Marilyn Monroe costumes for Halloween

Marilyn Monroe costumes and accessories have always been an inspiration for designers as well as female consumers, who still have an unstoppable desire to look like Marilyn Monroe, who was and is famous as a sex symbol, apart from being an accomplished actress and a beautiful woman. Halloween season is one such season when Monroe inspired designs come back to the shelves of top brands of clothing retailers. This year, however, as many reports are showing, Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress has caught the fancy of those who want to look extra-special this Halloween. There are reports stating that New York butchers are busy, rather overloaded with orders for the Lady Gaga Meat Dress, and the asking price ranges from $2000 to $5000, as the last news I read.

Coming back to Monroe, the video’s author says, the late actress’ dress is always a sure bet to be a hit at any Halloween party. View the designs on this video, which is just a collage of some of Monroe’s best still photos. And make your own ideas for this Halloween.

How to keep yourself safe this Halloween

This Victoria-datelined video, though issued with the precautions specific to Australians in mind, I feel, it contains some important precautions need to be taken everywhere, where Halloween is being celebrated.

While Halloween is just round the corner, people are busy shopping for Halloween costumes, toys, firecrackers, lanterns, masks and other artifacts for the celebrations.

No doubt it is a night that is meant to be fun for kids, teens, and for parents and elders as well. So, here are a few precautions suggested in this video, plus other suggestions.

It is suggested children's costumes and shoes need to fit properly so they don't trip, fall down and hurt themselves. As the trend is to dress as funnily or flamboyantly as possible, it will be wise to avoid Halloween costumes that trail about or get caught in hooks or other objects while children run around.

It is also suggested to avoid putting on masks on kids, as they limit visibility and hence increase chances of getting into trouble, especially on roads, where unexpected traffic can cause accidents. Instead of masks, try facing paint and making impressive designs.

It is also important for trick-or-treaters to make themselves seen by others. Wearing black dresses or dark colors make visibility to almost zero and increase the chances of accidents. It is recommended to carry a torch or flashlight, and add reflective strips to costumes so that they reflect light and increase visibility.

Drivers are advised to be extra cautious and watch out for children while on the road, because children may run around and suddenly appear on the roads.

There are many restrictions or ban on firecrackers, but people just ignore them. Permits are needed to use fireworks in countries like Australia, but firefighters say people still shoot firecrackers off illegally and suffer burns.

Halloween candy buyback offer

Through this latest video, a Madison dentist is offering to buyback Halloween candy, which he plans to send it to American troops serving overseas.

Halloween: Barmbrack

Barmbrack, originally uploaded by podchef.

Photo: Halloween Barmbrack - buttered and ready to be devoured.

The Barmbrack, a type of yeasted bread with added sultanas and raisins, usually sold in flattened rounds, it is often served toasted with butter along with a cup of tea in the afternoon. The Halloween Barmbrack, the center of an Irish Halloween custom, traditionally contained various objects such as a pea, a stick, a piece of cloth, a small coin, and a ring. Each of these meant something related to fortune or to the person whose slice had it. If a person received the slice containing the pea, that person would not marry that year. The stick (to beat one's wife with) meant an unhappy or troublesome marriage. The a piece of cloth is an indication of bad luck or poverty, and the coin, as anyone can tell, indicated that person would get a fortune or become rich, and the ring indicated wedding in the same year.

Halloween: Trick or Treat

Trick or Treat!, originally uploaded by Sicilian Princess.

Halloween Pumpkin

Welcome Great Pumpkin, originally uploaded by anadelmann.

Halloween Girls

Halloween, originally uploaded by memoflores.

Halloween House

Dorothy Doesn't Live Here Anymore, originally uploaded by Uncle Phooey.

Halloween Cat

he's a halloween cat and he knows it!, originally uploaded by Hotdog Photography.

Halloween Street Party

Moonfest 2008 Halloween Street Party, Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL. Two of thousands of people dressed up in scary, sexy, funny and bizarre costumes for 2008 Moonfest Halloween Street Party held at Clematis St in downtown West Palm Beach, FL.

Here is the description of the photo added below the photo by the author: "Opus 5 Restaurant, 2008 Upscale Halloween Party; The Shops At Boca Center, Boca Raton, FL. This "Upscale Halloween Party" was held on October 28, 2008 to benefit "Paws for the Cause" and The Palm Beach International Film Festival."