Halloween Costume- Cyd Sherman

I love The Guild! Its so close to what my beginning WoW experience was like, its like Felicia Day was in my guild. I recently rewatched all the seasons, and decided that I wanted to do a casual Codex costume (which would really just be her regular self, Cyd Sherman). The Cheesybeards shirt is no longer available from Jinx *cry*, but I am on a hunt to find one! Luckily for me, this costume is not a stretch by any means. I am always wearing jeans, tee shirts, cardigans and Vans or Converse.

Cyd Sherman by krystellemt 

T shirt / Old Navy navy blue boyfriend cardigan / Abercrombie & Fitch jeans / Vans shoes / The Guild Season 4 / Cyd Sherman (KMT) / The Guild Season 4

Poppin' Off Early Edition- Halloween Teevee Shows

Since I posted about the movies I like to watch around Halloween, I thought I'd also write about the teevee shows that themes that fit the Halloween vibe and are perfect for binge watching. Bonus, almost all of these are available for streaming on Netflix right now.

1. Dexter. Making Deb's casual costume the other day has really made me want to rewatch the series. A serial killer that kills bad guys only? And works at a police department? It really doesn't get much better than that. Even though hes a serial killer, you really have to love Dexter (well, until the last season, then you kinda wish he died).

2. Criminal Minds. I've been watching this show lately and I enjoy it. There are some things that bother me, like the team constantly compromises evidence by never wearing gloves, and the way they wear their guns drives me insane. But then I remind myself that its teevee and the rest of the show is actually pretty good. Its also about serial killers, but its focus is a behavioral analysis team from the FBI that catches them. And if you're ever in need of a good quote, this is the show for you. They open and close each episode with a quote from a famous thinker, writer, poet, etc. (There's even a few websites dedicated to documenting each quote, like this one.)

3. Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Not quite like its movie predecessor, but this show had plenty of sass and dry humor that made it great. Not to mention a soundtrack that is oh so appropriate to its time (late 90s, early 2000's). Buffy is a very nostalgic show for me. I had the soundtrack on CD and would listen to it while getting ready for school. And I think Buffy was one of the only shows my sisters and I could agree to watch together back in high school, everything else was such a battle lol. 

4. Sabrina The Teenage Witch. So I think the beginning episodes are the best, but the show in general is a favorite of mine. Salem was always my favorite character, and I loved the house Sabrina and her aunts lived in. While the show did do specific Halloween episodes, all of the episodes are good for a little magic. 

5. The Simpsons Treehouse of Terror. If you planned ahead during FXX's marathon like my sister in law did, your DVR could be storing every Treehouse of Terror. But if you're like me and didn't, find copies of these episodes immediately! The Simpsons usually do good Halloween episodes.

6. The X-Files. Um....this show screams Halloween. Aliens? Mystery? Conspiracy theories? These are things that this holiday thrives on. And not to mention that Mulder and Scully are the best set of partners to ever grace your teevee screen. Watch it. Watch it now. And then watch the movie.

7. Its The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. A must watch, every single year. 

(I say this a lot, not too many people get it)

What are you watching this Halloween season? Are there any shows you think I should have added to my list?

Halloween Costumes- Genie

Today's casual costume is based on Genie from Aladdin. Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney movies, and Genie is my favorite character from it. I've been anxiously awaiting for Disney to release Aladdin from the vault so I can get a copy on DVD, but until then, dressing up as Genie and listening to the soundtrack will have to do.

Genie by krystellemt 

American Apparel ribbed t shirt / American Apparel ribbed t shirt / Old Navy red pants / Børn leather shoes / Old Navy infinity scarf / Made | Made Shipangalia Gold Cuff Bracelet at ASOS / Photo of Genie

Five Fandom Friday- Halloween Costume Edition!

This is the first Five Fandom Friday that I've done, and I'm pretty excited for it! Since I've been posting Casual Costumes almost every day this week, it seemed very appropriate :)

1. Codex and Clara from The Guild. I recently rewatched the show, and I still love it as much as I used to. I think I relate more to Clara, but my husband seems to think I'm more Codex. Either way, costume-wise, I could never pull off Tinkaballa lol. Look for a casual Codex (aka Cyd Sherman) costume some time next week :)

Codex and Clara by krystellemt 
Clara - The Guild Wiki / Codex The Guild Wiki

2. Daria. Everyone compared me to her in high school I didn't mind. Daria was my cartoon twin and I thought it was refreshing to see such great use of sarcasm on teevee. 

Daria by krystellemt

Ted Baker blazer/ Forever 21 mini skirt / Black / Fillmore / Baby Rib Basic Short Sleeve T-Shirt | American Apparel / Daria Morgendorffer

3. Hanna Marin from Pretty Little Liars. Hanna's downward spiral this season has really inspired a grungy fashion sense in her and I love it. I love the way that all the PLLs dress, but if I were to dress like Hanna, I could wear her clothes again, if that makes sense. I don't see myself dressing like Aria and getting away with it.

Hanna by krystellemt 

Abercrombie & Fitch hot short shorts / Rothco clothing / Abercrombie Fitch denim mini skirt / S05E12 Taking This One To The Grave Hanna Marin Pretty Little Liars... / S05E12 Taking This One To The Grave Hanna Marin Pretty Little Liars... / S05E12 Taking This One To The Grave Hanna Marin Pretty Little Liars...

4. Ferris Bueller. This is one of the first 80's teen movies I remember being able to watch. When I was little, when there were bad words, my dad would fast forward through them and say that the tape was messed up lol. Ferris was my ideal boy for a very long time. So cool, and no matter what life threw at him, he always managed to come through it okay.

Ferris by krystellemt

Jacket / Old navy / Ray-Ban sunglasses / Stacy Adams Men's Fiorenza Oxford / Adult Comedy 80's Movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off Button Up Costume... / Save Ferris Pinback Button / Real leather jacket / BrushStrokes0037

5. Debra Morgan from Dexter. She's a little awkward, and cusses a lot. I identify with that. Plus I love her clothes. And, you get to dress like a cop, without having to be a slutty cop (since costume manufacturers seem to think that's all a female can be). Check out the casual costume I made for her here.

Thanks to Megan from The Nerdy Girlie and Kristin from SuperSpaceChick for coming up with 5 Fandom Fridays!

Halloween Costumes- Andie Walsh

I love 80's movies! Being born in the middle of the 80's, I didn't get to appreciate the teen angst genre of its time until many years later. Today's casual costume is inspired by 80's Brat Pack queen Molly Ringwald's character in Pretty in Pink, Andie Walsh. Andie was from the wrong side of the tracks, one of only a handful at her wealthy high school. Her "five and dime" looks were not appreciated by anyone except her loyal BFF Duckie. Andie was an OG DIYer, and I've always admired that.

Andie by krystellemt 

Long sleeve knit shirt / Floral print top / Forever 21 light weight pants / But Another Innocent Tale cream boots / Photo of Molly Ringwald

Halloween Costumes- Vanellope

Wreck It Ralph took my house by storm when it first came out, and it still has a pretty firm grip on my daughter! We watch the movie a lot, and Vanellope has become a household name. Today's casual costume is dedicated to her. Its Vanellope a little more grown up, but still cool.

Vanellope by krystellemt 

Old Navy jersey top / Fitted boyfriend blazer / NYDJ stretch denim skinny jeans / Dr. Martens leather mary jane shoes / RALPH ponytail hair tie / Photo of Vanellope von Schweetz

Halloween Costume- Gwen Stefani

Confession time guys. I have always admired Gwen Stefani's fashion sense. Always. Shes the one celebrity where I have never thought badly about one of her outfit choices. I think its great that she changes her style whenever it suits her, and she doesn't care about what any of us think about it. And whats even better, is that whatever look shes trying to pull off, she does so with great ease. So today's costumes are dedicated to her. Shes gone through so many style phases that I had a hard time choosing just one to base a look off of, so I did two. Let me know what you think of them in the comments below!

Gwen Stefani by krystellemt 

Project Social T camisole top / 7 For All Mankind clothing / Betsey Johnson crossbody purse / L.A.M.B. Deedra Peep Toe Bootie / Wilsons Leather Contemporary Pyramid Stud Leather Jacket - Leather -... / Photo of Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani by krystellemt 

Vans zipper sneaker / Buckle belt / Mac cosmetic / Royal Bones Plaid Overdye Super Skinny Pants | Hot Topic / BRITAIN / Photo of Gwen Stefani / Photo of Gwen Stefani / Women's Mesh Trim Tank Top : Target

Halloween Costumes- Gemma Teller Morrow

Sons of Anarchy has become a thing in this house and I love it! Its too bad that this season is its last, but lets be real, with the rate of death on that show, there won't be too many familiar characters left much longer. And trying to continue a show without its originals usually turns out disastrously. So today's casual costume is based on Gemma Teller Morrow. Even though shes the resident pot stirrer, shes also one of the most badass characters on the show (and she's got some of the best lines, I can't even).

Gemma Teller Morrow by krystellemt 

Urban Renewal black t shirt / JouJou lightweight jacket / Levi's levi jeans / Rampage boots / Deena Ozzy hobo handbag / The Muse Hoop Earring - Urban Outfitters / Photo of Gemma Teller Morrow

Gemma wears a lot of jeans, boots, black and leather jackets-  I guess that's standard motorcycle gear. She also wears a good amount of white and brown shirts, and those are often of the distressed and low cut variety. So if black isn't your color, you do have options! And you'll still pull off the look just fine. Don't forget the blonde streaks and slightly teased hair! Bonus if you can get yourself a Jax look-a-like :)

Halloween Costumes- Debra Morgan

Since thinking up Everyday Bella yesterday, the casual costume ideas have been flowing! Today's costume is Detective Debra Morgan, everyone's favorite foul mouthed sister from Dexter. This costume felt a bit like cheating, since Everyday Bella and Deb pretty much have the same wardrobe. Instead of St Jude bracelets and orange Jansport backpacks like Bella though, Deb accessorized with a Glock, a badge and some hand cuffs.

Debra Morgan by krystellemt 

Abercrombie Fitch blue button up shirt / Abercrombie Fitch red button up shirt / Levi s blue overall / Strappy boots / Coach shoulder strap bag / Aviator glasses / Photo of Debra Morgan

I really love how this typically boyish look doesn't look it at all on her. I think it has something to do with the fit, her clothes look very tailored. So if you do dress as Deb, don't just grab Dad's big flannel or brother's Levi's- get items cut for a female.

Would you dress as Deb for Halloween? Did I miss any of her signature pieces? Let me know!

Halloween Costumes- Bella Swan

When I first thought about cosplaying, I wanted to start off easy. I wanted to do Bella Swan. I knew I had at least half of her wardrobe in my closet, and I would feel comfortable wearing something she would wear. My husband kinda rained on my parade though. Twilight had well passed it's prime when I was considering this, and he thought regular Everyday Bella would be too obscure of a character to cosplay anymore. And I guess that's true, to a point. I imagine that if I had a group of Cullens or werewolves with me, Everyday Bella would make a lot more sense, even to the not-so-Twilight-savvy. But since I don't plan on cosplaying any time soon, especially not in a group big enough to do that, I thought I'd share my Bella costume as an inspiration for a Halloween costume. And bonus, if you end up buying something for this costume, you can easily wear it again as a regular outfit and no one will be the wiser.

Bella Swan by krystellemt 

Doublju brown jacket / American Eagle Outfitters jeans / Converse black shoes / Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt Mossimo Supply Co. / JanSport Right Pack Backpack / Photo of KStew / Bella's St Jude Hematite Bracelet

One thing I really appreciate about Bella's wardrobe is her love of flannels and earthy neutrals. Even as a vampire, you could find her in lots of blues, greens, and brown- which are colors I tend to wear often. Shes really easy to do because if you own a pair of jeans, any neutral or flannel top, a brown jacket, and some Chucks or Vans- you've got her pre-vampire look down!

What do you think? Is Bella too obscure now to dress up as, or is Twilight still relevant? Let me know in the comments below!

PS. This was my first time using Polyvore in years, how did I do? I found the site to be more complicated than I remembered. Maybe thats old age talking :)

Personally....Pumpkins on the Pier

Happy Halloween!! I hope everyone has a safe and awesome time today- whether it be at a party, trick or treating, movie marathoning or chilling at home in your underwear. I thought today would be a good time to share what I did last Saturday.

My husband and I took our kids to Pumpkins on the Pier (we try to go every year, but aren't always successful). Its in a town called Pismo Beach, which is a few hours away from our town. We left Friday night after my son's soccer game and stayed at a Motel 6. We were lucky to get the room, since there was also a jazz festival going on that weekend. But its been a long time since we've stayed at a Motel 6 (we usually stay at my mother-in-law's timeshare or a Best Western) and the room was stinky and dingy. Before we went to the hotel though, we stopped at the Sunset Drive In in San Luis Obispo and caught the second feature of the night, which was Gravity.

We woke up early on Saturday and ate breakfast at Brad's, then headed over to the pier. Kids ten years old and under got a free pumpkin, so each of my kids got to choose one. There were all kinds of carnival games and bounce houses set up on the pier for the kids to enjoy, plus a pumpkin decorating station and face painting. There were a couple of food vendors, and then the police and fire departments had vehicles set up at the entrance of the pier for the kids to look at. There was also a costume contest. The groups were three years old and under, 4-6 years old, 7-9 years old, 10-12 years old (or something close to that) and an adult category. My children both entered into their respective age ranges, but neither one placed. They seemed to give awards to the homemade costumes, and I bought my children's. It was still fun though. And so many people loved my son's Sonic costume (my daughter was Tails, not too many people recognized her though). When it was time to trick or treat around the storefronts, he was waving and posing for people when they recognized him. Hes totally a future cosplayer :) The trick or treating was a little rough this year. Most of the stores ran out of candy within the first half hour (the trick or treating was supposed to last for two hours). There were a lot of people this year though, way more than last time we were there (which was two years ago,since we missed last year because of soccer).

Some of the games. Cute, right?!

                       

A view from the pier, when it got sunny.

My son as Sonic the Hedgehog.

I couldn't get close enough to capture all the awesomeness. 

It had a treasure chest on the back and some other cool stuff.

This is one of the haystacks that held the free pumpkins for the kids.

This was taken around 11:30am. It started at 10am and was full then.

After we finished all the Halloween festivities, we went to play on the beach for a little while. While we were out there, it got cold again. There was a nice breeze too, so lots of people were flying kites. There was a group of elderly people that were out there doing tricks with their kites, it was pretty neat. Once we were too frozen to play outside anymore, we walked over to the bowling alley and played a game. After that, we headed to San Luis Obispo to eat. We ate at Hometown Buffet. We have one here at home, but wanted to try one in a nicer city (as horrible as that sounds). It was pretty good, and there was a guy there that made balloon animals for the kids. My daughter got Squirtle and my son got a Pikachu (or Fingerchu as the balloon man called it). After that, we headed home. 

Sometimes its nice to get out of town, don't you think?

AK's note: The photos in this post were all taken by me. If you use any of them, please give proper credit and link back accordingly, thank you :)

Monday Mix Up #10

Happy Halloween folks! I know its still a few days away, but I just love love love Halloween so much. Today's Monday Mix Up is dedicated to the upcoming festivities. Happy Haunting!!

FYI: This post is a little video heavy :)

Oingo Boingo- Weird Science. I love the movie as much as I love this song.
  And it just makes me think of Halloween. 

Just like this next song from them....

Oingo Boingo- Dead Man's Party. 

Jack and Sally. I love the Nightmare Before Christmas.
Image from Pinterest.

Hocus Pocus! My favorite Halloween movie ever.
Amuck, amuck, amuck!!

Its The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
And the best line ever, "I got a rock."

Child's Play candy mix. My favorite Halloween candy buy,
this bag lasts forever. I still look for the Tootsie Pop wrappers with the Indian shooting the star lol.
Available from Walmart and other retailers.

Minions! This is the "Despicable 3" design by Tom Kurzanski
offered on TeeFury on October 8th.

Monday Mix Up #9 Part Two (A Day Late)

AK's note: This didn't post when it was supposed to, so yay, I got to rewrite it and add more to the list :)


My love of Halloween is overflowing today, and in this post I'm sharing some links to other great blogs that have shared some festive, fun ideas. Use them for family movie nights, class parties or however you wish to celebrate this spooktacular occasion!

1. Party food ideas for your little ones from Kaelah Bee. Ranging from healthy to not so, theres something for everyone in this mix.

2. Halloween movie night, complete with snack ideas from the ladies over at eighteen25. How awesome is that?

3. Also from the ladies at eighteen25,  these cute doughnuts! They'll take a bite out of you!

4. Need some teevee recommendations? Check out this post from The Nerdy Girlie. I would add the Halloween episodes of Pretty Little Liars. They're pretty awesome, but I think the show as a whole is pretty awesome. 

This is last year's Halloween ad. 

Found here.

5.Pumpkin painting from MINi Style. Meant as an alternative to pumpkin carving for younger children, it translates nicely for adults. Last year my kids and I painted our pumpkins and they help up really well....like I didn't have to throw them away until February well. 

6. This family costume of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys is adorable. Found on A Beautiful Mess, it features Katie and her family of Skunkboy fame.

7. Also from A Beautiful Mess, a nice little roundup of Halloween goodness, including creative ways to eat your Halloween candy and last minute costume ideas. Search the Halloween tag for more awesome ideas.

8. Monster mouths! Have I shared this before? I feel like I have. Oh well, it bears repeating. It makes fruit more appealing (lol) to children. Found on Thirty Handmade Days, where there are a ton of cute Halloween ideas. Go check them out!

Monday Mix Up #9

Happy Monday everyone! This week's theme is dedicated to the colors of October: orange, black, purple, and green.

"Its Only Forever" tee by MedusaD. It was offered on TeeFury on October 7th. I love The Labyrinth and the purple color is nice too. The Labyrinth is a nice October movie; its full of fantasy and David Bowie is a stunning bad guy. 

My front door.  

The window clings are from the dollar bin at Target.

Feet, leaf, and Hello Kitty images from weheartit.

This Halloween wreath is awesome! 

Available from Southern Charm Wreaths.

M&Ms! Yummy! 

Image found here.

This cute Hello tee has a glow in the dark ghost. 

Buy it here.

Gothic Garden Martha Skull Stretch Bracelet by Tarina Tarantino.

Buy it here.