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Santa Tracking

December 7th, 2009

 

December is here and NORAD is gearing up to track Santa as he makes his annual trip around the world. You can visit this bi-national military organization’s website and watch them track Santa . . . . or . . . . you can just keep your eyes open and I’ll bet you spot him all over the place this month. Santa is a busy guy this time of year, but not in the way you might think.

He’s not up at the North Pole all the time, you know. He’s got elves and Mrs. Claus to run the show so that he can enjoy the holidays just like you.

I spent my day yesterday volunteering at the Santa Barbara International Marathon and there he was. Santa in an inflatable suit that had seen better miles, came up over the horizon at mile 24. That made think of all the other places Santa might be hanging out this month.

Like at one of his other favorite organized runs. Can you pick out the real Santa in this group?

Skateboarding Santa

He’s been known to show his stuff at the local skate park.

snowboard santa

And he just tears it up on the slopes!

Surfing Santa

He likes to make stops where the weather is warm and the surf is up.

santacon

And one of Santa’s very favorite things to do is to hang with other Santas. Check out this year’s LA Santacon . Santas will invade LA on the 12th.

Create your own Santa Sighting. Grab yourself a Santa Suit and pick your activity and destination. Go solo, if you are brave, or recruit a Santa Squad. See if you show up on NORAD’s system. Make sure someone snaps your picture to make it an official Santa sighting.

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Posted in Adult Costumes, Holiday Costumes, Men's Costumes, Women's Costumes, christmas costumes, christmas lingerie, costumes

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What NOT to do in your Elf Costume

December 3rd, 2009

We all agree, dressing up is a fun thing to do during the holidays. A Santa costume is always great fun, as is a good elf or Santa’s helper costume. Whether a male or female these two types of costumes are a merry way to pump your holidays full of cheer and joy.

 

Unless your name is William C. Caldwell III of Georgia, that is! This 45 year old man somehow decided it was a good idea to head down to the local mall, dressed as an elf. Apparently he wasn’t trying to infiltrate the mall’s designated Santa operation. Not at all, even though he is only 5 feet tall and would probably make a fine looking elf for Santa.

Mr. Caldwell’s plans were much more sinister. He waited in line to have his picture taken Santa. That doesn’t sound so evil, does it. It would have been a pretty cool picture to. But, when it was his turn with Jolly St. Nick, William Caldwell proceeded to tell Santa that he had dynamite. Uh-oh!

William Caldwell - Bad ElfI’m pretty sure that when the real Santa is making his list and checking it twice, Mr. Caldwell will be put on the Naughty list. Guys who impersonate elves and get charged with having hoax devices, making terroristic threats, false imprisonment, simple assault, reckless conduct, disorderly conduct and false public alarm don’t earn themselves a spot on the Nice list – no matter how great his costume was.

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Posted in Adult Costumes, Men's Costumes, Women's Costumes, christmas costumes, costumes

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Cosplay Vader and Stormtroopers Give Blood

November 17th, 2009

Ever heard the word Cosplay? It’s short for Costume Play and it refers to groups or individuals who like to dress up in costume. It’s not just about Halloween for them. It could be for specific costume events, conventions, reenactments, or just for fun.

civil-war-reenactors

Pirate Faire

I’m sure you’ve heard of groups who re-enact Civil War battles in full costume, or renaissance or pirate faires where everyone is in full costume and character. That’s cosplay. But it goes further. Did you know there are whole groups and organizations for cosplayers. Usually the groups are built around a specific theme and people join who are really into that theme – Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Zombies, and Lord of the Rings are some popular ones.

There’s one group called the 501st Legion which is a global Star Wars costuming group. They’ve got 4000 members worldwide. Here’s their mission statement:

“…The Legion is an all-volunteer organization formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts under a collective identity within which to operate. The Legion seeks to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes, and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work…”

They really do get out in their communities in costume and help out. Recently, eleven guys from the 501st showed up in full costume at the Robina Blood Donor Centre in Queensland, Australia and donated blood.

 

501st Legion

501st Helping Out

These guys are great. They have amazing costumes, do some pretty great things, and have a hell of a lot of fun while they are at it.

So what are you waiting for, you costume-loving fool?? What’s your favorite costume theme? Why not start your own Cosplay group? Meet up with other costume enthusiasts, create awesome costumes, then take them out and have some fun or help others!

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Posted in Adult Costumes, costumes

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Spiderman Arrested

November 13th, 2009

I am the first to admit that things can get hairy out there on the streets for Superheroes. (I know, I live it all the time because I’m a real superhero, but don’t tell anyone). There’s crime to fight, evil plans for world domination to thwart, civilians to rescue, lives to save. Someone should remind Spiderman of that.

Spiderman in Handcuffs

I don’t mean the real Spiderman, but one of the many who slip into Spidey’s suit and impersonate him down in Hollywood. For some reason, one particular web-slinger threw a few punches and roughed up a guy near Hollywood and Highland a few days ago. The guy wasn’t Spidey’s arch nemesis, committing a crime, or even hitting on Mary Jane.

The police were called. Investigations began. After wading through several other Spidermen in the vicinity, an arrest was made. Not so much for the battery, because the victim didn’t want to press charges, but for a stack of misdemeanor warrants this Spiderman had.

Now how do you think this impacted the youngsters in the area that day? Seeing Spidey handcuffed and marched away by the cops? Come on, folks! You’ve got to be on your best behavior when you are doing the Superhero gig. There are impressionable kids out here as well as a host of other superhero-lovers, like me.  Dress up as something or someone else if you’ve got anger issues.

You could be the Hulk. You could still be in character and whack people around, no problem.

If you just have to be a web-slinger, how about being Venom? He has all the same abilities as Spiderman, a great look, but no problem being evil and destructive.

If you just have to be a superhero, maybe a Batman suit is more your speed. We all know he had some serious emotional issues going on.

Here are recommendations for those of you with anger issues, self-control issues, or a serious mean-streak who aren’t insisting on being some sort of superhero.

Klingons are known for their violent side. At least the ones from the classic series. No one would think twice or get upset if a Klingon got in a knock-down-drag-out fight. It’s just their warrior nature.

Darth Vader, before his big change of heart, was the epitomy of all things evil.

Pick a costume that you can live up to. If you are the type to lose your temper, get into screaming matches or get into fights, skip on being one of the uber-good-guys. Do it for the kids. Do it for me. I don’t want to see any more superheroes, handcuffed and hauled away.

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Posted in Adult Costumes, Men's Costumes, Superhero Costumes, costumes

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LULU Day

November 11th, 2009

The holidays are looming and the pressure builds. Who is coming to Thanksgiving? Who’s hosting it this year? What will I make? Will crazy Uncle Ted and Cousin Barney have another knock down drag out political debate? How will I make sure to get a piece of Grandma’s pecan pie before my sister woofs it all down?

Christmas lists. Who wants what and how the hell am I suppose to pay for that with the economy in its current downward spiral? Do we buy a Christmas tree or go artificial? What am I supposed to serve at Christmas dinner for Susie who just became vegan? Is Aunt Martha going to say another hour-long prayer before dinner as the food grows cold?

Healthcare reform bills. Current election issues. Your boss the power-hungry, control freak. The price of gas. The security your banking institution. The job market. The stock market. The military conflicts around the world.

These are just a few of the things we fret and stress over. Not to mention current standings in sports –  all the trades, acquisitions, injury reports that could greatly impact your weekly pool or fantasy league. The list of things we worry about could just go on and on.

Lucky for us there’s LULU Day.

November 14, 2009 is our day to get it all back in perspective. A day to consciously Loosen Up  and Lighten Up. Twenty-four hours to stop the incessant stressing about work, appointments, birthdays, holidays, bills, international affairs, who’s got what and who doesn’t.

Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day is just one day, just 24 hours, to smile more, breathe deeper, relax, and go low key. Is it possible? Can you loosen up for one day? Can you treat things more lightly for 24 hours? You can if you want to. And you can help someone else do it too.

Costumes – one simple piece or a full outfit – have been shown to be a highly effective tool on LULU Day. Somehow, wearing something silly and goofy makes us smile, laugh, and see that everything doesn’t have to be so serious.

So take the Tuesday, the 14th of November and loosen up a bit. Take the day off, wear a silly wig or glasses, go for a walk, hit the beach for a walk or just to lie there (if it’s warm where you are), get a massage, have your nails done, stare out the window and daydream, read a book, listen to music with your eyes closed. Just breath in and out, over and over. Maybe do a bit of yoga or meditation. Do what makes you laugh or smile. Make someone else laugh or smile.

Just make sure you don’t stress, worry, get upset, or get all serious. Don’t even think about all the yuck – just for one day. It will all be there on the 15th, I promise.  Get a little goofy, Loosen Up and Lighten Up, and let it all go. Who knows you may find you like it.

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Posted in Adult Costumes, Afro Wigs, Clown Costumes, Costume Hats, Costume Wigs, Holiday Costumes, Men's Costumes, christmas costumes, costumes

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Good and Bad News for Santa

November 9th, 2009

Halloween has passed and what’s the next  big event on the calendar?? Well, yeah, there’s Thanksgiving, but I was actually thinking of something bigger, redder, jollier, with a little ho-ho-ho thrown in on the side.

Santa-In-Sleigh

You guessed it! Christmas is just around the corner and that means it’s time to prep for the arrival of that jolly old guy from the North Pole . . . Santa Claus! There are parades to lead, shopping malls to visit, seniors to cheer up, children’s wishes to hear and grant, presents to deliver, reindeer to take care of, chimneys to descend, and cookies to eat.

Such a big job! How does anyone really expect one man to do it all? That’s why there’s always a need for more Santas in the world at Christmas time.

On this note, I have good news and bad news for all of you aspiring Santas out there.

Good News: There are actual Santa Schools out there!!!

Yes, I said Santa Schools. You can actually pay to get top notch, Santa Training. According to some of these schools, participants actually report “renewed energy and deeper insights, and have allowed them to expand their horizons, and increase their personal satisfaction.” Here are three you might want to check out.

Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School

American Events Professional Santa Claus School

Santa School

Bad News: I am so sad to have to tell you that all of the dates for these courses have passed. Yep, you missed it. Apparently September and October are the big months for Santa training. Make note for next year.

Not being able to enroll in Santa School shouldn’t put a damper on your plans to play Santa this year. Here are a few tips to make yourself into a Santa that even Kris Kringle would approve of.

  1. Get yourself a great Santa Suit.
  2. Wear white gloves.
  3. Add suspenders if you need help keeping those pants up.
  4. Get a Santa Belly if you don’t have your own.
  5. Get a Santa hair and beard, unless you have your own.
  6. Use some make-up to finish the look. Put a bit of white clown make-up on your eyebrows. Smear just a dab under each eye to help you look a bit older. Then apply some red makeup to the tip of your nose and your cheeks for that rosy look. To get the make-up to set, use a make-up puff to apply some baby powder to your face. Don’t overdo it and wipe off any excess with a make-up brush.  
  7. Smile a lot.
  8. Laugh, ho-ho-ho-style, more.
  9. Be cheery, jolly, warm, caring, and show other legendary qualities associated with Father Christmas.

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Posted in Adult Costumes, Costume Wigs, Holiday Costumes, Men's Costumes, christmas costumes, costumes

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How it Ended

November 2nd, 2009

pirate-in-blackThe Costume Craziness that is Halloween has come to an end along with our fabulous Costume Countdown. It got supremely hectic down at Scavenge in those last few days. The staff was in costume, half of our customers were in costume, and something happened for the first time ever.straight-jacket costume

On Halloween day, we had everything in store on sale for HALF OFF! It wasn’t planned! It just happened and those who wandered in were lucky enough to get some amazing deals!

At times the store was just bursting at the seams with people. Some people amazed me by actually being amazed themsleves that we actually sold out of many items. Please tell me why it is that sooooo many people wait until the very last minute to get their costumes?

In the end, it was all good. This fricken recession we are “enjoying” didn’t stop people from dressing up and having some fun. Sure it made some be more creative, or recycle costume pieces, but that’s okay. It’s all about having some fun, laughing, smiling, and enjoying ourselves despite all the economic crap going on. And costumes are exactly the way to do it.

They get us outside of ourselves. They let us dream and play and separate ourselves from our daily life and worries – even if just for a little bit. So don’t throw away those costumes – whether they be for infants, kids, teens, adults or your pets. Who knows when you or someone else might want or need them. Pack them away for your next theme party or for next Halloween. Who knows where the economy will be then.

Koa had his first Halloween ever!

Koa had his first Halloween ever!

We’re making life more fun, one costume at a time.Candy-Corn-Witch

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Posted in Adult Costumes, Baby Costumes, Children's Costumes, Do It Yourself Costume, Halloween Costumes, Men's Costumes, Steals and Deals, Women's Costumes, costumes

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Costume Countdown Day 31: Going to the Dogs

October 31st, 2009

The end is here! 31 days of showcasing costumes. 31 days of counting down to Halloween. 31 days of men’s costumes, women’s costumes, do-it-yourself costumes, costumes for kids, and costumes for teens. So why not end it all with one type of costume we haven’t shown yet.

Fluffy Bunny Dog Costume

DOGGY COSTUMES!

My friend’s dog, Sasha, was an excited volunteer for this Fluffy Bunny doggy costume. Can’t you just see it in his eyes? He’s loving it.

Dress your pup up and take him or her out for some trick-or-treating fun.

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Posted in Adult Costumes, Bunny Costumes, Dog Costumes, Halloween Costumes, costumes

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Costume Countdown Day 30: On a Mission

October 30th, 2009
My do-it-yourself SWAT costume.

My do-it-yourself SWAT costume.

I created my own SWAT costume for today. I just love costumes that have to do with adventure, excitement, thrills, and even danger. Uniforms, military, special forces and all sorts of law enforcement costumes seem to really fit this category for me. Also, the last minute shoppers can be a bit fussy, unruly, and rude so I needed a costume with some muscle behind my costume today.

About a month before Halloween I did my yearly thrift store run. I go there, keeping my eyes peeled for any treasures, great deals, or something I can make into a fun costume. It was here that I found the SWAT vest. All I added was my UnderArmour running tights, some way-cool boots I discovered at the thrift store (for $4!), and a black baseball hat on which I stuck “SWAT” logo. I just found a logo online, did some cropping and resizing, printed it out and stuck it on my hat with duct tape. To all of this I added a policeman belt that had a gun, handcuffs, a baton, a flashlight, and a walkie talkie.

I started the day wearing just the vest on top. It was hot and it worked out great. When the sun set and temperatures dropped, I put on my UnderArmour long sleeve shirt. I was prepared for any situation, just like a real SWAT officer.

With the shirt underneath

With the shirt underneath

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Posted in Adult Costumes, Do It Yourself Costume, Halloween Costumes, Women's Costumes, costumes

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Costume Countdown Day 27: Habits and Uniforms Revisited

October 27th, 2009

school girl and nun costumesToday we’re taking little trip down memory lane for those who had the joy of attending a private school, where your teachers were tough, no-nonsense nuns, where uniforms were the only clothing choice, and where there were more rules than any human could possibly live by.

Instead, don’t you just wish your private school was as much fun as these two are having? Take back those school days! Dress up as the uniformed school girl or the nun and let your playful, fun, irresponsible side out for some fun this Halloween. The kind that might make the most evil of nuns from your past raise and eyebrow, gasp, or break out the ruler.

And for those of us who didn’t get to spend our days in a private Catholic school (or other variety), we’ll dress up to celebrate that very fact.

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Posted in Adult Costumes, Halloween Costumes, Women's Costumes, costumes, couples costumes

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