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Friday, March 28, 2008

Photos & Summary of The Halloween Show

Me and Elvira
Me & Elvira!

Last week was the annual Halloween Show. It was held in Las Vegas at the Sands Convention Center. This is the show where industry manufacturers and wholesalers exhibit the costumes for the year.

It is our task to choose now what will be popular this Halloween and the rest of the year. the manufacturers make based on what is ordered at the show and they usually only go into production once a year. It is a daunting task, and while no one has a Halloween costume crystal ball, my dad and I are pretty experienced with this. I have actually been going to this show since I was 16 and he has been going since the late 70's.

Costumes and trends have changed a lot over the the last 20 or 30 years. Costumes are made and constructed much better now and many of the costumes come with cute accessories, trims, and add ons that make a costume more special and have better appeal. Every year costumes follow the fashion trends - especially costumes for women and girls. "Back in the day" a witch costume was a black long robe - type dress with jagged edges and a rope belt. Nowadays, if you want to be a witch, you have dozens of designs to choose from and many are not just black either.
Old Style Witch CostumeNew Style Witch Costume

Sexy costumes for women have been a growing trend over the past few years. the industry has had a lot of fun with this trend, voluptuous models in skimpy costumes are now a "staple attraction" at many booths at the show. Many of the manufacturers put on a fashion show, complete with emcee's, music, and even an occasional celebrity model.
Latex CostumesSexy Cop CostumesSexy Costumes for Ladies

Another new trend that has been growing in popularity is funny & humorous costumes. I love that these ideas bring the "fun" back into Halloween.
Aqua Teen Hunger Force Costumes

Matching costumes for couples, groups and families is also a growing costume category. It really brings in a celebratory and holiday spirit when you can have a group theme with your family or co-workers. It is one of my favorite Halloween trends. I always feel like "the more, the merrier"!

The one thing that really drives the costume market the most these days are movies and tv. 2008 will be no exception with a huge billboard of blockbuster summer movies coming out. Everyone likes to dress like a favorite character from movies and television. Many of the favorites this year are super heroes and movie icons. For die hard fans and children with big imaginations, movie character costumes are not just for Halloween! Some of this year's blockbuster costumes to watch:
Batman, The Joker, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Mutt Williams, The Incredible Hulk, Transformers, Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Harry Potter, Speed Racer and the list goes on.

The Joker CostumeHans Solo CostumeIndiana Jones CostumeBumble Bee Transformers Costume

For more pictures from the Halloween Show, visit AnniesCostumes Flickr page!

For more details on this year's hottest costumes for Halloween, stay tuned for the annual Extreme Halloween List of the Top Halloween Costumes for 2008.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

The Joke's On You if You Miss April Fool's Day!

April Fool's Day gags
Last minute shipping is still available to get you your gags, jokes and magic tricks to you in time to play April Fool's Day pranks on all your friends, co-workers and family members too!

Besides all the fun costumes, that you can dress up in and fool your friends, we also have some great gag assortment packs. [See pictured above.] It includes classics like rattle snake eggs and a whoopie cushion, a shocking pen, fake lotter tickets (every one is a winner), and see that bagel? There is a fake roach under it - one of the greatest gags of all time! The gag packs will bring you hours of fun and will last well past April 1st.

When we had our retail store, we always kept a trick bagel on the front counter. All I know, is too bad that was before the days of video cameras everywhere and YouTube, because we would have had tons of funny incidents to post.

The roach part is great because when you lift the bagel, the rubber little roach moves and appears to be real. So many funny memories from that silly thing!

So get yours now and start making funny memories, scaring people and grossing them out!

If gags are not your idea of tricking someone on April Fool's Day, head over to The Wizard's Apprentice Magic Shop and get some magic tricks. You can amaze and mystify your friends!

Order your gags and tricks with next day shipping by 2pm EST and your package will be delivered before the end of business on Monday. Choose Second Day shipping to receive your package by end of business on Tuesday April, 1st!

Sci-fi fans gather to remember the man who saw the future

A long, long way from the last resting place of the one who showed them the light, the faithful are gathering. As Arthur C Clarke is buried in his adopted home of Sri Lanka today, those who followed his words are meeting and remembering – at Heathrow.


And these being fans of science fiction, they come in all shapes and sizes. They come as Klingons. They come as Daleks. They come to celebrate a genre that has produced a group of followers that are as strange as some of the storylines.

Every year they gather to discuss what is new in the world beyond our own. But Orbital 2008, Britain's 59th annual National Science Fiction Convention, which started yesterday, is dominated by the death of Clarke last week. And that has meant a hastily re-arranged programme to celebrate the legendary figure's achievements with a series of talks and lectures.


So, there is no place in this year's program for Klingon language seminars. Of course, this may have come as a disappointment to the man in the Worf outfit supping a pint of lager in the foyer of Heathrow's Raddison hotel, but for the rest of the 1,500 sci-fi fans gathering for the three-day celebration of all things intergalactic yesterday, there were plenty of other things to occupy them.

According to Charlie Stross, one of Britain's most successful sci-fi writers, Clarke, along with Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov, dominated 20th-century writing. "He was the last of them to die. But even if he had not written any science fiction he would have left his mark on the world as the creator of the communications satellite. He did the maths to demonstrate how it would work. He was scientifically rigorous, but also highly readable," he said.

Yet, like Captain Kirk and co, there is it seems more to 21st-century science fiction that Arthur C Clarke.

Among the other topics up for discussion this weekend is the thorny issue of Doctor Who, which despite having won over huge new audiences has received a muted welcome among hardcore fans. Proceedings kicked-off with a discussion over whether its creator, Russell T Davies, was the saviour of British sci-fi, or "just a mad fan with a God complex".

And though it may come as a shock to its fans, the BBC time-slip drama Life on Mars and the follow-up Ashes to Ashes were also generating fierce debate, alongside more traditional subjects such Blake's 7's famously wobbly sets. Tomorrow, delegates will debate whether Sam Tyler's amnesia and time-travelling skills can be explained by the fact that he is really the Master from Doctor Who.

But there was also something on offer for the fetishist wing of the movement in the form of a nightly series of workshops on bondage – topics covered include everything from wrist and ankle ties to whole body harnesses.

And the on-going controversy over Slash, where sci-fi or fantasy characters are placed in on-line relationships – often seeringly sexual – was also being given an airing under the title: "Where Does Slash End and Porn Start?".


According to the organising committee member John Wilson, such tendencies are easily explained. "The majority of sci-fi fans are brighter and more curious than the rest of the population. This means we also have a higher proportion with less vanilla tastes than the rest of the world – this is true when it comes to sex as with everything else. The thing here is that it is purely fantasy – it is all about role-playing." Try saying that in Klingon.

Monday, March 24, 2008

I Declare Today A New National Holiday!


From here forth, the Monday after Sunday shall be known as CHEAP PEEP DAY! So, to celebrate, everyone should head out to their local grocery store or convenience store, etc. and buy up those left over Peeps that are now sure to be on sale!

[Disclaimer!] Extreme Halloween and Shari McConahay are not affiliated with any store selling Peeps, or putting Peeps on sale, or the Just Born company.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Gas Buster FREE Shipping Sale


Save on your gas bill and get free ground shipping when you order costumes and costume accessories.

In addition to our already low prices, we are offering a special sale from now through April 1, 2008. If your order is $60 or more, you qualify for FREE ground shipping! Make sure to use the coupon code: NOGAS during checkout. Just enter it in the coupon code field when ordering online or mention it to your customer service representative when placing an order online.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

You can't eat just one Peep

This is from a cute article on Marshmallow Peeps, to get you into the Easter spirit…

I've had a lifelong fascination for Peeps. So, with Easter approaching and me in need of a Peeps fix, I decided to go Googling to get some important questions answered. You can never have enough data about Peeps. But if you're an addict, too, keep in mind the Peeps Web site hasn't been updated since 2003, or, in my case, a few thousand Peeps ago.

Just Born Quality Confections in Bethlehem, Pa. has been the primary Peeps manufacturer since 1953, when it acquired Rodda Candy. It's motto: "Peeps ... Always in Season." Rodda may have produced the marshmallow confection as early as the 1920s.

Chicks were the original shapes, Bunnies later. But Easter no longer corners the Peeps market. There are Spooky Cats for Halloween, Snowmen for the winter holidays. Colors? Besides yellow and white, blue and violet, we have red, white and blue Peeps for the Fourth of July, cocoa-flavored Bats for Halloween.

Peepaholics know there's no such thing as a stale Peep. Some like them hard and crunchy. The 12-page Google report calls this "an acquired taste."

If you eat only a Peep or two, you've found a new low-calorie dessert -- each Peep is 32 calories. But it's pretty hard to resist finishing a whole pack once it's opened. And I can knock off 50 Peeps without making, well, a peep. That's 1,520 calories. The Peep-sheet points out, however, that five handsful of M & Ms equates to 50 Peeps. So I'd rather have Peeps, thank you (Good news: There are small amounts of fat in Peeps)

Q. What happens if you decide you want a warm Peep on a cold night and stick one in the microwave?

A. You don't want to know.

The Web site also reports there is a Peeps Fan Club with two levels of membership: $9.95 for basic, $13.95 for premium. You get one pack of Peeps with both. The different is you get a Peep cap if you go premium.

Just Born's Bethlehem factory had an electrical fire in 1999, damaging large quantities of Peeps that were then sold as an animal feed ingredient. But a few weeks after the fire, production resumed and there were no shortages during the 2000 Peep Season.

I'm well stocked for Easter 2008 in Mantua.

But I've got the same problem all Peeps-lovers share.

I can't eat just one.

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Now you can do more than just eat peeps, you can BE one! AnniesCostumes.com has Peep costumes for kids and Peep costumes for adults.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Universal Day of the Jedi

Universal Day of the Jedi May 25
The holiday for Star Wars fans is Universal Day of the Jedi: May 25th!

The official website for Universal Day of the Jedi: http://www.dayofthejedi.com

After over 30 years of being part of and witnessing the rise and fall of Sith Lords and Jedi Knights, it is time for Star Wars fans to rise to the occasion; and celebrate May 25 as the Universal Day of the Jedi - a celebration of Star Wars by fans for fans.

The first Universal Day of the Jedi was celebrated on May 25, 2007, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of when George Lucas released Star Wars in 1977. The choice of this date made sense for fans across the world to celebrate the saga Lucas had delivered.

The Star Wars galaxy is an ongoing and ever-changing place. With Lucas always making constant changes to subsequent DVD releases of the movies, there is also the Expanded Universe: a world of Star Wars that literally expands upon what Lucas has created - a whole line of books and comics that stretch the continuity even further than before; to which there appears to be no end point for their upcoming publications.

Not to mention the fact that in the very near future, we are also going to see the launch of two new Star Wars television series. The first, The Clone Wars, begins in 2008; and starts with a movie feature to be released in theaters. The second is the live-action television show, said to be hitting the screens sometime in 2009.

Later in 2008 we will see the release of new Star Wars costumes. The new costumes will be both from the classic movie trilogy as well as new Star Wars costumes from The Clone Wars, plus a few new concept designs of sexy costumes for women. Stay tuned to the Extreme Halloween Blog for details on all these new Star Wars Costumes and Accessories.

So, how exactly does a Star Wars fan celebrate Universal Day of the Jedi? Simple ways could be watching the entire saga with friends and families... for those of us who are geekier and extreme, dress as a Jedi and attack your co-workers with your Force FX Lightsabers! Better yet, film it happening!

Join us in celebrating Universal Day of the Jedi on May 25. May the Force be with you!

Monday, March 10, 2008

Purim Costumes

Queen Esther CostumeMagen David Costume








Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination. Most Purim celebrations include dressing up in costumes. Many of the costumes represent characters in the story of Purim like Queen Esther, Mordechai and Haman. Some costumes are worn just to celebrate the holiday and can be anything fun. Read more about the story of Purim on Judaism 101 and the Purim Wiki Page.

This year, Purim begins at Sundown on March 20th. There is still time to order your Purim costumes and have them delivered in time for the holiday.

Mordechai Costume

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Update on WhySoSerious.com

Why So Serious?I have been following the Joker's website since last year. WhySoSerious.com is one of the promotional viral websites for the upcoming Dark Knight movie and it has been a lot of fun checking it for updates. If you visit the site, click on the hidden links that you find within the newspaper printed letters, to uncover another website filled with pictures of all different jokers all over the country.

Maybe all these photos were taken at the places that were hinted upon during the last site update, which seemed to give clues to find something at different locations all over the country.

The Dark Knight hits theaters on July 19, 2008 - and you can prepare to go to the movie in style with the Batman movie costumes available for adults and children at AnniesCostumes.com.

Friday, March 07, 2008

St. Patrick's Day – Celebrating the Green

Since St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner (or is that the corner pub?), here’s a wee bit of background on the holiday itself, for the ‘intellectually curious’ out there. It’s from the History Channel’s website.

St. Patrick is believed to have driven the snakes from Ireland. Once a pagan himself, St. Patrick is one of Christianity's most widely known figures.

The modern secular holiday is based on the original Christian saint's feast day also thought to be the date of the saint's death. In 1737, Irish immigrants to the United States began observing the holiday publicly in Boston and held the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City in 1766.

Today, the tradition continues with people from all walks and heritages by wearing green, eating Irish food, and attending parades. St. Patrick's Day is bursting with folklore; from the shamrock to the leprechaun and to pinching those that are not wearing green. Read more

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Remember to wear the green yourself this year, with fun costumes, hats, and other accessories from anniescostumes.com.


Thursday, March 06, 2008

Missed out on Mardi Gras? It's Not too late to PARTY!

Mardi Gras at Universal OrlandoFor many people, Mardi Gras came and went before they even noticed and now Easter is only about two weeks away! So, if you are feeling like you missed out on the Cajun party of the year - its not too late! Besides the fact that you can throw your own Mardi Gras themed party any time or any day, there is the Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios Orlando! It runs all the way through April 19, 2008, so "Let the Good Times Roll!"

Mardi Gras comes alive at Universal Studios! The streets are filled with beads, live bands, and a rocking parade—but that's just the start. Every Saturday, legendary party bands are taking the stage to turn your night into a party of historic proportions! And no Mardi Gras party would be complete without all the cuisine and music that's made The Big Easy famous.

The Universal Studios web site says that vacation getaway packages start at $79. So for a little but of dough, you can have a lot of fun in the Florida sun! With sunny days as warm as 75 - 80 degrees and nights in the 60's, its a great escape!

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

New Easter Bunny Suit Just In!

New Arrival for Spring!

Deluxe Bunny CostumeThis new bunny costume has just arrived at EasterBunnyCostumes.com and he's really cute. AND a great price too: just $119.95. The costume includes both the cute parade head as well as the open face hood along with the fur jumpsuit, the vest, bow tie, hand mitts, and the shoe covers.

Dress Up for Easter

Eggs. Baskets. Bunnies. These three words conjure up childhood memories of Easter egg hunts, family celebrations and of course, the Easter Bunny. What could be more fun then having the Easter Bunny make an appearance at your Easter egg hunt?

EasterBunnyCostumes.com offers over 30 rabbit and bunny costumes to choose from. From the traditional white Easter Bunny costume to a chocolate bunny, from over-sized mascot head to open face fur hood, Easter enthusiasts can dress up for Easter in style.

But Easter isn't all about the Easter Bunny. There are also shepherd and other religious costumes for biblical plays. And for Passion Plays, EasterBunnyCostumes.com carries several accessories including stage blood, crown of thorns and latex whip and spike scar sheet.

Monday, March 03, 2008

Peep Costumes - New Easter Traditions!

Last week, my fellow blogger Mark J. posted about Marshmallow Peeps becoming a new Easter tradition. Granted, those darn marshmallow chick-a-dies are certainly hard to pass up, but how about a new kind of Easter Photo like this:
Marshmallow Peep Costume
How irresistible is this kind of Peep?!

AnniesCostumes.com has Peep costumes for kids and Peep costumes for adults.

And - after you try Mark's suggestion of microwaving your Marshmallow Peeps, be sure to try roasting them over a fire!!

Saturday, March 01, 2008

St. Patrick's Day 2008 Changed to March 15th


A big thanks to Ronan from IrelandCostumes.com, who commented on my earlier post about celebrating St. Patrick's Day. He was kind enough to point out and bring to my attention that the the official date for St. Patrick's Day has been changed by an Irish Bishop to March 15, 2008. Because of the way that Easter falls this year, March 17th is on Holy Monday, and Catholic officials did not want the feast held in honor of Saint Patrick to interfere with holy week.
St. Patrick's Day Hats
So whether you choose to celebrate St. Paddy's day on March 15th or March 17th (or even the entire weekend!), have a green blast!