DIY Halloween Costume Ideas

Hey, all.

How is everyone doing today? I hope all is well.

For today's entry, I'd like to share with you some things that are relevant to what's been on my mind lately, and that is HALLOWEEN + Halloween COSTUMES.

I love, love, love dressing up, painting my face, throwing parties, etc. -- all things that can easily be related to the next holiday coming up at the end of next month. And so, for this post, I'd like to give you some AWESOME ideas for simple, cheap, DIY costumes for that fun Halloween party you may be attending when the time comes. I've got you covered from individual women's and men's costumes to couples' costumes. [Disclosure: I hate those stupid "sexy" costumes that are advertised to women every single year. LADIES: YOU ARE BETTER THAN THAT. Put on some clothes and act like a Goddamn lady for once in your life.] -- Sorry, ranting, but you catch my drift, no? All you will find here are costume ideas that require you to wear more than just a bra and some short shorts. So I have forewarned you. If you're one of those girls who wants to dress like a prostitute for Halloween, you're in the wrong place. So anyway - here you go, my fun, modest, FAMILY-FRIENDLY costumes for you to use and enjoy.

Women's Costume Ideas:


1. Historical female figure - Whether it's Amelia, Cleo, or even Rosie the Riveter, you're bound to shine and show off your powerful feminist side with these costumes. Amelia Earhart - throw on a white scarf, leather jacket, bomber hat and goggles (Amazon.com has a kit you can purchase for around $8 + shipping). Cleopatra - my friend Milly here went all out with this one; and all she did was invest in some fabric from JoAnn's! And then Rosie the Riveter is probably the simplest costume you could do - red lipstick, red bandana, and jean shirt with rolled up sleeves.

2. Female celebrity - The most popular female celebrities (that I can think of off the top of my head at this current moment) include Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. For Audrey, stick with the classy Breakfast at Tiffany's look - black dress, tiara, pearls, black gloves. And for Marilyn, the ever popular look is the white dress. Some would argue that the Marilyn costume is a bit risque, but let me just say that a beautiful pleated white dress is better than a mini-tutu and a crop top. In my opinion, anyway. If you disagree, well, we can argue about that later. But anyway - these classy ladies make fun and easy costumes for Halloween.

3. Fictional character - From Minnie Mouse to Cinderella to any other Disney princess you can think of to Alice in Wonderland to Wonder Woman, get creative! There are so many options out there. And to any of those that I have not mentioned, GOOGLE, or PINTEREST. No matter where you look, you are bound to find a million and one ideas that are right up your alley! Go crazy with ideas - but don't overdo it on your budget. Keep it simple, but chic! Invest in the dollar store, your nearest craft/fabric store, WalMart, etc. There are so many ways to save money on a simply awesome Halloween costume.

Men's Costume Ideas:

1. Superhero - 'Nuff said. Batman, Superman, Captain America, Thor - doesn't matter if you're a DC or a Marvel guy, there's so many opportunities out there for you to ROCK THAT CAPE and those SPANDEX UNDIES. You think I'm kidding. Make sure you get your hero's colors right. If you're not a costume guy, just wear that Batman t-shirt you already have in your drawer and add a mask. Keep it simple, but cool - just like you.

2. Hipster - Yes, hipsters are everywhere, and you hate them. So, why not be one for a night? Try it on for size? Mock those suckers!

Here's a picture of my brother in a dressing room (just for kicks). But seriously - grab some dollar store glasses with no lenses, a hat like the one pictured at right, a button up/flannel, and/or a vest thing-y. You're bound to attract some chicks, gentlemen (no guarantees, however).

3. Gift from God - if you're a funny guy who's full of himself (but only in a joking manner, because we all hate those egotistical men that like to walk around struttin' their stuff), wrap yourself in a box, pop on a ribbon or bow, and create this gift tag-- "To: Women, From: God." You're gonna get some laughs out of this one, for sure. And if you don't, then, well, you didn't do it right, sir. But it's worth a shot, and a few laughs (even if only from me or from yourself).

4. Other clever ideas for all you men out there: that crazy-haired guy from Ancient Aliens - gel up that hair, and put on your game face. Prisoner - orange jumpsuit or striped clothes with a black mask, male historical figure (i.e. Julius Caesar, George Washington, George Bush, Barack Obama), "scary" costumes (i.e. Freddy Krueger, Mike Myers, etc.).

Couples' Costume Ideas:

1. Woody + Jessie (from Toy Story). Go the old-fashioned route and put it together yourself with some bandanas, boots, and cowboy hats. Or do what me and my boyfriend did: bought the costumes cheap on Amazon.com. But to add my own "DIY"-ness, I spray painted my hair red, tied it back in a braid and yellow ribbon, then and drew on some freckles!

2. Mario + Luigi. Again, my boyfriend and I bought the costumes, but you can always do it yourself with some overalls, green and red tees, baseball caps, and some felt mustaches!

3. Wayne + Garth (from Wayne's World). I'm not a fan, but maybe you are and you'd love this idea. Get some wigs, hats, glasses, old '90s jeans and tees, and you're set!

4. Gatsby + Daisy (from The Great Gatsby). This is my favorite book EVER, hence the fact that I'm using it as a fun costume idea for you to try out. I am for sure going to be doing this one next year with Vince. Grab a suit for your guy, a '20s dress and a glittery headband for you.

5. Mary Poppins + Bert. This is what Vince and I are doing this year, I do believe. I'm super excited. I've already got the white blouse, red bowtie, black skirt, black stockings, and black shoes. All I need now is the hat (with flowers), white gloves, and maybe the black umbrella. For Bert the chimney sweep, make your own sweep with a broom, grab a hat from a thrift store, the vest, the "tie," etc. Here's what we're going for (look to your right). I'll upload some pictures from our debut when the time comes!

Until then, my friends - get craftin' on your costumes, and share them with me in a month.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo, Clare

Why We Love Autumn

Hello again, friends.

I figured it was about time I wrote something about the change of seasons - from summer to fall. And as a chronic "basic b*tch," fall is my all-time favorite season. So, of course, I need to write a blog entry all about fall - and about all the things I - as well as many other people - love about it. (These are in no particular order, by the way)... So here ya go; and enjoy!

1. Sweater weather. Even though this autumn has started off fairly warm, usually fall is associated with colder weather. 50-70 degrees is the range, I would say. There's another 3 months of autumn, so of course there's plenty of time to look forward to a little bit cooler weather. And with the chillier weather, why not break out your favorite sweater(s) or fall jackets? I'm not one for the summer heat - not being able to run around practically naked (even though plenty of people do, ugh). There's only so much you can take off on 100 degree afternoons. But in the fall - when it gets to be around 60 degrees, cuddling up in a sweater or blanket is fabulous. Also - SCARVES. I am in love with scarves. But overall - layers are the best, wouldn't you agree? So unpack those chunky sweaters and scarves - it's cuddlin' time!

2. Apple picking. Seriously, who doesn't love apple picking? If you don't, you're a damn communist and I hate you. I'm only somewhat kidding. But anyway - it gives you something inexpensive and fun to do and it's only reserved for autumn! I like to bring my camera when I go apple picking, and take some nice shots of the farm and the apples and my friends, etc. It makes it even more fun, in my opinion anyway. Give it a whirl! Also -- I shouldn't neglect to mention that when you go apple picking, some apple cider and apple cider doughnuts usually come along with it. So, I mean, apple picking... HELL YES.

3. Pumpkin spiced everything. So this is the most "basic" thing I could possibly say that I love about fall, but I don't care because I love PUMPKIN-SPICED THINGS! Lattes, M&M's, whatever else that I can't even think of right now. But you just can't celebrate fall without grabbing yourself some pumpkin spice.

(I think I will just list the rest of the things we love about autumn, for the sake of your time and sanity, and because well, some of these don't exactly need explanations).

4. Bonfires.

5. Leaves changing colors.

6. Carving pumpkins.

7. HALLOWEEN.

8. Long, cool walks.

9. Fall-scented candles.

10. Thanksgiving.

So there you have it! Those are my top 10. If you have any other great ideas, let me know! I'd love to hear them; or I may have forgotten a few. Either way - I'd love to hear from you. Thanks for reading, and have a fabulous night.

xoxo, Clare

Re2pect for Derek Jeter

Hey, everybody!

Sorry it's been a while since I've written anything. I've had a few things in mind, but no time at all to write about them. Okay, that's a lie... But I'd rather just watch Netflix sometimes, ya know?

Anyway, so for today's post I'd like to write about something relevant to what's been going on in the world of baseball these days. I would have to say baseball is among my favorite sports to watch -- if not, my #1 favorite. I have shared a love for the sport ever since I was a kid, when I started playing tee-ball. I played with the boys and very few girls up until about the age of 12, when I realized I was too terrible, and that I was a girl playing amongst pretty much only boys that were only getting better and better by the day. Most girls would be playing softball at my age, but being the tomboy that I was, I thought softball was far too girly and that it was only for those that weren't "man enough" to play baseball. Little did I know I would have been better at softball than I was at baseball, but that's a story for another time.

So that was slightly off topic, but I felt a little background was needed before I presented you with the real material of this post...

Baseball is America's past-time / greatest sport, and if you disagree with me, I will fight you to the death. There have arguably been plenty of men that have gone down in the history of baseball who were greater than any player there has been over the past 50 or so years. But honestly, few have been able to achieve the fame, success, and love that long-time New York Yankee Derek Jeter has. And so, the day after his very last home game, I bring you this post.

I have never been one to particularly like Derek Jeter, even being a Yankee fan. I know, BLASPHEMOUS, you say. And honestly, I have no reasoning behind my strange dislike for the man (similar to my enormous dislike of actresses Laura Linney and Anne Hathaway). But I certainly don't dislike him now (nor have I ever disliked him more than the two aforementioned actresses). For a long time, I thought he was just an overrated baseball player. My favorite Yankees of my time included Bernie Williams, or Paul O'Neill, or Jorge Posada, or Andy Pettite. But now, looking back at Jeter's career, and his life, I began to see how great he was, and how, we will probably not see another baseball player, or man for that matter, so loved as Jeter.

Last night, at his last home game, he shone through as a true gift from the baseball gods. A walk-off hit against the Orioles can only be a sign of his true glory and fame by all those that love him so dearly.

Another reason to love Jeter is because he's one of those players that stayed out of trouble - no steroids, no domestic violence, none of the crap that so many athletes get involved in these days. Personally, and many would agree with me on this, I find him to be a great role model for young boys specifically, but also for basically everyone else in the world.

Thanks, Derek, for showing us that there truly are great people out there, who share our love for baseball. And thanks for being so great at it. No matter what kind of a fan you are - even if you're out in Boston, there is no way in hell that you can't love this guy and everything he stands for. RE2PECT, Derek Jeter. Thanks for going out with a bang.

Hope you all can relate to our profound love and respect for arguably one of the greatest players in baseball history -- and if not, get out of my country ya damn commie. Just kiddin' (sort of).

Thanks for reading, have a great day, and look out for more blog posts in the next few days. On another note - HAPPY FALL, Y'ALL!

xoxo, Clare

World Suicide Prevention Day

Hello, friends.

As you may well know - and should know, I might add - today, Wednesday September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day. It is an important day for all of us; especially those who have lost a loved one to suicide, or for those who have contemplated or attempted suicide themselves. 

It is a very serious subject, on which I have written plenty of times in the past (although only once on this blog, after the death of Robin Williams). It is also a very personal subject, of which I have a lot of experience with. 

I often hate to admit it, but I have very greatly suffered with suicidal ideologies in the past. And unfortunately I have dealt with those thoughts quite frequently. But now, in a rare moment of, not so much happiness, but perhaps a lack of sadness, I am thinking about all those times I felt so hopeless and sad that I thought ending my life was the only way out. 

If you have ever experienced such feelings, I am right there with you. But I am aware that our situations are and probably were very different, - everyone is unique, of course. Nevertheless, depression, anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, PTSD, and any other mental disorder that I have ignorantly failed to mention are all very similar in that they make us feel things so much deeper than others without these illnesses. And yes, they are illnesses. And deserve to be treated as such. 

Often these illnesses are brought on by what appears to be nothing - though in a lot of cases, trauma can be a reason behind the disorder, as well as many other factors that come into play. 

For me, nothing traumatic ever really happened in my life, until after I was diagnosed with depression. For a while I was just, well, miserable. I had no passions, no desires; I hated school, I hated living at home, I hated who I was and what I looked like, I didn't even like my own friends. When I was 16, things grew progressively worse and I went to see a psychiatrist who put me on a variety of medications. Through a process of trial and error, I took a total of over 10 or maybe even 15 different medications to ease my depressive thoughts and anxieties. Nothing worked. When I was 18, right before I graduated high school, I took a handful of Tylenol followed by another handful of one of my antidepressants I was taking at the time. Nothing happened. Though I was more disappointed than anything, I wised up a bit and told someone about what I had done, maybe the week after doing it. I was immediately sent to a mental hospital, where I spent about 10 days working with other doctors and other 14- to 18-year-olds who, like me, also suffered from depression. But nothing helped, and I learned useless ways to "get better." Not long after, I overdosed again on my medications, this time winding up in the ER. That was when things in my life grew to be terribly traumatic. The dizziness, the nausea, the inability to even walk or keep my eyes open came over me within a matter of 20 minutes of taking an entire bottle of pills. I don't remember much of what happened next. I remember waking up, surprisingly happy to be alive after a whole night of already feeling like death. "We nearly lost you," my family later told me. I was relieved to be living, but was quickly turned around and frustrated to learn that I would be spending more time in a mental ward. Of course my second trip was nothing but unhelpful. Life went on; things felt awful, I felt awful. I felt like a ghost of myself, aimlessly wandering around the Earth. My depression had become a monster that often felt as though it were eating me whole, using its sharp teeth to devour me down into the pit of its deep, dark stomach. But some days were good; others were bad, and others, still, were even worse. If it weren't for my unsuccessful attempts, I would not be here at this very moment to be writing this for you to read, however.

But, long story short, I have tried killing myself six times. And to no avail. Am I grateful? Of course. Are my family and friends grateful? I believe so. Am I still here because I am happy with myself now and with my life now? Not at all. But I am learning more and more each day that there are little things in myself and in my life that are beyond worth living for.

So today, on World Suicide Prevention Day - spread the word. Depression kills people. But you can save a life. Know the symptoms, learn the signs, talk to someone, and/or call this number: 1-800-273-TALK.

The point in me giving you my story is so you know that things don't get better easily - they get better with time. And some days are better than others. One day I am content, the next day I want to be dead. But then I think to myself, "Maybe tomorrow will be like yesterday - BETTER." And it almost always is. I can't make any guarantees, of course, but if you tend to think more positively and optimistically, there is a better chance of things being and getting better. 

Suicide is 100% preventable. Be kind to someone today and everyday; be kind to yourself today and everyday. 

You are not alone in your suffering, my friend. You never are. 

- I'm sorry if this post is seemingly all over the place; I am writing from a deep place in my heart and with all of my brain power and from the very bottom of my soul, so excuse me for not being my usual "Editor-in-Chief" self and writing more coherently or more in order. Just know the main point of what I'm saying, and helping me spread the word about suicide prevention. Please + thank you.

Have a great day, all.

love, Clare

Beating the Back to School Blues

Hello, all!

It's been a while! I apologize. I've been quite quite quite busy.

School is back in session (for a fair amount of us, I think - or at least it's almost in session!). And I'm sure parents out there are somewhat- if not entirely- thrilled that this is the case. But for those of us who actually participate in the schooling, learning, etc., it's kind of a bummer. However, just like this ecard here may somewhat sarcastically indicate, maybe it's a good thing. I can completely relate to the fact that I did basically nothing all summer, other than work a few days a week, but I tried to make the most of sleeping in and staying up late, seeing friends, movies, blah blah blah. But anyway, now it's time to get back to the reality of doing something with my life. So, back to school it is!

And for those of you who have graduated and are out in the real world (I'm talking to you, Caitlin), I'm sorry if you find this post as somewhat taunting you, but don't worry - these are not my intentions. Or are they?

For today's blog entry, I'd like to point out a number of things you can do as a student going back to school. Here are some ideas for making the most out of this time of year - school-wise, anyway. (I will more than likely be making an autumn blog post later!)

1. School supplies. I mean, really, that's kind of enough said, because who doesn't love school supplies shopping? You get all new notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, art supplies, etc. Don't spend a small fortune, but have fun with it; get some colorful and unique items to pimp out your supplies.

2. New clothes. Again, sort of enough said, haha. But also again, do not spend a ton of money. You're probably a broke college student, so maybe expanding your wardrobe to some extravagant is not what you can really afford to do right now. Instead, try thrift shopping? It's worth a shot! Or, if you're not into that, the clearance rack at any store is a Godsend.

3. Go to class. This is one of my biggest problems - I skip class constantly. And I regret it every time. (When will I learn?) Well, I'm learning now, and I'm telling you from my perspective that you need to just go. No matter how much you hate it - you will be happier in the long run that you went. Also - PAY ATTENTION. Take notes. Participate. You are essentially paying this professor to teach you. Make the most of your money. You will learn a lot more going to class than you will skipping it.

4. Do your homework. Not only do you need to be going to class, but you need to do the work. And give it your best. If biology isn't your thing, at least show that you put forth 100% effort, even if you wind up with a 50% as your grade. Also- it's quite embarrassing to show up to class not having done the work, because then you have nothing to contribute, and if your teacher is a butthead and singles you out individually to answer a question, you kind of want to be prepared.

5. Mingle with your classmates. You may not like everyone in your class- I have this super weird girl in one of my classes this semester and I don't know if I'm going to be able to handle it, but I'm trying!- but you need to do like I am, and try and get to know some of these people. They can either help or hinder you. Hopefully the first one. Open up to them about the work and/or the class - "I found last night's homework to be kind of difficult," "This teacher sucks," etc. Make a new friend or acquaintance.

I think that's all for now. If I think of more, I will add later. I hate school, so this post is kind of lame. But I felt it was relevant to the time so I figured I'd write something about it...

Anyway - more posts later? Probably. Gotta avoid all the homework I have somehow.

Peace, homies.