#fnlrom

Sometimes sponsorships are awful. They are so in your face with product, promotional language and pushy spokespeople that it is just a turn off.  

The Ford sponsorship at FNL though is one of my favourites. While they make you sit in a car and listen to their spiel, the highlight it playing dress up and getting an awesome take-away photo for the night. It’s an awesome reward!  

The photo booth presented by Ford is one of my favourite parts and in honour of the latest season of FNL, here are my top nine Ford photos. 

Nine 

Jackie and I dancing up a storm through the sunroof.

Eight 

Alyse and I freezing cold in our knit and flannel jackets. 

Seven

Kristen, Shanel and I embracing our crouching tiger hidden dragons. 

Six

Nicole and I trying to love nature - trying. 

Five 

Lindsay and I have a fiesta in a Fiesta. 

Four

Melina and I getting tattooed. 

Three

Lindsay and I getting Pride ready. 

Two

Lindsay driving away from an erupting volcano, while I scream in terror.

One

Shanel and I as gladiators. 

The countdown is on! Halloween is just around the corner and one of my favourite parties is #FNLROM. This year’s event is happening October 27, 2017 and is titled “#FNLROM: Wicked.” Ps. While early bird tickets are gone there will be door tickets so make sure to line up!

Come in your Halloween best and dance the night away with ghosts, ghouls, doctors, dinosaurs and more! Just remember no masks or props as they pose a threat to the collections. 

In honour of FNL I have complied a list of easy DIY costumes inspired by the galleries at the ROM. From mummies to animals to ancient populations, here are 7 DIY costumes inspired by the #FNLROM.

1) Mummy (Galleries of Africa: Egypt)

Located on Level 3, the ancient history exhibit is a popular draw for families and #FNLROM goer’s alike. With over 25,000 artifacts – and only 2,000 on display - the biggest draw is the mummy and the woman applying make-up. So why not mimic the two this Halloween. 

Here are some tips for a DIY mummy costume. Just make sure you don’t have any loose bandages that may cause you to trip and fall.

Photo from @_mc_beauty2

Also, here are tips for a DIY Egyptian Queen costume.

 Photo from @aquameanie

2) Model (Patricia Harris Gallery of Textiles & Costumes + Christian Dior)

This is probably the easiest costume. Located on Level 4, this gallery explores fashion from prehistory fashion through to the present day as well as how textile production has been a fundamental part of human existence. This exhibit has approximately 200 objects, rotating from 50,000 artifacts. So by all means go to the ROM in your runway best or as a fashion icon.

Otherwise do a DIY project replicating the fashion of the famed Christian Dior who will have an exhibit at the ROM starting November 25. The exhibit is in honour of the House of Dior’s 70th anniversary and explores the designer’s dramatic creations.

Photo from SJBcruz

3) Ancient Roman (Eaton Gallery of Rome)

The toga is no stranger to #FNLROM – remember Toga Toga in celebration of Pompeii? Located on Level 3 this gallery looks at the legacy of Rome. With over 500 artifacts highlighting Roman life, this is the largest collection of Roman pieces in Canada.

Of course, the easiest costume to showcase roman life is the toga! You can learn how to make a DIY toga costume here, but make sure there are no loose ends to fall on and that you’re wearing something underneath – you know how cold a Canadian Halloween can get.

4) Animal (Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity)

Animal costumes are truly the easiest to make and the “Life in Crisis” gallery on Level 2 has a ton of inspiration. The gallery is interactive with thousands of spectacular specimens and explores our world's biodiversity.

I went as Peruvian icon Paddington Bear two years ago! While I don’t have a DIY video it was super simple to make. I picked up a raincoat from Value Village and put toggles on it, sewed a hat, made a little suitcase and duck taped rain boots with red tape.

If you don’t want to go as this bear from Darkest Peru, then here are some other great ideas!

Photo from @uoftelp

5) Viking (Vikings: The Exhibition)

The Vikings are coming November 4, 2017 to the ROM and the best way to show your excitement for the exhibit is to dress up as a bloodthirsty plunderer, pillaging warrior and seafaring trader. 

When the exhibition opens, you’ll be able to explore the myths and stereotypes of this ancient culture. Learn about the lifestyle, religion, and daily lives of these legendary explorers, artisans, and craftspeople. #VikingsTO

Learn how to make this costume here.

Photo from @emhjacobsen

6) Dinosaur (James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs)

You’ll be looking DINOmite with this costume. Located on Level 2 the gallery represents the Jurassic (200 to 145 million years old) and Cretaceous (145 to 65 millions years old) periods with a T Rex, Barosaurus, Parasaurolophus and more.

You could be lazy and buy one of those inflatable dinosaur’s suits, but they are so overdone! I suggest either wearing a tail or doing a full out dinosaur costume. Here is an easy way to make the costume with a hoodie.

Photo from @GoKellyKo 

7) Bat (The Bat Cave)

One of my favourite memories as a kid at the ROM is this Level 2 exhibit that portrays the St. Clair Cave in Jamaica. The Bat Cave features more than 20 specimens and over 800 models. With bat sounds and fake lightning storms this is still one of my favourite spots.

I encourage all bat types for this costume from a traditional bat to a vampire to Batman. Just remember for Batman to use face paint as masks are a no no.