Today I’ve worn four different costumes so far: Cheerleader, Mod Girl, Col. Gathers, and Pirate Lass. Will there be more?!

I don’t know.

Here’s a little Happy Halloween postcard from ManWithPez and me. I hope you all had fun!

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I asked around at work for ideas. I received two good suggestions from my coworkers. The first up is zombie.

This one is almost overdone, but it’s still soooo good when anyone puts in the effort. Luckily, the effort can be cheap! Gather your old clothes, perhaps the ones you use when you clean or work in the garage. Old nice clothes are better—you did just rise from the grave after all. But any will do.

This is important: damage the clothes. Really. Tear them, cut them, cover them in mud, whatever you like. Put them on. Mess up your hair. And prepare to zombify yourself. Shazam!

That’s me over there looking oh so nasty in the picture. I didn’t use a single bit of professional or stage makeup to achieve this look. No prostheses. First I attach puffs of cotton to my face for the wounds**. Next I applied purple and blue eyeshadow around the eyes, sores, and mouth. I added some blue pencil around the eyes for fun. You can’t really tell, but there is some very pale foundation and orange eyeshadow dabbed around the face to even out the blues. The seeping blood is good ol’ gooey red lipgloss.

I added the floppy skin at the last second just to see if I could. It’s foundation covered toilet paper. Glued it in place with the spirit gum**. Cool, huh? You don’t have to buy anything new…unless your a bachelor who doesn’t cross dress….which may be a few of you. *wink* Don’t fuss too much. Quick and dirty as they say.

You can pick up some stage blood at the costume store for your clothes and face. Or you can make your own blood at home.

Blurgh!

**I used spirit gum. Do not use spirit gum if you have sensitive skin. I suggest purchasing remover when you buy the spirit gum. Failing that, use rubbing alcohol, baby oil, or cold cream. Spirit gum sticks well and all day through sweat. Or you can opt to use eyelash adhesive or even standard white glue (school glue that is non-toxic like Elmer’s).

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We’re down to the wire for Halloween costume ideas and plans. Not to worry, I’m here to help.

Ned Flanders. Green sweater? Check. Pink shirt…maybe not check but easily attained. Gray or khaki pants? Check. Black shoes? Check. Rockin’ mustache? Well, we can fix that.

Check one of the many seasonal Halloween or costume shops in your area for an inexpensive lip tickler. Shouldn’t be more than $5. Or you can cut up an old brown sock or yarn and tape it on for the night. You’d be the hit of any party as Flanders.

Bonus points if you bring Maude, Rod, and Tod.

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Wow, have you looked at the calendar lately? It’s almost the big day for costumes and we’re no where near dressed. Do you need a last minute idea? It needs to be easy. It should preferably be cheap. Hrm.

I got it! That old mainstay: Mummy.

Materials:
A few yards of muslin (typically less than $2 yd)
Long johns
Shoe polish or dirt
Safety pins

Before you get dressed in your long johns, tear the muslin into long strips. You’ll notice it kinda looks like the linen worn by real mummies. Put on your long johns then wrap the strips around your body. You may need an assistant for this. Use the safety pins to keep the strips in place. Once on, take a small rag or paper towel and lightly rub the shoe polish in various places to age the mummy. Good dirt will work here too.

If you have the time and inclination, add some yellow and gray makeup to your eyes for that sickly sunken look.

Done.

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We have less than a week to finalize costumes for Halloween. Are you ready?

Check your closet. There’s plenty of time to search your closet, your sweetie’s closet, your parents’ closet, or your neighbor’s closet (with permission of course). You don’t even have to find anything special. Take the basic black suit. You can add some white trim to the collar for a trippy Prisoner costume. Black sunglasses and a black suit make a mighty fine MIB or Matrix agent. For the hair challenged, try dressing as the Observer from Fringe.

How about that old sport coat in the back? Wear it with a sweater vest or turtleneck for a decidedly professorial look. Don’t forget the pipe and satchel. Ladies, a straight skirt and twinset make the great beginnings of a librarian costume. Wear glasses and your hair pulled up to complete the costume.

Go all the way to the back of your closet. See anything from 10, 15, or 30 years ago? Perfect. Pair the flannel shirt with some old work jeans and unwashed hair to become a grunge kid. People dress as punks, why not grunge? The 80’s dress can land you a post as a TV mom: Mrs. Seaver, Mrs. Keaton, Mrs. Huxtable, Mrs. Jenkins, or Angela Bower. Practice any necessary catch phrases before you attend any parties.

I love group themed costumes. Whether it’s three girlfriends dressed as Charlie’s Angels or some guys as the Swingers (not that kind). Pull out your 80’s gear and have your friends join in a tribute to WKRP. Make sure there’s at least one bandage on Les.

If you’ve exhausted the closet, stop by thrift store for some great deals.

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Today is the fourth annual Wonder Woman Day.

Hundreds of artists, writers, and industry insiders participate every year. Here’s one of the incredible pieces of artwork up for auction. This one is by Natalie Nourigat ( Can anyone guess why this one is my favorite?). The auction benefits domestic violence shelters and crisis lines.

Pull out your Wonder gear and show your support by donating your time or money. Families all over the world need your help to rebuild their lives.

May Hera bless your efforts.

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