I was working late one night, when out of nowhere, I started to hear music. Dum Dah Dum Dum…Dum Dah Dum Dum! Dum Dah Dum Dum…Dum Dah Dum Dum! Suddenly my computer screen went blank. I blinked. A message flashed across my screen.

“Agent…your assignment if you choose to accept it, is to find 6 costumes for your family for under $100. You must find exciting costumes for your husband, your 2 daughters, your son and your dog, and they must all really like them. You must also find one for yourself. Keep them cheap or you will self destruct.”

The message disappeared and my computer screen went back to normal. “This is crazy,” I said. I pinched myself. Ouch! I wasn’t dreaming. How was it possible in 2010 to find Halloween costumes for 5 people and a dog and keep it under $100? And on top of that, I’m supposed to keep everybody happy. My dog is very picky you know… I have fought international criminals, confronted aliens from outer space and have almost survived my daughter’s preadolescence, but this was a Halloween mission impossible!

But, if nothing else, I am courageous and cost-conscious. So I searched for the impossible and I emerged victorious. I found affordable costumes that everyone loved. I now present the Top Secret costume steals I uncovered:

Boy Pirate Costume for My Son

My son has been dreaming of Halloween buried treasure for months. I thought my ship was sunk even before I left the harbor, but then I struck gold. The Black Jack Pirate Boys Costume was perfect. It rang in at $19.99. And since no self respecting pirate should scurry about swordless, I purchased a pirate sword for $3.99 for a total costume cost of $23.98.

Miss Dr. Costume for My Daughter

My oldest daughter wants to be a doctor when she grows up. I didn’t want to squash her ambition; I wanted her to live her dream. The Deluxe Girls Bratty Doctor Costume was the cure to my problem. Adorable heart headpiece and bolero jacket are included. This costume is only $16.78 at 60% off on clearance. The costume wouldn’t be complete without a stethoscope, so I added one in for only $2.54 on sale. Total cost for the girls doctor costume came to $19.32. Great costume deal for under $20!

Disney Spy Costume for My Youngest

My youngest daughter said she’d be happy with anything as long as it was from the Disney channel, really cute and made her look good. Is that possible? Yes, it was the Kim Possible Agent Child Costume on clearance marked down from $34.99 to only $9.99. A real costume steal for under $10!

Mr. Adventure For My Man

My husband insisted on being daring, dashing and adventurous. I insisted on cheap. We were both happy with the Deluxe Adult Indiana Jones Costume that was marked down from $66.95 to only $24.99 on clearance.

Batman Costume For My Dog

My dog Brian loves the cinema, and one of his favorite movies is Dark Knight. He’ll be glad to sport this Batman Dog Costume. Cost $9.99.

That took me to a total of $88.27. I was doomed. Where could I ever find a costume for myself for only around $10? This had to be a joke. What am I, some kind of comic? That’s it! I found it.

For Me – Comic Costume

Archie’s girl friend might be loaded, but the Archie Veronica Adult Costume is only $9.99 on clearance. I did the impossible.

6 great Halloween costumes for the family for only $98.26! I survived another mission. I think I need to look for an easier profession, like the bomb squad…

Thank goodness for the holidays. Life at times can be tedious and I so look forward to opportunities to do something a little wild and different. Halloween is one of those festive occasions when you can put down your work and just have some fun. Dressing up is a big part of the holiday and women can step away from the day to day humdrum and take on a new personality and look. When choosing a Halloween costume for myself, I usually go with a historical theme.

The idea of stepping into another decade or century is very appealing. It’s nice to be able to dress in a totally different look and style, but I especially like thinking about historical times. The following historical Halloween costumes encourage me to imagine what life must’ve been like for women living in a different era. What would it have been like to live in the Wild West or during stone-age prehistoric times? Would I have been a wild flapper girl if I had lived in the roaring 20’s?

There are a variety of fun historical women’s Halloween costumes on the market today. Many of the historical costumes are beautiful and some are just really fun to wear. Stepping back in time offers a wide variety of fabric colors and textures. Some of those old fashion gals liked the softer side of life, other women liked to sparkle. If you’re considering stepping back in time this Halloween, take a look at the following 7 historical Halloween costume ideas for women. They are really great historical Halloween costumes, in addition to being great bargains.

Women’s Historical Halloween Costume Idea 1: Prehistoric Cave Woman

If you’re going to take a trip back in time, why not go all the way back? Costumes like the Voodoo Priestess Cave Woman Costume offer some sexy stone-age fun. You’ll finally have a reason to carry a club…

Women’s Historical Halloween Costume Idea 2: Ancient Greek Goddess

Enjoy baklava and a good live play every now and then? Then it might be fun being a Greek goddess for Halloween. This bejeweled gold and white Women’s Greek Goddess Costume has the potential to make any woman feel divine. Only $34.99.

Women’s Historical Costume Idea 3: Medieval Renaissance Queen

A time of chivalry, poetry and an awakening of art the Renaissance was an exhilarating time full of renewed life and excitement. Capture the spirit of this magical period in time with the Deluxe Renaissance Queen Costume. The lush blue velvet will make any damsel feel like royalty.

Women’s Historical Costume Idea 4: Wild West Sexy Adult Cowgirl

Could you see yourself saddling up and riding a horse, firing a six shooter and lassoing a heifer? This Sexy Halloween Shoot’em Up Cowgirl Costume might help you rope in a cowboy instead… and better yet it’s marked down from $60 to only $16.99! Saddle up cowgirl!

Women’s Historical Costume Idea 5: Gatsby Flapper Girl

In the 20’s it would have probably been a lot of fun to be a Gatsby flapper girl. The glamorous parties and all night dances would have been a blast. Fashion was flamboyant with women accessorizing with long beads and bold feather head bands. Women just got the vote and were trying out their new found independence. The glam silver sequined Gatsby Girl Adult Costume has the feel of the ‘new woman’. Make sure to practice your Charleston before you paint the town in this one. Also, this costume is a complete bargain marked down from $69.99 to only $29.99!

Women’s Historical Costume Idea 6: 50’s Sock Hop Sweetie

The greatest thing about the 50’s had to be the clothes. The bebop music changed the world and the newfound prosperity in the US was good. Nothing beats poodle skirts, polka dot sock hop dresses or the dazzling glamour of old Hollywood. Get a taste of the time in this Sock Hop Sweetie Women’s Halloween costume.

Women’s Historical Costume Idea 7: 60s Groovy Go Go Girl

Everything about the 60’s was groovy. There was groovy music and shag-a-delic hippie clothes. From bell bottoms and tie die to loud retro prints the 60s made an unforgettable mark on fashion history. Some of those 60’s clothing fabrics are so loud they almost scream! The 60’s Go Go Dress Adult Costume Costume is so loud, sexy and groovy that you may just be inspired to hop on the good foot and do the bad thing.

On that note, peace out and happy Halloween costume hunting!

Shiver me timbers and blow me down. Swashbucklers have come into fashion in swashbuckling style this fall season. On this national Talk Like A Pirate Day 2010, buccaneers are in the news, in the movies and on the streets. Swashbuckler sheik is the new style trend in costumes and fashion. I’m glad to see the vibrant colors and flamboyant style as a favorite new trend in new Halloween pirate costumes for 2010.

The pirate motif cuts across all ages and genders. Boys and lasses, men and women can step out as shipmates and pirate queens, scurvy dogs and seafaring heroes. The pirate theme can be great for both couples and families, and since there are so many pirate costume choices sea dogs and land lubbers can find a costume to fit their fancy. A woman can be a pirate queen, a man can be a sexy pirate buccaneer, a boy can choose to be a haunted shipmate or swashbuckler. Girls have also entered the sea faring realm with stylish choices they’ll want to be seen wearing.

The fun factor is definitely the best aspect of pirating this Halloween. The costume styles will make you look great and are so cheap that you can afford to outfit the whole family as a pirate ship crew this Halloween and still have plenty booty left over to spot for some rum. I’ve come up with 6 cheap and stylish pirate costume ideas for embracing the pirate spirit this Halloween, so grab yer cutlass and read on mate.

1. Pirate Costume Idea for Boys

Kids Deluxe Pirate Mate Pirate Costume

Ever since Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Treasure Island, boys have been dreaming about pirate adventures. The New Kids Deluxe Pirate Mate Pirate Costume is a great value featuring a vest with attached shirt, head scarf, buckled chest strap, waist sash, pants and the boot covers. Everything needed to deck out a boy in pirate style this Halloween.

2. Cute Pirate Costume Ideas for Girls

Bratz Girl Pirate Costumes

Today’s girls like to stand out and fit in at the same time. The Bratz Pirate Costumes for girls make it easy to be a one of a kind pirate and wear the style made famous by the Bratz fashion dolls. All the Bratz costumes are super popular and these won’t cost you all yer treasure.

3. Sexy Couples Pirate Costume Ideas

His & Hers Sexy Blackheart Pirate Costumes

In 1935 Errol Flynn starred as the ever so handsome Captain Blood, making sexy pirates popular ever since. Blackheart The Pirate Adult Costume is a dashing look for any man willing to wear black velvet. And for the ladies, turn some heads this Halloween with the Sexy Captain Blackheart Pirate Costume available in red. Combine this sexy costume duo for a great couples outfit to wear a pirate themed party this Halloween.

4. Pirate Queen Costume Idea For Women

Pirate Queen of the Sea Costume

Women can enjoy the look of royalty and still be part of the pirate villainy in the Queen of the Sea Sexy Pirate Costume. Pirates often served at the pleasure of the monarch, so don your royal threads and enjoy some pirate booty this Halloween. Pun intended.

5. Scary Pirate Costume Idea for Kids

Haunted Pirate Captain Costume

Not all pirates are handsome. Some are fiendish villains who dared to steal cursed gold and now must rise from the dead to haunt both land and sea. Any boy will love the Cap’n Scurvy Child Costume. This scary sea faring fellow comes with a skull mask and a skeleton glove.

6. Adorable Pirate Costume Ideas for the Dog

Puppy Pirate Costume

When I said everyone can get into the pirate fun, I meant it. The family pet can come aboard in the Pirate Puppy Pet Costume. Look, you got to find some one to swab the deck, why not enlist Fido?! Just kidding.

Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day and have a swashbuckling fun Halloween this 2010! And now for some of my favorite pirate music – A Pirate Looks at 40.

Aren't these ice cream bowls and spoons awesome?? We used these for my daughter's Daisy Girl Scout Ice Cream Social. The best part....they are from Dollar Tree and come 3 bowls & 3 bowls to a package for ONLY $1.oo!

Just think of all the fun parties you could use these adorable spoons and bowls for. They are even perfect just to use for your own bowl of creamy goodness after the kiddos are in bed!

What’s The History & Meaning Behind Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras – aka Carnival and Fat Tuesday – a festive holiday full of indulgence is soon to be upon us once again on February 16th, 2010. Originally taken from a pagan Roman fertility holiday known as Lupercalia, the event that is now Mardi Gras has transformed through the centuries spreading across Europe and appearing in America in the New Orleans area with the arrival of the French around the 1700’s. Since the holiday has deep ancient roots, the traditions of Mardi Gras are extremely rich in symbolism, history and culture. Ever wonder about their origins? What is the meaning behind the Mardi Gras masks anyway?

Meaning Behind the Mardi Gras Masks

The practice of wearing masks during Mardi Gras started in ancient Roman times when the Luperci – Roman priests who officiated the festivities of Lupercalia – would don dramatic masks (and nothing else) during the fertility rituals that were performed during the holiday. The nudity associated with the original holiday of Lupercalia was eventually dropped, but the tradition of wearing masks was carried down through the ages, making it’s way to the mystique masquerade balls of France and finally to the present day Mardi Gras celebration that takes place every year in New Orleans and other southern cities in the United States.

Many agree that the wearing of the masks eventually became more of a license to go wild without fear of social repercussions during the Mardi Gras festivities. Whatever the reason, the venetian masks worn at Mardi Gras are unarguably cool and one of the many traditions that makes the party a special and unique celebration. If you’ll be attending this year get the best deals on some of our very favorite cheap Mardi Gras masks:

Deluxe Mardi Gras Mask – $22.99 NOW ONLY $11.97!

Deluxe Mardi Gras Jester Mask – $38.99 NOW ONLY 22.97!

Have a blast this year at the 2010 Mardi Gras bash! May this year be the best one yet!

Looking for the perfect sexy Valentine’s lingerie to light your sweetheart’s flame this Valentine’s Day? Why not bring some sexy back into the holiday of love with a seductive Valentine’s Day costume? Here are a couple of our best sexy Valentine’s Day costumes and gift ideas to set your Valentine’s night on fire:

Cupid Never Looked So Sexy…

Surprise your sweetheart with a super sexy cupid costume this Valentine’s Day. Steal you’re Valentine’s heart with this sultry cupid cutie costume that is currently on clearance for only 36.99! It’s the perfect Valentine’s outfit to set the mood for a fun-filled night of ecstasy!

What’s more – with that kind of savings you’ll have enough cash left over for…

A Box of Mouth-Watering Sweet Goodness…aka CHOCOLATE!

Has your sweetie got a sweet tooth? Satisfy his or her cravings with an ultra-premium box of chocolates – a traditional and delicious Valentine’s Day gift that never goes out of style. Single? Eat your heart(s) out with an order of two boxes of these succulent Valentine’s chocolates coupled with a big bottle of the bubbly to wash them down, and just scratch the sexy cupid costume this year. You know that love isn’t any chemically different than consuming large quantities of chocolate anyway right? Savor these sweet morsels by Hotel Chocolat this Valentine’s Day.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all you couples and singles! Make 2010 the very best one yet!

It's Party Time! Join Stephanie Lynn over at Under the Table & Dreaming for a Celebration Inspiration Party. Stop by for some great party ideas submitted by fellow bloggers and readers like you!

Recently I had the pleasure of co-hosting a baby shower for my friend Tamara. Since the baby is a girl, we chose a pink and brown color scheme.

The invitation:
The day of the shower brought lovely weather and we were able to have the party on one of the host's lanai. Since the buffet was so pretty and the outdoors were all around, we kept decorations to a minimum.

One the wall of the lanai we strung a pink clothesline held by 2 sequined butterflies. On the clothesline we used pink clothespins to hang an assortment of baby outfits, which were later given to the mother-to-be as a gift (forgot to take picture).

The buffet table was divided into savory foods, beverages & the candy and dessert buffet.
The savory menu included cheese & crackers, vegetables and dip, fruit and dip and chips & salsa.

It was a wonderful shower spent with good friends!