Welcome. Spooky season has arrived!
Granted I like to live in spooky season 365 days a year, I do enjoy amping up the spooky for all of October.
The moment the first of October rolls around I am listening to Halloween carols (more on those below) and my home becomes adorned with skulls galore. I will admit I am thinking about leaving a couple out to keep the spooky going all year round.
October is my birthday month so perhaps that’s where my love for the macabre, true crime, and witchy lifestyle comes from. No matter the rhythm or reason, I am here for it.
I’m so excited to share a few things I do, read, listen to, and watch to add to this festive time of year.
Ok, let’s get spooky!
Read…
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova – Top five books I’ve ever read. It’s a very non-cheesy story of a woman’s quest for Vlad the Impaler. Takes place present-day in Eastern Europe. It’s a long, but fast read that is beautifully written and quite creepy indeed.
Verity by Colleen Hoover – This book made gave me the heeby-jeebies. Writer, Lowen Ashleigh, takes up a project to finish a book series by the best-selling author Verity Crawford when Verity becomes injured and is unable to complete the project herself. Little does Lowen know that her time spent in Verity’s home would become a thriller story in and of itself. Page turner.
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson – When I first read this mini summary:
A young woman living in a rigid, puritanical society discovers dark powers within herself in this stunning, feminist fantasy debut.
I knew this book was for me. I am about one-third of the way through it on Audible and very much so enjoying it.
The Once and Future Witches, by Alix E. Harrow – Ever since the burning began witches are something of the past. That is until 1893 when women want other kinds of powers…the right to vote. This story follows three sisters whose witchy powers help them remember the ways of the past and utilize their forces as they join the suffragists of New Salem. My dad gifted me this book last year for my birthday and I can easily say it is in my top five. Give me goosebumps as it’s such an enjoyable and sometimes spooky read.
Candle suggestion to accompany your spooky reading time: Check out The Paper Peony’s Creeping It Real candle. It is such a beautiful, clean option for a pumpkin spice scent. Her’s has notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s seasonal perfection.
Watch…
The Lady In White – Growing up this was my favorite “scary” movie. Lucas Haas plays Frankie Scarlatti (the moments with his Italian grandparents are some of the best parts of the film) who witnesses a murder and is haunted by the girl’s ghost. You can stream it for rent or watch it on Youtube, here.
It Follows – The truth of the matter is good horror movies are hard to come by these days. I don’t need blood and guts, just some good old-fashioned creepy film vibes and It Follows delivers! Here’s a thriller that was made in 2018 but with a 1970’s vintage twist to it.
American Werewolf In London – I love this classic horror film from 1981. Two friends find themselves lost on an old, dark road in the outskirts of England on a full moon. It’s both scary at times, but oddly a bit funny as well.
Only Murders In The Building – Both Michelle and I are absolutely loving this series starring Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez. Watch as this perfect trio work together to solve a murder in their building via their true-crime podcast. It’s such a fun watch! Available on Hulu.
Listen to…
Comfy Cozy Witch Podcast – I randomly found this podcast and by random I mean when I typed “witch podcasts” in the Spotify search, this one popped up. Michelle and I both love it! Jenni, the host, is a modern-day witch who shares her love for mindfulness, celebrating seasons, the moon, and everything in between.
Historically Haunted – If you enjoy historical podcasts with a spooky twist, then this one is for you. I absolutely love how the host intertwines historical facts with spine-tingling stories. I thoroughly enjoyed her episode on Chicago and Lincoln Park.
Creep Street Podcast – Fellow Chicago podcasters, Maureen and Dylan, dive into the supernatural, true crime, and unknown. Their theatrical spin adds so much spooky flare. They are master storytellers – give them a listen.
The Root of Evil, The True Story of the Hodel Family, and The Black Dahlia – Black Dahlia murder is one of the most infamous unsolved murders in US history. If you are familiar with the case you are well aware of how jarring and terrifying this story is. I have read a lot about the Black Dahlia and I can tell you that this podcast series takes it in a direction I was not quite prepared for. Please note that this podcast is very graphic and intense. I’d say it’s a bit more for the hardcore true crime junkies.
The Murdaugh Murders – Tune into our very first Cozy True Crime Series episode to learn all about the Murdaugh murders. This case is loaded with mystery, unsolved deaths, and possible cover-ups. Buckle up for this one, it’s a true crime doozy.
Get outside and…
Tell ghost stories around a bonfire. Because hanging around the fire sharing spooky stories is old school spooky and cozy. Michelle and I are in love with our Solo Stove Bonfire. It’s chic, burns wood beautifully, and is smokey-less.
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Cocktail suggestion: Make our Apple 125’s for your bonfire guests – they will worship the fall ground you walk on. Trust me.
Take a stroll in a cemetery. There is nothing more peaceful than taking a jaunt among the dead. No one is moaning about current affairs and they’re (hopefully) resting in peace. The best cemeteries to do this are the oldest ones you can find. Here in the city, I highly recommend Rosehill and Graceland Cemeteries – the latter being my favorite one. They’re both filled with history and incredible tombstones and foliage.
Pro tip: Tune into my very own Halloween playlist to really set the mood.
Take fall walks. Ok, this one isn’t spooky, it’s just good for your mind and body. Fall walks are one of my absolute favorite ways to embrace the season. It clears my head, allows me time to witness the beauty in the changing seasons, and its exercise.
Pro walking meditator tip: Use your senses. Hear the crunch of the leaves under your feet, smell the change of seasons, pick up some nature souvenirs to feel our planet, and see the colors of the leaves. Breathe mindfully as you do all of the above.
I hope this inspired you to get your soooky on!
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