Why? Because I love the dance movies from the 80s, that’s why. It’s not enough to simply don your best 80’s gear and wiggle to Madonna or shamble to Thriller. Leather suits and lace petticoats weren’t the only thing going in 1984. I want you to watch Breakin’ and Electric Boogaloo, Beat Street, Flashdance, Fast Forward, and anything else with leg warmers and Adidas. (more…)

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So, you’re planning a Mardi Gras costume and mask party. If you haven’t decided on a theme it’s okay. Mardi Gras is theme enough.

Invitations? Check. Creole and Cajun inspired food stuffs? Check. King cake? Check. Affordable rum for the traditional French Quarter Hurricane? Check. Zydeco compilation CDs? Check. Cheap beads and all the purple, green, and gold decorations you could ever want? Check. That’s people, food, drink, music, and decor ready to get the good times rolling. There’s only one thing left to worry about: masks. (more…)

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Thursday’s party idea comes straight from the streets of New Orleans. Many of the parade Krewes borrow their names from mythology. There’s Orpheus and Endymion and the Muses. Egyptian and Norse myths also add to the festivities with Thoth, Isis, and Thor to name a few. Reread a bit of the Odyssey for ideas. Even a little Xandadu might be good for some brainstorming. (more…)

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Today’s Mardi Gras party idea is a classic. Head back to the 1960s. A time when music was evolving and clothing was shrinking. Everything was far out and hip. Perhaps best of all you can be anything from a greaser to a hippie to a mod model and still be within the theme. Swingers where huge. Surfers were gnarly. And all the babes were choice. So, raid the attic and the thrift stores, or hit the online shopping cart, because this wild party will be the ultimate scene. (more…)

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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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