My little Menace

This is about a week late, but I wanted to share pics of Julian dressed as Dennis the Menace for Halloween. It was the most comfortable costume, and he didn't even mind us spiking his hair up with tons of pomade and hairspray! He can't stop talking about Dracula and Ghosts...we are hoping this is quickly replaced by Santa and Reindeers. I don't know if I can hear "Mommy, where's Dracula?" one more time!!!!!!!!

busting a move at the Halloween party

happy as a clam, heading out to trick or treat...

A sweet Trick or Treat

After hours of searching for a cute boy costume, I gave up. Is there anything cute out there for boys that is original? I kept getting distracted by all of the cute little girl costumes! Etsy is FULL of darling, original and beautifully handmade items (not your average plastic Target costume). Aren't these precious?

Cave Girl Costume by Brynn's Beautiful Bows $40 

By Peace Love Couture 

Candy Corn Tutu/Onesie/bloomers by Polka Dot Bowtique $44.95 

Belle Inspired princess dress by Lover Dovers Clothing $48 

Little Red Riding Hood by Lover Dovers Clothing $44 

Alice In Wonderland by Lover Dovers Clothing $39 

Team Spirit Tutus (Cheerleader Costumes) $25 By Tutu Girlz Shop

Pirate Princess Tutu $25 by Tutu Girlz Shop 

Stylish Spooky

I can't believe I am writing about Halloween already...hard to believe, right? But I know all of you out there are thinking about it! Costumes are showing up everywhere, even the halloween decor is out at most stores. Since I was in the spirit, I decided to start making some bows. Here are some of my newest Mel-Belles paired with adorable finds from Etsy

Big Polka Dot Bow $6

$30 by Polka Dot Baby Bowtique

$42 by Bitsy Bear

Tiny 2" Bow $5

$34 by Palmetto Kids

Cat/Flower Clip $6

$28 by Apey 78

Tiny Spooky Bow $5

$19.99 by Summer Laye

Pumpkin flower clip $6

Procrastination makes "perfect"

Unfortunately I am kind of a "last minute" type of gal. So, it's not surprising that I waited until a week before Halloween to figure out what my 13 month old was going to wear as his costume.

I blame my mom (in a good way) for my dislike for store bought costumes. My mom always handmade our costumes, or threw something brilliant together with items in our own closet (or hers!).  This year I felt totally uninspired by everything I saw on the store racks. I am crafty, so  I decided that I was going to whip something up that would be cute and fun and creative for our little guy.

What I came up with as a DIY "love bug" costume. It was SO easy and super cute and I want to share it with you all in case you are in need of a last minute costume yourself. All craft products were purchased at good old Hobby Lobby...

I started with a basic white long sleeve tee from Target $6, some felt, pipecleaners and glitter glue.

I cut out a heart and created a bug ( hence the "love bug" name) using different colored felt. For the bug I used pipe cleaners for arms, rhinestones for eyes and used glitter glue to add detail to the body (a glue gun is the best thing to put all the bug parts together) I hand stitched both pieces on to the shirt

on the back of the shirt I used the thicker coated felt that actually had glitter within the felt. I cut out wings, added pipe cleaners for texture (with a glue gun) and then hand stitched the inner edge so that they would flap when on.

For the antennae I used my headband (that is coated with fabric, so it is softer), pipe cleaners and foam balls that I painted black. This was SUPER easy and light weight so that the antennae would stick up when on his head.

To make him look super cute we added striped baby leggings by Skidnees and his converse chuck's tennis shoes. The black leggings are in the girls department at Target $5

HERE is the finished product! You can tell he is REALLY thrilled about it (poor kid was NOT in the mood)

Boy Costumes...get creative!

I did a post on girl costumes earlier this week, so now it's time to talk about the boys!!! You have your typical pirate, dracula and super-hero costumes...but, if you want to be a bit more original, here are some fun ideas!

Yo Gabba Gabba totally creeps my husband out, but I think it's hilarious. And, our son loves it...wouldn't it be hilarious to deck him out like D.J. Lance?!

D.J. Lance Costume by Bam Designs $40

12 Month up to 5T

Or, you can dress your child up like one of the "My name is...and I like to dance..." kids with one of the character tees!

By Mrs.Wags on Etsy $14

I may live in Kansas, but I am still rooting for the Bears...

Kids Bears Costume $58

on Chasing Fireflies

Love these Gryffindor costumes for Girls or Boys...

Robe and Tie available on Chasing Fireflies

This Clone Trooper costume is AMAZING!

Costume, Gun and gloves available on Chasing Fireflies

Halloween costumes that are Tu-Tu cute!

Oh yes, it's that time of year again. You stress for months about your child's halloween costume...and your kids change their minds a million times. I know, I have twin nieces that are OBSESSED with Halloween. They have already been talking about it, 3 months in advance!!! I spent some quality time on Etsy today scouting out some great little girl costumes. They are not only better priced than a store bought costume, but they are also much better made. You could go nuts on this site, there were so many cute ones!

If I had a baby girl, I would do this onesie with these PRECIOUS bloomers...

Custom Halloween Bloomers by Bella Claire Baby $18.95

available in 0-4T

Pumpkin Onesie by The Nook $15 

0-18 Months also in Toddler size Tee Shirts

THERE IS NOTHING SWEETER THAN A TU-TU...

Cinderella inspired dress by Three Princesses $44.50

Fairy Dress with Wings by Three Princesses $45

Cowgirl Cutie Tutu Costume by Mom2twoGals $35

What a steal for this entire costume!!!!

I LIVE IN KANSAS, I HAD TO THROW THIS IN THERE...

Exquisite Dorothy costume by Flowers For Lili $155

AND, IF YOU JUST WANT SOMETHING FESTIVE...

Halloween Tee Shirt dress by Bitsy Bear $36

available in baby, toddler or girl