Costumes

Confession.

I am a bit of a cheapskate. 

(really. that may be an understatement)

I can never bring myself to spend a lot of money on anything and usually drive my family nuts analyzing (even losing sleep) on how much items cost and brainstorming where we can get a better deal and stretch our dollar further.

I've also been informed that I am the worst shopping partner too.

I'll throw everything I want in the cart for 2 hours and then just before everyone is ready to check out, I start putting it all back...driving my sister in laws mad. (loves!)

I know. I'm nuts.

I'm bad always, but this time of year, it seems my cheapness hits even harder.

Usually, as I am rummaging through scraps of material, our storage room, and our closets trying to piece my kiddos costumes together. Lex and I usually find most of the get-up on our Saturday morning garage sale outings, but like most second hand items...things are missing.

I always spend a few outings hitting dollar stores and the local thrift shops trying to finish up, and in the end costumes are usually safety pinned together and a little crooked, but I'm happy.

Money was saved and my kiddos are beaming.

Sometimes I lecture myself (2nd confession: I talk to myself all the time) because I know there is an easier and much faster way (target or online), but I just can't bring myself to ever drop $30 on a costume.

It's just not in me.

Why?

It's a product of my childhood.

(love you mom:))

You see, back then Halloween was different, maybe just in Idaho, or maybe just at my house.

It really seemed that nobody spent a lot. The neighborhood kids ran from house to house in old overalls with a cowboy hat or one of their daddy's shirts ripped up with fake blood spatters. 

But at our home we took it a little further and repeated favorites.

In fact, if you look back, you'll see that I was a witch for about 8 of my 12 trick or treating years.

I know what you're thinking...that must have been one awesomely wicked costume!!

Nope.

It consisted of a floppy hat, a broom, and a big black garbage sack with 3 holes cut out for arms and my head. Wow. The memory just brings a smile to my face.

Though we looked a little homeless and definitely never won any costume contests...me, my sister, and my two brothers (who actually were usually dressed up as hobos) were as happy and content as can be.

So thank you mom for always teaching me the lesson I will always try to remind myself:

Less is More.

Just because I want to remember this...

2008:: Tinker Bell & Peter Pan

Tink: skirt and scrunchie $5.99 at a craft fair, wings $0.25 at a garage sale

Peter: felt $2 at Hobby Lobby

Grand Total: $8.25

2009::Ariel & Flounder

Ariel: costume $1 at garage sale, wig free from my mom

Flounder: hat $0.25 from garage sale, yellow felt $1.25 Hobby Lobby

Grand Total: $2.50

2010::Annie Oakley & Frank

Annie: entire costume $3 garage sale, gun $1 dollar store

Frank: Hat $1 dollar store, bandana $1 Hobby Lobby, gun $1 dollar store

(boots part of lexi's)

(oh yes, and gigi will be a cow this year which I paid $2 for when Lex was a babe)

grand total: $7.00

*******************

Tonight we are headed to a Halloween party. Bet you can't guess what I will be!?

yep. a witch.

What can I say, it's grown on me.

Don't worry though. The garbage bag will be left for the garbage.

I've upgraded to a black dress! :)

Have a Spooky Thursday!