Happy Movemeber! Did you know in the month of November men raise awareness about mens issues in mental health, cancer, and parenting through growing out their facial hair? October was filled with so many fun memories and activities, I always find it to be the busiest month of the year. So as we get into the chillier months, I want to take a look back on all the spooky and haunting activities that happened.

Candlelight Concert

This is a new tradition I have every year! I’m sure you’ve come across the ads all over whatever your preferred social media app is. And I took it up on the offer. I recommend everyone try this at least one, whether you do it for Halloween or one of the other special concerts they have, it is an absolutely beautiful and breathtaking experience. Last year I went to the Bok Bar in south Philly for an eye-catching rooftop performance with the perfect Philly skyline in the background. However, if it were to rain, it would have been in the Bok gym. So I didn’t want to push my luck, so instead I went to the showing at Independence Seaport Museum at Penn’s Landing. Still just as breathtaking. The musicians were so incredibly talented and clearly very passionate about what they do. During some of the songs they welcome audience members to partake in some of the magic to really get into the spirit.

1874 Mixer

At Morris Animal Refuge, there is an advisory board called The 1874 Society and every year they have an annual mixer to introduce friends and family to the society’s mission. I had just joined the board so this was my first year to experience everything. I also took the opportunity to be part of the mixer planning committee where I got to pitch in decoration ideas, food and drink options, and raffle items! For the raffle items I actually handmade two dog crocheted bandanas and three toilet paper crocheted cat toys. Then I also got the chance to take my charcuterie board skills public! It was a little tough to socialize, considering I’m not much of a big talker, but it was still such a heartwarming experience to be surrounded by the community who want the best for the animals of Philly.

Halloween Party

I threw my annual Halloween party to gather friends and family for good food and drinks before a chaotic night out. This year was slammed pack with all the incredible people in my life! Siblings, college friends, and my volleyball team. I can not have been more honored to be surrounded by such spooky and loving souls. For the menu, fall inspired charcuterie board and, with what would become the party favorite, elote dip. I then followed it up with walking tacos, ground beef filling with onions and peppers as well as a vegan options of brown rice, corn, and black beans. The selection of toppings would include salsa (homemade all the way from the Poconos), sharp cheddar, sour cream (with a sriracha option), lettuce, and lime. Then to pair everything together I included a cocktail, Bloody Sangria, and a mocktail, Purple People Eater. And as per tradition for each of my parties, a bingo game! My prizes include a commission of the winners choosing, a date night with yours truly, and a bag of candy!

Afterwards we took to the chaotic and haunting streets of Philly. Gayborhood and Chestnut street were the MAIN hotspots of Halloweekend so we decided to head a little south towards Bob’s and Barbara’s then wrap up the night at Founding Fathers.

Movies I’ve Watched

So the past few years I used to randomly pick a Halloween movie from my littler decorative jar, but this year I did it more naturally! I found myself able to actually watch more movies based on the vibe I was having, so if I was in the mood for a fun uplifting movie I didn’t force myself to watch the original Halloween. So to make it simple I’ll just list out some of my classics that I watch every year to hopefully give you inspiration for your next spooky night!

• Alien
• The Thing
• Scary Godmother
• Spooky Buddies
• Killer Klowns from Outer Space
• Mad Monster Party
• Scream
• Evil Dead
• Halloween II
• Bride of Chucky
• Ghostbusters
• Tales from the Crypt (1972, my dad always recommends this one to me!)

Shows I’ve Watched

I was too busy watching Halloween movies, so I literally didn’t watch any shows this month!

Books I’ve Watched

This month I read two books, “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” which is the sequel to “The House of the Cerulean Sea” and then a poetry book, “The Black Maria.” “Somewhere Beyond the sea,” continues to follow of the story of the magical children of Linus and Arthur. But their reigning government is curious about Arthurs purpose and questions his legitimacy to his traumatic story of growing up as a magical child in a government run orphanage. There is also another child, a yeti, who joins in on the chaos of the children at Marsyas Island.

“The Black Maria” was a poetry book I started back in college and is one of those books where you can pick up and put down whenever you want. It heavily ties in the imagery of the sea and the complexities of African history. It’s a really beautiful book that leaves you quite inquisitive after reading just one of her poems. It’s also not one of those poetry books where you have no idea what is being hinted at or not able to understand the connection between the words and imagery.

Thank you for reading! Have a wonderful day!