The Art of Costume Shopping

as i strolled up and down the aisles of the costume superstore for the 22nd time tonight, i was overcome with a sense of frustration. i realized that i really hate the pre-made and very expensive bag costumes. they're generic, kinda cheesy and very over-priced for what's included. even worse, the bag only contains the nuts and bolts of the costume. in order to actually look like the girl in the picture, you have to spend another $50 on accessories - tights, boots, weapons, hats...you know the drill.

my poor and very patient husband continued to make suggestion after suggestion only to receive an emphatic "no way!" or "are you serious?" - reserved for the especially slutty selections. in midst of our unsuccessful shopping adventure, i couldn't help but wonder why i'm the only woman in the store unwilling to find peace with my selection.

then i thought of my mom. my beautiful mom always had the most amazing costumes. when it came to halloween, she truly lived by the motto of "go big or go home" and it always paid off. she's won more than her share of costume contests over the years and it's because she never settled for what was in the bag.

i suppose the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.