4 Year Old Real Life Super Hero Scares Robbers

Most children want superhero costumes to play dress up, but this week I read about this story where 4 year old boy did some actual super hero work in his Power Ranger costume! Stevie Long of North Carolina actually scared away robbers holding up his parents at gun point when he jumped out wearing his red Power Ranger costume and wielding his Power Ranger plastic sword. Click here for the full story and video of Little Stevie in action!

Why Dress Up Games are Important in Building Children's Life Skills?

Dress up games helps children in more ways than you might think.

Improving vocabulary
Children who play imaginary dress up games tend to have noticeably better vocabularies.

Taking control
Dress up games lets your children be anyone they want, practice things they've learned, and make situations turn out the way they want.

Learning social rules
Sometimes it's hard for children to know what to do in a social situation. When children test out different pretend scenarios during their dress up games, they're learning complex, real-world rules about social interaction.

Solving problems
Dreaming up imaginary situations for their dress up games teaches children to think creatively in real life. A study at Case Western Reserve University found that young children who are imaginative tend to remain so as they get older and to become better problem solvers.

Find out more about How to Raise an Imaginative Child from ParentCenter.

Don't Forget: Christmas is the perfect time to start building your child's imagination trunk and costume collection.

Give the Gift of Imagination: Kids Dress Up Costumes

Top 10 Dress Up Costumes for Children
1. 3in 1 Dress Up For Girls: Princess, Fairy & Zarina
2. 3 in 1 Dress Up For Boys: Cowboy, Indian, Peter Pan
3. Snow Queen Costume
4. Captain Jack Sparrow Dead Man's Chest Costume
5. Princess Cinderella Toddler Size Costume
6. Batman Begins Deluxe Costume
7. Princess Leia Costume
8. Radiant Fairy Costume
9. Superman Returns Deluxe Muscle Chest Costume
10. Deluxe Supergirl Costume

Monsters Come Out to Sing Christmas Comedy Songs

A Merry Monster Christmas CD has fun parodies of Christmas carols, making it a great Christmas CD for kids.

Frankenstein, Count Dracula and the Wolfman have come together to sing some Christmas comedy songs to celebrate the holidays. A Merry Monster Christmas CD has silly parodies of popular Christmas carols, fun holiday skits and several one liners that kids of all ages can appreciate.

“A Merry Monster Christmas CD is truly a unique Christmas CD for kids,” states Shari McConahay, Vice President of Marketing for leading holiday costume website Santa Suits.com, “It takes the best of Halloween and gives it a new holiday twist that kids can appreciate.”

A Merry Monster Christmas CD uses the amazing talents of American voice actor, Len Maxwell, who is best known for voicing the character of Nick Diamond on MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch from 1998 to 2002. Originally released in 1964, A Merry Monster Christmas CD has been entertaining families for decades. Recently, in 2005, Len Maxwell returned to the studio to put a modern update on this classic Christmas CD for kids.

The Christmas CD for kids that you don’t want to go without, A Merry Monster Christmas CD is available for $14.95 at Santa Suits.com.

All I want for Christmas is....

When I was a little girl I LOVED playing dress up. I'd be a princess, a cowgirl, a doctor and my favorite Princess Leia.

For many children, playing dress up is a favorite kind of pretending. By interacting with each other in "make believe" conversations, it helps them develop their language arts skills and helps them express their feelings in a positive way. To help encourage this kind of pretend play, dress-up costumes are the perfect holiday gift for all of the good little girls and boys on your list.

Most popular this year for girls and boys are anything pirates. Other options include the always popular princesses, from Snow White to Cinderella, for girls and super heros - Superman, Batman, Spiderman - for boys. Other cool costumes include fairies, Barbie, rock stars and monsters.

Check them all out at Annies Costumes.

Last Day for Halloween Costume Sale

Today, November 9th, is the last day for After Halloween Costume Sale at Annie's Costumes. All order over $50 will get 15% off, using coupon code "AFTER".

Remember, Halloween isn't the only time that kids like to dress up. There are plenty of fun costume ideas to do all year round. Dress up and put on a play from Fabulously Funny Fairy Tale Plays, invite the your daughter's friends over and have them be a Princess for the Day, or bring to life one of your child's favorite stories. All you need is a little imagination and a few kids costumes then you're good to go.

Halloween Hangover

"Parents need to watch the amount [of candy] their kids are eating" - School Nurse Beth Dittman at Pirrung Elementary School in Mesquite, TX

Halloween has come and passed, leaving in it's wake the victorous capture of goodies and treats in little kids' bags. But before you let your kid indulge in a gluttony of candy, remember, too much of a 'good' thing can be bad.

Nutritionists say that gorging on Halloween candy may cause blood sugar levels to spike and drop. Dr. Greene's article, "The Relationship Between Sugar and Behavior in Children" notes that highly refined sugars and carbohydrates, which are found in most Halloween candy, enter the bloodstream quickly, produce more rapid fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Now for most kids, this can create hyperactivity during that sudden burst of adrenaline. Once the Halloween candy has worked its way out of your child's system, tummy aches and crankiness are left behind.

Is there a way to beat the Halloween Hangover? You bet. Spread out your child's consumption of their Halloween candy, and don't give it to them on an empty stomach. Make sure your child has a breakfast which contains fiber (oatmeal, shredded wheat, berries, bananas, whole-grain pancakes, etc.), and add delicious fiber-containing treats (whole-grain breads, peaches, grapes, a myriad of other fresh fruits, etc.) to their lunch box. Fiber is nature's natural remedy to keeping a steady level of adrenaline.

Time to Get Ready for Thanksgiving, Christmas Costumes and Santa Suits!

Happy Halloween!




The big day is here! The Extreme Halloween Family wishes everyone a happy, healthy and safe Halloween! And most of all - Have Fun!

Now it is time to start getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We carry a full line of costumes for Thanksgiving, Turkey mascots, pilgrims for kids and adults and Native American Indians too! We also have a whole website: www.santasuits.com dedicated to Christmas Costumes, Santa Suits, Costumes for Mrs. Claus, Santa's Helpers, Reindeer, Snowmen, Elves, you name it! We laso carry a full ine of biblical character costumes perfect for passion plays and church reinactments.

Halloween by the Numbers

Reprinted from the Look @ OKC from Oklahoma City.

790.7 million Number of pounds of pumkin in used by Americans each year in Jack O' Lantern and pies.

106 million Number of potential stops for "trick-or-treaters" i.e. housing

93 percent The estimated number of children who plan to go trick-or-treating.

80 percent The estimated number of adults who plan to give out candy.

41 million The estimated number of potential "trick-or-treaters" 5 to 14 years old.

What Do Halloween Costumes Mean About You?

Here is something fun for Halloween! A fun Article I found at Love on AOL

Exposed: What His Halloween Costume Could Mean
By Margot Carmichael LesterCourtesy of Match.com's Happen magazine

Dates & Hidden Meanings. Know what your date is really saying by the date venue he/she chooses. Know the message up front and get some tips to make it interesting -- just in case your date isn't.

Here's a look at 10 popular Halloween costumes and what they may tell you about your man:

No.1 Peter Pan Upside: Brings out the kid in you, doesn't take himself too seriously Downside: Won't grow up And: May look better in tights than you do

No. 2 Super Hero Upside: Strong, willing to put his life on the line for you Downside: Spends too much time on other things and not enough on you And: A tragic flaw or Achille's heel -- has a secret identity or may think your family's Kryptonite

No. 3 Casper or Cousin It Upside: Appreciates the value of simple elegance Downside: Needs something to hide behind, is afraid of letting you see him for who he is And: Is visible only at night

No. 4 The Devil Upside: Fulfills your naughtiness quotient, good libido Downside: Loose morals, no ethics And: Eternal damnation

No. 5 Frankenstein's Monster Upside: Tall and dark Downside: Not so handsome And: Townfolk with torches always ruin quiet evenings alone

No. 6 Caveman Upside: Looks hot in a loin cloth, a good provider Downside: Evolutionarily challenged, sexist And: Drags you home by your hair

No. 7 Clown Upside: Keeps you laughing Downside: Won't take anything seriously And: Has fun and interesting friends

No. 8 Count Dracula Upside: Loves the nightlife Downside: Being with him sucks And: No mirrors

No. 9 Houdini Upside: Being with him is magic Downside: Knows how to make himself disappear And: Never around when you need him

No. 10 Elvis Upside: Serenades you regularly Downside: Insists on fried banana sandwiches for every meal But: Knows how to use those hips

Last Minute Hankering for Halloween Treats?

Never Fear!
Rachael Ray to the rescue with her 30 Minute Meals Halloween Treats!

Did you wait to the last minute to plan your Halloween party menu? Or maybe you decided on a last minute Halloween get together. Well you still have time to whip up some fabulous Halloween treats with Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals recipes. You can wow your Halloween dinner guests with a main course of Pumpkin-Peanut Curry Noodles with Five-Spice Seared Scallops and Shrimp (Pictured above.) Or tingle their taste buds with her "Quicker Treats": Hot N Sweet Kettle Corn, Salsa Cheddar Dip with Witches Hats, and Devilish Sloppy Chicken Mini Sammies.

Food Inspired Costumes at FoodTV.com

The creative minds over at www.foodtv.com have cooked up some great foodie costume ideas. You can see their list of foodie costumes and what you will need for your yummy Halloween getup. Some of their ideas may already be in your closet and your kitchen, so if you don't have a costume yet, check out their ideas for "The Food Critic", The Wine Snob" and "The Iron Chef Chairman". You can also check out a slide show of pics sent in from Food Network fans of their own food costume creations. My personal favorite is this cute little guy who has dressed up as Iron Chef Bobby Flay, he's a spitting image and it appears he has the attitude to boot!

Halloween Safety for Kids

Halloween is almost here and for many kids that means trick-or-treating in their local neighborhoods. As your little ghoul or witch starts talking about going out with their friends, now is a good time to remind them about Halloween safety. Here are some basic tips for staying scary, but safe:

• Use the Parent/Buddy System: Children should be always accompanied by an adult or a buddy (for teens).
• Stay in Well Lighted Areas - Don't go down alleyways or cut across yards.
• Be Wary of Strangers: Trick-or-Treat at houses where you know your neighbors. Don't accept rides or go into houses of strangers.
• Bring Halloween Safety Gear - Use flightlights, reflective tape or glow stick after dark in order to be more visible to cars.

Staying safe sounds pretty easy, right? Well test your Halloween safety skills on The Offical Halloween Safety Game. This game first runs through the basic Dos and Don'ts of Halloween Safety and then tests your child's knowledge, by asking them which choice is the safest thing to do. This is a great test run to see if your trick-or-treater knows their Halloween safety rules.

Support Dog the Bounty Hunter

Normally, I would not post about political topics on a costume blog, but I just have to voice my opinion and support Duane "Dog" Chapman - The Bounty Hunter. This whole Mexican extradition thing is just plain ridiculous. Leave "The Dog" alone and let him do his job. He is not a criminal, he catches them. You can show your support for Dog the Bounty Hunter by being him this Halloween - AnniesCostumes.com carries the official Dog the Bounty Hunter Costume and a matching costume for Beth, Dog's wife available in standard and plus size!

Last Minute Shipping Still Available

As Halloween nears, the shipping options will most likely be changing daily at AnniesCostumes.com. As of today, you can have your order delivered by Oct 27th at 8pm for $30 and up depending on the size of your order. Delivery by October 30th at 8pm is $20 and up and delivery by Halloween night is $15.00. Next business day is also available for $50.00 on all orders placed by 2pm EST. Don't delay as your shipping options are running out and merchandise might be selling out too. You can keep up to date with the latest shipping options on our order information page: www.anniescostumes.com/order.htm. Order your Halloween costumes now!!!

We Are Working Hard to Get Your Costumes to You!

Here at Extreme Halloween, Inc. in Dania Beach, FL, we are working very hard - into the wee hours of the night - to make sure that your costume orders are packed up and shipped out in time for your big Halloween day. Many people need their costume for parties this weekend and we are offering a shippingmethod called delivery by Oct 27th, which will get your package to you by 8pm on Friday night. This will cost $15.00 and up depending on the size of your order. We are also offering delivery by Halloween night, called "Delivery by Oct 31st". This shipping method is $10.00 and up depending on the size of your order. These prices won't last, so act fast! We are also offering express shipping option for those of you who need it sooner. These shiping prices are available for a limited time so act now! You can even have your costume the next business day if you place your order by 2pm EST! There are still plenty of costumes in stock and more costumes are still arriving daily. Check out our order information page for more details. Also, FYI, we have an online inventory system, so if you can add an item to our online shopping cart, it's in stock and ready to go. If we are out, if will let you know!

Recipes, Menus & Party Ideas from Food Network

Cast a Spell with Frighteningly Good Recipes, Menus and Party Ideas from Food Network

As usual, The Food Network has lined up recipes, videos and ideas to help you prepare for your Halloween party. Visit their website and you will find all types of treats like recipes for both sweet and savory dishes, fun Halloween activities for kids, and even food inspired costume ideas! Some of the mouth watering offerings include 'deviled short ribs', 'witches fingers' and 'screaming spice cookies'. YUM!

7 Days Left Till Halloween!

With Halloween a week away, make sure to make all of your decorations are in order. Its time to start thinking about your carving your Jack- O - Lantern out of a pumpkin. At wwwCarvingPumpkins.com, the Pumpkin Wizard has pumpkin carving tips and patterns available. Also, be sure to check out www.jack-o-lantern.com for some fabulous ideas as well as information on the history of pumpkin carving, tips, tricks and more! Put your pumpkin thinking cap on and don't forget to save the seeds for baking! They make an awesome snack!

Buy Your Online Halloween Costume Before It's Too Late

Leading online Halloween costume store offers some tips on buying last minute Halloween costumes.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) Oct. 23, 2006 -- October 31st is just around the corner, and for those of you looking for online Halloween costumes, your time is almost up. Annie's Costumes, one of the leading online Halloween costume stores, offers some tips on getting your last minute Halloween costumes before it's too late.

"First, make sure when you order your costume that it's from one of the online Halloween costume stores that keeps a real time inventory," suggests Shari McConahay, Vice President of Marketing for leading Halloween costume website http://www.AnniesCostumes.com, "It's important to know if they keep their inventory up-to date, otherwise, you might end up ordering an online Halloween costume that isn't in stock. Here at Annie's Costumes, our online inventory manager informs shoppers immediately if the online Halloween costume they're interested in is out of stock and thousands of costumes are still available."

Another factor that shoppers need to keep in mind about buying last minute Halloween costumes online is shipping. Your online Halloween costume does you no good if it doesn't get to your house in time for Halloween. Read the shipping details and shipping options carefully. If you want your costume for a party on Friday, October 27th, the last day to place your order would be next day delivery on Thursday, October 26th. For delivery by Halloween night, you will need to order next day delivery on October 30th. Check the website for cut off times and details. Other shipping options are also available and will be updated daily at www.anniescostumes.com/order.htm

"So don't delay, order your last minute Halloween costumes from Annie's Costumes," urges McConahay, "Because if you wait too long, you might miss out on the online Halloween costume of your choice."

Top 10 Halloween Pop Songs

A soundtrack of spooky songs and eerie sound effects is a vital part of any great Halloween party. While there are many Halloween pop songs made, there are a few that have risen above and ghouled their way to the top of the crypt charts. Here is the list of the best pop Halloween songs ever made:

1. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince - Nightmare On My Street (1988)
2. Hooters - All You Zombies (1985)
3. Michael Jackson - Thriller (1982)
4. Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells Pt. 1 (Theme From 'The Exorcist') (1973)
5. 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' Soundtrack - The Time Warp (1975)
6. Specials - Ghost Town (1981)
7. Squirrel Nut Zippers - Hell (1997)
8. Talking Heads - Psycho Killer (1977)
9. The Who - Boris the Spider (1966)
10. White Zombie - I'm Your Boogieman (1996)

If you're looking to add a few Halloween CDs to your collection, check out: Halloween Party Hits CD which sells for $12.95 and contains such great Halloween songs like Ghostbusters, Werewolves of London, Monster Mash, Superstition, Brick House, Super Freak, She's a Bad Mama Jamma, Thriller , I Put a Spell On You and many many more. And if you're looking for something more classic, check out the Halloween Music from the Crypt CD which also sells for $12.95 and contains great spooky songs like Overture from Phantom of the Opera Twilight Zone Theme, Toccata & Fugue in D minor, and Funeral March of a Marionette.

Emeril's Kicked Up Halloween Guide!

Whether you are having a Halloween Party or just want to get into the Halloween spirit this month, visit Emeril's website and check out his Kicked Up Halloween Guide. There you will find mouth watering recipes for tasty treats like: EMERIL'S KICKED UP HALLOWEEN CARAMEL APPLES, PEANUT BUTTER JACK O'LANTERNS, and SPIDER COOKIES to name a few. Need some sustenance? Afterall, we can't live on sweets and treats, can we? Well Emeril has that figured out too: VAMPIRE CHICKEN WITH "BLOOD" BRAISE , SEA CREATURE SOUP WITH SLIME AIOLI, and wash it all down with some HOT APPLE CIDER WITH RUM. Emeril and Extreme Halloween want you to remember to have a SAFE and HAPPY Halloween!

Red & Yellow's Family Fun Ideas for Halloween

Your favorite m&m characters, Red and Yellow are here for you this Halloween with plenty of ideas for fun! Visit their website: BrightIdeas.com for a host of ghostly ideas on how to create some fantastic treat presentations with your Halloween candy. See how to create "A Witch's Brew of Candy", "Pumpkin Cookie Pops", "Purrty Kitties" and many other Halloween party favors and treats. Whether you are preparing for Trick or Treaters at your door or hosting a Halloween party, Red & Yellow have some great, bright ideas for you!

You can also sign up on their website for exclusive recipies for Halloween and every other occassion.

Star Wars Movie Costumes

Last Halloween, Star Wars Costumes were the most popular, but this year the battle between the Dark Side and the Jedi continues. The re-release of the original trilogy movies on DVD is keeping Star Wars fresh in everyone's mind. The costumes from these Sci Fi sagas will always be popular every Halloween. In terms of costume sales, The dark side actually wins out, with Darth Vader being the most popular costume for both children and adults. Star Wars character movie costumes are available in all sizes from babies to kids to adults. We even carry a line of Star Wars pet costumes. Yoda is the most popular Star Wars pet costume, by far, but Darth Dog and Princess Leia are also available. One of my favorites, and new this year, is the R2D2 costume for babies and toddlers! Besides, costumes, AnniesCostumes.com also carries light sabers, masks and assorted Star Wars replica weapons. All of our Star Wars costumes and costume accessories are official, licensed products with approval from LucasFilm, Ltd.

Naruto Costumes in Children's & Teen Sizes

Official & Licensed Naruto Costumes now available in kid's sizes!












The popular anime style cartoon show on Cartoon Network has finally released costumes for the two main characters: Naruto and Kakashi.

AnniesCostumes.com has the Deluxe Naruto Costume. It includes: Deluxe character inspired jumpsuit and headpiece. Available in child sizes: Medium (clothing size 7-8), Large (clothing size 10-12), and XLarge/ Teen (clothing size 14-16). Sells for $59.95.

Also available is a Deluxe Naruto Jacket (different from the costume) in kids clothing sizes: Large (clothing size 10-12), and and XLarge/ Teen size (clothing size 14-16). The deluxe jacket also sells for $59.95.

The child size Deluxe Kakashi costume includes: Deluxe character inspired jumpsuit and headpiece. Available in Medium (clothing size 7-8), Large (clothing size 10-12), and XLarge / Teen (clothing size 14-16). Sells for $59.95.

AnniesCostumes.com also carries the deluxe Kakashi Vest. Available in Large (clothing size 10-12), and XLarge/ Teen (clothing size 14-16). the deluxe Kakshi jacket also sells for $59.95.

And to complete your Naruto look, don't forget the Naruto Ninja Headband, sold separately for $9.95.

What's Hot and Sexy with this Year's Naughty Halloween Costumes

Sexy male costumes, naughty women's costumes, and sexy plus size costumes…find the best prices on sexy costumes from Annie's Costumes.

Be fun, flirty and sexy this Halloween with this year's naughty Halloween costumes. AnniesCostumes.com, a complete online resource of Halloween costumes and accessories for adults, carries the hottest sexy male costumes, naughty women's costumes, and sexy plus size costumes. With Halloween just around the corner, Annie's Costumes can help you find the best prices on sexy costumes.

"What's hot and sexy with this year's naughty Halloween costumes?," asked Shari McConahay, Vice President of Marketing for leading Halloween costume website http://www.AnniesCostumes.com, "The popular favorites are sexy pirate costumes and naughty superheroes because of the success of Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man's Chest and Superman Returns."

Shiver me timbers! Hoist the Black Flag…the naughty pirate ladies are here. Treasure Hunting Pirate Costume and Black Lacey Pirate Lady show that the men have nothing on the women when it comes to be a sexy pirate. Male costumes are also available for men who want to sail the seven seas this Halloween, choose from Cutthroat Pirate or Buccaneer Costume.

Looking for an excuse to rip off your clothes and be the Man of Steel? Reversible Clark Kent/Superman Returns Costume lets men do exactly that as the leader in sexy male costumes. Ladies, don't feel left out…the Sexy Supergirl costume lets you join in the naughty superhero fun.
"Pirates and superheroes aren't the only naughty Halloween costumes flying off the shelves," McConahay adds, "Law enforcement, military and convict sexy costumes are still popular favorites."

No man is going to argue about being pulled over by a lady wearing the Hottie Police Costume. And when he's taken to court and put before Judge Julie, one of top selling sexy plus size costumes, he'll be happy to be flashed with her 'guilty' miniskirt. Once he's in prison, he can hang out with the Jailhouse hotties in their naughty Halloween costumes.

Naughty Halloween costumes at Annie's Costumes come in many sizes. Women's naughty costume size range is petite (size 3 -5) up to 3X plus. And sexy male costumes come in small thru XL.

Halloween Party Ideas for Kids

Turn your house into a Spooky House of Fun! Haunt Your Own House Kit comes with everything you need to create your own Haunted House for Halloween for this year's Halloween bash. The kit sells for $19.95 and includes: 3 door decorations, 8 spooky eyes, 12 ghostly footprints, 1 spider's web, 3 inflatable Halloween heads, 1 Halloween sound CD, 1 "Popping Pad" Sheet, 3 hanging ghost. Plus! A booklet of Fun, Spooky, Haunted House ideas!

Once the kids have gone through the haunted house, you can play a few spooky games. Annie's Costumes also offers some fun Halloween party games to play. Bone Bender, which sells at $6.95, is the Halloween version of twister, letting your little ghouls and witches twist and turn into a big skeleton pretzel. Is your Halloween party on a budget? Sharon Mehl from Kids Domain has a bunch of fun Halloween games to play at your party using common household items. Some of my personal favorites are: Mummy Wrap where the adults sit in the chair and each team of kid races to wrap them in toilet paper, and Put a Face on the Pumpkin where kids race to create the face on the pumpkin using a straw.

No costume party would be complete without a Best Costume contest. Annie's Costumes offers Costume Award Ribbons, which sells for $8.95, to send home with this year's winners.

Naruto Costumes Just in Time For Halloween!

Just in time for Halloween, the much sought after Naruto costumes are in stock now. Naruto is an anime cartoon television show with a ninja theme currently airing on The Cartoon Network. Just arrived at AnniesCostumes.com are adult sizes of the Naruto Costume Jacket and the Kakashi Costume Vest. Both of these costumes are licensed, official costumes for these cartoon characters. The costumes sell for $69.95 each. The Naruto Ninja Headband is also available and sold separately for $9.95.

Group Theme Halloween Ideas for the Whole Family

Superheroes, Star Wars and Pirates are just some of the group Halloween costumes at AnniesCostumes.com

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) Oct. 10, 2006 - Looking for the top group theme ideas for Halloween? Look no further! AnniesCostumes.com, a complete online resource of Halloween costumes and accessories for adults, children and pets, revealed the top group theme Halloween ideas this year are pirates, superheroes and Renaissance costumes.

"Because of the success of Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man's Chest, we're seeing pirate costumes for individuals, groups and couples fly off the shelves," said Shari McConahay, Vice President of Marketing for leading Halloween costume website http://www.AnniesCostumes.com. "The popularity of super hero movies like Superman Returns and Batman Begins drive costume sales. The whole family can dress up with a Super Hero theme. This theme is also popular with office Halloween parties as well."

McConahay added that their super hero costumes come in sizes for everyone - newborn babies, kids, and adults. You can even include the family pet in on the group fun with our costumes for dogs and cats. Movies like the Star Wars trilogies and the Lord of the Rings trilogy offer up many costume choices for group halloween costumes, and The Wizard of Oz is also always one of the most popular group themes every year.

Popular television shows also increase the demand for those type of costumes. This Halloween you might see the Scooby Doo Gang in sizes for both kids and adults and a Scooby costume for dogs to wear. The cast of Gilligan's Island may also make an appearance this Halloween - fresh off of their "three hour tour!" There are many other TV show costumes to choose from this Halloween like characters from The Flintstones, South Park, Reno 911, Dog the Bounty Hunter and more.

Looking to stand out and not go with the top group theme Halloween ideas this year? Everyone in your group can dress up as food items! AnniesCostumes.com carries McDonald's Big Mac, French Fries and Shake costumes, m&m costumes, Hershey Kiss costumes as well as the condiments: Salt & Pepper and Ketchup & Mustard. A classic Halloween costume idea for a group is a vampire and vampiress costume theme. Ideas like Egyptian or Roman costume themes let each individual be creative and a little different while still sticking with the party theme. Another group theme Halloween idea is picking a decade or time period (like The Renaissance) and having everyone come dressed in costumes from that era.

If you're not into the group theme and simply looking for couples' costumes, popular choices are Prom Queen & Prom King, Captain Hook & Tinkerbelle, Mr. & Mrs. Incredible. Humorous costumes such as a Plug & Socket, Thing 1 & Thing 2, and Cinderella & The Frog Prince (instead of Prince Charming) are some fun choices for couples.

Captain Jack Sparrow top pick for 2006 Most Popular Halloween Costume

Extreme Halloween surveyed customers about their 2006 Halloween costume ideas to find the season's most popular Halloween costumes

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) Oct. 10, 2006 - Expect legions of pirates to be looting the candy dishes this year as pirates lead the survey of 2006's most popular Halloween costumes. Captain Jack Sparrow is the as favorite boy's costume this year, as indicated by a survey of more than 3,000 visitors to ExtremeHalloween.com, a complete online resource of adult Halloween costumes , and costumes and accessories for children and pets.

Keeping with the tradition of blockbuster movies dictating the year's most popular Halloween costumes, Captain Jack led the annual poll for the most popular men and boy's costume, just ahead Superman and Darth Vader - the survey favorite last year.

"It's no surprise pirates are so hot this year since the Pirates of the Carribean sequel, Dead Man's Chest, was an even bigger box-office hit than The Curse of the Black Pearl," said Shari McConahay, Vice President of Marketing for leading Halloween costume website http://www.ExtremeHalloween.com. "Every year, the hottest movies translate to the hottest costumes. This year, Disney is the clear winner with their pirates topping the boy's results and their princesses topping the girls'."

Pirates also are the top favorites for women's costumes (28.8% of the vote), while little girl's popular Halloween costumes once again are the more traditional fairies (24.2%) and Disney princesses (25%).

Website visitors were asked "Which Blockbuster Movie has the best costumes of the year?" and Pirates of the Caribbean 2, Dead Man's Curse led the poll with a whopping 78.3%. X Men 3, got 16.2% of the vote while Marie Antoinette and Superman Returns were neck in neck.

This year's survey results revealed:

• The Captain Jack Sparrow costume is the hottest costume for men (40.4% of all votes) and boys (41%)
• Lady bugs are the most popular Halloween costumes for babies (25.5%)
• Yoda Dog (23.8) and the Cat from Hell (25.3) are the 2006 most popular Halloween costumes for pets
• As far as what is favorite treat to receive, chocolate takes a big lead with 57.3%, followed by candy (21.8%), and money (11.5%).

Click here to see all survey results.

New trend in costumes: Halloween maternity clothes

Halloween costumes for pregnant women let expectant moms join in the fun

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) Oct. 3, 2006 – Moms-to-be: don't be spooked by the Halloween holiday -- leading Halloween Website ExtremeHalloween.com is proud to offer a variety of Halloween maternity clothes so you don't have to feel left out of the fun.

Most pregnant women will agree finding a Halloween costume to fit their bulging belly can be a real trick. However, Extreme Halloween has a treat for those desperate moms-to-be .

“It’s not easy finding comfortable clothes that fit when you’re pregnant, so we found Halloween costumes for pregnant women that are both fun and practical,” said Shari McConahay, Vice President of Marketing ExtremeHalloween.com. “We have Halloween maternity clothes that can camouflage a pregnancy or Halloween maternity costumes that flaunt a growing belly.”

ExtremeHalloween.com’s Halloween maternity costumes range from comical, to traditional to sexy. Got a bun in the oven? Then why not be a bun in the oven for Halloween? Feeling hot? Strut your stuff as a “hot mamma.” Or let everyone know just how you feel with the HELLO I'm . . . Name Tag outfit. You fill in the blank with your own saying.

This year’s top-selling maternity clothes include The Bun in the Oven & the Bun Maker matching couples maternity costumes. McConahay, identified other hot Halloween maternity clothes based on website sales including: the Geisha costumes, Statue of Liberty, and the Angel of Stars.

“Halloween maternity clothes tend to follow the same trend as women’s Halloween costumes,” McConahay said. “This year we’re seeing a trend towards humorous costumes and matching couples costumes. Period pieces such as roman era costumes and renaissance costumes are also popular choices for pregnant women.”

Looking for a Halloween costume idea? See a complete list of the Halloween maternity costumes at http://www.extremehalloween.com/maternitycostumes.htm

*** Congrats to all expectant mothers from the Extreme Halloween Family to YOURS! ***

The Extreme Halloween Network Celebrates 10 Years of Selling Online Halloween Costumes

Annie’s Costumes moved from a Halloween boutique offering Halloween costumes for toddlers, children and adults to a Halloween website.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) September 26, 2006 – Harold Maxwell has never been afraid of change. When his Hallmark business wasn’t doing well in the 80s and he noticed that the few costumes he had in stock were selling better than the cards, he closed his store and opened Annie’s Costumes in South Florida. So, when his daughter wanted to start selling online Halloween costumes in 1996, he figured he would give it a try.

Now, 10 years later, what started as an adult and children’s Halloween boutique has expanded into an online Halloween costume superstore offering costumes, costume accessories and Halloween decoration supplies. AnniesCostumes.com is part the Extreme Halloween Network -- 13 websites with seasonal and year-round costumes and costume-related merchandise.

“We’re so excited to be celebrating our 10th year selling online Halloween costumes,” said Shari McConahay, Vice President of Marketing for the Extreme Halloween Network. “We pride ourselves in offering quality costumes and great customer service. When customers buy from any one of our 13 Halloween websites they know they’ll be getting exactly what they ordered at an affordable price.”

Extreme Halloween Network strives to protect its customers with a safe and secure online Halloween costume shopping experience, is a member of the Better Business Bureau Online Reliability Program, the National Costumers Association and is a BizRate.com customer certified gold site. The company also recently expanded to a new 14,000 square foot warehouse to better serve its customers.

See the full story

Shop for Costumes in Your Own Language

The Extreme Halloween Network now has site translations for all 13 of the sites in its network. You can now browse or shop on our websites in Spanish, Portuguese, French, German & Japanese! See our translation page for links to the language of your choice. The Google Translator Tool is what we used to help us with these translations of our entire sites.

Extreme Halloween Network Announces New Multi-Tier Affiliate Marketing Opportunity

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) September 19, 2006 -- Extreme Halloween Network today announced the launch of its new multi-tier affiliate marketing opportunity designed to reward partners for referring customers to the Extreme Halloween Network of sites. Prospective affiliates can get information about the Extreme Halloween Network top money making affiliate program online at www.extremehalloweennetwork.net/affiliateprogram.htm

Participation in the Extreme Halloween Network's top paying affiliate program is free. Extreme Halloween Network will reward top affiliates with payouts of up to 15% when a customer purchases costumes, makeup, theatrical supplies and other items for sale through Extreme Halloween's 13 sites.

"We're excited to launch this new top paying affiliate program and to share the profits directly with our partners," said Shari McConahay, Vice President of Marketing for the Extreme Halloween Network. "With our multi-tier affiliate marketing opportunity, affiliates can earn 10% on all sales, 12% when monthly sales reach $750 and 15% when monthly sales reach $2,500."

The Extreme Halloween Network is made up of 13 websites with seasonal and year-round costumes and costume-related merchandise. Affiliates have access to all of these websites with just one program. While AnniesCostumes.com is one of the most visited web sites during the months of September and October; the Extreme Halloween Network also has websites that cater to every other holiday, as well as year-round sales.

Click HERE for the full story!

StageandTheaterMakeup.com Introduces Kyolan Derma Color

StageandTheaterMakeup.com, one of the web's leading sources for theatrical makeup supplies, has added Kryolan Makeup's Derma Color product line. Derma Color and Derma Color Light are the leaders in hypoallergenic corrective makeup. These two brands of corrective makeup can easily camouflage a number of different skin imperfections. When properly applied, Derma Color can seemingly erase skin abnormalities of both color and texture caused by any number of things from scars, surgery, and even genetic skin disorders. Kryolan Derma Color is also a great tattoo cover up. Visit www.stageandtheatermakeup.com to see the selection and detailed instructions on Derma Color makeup application.

American Idol Halloween Costumes

There is one way to ensure your baby girl will be an American Idol: this Halloween she can wear an Official American Idol Halloween costume! This cute little number includes: the asymmetrical metallic top with the American Idol logo, pants and the ever important "contestant number". Available in two sizes for babies: size 0 - 6 months and size 12 - 18 months. Sells for $19.95.

Children's Halloween Costumes Get New Twist

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (PRWEB) September 12, 2006: Extreme Halloween Network & AnniesCostumes in the news: Children's Halloween Costumes Get New Twist.
3 in 1 costumes allow kids to change their look without having to buy new Halloween costumes. Buying new children's Halloween costumes every year can seem like a waste of time and money. However, with Halloween less than two months away, there's a new way to get more bang for your buck with a three-in-one costume that recycles the outfit without recycling the idea.That’s right, it’s three Halloween costumes for the price of one.Shari McConahay, Vice President of Marketing for leading Halloween Costume website www.anniescostumes.com, said these childrens Halloween costumes are the perfect solution for kids who have more than one Halloween event to go to.“It's a girls' prerogative to change her mind and now she can without having to run out and buy a new Halloween costume,” McConahay said, “These 3 in 1 costumes are also great for playing dress up girl games all year long.”These versatile new childrens Halloween costumes can be worn three different ways in one season or spread out over the year for three unique costumes on three different occasions. With only one Halloween costume, a lucky little girl can be a Princess, a Fairy or Zarina. Other 3 in 1 children’s Halloween costumes for girls include a Devil, Spanish Dancer and child Mouse costume in one and a Devil, Blue Witch or Orange Witch in another.These great costumes aren’t only for girls. Boy’s 3 in 1 costumes include a Cowboy, Indian, Peter Pan combo, a Ninja, Spanish Bandit and Cat or a Devil, Pirate and Vampire.For more 3 in one childrens Halloween costumes and other costume ideas for children, babies and adults, visit Annie’s Costumes at www.anniescostumes.com.

Elmo Baby Costume for Halloween

This adorable plush Elmo Baby Costume will make sure that your little one is not only cute this Halloween, but warm and cozy as well. Make your own Tickle-Me-Elmo out of your baby boy or baby girl. Babies and adults love this time honored Sesame Street character. Available online at www.AnniesCostumes.com. The costume includes the red plush bodysuit with front zipper and attached character hood. Available in two sizes: Size 0 - 6 months and Size 12 - 18 months. This Official, Licensed Sesame Street Costume sells for $37.95.

Adult Size Clark Kent/ Superman Transformation Costume

Finally Men Can Wear a Superman Costume without fearing the blue tights!

Do you love the idea of dressing up as Superman for Halloween but hate the idea of parading around in blue tights? Here is your solution! This fun Clark Kent transformation costume with a Superman muscle chest underneath Clark's business suit. This costume is great for Halloween parties or even trick or treating with the kids. This costume includes: navy suit jacket with attached shirt front & tie, shirt front opens to reveal the Superman muscle chest with special latex molded S logo. Costume also includes Clark Kent glasses. Available in Standard (fits up to jacket size 44) and XLarge (fits up to jacket size 46). This is an officially licensed Superman Returns movie costume and is a replica of the one worn in this summer's blockbuster movie by Brandon Routh.

Is it a bird? a plane? No, It is a Clark Kent/ Superman Costume for Kids!

Watch Clark Kent Transform into Superman right before your eyes!

This innovative and fun idea in costuming has finally arrived at www.anniescostumes.com. The official and licensed Clark Kent Costume is available in child sizes: Small (size 4-6), Medium (size 8-10), and Large (size 12-14). Imagine how much fun it is for kids to emulate this classic comic book transformation from Clark Kent to Superman! The costume ensemble includes: navy suit jacket with attached shirt front & tie, shirt front opens to reveal the Superman muscle chest with special latex molded "S" logo; and also includes Clark Kent glasses. A note about the molded latex "S" logo: it has very limited availability. This version of the costume is not what you would typically find in a mass merchant store near you! The Supeman Muscle Chest part of the costume is in the darker coloring style of the latest summer blockbuster movie: Superman Returns. The costume is a replica of the one worn by Brandon Routh in the movie. This costume will no doubt be one of the most popular characters this Halloween.

Extreme Halloween Re-Opens Today After Tropical Storm Ernesto Passes

Lucky for us, Tropical Storm Ernesto turned out not to be a powerful storm and did not cause much damage at all in South Florida. Our shipping times were only slightly delayed by one day. Second day and Third day orders from Monday night and Tuesday were increased to next day and second day respectively; and at our own expense. Customers who chose next day were contacted about a the delay in delivery time. All express packages were picked up today by FedEx and are now on their way to their destinations. Ground shipments are still expected to make it in the 3 to 8 business day time frame. Intenational shipments as well as APO and FPO shipments were also taken to the Post Office today for shipping. Please feel free to contact our customer service team if you have any delivery issues or delays.

Extreme Halloween Closed Today for Tropical Storm Ernesto

Extreme Halloween, Inc.'s offices in Dania Beach, FL closed early today so that staff and family could prepare for Tropical Storm Ernesto, which is headed our way. We plan to re-open tomorrow, Wednesday, August 30th at 2pm EST as soon as the storm has cleared the area. At that time, weather and conditions permitting, we will resume our shipping and customer service operations. Some express packages might be delayed by one day, but we do not expect any major problems like we had with Hurricane Wilma last year. She hit one week before Halloween and caused major damage to our roof, power outages & tore up our phone lines.

This year will be different! We should not see that kind of damage with tropical storm force winds this time. I will keep you posted as we have wireless connections and satellite backup connections in place this year. Even if there is damage, our customers will not suffer, we will be up and running with our back up plan and customers will get their packages in a timely fashion.

Extreme Halloween, Inc. is located in Dania Beach, which is in Broward County, FL in between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Click here to see our local Doppler radar activity!

Early Halloween Survey Results: Captain Jack Sparrow Costume Top Pick!

Early results from the ExtremeHalloween.com Scarrry Halloween Survey shows the Captain Jack Sparrow costume leading in all its categories: boys, men & teens.

Get ready for some Pirates with that suave attitude this Halloween! The Official Captain Jack Sparrow Halloween costume is based on this summer's blockbuster movie Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest. Early results of our Scary Halloween Survey show that the replica costume of movie's charismatic pirate will be very popular this year. Speaking of charismatic, leading man Johnny Depp plays Captain Jack in the 2nd installment of this pirate movie trilogy. The costume we carry in sizes for men, boys and teens is a replica of the costume worn by Depp in the film.

Cute & Sexy Women's Costume Just Arrived

These two new costumes just "flew" in and are brand new for Halloween 2006. The Lucious Lady Bug Costume and the Queen Bee Costume are both sure to be "the buzz" this Halloween. These costumes are adorable, innovative, unique and sexy all at the same time.

Lucious Lady Bug Costume comes complete. It includes: Black foam vinyl corset lace-up top, red & black polka dotted skirt, panties, choker, red & black polka dotted arm glovelets with vinyl trim, red & black polka dotted thigh high stockings w/ vinyl trim, red & black polka dotted wings, and antennae headband. Available in Small/Medium (Dress Size 2-4) and Medium/Large (Dress Size 4-6). Sells for $39.95.

Queen Bee Costume also comes complete. It includes: Black & Yellow foam vinyl & corset top, vinyl choker, black & yellow wings, black & yellow arm sleevelets w/ vinyl trim, black tulle skirt w/ yellow trim, black panties with attached stinger, black & yellow thigh high stockings w/ vinyl trim, and antennae headband. Available in Small/Medium (Dress Size 2-4) and Medium/Large (Dress Size 6-8). Sells for $39.95

The only extra add on is the wig for each costume and they will be in stock soon!

Forget the princess and pumpkin - trendy parents prefer unique baby Halloween costumes

Scarecrow costumes for babies, pea in the pod costumes and baby lobster are top picks for this year!

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (PRWEB) August 29, 2006 - They may not be able to trick or treat yet, but your little ones are sure to look sweet in Unique Baby Halloween Costumes.

Rather than one more Yoda or Cinderella running around, moms and dads are looking for unique baby costumes so their little ones don't look like every other baby at the party.
Shari McConahay, Vice President of Marketing for leading Halloween Costume website www.AnniesCostumes.com, said their variety of unique baby Halloween costumes are appealing to many parents.

"I was just speaking with a customer who said that our unique selection was important to her because one year her son was a care bear and none of the parents at a party could tell who their child was," she said "There were so may care bears, they had to identify their kids by their shoes."

So, forget the old classic pumpkin or princess costume for your baby this year, and instead try these ideas to stand out this Halloween:

The Baby Lobster: Look good enough to eat in this bunting costume that includes stuffed claws, tail and tentacles. http://anniescostumes.com/walkeranimal.htm

Pea in the Pod: Your baby is sure to stand out in the "crop" with this adorable Halloween costume. This costume is available in standard and deluxe models in bunting size for newborn.

The deluxe version has removable foam peas: http://anniescostumes.com/newbornchar.htm

Rock a Bye Baby: Any Rock & Roll star would be proud of any baby wearing this unique baby Halloween costume that includes a hat with attached hair, bunting with attached feet and stuffed arms with guitar. Bunting has hidden sleeve openings for baby's real hands, and has an easy open Velcro bottom. http://anniescostumes.com/newbornchar.htm

Scarecrow costume for baby: Dorothy, Toto and the Tin Man won't be far behind this baby with smarts. Costume includes top, pants, rope belt and hat. http://anniescostumes.com/walkermas.htm

See more information about AnniesCostumes' unique baby costumes.

3 in 1 Girls' Dress Up Costumes

Here we have 3 costumes for the price of 1! This costume ensemble includes a Devil Costume, a Spanish Dancer Costume and a Mouse Costume - all for just one price. This solves some major Halloween dilemas! More than one Halloween event to attend? No problem! It's a girls' perogative to change her mind and now she can without having to run out and buy a new costume. These 3 in 1 costumes are also great for playing dress up all year long. See www.anniescostumes.com for 3 in 1: Fairy, Princess & Zarina Costume as well as 3 in 1: Devil, Blue Witch & Orange Witch! Each 3 in 1 costume package sells for $49.95. For more detailed information about AnniesCostumes' 3 in 1 costumes for halloween, visit www.anniescostumes.com/3in1halloweencostumes.htm