+1 on the thin lycra tubes that multi-function as neck gaitor, balaclava, beanie, etc. depending on how you wear them.
I picked up a couple at a big box sporting goods store. Sorry, don't know the brand name. One matches my club jersey, the other matches my usual HiVis attire.
I wear one with a "transition" lycra skullcap/beanie that covers my ears.

Never considered Houndstooth... got this instead:http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=278156
Doesn't cover the ears though.

I'm tempted to get one of those skull caps for the colder weather for when the headband isn't enough cuz rite now and for years I've been using thin knit watch caps - the short ones you don't have to fold over. I've tried on many cycling skull caps at bike shops and I remember the fit and feel varying quite a bit. Some were too tight or too thick. I think buying on-site at an LBS is the better idea. I did the same with my pearl izumi cycling headband and am very happy with it. At the back it says micro s sensor. I think it is one of these.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...headband&ajr=0

+1 !

I found a pair of earmuffs at Marks Work Wearhouse that are meant to be worn with hard hats. They consist of a spring frame covered with black fleece fabric. Sometimes they slip a bit, but the springs in the framework mainly keep them on my ears with the band in back underneath my helmet. Check out a store that specializes in work clothing and safety boots, they'll probably have them.
e.t.a.: here's what they look like:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/pr...romSearch=true

Or a regular headband from walmart for $3 instead of paying $20 for one from a cycling brand that does the same thing.

Same here. I love that they fit over helmet straps well and fold up easily for stashing. If I know it's going to be a cold, long ride I might go with my fleece headband, but for moderate cold & short trips the 180s win. I've also tried Goretex-lined headbands, but really disliked how much sound they blocked.

Can't find it online, but I was at a Kmart today and picked up this weird 4 in 1 fabric thingy. Essentially, it's a neck gaitor/hoodie combo with two drawstrings and three cord locks. Maybe a bit too warm for the 50's, but should be fine down to the mid 30's or so. Time will tell.

Buff Headwear made of Merino Wool offers versality and comfort, does not get to hot. http://www.amazon.com/Buff-Wool-kaky...&keywords=buff

EVERYONE:

Thank you all for your help. I picked a few things and will try them. Thank you all!

Helmuffs! http://gigishandywork.com/ She still sells them through etsy and some other places. I have a pair and they're great.

A windproof helmet cover and an ear band for me.

Ditto on the bandanna worn "pirate style" under the helmet. Helps keep my head from getting the colder blast through the vents (if you saw how much hair I have you'd understand the need for that). For my ears I was using an REI fleece headband until last year when I got tired of the extra warmth it provided and the bulk the combination made under the helmet that was also annoying. Instead I tried my Swix earmuffs (They're part of my cross country ski kit). They were the PERFECT answer. I don't get overheated and my ears stay warm. This combination is for temps in the low 40s to mid 30s. When the temps dip into the low 30s, high 20s I'll switch to an REI fleece helmet liner/skull cap. I don't see it offered anymore but this would be an approximate replacement. The balaclava doesn't usually go on until temps get below 25 (my beard is probably the reason I can push it to that point). I'll combine the balaclava with the helmet liner when the temp gets below 20. On my ride I have a 1.5 mile downhill section on which I can get up to 40 mph. If I dress entirely for that I'll be way overdressed for the next nearly flat 5.5 miles so I'm generally a bit cold when I hit the bottom of the hill and spend the next couple of miles warming up. I'm usually sweating by the time I finish the morning ride.

I have a pair of the fleece ear warmers that slip over the helmet straps. They are triangular and have velcros across the top opening to keep them in place. I find they are great for cool but not cold weather riding. When it does get cold, I compliment them with a windstopper skull cap that completely covers my ears. I'm not sure who makes them, but I'm sure I've seen them recenlty in my LBS. They are kind of an obscure item, but they work.

If you are riding and suddenly discover the temps are a little cooler than you thought, you can warm your ears by stuffing in a little kleenex.