Halloween is Over for Another Year

I always feel melancholy after Halloween.  Every year, I can't get over the feeling that I didn't make the most of the Halloween season.  I didn't do enough Halloween crafts.  I didn't go to as many haunted attractions/festivals.  I didn't watch as many scary movies.  It seems like I spend two whole months leading up to the big day, and then it comes and bam; its all over.  Anyway, I hope YOU had a wonderful Halloween season!  I'll be turning to this blog at lot more in the coming year, so hopefully that will keep me going until next Halloween! 

Money Can't Buy Happiness...Can It?

I've already spent so much money this season...and I'd probably spend a whole lot more if store shelves weren't already picked over, consolidated, or downright bare!  Has anyone else noticed this?  Stores put out their Halloween decorations pretty early this year (which I'm not complaining about!) but it was...anticlimactic.  It seems as if by mid to late September, the trucks just stopped and Halloween merchandise was never replenished. 

Halloween Comes to the WV School for the Deaf

Today's Throwback Thursday photograph was found at the West Virginia State Archives website as part of its Picture of the Week feature!  According to the description given, this festively dressed group is celebrating a Halloween party at the West Virginia School for the Deaf, some time during the 1960's.

The WV Schools for the Deaf and Blind are still in existence today and are located on a historic campus in Romney, Hampshire County. Dating back to 1870, the first class consisted of 25 deaf and 5 blind students.  And, I'm pleased to report that 50+ years later, the schools are still embracing the fun and whimsy of Halloween!  The photo below is of Ms. Emerick-Engle's 2016-2017 5th grade class at the WV School for the Blind!

Looking for MORE historic West Virginia Halloween photographs?  Check out my post, HALLOWEEN IN WEST VIRGINIA! 

Football Season? Nah!

Football season unfortunately officially started in my house last weekend when my boyfriend's Fantasy Football League had its draft day.  Luckily, Halloween season is year round here, and spooky, autumnal activities trump sports every time! 

Vintage Kool-Aid Halloween Advertisement

Oh yeah!  I miss the flavor of 'homemade' Kool-Aid.  It seemed like no matter how much sugar I put into my mix, it still never had that too-sweet taste that today's Kool-Aid coolers/juice boxes have.  And, back when my hair was much lighter, a package of Kool-Aid made a quick, cheap dye!  The date I found for this advertisement was 1964 and multiple uploads of it can be found on Pinterest and other spots around the web. 

Kermit the Frog, Vampire

Although it was filmed October 19-21, 1976, Episode 119 of the Muppet Show didn't actually air until January 31, 1977.  However, with Vincent Price as their guest star, the show definitely took the opportunity to spook things up with thematic sketches throughout the show featuring monsters, ghosts, and of course...vampires!

According to the Muppet Wikipedia page for this Season One episode, not only was it the first episode to feature a common theme throughout the sketches, but it was also the first episode of the season to be released on DVD. Although the whole episode is awesome, there's no denying that the master of horror himself, Vincent Price, really made this an episode to remember.  Check out the clip below of the Talk Spot segment in which Kermit interviews Price, and then shows off his own skills!

* Want MORE Vincent Price goodies from Theresa's Halloween Wonderland?  Check out this photo of Vincent with a Black Cat! *

When's Halloween?

I may be at the beach this week, but my mind is still on Halloween! Luke starts back to school on the 17th, so summer is on its way out, finally....and I'm not the least bit sad!  On another note, does anyone know where I can pick up a bathing suit like Wednesday's? 

Killer Clown Movie Marathon

As I said in a previous post, I am not-so-patiently waiting for the Halloween season to officially begin.  To tide myself over, I've been watching a LOT of horror movies, which led to a mini marathon dedicated to KILLER CLOWNS!  If you suffer from coulrophobia, you might want to stay away from these three picks.  None of these movies are really what I would call GOOD, but I enjoyed watching them.  If you're not afraid of spoilers, check below to see a brief summary and where you can find these little gems.

SPOILER ALERT!!

1. Clown (2014)---When the clown hired for Kent's son's birthday party cancels, the family momentarily panics.  Luckily, Kent, a real estate agent, is at one of his recently foreclosed properties when his wife calls with the news.  He just happens to find a clown costume in an old trunk, puts it on, and saves the party.  But, when the costume refuses to come off, Kent and his wife get stuck in a race to save his life...and his humanity.  Because, as you'll find out, the suit isn't a costume at all!  As of right now, Clown is available on Netflix streaming, so definitely check it out if you're a subscriber.  While the movie wasn't spectacular...it was interesting.  The story behind the movie is pretty cool---a couple of guys made a fake movie trailer, slapped Eli Roth's name on it as a joke, and put it up on YouTube.  Eventually, Eli Roth saw the trailer, liked it, and reached out to the guys to actually get the movie made!  It is a little gory, and if you're flat-out adverse to children being killed in horror flicks, you might want to stay away from this one.  However, its worth the watch if you just want something a little non-traditional to watch.  I'm NOT a fan of gore, but I do love when movies create a mythology and/or back story to explain the monster, and Clown does this very well.

2. Stitches (2012)---Since I watched Clown, Netflix suggested that I give Stitches a shot...and I'm glad I took the suggestion.  This is another film that is nowhere near an award-winning cinema experience, but it was a fun ride.  When the world's crassest clown performs at a birthday party for the world's brattiest, most foul-mouthed kids in the world, things end poorly.  The clown ends up dead, and the kids traumatized.  Flash-forward to six years later.  The kids, now teens, decide to throw a party for the previous birthday boy, which brings back the spirit of the clown.  Stitches, now risen from the grave, goes on a killing spree to take out each kid who was at the original party.  This is another movie where there's an interesting smattering of mythology involved to explain (and defeat) the monster. Again, not the world's greatest film, but it was pretty darn funny in places.  It was definitely...creative.

3. Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)---I wrapped up my mini marathon with a classic. When I was about 8 or 9, this movie came on HBO, I believe.  I thought it was the greatest thing I had ever seen at the time. I think a big part of it was that I felt like I was sneaking around, watching a 'grown up' film and not even being scared.  Re-watching it as an adult, however, well, lol.  It's still a really fun, cheesy movie to watch, with one of the greatest title songs in film history.  It all starts when a mysterious 'asteroid' crashes to earth.  When a young couple (and previously, an old man and his dog) go looking for it, they don't find an asteroid.  Instead, they find a circus tent filled with killer klowns from outer space, of course.  The clowns invade the town, turning the citizens into cotton candy pods and generally pissing off a grumpy veteran cop. Hilarity ensues, until the heroes save the girl, stab the head clown in the nose, and blow up the circus tent spaceship.  I found this one on Hulu, and recommend it if you need a good, 80s cheese-fest.

Halloween Safety 1977/1985

If changing your costume from black to white, and adding obnoxious amounts of red, reflective tape doesn't keep you safe from getting hit by a car on Halloween night, make sure you put your name and address on your treat bag so they can identify your body. Photo Source

Growing up, I was expressly forbidden to wear a mask at Halloween.  Not only did my mom swear that my vision would be impaired, she was also convinced that I wouldn't be able to breathe.  When my nephew was old enough to start picking out his own Halloween costumes, she reluctantly let him have masks....but not before she totally ruined them by enlarging the eye and nose holes to the point where there was no point in even wearing a mask.

So, when I found this Halloween safety film from 1977, I had to laugh.  I'm pretty sure that my mom was required to watch this as a young mother.  I can totally empathize with the little girl whose costume is completely changed to make it safer. 

This delightful little film was released by Centron Educational Films and is dated 1977.  It was lovingly brought to the internet thanks to a blogger named Jason Willis. Willis, then seven years old, makes a brief appearance in the film!  According to his blog, Willis was cast from his 2nd grade costume parade at school, thanks to his awesome Creature From the Black Lagoon costume. He can be seen at around the 5:26 mark in the film.  He's the kid putting in the wax teeth.

If the video won't play on the screen, here's the YouTube Link.

But...there's more!

I just recently found out that with the help of Coronet Films, they made a second edition!  The 1985 follow-up features an animated talking pumpkin walking you through various safety tips, including costuming, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating and more. I thought it was funny that the 1977 film came out two years after my sister was born, while the 1985 version came out when I was two years old!  After watching both, I'm now thoroughly convinced my mom got her own Halloween safety tips from these videos! In fact, I could swear that I've heard her quote them, verbatim.

This version is a little more...funky...opening with deadly Halloween masks flying around a black screen while upbeat music plays.  The cast is also a little more diverse, and at the end, the pumpkin is joined by a cute, spooky lil' cartoon ghost. However, its still a major buzz kill, and I can only guess how many kids' Halloween memories were tainted by overzealous, safety-obsessed parents who were forced to watch this film. I-Mockery does a hilarious write-up on the original film, so definitely go check it out after watching.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

YouTube Direct Link

Halloween in My Heart

WHY is it not Autumn yet?!?  It is SO hot here in the tri-state, and I am absolutely over summer.  I am ready for Halloween.  It's frustrating....the stores in my area are slowly starting to put out SOME Halloween merchandise, but not enough to really be worth my time and/or cash.  So, to get my spooky fix, I've been binge watching horror films and starting a few little Halloween crafty things.

What about you?  Are you ready for Halloween?

Mrs. and Mr. Pumpkin Head

It's Mrs. and Mr. Pumpkin Head...and what a dashing pair they make!

I absolutely love this spooky Jack-o-Lantern couple!  I found this image on Halloween Lovers Facebook page, but I'm not sure who the original artist is...it looks like its signed lr or b  with a date of 2010.  Please let me know if you recognize these images, so I can credit and link the artist.  

Ouija Peeps

Happy Easter from Theresa's Halloween Wonderland! Keep it spooky all year---but be careful what you conjure up today!

Happy Saturday!

Have a wonderful Saturday, Halloween fans!

The Best Halloween Ice Cream Cones on the Web

Now THAT is some black ice cream! I love the festive orange cones, the orange Kit-Kats, the Peeps ghosts, and all the other Halloween candy garnishes. I'm not a huge fan of ice cream, but I think I can overlook that fact for the sake of these beauties!

Unfortunately, I couldn't find an original source for this photo, but it was posted on the Facebook page, Everything Halloween. Another fan of that page noted that this ice cream can be made at home by using activated coconut charcoal. Please note, however: If you are on any type of medication, including hormonal birth control, the activated charcoal will absorb it and render it ineffective!  Let me know if you try it, though...but only if its safe for you to do so!

Wear It Wednesday: Halloween Heels

Wow! Check out these Halloween heels from the Etsy store, Zombie Peepshow! I would imagine they'd be a little impractical for day-to-day wear...but then again, I can't walk in high heels at all! But, if you think these may be a little over the top, but still love the look, Zombie Peepshow has quite a selection of artistic footwear. Much of the selection is wildly decorated, but there are a few pieces that are toned down a bit. So let me know...would YOU wear these heels, or can you find a pair on the website that better suits your spooky/Halloween needs? 

Vampires vs. Science

I've had a bad week so a little chuckle is definitely needed! I've never thought of this before, but it makes a lot of sense!

The Witch's Broom Nebula

Today's Witchy Wednesday is a beautiful example of the wonders of space! I've always had a minor interest in astronomy, and have decided to make this the year I delve deeper into that field.

This stunning image was captured by Martin Pugh Astrophotography. This Veil Nebula, properly named NGC 6960, is the resulting debris cloud from a supernova. It is about 1400 light years away from earth. Check out the NASA site for further explanation of The Witch's Broom Nebula! And, if you love space as much as I do, be sure to check out my blog post for the Halloween Asteroid.

The Halloween Tree (2017)

Another stunning Halloween image! It is entitled Halloween Tree (2017) and is by artist Annya Marttinen. Make sure to check out her website for similar whimsical creations!

The Tea Party

Isn't this image absolutely stunning? From far away, it appears as a creepy, grinning skull. But, look at it closer, and you have two girls having a nude/semi-nude tea party, lol! I am a sucker for these illusions that show a juxtaposition of beauty and death in the form of a skull. If you also enjoy these types of images, please check out this C.A. Gilbert piece entitled All is Vanity. 

I wish I could give the artist who created the image below credit, but I cannot find that information anywhere online. If you know who to credit, please let me know. 

Vintage Devil Chocolate Mold

 While looking for something totally off-topic, I stumbled across these photos, curated from eBay by the Antique Chocolate Mold website. They are from an eBay listing that went up last August featuring what the seller is calling a rare example of a Bermann vintage  Halloween chocolate mold in the shape of a Devil or werewolf.

I'm not seeing werewolf...but these spooky little guys are definitely demonic looking! I would use these for Halloween, of course...but then I would also use them in December and call them little Krampuses! I think they'd easily be able to pass. Hell, I'd use them year round. They're just the right amount of creepy and historically cool. Who wouldn't want to unwrap and eat one of them?

From what I can gather, this vintage chocolate mold sold for around $150, and if its as rare as claimed, that seems like a steal, lol. I couldn't find any additional information on this mold, or even the Bermann Company (spelled the way listed on the actual item). If you know any more about this subject, I would love to hear it! Let me know over at Theresa's Haunted History Facebook page!

Slutty Witch

Be careful what you say to a witch! Happy Witchy Wednesday, everyone!

Ghosts in the Graveyard

Not a long blog today---just wanted to share this wonderful vintage ghost illustration I found over on the Good Good blog! Make sure you check out the link for several more awesome images the author has shared. They're all awesome, but I think this is my favorite of the bunch. There is a lot going on in what appears on the surface to be a pretty straight-forward image. Why are two ghosts sad, one ghost indifferent, and the rest cheerful? What's the deal with the skeleton crawling out of his grave? And is that snow falling from the sky...or just a starry backdrop? I guess there's no reason to overthink it---just enjoy the Ghosts in the Graveyard!

Mac-O-Lanterns and Cheese

Since its been so long since the last Foodie Friday, I tried to find something really unique to get things started back up. I think I found what I was looking for...

This visually interesting dish is an orange bell pepper, carved into a Jack-o-Lantern and used as a bowl to serve macaroni. The recipe comes from The Food Network Kitchen, and although it seems pretty easy to make, I personally would probably just dump some boxed Kraft macaroni and cheese into a raw pepper and call it a day. But, don't be like me---if you're interested in serving this up as a unique Halloween side dish, follow the recipe over at Food Network. There's even a video and complete ingredient list.

I think this would make an adorable part of any family dinner, but since the macaroni spilling out the top DOES kinda look like brains, I'm sure it can be spookified up for a more mature audience!

Photo by Teri Lyn Fisher

Halloween Asteroid

Right now, there's a giant skull-shaped asteroid flying through Space.

That's a pretty horrifying thought, but its true! The asteroid's official name is 2015 TB145, but picked up the name 'The Halloween Asteroid' back in 2015 when it flew by the Earth on October 31st. The fact that it looks eerily like a human skull from certain angles also probably played a major role in choosing its nickname!

The spooky skull, which scientists believe is a dead comet, flies around our planet about every 3 years, and during its last pass, came within a scary-close distance from us---only about 300,000 miles! 2018 will see a return of the Halloween Asteroid, but unfortunately, it'll be a little late. It is projected to pass by Earth sometime in mid-November.  According to the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia, we'll have to wait until 2088 for another Halloween-day passing. 

Source: Time article by Lisa Marie Segarra

New Year's Resolution: Read More Scary Books

I'm going to take inspiration from the Master of Horror Himself, Stephen King, and read more scary books in 2018! I absolutely LOVE to read and I do read a lot already. My favorites are paranormal non-fiction and embarrassingly...cozy mysteries. I enjoy horror, though, but don't read nearly enough of it. In fact, I hardly read ANY horror fiction. West Virginia has some wonderful authors of this genre, so I hopefully will fill my 2018 TBR with lots of excellent works by native Appalachians.  

What sorts of New Year's Resolutions do YOU have for 2018?

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from Theresa's Halloween Wonderland! It's definitely my intention to further develop this blog in 2018! I'd like to take it from a simple repository of things for me to browse through when I'm feeling down to a blog that I'd be proud to share with everyone. Halloween is just one of those things that make me happy, no matter what time of year it is!