Category Archive: Holiday’s

Mardi Gras: Fast Facts About Fat Tuesday

Categories:

Holiday Costumes, Holiday's, Mardi Gras, Masks

January 30, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

Mardi Gras 2013

Mardi Gras aka Fat Tuesday is celebrated this year on Tuesday February 12, 2013.  You don’t have to live in New Orleans to really get into the whole eating, drinking and being merry thing that has become a huge part of the Mardi Gras fun.   Don’t know much about Mardi Gras?  Here is our list of quick facts about the ultimate party known officially as Mardi Gras!

  1. Celebrating Mardi Gras is not a modern day invention.  The tradition of Mardi Gras (also called Fat Tuesday) actually began long ago; it stems from a medieval practice including some pretty heavy chowing down prior to the advent of lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday.  Traditionally, Mardi Gras is considered to be the last day for Catholics to really get into some heavy feasting before the fasting and giving up of certain foods during lent.
  2. Although a lot of the big hoopla occurs on Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras celebrating often goes on for weeks prior to the actual event, in many cases the parades and parties begin in early January around the time of Epiphany.  Now that’s a party!
  3. Mardi Gras is most infamously associated with New Orleans, but the holiday is actually celebrated throughout the world.
  4. Mardi Gras is known as Pancake Day in England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand…and yes, they do eat pancakes as part of their celebrating!
  5. Where’s the baby?  The traditional wreath-shaped King’s Cake has a plastic baby baked right into it.  It is said that whoever gets the slice of cake holding the plastic baby will have good luck and fortune for the entire year!
  6. Parades!  A huge part of Mardi Gras traditional celebrating revolves around numerous parades.  Elaborate floats are part of these parades and those that ride on the floats will traditionally throw out beaded necklaces as well as various trinkets to parade onlookers.
  7. The Mardi Gras official colors are known to be purple, gold and green.  Green is said to symbolize faith, gold symbolizes power, and purple represents justice.  Although many different colors of beads are tossed out during Mardi Gras celebrating, obtaining the ones that represent the official colors of Mardi Gras is considered good luck–except the beads that have already fallen to the ground, which are considered to be bad luck.
  8. The tradition of throwing beads to parade onlookers actually began back in the 1900’s when a dressed up Santa Claus riding on a float began tossing out beaded necklaces to parade watchers. (And no, the spectators were not flashing Santa!) The tossing of beaded necklaces is one of the most popular of all Mardi Gras traditions to this day.
  9. Mardi Gras draws fun-seekers everywhere, particularly in New Orleans where Mardi Gras celebrating is done on a very grand scale.  During Mardi Gras, masked balls, parties, parades and lots of general partying are commonplace.
  10. The tradition of masked balls during Mardi Gras began in the 1700’s. People were so raucous, rowdy and debaucherous during the extreme revelry of Mardi Gras that they took to wearing masks in order to conceal their real identities to avoid any future ramifications from their night of utter craziness.  At one point in the 19th century there was so much drunk and disorderly conduct occurring during the time of Mardi Gras that authorities made the wearing of masks illegal, hoping to curtail some of the shenanigans.  People were not at all deterred by the new mask-less regulations and the extreme behavior continued anyway.

 

Mardi Gras celebrations are a long time tradition that is enjoyed to this day by the masses.  Whether you are heading to New Orleans to get your own piece of the Mardi Gras action or are simply hosting a Mardi Gras celebration of your own close to home, you will not want to miss out on what appears to be the perfect excuse to have a really good time.  Don’t forget to check out our complete selection of Mardi Gras supplies, costumes and accessories to make your Mardi Gras inspired event nothing short of spectacular!

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Who is this Cupid Guy, Anyway?

Categories:

Historical, Holiday's, Romance, Valentines Day

January 22, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

What comes to mind when you think of Valentine’s Day?  Valentine cards are obviously way on the top of the list.  Hearts, flowers and candy are also very traditional tokens that we associate with Valentine’s Day as well.  Valentines Day, a holiday that celebrates all things love and romance, is steeped in lots of symbols.  Cupid, however–the arrow bearing, diapered baby, might be the oldest and most common of the love symbols we associate with Valentines Day. But who is this Cupid guy anyway?  What has he got to do with the day of love?

Cupid:  What’s Up With the Diaper?   Not to burst anyone’s bubble here, but Cupid actually didn’t start out wearing a diaper at all.  In Ancient Roman mythology, Cupid, the son of Venus, was usually depicted completely in the buff.  (That’s naked, folks.) He also wasn’t always a baby.  Cupid grew up into quite a strapping (and apparently quite smokin’ hot) youth who indeed was also the god of desire and erotic love.  He did indeed carry a quiver of potent arrows, however.  The gold-tipped arrows were purported to make someone fall madly and quickly in love, while the lead-tipped ones were used to create wanton passion and lust.

Jealous Mother:  Roman Mythology gets a little dicey here, but as the story goes, Venus, Cupid’s mom was very jealous of a mortal human woman named Psyche.  Psyche was extremely beautiful, perhaps even more so than Venus, which made Venus a bit crazy.  Venus sent Cupid (armed with his powerful arrows) to shoot Psyche.  The point was to make Psyche fall immediately in love with someone nearby that was a truly vile or hideous human–now that would keep her busy and get her off of Venus’ mind, right?

Whoops…I Hate it When That Happens:  When Cupid lays eyes on Psyche, he slips up and accidentally scratches himself with his own potent arrow.  He immediately falls madly in love with mere mortal Psyche and although he knows trouble could be a-brewin’, he marries her anyway.  Even though he and Psyche are now in love, Cupid insists that Psyche never look at him.  That’s the rules.  Now, Cupid is aware that he is indeed quite delicious to gaze upon, but Psyche just isn’t allowed to know what he looks like-ever.  Cupid only visits Psyche when it is dark so that she cannot see him.  Cupid is apparently quite a magical lover, so Psyche is very happy.  During the daytime, Cupid has supplied Psyche with all she needs to live a very happy and quite a cushy life.

Jealousy Strikes Again:  Psyche’s sisters become very jealous of the very pleasant lifestyle their beautiful sister has suddenly attained with her mysterious new husband.  They stir up all sorts of trouble by convincing Psyche that Cupid must be actually quite hideous looking or he wouldn’t keep his appearance a well-guarded secret.  Psyche allows herself to become convinced that she must see what her husband looks like.

Shed A Little Light On It:  One night, during one of Cupid’s nocturnal visits, Psyche sneaks a candle into the room.  While Cupid is sleeping, Psyche lights the candle in order to be able to get a good look at her husband.  Psyche is so enamored with the great beauty of her husband that she stares completely aghast at his stunning form.  As she does so, she accidentally drips some of the candle wax on Cupid, waking him.  Enraged by her disobedience, Cupid leaves Psyche, who now is left totally in despair.

Love Conquers All:  Don’t worry–this torrid tale still somehow manages to end up happily.  Psyche strikes a deal with Venus who sends her on a mission to prove herself, which even includes a trek into the underworld.  In her possession, Psyche has a box, which Venus has instructed her to never open.  Overcome by curiosity, Psyche opens the box, which immediately puts her into a deep, deep slumber.  Cupid happens upon his sleeping bride and upon seeing her in this state, he just can’t be angry with her any longer.  Cupid released Psyche from her sleep, and then takes her to see Venus, convincing his mother that Psyche is now worthy of godly immortality. The gods give Psyche some powerful nectar made of ambrosia, making her a goddess in her own right.  Now folks…that’s what we will call a happy ending!

Feeling the Love?  You may want to try creating your own version of Cupid with one of our many perfect-for-Valentine’s Day costumes.  Check out our how-to video on how to create a really sweet and sexy Valentine’s Day look. This look is going to knock his socks off!   (Plus it works a lot better than a half-naked arrow-wielding baby, we promise!) Happy Valentine’s Day from your friends at Halloween Express!

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Martin Luther King: 5 Interesting Facts You Should Know

Categories:

Historical, Holiday's, Political, Pop Culture

January 21, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

Martin Luther King is the only private U.S. citizen that wasn’t ever an elected official to have a national holiday designated in his name.  Today we remember a man who believed in the equality of all men and who passionately dedicated his life to the peaceful resolution of civil right’s issues.  Martin Luther King, Jr. will always be remembered for his strong commitment to non-violent activism and the increased awareness of America’s struggle for civil rights.  Here are 5 fun facts about Martin Luther King, Jr. that you may not know, but probably should!

  1. Don’t Move Over Rosa!  Martin Luther King was the public voice for the Montgomery bus boycott.  In December of 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama, which ultimately led to her arrest.  Martin Luther King, Jr., although relatively unknown at this time, was asked to organize the 385-day bus boycott.  The situation of course became quite tense, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s house was eventually bombed at one point.  In the end, however, the U.S. District Court ruled to end racial segregation.
  2. Gandhi Is My Hero!  Many infamous folks inspired Martin Luther King, Jr.; including, Jesus, Abe Lincoln, Benjamin Mays, Hosea Williams and Henry David Thoreau.  One of Dr. King’s greatest sources of inspiration, however, came from the teachings of Mohandas Gandhi.  Dr. King was so inspired by the non-violent activist teachings of Gandhi that he later went to India himself to further his understanding.
  3. I Have a Dream!  This infamous speech may have been a classic case of winging it and was largely improvised, being truly inspired in the moment.  According to sources, Martin Luther King Jr. was so busy during this time that even 12 hours prior to his appointed speech time, he still wasn’t sure what he was going to say.  This infamous and galvanizing speech not only electrified many that day but has gone on to be heard and recognized by many in subsequent generations as his most inspiring. 
  4. That’s Just One Opinion.  Apparently while in seminary school, Martin Luther King Jr. got a “C” from one of his professors in public speaking.  (We’re not sure what it must have taken to get an “A”)  Dr. King’s father was a preacher and had held extremely high hopes for his son’s public speaking abilities.  Fortunately, by Dr. King’s senior year, he was not only the school valedictorian, but he also had all “A’s”. 
  5. So Wise, So Young.  When Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize, he was the youngest person to ever have received it, at the time being just 35 years old.  During his acceptance speech for the prize, Martin Luther King uttered this infamous quote.  “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” 

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7 Ways to Survive the Post Holiday Blues

Categories:

Entertainment, Holiday's

January 8, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

Well, we’ve survived the (almost) end of the world (thank you, Mayan’s for being wrong) and a near swan dive off the fiscal cliff.  Here we are in the first week of a brand new year.  The holidays, and all the fun that went with them, are tucked neatly away until next year.  In spite of coming through so much and having enjoyed a fabulous holiday season, sometimes January brings with it a bad case of the blues. 

Scientists have actually calculated the most depressing day of the year and it’s rapidly approaching.  January 21 has been designated as this year’s “Blue Monday”.  Blue Monday got its sad and melancholy reputation from a convenient juxtaposition of bad and annoying things that all come together mid-January to create a bit of a sadness perfect storm.  Those pesky post-holiday bills have arrived.  New Year’s resolutions have already failed and perhaps been abandoned. Look outside and what you see is the coldest, most miserable weather of the year.  Motivation to do anything is at an all time low.  Combine all these factors with the least favorite day of the week, and there you have it…Blue Monday. 

Blue Monday is just around the corner.  What, if anything, can you do to prevent falling into a bad case of the mid-winter blues?  Here’s our list of quick and easy mid winter pick me ups that are sure to get you smiling again. 

  • Look ahead.  Today may not be the greatest but there are many fun things to look forward to.  Start making plans for Valentine’s Day or a long President’s Day weekend now.  Having something to look forward to can be a great pick me up.
  • Get Outside!  Even if the weather is cold and nasty, getting some fresh air can be invigorating to your mind and body.  Put on a hat and gloves if it’s cold.  I have a silly hat with furry and ridiculous earflaps that I can’t possibly wear without smiling a little; try it out if you don’t believe me.
  • Give Your Brain Some Space.  Over-thinking your woes never did much to help your situation.  Take a purposeful time out.  Breathe in deeply and slowly.  Try to think happy thoughts if possible to put some space between yourself and what’s bugging you.
  • Sweat it Out:  Exercise is a great way to purge your mid-winter blues.  The endorphins created during exercise will automatically elevate your mood.  You might feel like an extended TV-a-thon, but an hour of good sweat will do far more for your mood.
  • Hydrate.  All the forced air heating can dry you out more than you realize, plus all that holiday drinking didn’t help, either.  Focus for a couple days on drinking lots of water–it’s amazing how well this works!
  • Dance!  (And boy to we have costumes for that!) Practice your moves.  Lady Gaga, Madonna, Elvis, Michael Jackson–crank up your favorite tunes and go at it.  Bring the kids in on the action and don’t forget to take a few videos.  Which brings us to the next mood-elevator…
  • Sing!  In the shower, in the car, wherever.  Belt it out like you mean business.  Silly or uplifting songs are perfect for snapping out of a funk.  Our favorites?  “Don’t Stop Believing”, (Journey) and “Chicken Fried” (Zac Brown Band).
  • Phone a Friend:  Sometimes having a lively chat and catching up with an old buddy is a great way to perk yourself up. 

January doesn’t have to spell disaster for your mood.  Try these hints to lift your spirits and spit right in the face of Blue Monday! 

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Ring in The New Year In Costume!

Categories:

Entertainment, Holiday Costumes, Holiday's, Suggestions and Ideas

December 31, 2012

by Jenna Maxwell

One of the best parts of the holiday season is having the chance to glam up your look with lots of glitz and plenty of sparkle.  There really isn’t a better time to do that than on New Year’s Eve.  Ringing in the New Year is celebrated the world over in various types of celebrations and parties.  On New Years Eve, it’s official:  Out with the old and in with the new!  This is the perfect time to go all out with dressing up! There are many fun costumes and accessories that are absolutely perfect to add to your New Year’s look and are sure to give you the dazzling panache and flair you need in order to start 2013 of with a big bang!

Formal and Just Plain Fun:  Whether your New Year’s celebration is legitimately a black tie event or you just want to add some formalwear-inspired touches to your party look, the right accessories can make all the difference!  New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to bring out those glittery top hats, elbow length gloves, sparkling thigh high stockings and super glittery and sexy shoes.

Retro Looks:  The roaring twenties was a decade known for its prosperity, dynamic social growth and societal trends toward the new and modern.   New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to dress up in the fashion as well as the styles of this fabulous era in history.  New Year’s and the looks of the twenties go hand in hand, so if you’ve been dying to try out a fabulous (and sexy) Flapper look, now’s your chance!  These fun vintage looks recall a time period that was both a little bit rebellious and a whole lot of fun.  The sequined dresses, the fringe, the long strands of beads and the feathered hair accessories; not to mention even some drop dead glamorous boas–ladies this is your time to shine in full-on retro style elegance!

A Little Bit of Mystery:  Many New Year’s parties will embrace the authentic Mardi-Gras style of the masquerade ball.  Feathered masks, Venetian masks, opera-style masks–these are all fun New Year’s accessories that will add a true mysterious allure and mystique to your New Year’s celebrating.  Take your best party look up a notch with these captivating accessories!

Original Costumes:  A true costume party is a very fun twist for a truly raucous and innovative New Year’s celebration.  Bring your New Year in as Lady Gaga, Elvis Presley or even Sonny and Cher.  Other traditional New Year’s styles include royal Kings, Queens and of course, you could even put together a super silly Baby New Year look with some simple accessories.  Costumes and New Year’s parties go hand in hand–make sure you have your perfect look ready to go!

Sexy and Sophisticated.  Sleek and Dazzling.  Fun and Sparkling.  Glitzy and Glamorous.  Make your New Year’s looks extra special with fabulously unique costumes and accessories that are perfect for ringing in 2013.

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