Last Minute Halloween Costume Makeup- Barfing Rainbows Tutorial

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HallowCleanFaceOff #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: Everything's coming up rainbows.

It's not secret I love color.

I also love to turn heads and last year's Pop Art Makeup tutorial did plenty of that both on and offline. Unfortunately, this year, I've been scrambling to keep up with the rapidly approaching holidays. I have so many awesome recipes and PIN-worthy content in the works, on top of my weekly commitment with the day care, that I haven't had time to plan my own Halloween look. Sound like you? Don't fret, I've got us both covered with a simple, tongue in cheek, Halloween makeup idea inspired by one of this year's most annoying colorful trends, the barfing rainbow.

If you've somehow managed to sail through the majority of 2015 without the knowledge of this pop culture term, then I apologize for ruining the streak. The 'barfing rainbow,' is actually a photo enhancing filter built into a recent update on a major real-time photo chatting application (I shall leave unnamed.) Now, there have been some gorgeous renditions of this look; but we are focused on the convenience and simplicity of painting a free flowing rainbow falling from one's mouth. It's a costume you can throw together in minutes wearing your everyday clothes and with a little bit of exaggeration.

No matter how simple your Halloween costume makeup look is, you'll always want to start with a good foundation. I use Neutrogena® 's Healthy Skin Primer to help even my skin tone and act as a protective SPF barrier for all day looks. It absorbs quickly on the skin's surface and leaves a fresh, light, complexion that is best suited for this 'natural' full face base application. Feel free to add an additional layer of concealer, if desired, leaving the chin area barren. Or, simply complete a full face application, and remove the makeup from your chin with a Neutrogena® Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelette.

Next take a very bright pink blush and daub two generous heaps of product across each cheek, using a wide brush to work the color in. Make sure to drag the color high up your cheekbones and feel free to go overboard for an even more dramatic and 'cartoon' effect. For the main makeup you will want at least primary tubes of water based Yellow, Red, and Blue paint, as well as a white tube to help blend and softer colors to your desired palette. There are many versions of 'barfing rainbow, but all of them have at least Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Green, and Purple in them. The one I've chosen to replicate has an additional 'teal' band.

Using a flat brush about 1/2" wide, apply your yellow layer first, drawing a line down your bottom lip, and across your chin and next to your collarbone. You can actually take the lines further for a more dramatic 'every angle' effect, and even only a shirt collar for additional dramatic impact. Working around your yellow layer (which should be close to the center of your mouth/chin, repeat the process with each of the other colors- top lip down to collar.

If the paint begins to clump in a particular place simply wipe off your brush and gently daub the extra paint. Neutrogena® Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes work great for cleaning costume makeup off brushes, and even removing 'mistakes' during the painting process. Don't over-stress the consistency of the lines, this is intended to be a 'barfing' rainbow, after all, and should be 'free flowing' in movement.

Many of the photos floating around from this app feature exaggerated features, such as 'doll eyes' and 'fake lipstick,' or 'sparkles' on the rainbow, itself. If you'd like to have a little extra fun go ahead and apply some false lashes and brightening white shimmer/shadow to your upper and lower eyelids. I also decided to paint my upper lip a nice hot pink to contrast the flowing rainbow- just be sure to wipe any 'color' that may have daubed off onto your upper lip before putting the lipstick on. Those wipes sure do come in handy, don't they?

While you may be in a hurry to get to that party and show off your fiercely witty Halloween makeup, you're going to want to make sure you've stocked up on Neutrogena® Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes from Walmart. Not every ghoul and goblin will have been as smart as you with the quick makeup and affordable costume. Full face applications for vampires and such can be a real beast to get off at the end of the night. Be a good friend and pass a tub of Neutrogena® Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. You can even tell them they're clinically proven to remove 99.3% of your most stubborn makeup, even waterproof mascara. I, personally, don't leave home without them.

Of course, then you're dealing with particularly stubborn, or cheap costume, makeup removing and 'undoing' makeup are two different things. Some paints can stain especially fair complexions, such as mine, so this year I'm fighting back with the power of Neutrogena® Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes and Neutrogena® Ultra Light Cleansing Oil. Once I've wiped my face down I simply apply 3-4 pumps of Ulta-Light Cleansing Oil to my dry hands, and smooth it all over my face. Next, I massage it into especially tough areas where color has set in, and activate it with a splash of water. Just a quick rinse, and I'm back to my non-rainbow-barfing self!

As fun as it is to barf rainbows, I can't be seen as my 'alter ego' all the time- having efficient makeup removal with even a single Neutrogena® Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelette is  true time saver. Just look at all that makeup I got off with one towelette! Best of all, there's 24 more in the package for me to use on non rainbow barfing days! How do you remove costume or stubborn makeup?

What Daughter Says: I may go by the 'living rainbow' but I don't always want to look like my skin is trying to become one. Efficient makeup removal is a must for the upcoming holiday!

Designer Sunglasses For Every Set Of Eyes From SmartBuyGlasses.com

I received a product for consideration from SmartBuyGlasses.com, regardless all opinions and images contained herein are original and genuine.

If anything has changed dramatically in fashion, for the better, over the past 20 years, it has been eye-wear.

Around age 6 I was saddled with my first pair of prescription frames, and so began a love/hate affair I would carry through the rest of my childhood and adult life. "Make sure you pick the ones you want to wear every day," Momma urged, as I peered back at myself from that round vanity mirror next to the cash register. Not only did the process of picking a pair of glasses feel very, well, clinical, my options in the early nineties were quite underwhelming. Most glasses were designed for function, and that meant extra large lenses and ugly wire frames that could withstand a child sitting on them.

Ironically, by the time I was old enough to wear prescription contact lenses I no longer desired to have my face free and unobstructed, but framed in a more expressive manner. Wearing glasses had become as much a part of my definition as the language I spoke or the way I style my hair. Prescription eye-wear had become a little more affordable and fashion savvy, but online ordering wasn't quite convenient, or trustworthy. Through the years sites such as SmartBuyGlasses.com have worked to bring value and style to the world of prescription optics, and made it possible for me to build a wardrobe of glasses, even between prescriptions.

As I age, and my eyes settle, I find I'm more often looking for quality glasses to add to my wardrobe- though one big optical accessory has long remained elusive to me, sunglasses.

In the past I'd only wear sunglasses when I was already wearing contacts, or keep an 'emergency' pair of old prescription sunglasses in the glove compartment of the car. Time and again I'd go on holiday with friends and family and gush over the designer sunnies casually looped on their heads at beaches and resorts.

Then I discovered SmartBuyGlasses.com's amazing catalog of current and trendy designer label sunglasses. Sunglasses I could truly customize with my prescription to look identical to the designer's lenses (in tint and treatment) or fully customize with transitions lenses and more. I won't lie, the idea of having a pair of Dolce & Gabanna, Tom Ford or Dior frames I can wear indoors and outdoors really extends the value of buying designer eyewear for me. Even better Smart Buy offers a 24-month warranty against all manufacturer's defects on sunglasses and eyeglasses without exception. They even offer 100 day returns and free shipping!

As a result I am now the proud owner of my very first pair of sunglasses I absolutely LOVE. Just check out these gorgeous VERSACE VE4338 frames on my face in my very own prescription. No longer will I be squinting hopelessly in those vacation photos or forced to cover my face in shame pool-side. Smart Buy did an amazing job with my custom lenses and matching them to the designer's vision; the original frame lenses were also includes along with my VERSACE case, authentication information and cleaning cloth. I couldn't be more thrilled with this new addition to my wardrobe!

If you see it, you can stream it, with Chromecast at Best Buy

This post was created in part with information provided  through a collaboration with the Best Buy Influencer Network, regardless all opinions are my own.

Raise your hand if your family loves streaming media.

Raise your hand again if you struggle with finding a way for the family to stream together.

We've all been there- Bobby has a cool clip of 2 cats arguing on a fence post, but the living room YouTube is logged into Dad's account, Susy has a Fortnite clip she wants to share but Mom can't look away from the stove to watch a 6" screen, Grandma and Grandpa want to share photos from their recent trip to Ireland and the phone is being passed around like it's still a stack of 4"x6" photographs, and your neighbors brought over their playlist for your Block Party but they're not signed into your Pandora.

With all this shareable technology, since when did it become so difficult to share?

Chromecast, at Best Buy, offers entertainment at your fingertips; upgrade your family's entertainment system for a fraction of the cost when you add Chromecast technology to your TV. Simply plug Chromecast into the HDMI port of your television then stream direct from your phone to your TV. It's as easy as that. In fact any device with the Chromecast app in your home can instantly stream it's content directly to your television, so nobody gets left out ever again.

Stream shows direct from your streaming subscription services, browse recipe tutorials on YouTube, share photos with loved ones, stream live TV, music, and more. See it. Stream it.

(Web-based services and content require high-speed Internet service. Some services may require a subscription.)

Learn more about Chromecast, and pick up yours today at a Best Buy near you.

Lions And Tigers, And Toddlers, Oh, My! - Little Tikes® Cozy Coupe® Wagon Halloween Transformation

Momma Told Me: It's a wagon, not a chariot.

As the holidays approach I feel myself getting more and more nostalgic for the rituals involving family and friends. This time of year is marked by sites, smells, and activities that make memories. While I count down the days until Thanksgiving week, when I can finally return to Oregon to visit my mother, sister, and adorable nieces and nephews once again, the miracle of modern technology has also allowed me to keep tabs on those I love through a virtual eye. Born in August, this is Nathan's first 'real' Halloween and his mother's excitement for family traditions is contagious.

When I was a young girl Momma would take me to the local 'Pick Your Own Farm,' where we could browse thousands of pumpkins over several acres for just the perfect one. My absolute favorite part of the evening was crawling into the red wagons with our pumpkins and watching my father pull me through the fields. Living in Southern California, one has to partake in activities like this to best get in the mindset of the holiday season- the word 'season' hardly exists! Luckily, we live on the coast surrounded by farmland and this time of year the sides of the road are covered in Orange blankets of fresh pumpkins- no need to travel to the farm. However, there are still some of us young enough at heart, to make the trek out of town for the promise of a hay ride and old fashioned corn maze.

This year Nathan has wheels much cooler than the old farmhouse Radio Flyer, he'll be rolling down the block, and through the pumpkin patch in a chariot all his own thanks to Little Tikes®! I bet you didn't know that the Little Tikes® Cozy Coupe® Wagon can seat 2 toddlers, complete with cup holders, and will hold up to 250lbs in weight! It's the perfect thing to bring along to the Pumpkin Patch or Tree Lot this holiday season. The extra long handle even tucks underneath for storage and transport.

And let's not forget how convenient it is to have a comfortable ride for your toddlers while Trick-Or-Treating! This year Nathan will be rolling around in style as an adorable lion thanks to a quick Cozy Coupe® Wagon transformation we did with a little PVC pipe and cardboard. Didn't Savannah do an amazing job dressing this wagon up for Halloween? In fact, there are many ways to dress up a Cozy Coupe® Wagon for Halloween from princess carriage to Mickey Mouse car- you'll find hundreds of creative ideas on Pinterest!

While we know the Little Tikes® Cozy Coupe® Wagon will grow with Nathan, we were a bit aware of the shallow sides along the seating area. While the seated back (in the front seat) is fairly raised, the back seat might not be suitable for younger toddlers. Nathan sits on the floor for now; which is perfectly okay as he doesn't mind not having to share! We would simply like to remind all parents and guardians to always supervise children in the Cozy Coupe® Wagon, and never let siblings pull children around un-attended.

But back to our Little Cowardly Lion- Living in Oregon for the holidays, Nathan's family is sure to have a lot of walking to do for their Trick-Or-Treating, and plenty of access to beautiful terrain for walking. The 'circus' transformation is lightweight and easy to tear down/put back up, making the transition between play time and utility a piece of cake. Even more important, Nathan is all smiles whenever he has the chance to be escorted around in his shiny new red wagon!

Whether you're a parent looking for convenience, or something that really stands out- (those first few years really are the only ones we truly get to have a say in the costume department, right?) transforming your Little Tikes® Cozy Coupe® wagon is simple, fun, and a genius idea for Halloween festivities. At the very least, you can haul the dog and the candy around while the littles run up and ring doorbells. And, if your kids prefer self propelled transportation, the classic Little Tikes® Cozy Coupe® makes a wonderful costume accessory as well. Of course, it'll be pretty hard to bet Nathan the Lion and his traveling circus! Have you ever dressed up a wagon or stroller for Halloween?

What Daughter Says: A wagon can be a chariot, and so much more with a little imagination!

  

 Don't Forget To Pin It!

The "Special Guest" App Connects Modern Consumers With Live Entertainment While Empowering Artists

This content was compensated, regardless all thoughts contained below are authentic and honest.

In a day and age where you can order just about anything at your fingertips from your smartphone device why is it that booking entertainment for an upcoming event still seems a mysterious feat reserved for professional event planners?

Furthermore, where are all these amazingly talented people we binge on these reality competition shows week in and out and why do they tell stories of fighting to pay their bills despite their clear jaw-dropping talent?

In an industry where success seems measured by awards shows and notoriety we can all clearly agree there is no shortage of entertainment talent out there to be discovered and enjoyed. So why aren't they getting paid to do what they love?

Noted celebrity, actor, and comedian Damon Wayans, Jr and Special Guest app co-founder Kris Jones had the very same question in mind when they stood before the electric cast of Apple TV's "Planet of The Apps" to pitch their unique entertainment and talent booking application. Put most simply, in his own words, here's what Damon had to say when asked about the inspiration behind the app's concept:

---------"I do a lot of stand-up comedy. I travel around the US entertaining people and when I’m not doing that I’m home in LA refining my material. I do a lot of open mics. Open mics are where people who entertain for a living go to practice their material. It’s not just stand-up comedians. There are poets and there are musicians and what have you.

One time I was at this open mic, sitting there waiting my turn. Two comedians go up ahead of me; very funny guys, never heard of them before and they kill it. Then this young lady goes up, she’s a freckle-faced, young, redhead who goes up there with an acoustic guitar. She starts singing her own material and she blows me away.

Everybody in there was like, “Wow, why isn’t this girl famous already?” 

I had goose bumps and I thought to myself that it sucks that so many people who are entertainers will never get the opportunity to be paid for the thing that they love doing the most. They ultimately have to set aside their dreams and get a regular job and it’s because of the way that the entertainment industry is set up.

I have representation; I have a manager; I have agents. A lot of people don’t have that. So I wanted to make a platform for entertainers to make it easier for them to get gigs. One of my good friends put me in contact with Kris Jones and we just hit it off. I pitched him the idea, he loved it, and we just made it real"

The end result of Damon Wayans, Jr.'s appearance on "Planet of The Apps" was an astonishing $1.5 million raised in venture capital led by Lightspeed Venture Partners with participation from notable celebrities, including Kevin Hart (Jumanji; Central Intelligence), Marlon Wayans (Marlon on NBC; Naked on Netflix), Damon Wayans Sr (Lethal Weapon on Fox; In Living Color), and Jake Johnson (New Girl), as well as numerous technology pioneers, including Jack Chou (former head of product at Pinterest), Jimmy Lim (lead product team at Airbnb), and Jeroen Seghers (founder of Zugo; cofounder of Sourcepoint Technologies).

More importantly the following successful launch of the Special Guest application, currently exclusive to the App Store; entirely free to download for all users, talent and consumers alike.

Special Guest initially launched with an open database for Los Angeles area talent to join and list through the app's interactive and easy to navigate marketplace. You'll find skilled talent from DJs and comedians to bands, solo artists, and even videographers with easy to digest profile pages, talent samples, and honest booking reviews.

Imagine a world of live entertainment and talent at your very fingertips- and the potential to have real life talent at your venue, party, home, bar or more in a matter of a few simple taps. View hourly rates up front, search by type of talent, location, rating and more- Land established up-and comers or discover your own hidden gem in an entirely fresh industry newcomer.

As Wayans emphasized when sharing the inspiration behind the Special Guest app:

“A lot of entertainers and musicians do a lot of stuff for free, and they just wait for their big break-This is a great way to make money and take care of yourself. We have a lot of former ‘American Idol’ talent on our app already.”

As someone who has been raised and lived in the Los Angeles area for the majority of her life, many friends and family have arrived here to follow their dreams only to become quickly discouraged by the grueling chore of fighting to be simply seen. How wonderful is it that they can be represented through the Special Guest app and control the potential for their talent to truly shine through gigs of any size; getting paid to hone the craft they really love?

Most importantly, to artists considering using the app, unlike agents and managers, Special Guest does not take any part of their hourly/booking fee. Artists set their rates and they get all of what they charge. The application generates it's profits from simple service charges worked into the booker's total charge, that is to say the client pays the app for the service and the artist nets 100% of their rates as profit. This is the game changer: to democratize the experience of live entertainment and the way that talented people get paid. You do not have to have an agent to get booked.

You'll find the Special Guest app available for download currently on the app store, and can book, or list yourself as an artist, directly through the website today.

Of course, most importantly, for consumers such as myself, I can browse local artists and entertainment knowing I am supporting a passion while finding everything from the freshest to biggest local talent in my area. It's a win/win.

 

Unicorn Dogs, Mummy Pups + Witches, Oh My! 5 Budget Friendly Pet Costume Ideas

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.  #dothe99  #99obsessed  #CollectiveBias

Over the years we've kept no secret that we are incredibly into celebrating, especially decorating for, the holidays. However, Jay and I don't have any human kids running afoot. Instead, we usually cater to neices and nephews, and the neighborhood kids, or big kids at heart.

When we first moved into our home we would go all out with the decorations, with the intent to be home on Halloween night to help scare up some fun for visitors. Now, as we grow older, we tend to search out events, and even parties, near us in the weeks leading up to a major holiday. After all, life's too short to celebrate just 1 day a year- so we try to extend our celebrations all month long. No holiday is an exception, especially with Halloween. And with that mentality, while saving for our dream home, we tend to celebrate Halloween on a budget.

Of course those of you who have followed us through the years also know that budget does NOT mean boring. In fact, when we stretch our buck at 99 Cents Only Stores we can even include our fur children in on the festivities. This year I have 2 pet costume contests, and one Halloween dog brunch in the park on my calendar and that means I need at least 3 easy but affordable pet costume ideas for Gidget and Nora.

Naturally I shop my local 99 year-round for amazing savings on everyday brands and products from paper plates and shampoo to fresh produce for the weekend BBQ. While you'll find household goods and grocery essentials at the 99 every day, you'll also find a few featured seasonal aisles with some amazing buys on just about everything you need to celebrate the next big holiday or season.

Right now our local 99 has Fall/Harvest finds and an entire aisle chocked full of everything from Halloween party tableware and home/yard decorations, to even costumes, masks, and more! It is hands down my favorite place to decorate for any season as I can buy 5+ decorations easily for the cost of what I'd pay for one at the local big box store. In fact, budgeting my holiday spending at the 99 not only gives me MORE room for inspiration and creativity, but allows me to participate in, and host, more Halloween celebrations, myself! Use the store locator here to find a location near you.

One of my favorite things about shopping the 99 is the freedom to be creative on a budget. Many homemade costumes can quickly add up in time or money when you consider time spent running around to gather materials, or paying full price on materials you only need 1 or 2 of for your project.

A perfect example is Pet Costume Idea #1, Bean Bag Toy Hang Tags- Simple in theory, but the poster board or card stock I suggest using for them can run you $3+ at the average big buy or office supply store. I can buy a giant poster board sheet in a rainbow of colors from my local 99 for just 99 cents only! I can also fond the paint, markers, pet collar, glue stick, fishing wire, and even hot glue gun I need ALL at my local 99 for just 99 cents each!

Making Bean Bag Toy Hang Tags for each of our 3 pets was covered under the cost of that one smart buy, since the posterboards and supplies I needed all worked for multiple uses- I could've easily made 20 of these costumes with the supplies I had on hand! In fact, I've even saved the leftovers for us to continue this costume tradition should we add a furry friend to the family in the coming years.

Costume #1 is as easy as outlining the hang tag heart shape on a folded piece of red poster-board, then cutting it out and tracing it onto your white poster-board. Use a glue stick to adhere the white posterboard cutouts to the inside and back of your hang 'tag' then use your markers and a pen to illustrate your tag accordingly.

Choosing how you attach your handmade Bean Bag Hang Tags to your pets will depend on the size of your pets, and consequently the size of your tags. We chose a bigger bold look for Nora as the look is comical and tongue-in-cheek for her. Gidget, weighing just under 2lbs had a handmade tag made to scale of a real hang tag, since she is just about as big as a bean bag toy herself!

Where I attached Nora and Truffles' tags to an actual collar, I wanted Gidget's to be more dainty and natural, as though it were peeking out of her fur. I hot glued the seam of the tag to some fishing wire and made a 'necklace' of sorts that easily slipped on and off over her head.

This is the official look we will be wearing at our first Halloween pet costume contest this year- it took my about an hour and half to make all 3; and that's primarily because I spent way too much time with the lettering and barcodes on the larger 2. I especially love this costume idea because it's very lightweight and easy for any pet to wear, no matter their tolerance for clothes.

My next inspiration came from a well aligned holiday that our local 99 also has a ton of decorations for, Dia De Los Muertos. Sugar skull imagery in the form of costumes, headbands, masks, and statuettes lines the shelves of near 1/3 of an aisle at my 99. Living in Southern California, culturally, Dia De Los Muertos is a very big deal in my hometown and there are even a few festivals, parties, and special events in the county for one to attend to learn more or observe the holiday.

The traditional imagery most associate with Dia De Los Muertos are sugar skull treats and traditionally wooden face masks with colorful skeleton-like features known as "Calavera." There were over 20 different Calavera style face masks to choose from at my 99, and an array of bright colored flowers, ornate shawls, and colorful Calavera covered jewelry. It was easy to piece together a one-of-a kind full costume for a human in that theme, and I immediately knew I wanted to create a "Dog and Human" themed costume set.

When Jay spotted a Cat face Calavera mask at the 99 he immediately volunteered to wear it while carrying Nora in a similarly themed outfit for an upcoming Dia De Los Muertos event. While there wasn't a specific costume for pets many of the items made for humans could be safely and easily adapted. We found several options for 'tie' ribbon chokers and bracelets we could loosely fasten over Nor'a neck to create a bib of color and macabre. We also found a child's skirt that perfectly matched the color theme.

When choosing to create a clothing based costume for your pet always consider some key safety pointers:

• Keep in mind things that will be tied around the neck should have ample room to slide on and off, as they must be able to easily snap free or slide off if caught on an object. 
• Never use any part of costumes as a harness or collar for the purpose of securing your pet- only approved pet collars and harnesses should be used as such.
• When using a skirt intended for a human or child on your dog the skirt should be split down the middle and altered so that the underside of your dog is free from fabric when walking.
• If your pet experiences anxiety of any kind while wearing any portion of their costume, take it off. A chuckle or photo is not worth your pet's stress.
• Never cover your pet's snout with a mask/hat/helmet. Masks should only be worn for photos or brief moments of 'reveal' and never while your pet is wandering even a well secured home or space on their own.

Last Halloween was Gidget's first Halloween with us. She was a pretty quiet puppy who loved people but was still a bit new to her surroundings. As a result we didn't got out or celebrate the holiday much. Instead we took a few cute family photos with some of our decor and props from the 99. She still fits in that cauldron candy pail today!

When October began to roll around this year I remembered all of the awesome tattered clothes and gauzy drape materials I'd found at my 99 last year. I immediately knew I wanted to spend a dollar on a white 'Creepy Cloth' to transform Nora into a living Mummy Dog for one of our upcoming events. I started by wrapping the full width of the cloth around her torso, loosely, once, then cut each non wrapped end into 3 even segments (still attached to the primary mid-section piece.) I then loosely wrapped the 'strips' here and there, tucking any lose ends under itself for a very loose fasten. The end result was full movement range for Nora and one cute Mummy pup!

Our 99 also has costumes designed just for pets. The selection varies every year, and inventory is constantly changing throughout the season as the 99 gets more and new stock in. This year we found many pet costumes styles including, a witch, devil, cop, convict, and sheriff. I noticed there seemed to be 'pairs' (cop and robber, devil and witch) so you could effectively theme 2 pets if you wanted. These costumes are just .99 at my local 99 and essentially consist of a cape and head-piece, making them easy to size for dogs from chihuahua to Labrador. And, because they are so affordable, you can use 1 per event and toss them out without worry if they get dirty or torn in wear and play.

I was a bit skeptical about a '1 size fits most' pet costume, but I'll admit I was thoroughly impressed with the value for my buck. Our Devil dog costume did actually size down to fit 2lb Gidget- I trimmed a little of length off the sides of the cape for safety purposes, as well as some of the length on the tie strings. Even the little horn headpiece tied securely under her tiny head and seemed to cause her no fuss.

Nora's outfit, the witch, we designed the same, with a 2 tie cape, and a tie on hat. The hat was pretty detailed with a felt design, but between her hair and the flop of the hat seemed a bit big on her. In all, these costumes went on in minutes, could easily be adjusted for you pet's size, and the cape materials is even weather resistant for a sprinkle or two while trick-or-treating.

Of course, with a classic costume theme like this and, with having only spend a whopping $1 on each of the costumes, I had a few extra bucks to spend on some photo props and decorations for the front porch. For $1 I snagged a heavy duty skull candy bowl, a 4 pack of mini cauldrons to put dog treats in for our canine trick-or-treaters, and a creepy looking pumpkin Nora didn't seem too impressed with. I made the mini broom out of some crafting supplies I found in the office and craft supply aisle.

Of course it wouldn't be Halloween Two-Thousand and Something if we didn't have a twist on something unicorn in our costume lineup. So, while our entire yard is already decked out in webs, ghosts, and skeleton characters I simply HAD to make a unicorn no-cut pumpkin for our front stoop this year. When I spotted all the rainbow floral headbands near the Dia De Los Muertos costume gear at the 99 I knew I wanted to make a rainbow 'mane' out of fake flowers. I bought 2 headbands, removed all of the flowers, then carefully hot glued them back on in color groupings. I then painted my pumpkin white, drew some eyelashes on with permanent marker and hot glued the mane onto the pumpkin. Viola! And all supplies (even the hot glue gun) were found at my 99!

I'll admit turning the girls into unciorns (unidogs?) was more an a photo necessity than a costume concept. I just couldn't pass up the most gorgeous rainbow tulle skirts for just $.99 with all the costume supplies at the 99. Not to far away were some strap on foam unicorn horns, so it kinda just fell together. The horns were meant for humans, so I cut them down to size then hot glues the elastic chin straps back on the abbreviated horns to make them fit our girls. I cut the skirts and pushed the tulle in towards a clump in the center to make sure there was no material under the girls while they walked, and hot glued the loose elastic ends back together. Poof, instant dog unicorn costume for just $2 at the 99. Heck, the whole family could dress up like this for $2 a head!

It's pretty obvious there's something for every style this Halloween when you shop the 99, so don't feel like you have to leave the pets out of all the costume fun because pet costumes are hard to find or expensive. Budgeting pet costumes at the 99 is not only practical (pets grow out of and destroy costumes so quick!) but fun. Why not let your pet have a different costume for every event this holiday, or take a stroll down the runway at that local pet costume competition? Be sure to stop by your local 99 often during this month to see what's new and get in on all the exciting fun! Which of our pet costume ideas do you love the most?