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!

31 Days of Spooky Movies - I Married A Witch (1942)

 Hey there princess!

Halloween is my favorite time of year, and this year I wanted to post every day of October - sharing a favorite spooky movie of mine. In full transparency, I don’t watch a ton of gory movies so you’ll see things in here that for sure lean more towards the suspense genre. I will include ratings (where relevant) so that you know if this is something you’d like to watch with your family. 

I wanted to start this month off with one of my absolute favorite Halloween movies - I Married a Witch (1942).

This movie was based on the 1941 novel The Passionate Witch by Thorne Smith and follows the story of a father-daughter witch duo who were burned during the Salem Witch Trials and have returned to exact their revenge. While this sounds quite dramatic, the film is a romantic comedy and is laughs and gorgeous costuming from start to finish. 

Veronica Lake is all kinds of fabulous in this movie and you can see nods of her performance all over the television show, Bewitched. If you’re looking for something fun, funny, and in the spirit of a vintage Halloween - I think this movie is a perfect choice. I never let the season pass without watching it at least once!

In addition to sharing a favorite spooky movie each day, I wanted to share something small that I enjoyed doing either this year, or in Halloweens past. Today, I wanted to share a little piece of a Halloween brunch set-up I did two years ago for my family. The Saturday before Halloween, I had everyone over for brunch and a movie and below you’ll see my little beverage station. 

The cups are from Natalie Chang on Etsy (here) but I believe they are currently out of stock? In the drink dispenser I made POG juice (equal parts passion fruit, orange, and guava juice).

I always have so much fun sharing my favorite moments with my family - especially with spooky snacks involved. 

I would love to hear about your favorite Halloween movies!

Spook on!