A wonder-Fall 2022! The perfect spooky season.

Falling for Fall

First off, allow me to wish you all a spook-tastic autumn and Halloween season! Although Christmas is my Favorite holiday, Fall is my favorite of all the seasons! So it stands to reason I couldn't pass it by, without dedicating a blog post to it. I have taken the liberty of searching and scouring all of the nooks and dark corners of the internet so you don't have to, for the best fall/Halloween year yet!

Tricks and Treats

Here, I will list everything from the most anticipated movies this year, to mouthwatering food and drinks to spice up any dinner table, thriller/horror books to read while curled up on the couch, and many other things from creepy good music, fall scents for the home, and more!! Because whether you prefer a relaxed night in, or an all out fun fest, I got ya covered. Are you ready to get your haunt on? Than lets get on with it, shall we?

Top Movies and shows you won't want to miss

1 The first movie we have on our list is, Guillermo Del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities. This series will be on Netflix Oct 25th and will release eight short story episodes of a four day course. Each one is directed by different directors, Guillermo himself, H.P. Lovecraft, Emily Carroll, Michael Shea, and Henry Kuttner. Each haunting tale is different than the last. I especially can't wait to see all of the fresh, and skin chilling ideas come to light in the dark, from the world Guillermo created. I can already tell it's a true horror fans dream. Guillermo go's on to say, "The world is beautiful and horrible at exactly the same time." I suppose that is precisely what you want in well written horror. As being a writer myself, I can already appreciate his way of thought and vision.

2 This next one, I'm sure you have heard of (and waited many years for.)

Yes, you heard right. On September 30th, Disney+ releases Hocus Pocus 2!

The Sanderson sisters are back witches! And flying into Salem to have their long awaited revenge. Just a little friendly advice for the near future, don't light any black flame candles. Or do... I mean that's completely up to you. The movie gives a new and bold feel to a beloved Halloween classic. I personally can't wait to see the amazing, bewitching, Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, Sarah Jessica Parker, return to these charters!

As well as the best undead man we all know and love, Billy Butcherson, played by Doug Jones! (And we all welcome the new cast additions with open arms as well!) Three young women, Becca, played by Whitney Peak, Cassia, by Lilia Buckingham, and Izzy, by Belissa Escobedo, bring back the Sanderson sisters by complete accident, and now they will have to figure out how to send them back from which they came.

3 Want a more hair raising, shrink into your seat, sort of watch? Then I recommend, Hellraiser 2022. I felt myself gasping, and going wide eyed just watching the trailer to this one. If you haven't seen any of the other Hellraiser movies, I suggest you start there first to get a good idea of what's going on. I'm going to be completely honest with you, I haven't watched a single one, but I'm thinking of going on a binge watch this season to see what this wicked Pinhead and game is all about. Actress Jamie Clayton, who is cast as Pinhead, a Cenobite, (a type of sadistic supernatural beings from another dimension.) A young woman has to confront the horrible beings, behind a enigmatic puzzle box that is behind her brothers disappearance. Just a tip, don't pick up or play any games you don't know well of. It never turns out right. That's right, I'm looking at you, Jumanji.

This is not what I would call a "family friendly" watch. Just a forewarning, it is rated R because of the gore and what not.

4 A true thriller mystery that should be on your must watch list, stars the one, the only, Winona Ryder! Back in July, Gone In The Night made it's appearance. It's about a couple, Kath and Max who book a rental cabin in the woods for a weekend, when another couple is strangely already there too. They decide to share the cabin for the night. When in the morning, Kath wakes up, and soon realizes that she is the only one left in the house. With her boyfriend, who is played by John Gallagher Jr. Now missing, she go's on to find out what happened to him in his abrupt disappearance. It's excellently suspenseful and as always, Winona's performance is exceptional!

5 Prefer animation? On Oct 21st, look out for Wendell And Wild. Two demon brothers, who are Wendell and Wild, Voiced by the excellent Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele Strike a deal with a teen girl, Kat, voiced by Lyric Ross so they can leave the underworld and live in the land of the living. From the creators that brought you, "Coraline" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (Two shows that I can't stop myself watching every season. Might I add.) It's sure to be a winner this Halloween!

6 What makes you smile? Ever think about that? Well, after watching the frightening movie Smile, set to hit theaters September 30th, you might being rethinking your answer. After having nothing short of a creepy and quite traumatic encounter with a patient, character Dr. Rose Cotter, played by actress Sosie Bacon, begins to experience horrifying occurrences that she can't explain. It's said, that she will have to deal with her past in order to survive. The trailer shows many people eerily smiling, right before or within days of dying.

7 Pearl An X-traordinary Origin Story was released early this month, and is the sort of movie that's perfect to kick off your fall holidays. Pearl, played by Mia Goth, a young lady, living in1918, dreams of becoming a star one day. Although, because of her responsibility's of her sick father and home life on the farm keeps her there. Pearl for go's with murder, to solve her problems. And I mean A LOT of murder. (This movie is indeed rated R for the usual reasons that come to mind, btw.) Will this murderous girl indeed become a star? or will she reap the repercussions of her bloody actions? Watch the movie to find out more.

8 On a happier and more family friendly movie note, we have The Curse of Bridge Hallow. That's right, mark your calendars, my fellow ghouls and goblins, because your not going to want to miss this! On Oct 14th, Netflix will have it ready for the whole fam. The talented actress, Priah Ferguson, was cast as character Sydney. A teenage girl accidently unleashes a trickster like spirit, "Stingy Jack" who intends to inflict chaos on their new town. Halloween decorations soon come to life, attacking and spreading fear to those around them. With the help of her father, Howard, who is played by the as well talented comedian actor Marlon Wayans, they must stop the ancient spirit before it's too late. Or everyday will be Halloween forever.

9 Last on our list, but certainly not least, We got Wednesday. The series is focused on Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega. After many attempts to go to "normal" school, (Eight schools in five years... sorta sounds close to how many schools I've been to. although that is a different story.) that just doesn't seem to take, on the account of the young girl being different and not shy showing it, her parents, Morticia Addams, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Gomez Addams, played by Luis Guzman, suggest Nevermore Academy. Here, she will attempt to master her gifted abilities and stop a monstrous killing spree set upon the town folk. And did I further mention, She also has to solve the supernatural mystery of her family? As the trailer shows Wednesday saying, "full of mystery, mayhem and murder." I'm sure we will see nothing less. And I can't wait!! Over the years watching and growing up with the Addams family, they certainly feel like our own strange relatives that you can't get enough of. Oddly enough, on Nov 23rd, Netflix will release the first season on a Wednesday. AND it is directed by non other, THE Tim Burton!

BOO!-ks for your TBR list

Not much of a movie fan, but books are more your style? Look no further! I've complied a list of new and up and coming books to nock your socks off!

Novels

1. The House of Tongues by James Dashner. (One of my favorites!)

2. The Witch in the Well by Cannilla Bruce.

3. Fairy Tale by Stephen King.

4. The Book of Living Things by Madeleine Roux.

5. Lost in Time by A.G. Riddle.

6. What We Saw by Mary Downing Hahn.

Children's books

7. Speck's Spook-tacular Halloween by Alexis Stephens (One of mine)

8. The Little Bat who loves Halloween by Stephanee O'Conner

9. The Highlands of Ireland Myth & Magic by Astria Mikaelson (Also me)

And these are only a few I had the pleasure to find and read. (or write/illustrate.) There are countless others that should be listed, but honestly, it would take all day and night to do so.

But we're not done yet. Here is tasty food and drink, music for your dancing feet, and fall scents to liven your house this Halloween!

Smells of Autumn Days for home & more

Have you ever walked into a place, and it smelled like a fresh fall morning, a pumpkin patch, or marshmallows being roasted in the kitchen? And suddenly knew that you smelled the most heavenly scent of your life? Behold your one stop shop for the best fragrances, candles, gifts, home decor and accessories this season! (And every season for that matter.) Shop PartyLite for the best deals and quality items year round.

Boogie Bash & Monster Mash

Spotify's "Top Halloween Tracks" is well over satisfactory for groovy tunes! Although there are plenty more where that came from. From Playlists to Podcasts, there is something for everyone. I have even found a handful of Autumn/Halloween ambiance videos on YouTube, if you fancy that instead.

Festive Foods & Delicious Drinks

Looking for some tasty treats to sink your fangs into? Then get the table ready for these dishes and more, coming your way!

Milk Chocolate Filled Jack-O-Lantern Sandwich Cookies

Ingredients

3 sticks (11/2 cups) salted butter, softened

11/4 cups light brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

2 eggs, at room temp

4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

12 ounces of milk chocolate, melted

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

2 tablespoons salted butter

3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar

Serves 30 cookies.

Prep time: 30 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Instructions

Take a large bowl and mix the sugar, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy for about 3-5 minutes. Now add the eggs, flour, baking soda, cinnamon ginger, nutmeg and salt. Mix, mix, mix, until dough forms a ball. Flour your work surface.

Divide the dough into two and flatten each one to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a pumpkin cutter for the desired shape and cut them out.

Place cookies onto parchment lined baking sheet. Cut eyes and mouth in half of the cookies. Cover the baking sheet an place the sheet into the freezer, until firm. (about 15-20 minutes.) Repeat with the remaining dough.

Bake cookies in the middle of oven, for 8-12 minutes for soft cookies. Do not overbake. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling rack.

Add the butter to medium pot, and allow it to slightly brown until it smells toasted. (about 2-3 minutes.) Stir often.

Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Gently brush the butter over the top half of the cookies and then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Putting them together: Spread the melted chocolate over the half of cookies that have no face. Place the top of pumpkin faced cookies over the chocolate, and carefully pressing to hold. Cookies and be ate right a way, or store up to 3 days.

Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider Punch

Ingredients

4 cups fresh apple cider

3 cups cranberry soda

2 cups sparkling cider

1 cup cranberry juice

3 cinnamon sticks

12 ounces fresh cranberries (1)

2 apples, diced (1)

Yield: 10 Cups: 1x.

Instructions

Use a large pitcher to mix the 4 cups of fresh apple cider, 3 cup cranberry soda, 2 cups sparkling cider, and 1 cup of cranberry juice.

Add 3 cinnamon sticks, fresh cranberries, and diced apple pieces.

Stir, and enjoy!

Extra: Freeze cranberries and chill the apples for 2 hours or overnight to keep the drink cold, instead of using ice.

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients

6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock.)

1 cup uncooked wild rice

8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 ribs celery, diced

1large (about 1 pound) sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 small white onion, peeled and diced

1 bay leaf

11/2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning

1 (14 ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk

2 large handfuls of kale, chopped with thick stems removed

Extra: Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 45 minutes. Yield: 8 servings (1x).

Instructions

Crock-pot method (slow cooker)

Combine vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, garlic, carrots, celery, sweet potato, onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning in bowl of a large slow cooker. Stir briefly to combine, then place the lid on the slow cooker.

Cook on high for 1-2 hours, until the rice is cooked and tender. (You can even add an extra cup of vegetable broth for more taste, If the rice soaks up too much of the broth while cooking.)

Add the rest of the ingredients. Add the coconut milk and kale to the soup, and stir gently. Taste and season with salt an pepper (Bay seasoning if you like.)

Honey Poached Pears in Puff Pastry

Ingredients

4 pears

3 cups water

2 cups sugar

2/3 cup honey

1 lemon, washed and helved

3 cinnamon sticks

8 cloves

1 vanilla bean

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 egg, lightly beaten

Cook time: 45 minutes. Servings: 4 (4). Preheat oven: 400F.

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.

Peel the pears and leave the stems on. Slice a small amount from the bottom of each pear to level.

In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, honey, lemon halves, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Split the vanilla bean and scrape the seeps out with the back of the knife. Add both the seeds and vanilla bean to the sauce pan. Over medium high heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium low, then add the pears in the syrup for 18-20 minutes, turning the pears halfway through, until pears are almost tender.

Remove pears with a slotted spoon to the baking sheet and let cool for 5 minutes. Strain the syrup, then pour back into the saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 15-20 more minutes, until thick and syrupy.

Using a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry. Slice into 1/2 inch thick strips, then brush lightly with the beaten egg.

Starting at the bottom, wrap each pear in the puff pastry, with the egg washed side facing out. When one strip ends, add another until the pear is completely wrapped in puff pastry.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Serve warm, drizzled with syrup.

Toasted Marshmallow Latte

Ingredients

For Toasted Marshmallow syrup

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

10 large marshmallows

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

pinch of fine salt.

Instructions

Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan, over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Meanwhile, skewer the marshmallows onto a metal skewer and carefully toast them over a gas burner until evenly browned and even charred in spots. (You can also use a kitchen torch, or your oven broiler.)

Carefully add the marshmallows to the hot syrup and whisk until fully melted. Whisk in the vanilla and salt just before removing the pan from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.

Place a fine mesh strainer over a heat proof storage container (a mason jar works great for this) and pour the syrup through the strainer and into the container. Use immediately or cool completely and then store the syrup covered in the fridge for a few weeks.

For two Lattes

1/2 cup hot espresso (or strong coffee.)

1 1/2 cups steamed milk

2 oz toasted marshmallows syrup (or to taste.)

1 cup marshmallow fluff

chocolate syrup, as optional garnish

Additional toasted marshmallows (as optional garnish.)

Graham cracker crumbs (as optional garnish.)

Instructions

Divide the syrup and espresso between the two mugs and top each with the steamed milk. Place a large dollop of the marshmallow fluff on top and torch it using a kitchen torch, carefully. Garnish as you wish and enjoy!!

Autumn Salad with Maple Dressing

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil

2 teaspoon maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes (about 2 small-medium potatoes.)

1 bunch lacinato kale, stemmed and chopped

2 cups arugula (sub spring mix or spinach.)

1 medium apple, cored and sliced (or chopped.)

3 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1/4 cup shaved parmesan or pecorino cheese. (sub plant-based cheesy shreds is making vegan.)

For Maple Vinaigrette

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 tablespoon maple syrup

2 teaspoons white miso paste

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven: 425F. Prep time: 15minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes. Servings: 4.

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine olive or avocado oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt. Stir with a whisk. Arrange sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and pour maple mixture over top. Toss until cubes are well-coated. Bake for 25-30 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until tender and caramelized.

Prepare maple vinaigrette by combining mustered, maple syrup, miso, and vinegar, into a bowl, stir to combine. Gradually stream in olive oil, whisking constantly, until dressing is smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Place kale in a large bowl and add half of dressing. Use your hands to massage dressing into kale leaves for about 30 seconds, until they start to soften. Add arugula, apple, pumpkin seeds, and cheese, toss to combine. Add sweet potatoes and remainder of dressing, gently toss again until all components are coated in dressing. Garnish with pomegranate arils, if desired.

Extra

Wash and chop your kale up to a day in advance and store in refrigerator. Roast sweet potatoes up to 2 dats ahead and store in refrigerator. let them sit at room temp for least 1 hour prior to assembling the salad. Prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance, storing it separately in the refrigerator. It's best to store the composed salad without the arugula, which wilts quickly. Everything else can last (even after being dressed) for 2-3 days.

Happy, Happy, Halloweenie!

Whether or not you celebrate Halloween, something completely different, or just enjoy the autumn months, I wish you the best, and Happiest of all! Let me know how you celebrate! I would love to hear. I like to creep it cozy with a cup of good coffee and a scary movie ready to watch. (And making multiple trips to the store for treats to save my sweet tooth.) I hope my little blog post finds you well, and has been helpful.

And remember, kiss a black cat, because they are adorable AND good luck. Boogie the night away, with friends and family. And create fun, memorable memories.

(I'll leave this adorable pet costume idea. Two dogs dressed up as Georgie and Pennywise. (You can thank me later.)

Stay Magical, loves. - A