opinion. Avoid costumes that make their joke by poking fun at hot button issues like race, gender and religion.

Almost everything is fair game on Halloween, but there are few areas that remain a little too sensitive when you're going for laughs. Even if you're a devil-may-care personality, you undoubtedly want to be respectful. Don't tread on dangerous ground.

Second, what were once hilarious Halloween costumes may now be tired and dull. Every joke loses its pizzazz after it's been told a few million times. If you want to get people smiling, avoid pulling out the same old "joke" costumes that are used year after year. The best way to earn chuckles is to bring something new to the party. Come up with a new idea or find a commercial costume that's fresh and that hasn't been seen on thousands of people.

Third, remember that a joke isn't very funny if you need to explain it. Truly hilarious Halloween costumes get the joke across on looks alone. If you put yourself in a situation where you're going to need to explain yourself over and over again, you're not going to get the desired effect. Make sure your funny costume gets a laugh with a glance, not a story.

Hilarious Halloween costumes can be a great idea--but they really do need to work the right way to be effective. If you keep these three tips in mind, you'll be in a great position to get the laughs this Halloween.

Find The Perfect Halloween Costume Online: http://halloween-tips.com/

The Lord Of The Rings Gandalf Adult

Gandalf adult costume includes hat, robe, belt and satchel. Wig and beard sold separately. This is an officially licensed Lord of the Rings? costume.
Customer Review: What?
So, I don't own it, but it sure does look like my Grandma's lue Dress. I don't recall the ruffles.... The Fabric should be coarser, and NO ruffles....

Please feel free to use this article as long as credit is given to the resource box.
Copyright Arthur Levine 2008

I have been at this Father's Day thing for a long time, but I still get a kick out of my now grown children calling and visiting and even taking my wife and I out to dinner - when it fits into their schedule of course.

I wonder how happy they would have been if I paid attention to them and their needs and wants based on how it fitted into my schedule. I imagine they would not be too happy with me.

This is not about them of course. It is about me. I realize I have taken a long time to get around to asking myself this question, but how am I doing?

I wonder if I measure up as a father in my children's eyes. The reason I ask this now that it is too late to do anything about it is not that I'm questioning my parenting skills, it is just that I would like to know that I did something right when it came to raising my children.

Funny, the older I get the more important my child raising days become. I don't know how my wife feels about this since she did most of the child rearing. We don't talk about anything except the weather any more. That conversation can be stormy enough without getting into personal events.

From prior conversations I've had with my kids they think a lot of the decisions my wife and I made about their future were really stupid, although now that they all have children we seem to suddenly have gotten smarter.

I tell them the reason I spoil my grandchildren by buying them too much candy is that I don't want to make the same mistakes that I made with them. God forbid that my grandchildren grow up thinking that grandpa was a really stingy bastard.

Anyway I seem to have strayed from the subject. I do that more often now that I have gotten older. What was the subject again?

Oh yes, how am I doing? The best I can come up with because my kids won't give me a straight answer - afraid of insulting the old man I guess - is that I must be doing all right.

I come to this conclusion because my children are all doing well and happily married and have their own children who one day they may have to answer the question to - how am I doing?

Hi, this is Arthur Levine. Have a happy Father's Day and check out http://newmiddleagedgroup.blogspot.com

Sexy Adult Halloween Costume Female Lady Pirate Captain Swashbuckler Girl Buccaneer Dress Outfit

Sexy 4 Piece Treasure Hunt Captain Costume

This Item Includes: Striped Scarf; Halter Dress w/ Lace Up Front and Patches; Sleeves; Foam Sword!

LEG AVENUE Sizes in Inches:
XS -- Bust: 28-32 Waist: 21-23 Hips: 28-33
Small -- Bust: 32-34 Waist: 24-26 Hips: 34-36
Medium -- Bust: 34-36 Waist: 26-28 Hips: 36-38
Large -- Bust: 36-38 Waist: 28-30 Hips: 38-40
XL -- Bust: 38-44 Waist: 30-34 Hips: 41-44
S/M -- Bust: 32-36 Waist: 24-28 Hips: 34-38
M/L -- Bust: 34-38 Waist: 26-30 Hips: 36-40
1X/2X -- Bust: 40-48 Waist: 34-40 Hips: 42-48
3X/4X -- Bust: 48-52 Waist: 40-44 Hips: 48-52

So you don't sew? Say it isn't "sew"! That's OK because here are some great ideas for simple children's Halloween costumes that you can create quickly and easily for the trick or treaters in your life!

JACK IN THE BEANSTOCK

Find (around the house) or purchase a large green T-shirt. Go outside and cut off a piece of trailing or climbing vine in your yard. (If you don't have a live plant that you can use then use an artificial plant.) Safety pin the vine diagonally to the front of the T-shirt. Have your child wear white or green tights and a pair of shorts over the tights. Make a hat out of newspaper. There you have it... a costume right out of a storybook!

FIT FOR A QUEEN...OR A PRINCESS

Look for a dress around your house, like an old prom dress or a dress made of fancy fabric. You will need a dress that you can use for a dress up because you will be gluing things on it. Create a cute costume using the following ideas:

1. Add a sash made of ribbon or netting...take a tuck here and a tuck there with safety pins if you need to.
2. Hot glue(if the dress can be used later for a dress up)sequins, beads, ribbon roses,artificial roses, bows,or other decorative trims to the costume.
3. Find some fun play shoes and make them sparkle with glitter or rhinestones.
4. Fashion a crown out of hot pink poster paper. Measure your child's head. Cut a strip of paper as tall as you want the crown to be. Then cut along the top edge of your strip of paper with decorative scrapbooking scissors. Place the crown on newspaper so it lays flat. Then spray with spray on glue and sprinkle generously with glitter. Let it dry. Staple the ends or hot glue the ends together. You can add rhinestones to finish off the crown if you like. Very cute! You can safety pin a train made of white bridal tulle or netting if you like to the back of the dress at the waist or the shoulders. Add a wand handmade or store bought and your child will feel like royalty in her one of a kind designed by mom gown, shoes, and crown!

CHRISTMAS SHEPHERD

This child's costume can do double duty as you can use it for Halloween or Christmas! Borrow your husband's flannel shirt. Put this on your child (with warm comfortable clothes underneath such as sweats). Take a belt from a robe and tie it around their waist. Let the belt hang down on the side and adjust the shirt to fit so your child won't trip on the long shirt. You will need to have or borrow a baby towel with a hood on it and put it on their head. Tie a piece of fabric around their forehead on top of the hood of the towel. To finish off this child costume, have your child carry a staff get creative here! You can use stick of some kind or a plastic candy cane yard decoration. Buy or borrow a stuffed lamb for your child to carry under his or her arm. Very simple and very charming!

There are all the old costume standbys like cowboys, cowgirls, football or basketball players, a dog or a cat (with a little face paint, a tail, and warm pj's.) The list goes on and on! What about dressing up like a mom? Put an apron on your child, let them carry a purse, and some high heels (make sure they are shoes that the child can handle walking in!) Or do the flip side and dress your child up like a Dad. Have them wear a suit coat and carry a brief case!

Get going and create some fun children's Halloween costumes this year. Make it a Halloween your child will always remember!

Check out my website Christmas Twigs for other cute childen's Halloween costume ideas. Visit http://www.christmastwigs.com and you will find lots of great ways to celebrate the holidays! Costumes make great gifts for birthdays and Christmas!

Make your Halloween holiday memorable by checking out my blog for more ideas on costumes and fun family friendly ideas for celebrating the holidays at http://www.holidayhearthandhome.blogonize.com

Sexy 2Pc Buccaneer Pirate Wench Halloween Costume

2Pc. Buccaneer Wench Incl Dress W/ Arm Wraps & Head Band MEDIUM RED/GOLD

Halloween has changed dramatically since I was a little girl. Then, Halloween was asking Mom for an old sheet or raiding her fabric stash and then fashioning my own costume with lots of imagination. Then I got to visit a few of the neighbors (most of whom were relatives) for treats and that was pretty much it. Fun, but not the production that Halloween has become these days.

Now, stores have two or three aisles of costumes, another two or three of various candies, and yet another two or three of decorations and even orange lights. Grocery stores have huge piles of pumpkins to be carved. There are Halloween parties for kids and adults alike. Adults have theme parties and dinners.

With more Halloween "stuff" and activities comes scheduling, time management and storage issues. Here are some tricks for making your Halloween preparations a treat:

Decorating. Early in the month is the time to take out your autumn decorations and decorate your house.

Start planning what your children will need of Halloween costumes. The earlier you shop for costumes, the better the selection.

Candy and treats are displayed and on sale now for Halloween. Go ahead and stock up.

Choose a pumpkin for dual purposes. Carving a pumpkin has become a fun family tradition. Start a new Halloween tradition and use the meat of the pumpkin and bake a pumpkin pie as a family project.

RSVP for any parties for you and/or your children now. Note the commitments on your calendar so as not to over schedule.

Remember the key to being organized for Halloween: Take down your decorations promptly, store them in a container in long term storage. Label the storage container for easy retrieval next year.

Shop for new Halloween decorations the next day or two after Halloween, when prices are slashed. Think about where you are going to store decorations before shopping. Purge old decorations. Store and label the new decorations right away.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Beryl Westby is an organizing consultant and the name of her business is No More Chaos You can get a free Idea-Kit, filled with tips and ideas on organizing, a free newsletter and tips, articles and ideas to create order out of chaos by visiting her website at http://www.nomorechaos.biz

Wonder Woman Plus-Size Halloween Costume (B114)

Wonder Woman Plus-Size Halloween Costume includes: Dress, boot tops, belt, cape, headpiece and gauntlets.

According to Christian religious belief, three days after Jesus Christ was crucified, he was resurrected. Easter (which is also known as "Resurrection Day" or "Pasha") is the Christian holiday and festival, perhaps the most important feast of the Christian liturgical year, which marks these events. The word "Easter" is used both to refer to the specific holy day and to the season of the church year which includes Easter day itself.

The date of Easter does vary each year, and the calculation of its date has been an issue of some controversy among Christians, at various times in history. The reason that the date moves is that Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover - the Last Supper is generally regarded as having been a Passover meal - and of course date of Passover is determined using the Jewish lunar calendar. The usual formula that is used to calculate the date of Easter has been described as placing Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon of the vernal equinbox - but even this is a simplification. Furthermore, since Eastern and Western Christian use different calendars (Julian and Gregorian respectively), even today there is no universal agreement on the date of Easter.

Although Easter has its roots in Christianity, today it is also a secular celebration. Most Western countries provide public holidays around Easter, and these holidays provide a excellent opportunity to spend times with friends and family. Children of course enjoy Easter eggs at this time, as well as chocolate, candies and sweets of all times. The holiday also provides the opportunity for Christian children to learn more about their faith, and for children of all faiths (and no faith) to learn about the history of Easter.

An activity that you may wish to consider for the occasion is Easter bingo. Bingo is in general suitable for marking most holidays (not just Easter), because the game is easy to learn, a lot of fun and is open to people of all ages to play. Some older people can of course enjoy the game as just a bit of fun - but kids can actually learn quite a bit while playing.

In order to play you will need some bingo cards printed with words or phrases relating to Easter instead of the traditional numbered bingo cards. In the old days, you would probably have had to send off to a specialist publisher to get these custom bingo cards - but today it's much easier and cheaper - you can simply print bingo cards from your computer. With suitable bingo card maker software, you can easily print as many bingo cards as you wish, on any topic or theme.

By S. Tanna. To create your own custom bingo cards, go to http://www.bingocardprinter.com/

Female Soccer Player Sexy Adult Costume

Includes Lycra top, matching shorts, and socks. Available in Adult sizes S/M and M/L. Soccer ball, jewelry, anad shoes are not included.

Every year you see them, usually you see the Halloween decorations then Christmas ones. Well one year as we were looking for something different to use in our haunted trail, I ran across those animated dancing Santas. They were motion activated or push button activated, and would dance and sing. Looking closer I noticed that you can have your own music or sound played through the Santa.

So the evil wheels in my head started to spin and I snagged up a couple of these and headed home. The first one I opened up and quickly removed his hat and coat. I went to my box of costumes and pulled out a robe and put a cross around his neck and with the hood of the robe up he resembled a monk. I took my iPod, you can use any music player, and connected it to the input port on the dancing Santa, or should I say my new story teller. In my collection of Halloween music I have haunted stories including the headless horseman, Edgar Allen Poe, and many more. Altogether I had about 3 hrs of haunted tales.

I then placed my "monk" in a well traveled area and just let him go, his mouth, head and arms would move as the story played through him. Setting the player to infinite loop allowed me to basically set and forget.

Every year we have a scene or two with pirates, so my second Santa, well became a pirate. Painting his beard and hair black, tossing on a child's pirate shirt, leaving his red pants on and the plastic pirate hat, I ended up with a nice looking pirate! Adding some pirate songs and sayings from a music player I was ready to go, well not quite yet. For the pirate scene I did not want the pirate to just repeating the same lines over and over for 4 to 5 hours. I needed to tweak the scene just a little bit, that is where the wireless modules came in.

The secret to having a great Halloween prop is the art of surprise. If they can see it or hear it, then they are ready for it. Instead of sitting in the bushes waiting for guest to come down the path to activate the scene, I used the wireless modules to do it for me. The pirate was motion activated, so I used a couple of strobe lights, which strobe lights will make even a static prop look like it is moving.

Using the wireless motion sensor to activate the strobe lights which in turned activated the dancing pirate singing Yo' ho' and a bottle of rum. Toss in a few skeleton hanging from the trees and you're all set to go. Now you could use a second motion sensor to turn everything off when they pass a certain point, or let the computer do all the work and shut the scene down after 15 - 30 seconds. The best part of all this is, you don't have to reset the scene, it is ready to go again!

Now I have gotten a few people who have seen my other post using wireless devices for Halloween props, asking how difficult it is to setup and configure. If it plugs into a wall outlet, lights, fans even power drills or saws, remove the bit and blades for safety. The device plugs into the wireless module which plugs into an outlet or even an extension cord. It is literally plug it in and play! You can take an average party and make it an unforgettable one! Making everyone think your some animatronic guru!

Always have a fun and safe Halloween!

The Boo Brothers have been putting on awesome Halloween parties for the past 10 years. To get some great ideas, find out where to get great props and more on animating your Halloween visit: http://www.boobrothers.com

Mullet Wig - Blonde Halloween Costume Accessory (B912)

Mullet Wig - Blonde.

Do you remember the story of a boy in Persia who always steals food just to feed himself and his monkey friend that until one day, he met someone so lovely that he really fell in love with her? But because, he's just a common thief, he can't do anything except to let that dream stay as just a dream for all eternity until one day, someone changed his life with 3 wishes? That's right, it's Aladdin and what do you want to call him? Al or Din or just plain Aladdin?

Anyway, it's a fine story of true love bridging the gap between Heaven and Earth, right? And you are so enthralled with his antics and gimmicks, not to mention his three sidekicks, Abu, Magic Carpet and Genie. Would you like to take Jasmine to a magic carpet ride to a whole new world of fantasy? Well, you don't have to be in that movie to do so. This Halloween, you can become this very lucky lad when you don on your best Aladdin Halloween costume.

During this spooky time of the year, a lot of people would think of scary costumes and make-ups and masks to celebrate trick or treating. They would go out in the streets, both men and women; children aged 2 to 62 as someone that anyone can get scared. A kid might want to be like a leprechaun or a hideous monster like Mr. Hyde, Dracula or the werewolf.

For some, being spooky is not the "thing" anymore in Halloween or should you say, not the only option. Others will find it fantastic to be one of their superheroes: Superman, Batman or Robin, the Green Lantern or The Incredible Hulk or even one of the Fantastic Four. A Spiderman costume is also very popular among young and old alike.

And there are even others who would go as their personal wrestling superstar from Hulk Hogan, the Ultimate Warrior, Sting, the Road Warriors, Hawk and Animal, Demolition and it's either Axe or Smash or the Powers of Pain (Warlord & Barbarian) and countless other inspirations.

Rock music lovers would find it amusing to go out into the darkest of the Halloween night dressed up like Alice Cooper, any member of KISS especially that demon of rock with a six-inch tongue, Gene Simmons or even Marilyn Manson or Motley Crue or W.A.S.P. For the crazy ones, they can find Twisted Sister costumes to be the best and a stand-out.

While others go for these types of costumes, some would like to be magical, wholesome and funny. That's why; they go for cartoon characters costumes like Aladdin or even the dreaded evil Jaffar.

If you're looking for the best Halloween costumes, the best ones can be found right here on the Internet. There are hundreds and thousands of ideas to choose from different sites and all you need to do is to find one that fits your size, your taste and of course, your imagination.

Or if you are in a tight budget, you can still get some tips from different costume sites and maybe, the materials that you need to make your costume from a pirate costume, a fairy costume or an Aladdin Halloween costume can already be found right in your own home.

For more information on Halloween Costumes, please visit http://www.gifthalloween.com/ which is an educational website devoted to helping people understand Halloween Costumes and make a good Halloween Costumes selection.

Marauders Wench Sexy Pirate Halloween Costume

The sizes below are specific to the costume in this listing. Other costumes may have different sizing patterns. For example, company A's size medium may be equivalent to company B's size large. Be sure to check the size chart closely to make sure you know what you are ordering.

The list below may indicate that more than one size fits you. If you are unsure of which size to choose, then go with the larger size because these costumes tend to run small.

Size --------- Dress Size

XS ----------- 0-2
Small -------- 2-6
Small/Medium - 2-8
Medium ------- 6-10
Medium/Large - 8-14
Large -------- 10-14
XL ----------- 16-18
1X/2X -------- 16-20
3X/4X -------- 20-24
One Size ----- 2-14

These days, it is becoming more and more common to give out Christmas favors- small gifts and trinkets to friends and families that you invite to your Christmas party. They are designed to be a little thank you to your guests for attending.

If you are struggling in the current financial climate, and money is a bit short, then you may consider do-it-yourself Christmas favors. You can make great gifts for your guests at a fraction of the cost of favors being purchased from a store.

The purpose of this article is to give you some ideas of what you can do to make your own Christmas Favors. You could:

• Bake Some Cookies- Baking some cookies for your guests is a great and tasty option for your guests. You could put them in a pretty bag and put some ribbons around them. This can be an extremely cheap option that will make your guests happy. You could bake a variety of flavors such as chocolate chip cookies.
• Paint/ decorate some picture frames- Another option for your do-it-yourself Christmas favors would be to get some cheap picture frames and decorate them yourself in a way that is personalized for all of your guests. For example, you could make floral frames for your female guests and sports-themed frames for your male guests.
• Make a floral arrangement- Another option to consider if you want to make your own Christmas favors is to give your guests floral arrangements. You could buy some cheap flowers and then arrange them in boxes and with ribbons for each of your guests. These types of favors would look great and smell great.

Do-it yourself Christmas favors could be a great option to help save you money if things are tight. However, if you do not have enough time to make your own gifts, you could get online and purchase Christmas favors from an online store. Because an online store has less overhead costs than a bricks and mortar store, they can offer much cheaper costs for your favors.

If you want to give your guests christmas favors, but time is limited, check out the ready made christmas favors available at Favors-n-Gifts.

Goddess Wig (Natural Red) Deluxe Adult Halloween Costume Accessory (B542)

Goddess Wig (Natural Red) Deluxe Adult Halloween Costume Accessory

If you're looking for the perfect costume for Halloween this year, you may want to consider going with a Joker Mask for Halloween. It's the perfect way to get all dressed up for the holiday. It brings together something twisted, scary, and a bit horrific for a great costume that everyone will rave over.

This year the Joker Mask for Halloween is especially popular for a variety of different reasons. First of all, the Dark Knight came out this year becoming one of the most successful movies of all time. Since so many people really enjoyed it, the themes for Halloween are plentiful and while Batman may have been the star, it's the Joker who really captured the imagination of fans.

Of course it is important to note that there are more than just masks and costumes available for the Joker from the Dark Knight movie. There have been other movies as well that included the Joker in them played by a different character. So, you'll find that there are various Joker masks out there that you can choose from this Halloween.

Once you have your mask, you'll find that you are just about set for a Halloween party or for going out trick-or-treating. You don't really have to purchase the rest of the costume. Just start mixing and matching some of the clothes in your own close for an eccentric look, and you'll have a great costume that is unique.

If you are keen to accentuate the look then adding some hair to the mask will set off the look even more. Some masks come with the hair as well but may be harder to locate. You can go with an unruly wig or even a smooth parted down the middle wig as well. If you can do this with your own hair, go for it, but you may need a special wig to pull it off.

As you can see, going with a Joker Mask for Halloween is definitely a great idea. These masks are very easy to find, there are several styles to choose from, and they are relatively inexpensive as well. So, if you are looking for a great costume for Halloween, which is coming up quickly, this may be a great choice that you want to consider for this year.

Lowest prices ever on Joker Mask for Halloween. Grab yours now while they last at Joker Masks for Halloween. Better hurry because supplies are limited.

Beast Legs (Brown) Adult Halloween Costume Fur Leggings Accessory (B890B)

Beast Legs (Brown) Adult Halloween Costume Fur Leggings Accessory - An excellent addition to any costume. These fur leggings combine comfort, movement, incredible detail and fit.

Carving a pumpkin in to a jack-o-lantern is one of the most popular things that people do on Halloween. There are many degrees of techniques that people will use from the simple face carving to very fancy costumes that they add a pumpkin face to. It does not matter if you are doing a simple design or hard one carving a pumpkin should be embraced by all of your friends and family and should be a time to celebrate this Halloween season.

The most important thing to carving a pumpkin is to know some basic facts such as no matter how fancy your carving is you must cut the top off first and remove all the insides of the pumpkin. The pumpkin needs to be empty on the inside so that you will have room to do your carving and also those insides can make a foul odor after a short period of time.

When you are choosing what face you want to carve on your pumpkin you have many options form scary, mad, funny, happy, etc. Many people will carve the face and then they will use magic markers to add some color to there pumpkin such as red for the lips. Another option for you it to invest into a pumpkin carving kit because this will give you the tools you need to carve your pumpkin and there is also some patterns in the kit that you can use for the face.

Remember that carving your pumpkin this Halloween season needs to be fun and you should get all the members of your family to participate because it makes for great family time.

Find the : Best Halloween Pumpkin Ideas

Great Information for : Your Halloween Season

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Halloween and Holidays

Adult Joker Nurse Halloween Costume (Size Large)

Halloween will be here before you know it so if you haven't started thinking about costumes, you should. If you have children like myself they will need costumes to dress up for school and other area events

Why? Because it's fun. Kids love dressing up in costumes and having a reason to celebrate. Halloween is one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year as it offers all ages the opportunity to play the child, whether by donning costumes or eating the candy meant for trick-or-treaters. A fun way to celebrate the holiday is by hosting a Halloween party.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of kill joys out in the world. Therefore, you need to research area events and plan a schedule so that your children can celebrate Halloween safely.

Step 1

look for area Halloween celebrations that are safe and fun for children. Look in the newspaper, some are published on the internet. Look in your weekly free community ad paper, notices sent home by schools, and community calendars on radio website. Check with area churches to see what they are planning for Halloween.

Step 2

Decide on a schedule of activities for the week before Halloween. Many events begin a few weeks before Halloween such as haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hay rides, Zoo Boo, and apple picking complete with homemade apple cider. Some of these even reinforce science class information and help the children learn.

Step 3

Carve pumpkins with your children several days before Halloween. If your children are very young, let them draw the face and you cut it out. Then let them help scoop all the goo and seeds out. Don't forget to save the seeds and bake them in the oven to munch on later.

Step 4

Take your kids trick or treating. Halloween can be a very fun holiday for children. Taking them out to get candy is one of the best ways to celebrate Halloween with your children. Be careful though. Check the candy that they are given to make sure that it is safe. Most of all, be safe. Halloween is a holiday of tricks. There are many people that will be out trying to ruin the holiday for some people. Go out in groups so that you are not walking alone.

Nigel owen is a writer for http://www.how2dothat.com where you can Search, Browse and Discover the best how to videos across the internet & Watch Millions of Videos Instantly".Learn how to do almost anything and read hundreds of helpful how to articles.

Adult Men's Deluxe Gorilla Halloween Costume

While your kids are having a blast trick-or-treating, you're working up a storm back home, trying to scrape a feast together for the Halloween party. If that's how it goes for you every year, maybe it's time you changed the menu. There are lots of Halloween party foods that set the right mood without taking up your whole evening. Try these five quick ideas.

Pumpkin shell soup: Serve your soup right in the pumpkin shell! Look for one with a thick, hard shell and a sturdy base. After carving out the flesh, pat the shell dry, spray with baking oil, and bake until the skin is a deep orange. Pour in your soup or stew and you've got a main dish that's both classy and creative.

Chunky chili: If party soups aren't your thing, a pot of chili makes a great alternative. Use larger chunks to give it more bite and play up the spiciness. Pair it with some potatoes, or bread sticks. You can serve them in the pumpkin shell as well-just make sure to dry it well or you'll get pumpkin-flavored chili!

Halloween cupcakes: One of the quickest ways to rescue your party, Halloween cupcakes are known for their creative designs and kid-friendly flavors. If you don't have time to bake, just buy a whole box and decorate them with homemade colored frosting. Throw in some jelly, gummy candies, and licorice to create a gooey texture.

Caramel apples: This healthy dessert is perfect for kids who have a sweet tooth, and for moms who have no time to cook. Make a thick, gooey caramel sauce-the gooier, the better! Keep them in the fridge before serving to help the caramel firm up. Serve on colorful Halloween sticks to add to the party mood.

Finger food and dips: You can turn everyday chips and sticks into Halloween fare by getting creative with your dips. Just add some food color and chunky spices to create "otherworldly" condiments. Just dump your chips on a plate, place a variety of gooey dips in the center, and let your guests sample each one.

Simon Burke loves to cook treats for his family. And luckily for us he also enjoys sharing his cooking experiences and recipes with the rest of us. Find out more about halloween food, click here.

Adult's Burger King Halloween Costume

If you have been in any discount store in American, then you know that both retailers and consumers love Halloween. Around two months before the holiday, the advertisement starts and the isles are starting to display trapping of the season. So, why is the holiday so popular?

The answer is somewhat based on personal opinion. But, consider the possible mindset of the public. Some is at an end. The autumn chill is already causing the leaves to fall from the trees. Everyone knows winter is just around the corner. So, what is now available to influence the positive attitude of the communities?

Of course! It is time to start looking forward to the holiday season, and there is one holiday that leads the way. Halloween! Although a lot of the festivities focus around children, make no mistake. Adults have a good time on Halloween as well.

Although Halloween is largely about kids dressing in costumes and going door-to-door to get enough candy to make every dentist in the world cringe, teenagers and adults are also dressing up and having a great time. Although some teens use younger siblings to still trick-o-treat, many are going to parties and haunted houses. Likewise adults have parties or parties at their churches for a safe alternative to getting treats from strangers.

Thus, it means a great start to the holiday season for many retailers. Not only are they selling great costumes and loads of candy, but all the trapping for decorations. Pumpkins, air-filled figurines, candles, paper decorations, party favors, and more are all part of making the first event of the holiday months a spectacularly fun occasion.

Make no mistake. Halloween is appreciated by both the public and the professional trying to make a living. In essence, it is the barometer gauging whether the holidays will be a success for both segments 0of the population.

So, if you are planning to begin the holiday season with loads of fun and festivities, probably the first step is to find a fabulously great costume. If you wait much longer, the best ones will be gone. In truth, candy will still be around, even if the best picks are gone. What does that matter anyway? It is just going to be given away. In addition, many generous folks have opted to buy party favor packs of items that will not rot the teeth. Finally, after you decorate the house, do not forget to be careful this holiday season. Make sure the memories are all filled with fun.

Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer for home-based businesses, Internet marketers, and professionals around the world. She enjoys working at home while raising 2 children. She holds a BA in English and secondary education from Regis University.

For more information about the best Halloween costumes visit http:/http://www.desire4mo.com/costumes

South Park Cartman Adult Halloween Costume (Standard (One-Size))

Includes: Headpiece, tunic and pants. Shoes not included. Available in adult size Standard. This is an officially licensed South Park costume.

Looking for the perfect costume for your little man this year? If so, one of the best and most popular choices out there is the Iron Man Halloween costume. Many boys are asking for this costume, especially with the movie making Iron Man so popular this year. You'll find that these costumes are available in different sizes, so whether your boy is a tiny tot or a pre-teen, you should be able to find the costume that he is looking for so he can have a great night this Halloween.

Iron Man - The Movie

More than likely you have heard about the movie "Iron Man." Well, this was a movie that actually came from a series of comic books, which led to the extremely popularity of this movie, since so many people already were interested in the comics. It was a hit release that many people enjoyed, and now many little boys who saw the movie want the chance to be Iron Man themselves, which is something that they can do this Halloween with the right costume.

The Costume is Easy to Find

If your little man wants to dress up as the man of iron, don't worry. This costume is very easy to find because it is so popular. You shouldn't have a problem finding the perfect costume in the right size. You can easily find it online, even if you can't find it anywhere else, so you won't have to worry about telling your boy no. Of course you should work to buy this costume early so they don't sell out, since they are so popular. The prices are reasonable as well, although you may have to purchase some of the accessories for the costume individually.

Enjoy Halloween as Iron Man

Purchasing your boy an Iron Man Halloween costume will give him exactly what he needs to enjoy Halloween. No doubt he'll have a great time going to parties or going out trick-or-treating as Iron Man. So, make sure that you quickly find the costume that he wants so he can have a great time on Halloween. He'll have the chance to strap on the suit of Iron Man, and then he'll get the chance to save the world. The costume actually looks very real and you even get the Energy Arc on the chest that lights up, so your child will really feel like he is Iron Man this Halloween.

http://www.squidoo.com/ironman-halloween-costume

Find the largest selection of iron man Halloween costumes at the best prices.

Italians Celebrate Saint Joseph's Day on March 19

Italy - The Feast Day of Saint Joseph

Italians love celebrating. Two days after the feast of Saint Patrick, on March 19th, Italians all over the world celebrate Saint Joseph's Day. Saint Joseph is the father of Jesus and the husband of Mary. He is the Patron Saint of carpenters, house buyers and sellers, fathers, confectioners, wheelwrights, and working people. Numerous countries regard him as their patron saint too, including Austria, Canada, Mexico, Sicily, Turin, and Florence Italy.

According to legend, during the Middle Ages severe drought and famine plagued Sicily. Sicilians prayed passionately to Saint Joseph for rain. They promised that if he sent rain, they would prepare a large feast in his honour. While they waited, Sicilians survived on fava beans which saved them from starvation. Saint Joseph heard their prayers and sent rain. The Sicilians never forgot their promise to him for answering their desperate prayers. In gratitude, to this very day, they hold dear their promise and pay homage to him.

Every March 19th, Italians open their hearts and pantries. First, three-tiered altars are erected to honour the Holy Trinity. A statue of Saint Joseph, surrounded by flowers and candles, decorates the top tier. On the next two tiers are foods like pasta, olive oil, fava beans, and baked goods.
During the banquet, food is generously offered to the needy. In the town squares of many towns and villages, large banquet tables are erected. All the townsfolk contribute food, flowers, limes, candles, wine, and fava beans. No meats are placed on the altar because the feast day falls during the season of Lent. Foods made with bread crumbs are common because it is symbolic of a carpenter's sawdust. A special vegetarian minestrone soup including fava beans and bread carefully baked in the shape of a sceptre to represent his walking stick or a wreath representing the Crown of Thorns are lovingly prepared and offered. At the end of the meal, every guest takes nhome some of the food.

To begin the festival, the local priest blesses the altar and its foods. Children portraying the Holy Family must sample all the food on the altar. As each item is tasted, there is a drum roll and everyone shouts "Viva San Giuseppe" to cast away all of the evil spirits. When the tasting is complete, the blessed loaf of bread is cut into pieces and shared with all. Legend decrees that whoever eats a piece of the bread will receive good fortune throughout the next year.

Saint Joseph's Day is a day for eating and celebrating with friends and family. There are many recipes passed down through the generations for this very special occasion. One of the most common is for "zeppole", a fried donut-like treat. So on March 19th, I hope you take the time to make and enjoy zeppole. I wish all my Italian family, friends, and readers Buon Giorno di San Giuseppe - Happy St. Joseph's Day. "Viva San Giuseppe!"

Zeppole

For the dough:

2 cups sifted flour

2 cups water

10 ounces granulated sugar

teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 large eggs

cup white wine

A pot of oil for frying

For the dredging:

3 teaspoons powdered cinnamon mixed with 1 cup sugar

Combine water, sugar, and 3 tablespoons of oil in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. Mix flour into boiling water mixture all at once. Remove from Remove from heat and begin whisking or stirring with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a mass. Return to low heat ad cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and add eggs 1 at a time. Beat vigorously after each addition or the egg will cook. Add wine and beat the dough until satiny. Grease a countertop or board with oil. Turn out the dough and pat down flat. Fold sides over on itself so there are 3 layers. Repeat this five more times. Heat oil in a large pot or fryer. Take about 1/3 of dough and roll out in a log, to the thickness of your thumb. Pinch off a teaspoon size piece. Place 3 or 4 at a time into boiling oil. Turn and fry until golden on both sides. Drain on brown paper. Place into a paper bag and sprinkle powdered sugar over them. Close the bag and shake to cover with sugar.

Mirella Patzer is first generation Italian-Canadian. She is a published author of medieval fiction and an afficionado of all things Italian. For more interesting articles, visit her web sites at:
http://www.mirellapatzer.com
http://bestofitaly.blogspot.com

Girl's Teen Mummy Halloween Costume

Customer Review: DON'T KNOW
I can't review this item because BrandsOnSale sent me the BOY'S teen mummy costume instead!!!!!

Observed on the second Sunday in May in the United States, Mother's Day is also celebrated across the world, in more than 50 countries, though not all countries celebrate it on the same day. Countries which celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May include Australia, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey and Belgium. In Mexico and may parts of Latin America, Mother's Day is celebrated on May 10 of each year.

Early History

Arguably, the tradition of a day to celebrate mothers can traced back to the times of the ancient Greeks, who held festivities to honour Rhea, the mother of the gods.

Early Christians celebrated the fourth Sunday of Lent as a Mother's festival to honour Mary, the mother of Christ.

In the UK, the tradition of Mother's Day is now very similar to its American counterpart, but its origins are different, as the day commemorates returning to your mother church on the fourth Sunday in lent.

The English colonists who settled in America discontinued the tradition of Mothering Sunday, as presumably it would have been a bit of a trip to return to their mother church for the day.

The American tradition

For a holiday, that became popular in fairly recent times, we can still manage to find three originations for the day.

A true American Mother's day was first suggested in the United States by Julia Ward Howe, writer of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. She suggested that the day be dedicated to peace. Starting in 1872, she organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston every year.

However, some would argue that Mother's day on the current date was almost accidentally set in motion by Mrs. Juliet Calhoun Blakely. On Sunday, May 11, 1877, Mrs. Blakely's birthday, her son who was the pastor of her Church, left the pulpit abruptly. Mrs. Blakely then stepped to the pulpit and took over the rest of the service, calling for other mothers to join her.

Mrs. Blakely's two sons felt so moved by their mother's actions that they vowed to return to their hometown of Albion, Michigan., every year to mark their mother's birthday. In addition, the brothers urged others to honour their own mothers on the second Sunday of May.

In terms of the holiday gaining it's national status, undoubtedly the main driver was a Philadelphia schoolteacher called Anna M. Jarvis.

In 1907, Miss Anna, began a movement to set up a national Mother's Day in honor of her mother. Anna's mother, Mrs. Anna M. Jarvis, had been instrumental in developing "Mothers Friendship Day" which was set up to assist in the healing process after the Civil War. Miss Jarvis wanted to set aside a day to honour all mothers, living and dead.

Miss Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, evangelists, businessmen, and politicians in their crusade to establish a national Mother's Day.

The first Mother's Day observance was a church service favourite the second anniversary of her mother's death, the second Sunday of May. Anna handed out her mother's favourite flowers, white incarnations.

A Mother's day tradition is wearing a carnation. A colored carnation signifies that a person's mother is living while a white carnation is used to honor a deceased mother.

The following year, Mother's Day was also celebrated in Miss Anna's own city of Philadelphia. By 1911, Mother's Day had spread nationwide and was being celebrated in almost every state in the Union.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as a national holiday in honour of mothers.

Over the years, Mother's day became increasingly popular and the current traditions of card and gift giving increased. It is said that the commercialization of the Mother's day angered Anna as she felt that the original sentiment of the day was being sacrificed at the expense of greed and profit.

Mother's Day is now one of the most commercially successful U.S. occasions. According to the National Restaurant Association, Mother's Day is now the most popular day of the year to dine out at a restaurant in the United States. The Greeting Card Association estimates that more than 150 million Mother's Day cards are exchanged in the U.S. every year, making Mother's Day the third largest card-sending holiday after Christmas and Valentine's Day.

Office Holidays lists important national and public holidays around the world in a calendar format. All featured holidays have detailed background information. Visit http://www.officeholidays.com for more details on hundreds of other holidays.

Zombie Doctor Teen

Includes a long tattered white lab coat with red splatter accents, stained light green shirt with ripped chest with PVC chest underlay and light green pants with one ripped knee and rotted knee underlay, wrinkled gray zombie PVC mask, light green surgical mask and hat and white rubber latex gloves. Available in Teen size. Boots not included. Stethoscope sold separately.

Die Hard Dallas Cowboys fans are guaranteed to have a Christmas they will never forget, starting this year. The online NFL sports shop boasts of a wide selection of Christmas gifts and ornaments that will truly catch the fancy of Cowboys fans everywhere.

Dallas Cowboys Christmas gifts

Are you thinking of the best gift for your fellow Die Hard Cowboys fan? Check out this Cowboys Fiber Optic Snowman - it will surely catch the attention of all their visitors and friends. This dcor features a fiber optic display - a snowman wearing a Cowboys sweater complete with winter wear in blue - that can be plugged into most electrical outlets. This looks great in any part of the house and gives your home a winter feel.

For the serious collector, you will also consider giving any of the limited edition photo mints. There are photo mints that pay tribute to the Cowboys Texas stadium, star players' photo mints, and official game coins preserved in acrylic. You'll surely won't have a hard time finding a gift for yourself here, as well.

Cowboys Christmas decorative ornaments

The online NFL sports shop boasts of a wide selection of Dallas Cowboys decorative ornaments for Christmas. Open your door warmly to your guest by putting the Cowboys Logo Snowman Christmas wreath on it. This wreath has Mr. and Mrs. Snowman both wearing a Cowboys jersey. It is complete with snowflakes, pinecones, holly berries, and Christmas trees, and a "Happy Holidays" greeting displayed on Cowboys colors.

The online NFL sports shop also has a couple of stockings to offer. The 22" Dallas Cowboys Santa Claus stocking features Santa's head on top of a stocking in Cowboys blue. It sure is the perfect dcor and gift container in one. The online shop also has something for the little ones. The Cowboys Baby Mascot Stocking is perfect for all your kids. It features the Cowboys plush mascot and the Cowboys logo in official colors. Now, Santa knows where to put all the toys!

Dallas Cowboys also has several Santa figurines that stay true with the Cowboys spirit. The Cowboys Rock & Roll Santa is sure to send your guests roaring with laughter with his dance moves while singing the song "Shout." This Santa wears Cowboys apparel and official logo proudly. There's also the Cowboys Santa's Gift figurine. This dcor features a child sleeping on a chair waiting for Santa to come. Santa is shown placing a Cowboys helmet beside the child as his gift. Both Santa and the child are wearing Cowboys colors. This figurine will simply bring back your childhood memories.

Football Christmas ornament

What is the best way to make your Christmas NFL-themed? The online NFL sports shop has the answer - football Christmas ornaments. The Cowboys Logo Football Ornament is simply perfect on your Christmas tree. It is made of glass and hand painted with the NFL logo. It also proudly shows the name and logo of your favorite team at the center.

The Dallas Cowboys Logo Mascot Football Ornament is another dazzling item for your tree. This ornament is engineered from mouth blown glass and expertly hand painted, too. It has the Cowboys mascot on top of a football which displays the Cowboys logo, the NFL logo and the Wilson logo. One more football ornament that should adorn your Christmas tree is the Cowboys 'Peggy Abrams' Football Ornament. This glass ornament has Santa himself on top of the football. The football bears the Cowboys logo and name. Even moms will make sure this dcor is well taken care of for many Christmases. With these ornaments, you will no doubt make the best pass and score a true Cowboys Christmas.

Katie writes article on Sports products. Among her many written articles one is on Dallas Cowboys Christmas Presents. A gift for Christmas to rejuvenate life with Dallas Cowboys Merchandise to make life full of happiness.

Womens Ruby, the Pirate Beauty Costume (small or large)

Her beauty has caused many to walk the plank! Ruby, the Pirate Beauty costume features an off-the-shoulder blouse with long, puffy white sleeves, a tie bodice, matching skirt and a red and white striped hip sash. Includes: pirate blouse, pirate skirt with jagged hem, red and white hip wrap and head tie. Sizing Information: Small (6-8) - Height: 67", Waist: 27", Hip: 37", Chest: 36", Large (10-12) - Height: 68", Waist: 30", Hip: 40", Chest: 39"

Rakhi is a sacred thread tied on the wrist of a brother by a sister on the eve of Raksha Bandhan in India. Considered one of the popular festivals in India, Raksha Bandhan is basically a North Indian festival that reinstates the sibling bond especially between a brother and a sister. Love is expressed by the way of tying Rakhi on a brother's wrist where by the brother takes upon the responsibility of his sister's protection. This tradition has trickled through centuries of customs and rituals. It is celebrated with lot of spirit and is not limited to any particular state though north Indian states head the list of predominance.

The history of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to the medieval era. During those times, the fragile thread of Rakhi exemplified spiritual bonding between the siblings. According to a legend, Rani Karnawati (widowed queen of Chittor) defended her region by sending a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun who was moved by the gesture. The history of India is replete with such events where Rakhi saved the day for many as it initiated bonds or made the bonds stronger than before. Though in the recent times, the occasion is especially known for strengthening brother-sister bond, in the past this wasn't the case.

The festival of Raksha Bandhan is normally celebrated on the Shravan Purnima or the full moon day in the month of Shravan (August according to English calendar). The impact of the festival is such that it caught the attention of the literature Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore as he popularized the event of Rakhi by conducting Rakhi Mohotsava, symbol of peace and harmony. He called upon to spread the message of brotherhood everywhere through this festival. The importance and significance of Rakhi festival can be understood by the way it is celebrated in the different regions of India and is popular by different names.

Rakhi Celebrations in India start much before the onset of the real day. The markets are crowded with a variety of Rakhi designs. There are so many Rakhi gift ideas flooding the market at this time, it becomes impossible when it comes to testing your choice. You don't really have to go over board in terms of budget because in the end it is the heart that matters and not money. Right from garments to gadgets, you can get anything for the purpose of gifting. You only have to analyze the taste of your sibling to pick up from the host of Rakhi gift ideas.

Wish you all a very happy Raksha Bandhan

Also wish your brother and sister on this auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan with Dgreetings.

Celebrate the purity of love between brother and sister, Rakhi Wishes.

Rakhi "Bhai Behen ka tyohar"