Schuetz

As a little girl I often loved to dress up as a gypsy, whether it was for Halloween or just for play. Maybe its because I long to be free to do as I want and go where I wish, without the societal constraints we have to live by (thats why pirates are so fascinating to people too). Whatever it is, creating a fortune teller costume was the highlight of Halloween.

Back then there werent many places to buy fancy costumes (nor did we have the money), so putting my own costume together was a bit of a challenge. Today we can purchase practically any costume we can think of and there are some pretty nice fortune teller Halloween costumes to choose from.

** A Brief History of Gypsy Costumes **

The gypsy people were called Roma or Romani. They are made up of loose nomadic tribes that wandered much of the European countries during the Middle Ages and often lived in caravans. There are still nomadic gypsies in the world today.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the basic dress of the woman was a simple robe gathered at the neck worn over an under gown made of chemise. They also wore a length of cloth which was draped down the back, around the opposite waist, up the front and tied at the shoulder (think Roman toga). A turban was worn on the head.

As time went on, fashions changed. For the most part, gypsies actually dressed very similar to the peasants of the area in which they traveled and cultural dress of the time. Most of the style of gypsy clothing that we picture today probably came from the Renaissance period when laced vests, flounced skirts, mens breeches and pirate shirts were more popular.

** Making a Gypsy Halloween Costume **

For those that want to put together their own gypsy costume or are planning on being a fortune teller for Halloween this year, you may have to do a bit of shopping around at used clothing stores for some items. If you are handy with a sewing machine, there are many fortune teller costume patterns available as well. Here are some suggestions for both men and women (and boys/girls) that can easily be created once you get all the items:

Women/Girls Fortune Teller/Gypsy Outfit 1

* Long tired skirt in a bright color.

* Gypsy style shirt gathered scooped neck, puffy sleeves gathered at the wrist or long wide flowing sleeves

* Brightly colored front-laced vest

* Black leotard stockings

* Black shoes

* Brightly colored sash for the waist

* Matching bandana for hair

* Gold hoop earrings and some long, colorful beaded necklaces, bangles for arms

Women/Girls Fortune Teller/Gypsy Outfit

* Long wide-flowing black skirt

* White peasants shirt

* Black front-laced vest

* Black stockings

* Black shoes

* Brightly colored apron or a shorter overskirt

* Long black wig with tight ringlets or curls

* Colored 2 to 3 wide headband

* Gold hoop earrings and some long, colorful beaded necklaces, bangles for arms

Men/Boys Gypsy/Pirate Costume

* Black or brown breeches

* Black boots

* White pirate shirt

* Long-length black or brown vest preferably trimmed with a gold-colored braiding

* Red or another colorful long scarf for the sash at the waist

* Colorful bandana

* One gold hoop earring

Let your imagination run wild with the colors and styles you could mix and match. The trick is to dress in layers and use clothing that is loose and flowing. Add jewelry like bangles, long flowing necklaces, large earrings and ankle bracelets to enhance your outfit. Use colorful sashes accent the waist (and also to hold daggers). Women could drape several sheer scarves from their waist to hang down in points around a solid colored skirt. Include headbands, bandanas and even eye patches for that gypsy pirate look. Purples, blues, greens, bright yellows, reds and blacks are the most popular colors and will make your outfit stand out.

Learn a bit about fortune telling and divination and youll be all set to play the part of the gypsy fortune teller. (Visit http://www.halloweenhowl.com/halloween-party-fortune-teller-games.shtml for some divining games and activities that are easy to learn).

Author Resource Information:

(c) 2005. Rose Smith owns Halloween Howl - a website designed for Halloween fun for all ages! Are you planning to have a Gypsy Fortune Teller Party this year? Visit our website at: http://www.halloweenhowl.com/halloween-party-fortune-teller.shtml for some great ideas on decorations, recipes, games and more.

See ya later stationary bikes and row, row, rowing to no where!

Elliptical trainers have over taken stationary bikes in popularity with the gym-going population and have long since left rowing machines back at the dock. This is evidenced by gym operators reducing the number of stationary bikes and rowing machines in their facilities to make way for newer varieties of elliptical trainers.

During their day (1980s) stationary bikes and rowing machines along with steppers and climbing machines were about the only options in cardio equipment. You could get a good cardio workout if you stayed on these machines for at least 30 minutes. Though sitting on a stationary bike for that long can leave you with a sore butt. Studies have shown that prolonged use of stationary bikes can lead to impotence in some men. Sure doesn't sound like something I'd want to chance!

Stationary bikes still have their use - hop on one for about 5-10 minutes for a quick warm up for your quads and knees before launching into a heavy leg workout consisting of squats and leg presses. Given the choices in cardio equipment these days, whenever I see someone at a health club slogging away at the lone rowing machine I think -- "must be a new member."

David vs. Goliath

Treadmills have been around longer than elliptical trainers and remain hugely popular. Treadmills must have something going for them. The great thing about treadmills is they simulate the experience of both jogging and walking -- both great cardio exercises. With treadmills you can bring your jogging or walking indoors -- no need (or excuse) to miss a workout because it's raining, snowing, too hot, too cold, etc.

Treadmills have programs that allow you to add variety and challenge to your workouts. You can also increase the incline on many treadmills to further increase the intensity of your treadmill workout and also target other muscles in your lower body more directly. Treadmills have the additional advantage over jogging and running that the belt provides more cushioning to your joints than pounding away on asphalt or concrete. However, treadmills still are much more of an impact exercise than that offered by elliptical trainers.

There's just something more graceful and less stressful about exercising on a quality-made elliptical trainer than a treadmill. And let's face it, many people will agree that working out on an elliptical trainer is somehow less boring than pounding away on a treadmill. Maybe it's not a coincidence that another expression for the "rat race" is "going around on a treadmill!"

Rich Rojas

Elliptical Trainer Reviews and Fitness Ideas

http://www.ellipticalhome.com