31 Days of Spooky Movies - Tower of Terror (1997)

 Hey there princess!

You’re about to enter - The Twilight Zone! This is one of my absolute favorite Halloween movies, and was a year-round staple in my house growing up. This movie is one in the series of films that came out inspired by the Disney World/ Disneyland attractions. 

This movie has it all: intrigue, an abandoned and mysterious old Hollywood landmark, Kirsten Dunst, and inspiration drawn from one of my favorite shows: The Twilight Zone. I will say, to the best of my memory this was first a made-for-TV movie and then somehow my family acquired a copy on DVD and then watched it into oblivion. 

For those who have not seen it, this movie follows Kirsten Dunst’s character and her ambitious fallen-from-grace uncle as he attempts to write a news story about their local abandoned hotel where five people mysteriously disappeared in 1939. 

Favorite quote: Magic can only be countered by its’ contrary.

Favorite fact: Poulet means chicken in French.

On a personal note: look at my cutie pumpkin! I always want to carve a pumpkin as soon as they start showing up in stores. The bummer about that is that by the time October 31st rolls around it’s always completely rotten. I will enjoy it while I have it!

Spook on!

31 Days of Spooky Movies: A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) PG

 Hey there princess!

I remember when A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) came out at the theater, it was so highly anticipated. My siblings and I poured over all of the books and I remember my mom commenting on what a bummer they were. While they aren’t something that I typically revisit - this is such a silly watch for spooky season.

For those not in the know, this movie follows the tragic tale of three orphans who are bundled here and there to various quirky family members all while escaping the snare of the evil Count Olaf (Carrey). The film follows the story of the first three books in the Series of Unfortunate Events, and I was completely devastated that they didn’t make this into a series. The costumes, sets, and cast are all incredible!

Remember when Jim Carrey was in everything? He was great in this role, and I absolutely love the Meryl Streep cameo! And Jude Law?! Yes, please!

This is such an under-discussed movie, and it was so perfectly made! 

On a personal spooky note: where is the Count Chocula this year?!? It is my favorite cereal and I am having such a hard time locating a box. The photo below is from a perfect spooky breakfast that I had last year where I was able to refresh my memory with a little reread of The Bad Beginning - so sad and such a silly read.

Spook on!

31 Days of Spooky Movies - The Birds (1963) PG-13

 Hey there princess!

I know, I know - another Hitchcock movie. Well this isn’t the first and it won’t be the last this spooky season! Let me live! 

The Birds (1963) follows the story of a young woman out to hit on a handsome guy who lives at a mysterious lakeside cottage with his family. When birds become unusually aggressive, the locals have to make tough choices about who they can trust and how they can get out of the remote area alive. 

Also - Tippi Hedren looks so fabulous in this movie. I remember watching it when I was younger and running out to buy colorful eyeshadow so that I could start matching it to my outfits. She looks so fabulous! Why did people ever stop wearing driving gloves? Let’s bring it back.

I always get such a kick out of being in a parking lot at dusk and seeing lots of birds lingering around. I always think about this movie and wonder… what if?

On a personal spooky note - here are some photos of a snack set-up I did last year. I had my family over to watch a movie and set up the area that is usually my coffee bar as a station for sliced apples and pretzels. 

I absolutely love a candied apply, but slices are so much easier for quick bites (and even quicker kids). I did white chocolate, caramel, and milk chocolate dip in (click here for the amazon link to the warming dishes and click here for the cauldrons). 

Then for people who want a little added pizzaz I filled these mini ramekins with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, caramel bites, and crushed Heath bars (click here for the pumpkin ramekins). The little plates in the back are from Target (I got them in maybe 2021??). 

Sometimes it’s fun to do something a little extra for movie night, and everyone had such a blast with this little setup. 

Spook on!

31 Days of Spooky Movies - Beetlejuice (1988) PG

 Hey there princess!

The 1988 film Beetlejuice has become synonymous with Spooky Season, and I love the opportunity to rewatch it each year. The costumes, hair, acting, and premise are all incredibly over the top - which is a pro in my book!

In the film, a married couple perish in a car crash and are stuck haunting their old house. When new (rather annoying) residents move in, the couple do their best to scare them away but in the process attract the attention of another zany and dangerous spirit - Beetlejuice. 

The movie is full of stars from top to bottom and was directed by Tim Burton. I will say that while a lot of the movie is really fun, there are some darker elements, just so that you know in advance if you’re planning on watching with family.

The music for this film is also iconic, and if you’re one for creating Halloween playlists, there are several options here that would be great including the original score by Danny Elfman and Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O” and “Jump in the Line.”

My personal note for the day is that there are tons of ways to add a little spookiness to your family’s day! This morning, I made Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls and added some autumn sprinkles to the top for a little fun. It made my kids feel special, and it set our day off on a fun and fanciful tone. 

31 Days of Spooky Movies - Young Frankenstein (1974) PG

 Hey there princess!

This movie is such a classic and is absolutely hilarious. You don’t need to have seen the original Universal Frankenstein movie to understand the references here, and if you’ve been thinking about sitting down to watch this but just haven’t gotten around to it - watch it! This would be such a fun, relaxed movie to watch during a Halloween party and I think there are absolutely tons of things you could do on theme. I have always thought Mel Brooks was such an incredible director, and the actors in this movie are all such stars!

Gene Wilder is phenomenal in this zany role! He is so wonderfully expressive and fun and takes himself so perfectly seriously. Also - the hair is phenomenal.

Everything wraps up with a musical number, which is my favorite way to conclude any movie.

The cast in this is incredible, and the writing is so above anything that is out these days. For those not in the know, Mel Brooks (the director, who also turned 100 this year) is the genius who gave us Spaceballs, Blazing Saddles, The Producers and Robin Hood Men in Tights. The comedy is spot-on and the story sticks with you!

On a more personal note, please enjoy my invitation to my annual Halloween party from 2024. I just did some calligraphy on orange craft paper and then burned the edges. They were so fun to pass out, and I had a blast celebrating my favorite season with my family.

Spook on!

31 Days of Spooky Movies - Halloweentown (1998)

 Hey there princess!

What would October be without a viewing of Halloweentown (1998). This is such a classic from my childhood and while it is very goofy - that is kind of the whole point of Halloween anyway so we may as well have some fun with it. Plus, it has Debbie Reynolds! Debbie Reynolds! What an icon. 

The story follows three siblings who find out that their grandmother is a witch. They set out together to her magical hometown to save the residents from evil forces set on taking over the world. Time for a thirteen year old and her two younger siblings to step up to the task!

I remember them playing this on the Disney Channel all through October when I was growing up, and I always loved watching it. Plus, the two main characters from the second movie ( I think there are four in total) ended up married in real life, which is super cute!

For my real-life spooky update, please enjoy Skellerina! I spent four years working for Houston Ballet, and I (with lots of help) made Skellerina using craft supplies from Hobby Lobby so that I could have a spooky ballerina at my desk during October. Big shout out to my mom who made the tutu and bow for me using tulle since I couldn’t figure it out! 

Store-bought decorations are very cool, but there is something special about adding your own personal touch. Bling it up! Add a bow! 

Spook on!

31 Days of Spooky Movies - Rebecca (1940)

 Hey there princess!

It doesn’t even need to be spooky season for me to be completely obsessed with this movie. Rebecca (1940) is a year-round favorite of mine, inspired by the 1938 book of the same title by Daphne du Maurier.  This movie has everything: phenomenal sets, exquisite costumes, terrific actors, and Alfred Hitchcock as director. What more could you want?

The story follows a young woman as she embarks on the near-impossible task of becoming second-wife to her husband after his previous wife’s death (under mysterious circumstances) the year prior. She goes from being a paid companion to being immersed in a life of opulence and wealth, and struggles to find her footing along the way. 

This movie is such a classic and I highly recommend both it and the book it was inspired by. I am such a huge fan of Hitchcock’s work, and this has always been my favorite film of his (even if he stated not loving it too much).

To help keep things spooky at my house, here are some pumpkin chocolate chip muffins I made! They turned out delicious (I just used a box recipe from HEB) and put them in these cute cupcake liners with little bats that my mom gave me! They turned out so sweet and they were the perfect on-the-go breakfast for my family.

Spook on!

31 Days of Spooky Movies - The Haunted Mansion (2003) PG

 Hey there princess!

Today’s movie is a nostalgic one for me - The Haunted Mansion (2003). Now, is this the highest quality movie ever? No. Does it make me feel super nostalgic for one of my favorite Disney rides? Absolutely.

This movie was made during a time in Disney history where they were making all of the rides into feature films. Not all of them can be cinematic genius (Pirates of the Caribbean, 2003) and thankfully they weren’t all nightmare fuel (County Bears, 2002). I would rate The Haunted Mansion somewhere right there in the middle - full of ride references with some decent laughs in between.

Now, I know Disney did another Haunted Mansion movie in 2023 that was a little more horror-leaning but we aren’t going to talk about that here. We are going to pretend it didn’t happen. Hushhhh.

One of my favorite things about the 2003 Haunted Mansion movie is how incredible the sets were. This is such a beautifully done movie, and it looks (to my biased imagination) like if the house from Pollyanna became haunted by some silly spooks. 

I have dreams of this house. I dream about the library, the dining room, and the expansive grounds with private mausoleum access. What more could a girl want?

If you have any interest in the Haunted Mansion attraction, I would highly recommend this movie!

On a personal note - here are some cute photos of my family’s trip to Disneyland in 2023 where we actually got to ride on the Haunted Mansion! This was such a fun and special time, and I am so grateful that we were able to go. It was a bit daunting to wait in line in the August heat with my 1 year old, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

The line for this attraction has all kinds of cool stuff to look at, and while there wasn’t much shade, the line did move quickly. 

I love all of the details put into the architecture of the exterior of the building. Especially after visiting New Orleans a few years prior, I felt like I could appreciate all of the authentic touches.

Bonus! The ride shut down during our turn and the lights came on, so I quickly snapped a photo of my little boy with the iconic wallpaper in the background!

Spook on!

31 Days of Spooky Movies - Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) G

 Hey there princess!

Today, we are taking a look at my absolute favorite Universal Monsters Movie - Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). I was pretty young when I first watched this movie, and I remember being absolutely fascinated by the idea that deep in the jungle of South America lived a gill man who just wanted to be loved!

This movie has suspense, romance, and an abundance of costume changes - especially for a film that mostly takes place on a dingy boat. 

It’s been over 70 years since this movie was made and sure, the effects look a little hokey from time to time, but I think it’s incredible to watch when considering the tools that the filmmakers had at the time. I still hold my breath, I still feel something, and in my opinion the low-tech effects used are more impactful than some of the over-done CGI seen in some films today. The focus is on story and I love that!

What do you think? Do you think you’d fall in love with the Creature? 

For a little info on how I’m personally celebrating Halloween - here is my son’s bedroom book nook filled out with some spooky books to read before bed. These are just a few of my Halloween books, the rest are in my living room book basket (I could make a full list of my children’s Halloween books if you’re interested). Some of these books are newer, and some are from my childhood! 

I love passing down traditions, and books are a great way to do that. 

Spook on!

31 Days of Spooky Movies - Hocus Pocus (1993) PG

 Hey there princess!

Hocus Pocus was such a classic in my home growing up, and now that I’m a mom I love being able to share it with my own family. Hocus Pocus (1993) follows the young residents of Salem, MA as they accidentally awaken a coven of zany witches. 

This is a family-friendly movie with laughs for both kids and adults. 

For me, this movie is just classic Halloween. Strangely, it was released in the Summer of 1993, but it has stayed a fall classic in my home. Black cats, witches, cauldrons, zombies, and trick or treating - this movie has it all!

For a little something personal and fun - my local farmer’s market made Hocus Pocus macarons! These were so absolutely precious and they tasted amazing. I have always been a huge macaron lover - and it is so special to have something made so beautifully! 

Spook on!