As you can probably guess from my recent little blog makeover, I am a big fan of Halloween. Call me cliché, but I love everything about it; the pumpkins, dark nights, scary ghost stories, tasty treats and costumes. In my opinion, as it only happens one a year, I've got to milk it for everything it's worth. I like to think that Halloween is the whole month of October, not just the day of the 31st!
Hey, maybe I'm being over the top, and I know that not everyone will feel the same way as I do about Halloween. In any case I wanted to write a post to illustrate just how I am celebrating Halloween 2016 - what I am up to, some fun things I have planned and how I am really making the most of my favourite holiday. If you are not such a fan of this time of year, maybe it will give you a few ideas about how to make it a little more fun. And if you already think the same way I do, well then hopefully you will enjoy reading this anyway!
Sacry Movies
Logan (my boyfriend) and I are definitely 'movie' people, and Halloween is as good an excuse as any to have some scary movie nights! We have decided to pick two movies each and watch one on every weekend throughout October. Well, we started off that way, but the more we researched top horrors and thrillers, the bigger the choice became, so we have started watching them through the week too - the only condition being that neither of us have seen it. So far we have seen 'The Purge', 'The Human Centipede' and 'Saw 1'. Even if you aren't a huge horror movie junkie, there is something lovely about getting all cosy under some blankets with a hot drink when it's dark outside.
House Decorations
I promise I haven't gone over the top with this, but I have 'Halloween-ised' our apartment somewhat. I bought a pretty leaf garland, lots of Halloween candles and candle holders, a Halloweeny table cloth, a lantern, some skull-shaped fairy lights, Halloween napkins and some cobweb decoration stuff. Ok, maybe I did over-do it. But it's fun, festive and get's you in the spirit, so I recommend decking out your house!
Drinks
Logan and I recently brewed some pumpkin beer together, inspired by our trip to the States last year, where pumpkin beer is very popular at this time of year. It tastes amazing - still strong beer but with a little pumpkin vegetable flavour (not sweet). If you can get your hands on a pumpkin beer I would really recommend it! I am also really into making cocktails at the moment, and can't wait to try out making some Halloween themed ones, including 'The Bloodbath', 'The Laughing Zombie' and 'Poison Apple Punch' - I might write a blog post specifically on this. If you are looking for a nice warm drink, I would definitely recommend trying out my Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe (read the post here)! The shops are also full of pumpkin tea at the moment, which is really lovely on a rainy afternoon.
Bites
As the days get colder, I feel that comfort food and warm baked goods are becoming more and more of a necessity. The other day I was in a cafe that was serving an incredible pumpkin cheesecake, so I definitely want to try making that! I have also been loving scrolling through Pinterest's Halloween cupcakes selections and have picked a few to try - if you like to bake, Pinterest is a great place to get ideas. Another thing I love to eat at this time of year is cinnamon toast - just make a little mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar and sprinke it on some buttery toast... YUM!
Costumes
In my opinion, you are never too old to dress up - it's so fun to do with some friends, put on some ridiculous clothes and make up and have a laugh. But what to be for Halloween is always a difficult question that requires some thought. This year I really didn't want to have the usual last minute scramble on the day to get something together, so I have been jotting down lots of ideas; perhaps a character from a movie or comic book, Doctor Frankenstein, some kind of costume with a pun or joke. I think I have got mine sorted - just have to DIY it, and maybe I'll devote another post to this.
Parties
Halloween parties are the best kind of parties! Getting dressed up and seeing all of your friend's costumes, playing games and having laughs over drinks - this has to be the best way to celebrate Halloween. This year, find a party to go to or throw one yourself - like us!
Labels: Life, Thoughts
