What’s “Really” Great About Memorial Day

Categories:

Historical, Holiday's

May 22, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

Memorial Day

If you are like most people, when you think about Memorial Day weekend, many things come to mind.  Barbecues, family gatherings, vacations–all of these things have become standard Memorial Day fare and with good reason–they are fun and what better time to engage in such things than a long three-day weekend that kicks off the warm weather months!

The truth is, however, that there of course is a far deeper, much more reverent meaning to the Memorial Day holiday that has somehow gotten lost in the quest for All-American style fun.  The true meaning of Memorial Day has almost completely eluded the younger set, which was poignantly illustrated during a survey done by an organization known as “No Greater Love”.  This humanitarian organization conducted a survey of children back in 1996, asking kids why there was a holiday on Memorial Day.  The children’s answers were very heart wrenching as there was much chatter about vacations, barbecues, three-day weekends and local swimming pools finally being open.  There was one huge thing missing amongst the majority of the children surveyed, however, and that was a general knowledge of what Memorial Day was really for, that being to honor and recognize the soldiers who made the most supreme sacrifice of all, by giving their lives in order to preserve the many freedoms that we today can fortunately enjoy.

Memorial Day

This organization did a very important thing after these revelatory survey results were brought to light.  A “National Moment of Remembrance” was instituted.  This moment of remembrance would require everyone to stop whatever they were doing at precisely 3:00 pm (local time) on Memorial Day and pause for one full minute of silent reflection.  In some locations “Taps” will be played at 3:00 as well, depending on where you are at this time, of course.  Whether you are in a formal setting or not, there is no reason why you can’t stop and take advantage of this opportunity to pay due homage to our fallen soldiers; it’s the right thing to do!

The point of instituting a “National Moment of Remembrance” was to raise awareness in future generations about Memorial Day and to remind all people of what this special holiday is really about.  The idea of the Memorial Day moment of silence was fully embraced by both the President and Congress and since 1997 it has become an American tradition.  What will you be doing at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day this year?  If you and your family are out and about–enjoying many of the freedoms that many soldiers gave their lives to preserve–by all means, take one minute to show respect, honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in our behalf.

Happy Memorial Day from your friends at Halloween Express!

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The All-American Superhero

Categories:

Summer, Superheros

May 20, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

America Loves It's Superheros

There is no escaping American’s love of the good ol’ superhero.  In fact, America might arguably be the actual inventor of this beloved character genre. Certainly you could make a very strong case for the superhero being an All-American phenomenon, as most of the really good ones seem to have their origins springing from the pages of American comic books.  

From the 1930’s when Superman was every little kid’s comic book fave, the superhero has been fascinating kids of all ages, and from what we can observe, these amazing characters aren’t going anywhere.  The superhero’s stories and names change over the years, but the theory and essence of what is behind them remains the same.  They are bigger than life, more powerful that us ordinary folks are, and when the day needs to be saved–they have this incredibly innate ability to be there and do just that.  No wonder we love them. 

Science:  There seems to be a scientific commonality or feature that runs through all or at least most superheroes.  This scientific element usually explains how or why they have their special powers.  In some instances, the superhero was exposed to a chemical that caused him to change in an unexplained way.  A powerful spider bite might have some really bizarre effects on a former ordinary human in just the right circumstances.  Other times various mutations have occurred for a variety of reasons, but the result in the case of a superhero is the former normal earthling now has a power or ability that is considered to be superhuman.

Dual-Existence:  Many of the most popular superheroes enjoy a dual existence.  This dual existence gives them a human side that is usually in stark contrast to their superhero side.  The non-superhero, human side of these personas is often kind of nerdy, wimpy and boring although almost always very likable.  By comparison, the superhero side of these characters, when he comes around, is very physical, strong, confident and oddly enough, suddenly much more attractive as well as slightly more aloof.

Mortal Enemies:  In addition to general crime fighting and saving people from various mishaps around town, most superheroes have some kind of mortal enemy, or some may even have several of them.  The enemies these superheroes face often have some pretty unique and special powers of their own, but for whatever reason they have decided to use their powers to perpetuate evil deeds instead of good.  This conflict always makes for a really great good vs. evil story, as this is invariably the bread and butter of what a good superhero flick is all about.

Comic Books:  Most superheroes began their stories in the pages of a comic book.  These stories were translated into cartoons and television but in the last few decades, superhero movies have become some of the biggest hits and blockbusters out there.  This year is no exception with Iron Man 3 recently being released and this summer more superhero movies are on the horizon.  (Man of Steel (June14), and The Wolverine (July 26) just to name a couple.) 

Costumes:  Okay, maybe you’d prefer to think of them as “suits” but whatever you want to call them, the proper clothing or “gear” for any superhero is the heart and soul of his very essence.  If you want to recreate a superhero look, getting the costume just right is important.  Kids love to dress up as their favorite superheroes any time just for having fun and using their imagination.  Grown ups enjoy getting into their favorite superhero looks as well, whether for a costume party, comic convention or any number of functions that make being a superhero both fun and exciting. 

With heroic looks like Batman, Robin, Superman, Spiderman, Iron Man, X-Men, Hellboy, The Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Wonder Woman…(phew) and many, many more–you will easily be able to find whatever your favorite superhero look is in our huge superhero costume collection.  With realistic details and stunning features, these superhero costumes are exactly what you’ve been looking for to help you bring out those special powers you’ve likely been keeping under wraps.  Get into one of these fabulous looks today, no phone booth necessary.

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Summer 2013 TV Preview

Categories:

Entertainment, Family Fun, Summer

May 19, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

No, you do not get to take the summer off, nor will you even want to. Gone are the days of old school summertime TV.  What used to consist of thirteen long and dreary weeks of reruns has now been transformed into a whole new and glorious season of television viewing pleasure! And let me tell you, this summer’s TV season is looking pretty entertaining.  It’s time to set those DVR’s or renew your Hulu subscription because some of these shows you will definitely not want to miss! 

The summer television season lasts basically from right now until approximately late September–or whenever the major networks get around to unleashing their fall television schedules.  There are lots of hot new shows to look forward to on the smaller screen, so get ready!  Which shows are you most excited about?

Summer TV Highlights:  Some Of The Most Anticipated TV Shows For The Summer Of 2013:

  1. Breaking Bad:  AMC-August 11th.  The final 8 episodes of this gripping drama are set to air beginning late summer.
  2. Dexter:  Showtime-June 30th.  The final season winding up the good guy serial killer’s tale. 
  3. Under The Dome:  CBS-June 24.  A mysterious invisible dome suddenly appears and cuts off an entire small town from the rest of the world. Based on a Stephen King novel. 
  4. True Blood:  HBO-June 16.  One of our picks for obvious reasons, namely: vampires, werewolves, fairies and a whole plethora of other supernatural beings! 
  5. Hannibal:  NBC-Thursdays 10 PM. Technically since this show has already been going for a few weeks, it may not exactly qualify for this list. However, if you haven’t been watching it, you should be.  This very chilling thriller based on the character Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs), is quite simply, a masterpiece.
  6. Teen Wolf:  MTV-June 13.  A social outcast high school student named Scott McCall is bitten by a werewolf while searching for a dead girl in the woods.  Scott now tries to hide his new secret identity and still maintain a normal high school life.
  7. Game Of Thrones:  HBO-Sunday 9 PM. Season 3 premiered March 31.  HB0’s fantasy series in unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! Mesmerizing!
  8. Marvel’s Avengers Ensemble:  Disney XD-July 7. The most amazing team of superheroes ever assembled–Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Hawkeye and Black Widow are reunited along with a groovy newcomer, Falcon to join forces and do what superheroes do best–save the world and other stuff.
  9. The Killing:  AMC-June 2.  Honestly, one of the best dramas going. 
  10.  Longmire:  A&E-May 27.  This may have been last summer’s best new detective show.  Wyoming County Sheriff Walt Longmire lacks the skill of most fancy TV crime fighters but he has grit, determination and the help of his friends.

Get ready for a summer of hot, hot, hot new shows and a TV season that promises lots of thrills and chills for your entire family.  And the best part is–there’s not a rerun amongst them! 

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Gatsby Style

Categories:

Entertainment, Movie Themes

May 13, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

The long awaited film“The Great Gatsby” hit theatres this past weekend. The infamous F. Scott Fitzgerald story that many of us remember reading as part of our high school curriculum, has now been gloriously transformed into a silver screen version, bringing to pass a truly marvelous film that is likely to set the costume and fashion worlds on fire.  Gatsby style has been the talk of the town and in case you haven’t heard, adaptations of these styles may be headed quickly to a store near you!

The story of the Great Gatsby takes place during the roaring twenties, a time that historically has already been considered one of great fashion revolution.  Women of the twenties were considered to be fashion rebels, dumping the corsets and petticoats of prior decades and instead embracing a far more free form, a straighter and almost boyish silhouette, with much shorter hemlines to boot.  During the time period of the Great Gatsby, fashions were truly unique and unlike anything that women had worn before.  In the story of the Great Gatsby, another dimension of style is also added to the film.  Decadent luxury.  Stunning (and expensive) jewelry was worn with elaborate headdresses.  Skirt lengths were going up, and women’s hairstyles were getting shortly bobbed. 

Creating a “Gatsby” look of your own is pretty easy.  For women, the “Flapper” style dress, fringe and all, is going to be a popular look for any upcoming costume parties you may be gearing up for.  Complete the “Gatsby” look with long strands of pearls, headdresses with feathers and even an ultra glamorous feather boa. When it comes to creating an authentic “Gatsby” look, no amount of luxury is too much, so when it comes to glam, pull out all the stops and you will be getting close!  Check out our Charleston Cutie costume, which comes complete with all the extra accoutrements you will need to really pull of the ultimate, truly Gatsby-inspired costume look. 

For you guys out there that want to sport the classic Gatsby look, think “Brooks Brothers”.  The timeless looking jacket with peaked lapels, matching trousers, and a point-collared shirt is a great place to start.  You will want to have a crisp looking vest, perhaps a pocket square and maybe if you are going all out–a nice pair of cufflinks.  Adding some exciting twenties style accessories will complete your Gatsby look.  Two-toned oxford shoes and a Newsboy style cap will also send you off in the right direction! 

Recreating the indulgent looks found in the new movie, “The Great Gatsby” is one of the hottest costume trends out there.  You will not want to wait to pick up one of these incredible costume looks!  Shop our exciting collection of 1920’s styled costumes and get into one of these fabulous retro looks now! 

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Mother’s Day: 5 Gifts Your Mom Does Not Want

Categories:

Holiday's, Mother's Day, Suggestions and Ideas

May 8, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

Think back.  For many of us, it was like our mom had this sixth sense, a high tech kind of radar that enabled her to sniff out trouble.  No matter how much innocence was proclaimed, mom could always get to the truth and before you even knew what was happening, you had made a full confession and were grounded for a month.  Yeah, moms are like that.  Even if you are all grown up now you may not be completely out of the woods when it comes to being in your mom’s proverbial doghouse.  She would never say anything.  She would just smile and say “thank you”.  But somehow you would know you’d blown it.  Mother’s Day is the one thing you don’t want to screw up and we are here to help.  Here is our top five list of gifts your mom does NOT want for Mother’s Day!

  1. Home Appliances.  Your mom likely spent years (okay most of her life!) cleaning up after you and believe me, it probably was no picnic.  Washing clothes, washing dishes, cleaning house, picking up stinky socks off your bedroom floor–well, it’s all part of being a mom, but this stuff likely was not her favorite part.  There are many joys involved in motherhood; housework is likely not one of them.  On Mother’s Day there is no need to remind her of the drudgery.  You might be thinking mom will be impressed with your ability to be practical.  Trust me, your mom does not want you to be practical on Mother’s Day in spite of what she might say.  Get her something that is a little bit self-indulgent that she may not want to buy for herself.  Chances are if it has a “plug” it’s a big NO.
  2. Lingerie.  Um, don’t get me wrong here.  I’m a big fan of the girly stuff and most women do really love lingerie.  The problem lies in the fact that lingerie is a very intimate gift with a definite sexual vibe–thus, getting a gift like this from your kid (at any age) is just (in a word) weird.  If you are a male child then a lingerie gift may even border on being creepazoidal.  Don’t put your mom through this most ultimately awkward Mother’s Day scenario–ever.
  3. Makeover.  You have to be very careful about buying your mom one of the ever-popular spa packages that are out there around Mom’s Day.  If the word “makeover” is in the advertising anywhere, steer clear.  A day filled with massage, a facial, and a mani-pedi is cool, but as soon as you send your mom to be “made over” you may have inadvertently sent her the wrong message.  A makeover gift says, “You’ve been so busy taking care of me, wiping my nose, and hauling my butt to soccer practice that you’ve kinda let yourself go”–uh, don’t even go there.
  4. Diet or Fitness Products:  These gifts kind of send the same message as the makeover does–telling mom that she needs some sprucing up on Mother’s Day is just not cool.  A better alternative would be to invite your mom on an active activity that you know she is going to love, the best part being that she gets to spend time with her special kid.  (YOU!) 
  5. Cookbooks:  Whether your mom is a great cook or a really lousy one is beside the point.  Your mom likely has already spent hours (okay, maybe even years) in the kitchen cooking all your favorite foods and probably one too many boxes of Mac ‘n cheese.  Spare her the cookbook as no matter how good your intentions really are, you are still telling her that she needs to up the ante on her cooking game.  If you have already moved out of the house, she likely just cooks what she likes, anyway.  If you are still living in her basement, you are really treading on thin ice by giving her a cookbook, just saying. 

Honorable Mention No-No’s:  Generally speaking, you may want to avoid empty picture frames (put a nice photo in that thing, you lazy child!), bathing implements or bath soaps, (she has plenty of this stuff from prior years and is likely trying to still use it up!) and lastly, purses.  Your mom is likely enjoying picking out her own sleeker styled, fashionable purses now that she doesn’t have to carry around half the house with her in order to meet all your growing up needs.

Mother’s Day gift giving doesn’t need to be complicated or stressful.  In fact, getting mom the perfect gift can even reap great rewards.  Get this right and you will remain your mama’s little angel forevermore, or at least for another year. 

“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.“
~Mark Twain

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