It is not necessary to invite everyone you or you child can think about. You can limit the guest list to your child’s close friends and family members if they live nearby. Don’t worry if the mother of one of the children not included in the list feels offended. It is your child’s party and if this kid is not a friend of your child, let it go. The mother will also get over it in time.

Time the invitations:

A child’s birthday theme party invitations can safely be send out two weeks before the party. People tend to forget and the invitation can get lost amongst other letters if you send it out earlier. State the time the party start and end clearly on the invitation. That way people will know not to overstay their welcome.

Don’t expect everybody on the list to let you know that their child/children will attend the party. It is good practice to phone the ones that have not responded to find out if they will attend so that you can cater more accurately.

If parents drop off their children for the party, remind them about the time they must pick up the children again or else you will have a few tired, grumpy kids on your hands until the parents eventually remember to pick them up.

Try to avoid weekend parties:

If you plan a small party for your child, it is best not to have it on a weekend. You will find that the brothers, sisters and even cousins will tag along and you may have to budget for more children than you originally planned for. Friday afternoons can be quite a good time to have a smaller party as all the extramural school activities normally run from Monday to Thursday.

However, if you do enjoy huge parties and family gatherings, have the party on a Saturday and enjoy it!

Budget for a venue or entertainer:

If you can afford it, book a party venue of some sort – many times these venues include party food for the kids and would also serve coffee or tea to the adults. All you have to do is to provide the birthday cake and a few snacks for the parents that accompany their children. Another plus point is that entertainment is on site and they also clean up afterward.

If the party is being held at your house, be prepared to keep the kids busy with games or some other form of entertainment. A professional entertainer like a clown or a magician is always a great hit with the kids but if your budget does not allow it, you should have plenty of party games up your sleeve. You don’t want the kids to become bored and invade your house.

Keep the food simple:

Let your child help you decide about the food for his or her theme party but don’t go overboard with a lot of food. Two or three bowls of sweets, age-appropriate crisps and cupcakes will usually be enough. Add some mini pizzas or mini sausage rolls (easy to make as they can be bought ready made). Add to that some ice cream and the birthday cake and all the empty stomachs can be filled quite easily.

It is also good policy to ask the parents if their children are allergic to certain ingredients as the one thing you definitely do not want, is a child that has problems afterwards from eating food that he was not suppose to eat.

If there will be parents at the party, don’t go overboard with special food for them. Provide them with biscuits (bake your own or buy a few packets of fancy biscuits from a deli), add some cocktail sausage rolls and serve tea or coffee. Left-over food can be frozen or stored in a container so the family can enjoy it afterward.

Favour bags:

Finally let’s take a look at the favour bags. There’s no need to go all out with these, (beware, your child will try to pressure you into providing the “best party pack ever”). Many times favour bags are taken home and forgotten. A few marshmallows, bite-sized chocolates, small packet of crisps and a sucker or two will be quite enough to satisfy small guests.

Novelty toys can be added, but if you are not careful, they can cost a fortune and normally they find their way to the back of a drawer after a day or two. Why not make a small gift yourself, something that will fit in with the theme of the party or let the guests make their own as part of the theme party activities.

1: Quality

Always choose a company that offers quality equipment that is guaranteed to make your plans a hit. There’s nothing worse than a table or chair breaking right when the party hits its stride.

2: Variety

Don’t settle for mediocre and bland decorations. Be unique. Your guests will only remember the great food until their next meal, but if you choose the right colors and designs they might even ask where you got the idea.

3: Price

Planning an event is already going to hit your wallet pretty hard. So why should the accessories beat it to death? Look for a company that offers discounts with bulk. The more you rent, the more you save. Also, an added bonus is when the company has a referral plan. Get some business cards from them so if anyone asks who you used, you can hand them out at the event.

4: Multiple Services

If your event involves food, look for a company that may also double as a catering company. Make sure they’re professional on both sides of business so that both services are well done.

5: Pick-Up Services

Lastly, choose a company that will deliver and set up your equipment. Who wants to have fifty chairs and ten tables dumped in their driveway just to spend another two hours setting them up? Make sure they will deliver, set up, and retrieve any equipment you rent from them.

When throwing a holiday party, one thing you need to make sure of is that people are notified about it ahead of time, most especially if it is a significant holiday, as there are likely to be a lot of different activities and events happening on that specific day.

Do you want to throw a holiday party and impress your friends? It is fun and simple; just make sure to take into account the following factors:

1.) Theme

It can be a costume theme like Hawaiian, retro, or fairytale. You may also do a period theme like a Renaissance theme or a 70s theme. Religious themes are also good, such as the Nativity Scene. Another possibility is a cultural theme, e.g., Japanese. The range of your theme choices is as wide as your imagination could get.

Themes are, of course, optional. You can just go with a color dress code or a color combo such as pink, red, and white, for a Valentines party.

2.) Budget

If there are other holiday party planning enthusiasts organizing the party with you, you can split the costs. Remember that you have to spend for the food, drinks, invitations, venue rental, decorations, giveaways, music, etc.

3.) Venue

If you want the party to be close and personal, hold it at your home. The average home could accommodate about a maximum of a hundred guests. If you would indeed have it in your home, remember that you need to clean it first. If you have more than a hundred guests, or you do not like the idea of having to clean up the house, you could just rent a hall. You can check the available event facilities in your area via the internet.

4.) Guests

Who will be there? Will your family and relatives be the only guests or will you invite many other friends as well? What about neighbors? Is it a “for adults only” party or do you wish to have a kid-friendly crowd as your guests?

Remember that in holiday party planning, you have to organize everything ahead of time because there would surely be a lot of events going on. Make sure to get your guest list done and the invitations sent. Good planning would certainly ensure the perfect holiday party.

Taurus Cats (Born between 21st April and 20th May.) Taurus cats are cool customers. They love action but only if there is something in it for them! They are keen observers and once they see a “trick” done they will perform it . A bit challenging at times as they do not like change of any sort, they do have a bit of a stubborn streak in them. They love routine and even ritual (always jumping three times before meals, etc.) Because Taurus cats are slow thinkers they like predictability and will anger with surprises. Taurus kitties usually choose one “love” from their human world to bond with. They are fiercely loyal but fiercely jealous! They are not roamers, preferring to stay home by the fire and have a good snuggle.

Gemini Cats (Born between 21st May and 20th June.) Gemini cats live to communicate, They often must be involved with everything going on in the house and almost always get what they want. Gemini cats learn quickly so any new challenge in their environment is quickly mastered. Great social creatures, these furry broadcasters get along with most every one. Rarely do they bond passionately but rather share their great communication skills with all who will listen, especially children. Gemini cat is a real charmer, loved by all.

Cancer Cats (Born between 21st June and 20th July. ) Born under the sign of “I can’t get too much lovin’s!” Cancer cats tend to “feel” more than “think” and their sensitive natures can cause them to withdraw if they are emotionally hurt. They “feel” everything on a deep level with a long memory. This can cause them to be misunderstood as aloof and independent.Cancer feline bonds to another the bond is virtually unbreakable so intense in his or her devotion and are natural nurturers. They like to play and cuddle with.other animals and  In the absence of a real buddy the Cancer kitty may latch onto a stuffed animal to call her own. They tend to watch over children and babies.

Leo Cats  (Born between 21st July and 21st August.)Tthe regal Lion. Leo cats have a royal presence about them–they are “larger than life.” Vvery dominant. It is their way or the highway. Leos love life, love to have fun–the more dramatic the better! They have little tolerance for structure and perform better when they believe it was all their idea in the first place! Leos attach usually only to those humans in their immediate families, being kind and gracious to “visitors” but saving their loyalty for their chosen few. Similar to Cancer kitties they have great devotion to the “little ones” in their lives and will defend them at all costs.

Virgo Cat. (Born between 22nd August and 22nd September.) Virgo cats like things simple and clean and are meticulous in their own appearance. Their obsession can turn into worry, thus Virgo creatures do not tolerate stress or new demands very well. These little loves are known to be highly intelligent and analytical. If they cannot get into something that intrigues them they will usually find a way. They often have favorite spots that they claim as their own, becoming tense and irritable if someone blocks it from them. A good companion Virgos are often nearby the action, but usually not in the middle of it. .

Libra Cats (Born between 23rd September and 22nd October.) All about beauty and grace, these diplomats easily bend to the situation, not resisting “guidance.” Just as Leos are the rigid oaks, Libras are the gentle willows who bend with the wind. They often grab onto fun situations as they appear. The Will Rogers of the cat world these little ones do not meet a stranger, welcoming everyone into the “family.” They are extremely helpful, often times learning to fax, print, and operate the computer keyboard. They always have a willing paw to reach out and help hold laundry, newspapers, books,  etc. and love arranging flowers, creating messes. Libras often have the artistic temperament of a wild child therefore become bored easily and love new, and exciting things in their environment.

Scorpio Cats (Born between 23rd October and 22nd November.) Scorpio cats are driven by the essence of the Phoenix–to transform. They are social activists  in their homes, often having strong opinions on how life should flow. If, for example, the sun comes up and the household is not stirring, the Scorpio cat is  ready to rectify the situation. Placement of objects around the home are also under his watch.  If he likes the vegetable brush in the bathroom, for example, then the vegetable brush will invariably reside in the bathroom  Scorpios operate in the shadows, stealth being one of their greatest assets. Bonding may be difficult.  Scorpios are known for famous upheavals in their domicile, frequently events that become humorous favorite family stories.These Ninja kitties tend to be dictatorial to other four-legged family members,

Sagittarius Cats (Born between 23rd November and 20th December.) The archer is the symbol of Sagittarius and expresses this feline’s hunting prowess. They usually will share the spoils of the hunt, sometimes actually bringing the corpse–the trophy–into a specific human.These highly intellectual creatures are attuned to worlds we may not see. Often having a psychic ability they will sense when things are going to happen. Born travelers they may actually roam far from home. Exploring and discovering is one of their strongest drives.When home Sagittarius cats want luxury–the softest pillow, the best morsels, and the cleanest cat box (striving to be the first into the clean facility.) Sagittarius kitties will play the field, hopping from lap to lap. They are not jealous.

Capricorn Cats (Born between 21st December and 19th January.) Possessing a dominant personality Capricorn cats tend to establishe themselves as the “top cat” and can be disliked by some because of it. Capricorn kitties are known for their ability to wait, watch, and act only when the timing is right. They are often risk takers although the risks are usually well thought out. Every task they attempt must be completed successful or they will suffer great frustration. These guys are cool customers–and may be difficult to get to know, showing affection only after a relationship is safely established, and even then in short bursts. They are neat and keep themselves tidy and attractive.

Aquarius Cats (Born between 20th January and 18th February.) Aquarius cats are the Einsteins of the cat world., fascinating companions with not just superior intelligence but extraordinary intelligence.  Aquarian felines often spend their time exploring new or challenging spaces or phenomena. Just as they are driven to dissect the world around them and discover how it works–and how it could work–these furry geniuses can often be rebellious. For them the rebellion is a grand intellectual challenge or a fun sport. This can be infuriating for his humans, but entertaining as well. Although Aquarian cats are friendly they are quiet and somewhat reserved. Aquarians walk a few feet above the ground and appreciate others realizing their earned authority.Not touchy-feely cats they allow others to pet them, for short periods,  They may actually find more bonding time with their fellow four-legged dwellers than with their humans.

Sometimes when the Cancer child was growing up she experienced a sudden fear of being abandoned that set up a thought that it is not safe to let go. It usually is a harmless situation but had impact a child. It could be an event such as mom or dad needing to check on something in the garage during a massive thunderstorm with a power outage that left the scared Cancer child alone, afraid and unsafe. Or temporarily getting disoriented or lost in a crowd; surrounded by unknown territory and strange people. Healing the fear of being abandoned is critical for the Cancer person.

One of the main karmic lessons for Cancer is learning when to let go. That can be a tough and painful experience for the Cancer person as they will need a space of trust and sharing in order to be close to you. It is the nature of Cancer to nurture and put effort and energy towards someone they care about. This effort and energy put forth can be in a job, a friend, a lover or even a rescued pet. There can be an expectation that if I love and nurture you, or if I show up at work and do a good job, then you will return to me something where I feel taken care of.

This does not always happen and the first instinct can be to give the job or relationship a more effort in expectation that the care they want will eventually return to them. It can be a vicious cycle as more and more time and effort is expended leading to I have spent so much time already I cant give up now. Yet it is the destiny of the Cancer person to be able to say, this isn’t ever going to give me what I need, let go, and move on.

Another astrology indicator for the Cancer person revolves around family. The Cancer is more attuned or sensitive to the concept of family than others. This does not mean that they have the perfect family, or they grew up in the perfect family, but that there is an issue about what does family mean? What is family?

Sometimes this can indicate they are the person that is relegated to take care of family, such as deciding what to do over an aging parent. Other times it can mean a crisis when it comes to deciding to have a child, or trying to have a child and nature not cooperating the way one expects when you decide that you want to get pregnant.

Join in the flow of the times and add your appreciation for all you’ve experienced and received this past year – and your Joyful expectations for the coming year. You are setting your own future in motion now with a potent surge of energy during the transition point. Don’t miss it. Very soon everything changes.

From the Equinox forward, the night’s lengthen and the days shorten. All of life turns within. You are moving from your more “Yang” masculine, action oriented self, into the realms of the inner-world, the “Yin” and your feminine, intuitive, receptive, creative self.

Fall Equinox: Science Facts

“Autumn” is a derivative of the Latin “autumnus.” Equinox literally means “equal night.” Day and night are each 12 hours, and the sun rises in true east and sets in true west. The Sun appears to “stand still” and finds balance before continuing. After the Equinox you view the most rapid change in the Sun’s apparent motion.
“Everyone must take
time to sit and watch
the leaves turn.”
Elizabeth Lawrence
As the nights lengthen and cool, the trees change into their Fall colors. The time of harvest is the time of gathering in fruits, vegetables and grains for Winter. The abundant harvest is symbolized by the horn of plenty or the cornucopia overflowing with Fall bounty and huge feasts, music and dancing.

The Fall Equinox, in the Northern Hemisphere, is the point at which the Sun appears to cross the celestial equator from north to south. In the Southern Hemisphere, the opposite is seen, and there it is the time of Spring Equinox.

The equinoxes are points moving in a westward direction known as the “precession of the equinoxes.” It takes 25,800 years for the equinoxes to pass through all the constellations of the zodiac. That time period is noted historically in the Vedic and Mayan texts as prophesizing great worldwide changes…Like the Age of Aquarius.

Fall Equinox in story and myth.

Stories and myth are the histories of a culture – some from religious texts and some from verbal traditions. The truths, wisdom and teachings of the time are embedded within parables, songs and dances. The Wheel of the Solar Seasons has turned, cycling through another year once again. Your time is circular not linear, there is no end without new beginnings, and no new beginnings that will not end. It is the Flow of Good Fortune to an ever-expanding future, and the flow of life eternal.

Stories and Myths of the inward journey

There are many wisdom teachings that tell of the same inward journey, and all are around the Fall Equinox. They are from different cultures and times and yet speak of the same cycle. An example is the myth of Persephone.

The Greek Goddess Persephone

In Greek mythology, Persephone (Kore or Cora) was the embodiment of Mother Earth’s fertility – and at the same time – she was the Queen of the Underworld.

The story: Persephone, the daughter of Earth Mother Demeter, is abducted and becomes the wife of Hades who governs the underworld. In Demeter’s anguished seeking her daughter, she withdrew from the earth (hence winter and the withering of the crops) until Zeus ordered Hades to return Persephone. Hades tricked her into eating pomegranate seeds, which compels her to return to the underworld for a season each year.

Her myth explains the natural processes, with the descent and return of the goddess bringing about the change of seasons. But there’s more to the story.

Mystical meanings

Persephone is a Greek life-death-rebirth deity or “resurrection” deity. She is a God who is born, suffers a death-like experience, passes a time in the underworld, and is then reborn.

The Winter months (soon to come) are a time of “going into the inner or underworld” and there reigning as the all powerful ruler. The mystery schools used the seasons as imputes for change and personal growth. Like a god, you set your life in motion from your inner world – and what you imagine, dream and speak – comes to pass.

When Demeter and her daughter were united in the Spring the Earth flourished with vegetation and color, but for some months each year, when Persephone returned as Queen of the Underworld, the earth once again became barren. Those that stay on the surface of life at Fall time, find their future barren too.

Some of the other traditional Fall stories include the victory over ignorance by the Vedic or Hindu Goddess Durga; the Celtic or Wiccan story of Mabon reflects another time of balancing between the worlds of life and death, and of outer consciousness and inner knowing. Mabon tells of the necessity of rest periods, that allow you to assimilate, review, and incorporate your experiences of the past. The Corn Maiden (Changing Woman) is a Native American story of changing life cycles. These are insights into the power and wisdom of this time.

Worldwide Fall Equinox Traditions

The Fall Equinox is also known as the first day of autumn: Harvest Home, Harvest Tide, Mabon, Alban Elfed, Autumn Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Cornucopia, Feast of Avilon, Festival of Dionysus, Night of the Hunter, Second Harvest Festival, Wine Harvest, and Witch’s Thanksgiving.

The first cusp of Libra was the Fall Equinox term used by navigators and astrologers. It is the turning point, astrologically, from Virgo to Libra, symbolized by the scales, for balance.
“It was Indian summer,
a bluebird sort of day as
we call it in the north,
warm and sunny, without
a breath of wind;
the water was sky-blue,
the shores a bank
of solid gold.”
Sigurd F. Olson
Native American’s honor this time of harvest with feasting, bonfires, as well as drumming, dancing, story-telling and various traditions from different tribes. The Chumash month of Hutash is a Fall Equinox Sun ceremony celebrated during September.

Harvest Home
European harvest rites revolved around the end of the grain harvest. In rural England, the Harvest Home was celebrated on the last day of bringing in the harvest. The “Harvest Queen” was a doll made of the last sheaf of the harvest, tied with ribbons, and carried home to save for the following Spring planting. She was believed to hold the “life force” for abundance in the next crops.

A harvest supper was a dinner of thanksgiving and celebration. The home was decorated with wheat sheaths bundled together or corn stalks, wicker cornucopias filled with fruits and nuts, gourds, pumpkins, acorns and grapes.

The Druids celebrate Mea’n Fo’mhair
The Fall Equinox is a time to give thanks to The Green Man or the God of the Forest. Offerings from the harvest of herbs, ciders, and wines were given to the trees, his consorts, and in his honor. The tree is a symbol for the divine feminine and as the tree sheds it’s leaves – it turns inward, into the realm of the Goddess.

The Celtic Festival of Samhain
The ancient Celtic peoples occupied much of Northern Europe including parts of France, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England, as well as many outposts in adjoining regions. The fire festival of Samhain was the origin of many modern day Halloween customs and marked the end of autumn and the beginning of winter.
“Listen!
The wind is rising,
and the air is wild
with leaves,
we have had our
summer evenings,
now for October eves!”
Humbert Wolfe
On the Eve of Samhain, October 31st, the separation between this world and the “other realms” was penetrable. Witches flew on broomsticks, and fairies, ghosts, ghouls, and hobgoblins roamed the earth.

The hidden inner Wisdom
Samhain is also known as the season of gateways. For the initiate, the festivities also marks the 3 day portal to both the future and the past. Samhain is a mystical path to the inner mysteries of the god and goddess within each person. In addition, it is the “thinning of the veil” or a gateway between the realm of the living to that of the dead. The shaman and medicine people of many native traditions share this wisdom and practice.

Halloween is a Samhain adaptation.
Today Celtic celebrations are observed worldwide. The custom of trick-or-treating and the symbols, parties, fires and celebrations retain their popularity.

Fall Equinox Season – Blending the old with the new
Roman Catholics in Europe still remember their dead ancestors on All Saints Day, the first of November.

Part of the lesson in Taurus life is to learn to say enough is enough and move on. Many times the Taurus works in a job they do not like or does not pay well for years. Yet they continue to put in time and energy towards the job either through inertia or normally through an inner belief that if they just try harder, give it time, that eventually the seed they planted will bear fruit.

What they don’t realize until enough time passes is they are busy watering and watching the seed, (showing up at a job and doing the work) but the seed that was planted is rotten and will never bear the fruit that they want. Or they wait years for the fruit of their labor only to find out the time and effort expended they ended up with a lemon tree and had always expected a sweet juicy fruit.

One crises a Taurus will confront at one time in life will be about their worth. Taurus views the world around her through what is it worth? Sometimes translated into how much does it cost? It is natural for a Taurus to drive down a street and wonder what the value of a property cost, or notice price tags or sales plastered on bill boards. This tendency to think about or ask about money gives them the reputation of always having money on their mind; however it is an innate quality of assessing value.

Many Taurus when they were growing up realized that if they had money they would have more power or something that they wanted. They may have been shamed by not having money to buy nice clothes and felt less than, or chastised for wanting a toy hearing the words we don’t have money for that. Beliefs and conditioning around money and finances are ingrained in everyone yet the Taurus has more sensitivity connected with personal self worth connected with ownership.

This is not to say all Taurus have or even want money, in fact some Taurus become disillusioned quite early in life and move the other direction, sensing the judgment and condemnation associated with money, they can vow to disdain the pursuit of financial security, yet it is only the flip side of the coin. The emotional issue around money still exists.

Ownership for the Taurus can extend beyond the accruement of material possessions, in relationships a Taurus can be possessive of loved ones, again most times without any intent to harm, in fact as a means of affection, My love, My children, My husband common in the English language. The MY with the Taurus has the deeper emotional possessive quality than for others.

One of the task in the Taurus life is to discover how much they really need to be happy, and consciously take control of their financial future and how they handle money versus being subconsciously dictated to through the advertising media about what one needs to have and to own to feel as if they are OK. The other life lesson for Taurus is to learn when to move on and try something new and different.

Astrology is a complex subject and astrologers agree that finances are only one aspect of the Taurus makeup. Learn astrology and you will understand and sense the deeper meaning in the words and actions of those around you.

The top selling Halloween costumes for Plus Size Females in 2009 are:

1. The Wizard of Oz Dorothy Plus Adult Costume

The idea of dressing up as a voluptuous Greek goddess is also feasible since most Greeks love woman with such figures. A golden outfit is enough to portray this dressing style and some green or gold silk leaves are sewn to the headband which is used as an accessory. The Wizard of Oz Dorothy Plus Adult Costume includes the famous blue and white gingham dress with attached white blouse. You may consider the Toto in Basket as an optional accessory.

2. Saloon Girl Adult Plus Costume

Tame the Wild West! And Flirt with the notion of being sassy AND sexy! The Saloon Girl Costume includes a feathered headpiece, a black and red puff-sleeved top, a matching corset belt, and a black skirt with red sequin and sheer organza trim. Serve those suds in style that puts you in a unique class!

3. Sexy Evil Queen Plus Adult Costume

Is she the fairest of them all? At least you can be the sexiest in this Sexy Evil Queen Adult Plus costume, great for all occasions! The Sexy Evil Queen Plus Adult Costume includes a Purple and black dress with gold trim and front tie, black cape with red lining and attached white collar, and black crown. You may want to consider a pair of boots and apple as added accessories.

4. Plug & Socket Couples Set Plus Adult Costume

If you want to make a clear statement this Halloween consider the High Voltage Couple costume which includes: Black and Gray socket tunic AND White plug costume with cord. The Plug & Socket Couples Set Plus Adult costumes are made of a lightweight durable fabric over Demur foam. The Socket Costume is a Black tunic with gray sockets on the front. Bottom socket has flap openings for prongs from plug costume to fit into. The Plug Costume is a White foam plug piece (goes all the way around) with an elastic waist band, open bottom for easy walking/dancing, with a White foam cord attached in back and two Gold fabric prongs in the front. The plug is a foam “box” style costume that comes out approximately 5″ in the front from the waist band (not including the prongs), 1.5 inches in the back, and less than 1″ on each side. You may want to consider using a matching Pants and shirts that you have available. The Plug will fit into socket costume! Sure to be a hit at any party!

5. Red Riding Hood Plus Adult Costume

Every big bad wolf out there must watch out and give way, here comes sexy Red Riding Hood! The Red Riding Hood Plus Adult Costume is in a class of its own and includes: White blouse, brown faux leather vest, Red Skirt and hooded caplets. This kind of a costume is ideal for plus size women who wish to hide their figures. However, various types of plus size costumes are available in the market and people can choose according to personal preferences.

6. Vixen Pirate Wench Plus Adult Costume

She may not have many pirate skills but her looks is what really kills. The Vixen Pirate Wench costume includes a mighty fine velvet double lace up corset dress with a blood red playful peasant top attached. Red bow details on the sleeves are also included in this marvelous look. This gorgeous garment of black and red contrast will have all the fair gents around you aghast!

7. Captain Swashbuckler Plus Adult Costume

She’ll have all the boys begging for parle. She knows she’s seductive, she knows she’s swank, now do her a favor, and walk that plank! The Captain Swashbuckler costume includes a very sexy velvet lace up coatdress that features a Victorian style ivory mini-gown attached to a captain’s coat adorned with lace sleeves. Gold ribbon and button embellishments on the coat help make this dress a piece of pirate perfection. You may consider a matching Sword, Hat, shoes, petticoat, and fishnets as optional accessories. You may even ask your partner to pair with you as a pirate for a great couple’s theme this Halloween!

Conclusion

This Halloween, you should wear a costume that makes a clear statement and gets you noticed, rather than simply blending in with everyone else! Make sure you choose one of the latest and classy Plus Size Women’s Halloween Costumes available. Happy Halloween!

This season denim plays a huge roll in plus size fashion and comes in some great new cuts and styles that I know you will love. Here is a list of some of the top trends in denim for Fall 2009. Enjoy!

Wide-leg, Trouser style Denim- The Trouser style jeans are generally high-waisted and snug in the hips. These look incredible on pear shaped women and are great for work. When shopping for this style look for classic washes, simple detail, with a shoe-skimming hem.

Skinny Jean- The dark wash skinny jean is the perfect jean to go from a day-to-night look. Just throw on a jacket and change up your accessories and you are ready to go from work to an evening out with the girls. These simple, elegant, legging-like jeans are an absolute essential for Fall. When shopping for the perfect skinny jean this season, look for a style that fits well at the waist-line and does not give you a muffin top. Perhaps find a style with stretch that will work with your plus size figure. You want the legs to fit tightly and bunch a bit at the ankles. This is how a skinny jean should look and feel.

If you are looking for a style of skinny jeans with a little high fashion detail, look for plus size styles that have a motocross/biker feel. These styles have quilted or funky stitched knees and details that give off a high-fashion, seductive street vibe.

Shredded, Destroyed Jeans- A bit of a rebellious style these jeans come in a variety of frayed styles to all-out destroyed. This look is mostly for a daytime look and looks great in a variety of washes. The most figure flattering silhouette for this style is a slim cut, with fraying down the legs or pockets, and ankle-length paired with simple flats. Avoid styles that are baggy or too long. We don’t want to look like a hobo, but rather cool and chic. If you have found a great pair of shredded plus-size jeans, please let me know….I am searching!

Studded Jeans-These embellished, punky style jeans are a bit rough, funky, and glamourous all at the same time. With this look any style jean goes. So you can have studded skinny jeans, boyfriend, or bootcut. Be sure to find styles with large, hefty studs that focus on the waistband, along the pockets, or down the leg.

These are just a few of the “whats hot” denim styles for Fall. You are sure to have a fabulous Fall wardrobe with a few of these key denim pieces.

I think about the growing number of aspiring plus size models and the number of experienced plus models who seem to run circles around the other models for every spread and catwalk there is. Who is going to feature all of them? Are they destined to be an internet model? As we continue to see images of real woman in the media (good and bad), will this be a growing problem or a huge opportunity? Demand is certainly greater than supply, so naturally I see it as a huge opportunity. Here are just a few ideas I’d like to share with you if you’re considering publishing a magazine of your own:

* If Advertising is your only form of revenue, think again. I’m pretty sure that most if not all of the plus magazines today are close to broke because they depend heavily on advertising. It make sense why most of them are available online.Putting your eggs in one basket is never a good idea when it comes to investing in stocks or a business or even in clients. Product reviews, sponsored articles, and an affiliate program are just a few ways to diversify your income if done correctly.

* Revamp the magazine business model. While it is great to gain support from other plus size businesses, there are ways you can use your creativity and apply different business models to keep your magazine running and stand out from the crowd. For example, there are magazines that are doing exceptionally well because they offer premium content to their readers. I know of a magazine that provides consulting services where the magazines itself is offered as an added bonus. There’s also another magazine that provides a bonus CD featuring interviews with very successful entrepreneurs as a bonus for your subscription. Is that something you can apply to your magazine? Absolutely! Think about what would your readers pay a few extra dollars to have access to…

* Leverage your resources. There are plenty of models as previously mentioned who would love to be featured and land a cover. Why not grant them the opportunity? If you keep up with plus fashion, you’ll know that the lines are always out the door for full-figured models. Attend model calls to network and you might just land a cover model of your own. There are writers and editors who are as passionate if not more passionate about the plus size community than you are. Why not feature their work and have them contribute regularly to your magazine? There are photographers and fashion directors who would love to launch their own photo shoot. Do you have room to give them such an opportunity?If so, why not? You have to be proactive about making your magazine for the people by the people. After all, they’re the ones who are investing in it each and every single month. Glamour and Seventeen magazine are just a couple of examples that know how to get their readers and communities involved.

* Spread the word about your magazine. Are you reaching out to bloggers and PR personnels to help spread the word about all the great things you are doing with your magazine? Many business owners spend a lot of time creating content but not enough on marketing. Don’t let your magazine flop because no one knows about it. Join the Unleash Your Magnificence & Marketing online workshop to get the inside scoop on how you can spread the word using marketing techniques that have proven to work. Today’s technology makes it so easy for you to tell everyone about your magazine even before you’ve written one single article! It doesn’t matter how great your magazine is, if no one knows about it, it’s not worth anything. Make marketing a priority.

* Provide valuable content. Probably the number one reason that most magazines don’t survive because they simply do not provide unique and exciting content. How many online magazines have you read that features the same story as People Magazine or TMZ? Celebrities are fun to watch but there are some stars in the plus size community who would be honored if you would just shine the spotlight in their direction. There are stories being told every day that you can tap into if you simply listen to the market. It requires a little bit of investigation and a lot of networking to get access to hot stories. Why not, do the extra leg work to bring something fresh to your readers? Where do you find valuable content? Well, when was the last time you conducted a survey or sent out an email to find out what you’re readers would like to learn from you? How many testimonials have you received lately telling you what they loved about your magazine? If you are not getting feedback then chances are, you are not creating something worth talking about. Social media outlets such as twitter, facebook, and blogs make it easy for you to identify what interests your readers. Craft those interests together in a pretty package and give your reader content they’ve been waiting for.