Now that October is in full swing it is Halloween central in my world. It's one of my favorite holidays, and I love taking part in all the fun things the month has to offer (however, I wish there were a few more weekends in October, a girl can only do so many things at once, right?) On the list of things to do: visit a few haunted houses, watch a few scary movies, send out a few Halloween cards, and eat a few caramel apple flavored things....with hot coffee.
#pumpkinspiceyolife y'all.
In the interest of sharing holiday cheer I wanted to share a few of my essentials-things I want use/do/enjoy almost every year around this time. It's a well rounded list-including everything from good movies, activities for locals and some fun crafty things! (note: some of these links are affiliate, but I only recommend things I know and love)
{MOVIES and BOOKS}
- I read Doctor Sleep last year and really enjoyed it. I thought about reading The Shining this month. But, I've already seen the movie, so will I still enjoy the book? Still considering that.
- My friends and I get together to watch a couple of movies every year-usually one older one and one newer one. This year we are watching The Omen and Scream. I would also highly recommend The Saw series (my gateway drug into horror movies) and I always watch The Great Pumpkin....because I'm basically a big kid ; )
- I've written before about my podcast listening habits, and one of my favorite podcasters is doing a series on Halloween books. She is EXCELLENT, and this is a paid series, but totally worth it for a month of spooky entertainment.
{FOR THE LOCALS}
Are you from in/around Louisville? Here's a few things that I think are a good time.
- Bernheim Forest. Y'all......Kentucky in the fall is the most beautiful thing. And Louisville has many beautiful parks-but Bernheim does fall right. Their Colorfest is a great time for families, but you could just wander around and take a million pictures of the color explosion.
- Hillcrest Avenue. Hillcrest Avenue gives me house decorating goals. It also gives me a chance to throw a party! I live just a couple blocks away, so it gather up a few of my peeps, fill them with booze and goodies, then we wander around the two block long stretch of houses that decorate like crazy every October. (they don't have an official website, but the link above takes you to their FB page!)
-Halloween Haunt at Kings Island. haunted attractions+a roller coaster + pizza= pretty much a perfect day, IMHO.
p.s. Have you seen Dracula at Actors Theatre? You should. And Fright Night Campouts is on my list for next year.
{CRAFTY ESSENTIALS}
Of course, I love make and give cards. I am selling many Halloween cards in my shop. But, I also enjoy decorating and by that I mean, cover my condo in skulls, spider webs and anything glow in the dark. I have searched far and wide for good quality craft supplies that add glow in the dark sparkle to my DIY decorations.
- Martha Stewart is the queen of Halloween, forever. I LOVE her magazine special issue, and I go back again and again for her GLOW PAINT and GLITTER.
- Judekins Embossing Powder. I bought this on a whim on Amazon, but I was uber impressed. For my friends who don't make handmade cards embossing powder is heat set and used over stamping to add gloss or shine. THIS POWDER IS AMAZING!! (sorry, I didn't mean to shout) It heat set like a dream, and once you charge it with light it makes your card GLOW! Here's a peek at one of the cards I made using it with a BOO! stamp. I'm working on another blog post to show you how you can use it-stay tuned!
- No glow factor here, but I bought a bunch of this paper to make cards and scrapbook my October adventures. So pretty in person!
{TELEVISION}
Two new shows I plan to watch to add to my schedule are:
- AHS: Hotel. Last season was a little lackluster, but I have LOVED the other seasons...and Lady Gaga is in the cast....YASSS.
- Scream Queens. Looks hilarious, campy, a little creepy. I'm in. Are you watching?
{COOKING}
I tend to cook more once the weather cools off. Obviously, things like soup or anything 'slow cooked' in its' title peaks my interest.
- I love all kinds of chili, and my favorite to make at home is this vegetarian version. It's super easy and makes my kitchen smells so good you want to put cheese on it. Actually, this midwest girl eats her chili with spaghetti, cheese and oyster crackers (and sometimes hot sauce). The recipe I make is with Skyline chili seasoning and tofu crumbles but you could totally sub out you favorite chili seasonings and turkey or beef. It's a pretty basic recipe that you can fix up however you like. [click and save the photo below to save my recipe]
- I am really intrigued by this Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili recipe. Adding it to my list.
- on the sweet side: I prefer hazelnut to pumpkin spice and I plan to make these cereal bars at least once.
Now I want to know- what am I missing? What to I need to add to my October essentials list?
Leave a comment below!
Michelle
p.s. This month in my shop I have handmade cards created by my uber talented friend Alicia
p.p.s Want to see more recipes, Halloween ideas and more than enough crafty projects? Follow me on Pintrest