Mean, Green Halloween

It's too tempting to shop for costumes these days. With retailers such as Pottery Barn offering a huge range of the cutest get-ups, it feels easy to lay down the Amex (the one that pays 1.5% back to a 529 college savings plan through Fidelity, of course) and buy up a little ghoul ensemble for your little gobblin(s).

But let me share fun, cheap and easy alternatives. Go home grown and green in the process. Even if your kiddos are obsessed with the current Sprout hero/heroine, there are ways to create excellent, one of a kind costumes that will scare the neighbors and your kids when they think back - boo!

Here are a few:

Cowgirl/boy - what you'll need: rope and hanger for a lasso (no 6 shooters here), traditional hat (make one of out of construction paper or brown felt if you don't have one), bandana or red/blue scarf, blue jeans, checked or other shirt. And if you like to sew or glue gun things consider an easy vest or chaps. Yeehaw!!

Ghost - white pillow case - standard, queen or king size (for tall gobblins) - cut head and arm holes, if you like.

Jack o lantern - orange fabric for a hat/hood, black clothing - top and bottom, drama wax to black out top and bottom front teeth, a smiling gobblin

Working woman - dress her up in an old suit and don't forget the attache for candy handling. You could really rock the neighbors world with some rimless glasses and an updo - a la you know who Ms. Palin.

Get the picture? Fun, fun-ee, cheap, easy, gives you a few extra hours back from planning, driving, buying, etc. And it's all green.

Just watch for sugar shock.