The Top 10 Spooky Movies for Halloween

I'm a huge fan of horror films and have been throughout my life. When someone asks me, "Have you seen that one horror movie...y'know, the one where this one thing happens and then oh my gosh they decide to do that thing and then THAT other thing happens?" Yes. I have more than likely watched it.

Drooling over horror movies like I do, it's such a delight when October rolls around. The month brings a lot of things to the table. My favorite weather arrives. It's time to enjoy activities like hayrides and apple picking and corn mazes. Decorations are to be made in abundance. But mostly, I'm in it for the scares. I pretty much turn into Beetlejuice in that if someone even BEGINS to say "scary movie marathon," I appear in their room. Except...you know, saying that phrase 3x is a little excessive; Beetlejuice was just a bit of a narcissist.

Keep in mind that for me to narrow down my choices for this list gave me quite the headache. I wanted to post about 300 movie titles because I want to share the scares, but I tried to be realistic. Which is something most of these movies are not. I also tried to keep these movies relatively "new"--so none of my favorite '80s flicks were involved. Maybe another time!

Now here's your choice...either keep reading for some Halloween goodness, or shut down your computer and find a brightly lit room to keep your eyes open at all times in!



In no particular order...



The Bay (2012)



Chaos breaks out in a small Maryland town after an ecological disaster occurs.

I really do not like found-footage films that much--I have vertigo enough as it is. However, I like it when certain movies like The Bay manage to not only pull from what is supposedly found-footage but also from news footage, webcam conversations, and simply the cinematic shooting itself. This film stuck with me because it has to deal with an eco-disaster that could actually maybe possibly take place, who knows? It's a pretty creepy, shocking, gory movie with a nasty little monster at work. If you know me, you know I hate parasites. That is to say, this movie freaked me out.



13 Sins (2014)





A cryptic phone call sets off a dangerous game of risks for Elliot, a down-on-his luck salesman. The game promises increasing rewards for completing 13 tasks, each more sinister than the last.

The several times that I've watched this film now, I've never walked away unfulfilled. I say that because it's scary, it's exciting, it's suspenseful, it's action-packed, it's gory, it even has some humor, and it really leaves you thinking...what would I do?



The Descent (2005)




A caving expedition goes horribly wrong, as the explorers become trapped and ultimately pursued by a strange breed of predators.

Blood, blood, blood. Darkness, darkness, darkness. CLAUSTROPHOBIA.
All of these elements combine to make a movie that still gives me the same creeps as it did when I first watched it (and that was years ago!).



The Loved Ones (2009)



When Brent turns down his classmate Lola's invitation to the prom, she concocts a wildly violent plan for revenge.

You might have already read my review on The Loved Ones--and if you did, you should know just how "precious" it is to me. As you can see in the picture above, the film is a little bit gory (OK...a lot). It's creative, though. And the femininity of the character Lola juxtaposed with all the blood and violence makes for something I find really neat. But that still doesn't mean this is a "neat" film. It's quite messy. You probably will want to take a shower afterwards.



Jennifer's Body (2009)



A newly possessed high school cheerleader turns into a succubus who specializes in killing her male classmates. Can her best friend put an end to the horror?

I saw this movie in theaters when it first came out. I relish that because honestly, I don't get to see a lot of movies when they are first released. Jennifer's Body was really popular at first, I think, because well...Megan Fox. And I don't blame anyone for doing so--her acting, along with every other cast member, was great. Along with the spookiness of the film is the cheesiness. But I loved that! The dialogue is absolutely hilarious in some places. And I seriously cannot listen to the song "867-5309/Jenny" anymore without getting goosebumps.



The Children (2008)



A relaxing Christmas vacation turns into a terrifying fight for survival as the children begin to turn on their parents.


I just really hate any scary movie that involves children. That's basically it. Children + horror = me hiding under a blanket. And being glad I don't have kids. They're scary enough in real life anyway.




Jeepers Creepers (2001)



A brother and sister driving home for spring break encounter a flesh-eating creature in the isolated countryside that is on the last day of its ritualistic eating spree.

I love the creature of this film and how unique it is. Definitely the main reason I bought this movie (and I rarely buy movies). Jeepers Creepers has some really fun parts to it, some twists, and the characters make things realistic for me. I would watch a bazillion sequels of Jeepers Creepers just to see what this icky monster thing has up his sleeves next. And yeah, I've heard there's a Jeepers Creepers 3 coming out. So maybe my dream will come true.



Slither (2006)

  

A small town is taken over by an alien plague, turning residents into zombies and all forms of mutant monsters. 

Craving a horror-comedy with a wonderful cast and disgusting creatures? OKAY! Here you go. I really did get a kick out of this movie. I was skeptical going into it because I figured it would be painful to watch with a lot of CGI and horrible B-movie acting, but c'mon, Merle from The Walking Dead is even in it! You can't say no to that.  


You're Next (2011) 



I wrote a review for You're Next on my blog a while back as well! I fell in love with the main character, the soundtrack, and just the mood. It's scary with a bit of funny with a bit of "whoa"!



Evil Dead (2013)



Five friends head to a remote cabin, where the discovery of a Book of the Dead leads them to unwittingly summon up demons living in the nearby woods. The evil presence possesses them until only one is left to fight for survival.

Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Bruce Campbell and his Evil Dead doings. However, I went with a buddy to the theater and saw the 2013 version of Evil Dead and was blown away. We were the only ones in the entire theater and I cringed--yes, cringed--at so many scenes that I could not understand why so many people had beef with this film. No, I don't think it's supposed to be a remake, but I'm glad it does use some of the same elements of the original. And talk about an ending...

Well, let's just end it and leave it at that!


Happy Halloween!  

Midori Spring Matcha Green Tea Review: Whisk Me Away

In college, I had extreme fatigue. I tried several different options but nothing seemed to work.
Then, my doctor recommended I try matcha green tea.

Besides actually upping my energy some, there were other benefits from the tea.
I noticed myself paying more attention in class.
And then... there was the serious detox that came with it.

Which brings me to the present.

I was able to try the Midori Spring's Ceremonial Gold Matcha for free in exchange for my honest opinion. Since I was familiar with it, I knew what to expect in terms of both flavor and benefits.
However, what I forgot was the normal amount to consume! And boy did I take a beating.

You see, like I said above, the matcha tea is a GREAT way to detoxify your body. So, it's a great laxative. Instead of taking, say 1/4 of a teaspoon like I should have to begin with, I took a whole teaspoon. I regretted it immediately.

My doctor had specifically told me to work my way up with the green tea. It's a powerful tool, so beware how much you take the first time!

Because the tea is extremely bright green, one might expect the flavor to be really rich. However, this tea is just slightly bitter. That's why I typically mix it with a bit of milk (water works fine too) and use a bamboo whisk with it! You can add sugar if you like, or even things like cinnamon!





I typically use a large mug or bowl and stir the matcha around really well. It's typically a little bit clumpy but that seems to be normal with the matcha I've tried. When you start to whisk, you need to go at it pretty good! ;)

When it's nice and frothy, you can enjoy your tea and the energy and wellness it brings. Awesome, right? I think so.

*I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review.

Are you big on drinking tea? What's your favorite kind? 

 

Playlist: "Free Falling"

 


The leaves are starting to change here in North Carolina, especially in the mountains, and it's downright beautiful. Definitely the perfect weather for a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

I've been sitting outside on the porch, enjoying some leisurely reading, or listening to some new music!
Ready to hear what I've found recently?




This alternative pop song is so deep and dark--if you listen to the lyrics--but you can't get it out of your head! Just listen and see if YOU can pass the test of avoiding its appeal!






I'm so surprised I haven't heard of this artist before! Rationale has captivated me with this song. Like a lot of online reviewers have stated, "The Mire" sounds like a song straight from the '80s--and that's probably why I like it so much!







I can't believe I haven't heard this song yet either! It's so bubbly and catchy and just right for a day with the girls!







I honestly thought the singer from Bastille had started a new band when I heard this song from Regions. Tell me if you think I'm crazy, but their voices sound so familiar to me! Either way, "Divided" is a great song. You should really check out this band. I predict big things for them!

Garcinia Cambogia Review: Does This Pill Make Me Look Phat?

GARCINIAAAAAA CAMBOGIAAAAAA!!!!!

(COME ON DOWN)

Garcinia Cambogia...
The name is super weird, right? And you probably don't even know what this super weird named thing is. 
I mean, I didn't until a month ago.  

Before GC (that's what I'm going to nickname it from now on) becomes a weight loss supplement (which, trust me, I thought I would never use), it's actually a fruit. Huh. Cool. 

There's a whole lot of research goin' on about GC--even Doctor Oz is in on it--but what you mainly need to know is that this...fruit...has what's called HCA in it (hydroxycitric acid). HCA promotes weight loss, increases serotonin levels, and may have other benefits as well. 

So did I try this GC fruit pill thing? 
Yeah I did. The first weight loss supplement I've ever tried with a name that reminds me of something I'd call a part of the brain in my college psychology class.

I was offered this particular GC product:

 

It is SUPREME (yay) meaning it actually has 1100mg per serving. That's impressive. 
I like that it's made in the USA with no fillers and that it does have the highest HCA concentration. 

So my thoughts after a little longer than a month?

Well, of course I was a little skeptical at first. I mean, I had never tried a weight loss supplement before, so I didn't know how it would work, and you hear so many cons... I just didn't think it would work for me. 
There's also the fact that I have a chronic health condition. Would that set me back? Would the fact that me not being able to lose weight easily make this supplement useless to me? All those questions and skepticism were swept away when after the first week my energy was increasing! That amazed me because I do have fatigue. And if my energy was increasing, that meant I could start exercising more. 

I made sure my doctor knew I was taking this and that it wouldn't interact with any of my meds. It may sound silly to some since it's just a weight loss supplement, but trust me, anything you put into your body can mess with whatever else you're putting into your body.  

So I did start exercising more (about 3x a week), I made sure I was eating a balanced diet with lots of water, and tried to keep myself stress free for the time I was taking these pills. It's important to have a routine with GC. I took two pills about 30 minutes before eating with an 8oz glass of water twice a day, which is the maximum way to take the pills. 

With that in mind, I did lose about 10 pounds! That's so impressive for me. I had no side effects at all. My energy levels increased, like I said, and my mood even became slightly elevated which is incredible. 

I'm really glad I was able to test out my first weirdly named fruit weight loss supplement and I can't wait to see what happens in the coming months. 

*I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review.  

What are your experiences with weight loss supplements? 

National Poetry Day: Hip Hip Hooray!

It's come to my attention through Twitter that it's National Poetry Day!
I haven't been writing much lately due to so much brain fog, or I would make your day with a poem of my own. Even writing this post is taking a great deal of energy and making my head hurt.
Ah! What we do for poetry.

In my spare time, I enjoy browsing random online literary magazines. A website I regularly go to is called NewPages.
Work by former college professors has even been in several magazines--pretty cool, right?
But it's also cool to find something new. Refreshing. Something that just clicks with me.

Even though it's not what I would call a literary magazine by any means, I love to visit the Poetry Foundation site for both old and new pieces of work.

Today I came across a poem that fascinated me from the very first stanza. I can't quite put my finger on what I actually think is coming across from the author, but I do get hints here and there. If you want to tell me your thoughts on it, please do! No thoughts are silly or stupid. I appreciate any insights.

Seeing for a Moment by Denise Levertov

I thought I was growing wings—

it was a cocoon.

I thought, now is the time to step   

into the fire—

it was deep water.

Eschatology is a word I learned

as a child: the study of Last Things;

facing my mirror—no longer young,

       the news—always of death,

       the dogs—rising from sleep and clamoring   

            and howling, howling,

nevertheless

I see for a moment   

that's not it: it is   

the First Things.

Word after word

floats through the glass.   

Towards me.

Tell me what you think of the poem above 

or comment below with your favorite poem

 and happy National Poetry Day!